Sox sign Crawford

[Keeper]

As a cheap in-house option, don't forget Darnell McDonald can also hit lefties.

[bsox0407]

As a cheap in-house option' date=' don't forget Darnell McDonald can also hit lefties.[/quote']

 

We would need to re-sign him. I think he can pull a starting role somewhere else.

[Dipre]

I understand economics just fine thanks. Your point about the Sox profit margin is valid, but what you're failing to take into account is that the only group of people that actually care about that is John Henry and the rest of the ownership team. They alone decide how much profit is acceptable year in and year out. If they choose to reduce their profits slightly to increase their chances of winning a World Series, why should we as fans care one bit?

 

Profit margins mean much more to teams like Kansas City, Minnesota, and Florida, with owners that are clearly more interested in making money than they are in winning championships. What Steinbrenner realized years ago is that winning brings profit, and I think the current Sox ownership group has had that same mentality from day one. As a fan, I can't argue with that at all.

 

So who's opinion is more important about how much profit the team makes? The ownership, or us as fans.

 

The problem is , you're failing to see that the reason the Sox are spending money is not because of some new desire to break the bank. It was simply a perfect storm of available players and money coming off the books.

 

If you'll notice, they'll start next year with right around the same payroll they had in 2010. So they're still operating withing the limits of their budget, not a "we can do it 'cause we have money" mentality.

[Keeper]

We would need to re-sign him. I think he can pull a starting role somewhere else.

 

He's 32 and has bounced around from one organization to another. I don't see him getting a starting gig. He wouldn't cost much to re-sign.

[bsox0407]

He's a 32-year old organizational man. I don't see him getting a starting gig. He wouldn't cost much to re-sign.

 

True, I would love to have him. He reminds of a Dannie Woodhead because he was on the Yankees. lol

[SCM33]

Sox made a 7 year offer at Cliff Lee just before signing Crawford:

 

Before signing Carl Crawford, the Red Sox may have engaged in some good old-fashioned negotiating hijinks.

 

It would be just like the Sox to throw a monkey wrench into the Yankees’ attempt to sign Cliff Lee

 

And this little stunt, if it indeed happened, would have qualified.

 

The Sox are one team that made a seven-year offer to Lee, according to officials with another club.

 

But there was a catch.

 

The offer was for a lower dollar figure than Lee would accept, making it an offer that Lee was certain to refuse.

[bsox0407]

Sox made a 7 year offer at Cliff Lee just before signing Crawford:

 

Before signing Carl Crawford, the Red Sox may have engaged in some good old-fashioned negotiating hijinks.

 

It would be just like the Sox to throw a monkey wrench into the Yankees’ attempt to sign Cliff Lee

 

And this little stunt, if it indeed happened, would have qualified.

 

The Sox are one team that made a seven-year offer to Lee, according to officials with another club.

 

But there was a catch.

 

The offer was for a lower dollar figure than Lee would accept, making it an offer that Lee was certain to refuse.

 

It would be hilarious if he had Accepted also. that would be funny as hell.

[a700hitter]

It would be hilarious if he had Accepted also. that would be funny as hell.

I have a steel bladder. I've been known to drink beer for hours without using the bathroom, but if Lee accepted the Red Sox offer, I'd piss myself.

[Divinity]

It will be fun to watch Crawford and Ellsbury run down balls in the gap and play running bases with old man Posada. It should be a lot of fun.

 

And let this be a reminder to all of you:

 

A700 is almost always right.

 

(except in certain rare circumstances)

 

:lol::lol:

 

Perhaps you didn't get the memo but Cashman confirmed that Posada will be the team's DH in 2011.

[MNSoxChief102]

So who's opinion is more important about how much profit the team makes? The ownership, or us as fans.

 

The problem is , you're failing to see that the reason the Sox are spending money is not because of some new desire to break the bank. It was simply a perfect storm of available players and money coming off the books.

 

If you'll notice, they'll start next year with right around the same payroll they had in 2010. So they're still operating withing the limits of their budget, not a "we can do it 'cause we have money" mentality.

 

Obviously the ownership. It's their money after all.

 

I never said it was a new desire or anything of the sort. I agree with you that it makes sense to spend the money because we'll make it up with expiring contracts and the like. I have tried to argue that I think it's absurd to say the Sox operate with a significantly lower payroll limit than that of the Yankees. The whole Evil Empire thing is always been a sham.

 

The limit is lower but not by much. If the Sox cared more about making money than they did about winning (a la the Royals, Twins, Marlins, etc) they'd be content to field an outfield of Ells, Kalish, and Drew next season simply from a financial point of view. But they're not doing that... instead they've gone all in to get Crawford even though the money is rather absurd, because they want to win championships. That's all I can ask for as a fan.

[SCM33]

Perhaps you didn't get the memo but Cashman confirmed that Posada will be the team's DH in 2011.

 

Posada is a below average DH.

[Dipre]

Obviously the ownership. It's their money after all.

 

I never said it was a new desire or anything of the sort. I agree with you that it makes sense to spend the money because we'll make it up with expiring contracts and the like. I have tried to argue that I think it's absurd to say the Sox operate with a significantly lower payroll limit than that of the Yankees. The whole Evil Empire thing is always been a sham.

 

The limit is lower but not by much. If the Sox cared more about making money than they did about winning (a la the Royals, Twins, Marlins, etc) they'd be content to field an outfield of Ells, Kalish, and Drew next season simply from a financial point of view. But they're not doing that... instead they've gone all in to get Crawford even though the money is rather absurd, because they want to win championships. That's all I can ask for as a fan.

 

But they're doing it within the limitations of their budget, which is significantly lower than the Yanks', contradicting your main point.

 

The difference in money made/money spent between the Sox and Yankees is big, and trying to deny that is dishonest. It's true that it's not as big as it used to be, but it is there, and it's very significant.

[Divinity]

Posada is a below average DH.

 

I'm aware but with 1 year remaining on his contract there's not much else they can do.

[a700hitter]

Perhaps you didn't get the memo but Cashman confirmed that Posada will be the team's DH in 2011.

It should be even a bigger circus with Cervelli behind the plate. If the 22 year old you are referring to is Montero, perhaps you didn't get the memo, but the Yankee scouting report projects him as a DH. He sucks it at catcher. You had better hope the Yanks sign Russell Martin to have any shot at all of not being embarrassed, that's right embarrassed by Sox base runners.

[bsox0407]

It should be even a bigger circus with Cervelli behind the plate. If the 22 year old you are referring to is Montero' date=' perhaps you didn't get the memo, but the Yankee scouting report projects him as a DH. He sucks it at catcher. You had better hope the Yanks sign Russell Martin to have any shot at all of not being embarrassed, that's right embarrassed by Sox base runners.[/quote']

 

Player Speed

Ells Very Fast

Crawford Very Fast

Pedrioa Above AVG I count 4 stolen base threats. With Drew and Youk being threats against NYY.

Scutaro Above AVG

Drew AVG

Youk AVG.

Salty AVG

Papi SLOW

GONZO SlOW

[bsox0407]

I am now personally Okay with losing V-Mart. I would bee happy if they get Russell Martin and Jizz in my pants if we got some Bullpen arms as well.

[Divinity]

It should be even a bigger circus with Cervelli behind the plate. If the 22 year old you are referring to is Montero' date=' perhaps you didn't get the memo, but the Yankee scouting report projects him as a DH. He sucks it at catcher. You had better hope the Yanks sign Russell Martin to have any shot at all of not being embarrassed, that's right embarrassed by Sox base runners.[/quote']

 

His defensive abilities were compared to V-Mart, which is below average to say the least. However the Yankees know this, I'm sure their interest in Martin tripled tonight.

[bsox0407]

So now the Big Question for the Sox is Does Cameron give up number 23 for Gonzo or does Gonzo takes something else. lol. He could rep 25.

 

But Really Martin is Key. Now even if the The Yankees Get Lee the Sox have blown them out of the water. I hope Martin sees the Sox aiming to Win NOW In 2011 and Signs with the Sox.

[example1]

But they're doing it within the limitations of their budget, which is significantly lower than the Yanks', contradicting your main point.

 

The difference in money made/money spent between the Sox and Yankees is big, and trying to deny that is dishonest. It's true that it's not as big as it used to be, but it is there, and it's very significant.

 

This is always going to be the case.

 

The Sox just put together one of the most potent offenses in recent history with young players who seem to be genuine examples of the post-steroid era, aside from David Ortiz. Crawford is a freak of an athlete. So is Ellsbury. Youkilis and Pedroia control the strike zone better than most and play really solid defense. Adrian Gonzalez is an elite power hitter, the first former #1 draft pick the Red Sox have ever had.

 

They put that team together by being selective and patient. Just as a700 feels delight about the Sox making a big splash and getting his player, I feel vindicated because their patience and wise financial moves (keeping Buchholz, signing Lester, Pedroia, Youkilis long term, giving up FAs to get drafts like Ellsbury, Lowrie, Bard, etc.,) all made this team even possible.

 

Just as much as this is a response to the available players and the circumstances, it also represents a predictable "perfect storm" of FA/Trades that this team could have reasonably planned around doing since they lost Teixeira.

 

We know they have coveted Gonzalez for a long time. They discussed it the year Victor was acquired, they discussed it last year, and then they made the move.

 

We also know the Sox just offered a familiar LF in their own division the biggest OF contract (AAV) in the history of the game out of nowhere. I don't think they stumbled into this. Gammons has been saying for months (and I poo-poo'd him) that the Sox were hot for Crawford. They just offered him 7 years and offered Cliff Lee 7 years. That's not an impulse move, that's a planned, tactical move against the Yankees.

 

In terms of team building it is genius. In terms of money spending it is decadent. In terms of hot stove action it is priceless.

[Cocos Disciples]

I am still in shock after this move. I still want the Sox to sign Martin, get Fuentes and Guerrier or two other bullpen arms. I'd be happy with these three moves, and sitting back until March.

 

Question for the "trade Ellsbury" camp: Do you then trade for Beltran? Magglio and Willingham wouldn't be options since LF is taken. I'm not sure I move Ellsbury at such a low value.

[bsox0407]

One thing this does is give the Rays the Sox 24th supplemental pick. But oh well we still have 19th.

[a700hitter]

I still want the Sox to sign Martin' date=' get Fuentes and Guerrier or two other bullpen arms. [/quote']This kind of talk gets me very hot. I wish my wife would say this stuff.

[bsox0407]

I am still in shock after this move. I still want the Sox to sign Martin, get Fuentes and Guerrier or two other bullpen arms. I'd be happy with these three moves, and sitting back until March.

 

Question for the "trade Ellsbury" camp: Do you then trade for Beltran? Magglio and Willingham wouldn't be options since LF is taken. I'm not sure I move Ellsbury at such a low value.

 

I hold onto Ellsbury. If your on this team you cant wait to get to the field and play knowing the talent matches any team we have had in recent history. I agree with all of what You said above the Question too.

[SCM33]

I too, love this move.

 

But from day 1 (we knew they would have to account for Beltre and VMART) the weakness was the bullpen. They still HAVE to address the bullpen.

[bsox0407]

I too, love this move.

 

But from day 1 (we knew they would have to account for Beltre and VMART) the weakness was the bullpen. They still HAVE to address the bullpen.

 

The Sox. Have to address that and Catcher.

 

But Boy both of these moves really improve our Defense. Last year

 

Last year being healthy. Two REAL Gold Glove caliber Players.

[MNSoxChief102]

This is always going to be the case.

 

The Sox just put together one of the most potent offenses in recent history with young players who seem to be genuine examples of the post-steroid era, aside from David Ortiz. Crawford is a freak of an athlete. So is Ellsbury. Youkilis and Pedroia control the strike zone better than most and play really solid defense. Adrian Gonzalez is an elite power hitter, the first former #1 draft pick the Red Sox have ever had.

 

They put that team together by being selective and patient. Just as a700 feels delight about the Sox making a big splash and getting his player, I feel vindicated because their patience and wise financial moves (keeping Buchholz, signing Lester, Pedroia, Youkilis long term, giving up FAs to get drafts like Ellsbury, Lowrie, Bard, etc.,) all made this team even possible.

 

Just as much as this is a response to the available players and the circumstances, it also represents a predictable "perfect storm" of FA/Trades that this team could have reasonably planned around doing since they lost Teixeira.

 

We know they have coveted Gonzalez for a long time. They discussed it the year Victor was acquired, they discussed it last year, and then they made the move.

 

We also know the Sox just offered a familiar LF in their own division the biggest OF contract (AAV) in the history of the game out of nowhere. I don't think they stumbled into this. Gammons has been saying for months (and I poo-poo'd him) that the Sox were hot for Crawford. They just offered him 7 years and offered Cliff Lee 7 years. That's not an impulse move, that's a planned, tactical move against the Yankees.

 

In terms of team building it is genius. In terms of money spending it is decadent. In terms of hot stove action it is priceless.

 

Great post. I agree wholeheartedly.

[a700hitter]

The Sox. Have to address that and Catcher.

 

But Boy both of these moves really improve our Defense. Last year

 

Last year being healthy. Two REAL Gold Glove caliber Players.

These are two mega moves. This is the biggest, boldest off season by this ownership group.

[bsox0407]

These are two mega moves. This is the biggest' date=' boldest off season by this ownership group.[/quote']

 

I have always trusted Theo. It seems Like every year he gets me more and more excited. I was excited with V-mart and Beltre but injuries killed us. This year I want the next 60 days to fly by.

[example1]

Dave Cameron at fangraphs:

 

Over the last two years, the only position players with a higher WAR than Crawford are Albert Pujols, Evan Longoria, Ryan Zimmerman, Joe Mauer, and Chase Utley. Crawford is ahead of sluggers like Adrian Gonzalez, Joey Votto, and Miguel Cabrera, but as we saw with Gonzalez’s extension, that kind of money for their skillset is considered acceptable. Just because Crawford creates wins in a different way doesn’t make those wins less valuable. If you buy into Crawford being an elite defender, then he is worth this contract, and maybe even a little bit more.

 

[Jasonbay44]

Holy f***ing s***, I cant even believe Crawford is on the Sox.. Gonzalez and Crawford in one off-season? f***ing amazing. Now sign Russell Martin and sign a few bullpen arms and call this an off-season.