Catch-All Trade Deadline Speculation Thread

[example1]

I didn't see one, not sure if this is the right spot, but anyway...

 

 

The trade deadling is approaching. I get the sense from many on this board that they see this team as pretty flawed underneith the glossy exterior. There are injury concerns (guys like Schilling and Crisp) and performance concerns (Lugo, Drew and a little less with Crisp). There are more subtle performance concerns about Ortiz and Manny, and underlying injury concerns/fears about guys like Beckett and Lowell.

 

Anyway, where should this team look to improve? What can they use to do that?

 

Things to consider:

 

--Compared to nearly every other year previously, it makes a lot of sense for Theo to explore trading Manny. His production is down, to the point where I can conceive of a reasonable exchange; when he hits like Willie Mays that isn't possible. What they really need is someone to add to manny, but there are other options as well.

 

--The sox have 3 legitimate near-ace potential SP prospects in Lester, Buchholz and Bowden. In the past the Sox have said they would not trade Lester, but I think Buchholz has secured that spot now. I'm starting to wonder if Lester will be able to come up at all this season--as many have said previously, it is natural to expect him to need a year to get fully healthy so he can compete for 162 games. Other teams would know this, so his value would be reduced if that is the case. That leaves Bowden as the top level pitching prospect, but he's still 2-3 years away and would need to be the 2nd biggest part of a serious move.

 

--Reasonable trading chips: Lowell, Crisp, WMP, Hansen, Delcarmen, Hinske, Tavarez, Ellsbury

 

This team still wants to upgrade offensively in at least one position.

[jacksonianmarch]

You have one ace ceiling prospect and 2 mid rotation ceiling guys at this point.

[riverside sluggers]

--Reasonable trading chips: Lowell, Crisp, WMP, Hansen, Delcarmen, Hinske, Tavarez, Ellsbury

 

This team still wants to upgrade offensively in at least one position.

 

Also dont forget Murphy and Moss. Both are capable of being looked at for possible starting roles on other teams, especially Moss

[ksushi]

I think Lester is a little better than a future 3-4 guy. I think he probably projects more as a 2 than a 3.

[CrespoBlows]

Eric Gagne.

 

Oh, we got Joel, instead. Another fantastic move, Theo.

[ksushi]

Um... Gagne made it clear he wanted to sign as a closer... I don't think Joel was signed because we didn't wanna pay for Gagne.

 

I think I kinda rather have that guy Theo drafted close, whats his name? Papel-something... Well whatever.

[CrespoBlows]

Um... Gagne made it clear he wanted to sign as a closer... I don't think Joel was signed because we didn't wanna pay for Gagne.

 

Umm.... we kinda signed Pinerio to be the closer at the time of the signing. Oh, he signed for $2 million less, which would not have vaulted the Red Sox over the luxury tax.

 

Seriously, get your facts straight.

 

I think I kinda rather have that guy Theo drafted close, whats his name? Papel-something... Well whatever.

 

We could have had Papelbon as a starter, and Gagne as the closer. That team would be weaker?

[Rdsxmbnt]

FWIW: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4935349.html

 

If the Astros approached Oswalt about waving his no-trade clause, he'd at least listen if, say, the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals or Atlanta Braves wanted him. To be clear, though, he would never request a trade.

 

"If they came to me and they thought it was better for the future of the organization if they traded me, I'd do whatever's best for the future of the team," said Oswalt. "The key is if that's what the organization wants and thinks is best for the team to get better."

[example1]

You have one ace ceiling prospect and 2 mid rotation ceiling guys at this point.

 

I disagree. Where would an in-his-prime Lester or Bowden fit on the Nationals, Cardinals, D-Rays, Royals, Rangers, etc.,? My guess is they could be aces or at least a solid #2. It is one thing to talk about an 'ace' on a perennial contender that has talent like Beckett or Matsuzaka, vs. one that has talent like Gil Meche. It is all relative.

[example1]

I put Ellsbury in my 'reasonable to be traded' section.

 

It may be reasonable, but it seems highly unlikely. Whether he likes the move in retrospect, we all know that Theo wouldn't have pulled the trigger on the Josh Beckett deal had he been the GM and not wearing a gorilla suit. That move worked out okay for both sides, but with the troubles at SS we can see why Theo may have been attached to Hanley.

 

Anyway, I make the comparison because Ellsbury is a multi-tool player in a high defensive-spectrum position (CF) who is owned for 6 years and is cheap as hell. He is valuable as a trade piece. Would the Sox have brought up Ellsbury if they were planning on moving him, or trying very hard to move him for the right return? I guess I don't think so.

 

They brought him up as more than a CF replacement, because we know that WMP can play CF as can Drew (though perhaps less skillfully with his nagging leg problems this season). Should we expect murphy back up as soon as he is able, or is this an introduction to and sign of confidence in, Ellsbury as this team's CF of the future? Crisp could be on the move, at least by next year, and Ellsbury may get the Pedroia treatment: Jacoby Ellsbury will be the starting CF for our team when spring training opens despite not much experience in the 'bigs.

 

It is just a very curious move to bring him up at this point. I support it, but I am also trying to read something into it in terms of how it affects their trade picture. The two cannot be unrelated.

[BSN07]

Need to look for a BP arm. If someone is willing to take Coco's contract and we can get a respectable player or two back for him then trade him. Same goes for WMP. I know Ellsbury has only played a few games, and I would rather he be more polished and spend more time in AAA, the fact is he has blazing speed, good D and good contact in hitting. He can be the CF and split time with either Crisp/WMP( trade the other), and come off the bench late as a PR and be a real asset to this team.

 

Id like to see them add and experienced SP, but there not a whole lot available that won't cost you an arm and leg. Maybe Lester will look better after the AS break.

[ksushi]

If you want Ellsbury to become more polished you don't want him to split time and spend games on the bench, you want him playing everyday and getting regular AB's.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

Apparently Salomon Torres wants out of Pittsburgh.

 

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07184/798921-63.stm

 

I think he could be a decent arm in the pen. Eh?

[redsoxrules]

im not to crazy about him , plus he's having a bad year too

[ksushi]

It would probably cost us more than we are willing to pay for a 5 ERA reliever which is about what you could count on him to be. Delcarmen is a much better option in the 7th inning or as the back up set up guy in the 8th. If he's found himself in the majors, he'll be a great asset.

[a700hitter]

What do you think about Octavio Dotel and Kevin Milwood? Both have been throwing well lately, and they should come cheap. I think they would be upgrades. When Schilling returns, Tavarez could go to the pen further upgrading the pen.

 

Edit: What about Armando Benitez? He's been throwing over 95 mph regularly recently.

[Cityofchampions33]

FWIW: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4935349.html

 

yes please

[example1]

yes please

 

A little Oswalt action? That's what I'm talking about. It likely isn't going to happen, but its nice to think about.

[TheKilo]

What do you think about Octavio Dotel and Kevin Milwood? Both have been throwing well lately, and they should come cheap. I think they would be upgrades. When Schilling returns, Tavarez could go to the pen further upgrading the pen.

 

Edit: What about Armando Benitez? He's been throwing over 95 mph regularly recently.

 

Dotel may be worth a look but I'd pass on the other two, personally. Not enough of an upgrade to make losing some talent worth it.

[example1]

Dotel may be worth a look but I'd pass on the other two' date=' personally. Not enough of an upgrade to make losing some talent worth it.[/quote']

 

I feel like Dotel falls apart (sometimes literally) when the situation gets tough. Pass.

[Cityofchampions33]

A little Oswalt action? That's what I'm talking about. It likely isn't going to happen' date=' but its nice to think about.[/quote']

very nice indeed, if i remember correctly we almost had a 3-way deal done for him last year but it didn't happen.

[jacksonianmarch]

A little Oswalt action? That's what I'm talking about. It likely isn't going to happen' date=' but its nice to think about.[/quote']

 

Oswalt is signed for another what, 3 or 4 yrs? At WELL below market value for a young ace. Oswalt is going nowhere.

[a700hitter]

What do you think it would take to get Dye? Who would sit if we got him?

[example1]

What do you think it would take to get Dye? Who would sit if we got him?

 

We wouldn't get him. If it were a bizarro world where we DID get him then Drew would sit, because the FO would have given up on him and be willing to put him on the bench. OR, we would deal Lowell or Youkilis, put Manny in the DH spot and put Ortiz at 1B.

 

In either case, I imagine they want to look for someone NOT a corner outfielder.

[a700hitter]

We wouldn't get him. If it were a bizarro world where we DID get him then Drew would sit, because the FO would have given up on him and be willing to put him on the bench. OR, we would deal Lowell or Youkilis, put Manny in the DH spot and put Ortiz at 1B.

 

In either case, I imagine they want to look for someone NOT a corner outfielder.

What hitters would they be looking at?

[example1]

What hitters would they be looking at?

 

I really don't know. They would probably tolerate a move of Lowell or Youkilis in order to get a good power/OBP guy in the lineup. I would prefer they move Lowell because Youkilis is a good boston player and has entrenched himself with the fans. Lowell, though great, has always seemed like a rental. I think you and I agree that Todd Helton would be a nice guy to add to the middle of that order. Offer Lester, Ellsbury, WMP and Bowden for Miguel Cabrera? Lowell, Lester, and Hansen for Teixeira? Lester, Hansen, Lugo, Lowrie and cash for Michael Young? :dunno:

 

 

The farm system is deeper in some areas than it has been in the past and the roster is full of players who are signed to long term deals. Given how this team looks when it is healthy that is a very GOOD thing. They are one or two pieces away from being a juggernaught, whereas now they are just a really good team, competitive but not necessarily better than the other best teams in baseball. If they deal from a position of strength they can afford to take a hit to get a big bat.

 

Of course, it also seems like it is going to be a sellers market this offseason, as there aren't many guys who are just waiting to be traded--particularly with guys like Ichiro and Buehrle resigned.

[jacksonianmarch]

What do you think it would take to get Dye? Who would sit if we got him?

 

a shmoke and a pancake? Dye should be free to any taker since he is an FA after the yr and has absolutely sucked this season.

[riverside sluggers]

We wouldn't get him. If it were a bizarro world where we DID get him then Drew would sit, because the FO would have given up on him and be willing to put him on the bench. OR, we would deal Lowell or Youkilis, put Manny in the DH spot and put Ortiz at 1B.

 

In either case, I imagine they want to look for someone NOT a corner outfielder.

 

Another option would have Dye being the 4th OF

 

Id rather deal Lowell than Youkilis. Lowell is reaching his mid 30s and will be a free agent, Youkilis is just entering his prime and is in his late 20s. Ugh Ortiz at 1st? Its bad enough he's going to get an MRI done on his knees (per channel 4 boston news)

[example1]

Another option would have Dye being the 4th OF

 

Id rather deal Lowell than Youkilis. Lowell is reaching his mid 30s and will be a free agent, Youkilis is just entering his prime and is in his late 20s. Ugh Ortiz at 1st? Its bad enough he's going to get an MRI done on his knees (per channel 4 boston news)

 

I would rather deal Lowell too. Youkilis could be a key component to this offense for years. He epitomizes this lineup and the FO's philosophy.

[a700hitter]

Junior Griffey continues his resurgence. He stole two bases tonight.