Speculation: Huston Street

[MatParker116]

Hardball Talk:

 

It sounds like the Rockies won’t have any trouble finding a taker for Huston Street this offseason.

 

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles, Marlins, Reds and Mets are all interested in the veteran right-hander.

 

Street, 28, posted a 3.58 ERA, 29 saves and a 55/9 K/BB ratio over 58 1/3 innings this season, but he’s expendable now that the Rockies are confident Rafael Betancourt can be an effective closer in 2012.

 

There’s no shortage of closer-types available this winter, even after the Jonathan Papelbon and Joe Nathan signings, but Street would be a solid alternative for teams who are reluctant to hand out a multi-year contract. He is owed $7.5 million next season while his $9 million option for 2013 includes a $500,000 buyout.

[a700hitter]

As the 8th inning guy, he's a possibility, but I don't have a high opinion of him. He's been very inconsistent, and he logs a lot of DL time.

[jacksonianmarch]

Injury prone and inconsistent.

[User Name]

No thanks.

[FredLynn]

Echo that.

[Palodios]

There are enough mediocre overpriced NL closers on the market. Why trade prospects for one?

[BOSOX11]

I'd pass.

[example1]

Hardball Talk:

 

For the right price, that 59/8 K/BB ratio looks pretty good. If the Rockies will give him up for a bag of balls (or flesh) then he might be worth a shot. If he were a FA people would likely be open to the Sox giving him 7.5, given the going rate/quality of relievers on the open market.

 

The Sox need pitchers who won't hurt themselves with walks.

 

This is all with the caveat that Bard, not street, is the closer.

[jacksonianmarch]

He's a cheaper, younger and shorter contracted option on the market. He's going to command quite a haul to get him. I just don't think Boston is the best place for him.

[BSN07]

7th maybe 8th inning guys and it better not be anyone of note going the other way in a trade.

[Rdsxmbnt]

He's a cheaper' date=' younger and shorter contracted option on the market. He's going to command quite a haul to get him. I just don't think Boston is the best place for him.[/quote']

 

You can raise the market price all you want on the message board, but the fact of the matter is it won't raise the price in real life.

 

There are other possibly better closer options who are only going to cost slightly more and not require prospects. I have a feeling most teams will explore that avenue first.

[seabeachfred]

There are enough mediocre overpriced NL closers on the market. Why trade prospects for one?

 

Certainly not for Middlebrook or Lavarnway or Renaudo. Street doesn't exactly get by blood stirring but if he would come at a reasonable price I might be interested. Of course, once again we will be replacing a very good player with a lesser one. You know the drill......lose Damon, replace him with Crisp; lose Bay, replace him with Cameron, and maybe now this. Of course, we could keep going back in time.....Lose Vaughn, replace him with Offerman. It gets old after awhile. I'm sure many of you can add more people that fall into this category.

[ipot]

For the right price, that 59/8 K/BB ratio looks pretty good. If the Rockies will give him up for a bag of balls (or flesh) then he might be worth a shot. If he were a FA people would likely be open to the Sox giving him 7.5, given the going rate/quality of relievers on the open market.

 

The Sox need pitchers who won't hurt themselves with walks.

 

This is all with the caveat that Bard, not street, is the closer.

 

Agreed on the BBs. Although he doesn't make me jump and down, its not like I'd be more excited by anyone else out there except for maybe Madson.....

[jacksonianmarch]

You can raise the market price all you want on the message board, but the fact of the matter is it won't raise the price in real life.

 

There are other possibly better closer options who are only going to cost slightly more and not require prospects. I have a feeling most teams will explore that avenue first.

 

I posted the reasons why the sox shouldn't get him, but don't think for a second that he lacks value. He's young, signed to a 1 yr deal and won't break the bank. Teams like Cincinnati and Toronto would love to get him. He will end up costing a fair amount. Don't kid yourself into thinking Colorado will give him away for free.

[SoxSport]

Unless Bard moves to starter, I don't think they'll sign any closer. More likely, they'll sign a cheaper setup guy. Street is a gamble because his arm is fragile.