How will Red Sox finish the offseason?

[a700hitter]

Not only haven't the Red Sox improved this offseason, IMO they have gotten worse. They have no 5th starter, leaving Wakefield as a 4th starter. They lost Crisp for some middle reliever from KC with a high WHIP. The FO has some work to do.

[example1]

I'm curious, what would hold this team back from going out and purchasing Ben Sheets or John Smoltz, or both, for next year in incentive laden deals?

 

Beckett

Dice-K

Lester

Sheets

Smoltz

 

Wake- long relief? short retirement?

 

Don't we think those two guys could be had for the combined total of one year of Teixeira? Use Wakefield or Buchholz for long relief?

 

I haven't heard much talk about Sheets, so either he is too injured to be interesting, or he is being ignored. When healthy he's pretty damn good, no? He pitched 198 IP last year, and (for SOME REASON) pitched 5 complete games. Couldn't he be attracted with a 10m deal and some incentives, or a team option, or something like that? He's been an all-star the past two years...

 

Smoltz had 36k's in 28 IP last year. He's 41, going on 42, but his numbers have been impressive, even in the NL East:

 

2005: 35 GS, 14-7, 229.7 IP, 169 K, 53 BB, 3.06 ERA, 138 ERA+, 1.145 WHIP

2006: 35 GS, 16-9, 232.0 IP, 211 K, 55 BB, 3.49 ERA, 127 ERA+, 1.190 WHIP

2007: 32 GS, 14-8, 205.7 IP, 197 K, 47 BB, 3.11 ERA, 137 ERA+, 1.182 WHIP

 

He says he's healthy, he says he's open to pitching in Boston, he could be had on a short contract. I see no reason why the Sox can't land some of these veterans for not much and have a pretty damn good pitching staff. John Smoltz as any team's #4 or #5, if healthy, would be effective. Ben Sheets could fit the same category and also seems to be available.

 

If the FO is worried about long term commitments I think these are the guys to look at, if they're not looking at guys like Lowe and Peavy.

[Dipre]

I'm curious, what would hold this team back from going out and purchasing Ben Sheets or John Smoltz, or both, for next year in incentive laden deals?

 

Beckett

Dice-K

Lester

Sheets

Smoltz

 

Wake- long relief? short retirement?

 

Don't we think those two guys could be had for the combined total of one year of Teixeira? Use Wakefield or Buchholz for long relief?

 

I haven't heard much talk about Sheets, so either he is too injured to be interesting, or he is being ignored. When healthy he's pretty damn good, no? He pitched 198 IP last year, and (for SOME REASON) pitched 5 complete games. Couldn't he be attracted with a 10m deal and some incentives, or a team option, or something like that? He's been an all-star the past two years...

 

Smoltz had 36k's in 28 IP last year. He's 41, going on 42, but his numbers have been impressive, even in the NL East:

 

2005: 35 GS, 14-7, 229.7 IP, 169 K, 53 BB, 3.06 ERA, 138 ERA+, 1.145 WHIP

2006: 35 GS, 16-9, 232.0 IP, 211 K, 55 BB, 3.49 ERA, 127 ERA+, 1.190 WHIP

2007: 32 GS, 14-8, 205.7 IP, 197 K, 47 BB, 3.11 ERA, 137 ERA+, 1.182 WHIP

 

He says he's healthy, he says he's open to pitching in Boston, he could be had on a short contract. I see no reason why the Sox can't land some of these veterans for not much and have a pretty damn good pitching staff. John Smoltz as any team's #4 or #5, if healthy, would be effective. Ben Sheets could fit the same category and also seems to be available.

 

If the FO is worried about long term commitments I think these are the guys to look at, if they're not looking at guys like Lowe and Peavy.

 

Smoltz would be a project, since he will not be ready until at least May, this being said, however, i am an advocate of signing him because of the possibility of him being either a SP or RP depending on what the team needs by the time he comes back.

[Dojji]

Not only haven't the Red Sox improved this offseason' date=' IMO they have gotten worse. They have no 5th starter, leaving Wakefield as a 4th starter. They lost Crisp for some middle reliever from KC with a high WHIP. The FO has some work to do.[/quote']

 

1.23 is a high WHIP? I mean admittedly it's not particularly low, but it is a fact that Jon Lester's was 1.27 and Josh Beckett's in his year of awesome in 2008 was only a bit lower at 1.14

[redsoxrules]

Crisp/Ellsbury was the best 4OF we could of had and he f***ing traded crisp

we down graded there

[a700hitter]

1.23 is a high WHIP? I mean admittedly it's not particularly low' date=' but it is a fact that Jon Lester's was 1.27 and Josh Beckett's in his year of awesome in 2008 was only a bit lower at 1.14[/quote']WHIP is more critical for late inning relievers who are often holding on to small leads.

[TheKilo]

1.23 is a high WHIP? I mean admittedly it's not particularly low' date=' but it is a fact that Jon Lester's was 1.27 and Josh Beckett's in his year of awesome in 2008 was only a bit lower at 1.14[/quote']

 

You do know you're comparing starters and relievers?

[BoSox21]

I'm curious' date=' what would hold this team back from going out and purchasing Ben Sheets or John Smoltz, or both, for next year in incentive laden deals? [/quote']

 

Cause knowing this FO, there will be several other teams willing to give more years and guaranteed money to either guy

[TheKilo]

Yeah, they'll have a line in the sand and won't cross it...SMRT NEGOSHEATIN

[jacksonianmarch]

I honestly think that the sox are operating like a low budget team this offseason. It is as if their profits just got slashed by 60% when they are selling the highest priced tickets in the game. They went into the Burnett and Tex sweeps concerned about overpaying more than they were concerned about getting the player. Now if you dont truly need the guy, then you can do that. Check the water, kick the tires, make a low ball offer and see what happens. But when you make the assessment that your team needs another solid SP and a big time bat, then you gotta be willing to fork over some money and maybe overpay. It isnt like the sox are the marlins here and one bad, big contract will hamstring them forever. This is the second most profitable organization in the majors and one of the most profitable sports teams in the world. 20 vs 23 mil a season is like taking a couple extra gallons of water out of the ocean. Regardless, I think Theo and Co. will take this as a learning lesson. While he is VERY good at finding low budget talent before it gets pricey (Mueller, Millar, Ortiz, Arroyo), he needs to learn that sometimes you just gotta pay top dollar for a need. We went the extra mile. The Sox did not. And this time, it isnt for a 36 yr old veteran on a 5 yr stupid ass deal. We got 2 28 yr old players at the top of their game and a 32 yr old fireballer at the peak of his game. And the likelihood is, he'll be cursing their name soon enough.

 

I expect the Tex proceedings to change his way of making FA offers. I think Theo might either come right out and blow a team out of the water or make the final offer with an ultimatum to take it or leave it. Cause if Theo came right out and said, Tex, here's 8 yrs 180 mil and you need to sign on the dotted line right now or the deal is gone, then it gets done.

[TheKilo]

I don't expect them to change a damn thing, why spend money when you have LARS ANDERSON

[diony]

1.23 is a high WHIP? I mean admittedly it's not particularly low' date=' but it is a fact that Jon Lester's was 1.27 and Josh Beckett's in his year of awesome in 2008 was only a bit lower at 1.14[/quote']

 

The guy putted a 3.89 BB/9. He's a 7th inning guy at best.

[BoSox21]

I honestly think that the sox are operating like a low budget team this offseason.

 

Excellent diagnosis, doc

[BSN07]

Ya well unless the Sox build a new Fenway, they will never be able to spend like the Yankees.

 

I can't say I blame them for being cautious in the economic time we are in.

 

This ownership group is not going to go bankrupt just to win a WS. Hal and Hank might spend the Yanks right into the ground.

 

Time will show how this plays out.

[a700hitter]

Ya well unless the Sox build a new Fenway' date=' they will never be able to spend like the Yankees.[/quote']I sense a poverty cry coming. Not listening. Fenway Park has been filled to capacity for the last 3 + years and they have the highest ticket prices, not to mention the many other creative means of raising revenue. I'm not interested in the FO story of woe. They failed. Man up and be accountable.

[BSN07]

The reason it's the highest ticket prices, is because it's the smallest park with one of the higher priced payroll clubs.

 

 

I'm not crying poverty at all. But I have an understanding there is a limit to what the team can do. And with the economy the way it is, that limit is stressed more then usual.

[BSN07]

I sense a poverty cry coming. Not listening. Fenway Park has been filled to capacity for the last 3 + years and they have the highest ticket prices' date=' not to mention the many other creative means of raising revenue. I'm not interested in the FO story of woe. They failed. Man up and be accountable.[/quote']

 

Ya they failed but it wasn't from a lack of effort. they made there best offer and it wasn't good enough. The Yankees gave him exactly what he wanted, plus he wanted to be there more then Boston.

[a700hitter]

The reason it's the highest ticket prices, is because it's the smallest park with one of the higher priced payroll clubs.

 

 

I'm not crying poverty at all. But I have an understanding there is a limit to what the team can do. And with the economy the way it is, that limit is stressed more then usual.

Sorry, but you are whining and making excuses. The Yankee FO gotr it done this off season while our guys ended up with nothing. If anything the Sox got weaker. I'm not interested in their excuses and the obstacles that they have to overcome. They have plenty of resources and they love to project this image that they are such smart businessmen, so I don't care about their reasons for failure.

[BSN07]

I sense a poverty cry coming. Not listening. Fenway Park has been filled to capacity for the last 3 + years and they have the highest ticket prices' date=' not to mention the many other creative means of raising revenue. I'm not interested in the FO story of woe. They failed. Man up and be accountable.[/quote']

 

If anyone should be ignored it's you. You are famous for being for knee jerk and over the top reactions. Your "sky is falling" reputation preceeds anything you say.

 

Move beyond your Yankee complex. The team isn't trapped in 86 year futility. I understand there must be some sort of comfot level for you there, but this is the now not the then. The Yanks always outspend the Sox, and it hasn't gotten them anywhere since they have started soing it. I know the brought in some marquee players, but given the track record that has been layed down by the Yanks, theres reason for hope.

 

Yes the sox havent made a big splash. but considering who is available at what positions the Sox need, there isn't anyone worth a big spalsh besides Tex. And knowing what we do now, it looks as though he was going to the Yanks reguardless, the Sox/LAA/DC where used to set his market.

[a700hitter]

Ya they failed but it wasn't from a lack of effort. they made there best offer and it wasn't good enough. The Yankees gave him exactly what he wanted' date=' plus he wanted to be there more then Boston.[/quote']If the Sox Fo ha done its job and closed the deal, Tex would be saying that he always wanted to be part of the Fenway experience yada yada yada. You continue to make excuses. Manny never wanted to play in Boston, but they got him and 2 World Series were won. Tex was going for the best financial package. That's business. The Sox FO fell short. THis "he wanted to play for the Yankees" stuff is pure rationalization.

[BSN07]

If the Sox Fo ha done its job and closed the deal' date=' Tex would be saying that he always wanted to be part of the Fenway experience yada yada yada. [b']You continue to make excuses[/b]. Manny never wanted to play in Boston, but they got him and 2 World Series were won. Tex was going for the best financial package. That's business. The Sox FO fell short. THis "he wanted to play for the Yankees" stuff is pure rationalization.

 

And you continue to cry and show you Yankees inferiority complex.

[a700hitter]

If anyone should be ignored it's you. You are famous for being for knee jerk and over the top reactions. Your "sky is falling" reputation preceeds anything you do.

My sky is falling reputation? I don't know what you are talking about but you can't change the facts. Boiled to the essence they are as follows: The Sox #1 priority this off season was to get Tex. They didn't but the Yankees did. The Sox FO didn't get it done.

 

As for the sky falling, I have felt from the very beginning that the FO should have used their resources to strengthen the pitching staff. The FO went in another direction, and they didn't execute. Also, I think none of the Yankee moves have addressed a weak up-the-middle defense and poor outfield defense is a problem as well. The sky is n't falling for me. What's falling is your lame defense of the FO.

[a700hitter]

And you continue to cry and show you Yankees inferiority complex.

No, you and others are whining that we can't compete with the Yankees financially. You are whining about inferiority. I have always believed that the Sox have the resources to compete with the Yankees for talent.

[BSN07]

Why do I need to defend the FO? They made an offer, the Yanks topped it.

 

The Sox have a spending plane, the Yankees walk into negotiations with blank checks.

 

The Sox FO has brought 2 WS titles, and been in the PO every season but 1.

 

The Yankees FO has spent roughly 2 Billion in payroll since 2001, and have nothing to show for it.

 

I'm sure you where bummed when Damon signed with the Yanks. But the FO was correct about what Damon would be in the later stages of the deal.

 

I'm sure you where mad when the Yanks outbid the Sox for Pavano and Contreras. But again is worked out for the best.

 

I would have loved to have Tex on the team A700, but the sun came up this morning, and the Yankees are still 0-0.

 

Will it be a cake walk next season? No, but where is the entertainment in that.

[BSN07]

No' date=' you and others are whining that we can't compete with the Yankees financially. You are whining about inferiority. [b']I have always believed that the Sox have the resources to compete with the Yankees for talent[/b].

 

And this is your biggest problem. The Yankees are in another stratosphere when it comes to spending capability.

 

And until you realize this, well you know what they say about that river in Egypt.

[redsoxrules]

And this is your biggest problem. The Yankees are in another stratosphere when it comes to spending capability. The sooner you realize this, the better. To fight it is futile and will just cause your more stress.

 

 

And until you realize this, there is nothing I can say or do that will get through to you.

 

f***...the red sox have 50 f***ing million dollar that came off the payroll from last year

we had the money , JH choose not to spend it and keep it for himself

 

enough of this yankee's have more resources crap.. boston can spend as much as the yanks if they wanted to

[BSN07]

f***...the red sox have 50 f***ing million dollar that came off the payroll from last year

we had the money , JH choose not to spend it and keep it for himself

 

enough of this yankee's have more resources crap.. boston can spend as much as the yanks if they wanted to

 

They shaved 50M in a year where the economy is in the crapper.

 

If anything the FO ownership group have shown to be saavy buisness men.

 

There not going to Bankrupt the team just to spite the Yanks.

 

Everyone is looking at this from just a baseball point of view. Other things need to be taken into consideration besides just the baseball aspect of it.

[BSN07]

Red Sox Scout Saltalamacchia

By Ben Jones [December 24 at 11:48am CST]

Texas Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia is playing winter ball, and the Boston Red Sox have apparently kept tabs.

 

According to Boston Globe reporter Nick Cafardo, Red Sox special assistant Allard Baird recently scouted Salty. Cafardo added that Saltalamacchia's defense didn't look solid on that particular night, though. Cafardo also notes that other scouts who have seen the catcher in winter ball thought his defensive skills were up to par.

[TheKilo]

If the Sox Fo ha done its job and closed the deal' date=' Tex would be saying that he always wanted to be part of the Fenway experience yada yada yada. You continue to make excuses. Manny never wanted to play in Boston, but they got him and 2 World Series were won. Tex was going for the best financial package. That's business. The Sox FO fell short. THis "he wanted to play for the Yankees" stuff is pure rationalization.[/quote']

 

Exactly. I don't buy into the "Tex wanted to be a Yankee all along" rhetoric. Money talks. The Sox offer was $12 million less than the Yankees offer. That's the bottom line.

 

Yanks FO stepped up, Sox didn't. I love the quote from Maddon, too - no crying like we heard from the JWH.

 

I'm looking forward to the cushy Varitek and Cora deals. Can't wait to see this."

 

"Well, Jason and AC are such a big part of what we do you know, they know how to win."

[TheKilo]

My sky is falling reputation? I don't know what you are talking about but you can't change the facts. Boiled to the essence they are as follows: The Sox #1 priority this off season was to get Tex. They didn't but the Yankees did. The Sox FO didn't get it done.

 

As for the sky falling, I have felt from the very beginning that the FO should have used their resources to strengthen the pitching staff. The FO went in another direction, and they didn't execute. Also, I think none of the Yankee moves have addressed a weak up-the-middle defense and poor outfield defense is a problem as well. The sky is n't falling for me. What's falling is your lame defense of the FO.

 

THIS

 

Great post a700.