Red Sox 2012/2013 Offseason Thread

[redsoxfan3]

My FA list to keep an eye on, based on team needs (not really factoring in trades, because a trade can happen at any time):

 

Sign two SP's (no specific order):

Haren

Jackson

Kuroda

Greinke

Lohse

McCarthy

Sanchez

 

Sign two OF's (no specific order):

Ross

Pagan

Bourn

Cabrera

Hamilton

Victorino

Swisher

 

Sign one 1B:

LaRoche

Swisher

Napoli

 

Not really sold on many of the FA SS options, we might have to explore trade options to compete with Ciriaco and Iglesias for starting SS. Drew kind of intrigues me, but the SS market is thin.

 

Sign one C:

Napoli

Pierzynski

 

A trade is also an option to improving at C. If we can sign Napoli, then I would be content with Napoli splitting time at C and 1B.

 

Any other FA agents that you think I missed or any other feedback?

[redsoxfan3]

Contracts are always a combination of time and money. 3/$21 makes no sense for a player of Ross calibre. I am not sure I would want to be committed to Ross for 3 years unless the money per was really light. He signed a 1 year deal in Boston and proved to be really what you would have expected....a guy that can make hay outta' the Monster but is really not much more than that and also happens to be a real game of chance defensively. I would not put him in RF unless I had no options there. LF is about the only place he should play out there defensively.

 

I would say 2/$10 makes some sense.....maybe 3/$13.5M if it has to be 3 years.

 

As I said earlier I think we are going to end up with a lotta' disappointed agents and players this year.

 

Fair enough. 5 million AAV is fair for Ross. I would be fine with 2/10.

[SoxFanForsyth]

You gotta think that the Guardians are going to be cleaning house a bit this year.

 

I hope Cherrington calls and checks in on Justin Masterson. I know Masterson had a bad year last year, but I'd at least like to check in on him and see how much it would take to get him.

 

Masterson had a 3.21 ERA in 2011 (3.28 FIP, so it was a legit ERA). He may be just a quick tweak or two away from being a mid 3's ERA guy who throws 215+ IP each year.

[jung]

If I were anywhere in the FO of any MLB team I would be doing things to increase my performance as a FO as it related to pitching. I would want to have as finely honed a machine at evaluating, staying abreast of and moving on pitching and would likely work at it until I felt I had the best crew in the business in that regard.

 

As for the Sox in particular, it would not be a complete surprise for them to really focus on pitching and use 2013 to try to bring everyday players along from the system. The only way to really do that in their case would be to bring some guys up before they are ready. However given where they are at this point that might be preferred to their norm, leaving guys to languish down on the farm.

 

So I would want the Sox to eventually have such a finely honed system that they would be giving a look to a guy like Masterson as a matter of course.

[Trillz808]

You gotta think that the Guardians are going to be cleaning house a bit this year.

 

I hope Cherrington calls and checks in on Justin Masterson. I know Masterson had a bad year last year, but I'd at least like to check in on him and see how much it would take to get him.

 

Masterson had a 3.21 ERA in 2011 (3.28 FIP, so it was a legit ERA). He may be just a quick tweak or two away from being a mid 3's ERA guy who throws 215+ IP each year.

 

Love this idea and while we are at it lets try and secure asdrubal cabrera for our starting SS role. :thumbsup: its a total long shot but its better than hearing Lackey's name in the rotation lol cant believe we got rid of Masty for a rental year of Martinez blaaah

[Trillz808]

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog/_/name/olney_buster/id/8592282/what-cleveland-Guardians-do-offseason-mlb dont got an insider account but this article also talks about Cabrera being shopped as well as the thought of getting rid of Masty

[BSN07]

Cabrera is interesting, but he's not controlled for much longer and is going to get expensive. And like I've said before I think the Sox should go with the youngsters at SS and look to upgrade elsewhere.

 

I don't see the reason the Tribe should rush to trade Masterson. And I doubt Francona wants to see him go. If they are going to trade him they might as well see if he can have a good first half and raise his stock. If they wait and he pitches the same I don't think it will decrease his value so much that they could not get something similar to what they could get this off season.

 

That said if the Tribe is set on getting rid of him and the price tag is not too high then I think it would be a good move to get him back with Farrell. Even if he's not a SP he would most likely be a valuable BP member.

[bubbakeg52]

Looks like Ross is trying to get full value on the market? I would like to see the Sox keep him but wouldn't mind seeing B.J. Upton replacing him for a little more green

[rjortiz]

Looks like Ross is trying to get full value on the market? I would like to see the Sox keep him but wouldn't mind seeing B.J. Upton replacing him for a little more green

 

Upton doesn't have the bat for RF.

[Palodios]

You gotta think that the Guardians are going to be cleaning house a bit this year.

 

I hope Cherrington calls and checks in on Justin Masterson. I know Masterson had a bad year last year, but I'd at least like to check in on him and see how much it would take to get him.

 

Masterson had a 3.21 ERA in 2011 (3.28 FIP, so it was a legit ERA). He may be just a quick tweak or two away from being a mid 3's ERA guy who throws 215+ IP each year.

 

With Masterson, the problem is much bigger than just a minor tweak. He simply cannot get left handed hitters out. It is pretty glaring. Seeing Fielder several times a year, along with the resurgence of Adam Dunn have not been kind to him.

 

If I'm talking to the Guardians, I would check in on Asdrupal Cabrera.

[seabeachfred]

Masterson's delivery makes him a sitting duck to lefthanded hitters. When he was with the Red Sox they ate him alive. It's the same with Choo as a LH hitter. He is woefully pathetic against LH pitching. If we are going to sign-trade for these type of players we should know about their weaknesses as well as their strengths. Now if we are talking about Adsubral Cabrera, that's a horse of a different color. He'd be worth the gamble along with their closer Perez. Francona is just getting his feet wet in Cleveland and one way to give himself some breathing room is for his team to undergo a complete rebuilding job. It would guarantee the guy him at least two or three years of freedom before the wolves descend upon him.

[rjortiz]

With Masterson, the problem is much bigger than just a minor tweak. He simply cannot get left handed hitters out. It is pretty glaring. Seeing Fielder several times a year, along with the resurgence of Adam Dunn have not been kind to him.

 

If I'm talking to the Guardians, I would check in on Asdrupal Cabrera.

 

Cabrera would cost a truckload to acquire.

[Meh]

With Masterson, the problem is much bigger than just a minor tweak. He simply cannot get left handed hitters out. It is pretty glaring. Seeing Fielder several times a year, along with the resurgence of Adam Dunn have not been kind to him.

 

If I'm talking to the Guardians, I would check in on Asdrupal Cabrera.

 

Might as well clean house... Carlos Santana would look great in Boston.

[mvp 78]

Might as well clean house... Carlos Santana would look great in Boston.

 

I'd rather him than any other Indian.

 

Pitching Masterson at Yankee Stadium is just asking for a loss. I'm blah on Cabrera or Perez.

[Station 13]

Masterson has handled the yankees well in his career. 42IP, 3ERA

 

As apposed to Buchholz 7ERA

[Palodios]

Pal's idea of the day:

 

Go get Hunter Pence!

 

The guy raked in Philadelphia, and then moved to San Francisco and shat himself. On a 1/15 deal, the Giants aren't considering non-tendering him, but it is close. Trading him would give the Giants an opportunity to put money elsewhere, but they probably would be looking for major league talent back. Maybe Bard or Aviles would be tempting for them.

[Plumpamania]

Who is this Aviles you speak of?

[redsoxfan3]

Ross is seeking a 3 year contract worth roughly 25 million.

[jung]

Now that is funny!

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Very funny cause he's not getting that

[BSN07]

But wait, I thought it was Ben's fault Ross didn't resign before hitting the open market?

 

Like I said earlier, the more likely went down was Sox offered 1-2 years, Ross wants 3 and with his season he knows he can probably squeeze it from someone. It's smart to let him walk. This team should not be committing anything longer then 2 years to anyone other then young/ in their prime talent. There's no sense in signing guys like Ross to 3 year deals when contending the next 1-2 years probably isn't in the cards. The team is rebuilding, so they should be filling in positions with homegrown players to see what they got.

 

BTW did the Red Sox offer Ross a qualifying offer?

[BSN07]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/11/red-sox-interested-in-torii-hunter.html

 

I'm hoping for a youth movement. But if the team wants to add some veterans to try and retool-bridge to the next waive of talent then I'm ok with it if the move is smart. Signing a guy like Hunter I think is smart. If they give him 2 years that gives guys like Brentz a couple seasons to mature further. He's a great clubhouse guy. I actually think he would be a big upgrade defensively and a push or slighty better offensively compared to Ross.

[redsoxfan3]

Now that is funny!

 

Agreed.

 

Very funny cause he's not getting that

 

An 8.3 AAV for him is ridiculous with his splits. On a two year deal, I could see him being worth 10-12, but as the years increase, I think the AAV has to decrease. Anyone that signs Ross to more than a 3 year deal at over 15 million is crazy, but with teams in desperation for OF help, he realistically might get an offer of 3/21. I think 3/25 is outrageous for him.

 

But wait, I thought it was Ben's fault Ross didn't resign before hitting the open market?

 

Like I said earlier, the more likely went down was Sox offered 1-2 years, Ross wants 3 and with his season he knows he can probably squeeze it from someone. It's smart to let him walk. This team should not be committing anything longer then 2 years to anyone other then young/ in their prime talent. There's no sense in signing guys like Ross to 3 year deals when contending the next 1-2 years probably isn't in the cards. The team is rebuilding, so they should be filling in positions with homegrown players to see what they got.

 

BTW did the Red Sox offer Ross a qualifying offer?

 

Ross did NOT get a qualifying offer. There is no way in hell we offer him 13.3 million for next year. He could have possibly accepted that offer. I know that he wants a three year deal, but I would not even offer him 2 years at 13.3 million. I want Ross around for next year, but I think we can spend that 8.3 million a year on someone better.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/11/red-sox-interested-in-torii-hunter.html

 

I'm hoping for a youth movement. But if the team wants to add some veterans to try and retool-bridge to the next waive of talent then I'm ok with it if the move is smart. Signing a guy like Hunter I think is smart. If they give him 2 years that gives guys like Brentz a couple seasons to mature further. He's a great clubhouse guy. I actually think he would be a big upgrade defensively and a push or slighty better offensively compared to Ross.

 

I am all for going after Hunter. It is good that Hunter might give Boston a shot, especially since he is close with Big Papi. Hopefully that will bring him to Boston. My only concern is that he is 37 and what type of contract is he seeking? A one or two year deal to bring him to Boston is ideal. Also, if we do not trade Ellsbury, can Hunter play the corner OF positions, or will he want to stay in CF? Signing Hunter would give us flexibility to trade Ellsbury, but we need to sign two other OF's as well.

[BSN07]

I believe Hunter played all 3 OF positions last season with most his time coming at the corners once Trout arrived. RF might be too much to ask for a full season. But I think he could be a great LF option for the next season or two. The best thing is if he happens to get beat out by a prospect or something in year 2 he's a great 4th OF option. This is one of those moves that if on a 1-2 year deal has minimal downside.

[RedSoxNC84]

I'd take Hunter over Ross at this point. Ross at 3/25 is absurd.

[KCBRUIN]

I'd go 3 for 21 for Ross then sign Hunter to a two year deal. Good hitting outfield without long term contracts. Spend the real cash and long term contracts for pitching.

[jung]

I don't think Ross will convince anybody to give him 3/21 with Willingham and his 35 HR's staring them in the face. Ross could not do that sort of damage even with 81 games aiming at the Monster.

 

If the Sox sign Ross it should be for something in line with his production. Ross will simply end up being one of I don't know how many players this season that are not going to get their asking prices. The pendulum has finally swung to far over to one side and is due for a correction back to some sort of sanity.

[MANNYHOF24]

Jason Bay was just released by the mets today. Maybe we could sign him for small money, stick him in left and sign Torii hunter/Cody Ross to play RF. Sign Youk/Napoli to play first then sign stephen Drew to play SS

 

Ellsbury

Pedroia

Ortiz

Middlebrooks

Youk/Napoli

Bay

Hunter

Drew

Salty/Lavarnway

 

Bay could have nothing left, but he might be an interesting min. contract option.

[jung]

I don't know why we would put Ross in RF. He is anywhere from a liability to terrible as a fielder and RF has so many more elements of difficulty than LF at Fenway.

 

There is more room to deal with in RF, there is that ugly corner from hell, there is the depth of throw from RF and it is the sun field when there is one.

 

LF has the wall....the wall....and well....the wall and that is about it. Every once and awhile a ball zips past 3rd base and bangs into that angle instead of continuing on down the foul line but that is an issue of chasing the thing down if that happens. Sometimes the LF actually can't chase the thing down and the CF has to come over and get it. Even last year Ross went to RF out of necessity but Sweeney and Kalish played RF when they were there to play.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Justin Upton is officially available, and the DBacks are "actively" shopping him.

 

Perfect guy for the Red Sox.

 

Durable, well above average defense (typically UZR of 6 to 7), good power, good speed, very solid OBP (.350+).

 

DBacks looking for 2 of the following: LH Reliever (Breslow/Miller/Hill), Proven SP (Lester? Could be 3-way deal to get this to DBacks), and upgrade at 3B (Not WMB obviously, but potentially Cecchini for the future).

 

Should be interesting. The Sox almost have to come down with him, though.