How will Red Sox finish the offseason?

[BSN07]

I would not mind giving D lowe 3-45. Honestly' date=' we can really afford it right now, and that would make our rotation damn good. I also think that would get it done, because Lowe has stated several times that he would prefer to come back to the Red Sox.[/quote']

 

Pass. LOL@Lowe being highest paid Red Sox:D

 

Lowe has been pitching in the hitter friendly NL West. The same division that lot's of people here have been using against the Penny signing. Yes he is durable, but 15M a season? No thanks. He wasn't worth it after 04, he is not worth it now.

 

 

I'd rather see another Penny type signing. Something on the short term.

[a700hitter]

Pass. LOL@Lowe being highest paid Red Sox:D

 

Lowe has been pitching in the hitter friendly NL West. The same division that lot's of people here have been using against the Penny signing. Yes he is durable, but 15M a season? No thanks. He wasn't worth it after 04, he is not worth it now.

 

 

I'd rather see another Penny type signing. Something on the short term.

It seems the Mets have offered him $12 million per season for 3 years. That's pretty reasonable considering the Sox guaranteed $5 million to a pitcher who may be on the DL all season.

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/

[CrespoBlows]

I'd jump in for Lowe at 3 X 13.

[diony]

Lowe would be a decent 200 IP guy 4.00 for the Sox. Just what they need for their back end of the rotation.

 

They'll be lucky if Penny and Wake combine for 300 IPs next season.

[zackredsox]

Where would he fit? Beckett, Lester, Dice-k, Wake, Penny, Buchholz, Masterson, Bowden.

 

Do we make Penny or Wake a reliever?

[Cocos Disciples]

Where would he fit? Beckett, Lester, Dice-k, Wake, Penny, Buchholz, Masterson, Bowden.

 

Do we make Penny or Wake a reliever?

 

It would be: Beckett/Lester/Matsuzaka/Lowe/Wakefield. IMO. Either that or Wake to the bullpen but I don't really like that.

[a700hitter]

Where would he fit? Beckett, Lester, Dice-k, Wake, Penny, Buchholz, Masterson, Bowden.

 

Do we make Penny or Wake a reliever?

This is probably not a hard decision, because Penny is likely to spend a lot of time on the DL.

[BoSox21]

Where would he fit? Beckett, Lester, Dice-k, Wake, Penny, Buchholz, Masterson, Bowden.

 

Do we make Penny or Wake a reliever?

 

Beckett

Lester

Dice-K

Lowe

Penny

 

Wakefield as the long reliever. Masterson as a setup guy. Buchholz and Bowden in 'Tucket

[Mr Crunchy]

remember 1 thing when discussing redsox economics

they have 19 different owners....19 organizations that demand earnings.

theyve pimped out every inch of yawkey way,lansdowne st and ipswich...every inch is used for profit

theyve put 36,000 asses in that park that held 33000 when i used to go every weekend.

theyve put up the green monster seats,by far the worse view in the building and they were the cheapest when they went on the market,due to the novelty of sitting in the monster they quickly became the most popular...

monster seats were 25.00 when 1st retailed,what are they now?

some people on board here think the sox always sold out and every day was a pastel setting of history being made...i sat in fenway with about 10 other people to see the yankees play in 1994,right field grandstand seats were 8.00 and we walked down the 1st base line close enough to get don mattingly to acknowledge me when i screamed disgusting things at him...try that today and you end up in handcuffs before you get to the steps going downstairs.

 

simple point is they cant make rash decisions like the viagra twins who run the yankees.

they do make money but its spread out over 19 different people

they get no breaks from the city of boston and cant steal the land on brookline avenue to expand.

look for these guys to tighten their belts and make a few bucks for themselves before they dump 9 figures on a guy who is a pretty good ball player but couldnt hold mannys jock truth be told.

[BSN07]

remember 1 thing when discussing redsox economics

they have 19 different owners....19 organizations that demand earnings.

theyve pimped out every inch of yawkey way,lansdowne st and ipswich...every inch is used for profit

theyve put 36,000 asses in that park that held 33000 when i used to go every weekend.

theyve put up the green monster seats,by far the worse view in the building and they were the cheapest when they went on the market,due to the novelty of sitting in the monster they quickly became the most popular...

monster seats were 25.00 when 1st retailed,what are they now?

some people on board here think the sox always sold out and every day was a pastel setting of history being made...i sat in fenway with about 10 other people to see the yankees play in 1994,right field grandstand seats were 8.00 and we walked down the 1st base line close enough to get don mattingly to acknowledge me when i screamed disgusting things at him...try that today and you end up in handcuffs before you get to the steps going downstairs.

 

simple point is they cant make rash decisions like the viagra twins who run the yankees.

they do make money but its spread out over 19 different people

they get no breaks from the city of boston and cant steal the land on brookline avenue to expand.

look for these guys to tighten their belts and make a few bucks for themselves before they dump 9 figures on a guy who is a pretty good ball player but couldnt hold mannys jock truth be told.

 

Seems reasonable. Nice post Crunch.

[Redguitar985]

The Penny signing says to me that the team isn't interested in signing Derek Lowe or any other big name pitcher to fill the #4 spot. They still want Buccholz, Bowden, or some other prospect filling that spot at some point this year or the next. So even though I'm actually not so crazy about the Penny signing anymore because he's probably going to be mediocre, I can see where the team is going.

 

They can still surprise us, but I think the only other thing the Red Sox will do this offseason is figure out the catching situation. I'm wondering if they brought in Bard to split playing time with Tek. Maybe part of the reason Tek hasn't played well the last few years was because he was focusing so much on the young pitchers. If he split time with Bard, maybe he could focus more on his hitting?

[example1]

Kotsay coming back.

 

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view.bg?articleid=1144153&srvc=sports&position=4

[MANNYHOF24]

Kotsay coming back.

 

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view.bg?articleid=1144153&srvc=sports&position=4

 

This is a pretty decent depth move by Theo.

[example1]

January 9th, the depths of the hot stove season. Still a few months till pitchers and catchers report and I feel really far removed from the game itself.

 

I thought I would take a moment to remember one of the great baseball games of the 2008 season.

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200810173627408&c_id=bos

 

After being baffled for 6 innings by Scott Kazmir, Jonathan Papelbon was called into the game in the 7th with two on. He quickly gave up a two run double to Upton and the inning ends with the Sox down 7-0. With two outs in the 7th Pedroia battles out an RBI to score Lowrie and put the Sox on the board. Ortiz follows with a three run shot, 7-4. Papelbon holds the Rays down in the top of the inning, and the Sox tie it in the 8th with a huge JD Drew 2-run shot, and Crisp's amazing 10 pitch-single scores Kotsay to tie it. In the 9th Masterson gets a 4-6-3 DP from Pena with two on to end the inning. In the 9th Bartlett makes a great play to get Pedroia, Ortiz whiffs, and then Longoria hands Youkilis a two base error. Bay gets the IBB, and Drew gets the double over Gabe Gross's head and Youkilis scores from 2nd, Sox win 8-7 to force game 6.

 

That game had so many small components and great matchups--actually the whole series did. It just reminds me that no matter how much you look at the team on paper, it ultimately comes down to the game on the field. Yes, the Sox lost that series but they made a damn good series out of it against a very good team. Can't wait for this season.

 

EDIT: wrong word.

[MANNYHOF24]

January 9th, the depths of the hot stove season. Still a few months till pitchers and catchers report and I feel really far removed from the game itself.

 

I thought I would take a moment to remember one of the great baseball games of the 2008 season.

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200810173627408&c_id=bos

 

After being baffled for 6 innings by Scott Kazmir, Jonathan Papelbon was called into the game in the 7th with two on. He quickly gave up a two run double to Upton and the inning ends with the Sox down 7-0. With two outs in the 7th Pedroia battles out an RBI to score Lowrie and put the Sox on the board. Ortiz follows with a three run shot, 7-4. Papelbon holds the Rays down in the top of the inning, and the Sox tie it in the 8th with a huge JD Drew 2-run shot, and Crisp's amazing 10 pitch-single scores Kotsay to tie it. In the 9th Masterson gets a 4-6-3 DP from Pena with two on to end the inning. In the 9th Bartlett makes a great play to get Pedroia, Ortiz whiffs, and then Longoria hands Youkilis a two run error. Bay gets the IBB, and Drew gets the double over Gabe Gross's head and Youkilis scores from 2nd, Sox win 8-7 to force game 6.

 

That game had so many small components and great matchups--actually the whole series did. It just reminds me that no matter how much you look at the team on paper, it ultimately comes down to the game on the field. Yes, the Sox lost that series but they made a damn good series out of it against a very good team. Can't wait for this season.

 

 

Exactly. Anything can happen, if our health ends up not hindering us too much, we should have just a good of a chance as anyone to win the AL east. One more month.

[BoSox21]

aside from maybe adding Varitek to a one-year deal with an option for a second, I think the Sox just might be done

[BSN07]

aside from maybe adding Varitek to a one-year deal with an option for a second' date=' I think the Sox just might be done[/quote']

 

I agree.

 

The only other thing is a trade. And it doesn't seem like there in any hurry to pull one off.

 

 

So I think we can officially start the countdown to ST.

[BoSox21]

So I think we can officially start the countdown to ST.

 

Yup, now I look forward to seeing the pics of the workers at Fenway loading up the truck going to Ft Myers

[BSN07]

Yup' date=' now I look forward to seeing the pics of the workers at Fenway loading up the truck going to Ft Myers[/quote']

 

Those are always great. I also like the ones of all the players playing catch in the sun:thumbsup:

[rician blast]

The only other thing is a trade. And it doesn't seem like there in any hurry to pull one off.

 

 

Exactly...the FO has not worked from a position of desperation.

 

With 2 WS titles in 4 years followed by a very strong run last year, they've "purchased" some goodwill amongst long-time fans and realists which could help to carry them through a potentially stormy season or two, although I believe they'll still look at all options and if there is a chance to significantly improve the team while adhering to some self-imposed cost constraints, they'll do it.

 

Meanwhile, the bandwaggoners and newcomers, who in many ways resemble some Yankee fans, want to win at all costs and may question every move...since they're often footing the bill, that is absolutely their prerogative.

 

The FO recognizes all this and the difference between the 2 camps, thus we have the FO seeking to balance winning with long-term organizational viability. This is not breaking any new ground here at all, just indicative of the FO's patience and long-term philosophy.

[BSN07]

Exactly...the FO has not worked from a position of desperation.

 

With 2 WS titles in 4 years followed by a very strong run last year, they've "purchased" some goodwill amongst long-time fans and realists which could help to carry them through a potentially stormy season or two, although I believe they'll still look at all options and if there is a chance to significantly improve the team while adhering to some self-imposed cost constraints, they'll do it.

 

Meanwhile, the bandwaggoners and newcomers, who in many ways resemble some Yankee fans, want to win at all costs and may question every move...since they're often footing the bill, that is absolutely their prerogative.

 

The FO recognizes all this and the difference between the 2 camps, thus we have the FO seeking to balance winning with long-term organizational viability. This is not breaking any new ground here at all, just indicative of the FO's patience and long-term philosophy.

 

 

We see eye to eye my friend:lol:

[riverside sluggers]

Don't count out the Red Sox in '09 title hunt

by Dayn Perry

 

The Boston Red Sox have the misfortune of playing in baseball's toughest division.

 

The Rays are the reigning AL champs, and their young roster and heady front office mean contention for years to come. The Yankees have spent more than $420 million this winter to improve a team that won 89 games a year ago. And even the Blue Jays, surely destined for fourth place, would likely be a playoff team in the NL. As for Boston, their patient, low-cost, paring-our-nails approach this winter means the Red Sox have been overlooked as World Series contenders. But that's precisely what they are, provided they can stay healthy.

 

The Boston offense last season ranked second in the AL in runs scored, second in batting average, first in OBP and third in slugging percentage. On the pitching front, the Sox were fourth in the AL in fewest runs allowed, third in rotation ERA, seventh in bullpen ERA, and fourth in fielding independent pitching. Defensively, the Sox placed third in the AL in revised zone rating and fourth in defensive efficiency. As you can see, Boston had no glaring weaknesses in 2008 — that's not surprising for a team that won 95 games. And keep in mind that GM Theo Epstein has added to the fold, most notably, right-handers John Smoltz and Brad Penny, and outfielder Rocco Baldelli.

 

As for the offense, there's reason to think Boston can get even better. First, they're poised to make Jed Lowrie the starting shortstop, and that's a good thing. Incumbent Julio Lugo last season hit .268 AVG/.355 OBP/.330 SLG, and at age 33 he's not likely to improve in 2009. Meanwhile, Lowrie, according to the Marcel projection system, will hit .268/.345/.425. If that comes to pass, it's a big improvement over Lugo in the power department, and Lowrie's also the better defender these days.

 

Of course, Lowrie's status as starting shortstop depends upon Mike Lowell's ability to stay healthy at third base. Lowell is still a quality defender with good pop from the right side. However, he'll be 35 before Opening Day, and he's coming off major hip surgery. Will he be able to give the Sox 140 games or so? Will his skills be diminished? It's impossible to know, but if Lowell is unable to stay off the DL or is ineffective, then Lowrie might be forced into third-base detail. That means more Lugo at short, and that's not what Boston needs.

 

Elsewhere, the Baldelli signing gives Boston a platoon partner for center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, provided Baldelli's body is able to handle the rigors of the position. David Ortiz and J.D. Drew, despite advancing age, should remain highly effective, and Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and Jason Bay should continue producing at high levels. The bench, with Mark Kotsay, Lugo (ideally), Baldelli, George Kottaras (perhaps) and a Jonathan Van Every or a Chris Carter, should also be a source of strength.

 

Then there's catcher. It's possible Jason Varitek will return, and if he does Boston had better hope he's able to improve upon his dismal 2008 numbers. Varitek will never again be the MVP-caliber performer he was from 2003-05, but a modest rebound in 2009 is possible. That's because Varitek last season saw a precipitous decline in his batting average on balls in play. In all likelihood, bad luck played a role in that decline, so you may see some improvement next season. Even if Boston passes on Varitek, they should be able to cobble together a league-average arrangement with Josh Bard and Kottaras. In either scenario, the more playing time that goes to Kottaras, the better off Boston will be.

 

Pitching ... Boston's put together some impressive depth in the rotation. Right now, they'll trot out Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Jon Lester, and they'll find two more starters from a group that includes Tim Wakefield, Smoltz, and Penny.

 

Obviously, injury concerns abound. Beckett has a history, Wakefield is 42, and Penny and Smoltz both have shoulder issues. In Smoltz's case, he may not be available for game action until early June. When/if someone pulls up lame, Boston can turn to Michael Bowden or perhaps a reconstructed Clay Buchholz. They've got options, and considering the uncertainties in play, that's a good thing.

 

As for the bullpen, improvement can be expected. Jonathan Papelbon is a shutdown closer, and Dustin Masterson, Hideki Okajima, Javier Lopez and Manny Delcarmen are all quality setup men. The addition of Ramon Ramirez, acquired from Kansas City in exchange for Coco Crisp, will strengthen the bridge to Papelbon, and the newly signed Junichi Tazawa, who's likely to debut at Double-A Portland, might also be ready to help out in the big leagues by midseason. If the starters stay healthy, then perhaps Bowden can be deployed as a reliever until he's ready to join the major-league rotation.

 

More options? Rule-5 choice Miguel Gonzalez has a powerful fastball-slider combo that's tough on right-handers. He's potentially a useful addition. And Takashi Saito, the former Dodger closer, is a nifty, high-upside signing.

 

To be sure, the margin for error in the AL East will be perilously thin. But Boston is a balanced and deep team with no fatal weaknesses. They haven't spent the dollars that the Yankees have, and they lack the ceiling that Tampa enjoys. But the Red Sox are very much in the mix for the division title. And if they can manage to stay healthy, then they might even be the best team in baseball.

[Cocos Disciples]

Oh, don't count them out? Crap, I forgot.

[Cocos Disciples]

Should we open the season with Miguel Gonzalez on the 25 man and Ramon Ramirez in AAA, just to see if Gonzalez can do something? Since he's a Rule 5 pick, if he's not on the 25 man we lose him. Just a thought.

[diony]

Ramon Ramirez in AAA?

[Cocos Disciples]

Just throwing it out there. Ramirez will probably open with the big team.

[BSN07]

Just throwing it out there. Ramirez will probably open with the big team.

 

I think he will be with the ML team. Especially because I think someone is getting dealt from the BP.

[Cocos Disciples]

Right, probably. If someone does get traded then I put Gonzalez in over Littleton.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Yadel Marti defected from Cuba.....if the Yankees want him they will get him (they get the pick of anyone they want) but I'd love to see the Red Sox go after him...he has fantastic stuff.

 

I remember watching him but I don't have a scouting report.

[Cocos Disciples]

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Yadel_Marti

 

Martí is not a hard-throwing pitcher as his fastball ranges around 87-90 mph. He relies instead on a slider, sinker, curveball and control.

 

He's already 29, and very small.