Redsox to make big push for Texiera

[Dojji]

IT BLOCKS LARS!!111

 

The fact that this can't be the primary concern does not stop it from being a concern. If only from the opportunity cost of signing Teixeira vs. being able to blow the bank on Sabathia.

 

You can't have too much pitching. You can have too many corner infielders.

 

If you had the choice between Youk at 3B, Teixeira at 1B and Wakefield in the rotation, or Lowell at 3B, Youk at 1B, and Sabathia in the rotation, which do you think you'd go for?

 

I'd say it's obvious that you should go for Sabathia, not because either option is bad, but because Youk, Lowell and Sabathia is more likely to be a truly great combination than Youk, Teixeira, and Wakefield. And then if you're worried about 3B at the start of the year, you have Lowrie, Lugo, Youk, Bailey, and Carter on hand to mix and match until Mikey's ready, or you can sign Casey Blake to fill the role you were looking to crowd Mikey into.

[TheKilo]

What if you could have both?

[Dipre]

Depends on how much I have to pay him.

 

A team like the White Sox could be a fit...Lowell would produce in that small ballpark.

 

Point well taken.

[rician blast]

Youk lead this team with 29 HRs in 2008. While the Sox still scored plenty of runs, I'm wondering in their Tex interest is in part due to fears of diminishing returns from Ortiz, and the desire to have a true basher in the line-up.

 

I've not discounted the idea that they may not be all that interested in Texeiera and are intent on driving up his price.

[Cocos Disciples]

I don't think the Sox NEEDTeixeira' date=' besides , [b']Lowell is also clutch[/b],if that's what you're referring to, however, Teixeira + Youk is an obvious upgrade over Lowell + Youk, but is it really worth the money to sign Tex plus the hassle of trading Lowell plus eating a huge chunk of his salary.

 

I honestly believe that the budget constraints the moves mentioned before would cause do not justify acquiring Mark Teixeira unless trading Lowell would help the team acquire at least a B+ catcher.

 

*Head explodes*

[Dipre]

*Head explodes*

 

Julian Tavarez is even uglier in person

[Believe in Boston 7]

Texiera is the best player in baseball. Have to bring him to the worlds best city easy call.

[Cocos Disciples]

Texiera is the best player in baseball.

 

:blink:

 

 

 

 

 

[BoSox21]

Texiera is the best player in baseball.

 

easy there, tiger

[Dojji]

What if you could have both?

 

I really doubt we can.

[Dipre]

Texiera is the best player in baseball. Have to bring him to the worlds best city easy call.

 

Pujols?

[TheKilo]

I really doubt we can.

 

Because....

[Dojji]

Oh, the usual things -- money, picks, salary ceiling, bad economy, etc.

[Thumper]

:blink:

 

 

 

 

 

 

You're surprised BOY would say that?

[Cocos Disciples]

You're surprised BOY would say that?

 

No, its just...its just so wrong.

[TheKilo]

Oh' date=' the usual things -- money, picks, salary ceiling, bad economy, etc.[/quote']

 

They're freeing $50 million off their payroll this season (see ORS's post)

 

Bad economy? Fenway has sold out 460+ times

 

Draft picks? They'll get picks for Tek

[Cocos Disciples]

The Sox can sign Tex if they want to, they're one of the richest teams in baseball.

[redsoxrules]

It would be awsome to have Tex here . make it happen Theo!

[jacksonianmarch]

The nebulous idea of dealing Lowell. I see.

[Cocos Disciples]

It could happen.

[Dipre]

The nebulous idea of dealing Lowell. I see.

 

I stand by the fact that if dealing Lowell is not gonna help us upgrade the number 2 position, then the idea of trading Mikey (and eating part of his salary) to sign Tex is not very smart or realistic financially.

 

I'd rather just sign a top-tier free agent.

[TheKilo]

It could happen.

 

http://images.hollywood.com/cms/300x375/5211339.jpg

[Cocos Disciples]

http://images.hollywood.com/cms/300x375/5211339.jpg

 

You just gotta believe, man.

[Paradisecity]

Angel in the Infield???....

[Dojji]

The other reason not to chase Teixeira is the worst case scenario.

 

Usually with a free agent the WCS is pretty much wherever you started before you pursue the free agent but in this case, Mark Teixeira is not going to come to the team if it already has 2 competent and relatively popular corner infielders. You would almost have to trade Lowell before signing Teixeira is a realistic possibility. After all, I doubt he'll take "oh we're going to trade him before Spring" seriously and no one of Teixeira's caliber wants to volunteer to find themselves in a roster scrum. Not when 4-5 other teams can guarantee him a full-time starting 1Bman gig for the next 6-7 years!.

 

So here, the worst case is that Boras leads you on, you deal Lowell, and Teixeira signs somewhere else. Then what? You're actually weaker for chasing the big name at the expense of sense, that's what.

[example1]

Yea' date=' but "seriously persuing him" means being ready to make a commitment in the range of 10 years and $200 million. Do you really see the Sox throwing that kind of money at a free agent?[/quote']

 

This FO hasn't broken the bank on a hitter since they've been in charge. Is that because they don't believe in it, or because they haven't had to?

 

Picking up David Ortiz for nothing, already having Manny Ramirez, getting Mike Lowell as a throw-in, bringing up Youkilis and Pedroia... the list goes on.

 

They haven't really had to stock the center of their lineup since we've known them. Yes, picking up Drew and Lugo and Renteria were all fairly spending pickups, but they weren't top-tier talent.

 

Teixeira is an interesting counter case in my opinion. He's got a great eye, he's a switch hitter with power from both sides. He's a top notch defender. He's not a prick. Seems to show up most games and can drive in runs with the best of them.

 

His age and availability make me think they are willing to break the bank on him. If the Sox were going to spend 20m on a guy, I think a guy like Teixeira would be on the short list, probably with Holliday, A-Rod, Pujols... anyone else? Maybe Miguel Cabrera--his talent is immense but his commitment is questionable.

 

To me, the guys who may be worth a smart 20m are guys who are not only the very best hitters, but who are also solid character guys, rocks that you can build your team around and define your franchise for the next 5-10 years. Teixeira may be that kind of guy.

 

Does anyone anticipate that he couldn't be a great AL hitter for the rest of his career?

 

I would think that maybe Lars and Teixeira could split time between DH and 1B as Teixeira gets older and depending on how well (or poorly) Lars defends.

 

It's all hot stove talk for now, but in terms of whether the Sox would spend on a guy like Teix, I say that they would and probably should get involved in the discussions.

[jacksonianmarch]

If they pursued Tex, I dont think there would be much question who would take the 1b slot, so there wont be a roster scrum per se. I just find it hard to believe that a FO like the sox who preach flexibility, would lock themselves up with a player like Tex for 8 yrs (which is how long its gonna take) when...

 

A. They have the DH slot, 1b slot, and 3b slot filled with all star caliber players locked up for at least the next 2 yrs.

 

and

 

B. they have a top 20 prospect in all of baseball at that position who looks like he can become a Tex in the future.

 

I dont see the reason to pursue him when they could fill the position internally with AS caliber talent in the short term and top notch prospect talent in the long term.

[a700hitter]

If they pursued Tex, I dont think there would be much question who would take the 1b slot, so there wont be a roster scrum per se. I just find it hard to believe that a FO like the sox who preach flexibility, would lock themselves up with a player like Tex for 8 yrs (which is how long its gonna take) when...

 

A. They have the DH slot, 1b slot, and 3b slot filled with all star caliber players locked up for at least the next 2 yrs.

 

and

 

B. they have a top 20 prospect in all of baseball at that position who looks like he can become a Tex in the future.

 

I dont see the reason to pursue him when they could fill the position internally with AS caliber talent in the short term and top notch prospect talent in the long term.

They wouldn't necessarily have to trade Lowell. Youk would play some 3B when Lowell needs a rest. Lowell may not be ready in April. Lowell and Rex could take some DH time when Papi's wrist is acting up. Youk could play some LF.

[Dipre]

They wouldn't necessarily have to trade Lowell. Youk would play some 3B when Lowell needs a rest. Lowell may not be ready in April. Lowell and Rex could take some DH time when Papi's wrist is acting up. Youk could play some LF.

 

 

It sounds interesting, but if it happened, i tell you it'd be less than a couple weeks before one of the three cried "foul" over reduced playing time, and Youk is horrible in left.....

 

Besides, i don't see Tex signing in a place that would, in theory, have a position logjam when he could sign elsewhere, same years, same or maybe more $$$, and guaranteed playing time.

[Believe in Boston 7]

:blink:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had the same expression when you said Sox lineup is very capible. Texiera is a switch hitter who hits for power and average. Great D too. Put him behind Ortiz theres your protection.

 

Besides your man crush Gagfield loves giving up 4-7 runs a start right now he's our 4th starter... We can't match that without a legit cleanup hitters bat. The Rays have passed us as the team to beat and if the Yankees do what I think they will we can easily find ourselves not in the playoffs next year. It be a shame wasting a year with a team who's core is as solid as ours.