Red Sox 2012/2013 Offseason Thread

[SoxSport]

The two LA teams are loaded with stars, but their pitching isn't great after the no. 1 and 2 starters.

It's always the pitching that's the difference, but it's hard to tell right now who will have the best pitching. It depends on injuries and who is having the best season. For example, if the big 3 come back in Philly, they will be tough. Halladay will have to return to form. The Sox aren't bad with Lester and Buchholz if they return to form and somebody else shines. SF always does it with pitching, but Lincecum is a big question. Toronto could be good, but Johnson and Buerhle have to be strong. The top 3 starters are so important, especially in the playoffs. The team with the best top 3 is usually the team to beat.

[BSN07]

The two LA teams are loaded with stars, but their pitching isn't great after the no. 1 and 2 starters.

It's always the pitching that's the difference, but it's hard to tell right now who will have the best pitching. It depends on injuries and who is having the best season. For example, if the big 3 come back in Philly, they will be tough. Halladay will have to return to form. The Sox aren't bad with Lester and Buchholz if they return to form and somebody else shines. SF always does it with pitching, but Lincecum is a big question. Toronto could be good, but Johnson and Buerhle have to be strong. The top 3 starters are so important, especially in the playoffs. The team with the best top 3 is usually the team to beat.

 

They are built very similar to the 02-08 Yanks. Win a lot of games in the regular season but in the playoffs, if their hitting goes cold, their SP could be their undoing in the playoffs.

[seabeachfred]

I'm sorry but I just don't want another knuckler heading for his forties. Bad enough we have to hear about the wind blowing out vs the wind blowin and and what it does to the pitch and needing a catcher just to catch the knuckler and on and on and on.

 

Most of the knuclers are guys that somebody takes a chance on at short money. If you are the team that takes advantage of that opportunity...more power to you. If you are the team that is going to be the one that allows the knucker to cash in...look out!!!!

 

We did that knuckler dance with Wakefield until it got sickening. Always we heard an economical signing where money saved became the focal point while the guy became shittier and shittier by the year. One good thing we can say f or Valentine was that he most definitely didn't want the gu y around or we might still be sending that bum out to the mound to get lit up. He should have been sent out to pasture five years before he did.

 

No more knucklers. They need their own catcher and tie up a roster spot.

[Plumpamania]

Trade Ellsbury for Andrus. Do it. Do it now.

[rjortiz]

Trade Ellsbury for Andrus. Do it. Do it now.

 

Why would Texas make that deal?

[Plumpamania]

Why would Texas make that deal?

 

A retaliation strike against the Angels, as of right now they are wanting to move Kinsler to 1B and have Profar play 2B and Andrus SS. Ellsbury can replace Hamilton in CF, Profar plays his natural position of SS, Kinsler stays at 2B (his natural position) and Olt comes up and plays 1B.

 

Makes for a stronger Texas team.

 

We then put Victorino in CF, Andrus at SS, and move Boegarts to RF while he's in AA/AAA. And play Kalish in the other OF position. Or we could look into flipping Andrus for Justin Upton.

 

Anyone who thinks we are winning THIS year is wrong.

[BSN07]

A retaliation strike against the Angels, as of right now they are wanting to move Kinsler to 1B and have Profar play 2B and Andrus SS. Ellsbury can replace Hamilton in CF, Profar plays his natural position of SS, Kinsler stays at 2B (his natural position) and Olt comes up and plays 1B.

 

Makes for a stronger Texas team.

 

We then put Victorino in CF, Andrus at SS, and move Boegarts to RF while he's in AA/AAA. And play Kalish in the other OF position. Or we could look into flipping Andrus for Justin Upton.

 

Anyone who thinks we are winning THIS year is wrong.

 

Interesting thought moving Bogaerts to RF. If the Sox could manage an extension for Andrus it would work better. I don't think they will move him off SS unless he's bad or they get bring in a proven SS long term.

 

 

BTW Texas wouldn't move Andrus for Upton. So it's doubtful the will move him for Ells.

[wyo-sox]

I do not know if Texas would be down for this but I would love to have a real short stop.

[dupree]

If we are in the thought process of trading for a SS i think that a trade for Tulo from the Rockies would be a good fit... good contract could have nomar potential he in Fenway i would not mind them giving up some prospects to get him.

 

Only downside that i could see is the lineup getting a lil tto right handed but that doesnt bother me as much as thinking we are going to get any production from iggy with the bat. But Peedy said when he first came up he only hit. 190 after that we all know what happened LASER SHOW so maybe they give him a chance but at mid season id hope they would look into aquiring someone like Tulo to be the SS of the future

[BSN07]

If we are in the thought process of trading for a SS i think that a trade for Tulo from the Rockies would be a good fit... good contract could have nomar potential he in Fenway i would not mind them giving up some prospects to get him.

 

Only downside that i could see is the lineup getting a lil tto right handed but that doesnt bother me as much as thinking we are going to get any production from iggy with the bat. But Peedy said when he first came up he only hit. 190 after that we all know what happened LASER SHOW so maybe they give him a chance but at mid season id hope they would look into aquiring someone like Tulo to be the SS of the future

 

I doubt very much he is available and I shutter to think what he would cost. Plus he like Nomar, has injury issues.

 

Aside from the fact he needs to be extended, Andrus is a really good fit. Just don't see Texas giving him up.

[SoxSport]

Trade Ellsbury for Andrus. Do it. Do it now.

 

They wouldn't trade Andrus for Upton. so why should they do it for Ellsbury, who hasn't proved yet he is back from his shoulder mashing.

 

The Red Sox are paying over $2 million to Iglesias this year, so they better see what the kid can do.

[Behindenemylines]

They wouldn't trade Andrus for Upton. so why should they do it for Ellsbury, who hasn't proved yet he is back from his shoulder mashing.

 

The Red Sox are paying over $2 million to Iglesias this year, so they better see what the kid can do.

 

Other then Drew you haven't heard the Sox interested in any SS. I think they give Iglesias a shot in the spring. May even give him a couple of months at the begining of 2013.

[BSN07]

Other then Drew you haven't heard the Sox interested in any SS. I think they give Iglesias a shot in the spring. May even give him a couple of months at the begining of 2013.

 

I'm guessing unless someone else is brought in it will be his job until around the TDL, maybe even the whole season.

[Plumpamania]

I really don't want Rey Ordonez v2.

[dupree]

Is any rumors floating around about Boston talking to any other FA or any trades or is this the team that we have to look forward to in 2013

[Lord Snow]

Is any rumors floating around about Boston talking to any other FA or any trades or is this the team that we have to look forward to in 2013

 

Nope. The Red Sox are looking like they're done making moves.

 

Cherington might make some cheap SP signing for insurance/depth, but that's about it. Opening day roster looks about set.

[Lord Snow]

Any guesses on the opening day line-up next season?

 

1. Shane "The Destroyer" Victorino

2. Pedroia

3. Ellsbury

4. Napoli

5. Ortiz

6. Middlebrooks

7. Jonny "Rocket" Gomes

8. Salty

9. Enrique Iglesias

 

SP: Dempster

[redsoxfan3]

Any guesses on the opening day line-up next season?

 

1. Shane "The Destroyer" Victorino

2. Pedroia

3. Ellsbury

4. Napoli

5. Ortiz

6. Middlebrooks

7. Jonny "Rocket" Gomes

8. Salty

9. Enrique Iglesias

 

SP: Dempster

 

Dempster as the number one is a question mark, but so is Lester or Buchholz. I don't like Victorino over Ellsbury in the leadoff role. I like Big Papi as the three hitter and Napoli as cleanup. I also think that we might make a trade for Salty, but that is only if they see Lavarnway playing in the majors.

[jung]

Terrific...if that lineup they will be playing one guy from down on the farm in a year where they won't be able to find their way to 1st place or even the post season if their life depended on it. On top of that, nobody is going to care about Gomes and Napoli or Swisher. They are going to doom themselves to a crummy record AND poor attendance. At least Victorino can play every outfield position and frees up Ells if they are going to do anything with him.

 

This should have been the year where they stop giving guys that won't improve down on the farm a cup of coffee up here and then decide they know what they have or don't have. I said months ago that Riddick's success (as it is) in Oakland was much more a result of Oakland giving him the job in RF. He didn't have to look over his shoulder every five minutes which is in the main how we do things here in Boston. Give Iggy the job and SS. Even though he started to show signs of improvement late in the year last year initially he will likely sink like a stone. Who cares?? Let him find his way to ML level play or let him drown but don't for the love of mike take the usual Red Sox approach, not in this year. Give Kalish RF and put Lavs behind the plate for a majority of the games.

 

Here in Boston its "your not distinguishing yourself kid". We already have a boatload of mediocre ballplayers that we can insert into that position". No s*** Sherlock. You sure have the market cornered on mediocrity.

 

I would take LaRoche at 1st cause he would help our young left side. Napoli is going to need shin guards over there at 1st.

 

And I got news for you, I hope Dempster on opening day is an effort at comedy because if he is your opening day pitcher, stick your head directly between your legs and kiss your ass goodbye.

[BSN07]

Is any rumors floating around about Boston talking to any other FA or any trades or is this the team that we have to look forward to in 2013

 

The Red Sox have interest in signing Stephen Drew to help improve the team's infield depth, sources tell ESPN.com's Jayson Stark (via Twitter). The former Athletics and Diamondbacks shortstop is viewed as a stopgap for Boston as Drew would be able to give players like Jose Iglesias and Xander Bogaerts more time to develop by serving as the starter.

 

I'm not against a Drew signing. If they did sign him I would dangle Iggy to the Tigers for Porcello. Detroit needs a good SS and can hide his bate in that line up. Porcello has 3 controllable years left and has some upside. thoughts?

[NZSox]

I'm not against a Drew signing. If they did sign him I would dangle Iggy to the Tigers for Porcello. Detroit needs a good SS and can hide his bate in that line up. Porcello has 3 controllable years left and has some upside. thoughts?

 

Like it. But do they?

[jung]

We still have Ciriaco to share time at SS don't we? So why do we really want Drew?...We really do want to corner the market on mediocrity apparently. Lets just keep jammin' guys that have not seen over 100 games a season and literally describe mediocrity into this roster. But hey there is a 2 as the first digit of his age. That is getting to be a rarity around here even if it represents age 29, one year short of 30.

 

We will probably even pursue Drew. Make him another player where we make the market. By the time he is done with us, he should be a $10m SS.

[jopete19]

I'm starting the campaign "Ciriaco for SS 2013" Slogan can be "I'm better than Jose"

[seabeachfred]

Any guesses on the opening day line-up next season?

 

1. Shane "The Destroyer" Victorino

2. Pedroia

3. Ellsbury

4. Napoli

5. Ortiz

6. Middlebrooks

7. Jonny "Rocket" Gomes

8. Salty

9. Enrique Iglesias

 

SP: Dempster

 

If anyone thinks Iglesias is going to hit anywhere above the Mendoza line, I have some great beachfront property for sale in Kansas. Ain't gonna happen, and comparing him to what Pedroia did in his third of a season back in '06 is one giant canard. First of all Pedey came to the Red Sox after hitting 305 at Pawtucket after a slow start due to rehab from injury and he had hit in the minors consistently. Iggy has shown nothing of the sort anywhere to speak of. Besides, I don't like the idea of Salty back at catcher. Good God, do the powers-that-be need to be hit with hammer blows to the noggin to get it through their heads that the pitchers' ERA jumps over a run whenever he catches; plus he can't throw worth s***, has a piss poor arm and except for hitting some homers has a miserable OBA. Give Lavarnway a full shot and this time let him bat plenty in ST to groove his swing.

 

How about Steven Drew at short for a season or two? At least we'd have a bat of some kind there.

[seabeachfred]

Any guesses on the opening day line-up next season?

 

1. Shane "The Destroyer" Victorino

2. Pedroia

3. Ellsbury

4. Napoli

5. Ortiz

6. Middlebrooks

7. Jonny "Rocket" Gomes

8. Salty

9. Enrique Iglesias

 

SP: Dempster

 

If anyone thinks Iglesias is going to hit anywhere above the Mendoza line, I have some great beachfront property for sale in Kansas. Ain't gonna happen, and comparing him to what Pedroia did in his third of a season back in '06 is one giant canard. First of all Pedey came to the Red Sox after hitting 305 at Pawtucket after a slow start due to rehab from injury and he had hit in the minors consistently. Iggy has shown nothing of the sort anywhere to speak of. Besides, I don't like the idea of Salty back at catcher. Good God, do the powers-that-be need to be hit with hammer blows to the noggin to get it through their heads that the pitchers' ERA jumps over a run whenever he catches; plus he can't throw worth s***, has a piss poor arm and except for hitting some homers has a miserable OBA. Give Lavarnway a full shot and this time let him bat plenty in ST to groove his swing.

 

How about Steven Drew at short for a season or two? At least we'd have a bat of some kind there.

[SoxSport]

It's about time they got Ells out of the leadoff. He can't force a walk to save his life. And his speed isn't of much use on this team. Put him in the 3-hole and light a fire under him. He has plenty of incentive to perform in his contract year.

 

I just left that Patriots game. A ridiculous game in weather that isn't fit for polar bears.

 

The next guy that says Iglesias can't hit has to sit in the end zone seats the 2nd half of the Patriots game--without an umbrella.

[Palodios]

We still have Ciriaco to share time at SS don't we? So why do we really want Drew?...We really do want to corner the market on mediocrity apparently. Lets just keep jammin' guys that have not seen over 100 games a season and literally describe mediocrity into this roster. But hey there is a 2 as the first digit of his age. That is getting to be a rarity around here even if it represents age 29, one year short of 30.

 

We will probably even pursue Drew. Make him another player where we make the market. By the time he is done with us, he should be a $10m SS.

 

Middle infield depth is pretty important. Stephen Drew is 29 years old and has a career .762 OPS. He's the equivalent of signing a more established Marco Scutaro. Ciricao goes to the bench, and Iggy works on his bat in AAA.

[jung]

I doubt seriously that Iggy will make any more progress in AAA and what are we hoping to achieve out of 2013 anyway? They are going nowhere...they can't pitch and have done very little to resolve that. They are headed to mid pack mediocrity at best. So why send guys down to languish more in a season where you will accomplish nothing relative to standings or the post season?

[Palodios]

I doubt seriously that Iggy will make any more progress in AAA and what are we hoping to achieve out of 2013 anyway? They are going nowhere...they can't pitch and have done very little to resolve that. They are headed to mid pack mediocrity at best. So why send guys down to languish more in a season where you will accomplish nothing relative to standings or the post season?

 

In 2011, Iggy hit .554 in AAA. In 2012, Iggy hit .624 in AAA. He's also still very very young-- At 22, he still has plenty of time to develop. I'm not expecting wonders here, but a .650 OPS from Iglesias doesn't seem completely unreasonable.

[jung]

Well lets see....Iggy turns 23 on January 9th. After the 2013 campaign he will be 24. When does he turn from a hot young prospect to a kid that disappoints and never made it at least not for this team.

 

I simply think that Iggy needs at this point to pull his head above water against ML pitching. He started doing it the end of last season going from not even able to stand in against ML pitching hitting weak grounders to second base at best to actually beginning to get his nose above the water a bit.

 

I would put him at SS in 2013 and leave him there. He either drowns or swims. There is no time left with one of the B's already barking up his *******. And my earlier point remains a whole field full of Drews and Napolis and Swishers and Gomes will not save this team from rising past its maximum potential...mediocrity. I might feel better about their chances with a team like that if the rest of the league would just stand still for them but that is not the case. Jeez the Royals think they are going to kick our ass and they are probably right!