Plan B

[BSN07]

I'm trying to find the article, but am having trouble. If I come across it again i'll post the link.

 

It was a side note to the Sox going after Hanley. It said that since Hanley wasn't available for what they want to trade, that they could shift there forcus to mauer of Peavy. Assuming they really want to make a splash on the trade market.

 

Buchholz/Kottraras/OF prospect/ Low level prospect for Mauer? This is assuming there will be an extension for Mauer too.

[Dojji]

Buchholz-Bard-Reddick-Lin

[Paradisecity]

How is Mauer as a defensive/pitcher's catcher? I have to admit I don't know much about him.

[TheKilo]

Lot of miles on Mauer's body already. I'd love to have him, but I'd be wary of his ability to stay healthy going forward.

[Dipre]

Lot of miles on Mauer's body already. I'd love to have him' date=' but I'd be wary of his ability to stay healthy going forward.[/quote']

 

Still, he's young enough to be viable for at least half a decade.

[jacksonianmarch]

Lots of talk about Mauer moving off the position in the short term. He's a perennial batting title contender and has a career OBP of .399. His power is low, but that OBP would be very valuable the longer he keeps it up.

[Dipre]

Lots of talk about Mauer moving off the position in the short term. He's a perennial batting title contender and has a career OBP of .399. His power is low' date=' but that OBP would be very valuable the longer he keeps it up.[/quote']

 

But it has the most value at catcher, a position that is not offense-first, not counting the fact that Joe Mauer is an elite defender.

[jacksonianmarch]

I'm trying to find the article, but am having trouble. If I come across it again i'll post the link.

 

It was a side note to the Sox going after Hanley. It said that since Hanley wasn't available for what they want to trade, that they could shift there forcus to mauer of Peavy. Assuming they really want to make a splash on the trade market.

 

Buchholz/Kottraras/OF prospect/ Low level prospect for Mauer? This is assuming there will be an extension for Mauer too.

 

I dont think that gets it done. A lot of time, deals are made depending on the need. Right now, the catching position in baseball is at an all time low in terms of offensive potential. Right now, Mauer and Posada are 1-2 in terms of offensive talent and Posada has been doing it for a decade. Gone are the Piazza's, the Pudge's, the Varitek's in their primes. And coming in are a bunch of defense first hackers who cannot hit. A lot of teams nowadays are moving their top notch offensive talent off the catching position so they can prolong their careers and their ability to hit. That being said, Mauer is the cream of the crop. Actually he is the only one of the crop that is still young. And you can make a case that he might be the most valuable player in all of baseball when you consider his offensive production, his age and his defensive production at a prime defensive position. I dont think the Twins will find a match right now. But if they do, I expect them to nab a top pitcher AND a top notch offensive talent, both at the AAA level. Buchholz stock has dropped far enough that I dont think he alone without another big prospect wont get it done IMO

[jacksonianmarch]

But it has the most value at catcher' date=' a position that is not offense-first, not counting the fact that Joe Mauer is an elite defender.[/quote']

 

I agree. And if the Twins wanted to get as much as possible for Mauer next yr, they should not move him off the position. That being said, he has proven to be injury prone at a young age and his offensive capabilities would be better suited if he moved off such a demanding position. That is where the speculation comes about. He is also huge for the position, something that is likely playing into it

[Dipre]

I dont think that gets it done. A lot of time' date=' deals are made depending on the need. Right now, the catching position in baseball is at an all time low in terms of offensive potential. [b']Right now, Mauer and Posada are 1-2 in terms of offensive talent and Posada has been doing it for a decade. [/b] Gone are the Piazza's, the Pudge's, the Varitek's in their primes. And coming in are a bunch of defense first hackers who cannot hit. A lot of teams nowadays are moving their top notch offensive talent off the catching position so they can prolong their careers and their ability to hit. That being said, Mauer is the cream of the crop. Actually he is the only one of the crop that is still young. And you can make a case that he might be the most valuable player in all of baseball when you consider his offensive production, his age and his defensive production at a prime defensive position. I dont think the Twins will find a match right now. But if they do, I expect them to nab a top pitcher AND a top notch offensive talent, both at the AAA level. Buchholz stock has dropped far enough that I dont think he alone without another big prospect wont get it done IMO

 

And where do Russell Martin an Brian Mcann fit in that equation?

[jacksonianmarch]

Martin's offensive prowess gets overblown. He's had an OPS over .800 once in his career. And I forgot about McCann. He's a top tier offensive talent too. But thats about it

[JimEdHOF2009]

Martin's offensive prowess gets overblown. He's had an OPS over .800 once in his career. And I forgot about McCann. He's a top tier offensive talent too. But thats about it

 

 

First of all McCann is a MUCH better hitter and catcher than Jorge..please son.

 

Mauer is an even better defender than McCann..Mauer is an elite defender with a great arm and quick release. Mauer is better now than Jorge has ever been offensively.. He is a much more polished hitter and once he discovers his power stroke, you wil be embarrassed you even put Mauer in the same sentence as Jorge...

 

Myopic Yankee fans never cease to amaze me with their unabashed Yankee--scrotal-lapping.

[Dipre]

First of all McCann is a MUCH better hitter and catcher than Jorge..please son.

 

Mauer is an even better defender than McCann..Mauer is an elite defender with a great arm and quick release. Mauer is better now than Jorge has ever been offensively.. He is a much more polished hitter and once he discovers his power stroke, you wil be embarrassed you even put Mauer in the same sentence as Jorge...

 

Myopic Yankee fans never cease to amaze me with their unabashed Yankee--scrotal-lapping.

 

That......is a signature worthy sentence, sir.

[jacksonianmarch]

First of all McCann is a MUCH better hitter and catcher than Jorge..please son.

 

Mauer is an even better defender than McCann..Mauer is an elite defender with a great arm and quick release. Mauer is better now than Jorge has ever been offensively.. He is a much more polished hitter and once he discovers his power stroke, you wil be embarrassed you even put Mauer in the same sentence as Jorge...

 

Myopic Yankee fans never cease to amaze me with their unabashed Yankee--scrotal-lapping.

 

McCann is SO much better that his career OPS is 2 points above Jorge's. MASSIVE DIFFERENCE. And McCann is so outrageously, balls out better offensive player that his UNBELIEVABLE rookie campaign which he hasnt duplicated was worse than Jorge's 2007 (which he hasnt duplicated either, but it was his last healthy season). And Mauer is such an unstoppable offensive force that his career OPS is 1 point below Jorge's. HE'S GOD! WOW, What a difference!!!

 

If you were able to read (sadly, a quarter of RSN suffers from "what I want to read-itis", such a sad, sad disease that ultimately leads to loneliness and incessant masturbation, how raw are you JimEd) you would see that my post included the caveat that they were similar in terms of offensive talent. McCann and Mauer are much better defensive players. Sadly, you couldnt fully understand and digest the post, hence you made a fool out of yourself. Do yourself a favor son. Buy some vaseline, it might help the next time your disease flares.

[riverside sluggers]

Considering he'll be turning 38 this year, coming off right shoulder surgery (throwing arm), appeared in just 51 games (.268 avg, 3 HRs, 22 RBIs).... Il believe it when I see it that he's one of the 2 best offensive catchers in baseball

 

He's destined to become the full time DH which Im wagering to bet that the Yankees will outbid the Sox for Mauer in 2010 offseason

[a700hitter]

Considering he'll be turning 38 this year, coming off right shoulder surgery (throwing arm), appeared in just 51 games (.268 avg, 3 HRs, 22 RBIs).... Il believe it when I see it that he's one of the 2 best offensive catchers in baseball

 

He's destined to become the full time DH which Im wagering to bet that the Yankees will outbid the Sox for Mauer in 2010 offseason

I agree with you. Jorge is probably heading for DH. before the Texeira signing, I thought that he might be heading to 1B, which is why I thought the Yankees would pass on Tex. If Jorge can't throw, there will be a logjam at DH and no room at 1B. Also, where will Jeter play when Yankee management finally realizes that he can't play SS? ARod is not going anywhere. I thought Jeter might end up at 1B, before they got Tex.

[jacksonianmarch]

I still think he will hit. He has been like clockwork, works walks, hits 20 homers, has a slew of doubles, etc. It is a real concern if he cannot throw. But reports out of tampa are suggesting that he is making a ton of strides with the arm. We'll see.

[Dojji]

You mean the sort of strides Schill made in early spring 2008?

[jacksonianmarch]

A. Schill didnt have the surgery

 

B. Posada isnt a pitcher

 

Posada just needs to be able to get the ball to second base with similar velocity. If it is down 5mph, so be it. As a pitcher, being down 5mph is death.

[BoSox21]

The fact that reports suggest Posada is throwing well in December are irrelevant. It's how he's throwing in June you should worry about.

[a700hitter]

With six weeks until pitchers and catchers report to camp, the Sox still need a catcher, a starting pitcher and a 4th OF.

[BSN07]

With six weeks until pitchers and catchers report to camp' date=' the Sox still need a catcher, a starting pitcher and a 4th OF.[/quote']

 

And there is still plenty of time to fill in those needs.

 

The FA market has yet to develop really. Once some of the bigger names are signed, the rest will file in quickly.

 

Also if the Sox are seeking a trade for a C or whatever, some of the other teams might have moves that need to be completed before trade talks can take place.

 

I know waiting blows, but things will probably be taken care of for the most part before the end of the month.

[example1]

I don't expect much on the catching front. I expect that if the Sox sign Varitek they will be roundly criticized for not having improved their situation. If he signs with another team the general panic will set in and they will be roundly criticized as well.

 

I think Varitek is their best option, personally.

[Cocos Disciples]

I originally supported re-signing Varitek as a part of a platoon (Tek would hit against lefties). But now that Bard is signed to a major league contract, I'm against signing Tek, since Bard could very well be the lefty half of a platoon.

[example1]

If Tek could just produce like he did in 07 he would be a great resign, given his leadership and ability behind the plate. I'm one who thinks getting offensive production from a catcher isn't essential if he does his job defensively.

[Teddyballgame10]

If Tek doesn't come back who is going to be the captain now?

[example1]

Nobody would be my guess.

[Cocos Disciples]

Yeah, probably nobody.

[Quinny]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/01/gregg-zaun-inte.html

 

haha no thank you to greg zaun.

[Dojji]

If Tek doesn't come back who is going to be the captain now?

 

There's a possibility someone makes a standout case for themselves but if not, yeah -- nobody.

 

If captaincy happens it'll probably be one of Pedroia, Youkilis or Lowell depending on what the team likes to see in a captain.