2011-2012 Offseason Thread

[jung]

Floyd would not be my choice either. I just don't think the Sox will land either Jackson or Oswalt off the free agent market. The Sox are apparently not willing to offer a premium to what other teams will offer to sign either one and once real interest starts to percolate for them, I am inclined to think they will get either the same offer from a team that they would prefer going to or a greater offer from somebody other than the Sox. In Oswalt's case I think it will be for former and in Jackson's the latter.

[example1]

Anyone notice that this off season has resulted in more short tempered reactions than last year? Yes' date=' I am one of those short tempered characters but I have a lot of company. Last season I wasn't on this board but on Sawheads, Dirt Dogs and the Red Sox message boards it seemed everyone was upbeat. There is no substitute for winning to keep everyone upbeat. All of us are looking for ways that will help the Red Sox recover from last season's debacle and some of us think more could be done, like getting that starting pitcher we haven't gotten.....(YET???). Well there always tomorrow.[/quote']

 

They didn't win last year either. What made people happy last year was the couple hundred mil they spent on two players.

[BSN07]

They didn't win last year either. What made people happy last year was the couple hundred mil they spent on two players.

 

Peopple would be happier if the hadn't dropped 20M a year on the lefty slap hitting softball OF'er and had money to spend this off season

[mvp 78]

Thank you for the edit McAdam my executive assistant doesn't work nights.

 

For a cabal of posters who take every beat writer's stories as gospel, at least know their names. The extra "s" is actually something that annoys Sean whenever he hears it. If it was the only time you spelled it wrong, I wouldn't have said anything.

[Palodios]

1. I liked Wheeler, thought he was a decent bullpen option.

2. I find it weird that people are suddenly lamenting his loss after not mentioning him for 3 months. How much of a reflection on Bens ineptitude can it be if Wheeler wasn't mentioned in any substantive way this offseason?

 

I've mentioned him quite a bit, but there hasn't been much to say because there hasn't been news on him.

[Elktonnick]

For a cabal of posters who take every beat writer's stories as gospel' date=' at least know their names. The extra "s" is actually something that annoys Sean whenever he hears it. If it was the only time you spelled it wrong, I wouldn't have said anything.[/quote']

 

I don't take every beat writer as Gospel but I don't dismiss what they write out of hand either especially when the vast majority are essentially saying the same thing. Re McAdam, it is natural mistake since many people make it, Although I can understand his point of view, since everyone butchers my last name.

[Bellhorn04]

Here's an updated payroll projection from Alex Speier at WEEI. Speier figures the payroll for tax purposes is going to come in at about 185 million. He also explains why there is no lux tax relief on Lackey's deal.

 

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/alex-speier/2012/01/26/budget-isnt-problem-another-look-red-sox-payro

 

http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2012/01/26/a-look-at-the-updated-red-sox-payroll-and-correcting-the-record-on-john-lackeys-deal/

[SoxSport]

Here's an updated payroll projection from Alex Speier at WEEI. Speier figures the payroll for tax purposes is going to come in at about 185 million. He also explains why there is no lux tax relief on Lackey's deal.

 

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/alex-speier/2012/01/26/budget-isnt-problem-another-look-red-sox-payro

 

http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2012/01/26/a-look-at-the-updated-red-sox-payroll-and-correcting-the-record-on-john-lackeys-deal/

 

The numbers just point out how senseless it was to sign Crawford. Sure, they didn't know Papi would have a comeback year and Ellsbury would turn into Kemp. But Henry cooked his own goose this year by giving Papi arbitration. No sense in crimping on the pitching to save $$, which was the weak spot last year. The pickings will be much better next year, but a one year contract right now wouldn't hurt.

[SoxSport]

Floyd would not be my choice either. I just don't think the Sox will land either Jackson or Oswalt off the free agent market. The Sox are apparently not willing to offer a premium to what other teams will offer to sign either one and once real interest starts to percolate for them' date=' I am inclined to think they will get either the same offer from a team that they would prefer going to or a greater offer from somebody other than the Sox. In Oswalt's case I think it will be for former and in Jackson's the latter.[/quote']

 

Yeah. Floyd's numbers aren't great. The other pitchers are borderline as well. I wouldn't go for more than a year on any of them.

[Bellhorn04]

Yeah. Floyd's numbers aren't great. The other pitchers are borderline as well. I wouldn't go for more than a year on any of them.

 

Floyd's ERA is lacklustre but his peripherals are much better. Also his career numbers at Fenway are very good. Some other people I've read think Floyd would be a great fit for the Sox.

[a700hitter]

For a cabal of posters who take every beat writer's stories as gospel' date=' at least know their names. The extra "s" is actually something that annoys Sean whenever he hears it. If it was the only time you spelled it wrong, I wouldn't have said anything.[/quote']But when we refer to his column, we would still say Sean McAdam's column or article, so how upset could he get?

 

 

There are a couple of reasons why it is significant when a beat writer writes something critical about the team. First off, they do have good access and contacts. Second, when they write something critical it is not in their best interests. If a player or management don't like what he wrote it can compromise his access including off the record tips and it can make his day to day job around the club a bit unpleasant. I always give more credence to statements people make if those statements have no possibility of benefiting them, especially if those statements could cause them a problem.

[Elktonnick]

But when we refer to his column, we would still say Sean McAdam's column or article, so how upset could he get?

 

 

There are a couple of reasons why it is significant when a beat writer writes something critical about the team. First off, they do have good access and contacts. Second, when they write something critical it is not in their best interests. If a player or management don't like what he wrote it can compromise his access including off the record tips and it can make his day to day job around the club a bit unpleasant. I always give more credence to statements people make if those statements have no possibility of benefiting them, especially if those statements could cause them a problem.

 

Some fans have so much invested in their teams that they misconstrue any critical comment as unfairly negative. Quite frankly the current generation of Red Sox fans are spoiled. They don't remember the feuds that Red Sox players like Ted Williams used to have with the media. If they think writers are negative today they have no idea.

[FredLynn]

I've mentioned him quite a bit' date=' but there hasn't been much to say because there hasn't been news on him.[/quote']

 

I have been advocating for Wheeler for a long time. We blew it when we didn't get him after he declined arbitration. He could have been had for cheap.

[FredLynn]

Here's an updated payroll projection from Alex Speier at WEEI. Speier figures the payroll for tax purposes is going to come in at about 185 million. He also explains why there is no lux tax relief on Lackey's deal.

 

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/alex-speier/2012/01/26/budget-isnt-problem-another-look-red-sox-payro

 

http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2012/01/26/a-look-at-the-updated-red-sox-payroll-and-correcting-the-record-on-john-lackeys-deal/

 

They will need to find a way to get under the cap unless they plan to go way over it next year when they sign a quality SP or two-and they BETTER be prepared to do that next year.

[BSN07]

They will need to find a way to get under the cap unless they plan to go way over it next year when they sign a quality SP or two-and they BETTER be prepared to do that next year.

 

They will have money to spend next year with Papi, Dice-K, Jenks and others coming off the books. Probably only enough for 1 tho with Arb raisies for in-house players. If they don't pick up Youk's option or trade him then maybe they can get two. But it would be one stud and then a lower tier as they will Have Lester, Buchholz, Beckett and Lackey taking 4/5 rotation spots.

[User Name]

Once again you refuse to face the bald truth. Just two days ago when asked whether he would take up Cherington's offer of an invitation to ST as a non-roster player Varitek said he hadn't made up his mind. Whether Cherington back tracked on this as seems to be the case the fact is HE DID INVITE HIM TO ST and Jason is mulling it over at this moment.

 

You're maiking this up. Period. It was a comment made by a writer, disproved by Valentine and Cherington, and has never been mentioned by anyone even remotely close to the Red Sox again, except for the pundits at Talksox. Who do i trust?

 

As for that pitcher, there is no sure thing of us getting either Cain or Hamels next year. A bird in the hand is worth a helluva lot more than two in the bush, and the Phillies and Giants will go all out to resign those two. We could wind up with some of the garbage we signed this off season.

 

Did you take the time to look at next year's FA crop? It's not just Cain and Hamels. Even without those two, it's better than this year.

 

In addition, having never coached or scouted you don't seem to have any real knowledge of just how good a young hitter Lavarnway is. I knew this three seasons back when I predicted this guy was going to be a star. Ask Pumpsie, Muggah and Elk on that if you want to play doubting Thomas.

 

First, how do you know i've never coached or scouted? You don't know me.Don't make s*** up.

 

Also, you're missing the point. He can hit now, but he's more valuable as a catcher, and he's not ready so they'll give him enough reps in the minors for him to be the team's catcher. That couldn't happen if he was DH'ing in the Majors. Use common sense man.

 

Every scouting report i've read and every beat writer comes to the same conclusion about Lavarnway: "Ready to hit in the Majors but needs more refinement defensively". So the Boston Red Sox, and every scout and beat writer in the universe agrees with letting him improve defensively, but you say no. I'll trust the people who know what they're talking about, thank you.

 

The one place you may have a point is concerning whether Cherington made the case for more money. Seeing is believing and watching that guy in action this off season I have come to the conclusion that this man is very risk averse and tries to play it safe. He is not very dynamic, nor does he appear to be an aggressive GM in the way Daniels, Amaro and Cashman are. I also don't think you every played much baseball; you certainly never coached or scouted---I can tell that by the way you take positions that are for the most part untenable, but you can keep the house. I like mine a lot better.

 

Here's the thing: You're a very bad judge of character. I don't need to prove anything to anyone on the internet. But i will tell you this. You have no clue what you're talking about when you make those assumptions. Nice try, but wrong.

 

Also, about Cherington, that is honestly a load of baseless conjecture.

[User Name]

But when we refer to his column, we would still say Sean McAdam's column or article, so how upset could he get?

 

 

There are a couple of reasons why it is significant when a beat writer writes something critical about the team. First off, they do have good access and contacts. Second, when they write something critical it is not in their best interests. If a player or management don't like what he wrote it can compromise his access including off the record tips and it can make his day to day job around the club a bit unpleasant. I always give more credence to statements people make if those statements have no possibility of benefiting them, especially if those statements could cause them a problem.

 

I bet when those same beat writers praise the Sox, they are "polyannas". Par for the course.

[iortiz]

Kevin Youkilis: 'I feel great, healthy'

http://espn.go.com/boston/mlb/story/_/id/7508272/kevin-youkilis-boston-red-sox-weighs-health-bobby-valentine-witch-hunt

[a700hitter]

Giants To Sign Ryan Theriot

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [January 27 at 11:04am CST]

 

The Giants have agreed to sign free agent infielder Ryan Theriot, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports on Twitter. The Beverly Hills Sports Council client obtains a one-year deal worth $1.25MM that includes $750K in incentives.

He is no longer a consideration.

[Elktonnick]

He is no longer a consideration.

We seem to be saying that a lot here lately!

[User Name]

Thank God, because Ryan Theriot sucks.

[a700hitter]

Red Sox Off Season thus far:

 

Lost:

 

Papelbon

Scutaro

Lowrie

Reddick

Lackey (injury)

 

Added

 

Bailey

Sweeney

Shoppach

Punto

Ross

 

Also Added:

 

Various bags of trash called pitching depth.

 

You be the judge.

[User Name]

Conveniently left Melancon, Valentine, medical team and conditioning team off the list.

 

Sweet!

[Elktonnick]

Red Sox Off Season thus far:

 

Lost:

 

Papelbon

Scutaro

Lowrie

Reddick

Lackey (injury)

 

Added

 

Bailey

Sweeney

Shoppach

Punto

Ross

 

Also Added:

 

Various bags of trash called pitching depth.

 

You be the judge.

 

And still no starting pitcher but we lost a starting shortstop in the process.

[BSN07]

Signing someone just to say you signed someone is hollow and is the kind of move that is only to pamper "chicken little" types. Calm down. Yes the Sox have question marks with how they are constructed at this moment. But that doesn't mean they should fill up on garbage like Theriot. There is no rule stating you must start the season with a sure thing in every spot on the 25 man roster. You have no idea who will be available during the season and into next offseason. And at this point in the off season it's gotten to the point where "what could be there soon" and the risk that comes with it and "what is available right now are pretty equal. At this point I think it's just better to go with what they got and see who's available to add later on. I mean Theriot could still be available in July.

[a700hitter]

Signing someone just to say you signed someone is hollow and is the kind of move that is only to pamper "chicken little" types. Calm down. Yes the Sox have question marks with how they are constructed at this moment. But that doesn't mean they should fill up on garbage like Theriot. There is no rule stating you must start the season with a sure thing in every spot on the 25 man roster. You have no idea who will be available during the season and into next offseason. And at this point in the off season it's gotten to the point where "what could be there soon" and the risk that comes with it and "what is available right now are pretty equal. At this point I think it's just better to go with what they got and see who's available to add later on. I mean Theriot could still be available in July.

No one wanted Theriot, except maybe Doji. My apologies to Doji if I am misrepresenting his view.

[iortiz]

And still no starting pitcher but we lost a starting shortstop in the process.

 

And If we go for Floyd, expect that maybe one or two top prospects will likely be involved in the trade... and apparently all for saving 2-3 MUSD, but again, I do not run a baseball team.

[a700hitter]

And If we go for Floyd' date=' expect that maybe one or two top prospects will likely involved in the trade... and apparently all for saving 2-3 MUSD, but again, I do not run a baseball team.[/quote']I don't get the upside of throwing a couple of prospects away plus $7 million for 1 season of a mediocre pitcher, but i guess it is better than 2 seasons of a mediocre pitcher.:dunno: We don't run a baseball club. What the hell do we know.

[iortiz]

I don't get the upside of throwing a couple of prospects away plus $7 million for 1 season of a mediocre pitcher' date=' but i guess it is better than 2 seasons of a mediocre pitcher.:dunno: We don't run a baseball club. What the hell do we know.[/quote']

 

I need to see how all this ends but trying to read between lines, it is a legit possibility and it wouldn't make sense to me at all, of course if true.

 

You would have been saving cents (SP) and giving up prospects, and spending tons of dollars (Ortiz).

[Elktonnick]

The problem is no competent GM trades away his starting shortstop to get a starting pitcher and then doesn't get the starting pitcher. If he gets the pitcher then good but if he doesn't he look a boob who just fell off the turnip truck