2011-2012 Offseason Thread

[SoxSport]

I want to hear that both players are unconditionally released PERIOD!!!!!!!!! Anything less than that keeps the door open and that open door has led to those two being let in for the past three seasons when both should have been cashiered and sent into retirement---and they would have been if the Red Sox had not buckled and signed them both again. They received exactly NO offers from any other team each and every time they became free agents.

 

I thought that was an amazing terminal statement Valentine made. He said he "can't imagine" either being in ST. My guess is he was the appointed carrier of the message--through the media.

[a700hitter]

I have to admit that is funny E.

 

I suppose if you really wanted to feed those concerned with more grist for their mill you could envision Tek chasing Salty around in ST trying to crack him across the knees with a baseball bat ala' Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding.

I'm envisioning something more subtle and nonviolent like Tek and Wakefield throwing banana peel on the floor in the clubhouse and the showers.

[FredLynn]

I thought that was an amazing terminal statement Valentine made. He said he "can't imagine" either being in ST. My guess is he was the appointed carrier of the message--through the media.

 

I believe he said that he couldn't imagine either of them "competing for a job in ST". Thats different. If one or both of them is HANDED a job prior to ST, then does that constitute "competing for a job"?

[Station 13]

Red Sox Talking To Roy Oswalt

By Dan Mennella [January 15 at 10:51pm CST]

 

The Red Sox have ongoing contact with free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt, sources tell Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com (Twitter link).

[a700hitter]

Congrats to 700 for his Giants win.

 

Packers must have some relatives on the Giants that they forgot on their Christmas shopping list:

Here wanna' football....Here wanna' football.....Here.... (You get the picture)

Thanks. Green Bay played very sloppy. They were outplayed in every aspect today.

[a700hitter]

No 700' date=' don't you believe this for a second. This chapter is most definitely not closed. If Prune Face or Lucchinoturd order BV to give those two bums a shot in ST, Valentine either has to comply or risk his job by defying his bosses. Either way it opens up a whole can of worms---and, besides, I'm starting to worry that he wants to manage so badly that he would surrender his independence so he could keep his job. I remember all those stories late in 2008 when Putritek was still without a contract and the word was he had played his last game with the Red Sox. I didn't believe it then and I sure and hell don't now. Valentine has to make it abundantly clear he doesn't want these two, doesn't need these two, and their presence will be nothing more than a distraction to a team that already has more of this than they can endure. Just say so Bobby; tell them those two to hit the road Jack and don't come back no more, no more, no more, no more, hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more.[/quote']I think they took the cowards way out by letting Bobby V give them the news through the press.

[FredLynn]

So I am growing tired of fans being so pessimistic of this team. Yes' date=' with the team we have right now, it is hard to be extremely optimistic about this season. We still have a few weeks until Spring Training starts. We are really only one starting pitcher away and maybe one or two bullpen arms away from being one of the best teams in baseball. We can still sign Roy Oswalt. Even if we don't, we have enough pieces of the puzzle to survive until we can potentially make a trade at the deadline. Chad Qualls is also an option for our pen, we have been linked to him recently. It is getting extremely old hearing about the same things. We will be a competitive team regardless. There are a lot of unanswered questions, but we haven't even finished the offseason yet. Wait until Spring Training is over and wait to see our finalized roster going into the season. We are ready offensively and defensively. We just need to make some adjustments. If you don't have anything better to do, then maybe start watching the Patriots the next couple weeks as they look to try to get back to the Super Bowl. There is some positivity with New England sports. The Red Sox will be fine when it is all said and done. If we don't win the World Series in 2012, life goes on. We will be able to compete though, that is for sure. This team will not be the worst team in baseball. Hang in there. Keep your heads up. Most importantly, keep the faith.[/quote']

 

So I am growing tired of fans being so pessimistic of this team. Yes, with the team we have right now, it is hard to be extremely optimistic about this season.

 

Lets do this then, since most people here think this way: until the team actually GETS what it needs (a solid #4 SP and a relief arm), why not just agree that there is currently little room for optimism? You getting tired of the pessimism, while fascinating, isn't going to change anyone's opinion or how they post here.

[a700hitter]

 

In blunt terms, THE BOSTON RED SOX WERE NOT PREPARED EITHER PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY FOR THE START OF THE 2011 SEASON. We also had another losing streak after we recovered if you remember that.

I was concerned when they broke camp that they were very complacent to the point of nonchalance. I was concerned that they thought they would steamroll through the season and they were believing their press clippings. The horrendous start was a wake up call.

[a700hitter]

I just don't see it. He had a relatively good season in the NL Central... but come on' date=' its the NL Central, and even so, opposing batters hit .290 off of him. He went to the playoffs, and gave up a 5.60 ERA there.[/quote']I don't see him being a big $ acquisition. I can't see how it could be justified. He's a nice arm, but nothing more than a bottom of the rotation guy.

[a700hitter]

Red Sox Talking To Roy Oswalt

By Dan Mennella [January 15 at 10:51pm CST]

 

The Red Sox have ongoing contact with free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt, sources tell Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com (Twitter link).

 

Oswalt, not far removed from being a dependable top-of-the-rotation starter, has seen his stock fall this offseason due to injury concerns, with recent rumors suggesting he could end up with a one-year contract worth somewhere around $8MM.

 

In addition to the Red Sox, the Rangers and Cardinals are also thought to be interested in adding the right-hander, who could pay off in spades for a contender if he's back at full strength.

 

Boston has been aggressively purusing rotation depth recently, although Oswalt would be more than insurance if he were to sign. The Sox added Aaron Cook and Justin Germano on minor league deals, and they may be nearing an agreement with Vicente Padilla.

Maybe tomorrow is the day.

[seabeachfred]

I think they took the cowards way out by letting Bobby V give them the news through the press.

 

700---Admittedly I AM paranoid about those two winding up on the Red Sox again this season, so those who accuse me of that are right on the mark. However, I've seen this before with them not having a contract or an offer from any other team and somehow winding up back on the team. When they were given an invite to go to ST it opened the door for both of them to show up and create more confusion---and unlike Posada of the Yankees who was classy enough to read the tea leaves and decide to retire these two will not. Wastefield wants that record and Varitek wants that paycheck; both have surrendered whatever pride they once had. If this doesn't come to pass you can bet I will eat humble pie and do a mea culpa that will satisfy everyone, but, again, they should never have been issued an invite. The Red Sox make these kinds of mistakes over and over. First it was offering Ortiz arbitration on the belief he wouldn't accept it when most of us here knew he would. Now they are gambling Varitek and Wakefield will decide to reture rather than show up for an uncertain future, and they are most likely wrong. They will show up and I still believe one or both of them will some way worm their way on to the team this year.

 

Again, if I'm wrong on this you will get my sincere apology while I wipe the egg off of my face. I would much rather do that than say I told you all so and see these two guy pollute the ballclub for another year...or two...or three.

[seabeachfred]

Maybe tomorrow is the day.

 

That would be a nice shot of much needed energy after all this miserable talk about those two sacred cows who can't seem to understand or accept that they are through, but I will believe it when I see it. Oswalt is also being pursued by two other teams so it will be up to the Red Sox to tender than money that will get his name on the dotted line. It will immediately help us big in the pitching department which is where we need it.

[a700hitter]

700---Admittedly I AM paranoid about those two winding up on the Red Sox again this season, so those who accuse me of that are right on the mark. However, I've seen this before with them not having a contract or an offer from any other team and somehow winding up back on the team. When they were given an invite to go to ST it opened the door for both of them to show up and create more confusion---and unlike Posada of the Yankees who was classy enough to read the tea leaves and decide to retire these two will not. Wastefield wants that record and Varitek wants that paycheck; both have surrendered whatever pride they once had. If this doesn't come to pass you can bet I will eat humble pie and do a mea culpa that will satisfy everyone, but, again, they should never have been issued an invite. The Red Sox make these kinds of mistakes over and over. First it was offering Ortiz arbitration on the belief he wouldn't accept it when most of us here knew he would. Now they are gambling Varitek and Wakefield will decide to reture rather than show up for an uncertain future, and they are most likely wrong. They will show up and I still believe one or both of them will some way worm their way on to the team this year.

 

Again, if I'm wrong on this you will get my sincere apology while I wipe the egg off of my face. I would much rather do that than say I told you all so and see these two guy pollute the ballclub for another year...or two...or three.

Hey, I understand. These two guys should have been gone for years. It seemed that whenever me and my son took a trip to Fenway we would always see Wakefield and Mirabelli. I joked to him one time that we would be seeing these guys for the next 20 years. I said that Wkefield will be going for his 300th win in 2030 at the rate of 5 wins a year while using a walker, and that Mirabelli would be going for his 100th HR at the rate of 2 HRs per year. I am glad they are gone. Hopefully Bobby V finalized it this weekend.

[iortiz]

Does anybody know if Oswalt is already healthy.?

[iortiz]

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Rangers "may be the frontrunners" for free agent right-hander Roy Oswalt.

The Rangers would surely pass on Oswalt if they come to terms with Yu Darvish, but he does appear to be a legitimate fall-back option. Cafardo also notes that there are people in the Phillies organization that would "love" to see Oswalt re-sign. That doesn't look like a real option, though. Oswalt would like to pitch for the Cardinals, but they don't appear willing to devote any resources to their rotation. Jan 15 - 8:50 AM

Source: Boston Globe

[example1]

They may be the front runners because they have the money and need for a pitcher. As he says, if the Darvish talks fail then Tex would have money and need. That's not to say its likely.

 

I hope I'm wrong but I get the feeling we are all going to be disappointed and Oswalt will sign elsewhere for a sum we don't see as prohibitive. Just a hunch... Preparing for disappointment. I think Oswalt would be the perfect mentor for this group and would replace some of the veteran presence lost by Tek and Wake being let go.

[a700hitter]

They may be the front runners because they have the money and need for a pitcher. As he says, if the Darvish talks fail then Tex would have money and need. That's not to say its likely.

 

I hope I'm wrong but I get the feeling we are all going to be disappointed and Oswalt will sign elsewhere for a sum we don't see as prohibitive. Just a hunch... Preparing for disappointment. I think Oswalt would be the perfect mentor for this group and would replace some of the veteran presence lost by Tek and Wake being let go.

Damn E1! You are bringing me down. Stop that. I do fear he Rangers in this.

[Palodios]

So I am growing tired of fans being so pessimistic of this team. Yes' date=' with the team we have right now, it is hard to be extremely optimistic about this season.[/b']

 

Lets do this then, since most people here think this way: until the team actually GETS what it needs (a solid #4 SP and a relief arm), why not just agree that there is currently little room for optimism? You getting tired of the pessimism, while fascinating, isn't going to change anyone's opinion or how they post here.

 

Not necessarily. If everything swings the right way, this team can do well. If they hit on a few low-risk signings, and their players stay healthy, this team could still win the division. Getting the next pieces are about having the depth to withstand the realistic expectations of bad luck. That being said, many of us do doubt the health and effectiveness of this top four, and that extra starter seems very important to this team.

[Palodios]

They may be the front runners because they have the money and need for a pitcher. As he says, if the Darvish talks fail then Tex would have money and need. That's not to say its likely.

 

I hope I'm wrong but I get the feeling we are all going to be disappointed and Oswalt will sign elsewhere for a sum we don't see as prohibitive. Just a hunch... Preparing for disappointment. I think Oswalt would be the perfect mentor for this group and would replace some of the veteran presence lost by Tek and Wake being let go.

 

The Red Sox seemed to be the front runners for Kuroda as well. I don't think any of those reports matter until someone actually gets a player. The Rangers have a very deep rotation already, and I just can't see them wanting both of those guys, unless they pull Feliz and Ogando back to the bullpen, which seems like a waste to me.

[SoxSport]

Maybe tomorrow is the day.

 

Carpe Diem, Benny.

[win red sox]

Maybe tomorrow is the day.

 

I assume everyone is waiting for Rangers/Darvish deal to go through, at that point you'll see Fielder and Oswalt fall into place, the worse scenario is that the Rangers don't sign Darvish and then sign Fielder and Oswalt. If that happens the wild card will probaly come out of the west.

[seabeachfred]

 

Iortiz, this time Cheringpuke has better get off his procrastinating lazy ass and sign Roy before we lose out again on a pitcher and hear the mealy mouth excuses coming from Prune Face and his minnions. Of course, we have more important fish to fry, don't we? Like soothing the spirits and brows of Putritek and Wastefield and making sure they get a good opportunity to finish their career as Red Sox players. There isn't much time left and not very much in the way of quality pitchers left either, and something tells me Darvish will not be signed by the Rangers. For once in your worthless and useless job Boobbenny, show some balls and courage and just sign the guy and tell Pruney and Lucchinoturd that it was your job to give the fans a team that has a chance. You're the GM; act it!!!!!!

[FredLynn]

They may be the front runners because they have the money and need for a pitcher. As he says, if the Darvish talks fail then Tex would have money and need. That's not to say its likely.

 

I hope I'm wrong but I get the feeling we are all going to be disappointed and Oswalt will sign elsewhere for a sum we don't see as prohibitive. Just a hunch... Preparing for disappointment. I think Oswalt would be the perfect mentor for this group and would replace some of the veteran presence lost by Tek and Wake being let go.

 

I would not be disappointed if we signed no one else this offseason if we were able to stay under the cap. I think that is the best long term business strategy for the franchise. Its going to make winning a ring this year, as some have put it, extremely difficult, but I am willing to wait until this franchise has its s*** in order before they get the pitching they need to form a dominant team.

[MANNYHOF24]

I would not be disappointed if we signed no one else this offseason if we were able to stay under the cap. I think that is the best long term business strategy for the franchise. Its going to make winning a ring this year' date=' as some have put it, extremely difficult, but I am willing to wait until this franchise has its s*** in order before they get the pitching they need to form a dominant team.[/quote']

 

I have a huge problem with this strategy. We have invested so much money in putting together a dominant lineup. It would be extremely foolish not to spend a little extra money, possibly breaking the cap. All they need, is one more piece to put them close to the top. If they wait for a couple of seasons, all of their star hitters are ever closer to decline and then you might have to re-build the lineup.

[DeadHorseSociety]

According to MLB.com's Peter Gammons, the Red Sox have agreed to terms with Vicente Padilla.

No word yet on the financial details, but it's probably an incentives-driven one-year deal with a low base salary. Padilla missed most of the 2011 season due to neck surgery, but he posted a decent 4.07 ERA and 84/24 K/BB ratio across 95 innings in 2010 for the Dodgers and could be a useful swing man this year in Boston.

[iortiz]

Iortiz' date=' this time Cheringpuke has better get off his procrastinating lazy ass and sign Roy before we lose out again on a pitcher and hear the mealy mouth excuses coming from Prune Face and his minnions. Of course, we have more important fish to fry, don't we? Like soothing the spirits and brows of Putritek and Wastefield and making sure they get a good opportunity to finish their career as Red Sox players. There isn't much time left and not very much in the way of quality pitchers left either, and something tells me Darvish will not be signed by the Rangers. For once in your worthless and useless job Boobbenny, show some balls and courage and just sign the guy and tell Pruney and Lucchinoturd that it was your job to give the fans a team that has a chance. You're the GM; act it!!!!!![/quote']

 

Fred, at this point, I'm with E1. Seems like Oswalt will be signed by TEX or STL. If that happens, Jackson and with lot less probabilities Garza will be the remaining available options. Either way, I'm preparing myself in order to accept the fact that we will go like this. If true, BV will play an important roll in order to put this team in shape.

[example1]

It is pretty disheartening to hear that the Sox would need to move payroll to have Oswalt join the team. Of course, it is only disheartening if they are also going over the cap. If they are trying to stay under the cap and think they can do it then I'm all for it. But if they are already over the cap and unwilling to spend the 8m/1 year to get a guy like Oswalt then that's pretty bad news.

 

What's amazing to me is that there are very few actual credible sources for cap space. People know what type of chicken they like to eat in the clubhouse, but their actual payroll--which apparently is the one determining factor in the rest of their moves this offseason--remains a complete mystery. Are they over the LT or not? If not, by how much? If so, by how much?

 

Again, if this is all a power move to avoid the LT for this year I'm with Pumpsie, because it will allow them to be more aggressive next year, PLUS I think they are good enough to win this year. Hopefully that's what they are working on, rather than a sudden interest in pinching pennies from JH and the ownership crew.

[jung]

I heard on the radio that the Padilla deal is a minor league contract. That is where they have him at the moment. I am only guessing at this point but it appears that the strategy is to in fact stash a bunch of these guys in the minors at least up to and maybe for some beyond ST bringing them up or not as they prove themselves at some level??? I guess you can sign enough of them that the odds finally pay off and you get somebody out of that process. With guys that have the kinds of issues most of these guys have it is also just as likely that none of them really excels in any meaningful sense. You have to think that is what they are after as opposed to somebody for which expectations are rather limited and the player just meets those limited expectations. They must be looking for somebody to turn out to be a real contributor. I suspect they don't at this point know which guy or guys might be at the top of the heap in that regard.

 

Right or wrong EEI Merloni thinks it highly unlikely that Oswalt will come over to the AL East on a one year contract. His argument is that if Oswalt does sign for 1 year somewhere he will want to mitigate the risk that he fails to impress by staying where he is comfortable and where there is less likelihood that he gets spanked around. The idea being that he uses the 1 year deal in an effort to parley that into something like a 3 year deal somewhere. Sounds reasonable and might explain why we have really not heard that much with regard to Oswalt and the Sox.

 

EEI Merloni also saying that offering Tek an invite under the terms as described is actually a slap in the face more than it is a way to let Tek down easy in a graceful parting. Not sure if he is just trying to smooth this over for the Sox in this case but I can see his point. Maybe it is not a graceful way out after all. That said the Sox seem to be willing to work with Tek presuming the offer of a job somewhere in the organization is legitimate.

 

Merloni is taking the position that some have taken here, that being that Tek will not show up under these terms even if he does not have anywhere else to go. Tek will just retire according to Merloni.

[Elktonnick]

I heard on the radio that the Padilla deal is a minor league contract. That is where they have him at the moment. I am only guessing at this point but it appears that the strategy is to in fact stash a bunch of these guys in the minors at least up to and maybe for some beyond ST bringing them up or not as they prove themselves at some level??? I guess you can sign enough of them that the odds finally pay off and you get somebody out of that process. With guys that have the kinds of issues most of these guys have it is also just as likely that none of them really excels in any meaningful sense. You have to think that is what they are after as opposed to somebody for which expectations are rather limited and the player just meets those limited expectations. They must be looking for somebody to turn out to be a real contributor. I suspect they don't at this point know which guy or guys might be at the top of the heap in that regard.

 

Right or wrong EEI Merloni thinks it highly unlikely that Oswalt will come over to the AL East on a one year contract. His argument is that if Oswalt does sign for 1 year somewhere he will want to mitigate the risk that he fails to impress by staying where he is comfortable and where there is less likelihood that he gets spanked around. The idea being that he uses the 1 year deal in an effort to parley that into something like a 3 year deal somewhere. Sounds reasonable and might explain why we have really not heard that much with regard to Oswalt and the Sox.

 

EEI Merloni also saying that offering Tek an invite under the terms as described is actually a slap in the face more than it is a way to let Tek down easy in a graceful parting. Not sure if he is just trying to smooth this over for the Sox in this case but I can see his point. Maybe it is not a graceful way out after all. That said the Sox seem to be willing to work with Tek presuming the offer of a job somewhere in the organization is legitimate.

 

Merloni is taking the position that some have taken here, that being that Tek will not show up under these terms even if he does not have anywhere else to go. Tek will just retire according to Merloni.

 

I agree that Cherries strategy seems to be to have the most not necessarilty the best pitchers under contract, hoping someone will be a diamond in the rough. The problem with Padilla is this guy has no self control. He has the reputation of being a clubhouse cancer. I just don't see how this is a prudent move given where the Sox are coming from with clubhouse issues.

[SoxFanForsyth]

I agree that Cherries strategy seems to be to have the most not necessarilty the best pitchers under contract' date=' hoping someone will be a diamond in the rough. The problem with Padilla is this guy has no self control. He has the reputation of being a clubhouse cancer. I just don't see how this is a prudent move given where the Sox are coming from with clubhouse issues.[/quote']

 

I'm not sure Cherrington has much of an option. The FO has not given him any money to deal with. The Ortiz arbitration has absolutely savaged us though. Very, very stupid move.

 

If we had to choose between letting Ortiz walk and signing a veteran, big name FA and DH'ing Lavarnway, or the situation we're in right now - I take the pitcher every single day.