KTF's plan to fix the Sox

[KeepTheFaith1229]

Right now the Red Sox have a 10 game lead on the AL East. However, they have proven themselves to be a very flawed and catchable team if the competition heats up. When Manny and Ortiz slump, the team slumps.

 

So, here's my plan to patch up the Sox. I think all of these trades are realistic.

 

1. Trade Michael Bowden, Lars Anderson and a low level prospect to Texas for Mark Teixeira (once he gets off the DL).

 

2. Trade Mike Lowell to San Diego for Scott Linebrink.

 

3. Trade Coco Crisp and Jon Lester to Chicago for Mark Beurhle.

 

4. DFA Joel Piniero when Curt Schilling gets off the DL.

 

This would leave us with a team of:

 

1. Dustin Pedroia

2. Kevin Youkilis

3. David Ortiz

4. Manny Ramirez

5. Mark Teixeira

6. JD Drew

7. Jason Varitek

8. Julio Lugo/Alex Cora

9. Jacoby Ellsbury

 

Alex Cora/Julio Lugo

Wily Mo Pena

Eric Hinske

Doug Mirabelli

 

Josh Beckett

Daisuke Matsuzaka

Mark Beurhle

Curt Schilling (Tim Wakefield for the time being)

Julian Tavarez

 

Jonathan Papelbon

Hideki Okajima

Scott Linebrink

Javier Lopez

Manny Delcarmen

Kyle Snyder

Tim Wakefield (Joel Piniero for the time being)

 

This is a much stronger team and we get to keep our two top prospects in Clay Buccholz and Jacoby Ellsbury.

[MANNYHOF24]

Right now the Red Sox have a 10 game lead on the AL East. However, they have proven themselves to be a very flawed and catchable team if the competition heats up. When Manny and Ortiz slump, the team slumps.

 

So, here's my plan to patch up the Sox. I think all of these trades are realistic.

 

1. Trade Michael Bowden, Lars Anderson and a low level prospect to Texas for Mark Teixeira (once he gets off the DL).

 

2. Trade Mike Lowell to San Diego for Scott Linebrink.

 

3. Trade Coco Crisp and Jon Lester to Chicago for Mark Beurhle.

 

4. DFA Joel Piniero when Curt Schilling gets off the DL.

 

This would leave us with a team of:

 

1. Dustin Pedroia

2. Kevin Youkilis

3. David Ortiz

4. Manny Ramirez

5. Mark Teixeira

6. JD Drew

7. Jason Varitek

8. Julio Lugo/Alex Cora

9. Jacoby Ellsbury

 

Alex Cora/Julio Lugo

Wily Mo Pena

Eric Hinske

Doug Mirabelli

 

Josh Beckett

Daisuke Matsuzaka

Mark Beurhle

Curt Schilling (Tim Wakefield for the time being)

Julian Tavarez

 

Jonathan Papelbon

Hideki Okajima

Scott Linebrink

Javier Lopez

Manny Delcarmen

Kyle Snyder

Tim Wakefield (Joel Piniero for the time being)

 

This is a much stronger team and we get to keep our two top prospects in Clay Buccholz and Jacoby Ellsbury.

 

I am sorry, Tim Wakfield is better than Tavarez. Just look at the numbers and you will realize this. I like that team however, Teixeria is going to be on the D.L. for six more weeks so he may be untradable. Also would they accpet a deal that does not involve Ellsbury or Buchholz? Personally I think Texas can get a much better deal than what you suggested there. I like the deal for Buerhle, because I just think while Lester has the potential upside, Mark is going to give you 200+ quality innings every year. Of course that deal has to contingent on Buerhle signing an extension before the trade is complteted.

[redsoxrules]

Right now the Red Sox have a 10 game lead on the AL East. However, they have proven themselves to be a very flawed and catchable team if the competition heats up. When Manny and Ortiz slump, the team slumps.

 

So, here's my plan to patch up the Sox. I think all of these trades are realistic.

 

 

1. Trade Michael Bowden, Lars Anderson and a low level prospect to Texas for Mark Teixeira (once he gets off the DL).

 

2. Trade Mike Lowell to San Diego for Scott Linebrink.

 

3. Trade Coco Crisp and Jon Lester to Chicago for Mark Beurhle.

 

4. DFA Joel Piniero when Curt Schilling gets off the DL.

 

This would leave us with a team of:

 

1. Dustin Pedroia

2. Kevin Youkilis

3. David Ortiz

4. Manny Ramirez

5. Mark Teixeira

6. JD Drew

7. Jason Varitek

8. Julio Lugo/Alex Cora

9. Jacoby Ellsbury

 

Alex Cora/Julio Lugo

Wily Mo Pena

Eric Hinske

Doug Mirabelli

 

Josh Beckett

Daisuke Matsuzaka

Mark Beurhle

Curt Schilling (Tim Wakefield for the time being)

Julian Tavarez

 

Jonathan Papelbon

Hideki Okajima

Scott Linebrink

Javier Lopez

Manny Delcarmen

Kyle Snyder

Tim Wakefield (Joel Piniero for the time being)

 

This is a much stronger team and we get to keep our two top prospects in Clay Buccholz and Jacoby Ellsbury.

 

 

if all of this happens we win the world series

[Rdsxmbnt]

I am sorry' date=' Tim Wakfield is better than Tavarez. Just look at the numbers and you will realize this. I like that team however, Teixeria is going to be on the D.L. for six more weeks so he may be untradable. Also would they accpet a deal that does not involve Ellsbury or Buchholz? Personally I think Texas can get a much better deal than what you suggested there. I like the deal for Buerhle, because I just think while Lester has the potential upside, Mark is going to give you 200+ quality innings every year. Of course that deal has to contingent on Buerhle signing an extension before the trade is complteted.[/quote']

 

If the playoffs were tomorrow and you had a choice of Wakefield or Tavarez right now, you'd really pick Wake? I think Wake is fine for this season as a back end rotation but given the fact that hes completely hit or miss I'd be worried of sending out Wake because against a good playoff team I tend to think there's a greater chance that he gets shelled. Tavarez has a 3.46 ERA since May and is much more consistent, I take him easily right now over wake.

[MANNYHOF24]

If the playoffs were tomorrow and you had a choice of Wakefield or Tavarez right now' date=' you'd really pick Wake? I think Wake is fine for this season as a back end rotation but given the fact that hes completely hit or miss I'd be worried of sending out Wake because against a good playoff team I tend to think there's a greater chance that he gets shelled. Tavarez has a 3.46 ERA since May and is much more consistent, I take him easily right now over wake.[/quote']

 

Since 2003 I yes I would take Wake. He has been very good, other than one really bad start against the Giants, that really wasn't that bad. He pitched well until he gave up a few runs in his final inning in a 7-2 ball game at the time. I would take Wake easily right now over Tavarez. This guy's ERA is consistently around 3.90 every year. That is where it is this year and that is where it was last year before he broke his frigging ribs. In 2005 he was the Ace of the staff going 16-12, and he could have easily won 20 games that year. He should be like 10-6 this year too. In his first 7 starts he was 4-3 with a 1.71 ERA. Wake always has a bad month, but usually pitches 5 other solid months. Putting Tavarez in a playoff game would be ala Matt Clement in 2005, an utter disaster.

[Rdsxmbnt]

Not really, I'm talking about this year, yes he started off the year great but has been terrible since then. Since he's ERA bottomed out at 1.79 on May 10th, he has a 6.38 ERA in 9 starts and opponents have a .891 OPS against him. By comparison during that same stretch Tavarez has a 3.51 ERA and opponents have a .687 OPS against him

[KeepTheFaith1229]

s***, six more weeks for Teixeira? I didn't know that. Eh, oh well.

[Rdsxmbnt]

Even still Id make the Lowell for Linebrink deal. SD may consider it, Kouz is awful and the whole SD offense is downright pathetic. Even Gonzalez is probaly an average-below average producing 1B with just a .831 OPS (highest on the team, eek). SD has plenty of pitching and MR so I think they could take the hit. SD will get walked over in the playoffs if they don't make some moves to improve the offense.

[Soxfan1]

I saw this article on DHB. Nice job.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

We'd need to acquire a corner infielder if we did that though. I don't know about you, but I don't want to see Eric Hinske in the lineup every day.

[scaffolds]

I don't think the sox would have a problem to make to the playoff, but would have one in the playoff and won't go far in it, Tigers Guardians and Angels are a better team than the Sox. in reference to the plan, it won't hold water because it keeps Tek and Tek may be part of the issue.

[Rdsxmbnt]

I don't think the sox would have a problem to make to the playoff' date=' but would have one in the playoff and won't go far in it, Tigers Guardians and Angels are a better team than the Sox. in reference to the plan, it won't hold water because it keeps Tek and Tek may be part of the issue.[/quote']

 

How is Tek part of the problem though? Hes a veteran leader, comes prepared every game and is one of the better hitting catchers in the league (5th in MLB in OPS among C's). Plus he's owed another 10 mil next year and with no viable options, how would we possibly get more out of the C spot in the short term?

[riverside sluggers]

Minnesota would also be willing to take on lowell, he def would be an upgrade for them at 3rd Base. They have quite the basketful of quality relievers

[ksushi]

Trading Lowell would be a huge mistake. Great club house guy, good on field contributor.

[Rdsxmbnt]

How about Adam Dunn, I'd imagine the Reds would at least listen to offers and would provide some much needed HR power and is still young.

[ksushi]

The reason the sox are slumping isn't because Manny and Ortiz are slumping. Ortiz has had a rough week or so and Manny has been cold, but offenses go through dry spells. Our staff needs to be stronger. Without Schilling, we don't fall in line as well. We need another SP and we're over the top and if Schill can come back firing on all cylinders again, we have the best rotation in baseball going away if we go out and get someone.

 

I would deal Lester, Bowden and Ellsbury for Roy Oswalt. I would deal Lester, Hansen and Murphy for Buehrle... One of those deals puts us over the top. Our lineup is fine. Crisp has been our ignitor lately and he is taking it easy on that thumb... I'm not worried about hitting at the moment.

 

Imagine Oswalt in a sox uni?

 

...

 

Sorry, I'm lame.

[CrespoBlows]

How about Adam Dunn' date=' I'd imagine the Reds would at least listen to offers and would provide some much needed HR power and is still young.[/quote']

 

I don't like his Home/Road splits, especially since he's a lefty coming to Fenway.

[Rdsxmbnt]

I don't like his Home/Road splits' date=' especially since he's a lefty coming to Fenway.[/quote']

 

Wow, didn't realize they were that drastic (~700 OPS away, ~1.000 OPS home). The ballpark in CIN is a hitters park also so I suppose I'd probaly stay away from Dunn unless the price was marginal (it wouldnt be).

[riverside sluggers]

The reason the sox are slumping isn't because Manny and Ortiz are slumping. Ortiz has had a rough week or so and Manny has been cold' date=' but offenses go through dry spells. Our staff needs to be stronger. Without Schilling, we don't fall in line as well. We need another SP and we're over the top and if Schill can come back firing on all cylinders again, we have the best rotation in baseball going away if we go out and get someone.[/quote']

 

The pitching staff isnt why the Sox had a losing June. They had one of the best ERA's in baseball last month at 3.83. The Sox were just 2-3 in Dice's starts, even then they just gave him 5 runs of support while he had a dominant showing of a 1.58 ERA those 5 games. Beckett is still the ace, Wake is coming back from his slump and Tavarez has been steady. Offenses go through dry spells yes, but this has been going on for a month now

[scaffolds]

How is Tek part of the problem though? Hes a veteran leader' date=' comes prepared every game and is one of the better hitting catchers in the league (5th in MLB in OPS among C's). Plus he's owed another 10 mil next year and with no viable options, how would we possibly get more out of the C spot in the short term?[/quote']

 

I agree he is a club leader, but besides his catching those might be his only pluses, his throwing and specially his bat has decline considerable.

[schillingouttheks]

With Tek declining and a black hole in our near future at the C position, I think the Sox have to trade Ellsbury for Saltalamacchia and platoon both of them at C next season with Salty taking over in '09.

[SCM33]

With Tek declining and a black hole in our near future at the C position' date=' I think the Sox have to trade Ellsbury for Saltalamacchia and platoon both of them at C next season with Salty taking over in '09.[/quote']

 

Tough to do that with Wakefield a member of the pitching staff. Otherwise Josh Bard would still be here.

 

If we get Salty we have a logjam. They wont carry three catchers, so Doug goes. What if Salty cant catch Wake? Do we just ship Wake out of here regardless of the fact he makes almost nothing and remains a solid pitcher and has been loyal to us since day one? Do we risk bringing Salty here to catch Wake and having it become another disaster and hurt the kids confidence? I think it sounds easier than is done.

[castigs850]

if you have both salty and tek, and they are splitting time....why not let tek catch wake? it's not like one of the (tek or salty) is a huge downgrade in the lineup plus tek is more experienced and would be able to handle it better. plus if you have a chance to get a next great catcher when your last great catcher is declining i think you have to do it no matter who is in your rotation.

[lasordas speed dial]

I doubt the Braves will trade Saltinemariachi for anything less than a top tier pitching prospect. Look for him to get a lot more time at first base in the second half.

[schillingouttheks]

Tough to do that with Wakefield a member of the pitching staff. Otherwise Josh Bard would still be here.

 

If we get Salty we have a logjam. They wont carry three catchers, so Doug goes. What if Salty cant catch Wake? Do we just ship Wake out of here regardless of the fact he makes almost nothing and remains a solid pitcher and has been loyal to us since day one? Do we risk bringing Salty here to catch Wake and having it become another disaster and hurt the kids confidence? I think it sounds easier than is done.

 

Whoops...I forgot to say that we should either let Wake go (not pick up the option) or pick up the option and move him to the bullpen. Tek can handle the knuckler for 2 or 3 innings.

 

I doubt the Braves will trade Saltinemariachi for anything less than a top tier pitching prospect. Look for him to get a lot more time at first base in the second half.

 

He is not nearly as valuable at first base. 25 homers out of C > 25 homers out of 1B.

[lasordas speed dial]

He is not nearly as valuable at first base. 25 homers out of C > 25 homers out of 1B.

 

McCant is capable of hitting 25, he just ain't getting it done this year. They're getting jack s*** outta Thorman. I bet he plays tonight, Wolf is pitching.

[iSeenHippos]

So, here's my plan to patch up the Sox. I think all of these trades are realistic.

 

1. Trade Michael Bowden, Lars Anderson and a low level prospect to Texas for Mark Teixeira (once he gets off the DL).

 

I couldn't get past #1. Bowden got shelled his first start in AA, and Anderson just started to really hit for some power this last month. You think Teixeira is going to be traded for this? He'll net the Rangers more in compensation picks if they simply let him walk.

[CrespoBlows]

I couldn't get past #1. Bowden got shelled his first start in AA' date=' and Anderson just started to really hit for some power this last month. You think Teixeira is going to be traded for this? He'll net the Rangers more in compensation picks if they simply let him walk.[/quote']

 

I'll overlook the fact that you stupidly based Michael Bowden's potential on ONE start in AA, and I'll overlook the fact that you omit that Lars Anderson has a .902 OPS as a 19 year old.

[iSeenHippos]

I'll overlook the fact that you stupidly based Michael Bowden's potential on ONE start in AA' date=' and I'll overlook the fact that you omit that Lars Anderson has a .902 OPS as a 19 year old.[/quote']

 

I'll overlook the fact that you stupidly based your argument on high A stats, and disregard the HUGE jump it takes to make it in AA. Bowden is facing a challenge in AA, which is good. It's going to make him a better pitcher in the future. Anderson needs to prove he can continue to hit for power for more than a month. The Rangers have made horrible trades in their past, but I don't think this is enough to get Teixeira.

 

Please add more to the discussion than this. If I was Texas, I wouldn't deal Teixeira for two prospects who haven't successfully made the jump to AA yet. It's not a knock on them, but somehow that's what you've made it into.

[schillingouttheks]

If there's one team that can screwed over in a trade, it's the Rangers. Keep that in mind.