Official 2009-2010 Hot Stove season thread

[jacksonianmarch]

The sox need some new blood, IMO and I think a lot of people would agree. The question is, where do you add it? Look at your positions as of right now.

 

C- VMart - signed through 2010

1B- Youkilis- signed through 2013 (if you consider his option)

2B- Pedroia- signed though 2014

SS- Lowrie/Green- arb case/FA

3B- Lowell- signed through 2010

LF- OPEN

CF- Ellsbury- arb case

RF- signed through 2011

DH- Ortiz- signed through 2010

 

Backup C's-

Varitek likely to accept player option

Kottaras

 

Offensive FAs- Bay and Gonzalez

 

#1- Beckett- under control through 2010

#2- Lester- signed through 2013

#3- DiceK- signed through 2012

#4- Buchholz- under team control through 2013

#5- Wakefield- if option picked up

 

The bullpen will likely be unchanged to a large degree since all are under team control e/c for Wagner

 

 

So, you say you want to improve them offensively. Well, that also takes into account defense.

 

LF:

By losing Bay, you essentially lose the best offensive player on the FA market, so anyone aside from Bay (or Holliday as both are similar) is a downgrade. I bet they sign one of the two, IMO. If they do not, then they will likely be looking at guys like Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, Bobby Abreu and others of their ilk for LF in Fenway.

 

SS:

By losing AGon, the sox lose something that most people dont point out. The sox defense went from one of the worst in the AL to the best defense (FP wise) in the AL after acquiring AGon. But what are the other options? Do you go with OCab? How about Tejada? OCab doesnt give you much offensively and he's gone off a cliff this season defensively (per UZR), so AGon sounds like the better option. Tejada gives you more offense, but his defense has been awful of late. Do you sign a guy like Vizquel as a mentor to Lowrie and hope the two can help groom Jed into a good SS? Lots of questions, but status quo might be the best option.

 

So, in terms of the two glaring holes created by contract expirations, the sox are likely to be better off just resigning those guys. If you are thinking about a good catcher and want to shuffle around Youk and Lowell, then look to trade. Cause the C market sucks.

 

Therefore, a trade seems the most likely. The sox dont have a lot of answers outside of their org on the FA market to fill their holes, and the other spots are filled with guys under control.

 

In terms of the starters, I see Wakefield getting surgery in the next few weeks for his back, then making a decision if he wants to come back. There is the one big fish out there in Lackey, but do the sox make that commitment with Beckett's contract expiring soon? Might be a better idea to just sign Beckett long term if Lackey is their idea. But if they decide to make a deal, then obviously all bets are off. They might actually be better off signing Beckett to a 5 yr deal or so, taking Wakefields option regardless of his outcome and signing a 1 yr deal with a guy like Randy Wolf.

 

Regardless, I could see a lot of status quo based upon the options available. But if they get creative, there might be some big changes via trade

[Dipre]

Keep AGon, get the other AGon.

[Dojji]

Keep AGon' date=' get the other AGon.[/quote']

 

I honestly don't see Alex Gonzalez as a feasible Plan A. This is the American League. You need an offensively capable 1-9.

 

Is a guy who isn't a terrible embarrassment at one side of the ball or another too much to ask? I mean really..

 

If we're talking about moving a lot of pieces to get someone's franchise player, I'd rather go whole hog after either Hanley or Mauer. Or my blockbuster pipedream of shipping a great deal of value to the Mets for Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes.

 

When does Brian Schnieder hit FA anyway? that guy used to have a reputation as a great defender.

[Dipre]

I honestly don't see either move as feasible.

 

If we're talking about moving a lot of pieces to get someone's franchise player, I'd rather go whole hog after either Hanley or Mauer.

 

Mauer's a FA in '10.

 

Why give up talent when you can use only money?

 

Now THAT is not feasible.

[bsox0407]

Mauer's a FA in '10.

 

Why give up talent when you can use only money?

 

Now THAT is not feasible.

 

the yankees will make a move for mauer if he becomes a FA

[Dipre]

the yankees will make a move for mauer if he becomes a FA

 

So?

 

If we tried to get him via trade they'd make a move too.

 

This is not a small market team.

 

Stop the "But but but but the Yankees....." ********.

[Dojji]

the yankees will make a move for mauer if he becomes a FA

 

They do have a nice catcher prospect of their own, named Jesus Montero, who they seem to be setting up as the next Thurman Munson. I'm not sure they'll be in on Mauer to do anything but muddy the waters. But I might be underestimating their willingness to spend money or overestimating their devotion to Montero (who, should the Yankees sign Mauer, would make one heck of a trade piece, just throwing that out there)

 

But there are also other well-financed teams out there that need catchers too. The Mets spring to mind quickly. If their owner isn't as badly off as the media was reporting, I could see him springing a lot of money for a franchise leader for his leaderless franchise.

 

I think our best bet for Mauer really is trade. there's too many crapshoot elements for me to believe we can safely trust to FA.

[Dipre]

They do have a nice catcher prospect of their own, named Jesus Montero, who they seem to be setting up as the next Thurman Munson. I'm not sure they'll be in on Mauer to do anything but muddy the waters. But I might be underestimating their willingness to spend money or overestimating their devotion to Montero (who, should the Yankees sign Mauer, would make one heck of a trade piece, just throwing that out there)

 

But there are also other well-financed teams out there that need catchers too. The Mets spring to mind quickly. If their owner isn't as badly off as the media was reporting, I could see him springing a lot of money for a franchise leader for his leaderless franchise.

 

I think our best bet for Mauer really is trade. there's too many crapshoot elements for me to believe we can safely trust to FA.

 

I'd like for you to mention at least a source that provides a hint of the interest the Twins have in trading Mauer.

[Dojji]

So?

 

If we tried to get him via trade they'd make a move too.

 

This is not a small market team.

 

Stop the "But but but but the Yankees....." ********.

 

The Yankees are in a comparatively poor position to go after Mauer this offseason, especially if they don't win the world Series I think we have our best advantage in the chase for Mauer if we strike quickly.

[jacksonianmarch]

If you let Mauer hit free agency, he is not gonna end up in Boston. Either he will take a discount to stay home or go for the biggest bid, which will likely be from NY. The sox would need to get him by trade and then offer him a massive deal as a contingency on the deal

[jacksonianmarch]

They do have a nice catcher prospect of their own, named Jesus Montero, who they seem to be setting up as the next Thurman Munson. I'm not sure they'll be in on Mauer to do anything but muddy the waters. But I might be underestimating their willingness to spend money or overestimating their devotion to Montero (who, should the Yankees sign Mauer, would make one heck of a trade piece, just throwing that out there)

 

But there are also other well-financed teams out there that need catchers too. The Mets spring to mind quickly. If their owner isn't as badly off as the media was reporting, I could see him springing a lot of money for a franchise leader for his leaderless franchise.

 

I think our best bet for Mauer really is trade. there's too many crapshoot elements for me to believe we can safely trust to FA.

 

I am a big time yankee, and I will tell you flat out that I am not sold on Montero as a future catcher for this team. I see Austin Romine as a future catcher for this team, but Montero has a long way to go defensively for him to be even MLB average.

[bsox0407]

They do have a nice catcher prospect of their own, named Jesus Montero, who they seem to be setting up as the next Thurman Munson. I'm not sure they'll be in on Mauer to do anything but muddy the waters. But I might be underestimating their willingness to spend money or overestimating their devotion to Montero (who, should the Yankees sign Mauer, would make one heck of a trade piece, just throwing that out there)

 

But there are also other well-financed teams out there that need catchers too. The Mets spring to mind quickly. If their owner isn't as badly off as the media was reporting, I could see him springing a lot of money for a franchise leader for his leaderless franchise.

 

I think our best bet for Mauer really is trade. there's too many crapshoot elements for me to believe we can safely trust to FA.

 

i think i would definitely give bowden for mauer and a couple other prospects from the Sox.

[Dipre]

Again, can someone show me a source that shows some interest on the Twins' part in trading Mauer?

 

Someone?

 

Anyone?

 

Didn't think so.

[bostonule25]

Keep Gonzo for a year i like his D. trade paplbum to a team that needs a closer, say the phillies? Get spects for him, and trade that, Lars Bowden Reddick and mid level guys for Adrian Gonzalez

[Dojji]

If you let Mauer hit free agency' date=' he is not gonna end up in Boston. Either he will take a discount to stay home or go for the biggest bid, which will likely be from NY. The sox would need to get him by trade and then offer him a massive deal as a contingency on the deal[/quote']

 

I know New York is a bottomless money pit, but do you really think your team is going to eat $26M on the last two years of Posada's deal for the privelege of spending maybe $190 over 8 years on Mauer?

 

Posada's encumbering contract helps to even the odds between the two teams if Boston moves quickly.

[jacksonianmarch]

they arent gonna actively shop him. Someone will have to make it hard to say no.

[Dipre]

I am a big time yankee' date=' and I will tell you flat out that I am not sold on Montero as a future catcher for this team. I see Austin Romine as a future catcher for this team, but Montero has a long way to go defensively for him to be even MLB average.[/quote']

 

Btw, i'm holding this little nugget of information for future use.

[Dipre]

they arent gonna actively shop him. Someone will have to make it hard to say no.

 

Well, there's my logical answer.

 

What was i thinking?

[Cocos Disciples]

I'm not on the "trade Papelbon" boat at all. I don't like going into 2010 with Bard closing, and certainly not Wagner.

[jacksonianmarch]

I know New York is a bottomless money pit, but do you really think your team is going to eat $26M on the last two years of Posada's deal for the privelege of spending maybe $190 over 8 years on Mauer?

 

Posada's encumbering contract helps to even the odds between the two teams if Boston moves quickly.

 

We wont be trading for him. And by the time Mauer hits the market after 2010, Posada will be in the last yr of his contract with the DH spot likely open.

[Dojji]

i think i would definitely give bowden for mauer and a couple other prospects from the Sox.

 

Oh boy.

 

Mauer is not going to cost "Bowden and a couple other prospects." We're gonna have to blow Minnesota away. The kid is a hometown hero and a cult favorite in Minnesota. In fact the only way the East Coast teams have a legit shot at him at all is if he becomes too rich for Polahd's blood.

[jacksonianmarch]

Btw' date=' i'm holding this little nugget of information for future use.[/quote']

 

He still needs to make a lot of defensive improvements to be MLB ready. I honestly think Montero ends up in LF

[jacksonianmarch]

Oh boy.

 

Mauer is not going to cost "Bowden and a couple other prospects." We're gonna have to blow Minnesota away. The kid is a hometown hero and a cult favorite in Minnesota. In fact the only way the East Coast teams have a legit shot at him at all is if he becomes too rich for Polahd's blood.

 

Pohlad is dead

[Dipre]

He still needs to make a lot of defensive improvements to be MLB ready. I honestly think Montero ends up in LF

 

I didn't say anything specific. Just said i'm keeping that little information nugget around.

[Dipre]

Pohlad is dead

 

Pohlad's son?

[Dojji]

Well, there's my logical answer.

 

What was i thinking?

 

I don't think Mauer's situation is that different from Adrian Gonzalez or Hanley Ramirez, to be truthful. What differences there are are dependent on the way the teams are built around each player.

 

If any of these players express an earnest desire to re-sign with their team for a reasonable price, we probably aren't getting them. It's only their impending pay raises in a down economy that gives us any hope at all.

[jacksonianmarch]

I didn't say anything specific. Just said i'm keeping that little information nugget around.

 

go for it. But make sure you use it for future use before he is capable of showing improvements. Cause if you use it after ST next yr, it might not be true anymore. We'll see.

[Dojji]

Pohlad is dead

 

I believe the team is still in the family. Until proven otherwise, one Polahd is as good as another.

[Dipre]

I don't think Mauer's situation is that different from Adrian Gonzalez or Hanley Ramirez, to be truthful. What differences there are are dependent on the way the teams are built around each player.

 

If any of these players express an earnest desire to re-sign with their team for a reasonable price, we probably aren't getting them. It's only their impending pay raises in a down economy that gives us any hope at all.

 

This is sensible.

 

But you miss my point.

 

Mauer's a FA after next year, Gonzales and Hanley are not.

 

It's as simple as that.

[bostonule25]

Mauer will resign. lavarnway will be a stud regardless