Red Sox 2012/2013 Offseason Thread

[jung]

I have not kept up to Giants interest in Wilson. I think he is a real fan favorite out there. Have the Giants done anything the last couple days that suggest they are not going to try to bring him back or conversely something that suggests they want to bring him back?

[RedSoxNC84]

I have not kept up to Giants interest in Wilson. I think he is a real fan favorite out there. Have the Giants done anything the last couple days that suggest they are not going to try to bring him back or conversely something that suggests they want to bring him back?

 

Not that I have seen, but I have seen speculation that he wouldn't return to SF since they non-tendered him.

[dupree]

Well if they sign Hamilton I think the Sox will be thinking as much about how they build their 2014 lineup than how they build their 2013 lineup. They would have Hamilton and Ortiz right in the middle of the lineup through 2014. They should be able to build more team around those two guys for 2014.

 

2013 isnt gonna be that much different than 2014

I could just see the addition of the killer Bs

 

2013 Line-Up

Ellsbury

Peddy

Hamilton

Nap

Ortiz

WMB

Salty/Ross (Lav prolly go back to AAA)

Victorino

Iggy

 

2014 Line-Up

Victorino

Peddy

Hamilton

Nap

Ortiz

WMB

Lav/Ross (Salty gets traded at some point during 2013

Bradley Jr

Xander

 

Let the boys hit at the bottom of the order so they can break in nicely

[jung]

The extra year gives them more time to get some pitching together. I think that plus some number of B's will likely be the dif between 2013 and 2014. Unless the do something with Ells in a package that brings back pitching early enough to do something with it for the 2013 season, what pitching moves they make now will likely be intended to just get them through the 2013 season. I don't expect them to really have enough pitching until 2014 unless they do succeed with an Ells package.

[SoxSport]

I think Hamilton is still in play, but it might take Greinke signing in Texas, or an Upton trade to Texas. I suspect they have a deal for Ellsbury if necessary. Signing Victorino is a tipoff. He's really a centerfielder.

 

Wilson could well wind up in Boston if the Dodgers pass.

[iortiz]

Everybody is talking about JH, including me... But I wonder if Ben is considering M. Bourn, I really like that guy...

[Palodios]

Everybody is talking about JH, including me... But I wonder if Ben is considering M. Bourn, I really like that guy...

 

I don't think so. That would give the Red Sox with 3/4 elite center fielders, and only two places to put them.

[iortiz]

I don't think so. That would give the Red Sox with 3/4 elite center fielders, and only two places to put them.

 

Well, I meant Bourn instead of Hamilton.

 

Victorino, Ells and Bourn.

 

We all know Hamilton's issues and Bourn is not JH but IMO is less risky and less money.

[Spitball]

Jim Bowden says Hamilton is definitely staying in Texas.

[dupree]

I think Hamilton is still in play, but it might take Greinke signing in Texas, or an Upton trade to Texas. I suspect they have a deal for Ellsbury if necessary. Signing Victorino is a tipoff. He's really a centerfielder.

 

Wilson could well wind up in Boston if the Dodgers pass.

 

I hope the Dodgers pass... i think they are the biggest threat to get him

Wilson loves CA & CA girls so its our only hope to land him is if they pass

 

Plus looking at both clubs for someone like Wilson he wants to win now

Still the Giants could bring him back... but signing with a divison rival & closing for them

could be bitter sweet for Wilson

 

I want him on a 2 year deal... 1st year let him pitch in relief in the 7th or 8th

then in year 2 let The Beard close... Paplebon had an electric presence... Wilson would trumph that

[seabeachfred]

Victorino was a heady sign. Helluva player--if you take away the 2nd half last year in LA. He was a key player at CF in Philly. The word now is he played last year hurt--with a bad hand.

 

The real purpose of this deal, I think, was to put a "for sale" sign on Ellsbury. They don't want to deal with Boras. Not the only team--Phillies, too. Which makes Ells for Lee or Halladay improbable. Ells will be dealt either pre-season by mid-season next year--whichever they think will bring the most.

 

Right now, they have a ton of versatility. A lot of role players on the field. You combine that with strong pitching and you've got a winner. Except they don't have strong pitching--yet.

 

It seems most of us have come to the conclusion that Ellsbury is traded or needs to be traded for pitching, but personally I'm thinking the Hamilton caper is holding things up. Is he going back to Texas on a big contract or are the Rangers determined to sign Greinke? I keep believing we are in the running for the guy, but by the same token something tells me his status will drag out unless some team makes him an offer he just can't refuse and it happens to be us we had better have a trade for Ells ready or we will have a glut in the OF>

[seabeachfred]

I like him for Iglesias insurance, but he doesn't play any other position other than SS. I think the Red Sox will look for more versatility.

 

Come on please....not this guy again. We've had twice already and found him wanting. A very good fielder but getting older, can't hit in the AL, poor plate discipline, lousy OBP and totally wedded to one position. We can do better than this guy. Please, we already saved his ass once before in 2006 when we prevented him from being out of baseball with a late winter signing after all o ther clubs turned thumbs down on him. We got him again a few years later and he was no better. Let him continue his mediocre career somewhere else.

[seabeachfred]

Mirosi just said that the meeting between the Sox and Hamilton went great.

 

I really can't believe that the Rangers have just put Hamilton on the back burner and nobody is striking.

 

Give him 3 with an option and get him in Boston.

 

And you don't have to trade Ellsbury if you sign Hamilton, either. An OF of Hamilton - Ellsbury - Victorino, with Gomes as your 4th OF would be fantastic.

 

Yes you do Forsyth. We're paying Gomes that money to be a bench warmer and we still need pitchers not named Dempster (and why the hell would anyone think he could be effective for us....didn't we catch his act when the Cubs traded him to Texas). Ellsbury is our best trading chip. He is going to be out of Boston after next season anyway; why not just get something good for him and let the injury prone tin man being someone else's concern. We move Victorino to CF, Hamilton in RF and a Gomes-Kalish platoon in LF, and, yes, we have to give Kalish a shot. The guy has talent and could turn out to be a very pleasant surprise.

[Palodios]

The meeting with Hamilton was on Monday night. This should be a nonstory.

[BSN07]

Come on please....not this guy again. We've had twice already and found him wanting. A very good fielder but getting older, can't hit in the AL, poor plate discipline, lousy OBP and totally wedded to one position. We can do better than this guy. Please, we already saved his ass once before in 2006 when we prevented him from being out of baseball with a late winter signing after all o ther clubs turned thumbs down on him. We got him again a few years later and he was no better. Let him continue his mediocre career somewhere else.

 

Your selling on him too quick fred. That and if the Sox add another bat they can hide him at #9. They will get elite SS defense for a pitching staff that needs as many breaks as possible.

 

He may never be an elite hitter. But league average is not out of the question. If you consider his age, transition to America from Cuba, the level he started at and the speed which he was promoted on defense alone to the upper minors it's not surprising his offense is lagging behind.

 

IMO He will get his shot like Pedroia did. They will stick with him because of his defense no matter how he's hitting. Then after a full season they may re-evaluate. It's possible he's just keeping the seat warm for Bogaerts. And if he is just a filler, then having an elite defender hit 9th isn't too bad for a couple seasons.

[BSN07]

Ok so far the rumors this morning are Grienke to Texas, then Texas trades for Upton.

 

Seattle was thought to be next in line but comments from their front office say nothing is remotely close. So Hamilton is still available with his top suitor out of the picture. This could be a situation where we see a team swoop in and grab Hamilton.

[a700hitter]

Ok so far the rumors this morning are Grienke to Texas, then Texas trades for Upton.

 

Seattle was thought to be next in line but comments from their front office say nothing is remotely close. So Hamilton is still available with his top suitor out of the picture. This could be a situation where we see a team swoop in and grab Hamilton.

With the other suitors out of the way and a seemingly clear path for Cherries, I hope he doesn't dither too long looking for the best possible deal, because that is when Cashman can strike with a take it or leave it offer that is too good to turn down. He hits 50 in that bandbox. Cherries didn't quibble with Victorino. If they want Hamilton, just get it done.

[SoxSport]

With the other suitors out of the way and a seemingly clear path for Cherries, I hope he doesn't dither too long looking for the best possible deal, because that is when Cashman can strike with a take it or leave it offer that is too good to turn down. He hits 50 in that bandbox. Cherries didn't quibble with Victorino. If they want Hamilton, just get it done.

 

Ain't gonna happen.

[MNSoxChief102]

Seems Benny has something up his sleeve. Not sure what or how big it will be, but it could be interesting.

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2012/12/red_sox_gm_ben.html

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said he's made progress "on one thing" which hasn't been reported in the media and his choice for the Pawtucket manager, but was not willing to announce it as he left the winter meetings this morning.

 

"We spent last night working on a couple of of things but nothing we're ready to announce," Cherington said. "We made progress on one thing but its not quite teed up yet."

 

Asked whether it was a free-agent or trade and Cherington said, "Can't say but sometime soon I can say."

[jung]

Heard a report just now that the Rays with Shields have the inside track to Myers with KC. That makes sense. The Rays were always going to be the fly in the ointment for that deal.

[MNSoxChief102]

Heard a report just now that the Rays with Shields have the inside track to Myers with KC. That makes sense. The Rays were always going to be the fly in the ointment for that deal.

 

Have to think the Royals would need to give up more than just Myers to land Shields.

[Bellhorn04]

"We spent last night working on a couple of of things but nothing we're ready to announce," Cherington said. "We made progress on one thing but its not quite teed up yet."

 

Not quite teed up yet? Ben's starting to sound cocky.

[jung]

Regardless...whatever it is it is likely not anything that impacts KC's effort to win now. That is likely what torpedos Lester in that role. Even we can't be confident in what Lester will be on opening day this year. Why trade away Myers and be left guessing like that.

[a700hitter]

Not quite teed up yet? Ben's starting to sound cocky.

He has me eager with anticipation.

[dupree]

Not quite teed up yet? Ben's starting to sound cocky.

 

I hope it is for a deal for Hamilton 1st& of all

2nd i hope it could be a trade for some front line pitcher

 

Please please dont let it be a deal for Dempster or R.A.

[jacksonianmarch]

I think the Napoli acquisition is a good one, especially for Fenway. And at 3 yrs $13 mil per for a slugger who can man C or 1B, it's a fair deal. Victorino's deal is puzzling, as it is a major overpay for a guy who doesnt give you a whole lot. I consider Cherington 1 for 2 this offseason. We'll see if he can go into the win column again with this latest teaser

[BSN07]

He has me eager with anticipation.

Ok now I'm going to be checking MLBTR like every 5 secs

I think the Napoli acquisition is a good one, especially for Fenway. And at 3 yrs $13 mil per for a slugger who can man C or 1B, it's a fair deal. Victorino's deal is puzzling, as it is a major overpay for a guy who doesnt give you a whole lot. I consider Cherington 1 for 2 this offseason. We'll see if he can go into the win column again with this latest teaser

 

On a scale of 1 to 5, Napoli is a 4 signing, Vic is a 2.5-3 with a shot at being a 4

[jacksonianmarch]

I'd say Victorino is a 2 with a chance to be a 3. Even at his career norms, he isnt a $13 mil per yr player for 3 yrs. It's another guy who they got blinded by his stolen bases but didnt actually see the other skills eroding around him

 

And for the sox, Napoli is a 4 with a chance to be a 5. If healthy, in Boston, he could be a 40HR player

[MNSoxChief102]

I'd say Victorino is a 2 with a chance to be a 3. Even at his career norms, he isnt a $13 mil per yr player for 3 yrs. It's another guy who they got blinded by his stolen bases but didn't actually see the other skills eroding around him player

 

Pretty sure the Sox front office has access to just as much information on players they're interested in, if not a hell of a lot more than we do as fans. If we've noticed a problematic statistical trend, you can bet Bill James and Co. have been on it for months in advance.

[BSN07]

I'd say Victorino is a 2 with a chance to be a 3. Even at his career norms, he isnt a $13 mil per yr player for 3 yrs. It's another guy who they got blinded by his stolen bases but didnt actually see the other skills eroding around him

 

And for the sox, Napoli is a 4 with a chance to be a 5. If healthy, in Boston, he could be a 40HR player

 

I can see where your coming from but with him having multiple interested parties I think it's more his overall skill level then being blinded by his SB stats.