Who do you want at 3rd base?

[TheKilo]

Honestly. Weighing performance, cost, etc., who do you want at third for the Sox next season?

[Cocos Disciples]

Alex Rodriguez. He is the best player in baseball, period. The Red Sox are one of the few teams that can afford him.

 

I'm sure most here would agree that Mike Lowell is not going to repeat his 2007 performance, and he probably won't come close. I would expect a season more like 2006 than 2007.

 

Miguel Cabrera is very attractive, but has his cons. We would have to trade some key chips, including Ellsbury, and maybe even Buchholz. I love the two guys, and I would hate to see them go, especially after what they did this year. I think they can be huge contributors for years to come. Alex Rodriguez would not cost any players, just money, and there is no shortage of that.

 

Also, all of this talk about the clubhouse stuff, I don't buy it. The Yankees brought in Johnny Damon, who was basically the anti-stereotypical Yankee. He had the hair, he was the proclaimed "idiot" who goofed off. Now, he wasn't as good in NY as he was in Boston, but there didn't seem to be much conflict in the clubhouse, or at least that the media reported.

 

I would love to see the Red Sox sign Rodriguez. It would make this team an absolute powerhouse, if we aren't already. Seriously, imagine this lineup:

 

Ellsbury

Pedroia

Ortiz

Rodriguez

Ramirez

Drew

Youkilis

Varitek

Lugo

 

Not bad.

[Thumper]

I'm sure most here would agree that Mike Lowell is not going to repeat his 2007 performance' date=' and he probably won't come close. I would expect a season more like 2006 than 2007.[/quote']

 

Much like most agreed Josh Beckett wouldn't be great this season?

 

Re-sign Lowell. If not, enter Rodriguez.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

Kevin Youkilis. Trade for an outside 1B.

 

Paul Konerko. He'll rake in Fenway and cost about 1/4 of what Cabrera would prospect wise, without the financial limitations and baggage A-Rod brings.

[example1]

I like Lowell, but a 2 year deal, 3 MAX would be appropriate. He may be a great clubhouse guy, and I really believe he is. In fact, in terms of still being 'playable' I would rate Lowell above Damon (doesn't need the speed at 3B ) and Pedro (who we all know was about to fall apart). I really feel like Lowell either owes it to the Sox to take the deal (without the 4th year) or to say "ya know, I felt the Sox made a nice offer but I wanted that extra year" to keep the homers and reactionaries from getting too upset with the Sox FO for having their limit and sticking to it.

 

Now A-Rod. The guy is a monster. I think he'll be willing to take less money than he would otherwise have received (30m seems likely and reasonable). I don't think that the Sox will ever be able to completely rely on A-Rod to carry the team. he will need other players around him to reduce the pressure, but that is a given anyway for a team like the Sox.

 

I'm pretty sure the FO is aware of that need. Remember, when they were ready to trade for him a few years ago, they were going to put Ordonez and Ortiz around him. That would have been sufficient. So I don't get the impression that this FO would just hang him out to dry.

 

Caveat: If there is ANY way to get Miguel Cabrera for a combination of players NOT including Buchholz and Ellsbury, I would do that in a second. Not likely, but I would offer quickly-rising players like Kalish and Masterson, perhaps even some money or a player like Crisp. That's a big IF, but its a big question so it deserves one.

[example1]

Kevin Youkilis. Trade for an outside 1B.

 

Paul Konerko. He'll rake in Fenway and cost about 1/4 of what Cabrera would prospect wise, without the financial limitations and baggage A-Rod brings.

 

I don't trust Konerko and I don't think he'll be anywhere near Cabrera or A-Rod. I guess it depends on what the rest of the FOs plans are, but I think they're shooting to solidify the future here.

[TheKilo]

Much like most agreed Josh Beckett wouldn't be great this season?

 

Re-sign Lowell. If not, enter Rodriguez.

 

Mike Lowell's second half BABIP was over .380. That is not sustainable going forward and I wouldn't offer him any more than three years.

 

IMO...the choice has to be ARod.

[Thumper]

Mike Lowell's second half BABIP was over .380. That is not sustainable going forward and I wouldn't offer him any more than three years.

 

IMO...the choice has to be ARod.

 

I can understand three years. Maybe a 1 year extension option. But I forgot about Konerko being a possiblity. I'd take him or Cabrera instead of A-Rod. They'd cost less and can still perform. Especially Cabrera who's has more years to go, we can look at him for a long term stay.

[Jayhawk Bill]

Caveat: If there is ANY way to get Miguel Cabrera for a combination of players NOT including Buchholz and Ellsbury, I would do that in a second. Not likely, but I would offer quickly-rising players like Kalish and Masterson, perhaps even some money or a player like Crisp. That's a big IF, but its a big question so it deserves one.

 

OK...Florida offers Miggy Cabrera for Coco, Masterson, Bowden, Anderson and Tejada. Do you pull the trigger? :dunno:

 

Now A-Rod. The guy is a monster. I think he'll be willing to take less money than he would otherwise have received (30m seems likely and reasonable). I don't think that the Sox will ever be able to completely rely on A-Rod to carry the team. he will need other players around him to reduce the pressure, but that is a given anyway for a team like the Sox.

 

A-Rod is the best option, given that Lowell has chosen to test the market and is unlikely to return at a reasonable price. All Boston loses is a draft pick; while further MVP years are unlikely, perennial All Star play at third base is probable, and the salary isn't entirely out of reach.

 

IMO...YMMV.

[TheKilo]

I can understand three years. Maybe a 1 year extension option. But I forgot about Konerko being a possiblity. I'd take him or Cabrera instead of A-Rod. They'd cost less and can still perform. Especially Cabrera who's has more years to go' date=' we can look at him for a long term stay.[/quote']

 

Cabrera will be as expensive as ARod in two years anyway, and will cost Buchholz and/or Ellsbury.

 

ARod only costs money. It makes a lot of sense.

[a700hitter]

Have there been any news stories that the White Sox are looking to move Konerko?

[Thumper]

Cabrera will be as expensive as ARod in two years anyway, and will cost Buchholz and/or Ellsbury.

 

ARod only costs money. It makes a lot of sense.

 

Good points on Buch & Jacoby, but what about Konerko?

[TheKilo]

Good points on Buch & Jacoby' date=' but what about Konerko?[/quote']

 

The White Sox just threw a lot of money at Juan Uribe, Mark Buehrle, and Jermaine Dye.

 

Why do people think they'll move Konerko for anything less than top tier prospects?

[Cocos Disciples]

Much like most agreed Josh Beckett wouldn't be great this season?

 

Re-sign Lowell. If not, enter Rodriguez.

 

Completely different situations they're in--basically opposites.

[schillingouttheks]

Much like most agreed Josh Beckett wouldn't be great this season?

 

Re-sign Lowell. If not, enter Rodriguez.

 

IIRC, the only people that thought Beckett wouldn't have a turnaround year were Yanks fans.

 

Get A-Rod. He's the best player in baseball, period.

[VA Sox Fan]

I'll be glad when the Sox re-sign Lowell so we can end this discussion. Yeah Mikey!

[VA Sox Fan]

Oh, and hey A-Rod.....GFY!

[TheKilo]

I'll be glad when the Sox re-sign Lowell so we can end this discussion. Yeah Mikey!

 

Let me ask you an honest question. What contract would you sign Mike Lowell for?

[VA Sox Fan]

Let me ask you an honest question. What contract would you sign Mike Lowell for?

 

No more than 3 years. $36-$39 million. I'm sure he wants a 4th year and can get it elsewhere so we'll see how much he really wants to stay in Boston. I'll be happy for him, unless he ends up wearing a NYY uni.

 

I'm sorry, I know we've all discussed it ad nauseum, just don't want A-Rod, no matter what.

[TheKilo]

No more than 3 years. $36-$39 million. I'm sure he wants a 4th year and can get it elsewhere so we'll see how much he really wants to stay in Boston. I'll be happy for him, unless he ends up wearing a NYY uni.

 

I'm sorry, I know we've all discussed it ad nauseum, just don't want A-Rod, no matter what.

 

Understandable. He's going to want that 4th year. I really don't see, or want, the Sox to give it to him.

[See Red]

I want A-Rod.

[example1]

OK...Florida offers Miggy Cabrera for Coco' date=' Masterson, Bowden, Anderson and Tejada. Do you pull the trigger? :dunno: [/quote']

 

MAN, that's really a nice package. A ridiculously nice package. I think that is clearly too many players to throw at one player, a one-for-five deal. A really nice offer could be made from that combination and I don't think it would realistically be offered without some other minor leaguers or major league players as part of the mix.

 

So, in short, I wouldn't pull the trigger right away. Given the amount of players that offer includes I would ask for a night or two to think about it. The prospect of Cabrera in this lineup and ballpark for, say, the next 8 years is pretty exciting.

 

 

A-Rod is the best option, given that Lowell has chosen to test the market and is unlikely to return at a reasonable price. All Boston loses is a draft pick; while further MVP years are unlikely, perennial All Star play at third base is probable, and the salary isn't entirely out of reach.

 

IMO...YMMV.

 

You think further MVP type seasons for A-Rod are unlikely? Or Lowell?

[example1]

I'm pretty sure this poll won't be indicative of the majority of Red Sox nation, due to the analytical way that many here look at player values. Most will miss Lowell greatly and are in no way prepared to accept A-Rod as a Sox.

 

Tough s***, in my opinion.

[yankeessuck013]

A-Rod.

[riverside sluggers]

Unless Lowell takes the "hometown discount" and agrees to a 3 year deal... A-Rod is really the best option. I take the Sox signing him to a $30 million per year deal any day over giving up Buchholz, Ellsbury, and anyone else for Cabrera. Sports Illustrated has reported that the Marlins are asking for 4 top players, no thank you

 

This team has a bright future, force to reckon with in the next 5 to 10 years. Papelbon, Pedroia, Ellsbury, Buchholz, Lester, Jed Lowrie (if he gets hot like Ellsbury, perhaps a Lugo trade within the next year), Bowden, Masterson. Also included is the acquired Chris Carter for WMP. His best position is 1st base, but even then he needs to work on his defense. I heard he even has problems with handling pop ups. Still a nice project to have

[Cityofchampions33]

Rodriguez, Alex. Perhaps the best player of our lifetime, which may be an understatement when it's all said and done. I want him at 3B.

[BSN07]

You can tell the 2 types of fans on this site...

 

The hardcore fanatic and the fans with reason.( Not trying to pick a fight, so I hope no one gets upset).

 

The Hardcore Sox 1st for anything wants nothing to d with AROD cause he was a Yankee and has a different personality...

 

The reasonable fan, wants the best player in the Game. Guys his stats don't lie, hes the type of bat we can rely on for the next 5 yrs+.

 

Manny is going to leave at some point and if we don't have someone to protect ortiz he will walk 200 times a yr and be pretty much useless, which in turn makes our offense pretty thin.

 

If Lowell gets a 4-5 yr offer elsewhere, see ya, I want no part of that deal, just like with Damon and Pedro, sad to see them leave but they weren't worth it, and the FO was right so lets trust them about these kind of things, there pretty good at this part.

 

So all you out there who are screaming " Don't sign AROD", lets breathe threw the nose for a second and pick your knuckles up off the ground. If we told you we had a player that could hit .300+ 45+ HR and knock in 140 RBI's+ you would want him in an instant, this is all that should matter, what he can produce for the team, not his name.

 

 

And when we get to the PO( more then likely at some point I would have to assume:D) The Sox seem to keep it lose in the PO and maybe it would help AROD.

 

 

MC costs too much in prospects and will cost AROD type money if he continues to hit. AROD just cost money and his quarky personality which for me is no problemsun yourself in downtown Boston with no shirt in cooking oil for all I care.

 

Produce for the name on the Fron of the jersey, and theres no need to worry about the name on the back of it.

[das11209]

No more than 3 years. $36-$39 million. I'm sure he wants a 4th year and can get it elsewhere so we'll see how much he really wants to stay in Boston. I'll be happy for him, unless he ends up wearing a NYY uni.

 

I'm sorry, I know we've all discussed it ad nauseum, just don't want A-Rod, no matter what.

 

So - looks like Mikey will not be back because he is not ready to give us the hometown discount like Curt. We do need a third baseman - who do you think should play third base?

 

And the chances are Lowell will be in NYY uni next year.

[das11209]

My vote - Lowell if he is signed for 2 years - even 3 years is a bit too much. I don't think that will happen - so I am OK with 8 years of A-Rod. I do not care if they give him 30 million + as long as he is not signed for eternity.

 

If A-Rod does not work out - I do not want to trade for Miggy as the Marlins might ask for a new stadium in return. I don't think Paul Konerko is available - so it is a mute point. Crede/ Beltre/Tajada et all does not interest me. If we can somehow package Coco and a prospect for Salty - then he can play first base. Best option might be home grown - start with Carter at 1st and may be Anderson and Lowrie might progress faster like Jacoby did this year. If we are in contention - try to package a trade by the deadline if things don't work out by then.

 

If Lowell or A-Rod is not playing for us next season - Theo will have to do a lot of innovation that's for sure.

[Mr Crunchy]

mike lowell will have jd drew like #s in ny.

no wall,no manny,no papi

just him and death valley

 

they will s*** themselves when they see he has warning track power after he signs the 60M/4yr deal there....f*** him,see ya later mike,thanks for the memories