Catch-All Trade Deadline Speculation Thread

[example1]

Do you want to lay all of your eggs in Schilling's basket after he went on the DL with essentially no injury and continually, throughout the yr showed a serious decline in stuff? And when he left for the DL with no injury, he was worse than Tavarez.

 

In a fan's position, faith and prayer are all well and good. In Theo's position, he wont know what Schilling has until it is too late since Schill is scheduled to pitch ON DEADLINE DAY. If he doesnt fortify your rotation, then he is acting like a fan, which is a BAD idea. And if Schilling comes back and flops while the yankees and Clemens surge past you, then Theo will be looking for new employment. Losing out on Clemens was a bad move for the sox. Handing Tavarez of all people, the #5 position to begin the yr was a bad move. And now, with his supposed "ace" falling apart and his new 1-2 punch essentially all he has in the rotation, he MUST do something.

 

I will tell you this. If Theo relies on Schilling to be the only rotation fortification, this team is doomed. You saw what 2 pitchers got you. It took you from one of the best teams in all of baseball last season to 3rd in the division in a month and a half. There are 2 and a half left now. Plenty of time for the rotation to flop. If you go get a bat and pass on the pitching, you will either scrape into the playoffs or miss them entirely, and if you make it you will lose in the 1st round. And that is a farcry from the wrecking ball team we saw running through teams in April and May.

 

A whole lot of baseless speculation. You think Theo would get canned if the Yankees overtook the Sox? Really? At best that is speculative, but I think it is so far off base it is laughable. You think this FO would can him when the team is making more money and has its reach into more places WORLD WIDE than it ever has?

 

Joe Torre, who has watched his grossly fat paychecked team fail year after year after year hasn't been canned yet even though in terms of expectations his team has been MUCH more disappointing. I don't see Theo going anywhere because the Red Sox--as a whole--are doing quite well, thank you very much.

 

Now about whether I'm willing to throw schilling in a big game down the stretch, yeah, Im comfortable with that. I have seen flashes of brilliance from him this year, and flashes of being really bad. Sounds like Wakefield. I'm sure it would be nice for you to think that a guy who has been a stud in the playoffs isn't capable of pitching a game that is just good enough to win, but I'm pretty sure he is. it's not like control is a problem for him. If he used to throw 98 but now he only throws 89 and didn't have great control I would be worried. However, he throws strikes and makes things happen. He will be MUCH better than what they're using now.

 

The thing I think is funniest is you talk about this as looking at it as a 'fan' rather than how Theo has to look at it. However, Theo knows what is available. you don't. I don't. If there is only s*** available I don't expect him to get s***. If there is something valuable available then I expect him to go after him. it's not that complicated.

 

The fan in me could give two shits about Schilling, honestly, except that he pitches for the Sox. His political ranting and limelight seeking turned me off quite awhile ago--this does not negate my ability to see him as a decent pitcher. I think it is YOUR fandom that makes it easy for you to naysay toward the Red Sox while supporting the Yankees at all costs. OF COURSE it would be stupid to put my eggs in the Schilling basket. Of course, you won't have a comment if Schilling wins a playoff or world series game. He doesn't have to be perfect he just has to be good.

 

Remember when you bragged about how much better the yankees bullpen was than the Sox, with their "corps of power-armed relievers" :lol: HiLairious! How about absolutely dragging me over the coals for saying I would rather have Matsuzaka than King Felix after Felix had that great outing against the Sox. you pretended it wasn't even an argument. The list goes on... needless to say, while I like you (I think) and like your posts and perspective, you have a pretty solid track record of making posts that sound important and analytical and rock solid, but which just fall by the wayside when they turn out to be wrong.

 

I don't care, of course, because nobody is just right all the time. However, I'm going to take what you write above with a grain of salt (with a little tiny NY emblem on it).

[jacksonianmarch]

A whole lot of baseless speculation. You think Theo would get canned if the Yankees overtook the Sox? Really? At best that is speculative' date=' but I think it is so far off base it is laughable. You think this FO would can him when the team is making more money and has its reach into more places WORLD WIDE than it ever has? [/quote']

 

IF, I told you at the beginning of the yr that...

 

The Sox would sign DMats, Drew, and Lugo

The Sox would take a 15 game lead on the yankees

The Yankees would outbid the sox for Clemens

The Sox rotation then falls apart

Theo doesnt deal for reinforcement

Clemens leads the yankees in overtaking the 15 game deficit and beating the sox out for the division.

 

If I told you all that, you'd want Theo fired, you know it. Everyone would. And to be honest with you, if the sox were willing to pony up 200+ mil this offseason then bucked on the 20 mil (prorated) it would have take to stabilize the rotation, then he should be fired.

 

Joe Torre, who has watched his grossly fat paychecked team fail year after year after year hasn't been canned yet even though in terms of expectations his team has been MUCH more disappointing.

 

This could be because...

A. We have won the division

B. Torre has a monster contract

C. Torre was the face of the yankees recent dynasty

D. Our owner may be senile, because the damn jerk manager should have been fired yrs ago

 

Then again, we are talking GM, not manager.

 

I don't see Theo going anywhere because the Red Sox--as a whole--are doing quite well, thank you very much.

 

IF you lose a 15 game lead to the yankees, then you wont be saying this. Granted, this is all speculation. After watching my team take it hard in the bum for months, they are finally showing signs of life at the same time that your rotation has gone into shambles. But what I think is the worst thing of all, as a700 pointed out, is that this was the same issue as last yr. The same symptoms returned, the same problems arose and the same mediocrity set in. Last yr he did nothing about it and it sent you home early. This yr, if he does nothing then he is showing a propensity to repeat his mistakes and it SERIOUSLY hurts his credibility.

 

Now about whether I'm willing to throw schilling in a big game down the stretch, yeah, Im comfortable with that. I have seen flashes of brilliance from him this year, and flashes of being really bad. Sounds like Wakefield.

 

Wakefield has an unhittable pitch when it is on, Schilling doesnt. And Schilling has a serious decline in stuff recently. Plus, with this false injury, you can only expect him to be a little more rested rather than actually "recovered" from something. I expect him to come back at about the same as he was before. But if you are a GM, you have to prepare for the possibility that he comes back as the guy who was shillacked his last few starts. You just have to. Because if he does come back as a total liability, then the signs were there and Theo did nothing about it.

 

I'm sure it would be nice for you to think that a guy who has been a stud in the playoffs isn't capable of pitching a game that is just good enough to win, but I'm pretty sure he is. it's not like control is a problem for him. If he used to throw 98 but now he only throws 89 and didn't have great control I would be worried. However, he throws strikes and makes things happen. He will be MUCH better than what they're using now.

 

He is a guy who used to throw 98 who now throws 89 but pitches like he still throws 98. His failure to adjust is hurting him. And this yr, his control in the zone has been terrible. Mix the two and you have a guy who has lost his power, pitching like a power pitcher, making mistakes in the zone. This is a recipe for disaster.

 

The thing I think is funniest is you talk about this as looking at it as a 'fan' rather than how Theo has to look at it. However, Theo knows what is available. you don't. I don't. If there is only s*** available I don't expect him to get s***. If there is something valuable available then I expect him to go after him. it's not that complicated.

 

There are always major league starters available, and their prices will go up or go down depending on need and want by the deadline. But there are plenty of back of the rotation guys available. Something that the sox could use. They dont need to get an ace, they just need someone who can reliably keep you in the game better than Tavarez or Gabbard.

 

The fan in me could give two shits about Schilling, honestly, except that he pitches for the Sox. His political ranting and limelight seeking turned me off quite awhile ago--this does not negate my ability to see him as a decent pitcher. I think it is YOUR fandom that makes it easy for you to naysay toward the Red Sox while supporting the Yankees at all costs. OF COURSE it would be stupid to put my eggs in the Schilling basket. Of course, you won't have a comment if Schilling wins a playoff or world series game. He doesn't have to be perfect he just has to be good.

 

But he HASNT been good. He was AWFUL in his last 2 starts prior to hitting the DL, even though there WAS NOTHING PHYSICALLY WRONG WITH HIM. He said he didnt feel hurt. The MRI proved it. It isnt like the guy was throwing up tons of QS's then went down with an injury. This is a guy who was shittanked and then went on the DL because something had to be wrong. He just didnt know what.

 

Remember when you bragged about how much better the yankees bullpen was than the Sox, with their "corps of power-armed relievers" :lol: HiLairious! How about absolutely dragging me over the coals for saying I would rather have Matsuzaka than King Felix after Felix had that great outing against the Sox. you pretended it wasn't even an argument. The list goes on... needless to say, while I like you (I think) and like your posts and perspective, you have a pretty solid track record of making posts that sound important and analytical and rock solid, but which just fall by the wayside when they turn out to be wrong.

 

and you havent made dumbass posts or predictions? Cmon now, we all have had our stinkers. But I dont think I am alone here. The sox rotation will be their downfall, and it will be magnified even worse if Schilling comes back inconsistent.

 

 

I don't care, of course, because nobody is just right all the time. However, I'm going to take what you write above with a grain of salt (with a little tiny NY emblem on it).

 

do what you want. I am still not very confident in this team since they have proven to suck so many times that I stand up for them. So for now, I'll just point out your worst flaw that will need to be addressed if you want 2007 to be a banner yr.

[example1]

Jacksonianmarch

IF, I told you at the beginning of the yr that...

 

The Sox would sign DMats, Drew, and Lugo

The Sox would take a 15 game lead on the yankees

The Yankees would outbid the sox for Clemens

The Sox rotation then falls apart

Theo doesnt deal for reinforcement

Clemens leads the yankees in overtaking the 15 game deficit and beating the sox out for the division.

 

If I told you all that, you'd want Theo fired, you know it. Everyone would. And to be honest with you, if the sox were willing to pony up 200+ mil this offseason then bucked on the 20 mil (prorated) it would have take to stabilize the rotation, then he should be fired.

 

I'm just not everyone, I guess. I didn't even care if Grady Little was fired after the Pedro thing. It didn't seem like an obvious call to me, despite everyone else's apparently 20/20 vision at the time. I have a hard time knowing who to blame for losses in baseball when it is so hard to know who to blame for wins. If the professionals on this team didn't come through, then I would blame the professionals. Not the guy who hired the staff that ended up coming up a hair short.

 

Does Mike Krzyzewski get blamed for not winning the tournament every year if Duke gets to the Elite 8? No. How about John Schuerholz in Atlanta? It is understood that at times the ball bounces strangely or people get injured, or whatever, but that the best you can do is put your team in a place to win. This front office (and other front offices, including I bet the Yankees) starts the season with a wins goal. They hope to attain that goal. If they get there they will be happy, if they don't they won't. This team's goal is uaually in the mid 90's in wins. They should attain that this year. The past few years they have attained their goal (except for 06), one of those years it all went well, others it didn't go as well.

 

The Red Sox are playing like they should be expected to. They are currently 19 games above .500. The Yankees have SHAT the bed. If they yankees come back it is because they are a good team who SHOULD finish the season with a W% in the .600, not because the Sox choked and gave up some enormous lead. if the Sox finish with a .600+ w% and don't win the division there will be no heads rolling.

 

This could be because...

A. We have won the division

B. Torre has a monster contract

C. Torre was the face of the yankees recent dynasty

D. Our owner may be senile, because the damn jerk manager should have been fired yrs ago

 

Then again, we are talking GM, not manager.

 

 

Well... follow through with your thought... why is Brian Cashman still GMing that team? He has destroyed expectations as well.

 

IF you lose a 15 game lead to the yankees, then you wont be saying this. Granted, this is all speculation. After watching my team take it hard in the bum for months, they are finally showing signs of life at the same time that your rotation has gone into shambles. But what I think is the worst thing of all, as a700 pointed out, is that this was the same issue as last yr. The same symptoms returned, the same problems arose and the same mediocrity set in. Last yr he did nothing about it and it sent you home early. This yr, if he does nothing then he is showing a propensity to repeat his mistakes and it SERIOUSLY hurts his credibility.

 

I agree, if there is somethign to be done. You don't need to make moves just to make moves. By the end of the season Tavarez should not be in the rotation. Other than that I'm unsure what will happen. I remember back in 2004 this team literally had Abe Alverez to come up for a spot start. This team has probably 5 pitchers who have seen MLB action before who could come up from the minors or bullpen to start (Hansack, Gabbard, Pauley, Lester, Snyder). ALL of them are better options than the once highly touted Abe Alverez was.

 

Wakefield has an unhittable pitch when it is on, Schilling doesnt.

 

Tell that to the Oakland A's.

 

And Schilling has a serious decline in stuff recently. Plus, with this false injury, you can only expect him to be a little more rested rather than actually "recovered" from something. I expect him to come back at about the same as he was before. But if you are a GM, you have to prepare for the possibility that he comes back as the guy who was shillacked his last few starts. You just have to. Because if he does come back as a total liability, then the signs were there and Theo did nothing about it.

 

Yes, you have to prepare for it as well as you can. But given that there aren't any obvious better options I don't know what that answer is. This is such a stupid argument, because you're trying to criticize a GM who REFUSED TO EXTEND SCHILLING'S CONTRACT because he won't let him go or stop using him at midseason!!! He knows that Schilling doesn't have a whole lot left. He is exploring other options, but please, please, PLEASE name a starter who is more effective than Schilling and who is available.

 

Schilling in April:

3-1, 3.27 ERA, 33 IP, 23 K

Schilling in May

2-1, 4.03 ERA, 38 IP, 37 K

 

His first two months were certainly solid enough for a #3 pitcher. He just took a few weeks off, says he's feeling healthy, I'm prone to believe that he can be a 4-4.5 ERA guy the rest of the way.

 

He is a guy who used to throw 98 who now throws 89 but pitches like he still throws 98. His failure to adjust is hurting him. And this yr, his control in the zone has been terrible. Mix the two and you have a guy who has lost his power, pitching like a power pitcher, making mistakes in the zone. This is a recipe for disaster.

 

Or a recipe for adjustment. Let's see: his career is on the line, he's a smart pitcher who--even in 04--had to adjust compared to his old style. Do you think he will stubbornly proceed with the same strategy, or try to change? Hmmm, well, since he's a stupid Red Sox I know which way you would vote.

 

There are always major league starters available, and their prices will go up or go down depending on need and want by the deadline. But there are plenty of back of the rotation guys available. Something that the sox could use. They dont need to get an ace, they just need someone who can reliably keep you in the game better than Tavarez or Gabbard.

 

I agree that this would be nice, at the right price.

 

But he HASNT been good. He was AWFUL in his last 2 starts prior to hitting the DL, even though there WAS NOTHING PHYSICALLY WRONG WITH HIM. He said he didnt feel hurt. The MRI proved it. It isnt like the guy was throwing up tons of QS's then went down with an injury. This is a guy who was shittanked and then went on the DL because something had to be wrong. He just didnt know what.

 

He's old and needed some rest to be effective down the stretch.

 

and you havent made dumbass posts or predictions? Cmon now, we all have had our stinkers. But I dont think I am alone here. The sox rotation will be their downfall, and it will be magnified even worse if Schilling comes back inconsistent.

 

A diplomatic answer. YOu aren't alone no matter what side you take on the Schilling situation. Most pundits and analysts would most likely choose to have Schilling in the rotation over any of the "back end of the rotation" guys you're talking about.

 

do what you want. I am still not very confident in this team since they have proven to suck so many times that I stand up for them. So for now, I'll just point out your worst flaw that will need to be addressed if you want 2007 to be a banner yr.

 

I agree. My view is that Clay Buchholz could be that answer, as teams haven't seen him before, he's got electric stuff and it appears that Phil Hughes--who is considerably younger--is clearly going to be able to do the job. Buchholz might not be the best option, but he'll be more than fine as a #5 addition to this team or spot starting out of the pen.

[a700hitter]

Jackson, you will have 20 minutes to submit your reply brief.

[jacksonianmarch]

[/i]

 

I'm just not everyone, I guess. I didn't even care if Grady Little was fired after the Pedro thing. It didn't seem like an obvious call to me, despite everyone else's apparently 20/20 vision at the time. I have a hard time knowing who to blame for losses in baseball when it is so hard to know who to blame for wins. If the professionals on this team didn't come through, then I would blame the professionals. Not the guy who hired the staff that ended up coming up a hair short.

 

Does Mike Krzyzewski get blamed for not winning the tournament every year if Duke gets to the Elite 8? No. How about John Schuerholz in Atlanta? It is understood that at times the ball bounces strangely or people get injured, or whatever, but that the best you can do is put your team in a place to win. This front office (and other front offices, including I bet the Yankees) starts the season with a wins goal. They hope to attain that goal. If they get there they will be happy, if they don't they won't. This team's goal is uaually in the mid 90's in wins. They should attain that this year. The past few years they have attained their goal (except for 06), one of those years it all went well, others it didn't go as well.

 

The Red Sox are playing like they should be expected to. They are currently 19 games above .500. The Yankees have SHAT the bed. If they yankees come back it is because they are a good team who SHOULD finish the season with a W% in the .600, not because the Sox choked and gave up some enormous lead. if the Sox finish with a .600+ w% and don't win the division there will be no heads rolling.

 

 

 

Well... follow through with your thought... why is Brian Cashman still GMing that team? He has destroyed expectations as well.

 

 

 

I agree, if there is somethign to be done. You don't need to make moves just to make moves. By the end of the season Tavarez should not be in the rotation. Other than that I'm unsure what will happen. I remember back in 2004 this team literally had Abe Alverez to come up for a spot start. This team has probably 5 pitchers who have seen MLB action before who could come up from the minors or bullpen to start (Hansack, Gabbard, Pauley, Lester, Snyder). ALL of them are better options than the once highly touted Abe Alverez was.

 

 

 

Tell that to the Oakland A's.

 

 

 

Yes, you have to prepare for it as well as you can. But given that there aren't any obvious better options I don't know what that answer is. This is such a stupid argument, because you're trying to criticize a GM who REFUSED TO EXTEND SCHILLING'S CONTRACT because he won't let him go or stop using him at midseason!!! He knows that Schilling doesn't have a whole lot left. He is exploring other options, but please, please, PLEASE name a starter who is more effective than Schilling and who is available.

 

Schilling in April:

3-1, 3.27 ERA, 33 IP, 23 K

Schilling in May

2-1, 4.03 ERA, 38 IP, 37 K

 

His first two months were certainly solid enough for a #3 pitcher. He just took a few weeks off, says he's feeling healthy, I'm prone to believe that he can be a 4-4.5 ERA guy the rest of the way.

 

 

 

Or a recipe for adjustment. Let's see: his career is on the line, he's a smart pitcher who--even in 04--had to adjust compared to his old style. Do you think he will stubbornly proceed with the same strategy, or try to change? Hmmm, well, since he's a stupid Red Sox I know which way you would vote.

 

 

 

I agree that this would be nice, at the right price.

 

 

 

He's old and needed some rest to be effective down the stretch.

 

 

 

A diplomatic answer. YOu aren't alone no matter what side you take on the Schilling situation. Most pundits and analysts would most likely choose to have Schilling in the rotation over any of the "back end of the rotation" guys you're talking about.

 

 

 

I agree. My view is that Clay Buchholz could be that answer, as teams haven't seen him before, he's got electric stuff and it appears that Phil Hughes--who is considerably younger--is clearly going to be able to do the job. Buchholz might not be the best option, but he'll be more than fine as a #5 addition to this team or spot starting out of the pen.

 

Your view on Buchholz may be a bit premature. Hughes has a yr on him in experience and progressed slowly. Buchholz got hit pretty good last time out. You dont want to ruin a kid's confidence in a playoff race, especially a guy like Buchholz who could be the so-called "reinforcements" the sox bring in to fill the rotation.

 

In terms of Schilling, this is the second yr in a row where he wore down as the season went along. If you think the guy from April is returning, you are wishing more than thinking. It may happen, but it isnt likely given his recent history.

 

Also, some pitchers dont adjust. See Randy Johnson. Others do. It is pitcher specific and it doesnt happen overnight.

[example1]

Jackson' date=' you will have 20 minutes to submit your reply brief.[/quote']

 

 

Sorry a700

[example1]

Your view on Buchholz may be a bit premature. Hughes has a yr on him in experience and progressed slowly. Buchholz got hit pretty good last time out. You dont want to ruin a kid's confidence in a playoff race' date=' especially a guy like Buchholz who could be the so-called "reinforcements" the sox bring in to fill the rotation.[/quote']

 

It may be a bit premature. Or it may be just what this team needs. Who knows. I know he will get his shot. He's pitching too well for the Sox to not see what he can do for the big club--assuming he continues to throw well.

 

In terms of Schilling, this is the second yr in a row where he wore down as the season went along. If you think the guy from April is returning, you are wishing more than thinking. It may happen, but it isnt likely given his recent history.

 

Also, some pitchers dont adjust. See Randy Johnson. Others do. It is pitcher specific and it doesnt happen overnight.

 

The sox haven't had the abillity to sit him for stretches of the season before. I'm just telling you Jacksonian, I still feel a lot more confident putting Schilling out on the mound than Gabbard or Tavarez or Wakefield. You want Kei Igawa or Mike Mussina starting your games? That's what I thought.

[jacksonianmarch]

It may be a bit premature. Or it may be just what this team needs. Who knows. I know he will get his shot. He's pitching too well for the Sox to not see what he can do for the big club--assuming he continues to throw well.

 

 

 

The sox haven't had the abillity to sit him for stretches of the season before. I'm just telling you Jacksonian, I still feel a lot more confident putting Schilling out on the mound than Gabbard or Tavarez or Wakefield. You want Kei Igawa or Mike Mussina starting your games? That's what I thought.

 

Mussina has been better of late and I'd take him just as much as I'd take Schilling.

[CrespoBlows]

C: Varitek (OK)

1B: Youkilis (could be moved to 3B)

2B: Pedroia (OK)

SS: Lugo (no choice)

3B: Lowell (could be moved for an arm)

LF: Ramirez (OK)

CF: Crisp (OK)

RF: Drew (OK)

DH: Ortiz (OK)

 

We can make up for our pitching problems if we score enough runs. It might not work in October, but I trust that Beckett and Matsuzaka can make 4 starts in a 7 game series. I'm going to advocate a trade for Barry Bonds. I know he's a dick, but he's got a .497 OBP, and he'd provide some protection for Ortiz and Ramirez. If the Giants deem that they would rather keep Bonds for the stretch run, go after Teixeria. If that cost is too steep, start looking elsewhere.

 

C: Mirabelli (f*** him, but we're stuck)

1B: Hinske (Tolerable, as long as he plays only against RHP, and very rarely)

MIF: Cora (OK)

OF: Pena (Could package him for Bonds?)

 

The bench has a lot of holes, we should move Hinske and Pena for better bats, though Pena should get something of value. The Giants might be able to use him. He's young, still has a lot of potential, and he can play everyday in San Francisco. We'd need to send another young player, but it would be a good start.

 

If we move Wily Mo, Sammy Sosa would be a pretty decent pickup against LHP. He's currently OPSing 1.058 against LHP, and moving to Fenway would help him with his pull happy swing. If you can't stand the fact that we acquired two roid boys in a week, Jermaine Dye would probably come really cheap. He has a .820 OPS against southpaws, and has been a little unlucky. (.235 BABIP)

 

If we move Ortiz to 1B, he'll probably need some days off, and we'd need to add another Mike Lamb could probably help at the CIF position. Morgan Ensberg could be a good buy low option.

 

With the moves, the new lineup would look like:

 

1. Pedroia, 2B

2. Youkilis, 3B

3. Bonds, DH

4. Ramirez, LF

5. Ortiz, 1B

6. Drew, RF

7. Varitek, C

8. Crisp, CF

9. Lugo, SS

 

C: Mirabelli

CIF: Lamb, or Ensberg

CIF: Hinske

MIF: Cora

OF: Sosa, or Dye

 

SP: Beckett (OK)

SP: Matsuzaka (OK)

SP: Schilling (?)

SP: Wakefield (?)

SP: Tavarez (?)

 

This is an absolute mess. We need to see what we can get out of Schilling before the deadline, if he's got nothing, then the house is going to collapse. Everyone moves up a spot, which is exactly what I feared out of spring training. A move has to be made here. They can try something bold, but we know that won't happen. There's hardly anyone on the trading block, and those that are there, are going to require a load of prospects. Tread very lightly.

 

SP: Beckett

SP: Matsuzaka

SP: Schilling

SP: Buchholz

SP: Wakefield

 

Try it. We're probably going to falter anyway, but why not go down using your most talented players? Let Buchholz get about three more starts at AAA, then move him up. John Lackey pitched the Angels into the World Series, Dontrelle Willis did it, too. If he fails, then he got a taste of the bigs. If he can't handle that, then f*** him, he won't succeed anyway.

 

CL: Papelbon (Sigh...., OK)

SU: Okajima (OK)

SU: Delcarmen (OK)

SU: Donnelly (OK)

SU: Timlin (Eh..)

SU: Pinerio (No)

SU: Lopez (No)

 

An upgrade of the bullpen could help out the starting rotation. The last three need to be shot immediately, or traded for whatever scraps a team will throw at us. A few I have on my radar:

 

Dan Wheeler, RHP, Astros

Chad Qualls, RHP, Astros

Juan Rincon, RHP, Twins

Craig Breslow, LHP, PawSox.

 

CL: Papelbon

SU: Okajima

SU: Donnelly

SU: Delcarmen

SU: Breslow

SU: Timlin

SU: Wheeler

 

Basically, the offense is upgraded. Big time. They'll be able to bash into the playoffs, and should be OK with two good starters and a good back of the bullpen. Hopefully, Wakefield and Schilling are able to pitch average baseball, and Buchholz is able to pitch like 2002 John Lackey.

 

Transactions

 

Trade for Barry Bonds. Send Wily Mo Pena, and a pitching prospect to the Giants.

 

Trade for Sammy Sosa. Send a C level prospect to Texas.

 

Trade for Wheeler and Lamb. Send a B level prospect to Houston.

[jacksonianmarch]

Okay. Couple points...

 

Schilling's first start will be on July 31st, ie Theo will have ZERO time to determine if he is ready or not. And if the yankees are still trailing you in 2 weeks when the waiver wire opens, you better believe nothing that can help you will get by waivers. So you have to consider Schilling a wild card.

 

In terms of Bonds, the Giants wont put him on the market prior to him breaking the record and with his knees and ankles barking, he might not break it within 2 weeks. Hence, unless he gets hot, the only way he moves is if he makes it through waivers, and that wont happen.

 

Sosa has been clubbing this yr. His average is crappy, but his power and his RBI totals will garner a lot of attention in what promises to be a pretty s***** deadline. I would assume that the Rangers will get something good for him, so not a C level prospect, IMO

 

In terms of Wheeler, he is their closer for the time being and is s***ing the bed. But at 29 and coming up on Free Agency, he should be available. The problem is, are you willing to send them something of value (as you said a B level or a Masterson level prospect) for a guy who's era is above 5 right now.

 

I terms of bringing in Buchholz, by all means, give it a try. But I think Theo is smarter than that, since he knows that Buchholz could be an ace for yrs to come and wont sacrifice his learning curve and confidence for one season.

[example1]

Okay. Couple points...

 

Schilling's first start will be on July 31st, ie Theo will have ZERO time to determine if he is ready or not. And if the yankees are still trailing you in 2 weeks when the waiver wire opens, you better believe nothing that can help you will get by waivers. So you have to consider Schilling a wild card.

 

In terms of Bonds, the Giants wont put him on the market prior to him breaking the record and with his knees and ankles barking, he might not break it within 2 weeks. Hence, unless he gets hot, the only way he moves is if he makes it through waivers, and that wont happen.

 

Sosa has been clubbing this yr. His average is crappy, but his power and his RBI totals will garner a lot of attention in what promises to be a pretty s***** deadline. I would assume that the Rangers will get something good for him, so not a C level prospect, IMO

 

In terms of Wheeler, he is their closer for the time being and is s***ing the bed. But at 29 and coming up on Free Agency, he should be available. The problem is, are you willing to send them something of value (as you said a B level or a Masterson level prospect) for a guy who's era is above 5 right now.

 

I terms of bringing in Buchholz, by all means, give it a try. But I think Theo is smarter than that, since he knows that Buchholz could be an ace for yrs to come and wont sacrifice his learning curve and confidence for one season.

 

I agree for the most part, except that I don't think that giving a guy a shot at everything he's dreamed for is a recipe for collapse. Some players actually jump at the opportunity. It's what legends are made of. Ask Josh Beckett.

 

f*** Barry Bonds. Don't go after Bonds and if you can't get him look at Teixiera. Get Teixiera right away. Send them Crisp, Lowell or Youkilis, Bowden, WMP, and Hansen. ANY combination of money and players not including Ellsbury or Buchholz. Bring Ellsbury up and plant him in the order, eventually moving him into the leadoff spot by the end of the year. Eventually... (ideally)...

 

Ellsbury

Pedroia

Manny (time to switch them up)

Ortiz

Teixiera

Drew

Youkilis

Varitek

Lugo

 

Last year they had essentially one worthwhile starting pitcher in Beckett. 06 Beckett. This year they have 07 Beckett and rookie year Dice-K. It looks pretty desperate when #3,4 and 5 are in there, but it has been worse and was worse last year. Their relievers have been largely awesome and are pitching like they have something to prove. If the sox manage to hold on to get into the playoffs it will largely have been thanks to the middle relievers, especially Okajima and, apparently, Manny Delcarmen.

 

After a few solid starts you bring Buchholz up, and he comes up into a very strong rotation of:

 

Beckett

Dice-K

Schilling

Wakefield

Buchholz

 

Deal Tavarez or Pineiro (plus $ if necessary). I know it is a risk to bring him up, but he's the best available pitching option now. I am hopeful that we will see Dice-K really step up and take care of business down the stretch the way he has in the past.

 

No need to wait for the deadline, Theo. Go ahead.

[riverside sluggers]

Long f***ing night, lots of drama (not just tonight's newest suck fest by the Sox). Going to bed after I post this. With Jim Bowden having a man crush on Wily Mo, I wouldnt mind seeing this trade

 

Boston

right handed reliever Jon Rauch http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6620

 

Washington

Joel Pineiro (cash considerations)

Wily Mo Pena

[CrespoBlows]

Long f***ing night, lots of drama (not just tonight's newest suck fest by the Sox). Going to bed after I post this. With Jim Bowden having a man crush on Wily Mo, I wouldnt mind seeing this trade

 

Boston

right handed reliever Jon Rauch http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6620

 

Washington

Joel Pineiro (cash considerations)

Wily Mo Pena

 

He's got a 6.10 ERA away from RFK.

[jacksonianmarch]

Millwood should be on the sox list. He's 2 yrs into a 5 yr deal paying him 11 mil a yr, but when he is healthy, he is a horse. Couple that with his resurgence this month and he could be had for a mid level prospect and the agreement to eat his salary.

 

Other pitchers to be available...

 

TOR- You could pry Towers away for nothing. He's a #5 at best, but he throws strikes and has the propensity to be a better option than Tavarez.

 

FLA- Dontrelle has gone backwards in his progression and may be available for the right price. He'd no longer warrant a Buchholz, but he may be worth an Ellsbury/Bowden combination.

 

CWS- Javy Vazquez is having a great season, ERA in the 3.77 range, K'ing 8.5 per 9 with a 1.08WHIP. He'd probably be pretty expensive since all of this is being done in the toughest division in baseball right now, but he'd be a major splash.

 

Contreras is likely on the cheap right now since he is struggling, but if he returns to dominance, he could be worthwhile.

 

Buehrle would take a TON to get, and at this point I dont think he is available.

 

John Garland might be available, we dont know. He'd be expensive too.

 

HOU- Oswalt and Sampson would be tough to pry away.

 

CIN- Harang wont be on the line, but you know who is pitching better? Arroyo, maybe...not.

 

That may be it, but if the sox get creative, they do have options.

[example1]

Millwood should be on the sox list. He's 2 yrs into a 5 yr deal paying him 11 mil a yr, but when he is healthy, he is a horse. Couple that with his resurgence this month and he could be had for a mid level prospect and the agreement to eat his salary.

 

Other pitchers to be available...

 

TOR- You could pry Towers away for nothing. He's a #5 at best, but he throws strikes and has the propensity to be a better option than Tavarez.

 

Towers: throws strikes! Wow. It isn't hard to find pitchers who can be a #5 and who don't walk an inordinate number of batters. Next.

 

FLA- Dontrelle has gone backwards in his progression and may be available for the right price. He'd no longer warrant a Buchholz, but he may be worth an Ellsbury/Bowden combination.

 

I like this idea, but probably not for Ellsbury/Bowden. Willis doesn't have anywhere near the dominant presence that Beckett had when the Sox traded HanRam and AniSanch. The Sox got Beckett, Lowell and Mota for 3 minor leaguers. Ellsbury/Bowden would be too much to give for Willis. I DO like the idea of Willis though, certainly as a potential #4 or #5.

 

CWS- Javy Vazquez is having a great season, ERA in the 3.77 range, K'ing 8.5 per 9 with a 1.08WHIP. He'd probably be pretty expensive since all of this is being done in the toughest division in baseball right now, but he'd be a major splash.

 

His value would be high because the White Sox know what the Sox are going through and will make sure they pay. I'm uncomfortable trading any serious talent into the AL Central. Those teams all have solid bases (Detroit, Cleveland, White Sox, Twins) and make me nervous. He would be a nice acquisition too, but I think because his name is in that middle-to-upper tier of pitchers he would cost too much.

 

Contreras is likely on the cheap right now since he is struggling, but if he returns to dominance, he could be worthwhile.

 

Couldn't the same thing be said about Schilling (who was more dominant than Contreras even dreamt of being) and Wakefield? I would think that any pitcher who suddenly returns to dominance would be worthwhile.

 

Buehrle would take a TON to get, and at this point I dont think he is available.

 

So... a non-issue then...

 

John Garland might be available, we dont know. He'd be expensive too.

 

Doubtful that he's available or worth the cost.

 

HOU- Oswalt and Sampson would be tough to pry away.

 

So... probably a no

 

CIN- Harang wont be on the line, but you know who is pitching better? Arroyo, maybe...not.

 

I would be happy if the Sox picked up Arroyo again. It isn't going to happen, but I wouldn't be mad.

 

That may be it, but if the sox get creative, they do have options.

 

You give a solid reason why all of these guys would be bad acquisitions, while making the argument that they are 'options' the Sox can explore. This team isn't hurting for average starting pitchers. Schilling and Wakefield are average when they are being inconsistent, above average when pitching well. Dice and Beckett are solid pitchers who can help the team win each time out.

 

Priorities on this team should be to add some legitimate HR power either to the lineup or the bench. Pitching should be 2nd.

[riverside sluggers]

http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=1012187

 

Last year the Sox tried to unload Wily Mo on the Astros. they might do it again this year, probably to try and pry away Wheeler or Qualls

 

On Buehrle, the White Sox wanted prospects such as Bucholz, Ellsbury and Lester. The Sox would prefer to give up prospects who arent "name" heavy such as Murphy, Moss, and Hansen

[example1]

On SoSH (I don't like pirating, but I do like to cite sources to utter speculation) the main speculation is about a deal with Pittsburgh. They are spinning all over the place with players like Doumit, Wilson, Marte, Xavier Nady, and Ian Snell.

 

I would take the last two, and take on some salary. Ian Snell would be a very nice addition as a #5 pitcher. Arroyo-esque in terms of effectiveness.

[ksushi]

I think your gonna have to live or die with Manny and Ortiz as far as homerun power and hope Drew gets hot. With Tavarez taking a #2 on the mound everytime out, Pitching has to be a priority. Wakefield is never going to be a #3 guy in our rotation. He's a 5 because of his tendency to be streaky. That basically leaves us with 3 #5 starters. We can't take that into the post-season and we don't know what Schilling gives us. We have to send out feelers on Oswalt and Willis. Those won't be the only names, the rumors are accurate sometimes, but they don't get nearly everything thats out there, we really have no idea who is going to be available, we can only guess. You have to think they'll do something to upgrade the staff.

[riverside sluggers]

On SoSH (I don't like pirating, but I do like to cite sources to utter speculation) the main speculation is about a deal with Pittsburgh. They are spinning all over the place with players like Doumit, Wilson, Marte, Xavier Nady, and Ian Snell.

 

I would take the last two, and take on some salary. Ian Snell would be a very nice addition as a #5 pitcher. Arroyo-esque in terms of effectiveness.

 

Sean MacAdamns of the Providence Journal did note that the Sox are interested in lefty Damaso Marte. As well as the asking price is too high for former closer Salomon Torres

[CrespoBlows]

I would take the last two, and take on some salary. Ian Snell would be a very nice addition as a #5 pitcher. Arroyo-esque in terms of effectiveness.

 

Snell as the fifth starter?

 

He's 25 years old, has a 3.31 ERA, a good strikeout ratio, and a lot of upside. He's not coming to Boston.

[jacksonianmarch]

Snell as the fifth starter?

 

He's 25 years old, has a 3.31 ERA, a good strikeout ratio, and a lot of upside. He's not coming to Boston.

 

no kidding. And he is in his second yr in the majors. The pirates wont deal a kid who they can have for the minimum next season too.

[ksushi]

If we get Ian Snell I will run naked from my house to yawkey way and do nude snow angels on the pavement.

[jacksonianmarch]

If we get Ian Snell I will run naked from my house to yawkey way and do nude snow angels on the pavement.

 

snow angels in july?

[ksushi]

I bet there is a better chance of snow on the deadline, than Ian Snell at the deadline.

 

Oswalt, be available, you handsome redneck, you.

[castigs850]

Kinda off topic but...

 

With all the losses this team has in one run games i think offense should be a higher priority than SP, although that needs help too. But on the top of this page in the article posted by riverside is says Tiexera is avalable.

 

how close is say

 

Lester/Bowden, Moss/WMP, and Lars Anderson?

[jacksonianmarch]

Kinda off topic but...

 

With all the losses this team has in one run games i think offense should be a higher priority than SP, although that needs help too. But on the top of this page in the article posted by riverside is says Tiexera is avalable.

 

how close is say

 

Lester/Bowden, Moss/WMP, and Lars Anderson?

 

That would certainly get it done IMO. Lars is a highly regarded prospect. WMP may not be what they are looking for since they already have a guy of his ilk in Nelson Cruz. But they would love either Lester or Bowden. I think that could get it done. But that also takes away your biggest power prospect and one of your troika of solid pitchers close to the show. Thats a big haul.

 

But, why do you say that the sox need a hitter? Their hitting is slumping right now, but if you dont improve that pitching, you'll need much more hitting. Case in point, when Gabbard reverts to the 5+ERA guy that his performance dictates, when Wakefield is tossing up a 6ERA and Tavarez is tossing up an 8+ ERA, will one guy really make all the difference? And 1b and 3b are 2 spots in the lineup that have been just fine.

[ksushi]

We'd have to send Youkilis or Lowell somewhere in the deal.

[jacksonianmarch]

We'd have to send Youkilis or Lowell somewhere in the deal.

 

and that wont be much of an upgrade if you deal off one of your most productive hitters.

[castigs850]

i guess you're right it's not all that necessary, but i think we really do need another middle of the lineup guy. And seeing as we would have to deal Lowell or Youk to finish that deal, what kind of SP help would a deal centered around one of those two bring back? i would have to figure a #3 or #4 type of guy. And wouldnt that be worth it?

[jacksonianmarch]

right now, Wake and Tavarez arent even pitching like #5's. If you can get a guy who can give you a mid 4's era and win half his decisions, you'll be doing pretty good.