2011-2012 Offseason Thread

[wyo-sox]

Let's be honest, we can fix a few problems with one simple move- as a career DH Ortiz's is in good shape, it is clearly time to sign him and transition him into the pitching rotation.

[mvp 78]

Don't worry guys. I just simmed the 2012 season with MVP 04 for Xbox and the Sox beat the Cubs 4-1 in the WS.

 

Buehrle won the CY and had a dominant postseason. Looks like we need Scott Williamson to close this year! (I know some posters rag in the 03 bullpen, but Williamson/Embre/Timlin had a good postseason if I remember correctly.)

[VA Sox Fan]

Don't worry guys. I just simmed the 2012 season with MVP 04 for Xbox and the Sox beat the Cubs 4-1 in the WS.

 

Buehrle won the CY and had a dominant postseason. Looks like we need Scott Williamson to close this year! (I know some posters rag in the 03 bullpen, but Williamson/Embre/Timlin had a good postseason if I remember correctly.)

 

Yep and LIttle should have gone to Embree instead of keeping Pedro in.

[seabeachfred]

Sounds like it's a pretty slow day guys and ladies. Enjoy some good football or family fun. I doubt if anything's going down today. Maybe this week....or next week or the week after that.

[Kimmi]

I think it is possible and this lineup could bludgeon its way to compete for a playoff spot. I think we need a big time acquisition for the pitching staff to make up for losing a key piece like Papelbon. Our starting rotation is already thin and now the bullpen is very very thin too.

 

Offensively bludgeoning your way to compete for a playoff spot doesn't work if you don't have the pitching to back it up. If Ortiz and Beltran are both signed, that will leave almost no money to spend in our area of most need, which is pitching. I can't see both Ortiz and Beltran being signed. It would be too expensive, even with them both taking paycuts.

[mvp 78]

LC, it worked for the Sox throughout the 00's.

[Kimmi]

LC' date=' it worked for the Sox throughout the 00's.[/quote']

 

I would consider 2003 really the only year we bludgeoned our way into the post season and had much of a shot much of a shot once there.

[a700hitter]

I would consider 2003 really the only year we bludgeoned our way into the post season and had much of a shot much of a shot once there.

We bludgeoned our way to the playoffs in 2005 too.

[mvp 78]

04 was the only year they had a complete pitching staff. Other years, it was more patchwork.

[a700hitter]

04 was the only year they had a complete pitching staff. Other years' date=' it was more patchwork.[/quote']You are right about that. Even 2007 had holes in the staff.

[RonVermette]

We led the league in BA, Runs scored, etc.

Eighth in pitching.

If Ortiz is signed over the next week it's going to be all pitching through December.

[Palodios]

The Boston Globe said that Aceves will be competing for a spot in the rotation for 2011. They have also considered moving Bard as well.

[a700hitter]

The Boston Globe said that Aceves will be competing for a spot in the rotation for 2011. They have also considered moving Bard as well.

I don't see how that can be a consideration after letting Papelbon walk.

[jung]

Geez I guess the new CBA is going to restrict the amount of money teams spend on draft picks and the amount agents are paid for those signings. I guess I understand the latter but how can the former be significant. The amount teams spend on draft picks is nothing compared to what they spend on FA veterans.

[jopete19]

We all know we need starting pitching... But sounds like we aren't going after Wilson anymore?

 

http://mlbbuzz.yardbarker.com/blog/mlbbuzz/execs_forecasting_5_year_deal_for_cj_maybe_6/8082325

 

seems to me like Cherington is sitting on his hands.

[jung]

I would have be surprised to see the Sox make an effort to sign CJ.

[a700hitter]

We all know we need starting pitching... But sounds like we aren't going after Wilson anymore?

 

http://mlbbuzz.yardbarker.com/blog/mlbbuzz/execs_forecasting_5_year_deal_for_cj_maybe_6/8082325

 

seems to me like Cherington is sitting on his hands.

He's sitting on his thumb.

[a700hitter]

Forget about Kemp coming to the Sox:

 

Kemp, Dodgers Agree To Eight-Year Extension

By Tim Dierkes [November 14 at 1:18pm CST]

 

Dodgers fans are looking forward to new ownership next season, and now they have certainty about their cornerstone center fielder. The Dodgers and Matt Kemp agreed to an eight-year, $160MM extension today, which ties for the seventh-richest contract in MLB history.

 

Kemp, 27, did not want to discuss an extension once his 2012 contract year began. He might have earned $15MM+ through arbitration for '12, so the new deal buys out seven free agent seasons at more than $20MM each. At $160MM, Kemp ties Manny Ramirez's free agent contract from 11 years ago as the seventh-largest in MLB history, for now. Prior to Kemp, the biggest contract in Dodgers history was Kevin Brown's $105MM deal in December of '98. Kemp is represented by former pitcher Dave Stewart.

 

Kemp is expected to finish highly in the NL MVP voting later this month after breaking out with a .324/.399/.586 line and 39 home runs in 689 plate appearances this year. Outside of 2010, UZR has shown Kemp to be roughly an average defender in center field.

 

Earlier this month, owner Frank McCourt agreed to sell the Dodgers. GM Ned Colletti was able to lay the groundwork for the Kemp deal despite the uncertainty surrounding the team when McCourt appeared headed for a bankruptcy

[a700hitter]

Jeremy Hermida was non-tendered. GMs all over baseball are licking their chops. Seriously though, Angel Pagan was non-tendered by the Mets. What do you think about him?

[example1]

Jeremy Hermida was non-tendered. GMs all over baseball are licking their chops. Seriously though' date=' Angel Pagan was non-tendered by the Mets. What do you think about him?[/quote']

 

Not a horrible option. However, going the Pagan route is closer to improving on Darnell MacDonald than improving on JD Drew. Versatile, decent OF with a tiny bit of pop.

 

Pagan isn't a bad player but was worse in 2011. Any reason why, that you know of?

[a700hitter]

Not a horrible option. However, going the Pagan route is closer to improving on Darnell MacDonald than improving on JD Drew. Versatile, decent OF with a tiny bit of pop.

 

Pagan isn't a bad player but was worse in 2011. Any reason why, that you know of?

No, 2011 was a disappointment for Pagan. He was healthy most of the season.

[example1]

No' date=' 2011 was a disappointment for Pagan. He was healthy most of the season.[/quote']

 

Would you be happy if they signed him? If so, then they should go for it.

 

Seriously, though, would he be the RH OF that you would like, or merely a backup? I suspect he's not worth much more than either Reddick or Kalish, but he will cost more and take up a roster spot.

[a700hitter]

Would you be happy if they signed him? If so, then they should go for it.

 

Seriously, though, would he be the RH OF that you would like, or merely a backup? I suspect he's not worth much more than either Reddick or Kalish, but he will cost more and take up a roster spot.

He's a 4th OFer. He's not good in an every day role. He can play all 3 OF positions. He switch hits. He has good speed and little power.

[example1]

Would you be comfortable with him as the 4th OF/depth signing, realizing that that player is often who the manager calls on when there is an injury?

[Meh]

Jeremy Hermida was non-tendered. GMs all over baseball are licking their chops. Seriously though' date=' Angel Pagan was non-tendered by the Mets. What do you think about him?[/quote']

 

Do you have a list of the non-tendered players?

[ipot]

Pagan is suited for 4th OFer roles. He IS an improvement over Darnell. Plus, he can hit leadoff and in the 2 hole when needed. I've casually watched the Mets over the years since i live in NYC.

 

He's one of those guys you see the potential in spurts and then sputters. It all depends on the price.

[seabeachfred]

Would you be happy if they signed him? If so, then they should go for it.

 

Seriously, though, would he be the RH OF that you would like, or merely a backup? I suspect he's not worth much more than either Reddick or Kalish, but he will cost more and take up a roster spot.

 

EX, what's wrong with Michael Cuddyer? I've been talking him up big time and with the exception of two or three colleagues it has fallen on deaf ears. Pagan was terrible this season; reasons why I have no idea. However, he is a one trick pony, an outfielder of limited ability. Cuddyer can play all over the field. He's no Golden Glover at any of them but adequate enough and he gives you some good pop when we face a southpaw. Playing half his games at Fenway might see some hefty numbers from him. From what I've heard he's a pretty good clutch player. I just cannot believe he is going to be that expensive and even if we was, if we drop Ortiz and let him walk we could have extra money for such a signing.:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[example1]

EX' date=' what's wrong with Michael Cuddyer? I've been talking him up big time and with the exception of two or three colleagues it has fallen on deaf ears. Pagan was terrible this season; reasons why I have no idea. However, he is a one trick pony, an outfielder of limited ability. Cuddyer can play all over the field. He's no Golden Glover at any of them but adequate enough and he gives you some good pop when we face a southpaw. Playing half his games at Fenway might see some hefty numbers from him. From what I've heard he's a pretty good clutch player. I just cannot believe he is going to be that expensive and even if we was, if we drop Ortiz and let him walk we could have extra money for such a signing.:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:[/quote']

 

First of all, 7 thumbsups?

 

Second, I like Cuddyer. I would be pleased if they signed him. He's a good player, a good clubhouse guy, and his personality might add nice balance and veteran presence to the club. I'm all for it.

 

I think Beltran has higher upside and as a switchhitter he offers a different kind of versatility. However, Cuddyer is a comfortable RF and would (hopefully) cost a bit less. Sign me up, 3 years max.

 

Cuddyer or Beltran, one of the two. Kalish is the CF when Ellsbury leaves after 2013.

[example1]

http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2011/11/14/hot-stove-pirates-closer-joel-hanrahan-could-be-available-through-trade/

 

How bout a trade for Joel Hanrahan? 9th hardest thrower among qualified RP in 2011, roughly as hard as Daniel Bard. He would be a great addition for 8th or 9th inning duties. Shouldn't cost an arm and a leg either.

[jacksonianmarch]

http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2011/11/14/hot-stove-pirates-closer-joel-hanrahan-could-be-available-through-trade/

 

How bout a trade for Joel Hanrahan? 9th hardest thrower among qualified RP in 2011, roughly as hard as Daniel Bard. He would be a great addition for 8th or 9th inning duties. Shouldn't cost an arm and a leg either.

 

You probably could have had him on the cheap prior to 2011. But he had a hell of a season last yr. He's going to cost a fair amount, especially when teams like Toronto are flush with prospects but arent willing to spend money on the top FA closers