Red Sox 2012/2013 Offseason Thread

[example1]

He's a horrible fielder, but he has had seasons where he has had some good LHP splits. Other years, I think he was a complete dud.

 

Let's hope this doesn't become a Punto like deal. Signing a veteran who has shown some ability in other places who regresses to his usual self when he shows up in Boston. Gomes was interesting like 7 years ago. If he puts up his 2005, 2009 or 2011 seasons it will be a decent signing. Otherwise, wake me up when something exciting happens.

[a700hitter]

Let's hope this doesn't become a Punto like deal. Signing a veteran who has shown some ability in other places who regresses to his usual self when he shows up in Boston. Gomes was interesting like 7 years ago. If he puts up his 2005, 2009 or 2011 seasons it will be a decent signing. Otherwise, wake me up when something exciting happens.

I don't understand giving Gomes a two year deal when they gave Ross a one year deal. I am just not seeing the reasoning behind that. Has Gomes ever had more than a 1 year contract? Were people lining up to sign this guy?

[rjortiz]

It's an OK deal if they use him strictly against left-handed pitching.

[a700hitter]

It's an OK deal if they use him strictly against left-handed pitching.

I'm just not getting the 2 year deal part of it.

[BSN07]

I don't understand giving Gomes a two year deal when they gave Ross a one year deal. I am just not seeing the reasoning behind that. Has Gomes ever had more than a 1 year contract? Were people lining up to sign this guy?

 

I think that's the market this year. Big AAV's for one year deals, lesser AAV's on 2 year deals.

 

So does he platoon in LF with Sweeney?

[rjortiz]

I'm just not getting the 2 year deal part of it.

 

Neither am I. That leads me to believe they envision him as more of a starter, which would be a disaster if true.

[a700hitter]

I think that's the market this year. Big AAV's for one year deals, lesser AAV's on 2 year deals.

 

So does he platoon in LF with Sweeney?

Sweeney is horrible. The guy hits a Home Run every 130-140 PAs. He has zero pop and no speed. Gomes should platoon with Kalish.

[a700hitter]

Neither am I. That leads me to believe they envision him as more of a starter, which would be a disaster if true.

Agreed. He is strictly a platoon type.

[rjortiz]

It would take a near complete wiping of your farm system. Seeing as they dont do discounts for dealing for multiple players, let's see the prices you'd be looking at for each...

 

Choo would probably be the cheapest because he's got 1 yr left on his deal. But he is also the most explosive offensively. He was a .300/.400/.500 player from 08-10. His 2011 season is pretty much a mulligan and he bounced back well in 2012 with a very high OBP. He's likely to require at least 3 prospects, one of which would be considered a right now kind of guy (Brentz) and 2 more guys with down the line potential (Cecchini and Jacobs).

 

We probably could get him for Webster alone.

[example1]

I'm just not getting the 2 year deal part of it.

 

I think there's two possible options:

 

1) They really like him for some reason and strongly want him to be around for two seasons

 

2) They are having trouble getting other OFs to be interested in coming to Boston and this is the best they could do for that 4th OF type position.

 

I suppose there could be a 3rd option:

 

3) They know they are going to make a strong run at Josh Hamilton and wanted to get the other OF spot cemented prior to that push so they aren't left hanging.

 

 

There was a story on mlb.com that noted that industry insiders believe the Red Sox are going to make a run for Hamilton. I think that would be great, if the contract isn't Crawford-esque and it offers them flexibility to do other things as well.

 

In terms of comparable contracts, I think his best comps in terms of current performance and age would include players like Ryan Braun (5 years, 105m), Torii Hunter (5 years, 90m w/ Angels), Ichiro Suzuki (5 years, 90m w/ Mariners), and Matt Holliday (7 years, 120m).

 

Those are the big OF contracts of the past few years and they are players who have roughly the same impact that Hamilton had. Based on those players I think he can rightly ask for a minimum of 5 years. The Sox would have to really blow him out of the water in terms of salary to make the deal shorter, but they could possibly give him the infamous "opt out" clause that the Yankees used with CC and Soriano, which would give him the chance to make more money on the market in a few seasons and keep them from having to get into a huge deal in terms of length.

[example1]

We probably could get him for Webster alone.

 

I think you're pretty close here.

 

If the Sox could land Choo to play RF and sign Hamilton for LF they would have a pretty potent offense (yet again). They would also be very LHH heavy.

[BSN07]

Sweeney is horrible. The guy hits a Home Run every 130-140 PAs. He has zero pop and no speed. Gomes should platoon with Kalish.

 

I just mentioned Sweeney cause he's currently on the roster and they will have to do something with him. Kalish could be looking at more of a full time role if they don't bring in anyone else. But given the choice I would agree with you and go Kalish over Sweeney.

[BSN07]

I think you're pretty close here.

 

If the Sox could land Choo to play RF and sign Hamilton for LF they would have a pretty potent offense (yet again). They would also be very LHH heavy.

 

They could move Ellsbury to make room for a RHH OF.

 

I like Choo but I don't find his one year remaining and the impending slob fest Boras is surely the throw him. I'm ok with Hamilton, but if they are trading Webster, I'd rather it be for a RHH OF.

[SoxSport]

They're getting Gomes, who is supposed to be a clubhouse presence (he prefers champagne to beer)and hits LHP about as well as Ross--for half the money.

[jung]

Hopefully, that is how it is working out...Gomes for much less money. In fact that might be where the two years is coming from. Maybe the Sox are happy with the per year....happy enough to make two years OK regardless of how they end up using him.

[example1]

They could move Ellsbury to make room for a RHH OF.

 

I like Choo but I don't find his one year remaining and the impending slob fest Boras is surely the throw him. I'm ok with Hamilton, but if they are trading Webster, I'd rather it be for a RHH OF.

 

Upton would top my list. Trading for Upton and acquiring Hamilton would be pretty impressive. Would cost them many of their better prospects, but obviously that lineup would be really dangerous.

[iortiz]

Upton would top my list. Trading for Upton and acquiring Hamilton would be pretty impressive. Would cost them many of their better prospects, but obviously that lineup would be really dangerous.

 

Sounds like a dream, but we can dream, can't we?

[bubbakeg52]

I know Anibal Sanchez is not Pedro Martinez. For whats on the FA market he would look good with that 2003 lineup I showed. I was referring to Sanchez beating the Yankees in the postseason and Sanchez having a better postseason era. ERA wise with that lineup he would look like an Ace.

[bubbakeg52]

Boston better be saving money on Gomes so they can land Hamilton for about 30mil. Saving 5 mil on Ross.

[a700hitter]

Sounds like a dream, but we can dream, can't we?

It is the Hot Stove season-- time for dreaming. I hope it is not the highlight of our season.

[example1]

Sounds like a dream, but we can dream, can't we?

 

It is the Hot Stove season-- time for dreaming. I hope it is not the highlight of our season.

 

It is a dream, but the resources are there currently. The money is there for Hamilton and the prospects are there if they wanted to make a run at a guy like Upton. I don't even think it would cost them all of their best prospects. The fit in AZ doesn't seem to be great and the fact that the D-Backs have even expressed willingness to trade him (let alone numerous times) means he's likely to be moved eventually.

[bubbakeg52]

Gomes is taking Sweeny's job as the 4th OF. And everyone can watch Kalish hit the DL

[mvp 78]

The Gomes signing is great because he already has a built in SBF nickname Johnny the Gnome.

 

If he's Ross' replacement, I may have overestimated the payroll at 100-110. Yikes. Maybe they won't break 100?

[seabeachfred]

I think you're pretty close here.

 

If the Sox could land Choo to play RF and sign Hamilton for LF they would have a pretty potent offense (yet again). They would also be very LHH heavy.

 

Way too lefthanded Ex---and that would make us very vulnerable to all the good pitchers in the AL East. In my opinion, one of the OF's we get must be a RH hitter with power.

[a700hitter]

It is a dream, but the resources are there currently. The money is there for Hamilton and the prospects are there if they wanted to make a run at a guy like Upton. I don't even think it would cost them all of their best prospects. The fit in AZ doesn't seem to be great and the fact that the D-Backs have even expressed willingness to trade him (let alone numerous times) means he's likely to be moved eventually.

I agree. The only thing holding them back would be something going on behind the scenes that we don't know about. If JH is looking to sell the team, there might be a moratorium on spending. We'll find out soon enough. If they are going to make big moves, I think they'll start making them by December 1st.

[iortiz]

It is a dream, but the resources are there currently. The money is there for Hamilton and the prospects are there if they wanted to make a run at a guy like Upton. I don't even think it would cost them all of their best prospects. The fit in AZ doesn't seem to be great and the fact that the D-Backs have even expressed willingness to trade him (let alone numerous times) means he's likely to be moved eventually.

 

Hopefully our FO is considering this E1.

 

But still pitching Is my major concern.

[seabeachfred]

The Gomes signing is great because he already has a built in SBF nickname Johnny the Gnome.

 

If he's Ross' replacement, I may have overestimated the payroll at 100-110. Yikes. Maybe they won't break 100?

 

Thanks for the suggestion MVP, but I just hope he does the job for us that Ross did, and it is there I have a doubt or two. Finally a move to add a player to a place where we need help. Tr uth be told, though, I would much rather have had Ross, who may have priced himself out of town.

[a700hitter]

Way too lefthanded Ex---and that would make us very vulnerable to all the good pitchers in the AL East. In my opinion, one of the OF's we get must be a RH hitter with power.

I wonder if Mauro Gomez is in their plans for next season. Does anyone know if he is playing winter ball? He could provide some RH balance with Gomes.

[jung]

Well although I am commenting without knowing anything yet, I have to think that the two years means the per annum is very attractive to the Sox...or else why would you go two for a Gomes. So that is sounding like a nice deal for Ben.....not a big deal but still something he can hang his hat on. It's a nice follow on to the Ross that Ben did get.

[a700hitter]

Hopefully our FO is considering this E1.

 

But still pitching Is my major concern.

We can't beat that pitching drum enough. That remains our #1 need since 2011.