Official 2009-2010 Hot Stove season thread

[example1]

I think it is more common than you would want to believe for a player to pay no attention to player transactions in the offseason. Lots of them don't watch the playoffs or the WS if they are not involved. His job is to pitch and keep himself conditioned to pitch. Why would he give a rats ass about personnel moves that don't affect him? He has no control over it' date=' so why would he bother himself about it. He's a player, not a fan. Fans care about these things, not players.[/quote']

 

I don't believe nobody in his life knew about what the Red Sox were doing, or even casually mentioned it. He never watched College Football or the NFL and saw the crawl at the bottom of the screen? Just seems strange.

 

I agree with you about players not watching the playoffs. Francona talked about that after the Sox were eliminated. I can understand that, as it may be too painful and just time for a break.

[a700hitter]

Guys like Pedroia' date=' Youk, Beckett, Ortiz have been commenting on the signings this offseason[/quote']Some players are also fans. Others are not. Wheteror not they are fans, doesn't correlate to whether a player will be more likely to re-sign with his team or not. One thing has nothing to do with the other.

[a700hitter]

I don't believe nobody in his life knew about what the Red Sox were doing, or even casually mentioned it. He never watched College Football or the NFL and saw the crawl at the bottom of the screen? Just seems strange.

 

I agree with you about players not watching the playoffs. Francona talked about that after the Sox were eliminated. I can understand that, as it may be too painful and just time for a break.

He does live in Mississippi...doesn't he? How much Red Sox news could be swirling around him?

[example1]

He does live in Mississippi...doesn't he? How much Red Sox news could be swirling around him?

 

Mississippi is not Kazakhstan. His cell phone, radio, internet, cable/sat TV all work, undoubtedly.

 

If nothing else I'd say it shows a considerable aloofness on Papelbon's part and is indicative of his relationship (or lack of relationship) with his teammates. Other players talk about text messages wih teammates or phone calls or e-mails... other players care about the fates of their teammates enough to pay attention to what happens to them.

 

I'm not ripping on Papelbon, like I said, he's just a nut. I find this stuff enjoyable, but unrealistic.

[a700hitter]

Mississippi is not Kazakhstan. His cell phone, radio, internet, cable/sat TV all work, undoubtedly.

 

If nothing else I'd say it shows a considerable aloofness on Papelbon's part and is indicative of his relationship (or lack of relationship) with his teammates. Other players talk about text messages wih teammates or phone calls or e-mails... other players care about the fates of their teammates enough to pay attention to what happens to them.

 

I'm not ripping on Papelbon, like I said, he's just a nut. I find this stuff enjoyable, but unrealistic.

He's probably out hunting and fishing with his dogs. Not using technology or watching TV doesn't make him a nut. He's nuts just because he's nuts

[Dipre]

He's probably out hunting and fishing with his dogs. Not using technology or watching TV doesn't make him a nut. He's nuts just because he's nuts

 

This line got a chuckle out of me.

[The_Destroyah]

He does live in Mississippi...doesn't he? How much Red Sox news could be swirling around him?

 

Sportcenter still comes on in MS, its right after the lawnmower races on ESPN .

[BSN07]

With the Roster set for the most part. Anyone see the Sox getting in on a few depth type signing for the rotation the can plug down in AAA?

 

I wouldn't mind them going after a Noah Lowry type.

[The_Destroyah]

With the Roster set for the most part. Anyone see the Sox getting in on a few depth type signing for the rotation the can plug down in AAA?

 

I wouldn't mind them going after a Noah Lowry type.

 

do we need depth signings there with Wake and Bowden both waiting to spot start if needed?

[BSN07]

do we need depth signings there with Wake and Bowden both waiting to spot start if needed?

 

It never hurts to have it.

[Plumpamania]

Lowry would be an interesting option, but he has teams looking at him for MLB rotations at the moment like Seattle where as he'd be in Pawtuckett with us.

 

What I'd like to take a look at is maybe another bench player if possible, and the trade of Mike Lowell out of Boston. I'd love to see Max Ramirez obtained still if possible if not a LOOGY.

[The_Destroyah]

It never hurts to have it.

 

very true, it just seems to me we have plenty of youngsters who are atleast ready to see a little bit of big league time, like Tazawa did last year, but it wouldn't hurt to have a little more "veteran" depth behind the rotation, its always nice to have competent spot starters, it helps to win the games that no one expects to win.

[Jasonbay44]

Even if Lowell plays in spring training, considering his recent injury troubles, what exactly would his value be? Max Ramirez like still? Less?

[Dipre]

Even if Lowell plays in spring training' date=' considering his recent injury troubles, what exactly would his value be? Max Ramirez like still? Less?[/quote']

 

If he can hit, he has decent value to a team in need of a DH and some help at the corners, like Texas.

[example1]

If he can hit' date=' he has decent value to a team in need of a DH and some help at the corners, like Texas.[/quote']

 

Especially if they are willing to eat much of his salary. His return value is based on how much they eat. A 1-million Lowell is worth a fair amount for teams needing a DH. That's why they are confident they could sign Beltre, I bet.

[GWSoxFan]

Even if Lowell plays in spring training' date=' considering his recent injury troubles, what exactly would his value be? Max Ramirez like still? Less?[/quote']

 

Texas reportedly offered a contract to Vlad Guerrero today. If he accepts, that would most likely end any chance of revisiting the Ramirez for Lowell trade.

[Plumpamania]

I wouldn't say that b/c they've almost given up on Chris Davis and Lowell would give them a chance to either A). Spell Davis or . Replace him.

[example1]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=MLB&id=5757&line=280551&spln=1

 

Sox still very much in discussions for Aroldis Chapman. Not shocking, given that they have been very quiet about him. This seems like a really good fit for the Sox. It would bolster the top tier of their minor league pitching corp, it would given them depth to deal someone like Kelly for a hitter, or it would give them someone the Marlins clearly are interested in if they wanted to swing a megadeal for Hanley Ramirez. Oh yeah, it would also given them a 100mph lefty who could be used in a number of ways.

[BSN07]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=MLB&id=5757&line=280551&spln=1

 

Sox still very much in discussions for Aroldis Chapman. Not shocking, given that they have been very quiet about him. This seems like a really good fit for the Sox. It would bolster the top tier of their minor league pitching corp, it would given them depth to deal someone like Kelly for a hitter, or it would give them someone the Marlins clearly are interested in if they wanted to swing a megadeal for Hanley Ramirez. Oh yeah, it would also given them a 100mph lefty who could be used in a number of ways.

 

I was really hoping they would sign him. But wasn't sure how much they where in on him. Glad to see they seem to be making a push for him.

[example1]

I was really hoping they would sign him. But wasn't sure how much they where in on him. Glad to see they seem to be making a push for him.

 

I really think the 15m that was floated a few weeks ago was just a ploy. Adding Chapman to this team would be a huge boost. If Chapman wants to make some money and play for one of the best teams in the world, the Red Sox are a great choice.

 

I think it would be cool if they went 6 years/$30m for him.

 

They will need a number of years for him to develop appropriately, but they have the resources to wait for it.

[Plumpamania]

There is some question to his durability in the longhaul where he might be a closer type guy instead. As well when throwing for teams he was in the 91-94 mph range, while good, isn't Billy Wagner starting ya know?

[example1]

There is some question to his durability in the longhaul where he might be a closer type guy instead. As well when throwing for teams he was in the 91-94 mph range' date=' while good, isn't Billy Wagner starting ya know?[/quote']

 

The reports said that he said he wouldn't be throwing 100% during the work outs and was throwing something like 85%. Sitting at 91-94 easy is symptomatic of a very strong arm.

 

That said, I wouldn't be upset if he was "only" a reliever. The Red Sox have done a good job of systematically making all relievers work exclusively from the stretch, which will reduce some of his control issues.

 

I imagine a combination of Bard and Chapman coming out of the bullpen for a few years would be quite formidable.

[Plumpamania]

But at 6 years/$30 million for a possible MR/SU type guy, I'm not sure...but we'll see.

[italstallianion]

I'm not sure where it was said, but I recall Dojji looking at the reliever market and looking at Scott Eyre, but according to MLBTR, Eyre is retiring.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/01/scott-eyre-retires.html

[example1]

But at 6 years/$30 million for a possible MR/SU type guy' date=' I'm not sure...but we'll see.[/quote']

 

Sometimes you have to take a risk. If it pays off they are in tremendous shape with Lester, Chapman, Buchholz and Kelly all in their 20s for the next 5 years. 5m/year isn't very much money, all things considered. It's less than 1/3rd what they will pay Lowell and Lugo to not play for the Sox this year.

[bsox0407]

Sometimes you have to take a risk. If it pays off they are in tremendous shape with Lester' date=' Chapman, Buchholz and Kelly all in their 20s for the next 5 years. 5m/year isn't very much money, all things considered. It's less than 1/3rd what they will pay Lowell and Lugo to not play for the Sox this year.[/quote']

 

Don't forget Wakefield may still be around.lol

[Plumpamania]

Very true, and keeping him out of divisional rivals is a good thing too.

[bsox0407]

Very true' date=' and keeping him out of divisional rivals is a good thing too.[/quote']

 

I read that the Yankees are not in it.

 

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2010/01/an_update_on_ch.html

[Palodios]

I don't agree with a 6/30 deal. Low 20s makes sense, but not much more than that. Based on what we saw from Chapman at the WBC, I get the feeling he won't be ready immediately.

 

Let's say he takes 2 years to develop and hit his stride. If he's a starting pitcher, it will realistically take even longer than that for him to hit his potential. Ideally, the sox get 4 strong years out of him so it works out to be a 4/30 deal, so 7.5 million a year. Well, what if he takes longer to adjust to the majors? 3 years, we see 10 million a year.

 

As of right now, he's a prospect. Best case scenario, they get an ace at somewhere from 7.5-15 a year. Most likely scenario, he ends up as a power pitch reliever. Worst case-- 30 million gone. Is it really worth signing a prospect for that kind of money when the money could go to making sure Papelbon sticks around, spending that money on a reliable closer on the FA market, or going after a Cliff Lee type?

[Dipre]

I don't agree with a 6/30 deal. Low 20s makes sense, but not much more than that. Based on what we saw from Chapman at the WBC, I get the feeling he won't be ready immediately.

 

Let's say he takes 2 years to develop and hit his stride. If he's a starting pitcher, it will realistically take even longer than that for him to hit his potential. Ideally, the sox get 4 strong years out of him so it works out to be a 4/30 deal, so 7.5 million a year. Well, what if he takes longer to adjust to the majors? 3 years, we see 10 million a year.

 

As of right now, he's a prospect. Best case scenario, they get an ace at somewhere from 7.5-15 a year. Most likely scenario, he ends up as a power pitch reliever. Worst case-- 30 million gone. Is it really worth signing a prospect for that kind of money when the money could go to making sure Papelbon sticks around, spending that money on a reliable closer on the FA market, or going after a Cliff Lee type?

 

The money spent on Chapman would not be detrimental to either keeping Papelbon or signing other premier FA's. I agree that thirty mill is way too much though. The real hang up is probably the type of contract. If he requires a ML contract that would impact the luxury tax right way, he's not going to be a Red Sox.