The Official 2010 Hot Stove Thread.

[italstallianion]

Maybe if Mark Cuban got the Cubs, it'd be more likely.

[Dipre]

Thank you for accurately pointing out the reasons why these are "potential surprise contenders" and not main suitors.

 

BTW sure the Chisox could easily pick up Pujols and play Dunn in left, it's not like he's never played there before, nor that the Chisox have never eaten a bad defender in the outfield either. If they could tolerate Carlos Lee in left, they can swallow Adam Dunn.

 

 

There's "potentially surprising" and "logically improbable". By your logic, basically every team in MLB could be a "potentially surprising" suitor.

 

I also find highly amusing at how you say the ChiSox could "easily" pick up Pujols when their payroll has been as high as its ever been, and signing Pujols for 30 per and 8 years would lock up a guy for 30% of their total payroll when they have capable players at both positions Pujols plays. Meaning they would most likely have to get rid of one of them to fit Pujols into their not unlimited payroll, and he would still occupy at least 1/4th of the payroll.

 

Let me put it this way, Albert Pujols is the best player in the planet, but he's not a $17 million upgrade over either Kornerko or Dunn, specially for a team that's not known for its financial might.

 

If you think about it for a second, i doubt many small and mid-market teams wouldn't love to have Pujols, but would hesitate to sign him given the fact that he will cover around 30%, and possibly much more of their payroll for years after seeing how it absolutely handicapped the Rangers after they signed A-Rod, because that would be stupid.

 

A team needs to have the perfect storm to sign Pujols, which is availability at the position, and the financial might to withstand his contract, and contender or near-contender status, and unless the Yankees and Red Sox want to get creative, only the Cubs, Angels (who could move Kendry to DH), Blue Jays (if they can muster up the money) and perhaps the Braves (depending on Freddie Freeman's production) kinda sorta fit the bill.

 

I'd be all over ForSyth's mention of the Nationals, but they owe LaRoche 9 mill for 2011, which isn't chump-change, and with his skillset, he may be impossible to move in order to make space for Pujols, who may not want to play for them unless they make significant strides in 2011, which is very much a possibility.

 

Sorry for thinking logically, it seems to annoy some people.

 

On a side note, Pujols is the best player on the planet, but he also has a lot less leverage than A-Rod when A-Rod signed both his contracts, not only because he's a first baseman, but because now both of A-Rod's contracts look as albatrosses. He may get the 30 million he wants, but i doubt he'll sign for 10 years and be paid 30 million per into his 40's.

[Dipre]

Oh, and depending on how their financial health projects for after 2011, the Dodgers could also be a fit, but no to the Mets and that mess of a franchise.

[SoxFanForsyth]

s*** my bad. I thought LaRoche was a 1 year deal.

 

Although the Nat's could get creative, go 8/240 at a rate of $16mm the first year and $32mm the last 7, or $23mm the first year, $31mm the last 7, to get around the payroll juncture.

 

Who knows. All I know is a team that pays $126mm over 7 years for Jayson Werth has some money at their disposal. Wouldn't surprise me to see them get creative with Pujols. Sounds like Lerner is wanting to win now, and he's willing to pay to do it.

[Dipre]

Well if anyone (given that they could dump LaRoche) seems like they'd be willing to overpay for Pujols given how they've chased FA's lately, Washington's the team. But does 10/300 get it done?

[SoxFanForsyth]

Well if anyone (given that they could dump LaRoche) seems like they'd be willing to overpay for Pujols given how they've chased FA's lately' date=' Washington's the team. But does 10/300 get it done?[/quote']

 

With Boston, Philly, and New York out of the running, 10/280 would get it done. 10/300 would get it done with $20mm in insurance.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

RSFFL is a good poster usually. I doubt its a permaban.

 

I'm glad that RSFFL's ban is not permanent. He never engages in any fighting or feuding.

 

Appreciate the love. Glad to be back.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Dude RSFFL. I talked SO MUCH s*** about you while you were gone.

 

Good to have you back KD.:thumbsup:

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Haha I must have missed it then because I didn't see it. Thank you Jason Statham. Two can play this game

[SoxFanForsyth]

No I was joking. I don't talk s*** about anyone but Dipre. And that's only when he disagrees with me about something.

 

I've actually been called Statham before, and consider it a compliment. That dude is a badass and he banged Amy Smart in public in front of a bus of kids.

[The Celtbot]

What does everybody think about Michael Young wanting a trade away from Texas? Apparently he doesn't want to be a DH.

[Keeper]

What does everybody think about Michael Young wanting a trade away from Texas? Apparently he doesn't want to be a DH.

 

I don't blame him. They brought in Beltre and Napoli, so it's only natural for him to think he's going to lose a lot of ABs. He's done everything they've asked him to do, and he's one of the franchise's great (and untainted) players.

[a700hitter]

What does everybody think about Michael Young wanting a trade away from Texas? Apparently he doesn't want to be a DH.

It's never good to lose a player like Michael Young.

[example1]

Back to Pujols, is there ANY way the Sox could get him? Any at all? If there were, Theo would be the one to figure it out, but what's the play if they want him?

 

I think everyone is right that they won't be making a play for him, but they will certainly explore every way that it could be possible, as will the Yankees undoubtedly. I just don't see too many teams that are going to spend $30m on one player.

[italstallianion]

I think that Red Sox Nation should start a fund drive to help the Red Sox afford Pujols. I think that most Red Sox Fans would donate to that cause.

[jacksonianmarch]

Pujols for Yankee LF in 2012. That is all

[example1]

Pujols for Yankee LF in 2012. That is all

 

Can Pujols pitch?

[yankees228]

Can Pujols pitch?

 

If they pay him 300 million dollars, I expect him to play all nine positions at the same time.

[Will617]

Pujols to third, Youkilis to left, Crawford to right. Done.

Of course, if we could get Pujols to try out catching...

[example1]

Realistically, it ain't happening of course. The Sox only payroll losses in 2012 will be Ortiz, Papelbon Cameron and Drew, which is a total of $46.5m. That's a lot of money, but when you add in a hefty raise to Carl Crawford (14m--> 19.5), Jacoby Ellsbury (arb), Clay Buchholz (arb) and a few others, PLUS Adrian Gonzalez supposedly resigning, that will likely eat away at a lot of that money.

 

The way I see it, the 2011 Sox are making a big run at a WS the way they did in 2004 and 2007. If they win I expect a reduction in payroll, or at least a reduction in aggressive spending.

 

All that said, the Sox have also given themselves a safety option if the Adrian Gonzalez deal falls through for some reason. I hope it doesn't, as I like his age and love his swing in Fenway, but if it fell through they would have to be considered favorites for a guy like Pujols.

[BSN07]

Back to Pujols, is there ANY way the Sox could get him? Any at all? If there were, Theo would be the one to figure it out, but what's the play if they want him?

 

I think everyone is right that they won't be making a play for him, but they will certainly explore every way that it could be possible, as will the Yankees undoubtedly. I just don't see too many teams that are going to spend $30m on one player.

 

Trade Youk, or let there be some kind of rotation at 3B/DH/1B for 2012 and not pick up Youks option after 2013 and Pujols becomes the everyday 3B. Theres also the possibility of picking up[ Youks options and having Albert him play LF at Fenway and DH on the road.

 

I think they could get him. It would heavily depend on how Albert feels about changing positions and DHing. I'm not sure how likely it is though.

 

LAA makes sense, but they never pony up for the right players. CHC and Washington seem like the most likely candidates.

[BSN07]

Pujols for Yankee LF in 2012. That is all

 

The Yankees will be too busy trying to bring back CC to have any chance at Pujols

[SoxFanForsyth]

Back to Pujols, is there ANY way the Sox could get him? Any at all? If there were, Theo would be the one to figure it out, but what's the play if they want him?

 

I think everyone is right that they won't be making a play for him, but they will certainly explore every way that it could be possible, as will the Yankees undoubtedly. I just don't see too many teams that are going to spend $30m on one player.

 

Sure there's a way. Don't ink Gonzo to his extension. But that's about it.

 

I'd rather have Gonzo at 8/162 over Pujols at 10/300 or 8/240.

 

I have a hard time believing that Pujols is $78mm better than Gonzo over the course of the next 8 years.

 

Other than that, I don't see it happening unless we want a 30mm DH.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Realistically' date=' it ain't happening of course.[b'] The Sox only payroll losses in 2012 will be Ortiz, Papelbon Cameron and Drew,[/b] which is a total of $46.5m. That's a lot of money, but when you add in a hefty raise to Carl Crawford (14m--> 19.5), Jacoby Ellsbury (arb), Clay Buchholz (arb) and a few others, PLUS Adrian Gonzalez supposedly resigning, that will likely eat away at a lot of that money.

 

Don't forget about Scutaro, Wake, Tek, and Oki, all of which would add up for an additional $5.75mm, so you're looking at a total of $52mm coming off the books. Take Gonzo's additional $17mm (estimated), Crawfords additional $6mm, about $8mm for arb eligible Buch, Salty, Lowrie, and Ellsbury, as well as Kalish for his first year, and you're left with $21mm to use to find a back up catcher (potentially internally), another BP arm, a backup OF (potentially internally), and a DH (I think we'll sign Ortiz to something to the tune of 2/$14 with an option.

 

I'd say we'll probably be around the same payroll next year as we are this year. Hopefully Lars Anderson or Ryan Lavarnway can advance their stroke and become contributors if Ortiz has an off year and we don't resign him. Although if we don't sign him and he goes to the Yankees, I'd puke.

[DirtDog]

Papelbon and Lester among the players already at Spring Training.

I know for a fact Paps has taken personal offense to what happened this offseason. I expect a great rebound year.

[DirtDog]

Sure there's a way. Don't ink Gonzo to his extension. But that's about it.

 

I'd rather have Gonzo at 8/162 over Pujols at 10/300 or 8/240.

 

I have a hard time believing that Pujols is $78mm better than Gonzo over the course of the next 8 years.

 

Other than that, I don't see it happening unless we want a 30mm DH.

 

That's the way it works in baseball and in most companies.

 

You'd agree that Pujols is easily the best player in the game. He's marginally better but since he's the top of the food chain he will get a much substantially bigger contract. 30m/yr vs 23-25m/yr.

 

You're right though. Given the reality of what they will produce for their actual team and the difference between that in terms of wins and losses, I'd prefer A-Gon easily.

[BSN07]

Don't forget about Scutaro, Wake, Tek, and Oki, all of which would add up for an additional $5.75mm, so you're looking at a total of $52mm coming off the books. Take Gonzo's additional $17mm (estimated), Crawfords additional $6mm, about $8mm for arb eligible Buch, Salty, Lowrie, and Ellsbury, as well as Kalish for his first year, and you're left with $21mm to use to find a back up catcher (potentially internally), another BP arm, a backup OF (potentially internally), and a DH (I think we'll sign Ortiz to something to the tune of 2/$14 with an option.

 

I'd say we'll probably be around the same payroll next year as we are this year. Hopefully Lars Anderson or Ryan Lavarnway can advance their stroke and become contributors if Ortiz has an off year and we don't resign him. Although if we don't sign him and he goes to the Yankees, I'd puke.

 

Dice-K would be done the following season. So that's another 10M.

[Ravenous916]

I know for a fact Paps has taken personal offense to what happened this offseason. I expect a great rebound year.

 

articles about him seem to suggest otherwise. I also expect a pretty good rebound year, but unless you know him personally, I dont doubt what is in this article. (he isn't pissed)

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/columns/story?columnist=edes_gordon&id=6099494

[bsox0407]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/02/red-sox-sign-alfredo-aceves.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

 

Sox Sign Aceves

[SoxFanForsyth]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/02/red-sox-sign-alfredo-aceves.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

 

Sox Sign Aceves

 

Damn you. I had this ready to post. Could be a good signing. First two years he had a 3.24 ERA in the AL East before getting hurt in 2010. If he comes back strong, I could see him sticking around.