Jose Iglesias

[wyo-sox]

SFF, how can you say in the same post Aviles's offense was atrocious and also state Iggy is our best option going forward? Not a sarcastic attack, just curious as to your perspective.

[Behindenemylines]

I think he means that Iggy has more potential for growth, while Aviles is a finished product. When or a BIG IF, Iggy can at least consistantly hit .250 his D would put his value higher then Aviles. Iggy has a higher ceiling. I think that is what he meant. I agree Iggy has a higher ceiling, but until he can hit at least .250 it only is potential. An potential doesn't win games.

[SoxFanForsyth]

SFF, how can you say in the same post Aviles's offense was atrocious and also state Iggy is our best option going forward? Not a sarcastic attack, just curious as to your perspective.

 

Because defense up the middle is incredibly valuable.

 

Essentially, the way I see it, Aviles's offense is going to be better than Iglesias's offense.

 

But the increased defense that Iglesias provides over Aviles and the runs saved is greater than the increased offense that Aviles provides over Iggy.

 

Since SS is such an important defensive position, I would rather have Iggy than Aviles. If it was LF or something, I go with the better offense.

 

If we're going to get a s***** offensive player at SS, which is what Aviles and Iglesias are, at least give me the one with the gold glove who is going to save run after run on the defensive side of the ball.

[SCM33]

Because defense up the middle is incredibly valuable.

 

Essentially, the way I see it, Aviles's offense is going to be better than Iglesias's offense.

 

But the increased defense that Iglesias provides over Aviles and the runs saved is greater than the increased offense that Aviles provides over Iggy.

 

Since SS is such an important defensive position, I would rather have Iggy than Aviles. If it was LF or something, I go with the better offense.

 

If we're going to get a s***** offensive player at SS, which is what Aviles and Iglesias are, at least give me the one with the gold glove who is going to save run after run on the defensive side of the ball.

 

You have NO statistical point to prove this.

 

Iglesias is beyond awful. Aviles is at least in the "Starter" category (2.0+ above WAR). You speak as if Aviles glove were the reason they sucked.

 

If Iglesias were the starting SS, this team would have reached 100 losses.

[SoxFanForsyth]

You have NO statistical point to prove this.

 

Iglesias is beyond awful. Aviles is at least in the "Starter" category (2.0+ above WAR). You speak as if Aviles glove were the reason they sucked.

 

If Iglesias were the starting SS, this team would have reached 100 losses.

 

Um. Ok. So many ignorant statements. Where to start?

 

Mike Aviles wRC+ (Runs Created): 74

Mike Aviles DRS/yr (Defensive Runs Saved over 1,200 innings): 15

Total Value: 89 Runs Saved and Created

 

Iglesias DRS/yr (2012 numbers): 43

 

Brendan Ryan hit .194/.277/.278. He had a wRC+ of 64. For argument's sake, we'll say Iggy tanks and has that line.

 

Total Value (61 + 43): 104 Runs Saved and Created

 

Zero statistical data. Thanks for playing.

 

On to the next.

 

You say the Sox would have easily lost 100 games if Iglesias was at SS. That's even more hilarious. Can you please, since you're so enamored by statistical proof that you attempted to negate my theory because of a lack of it, provide some statistical proof that Iglesias over Aviles would have cost the Red Sox 7 losses?

 

Because the way I see it, Aviles has a 1.8 WAR. Iglesias, in just 25 games, had a 0.3 WAR. And Iggy's WAR is only 0.3 because he played just 25 games.

 

Aviles's 1.8 WAR/136 Games = 0.013 WAR/Game, over 162 Games = 2.10

Iglesias's 0.3 WAR/25 Games = 0.012 WAR/Game, over 162 Games = 1.95

 

2.10 - 1.95 =/= -7.00

 

And that's with Iglesias hitting .118.

 

So....your argument is kind of completely destroyed. Good try, though, just blindly throwing out ********.

[wyo-sox]

Because defense up the middle is incredibly valuable.

 

Essentially, the way I see it, Aviles's offense is going to be better than Iglesias's offense.

 

But the increased defense that Iglesias provides over Aviles and the runs saved is greater than the increased offense that Aviles provides over Iggy.

 

Since SS is such an important defensive position, I would rather have Iggy than Aviles. If it was LF or something, I go with the better offense.

 

If we're going to get a s***** offensive player at SS, which is what Aviles and Iglesias are, at least give me the one with the gold glove who is going to save run after run on the defensive side of the ball.

 

OK, thanks. I'm not sure I agree but I see what you are saying. I guess to me the idea that the gold glove guy is going to save run after run after run just does not happen from what I see. It's not like every ball to the SS will get by if Iggy is not playing. And the opportunity for Iggy to make an outstanding highlight play seems to only come around once every few games- whereas the opportunity to do something with a bat comes several times each game.

 

I think though that Aviles or Iggy is like choosing if you'd like to get stabbed or shot. We are not in good shape. Really besides LF, RF, 1B, SS, C, 2 or 3 pitchers, and a manager.... we are ready for the next season, lol. Amazing what a rebuild we have on our hands.

[rjortiz]

Um. Ok. So many ignorant statements. Where to start?

 

Mike Aviles wRC+ (Runs Created): 74

Mike Aviles DRS/yr (Defensive Runs Saved over 1,200 innings): 15

Total Value: 99 Runs Saved and Created

 

Iglesias DRS/yr (2012 numbers): 43

 

Brendan Ryan hit .194/.277/.278. He had a wRC+ of 64. For argument's sake, we'll say Iggy tanks and has that line.

 

Total Value (61 + 43): 104 Runs Saved and Created

 

Zero statistical data. Thanks for playing.

 

On to the next.

 

You say the Sox would have easily lost 100 games if Iglesias was at SS. That's even more hilarious. Can you please, since you're so enamored by statistical proof that you attempted to negate my theory because of a lack of it, provide some statistical proof that Iglesias over Aviles would have cost the Red Sox 7 losses?

 

Because the way I see it, Aviles has a 1.8 WAR. Iglesias, in just 25 games, had a 0.3 WAR. And Iggy's WAR is only 0.3 because he played just 25 games.

 

Aviles's 1.8 WAR/136 Games = 0.013 WAR/Game, over 162 Games = 2.10

Iglesias's 0.3 WAR/25 Games = 0.012 WAR/Game, over 162 Games = 1.95

 

2.10 - 1.95 =/= -7.00

 

And that's with Iglesias hitting .118.

 

So....your argument is kind of completely destroyed. Good try, though, just blindly throwing out ********.

 

Haha, nice work.

[jung]

Perhaps a look at the direction of league BA in general will make us a bit less critical of Iggy in that regard and a bit more appreciative of his defense.

 

Here is AL league BA from the 2012 regular season back to the 2003 regular season.

 

2012 = .255

2011 = .258

2010=.260

2009=.267

2008=.268

2007=.271

2006=.275

2005=.268

2004=.270

2003=.267

 

Clearly BA is in decline...severe decline for that matter. Maybe that suggests that defense should be more appreciated especially at the most important defensive position on the field. In addition maybe our expectations for Iggys offense should not be a great as they would have been.

 

I had looked for the numbers because I was so disgusted with the quality of play generally and specifically the quality of hitting in the regular season and in the post season to date. I don't think we can attribute these numbers to diminished use of PED's to the degree that even I was at one point willing to suggest. As more and more data becomes available, it should be clear that they have not been eliminated from baseball at this point.

 

Based on what I witnessed this season and now this post season, I think it is plate appearance quality and swing technique more than anything else. They appear to me to be getting worse and worse. Even mediocre pitching has the hitters dancing on the end of the puppet masters strings.

[SCM33]

Um. Ok. So many ignorant statements. Where to start?

 

Mike Aviles wRC+ (Runs Created): 74

Mike Aviles DRS/yr (Defensive Runs Saved over 1,200 innings): 15

Total Value: 99 Runs Saved and Created

 

Iglesias DRS/yr (2012 numbers): 43

 

Brendan Ryan hit .194/.277/.278. He had a wRC+ of 64. For argument's sake, we'll say Iggy tanks and has that line.

 

Total Value (61 + 43): 104 Runs Saved and Created

 

Zero statistical data. Thanks for playing.

 

Wow, look at that! Brendan Ryan is a awful Major League Baseball player!!! That must mean that you could project him to be exactly like Iglesias then huh?

 

.......except for the fact that Ryan was, and is a much better offensive player when you compare their minor league numbers.

 

So you think they are equal, and I just showed that he could potentially be WORSE....then I cringe to think about how s***** an offensive player Iglesias really is.

 

Thanks for putting up those numbers to compare those awesomely s***** players, I now actually think he sucks more than I originally did.

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ryan--001bre

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=iglesi001jos

 

On to the next.

 

You say the Sox would have easily lost 100 games if Iglesias was at SS. That's even more hilarious. Can you please, since you're so enamored by statistical proof that you attempted to negate my theory because of a lack of it, provide some statistical proof that Iglesias over Aviles would have cost the Red Sox 7 losses?

 

Because the way I see it, Aviles has a 1.8 WAR. Iglesias, in just 25 games, had a 0.3 WAR. And Iggy's WAR is only 0.3 because he played just 25 games.

 

Aviles's 1.8 WAR/136 Games = 0.013 WAR/Game, over 162 Games = 2.10

Iglesias's 0.3 WAR/25 Games = 0.012 WAR/Game, over 162 Games = 1.95

 

2.10 - 1.95 =/= -7.00

 

And that's with Iglesias hitting .118.

 

So....your argument is kind of completely destroyed. Good try, though, just blindly throwing out ********.

 

Sure, Iglesias can't hit, and with Aviles....he is +9 when you look at Total Zone Total Fielding Runs per 1200 innings (Rtot/yr). In fact, if you look at most sabermetric fielding categories, Aviles is plus in all of them except 1 (Total Zone Fielding Runs Above Average on the Road).

 

Hate to break it to you. Iglesias sucks, will not be the starting SS when we break camp and if somehow is......then the writing is on the wall before the season even starts.

 

So Aviles is the much better offensive player, and is at least average with the glove.

 

All your time and research showed me (after I researched your numbers and more to compare), was that Iglesias actually sucks worse than I originally thought, and Aviles is actually better with the glove than I thought.

[Plumpamania]

Derek Jeter was never, EVER a gold glove caliber short stop. Did that stop the Yankees from winning? I'm by no means saying that Mike Aviles is as good offensively as Jeter. But Iglesias hit .118 .200 .191 .391 this year for an OPS plus of 6. SIX! FREAKIN SIX. Many of you on these boards are willing to write off Ryan Lavarnway with a small sample size, but I don't think you can get much worse than Iglesias at the plate. In fact I'd take Rey Ordonez over Iglesias in a heart beat, both offensively and defensively.

 

Year	Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
2010	LOW	NYP	.350	13	40	8	14	2	2	0	7	20	7	8	2	1	.458	.500	.958
2010	POR	EAS	.285	57	221	29	63	10	3	0	13	79	8	49	5	2	.315	.357	.672
2010	Minors	 	.295	70	261	37	77	12	5	0	20	99	15	57	7	3	.339	.379	.719
2011	PAW	INT	.235	101	357	35	84	9	0	1	31	96	21	58	12	4	.285	.269	.554
2011	Minors	 	.235	101	357	35	84	9	0	1	31	96	21	58	12	4	.285	.269	.554
2011	Majors	 	.333	10	6	3	2	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	0	0	.333	.333	.667
2012	LOW	NYP	.375	2	8	1	3	1	0	0	0	4	1	1	1	0	.444	.500	.944
2012	PAW	INT	.266	88	353	46	94	9	1	1	23	108	27	46	12	3	.318	.306	.624
2012	Minors	 	.269	90	361	47	97	10	1	1	23	112	28	47	13	3	.321	.310	.631
2012	Majors	 	.118	25	68	5	8	2	0	1	2	13	4	16	1	0	.200	.191	.391

 

In anything higher than rookie ball he hasn't sniffed a .700 OPS and that's in the PCL as well. The kid can't hit.

 

By the way on your Brendan Ryan argument, how did the Mariners do this year?

[SoxFanForsyth]

Wow, look at that! Brendan Ryan is a awful Major League Baseball player!!! That must mean that you could project him to be exactly like Iglesias then huh?

 

.......except for the fact that Ryan was, and is a much better offensive player when you compare their minor league numbers.

 

So you think they are equal, and I just showed that he could potentially be WORSE....then I cringe to think about how s***** an offensive player Iglesias really is.

 

Thanks for putting up those numbers to compare those awesomely s***** players, I now actually think he sucks more than I originally did.

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ryan--001bre

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=iglesi001jos

 

 

 

Sure, Iglesias can't hit, and with Aviles....he is +9 when you look at Total Zone Total Fielding Runs per 1200 innings (Rtot/yr). In fact, if you look at most sabermetric fielding categories, Aviles is plus in all of them except 1 (Total Zone Fielding Runs Above Average on the Road).

 

Hate to break it to you. Iglesias sucks, will not be the starting SS when we break camp and if somehow is......then the writing is on the wall before the season even starts.

 

So Aviles is the much better offensive player, and is at least average with the glove.

 

All your time and research showed me (after I researched your numbers and more to compare), was that Iglesias actually sucks worse than I originally thought, and Aviles is actually better with the glove than I thought.

 

1. I guess when you compare Brendan Ryan at 24 when he first reached AAA to Iglesias, reaching AAA at 21, you're probably going to see a bit of a difference in numbers. But that wouldn't go with your theory, so obviously you will just ignore it and hope I don't notice. Bad news. I noticed.

 

2. Aviles is a better offensive player. But, as I showed by the total runs saved and created, Iglesias provides more support to the team. Sorry, it's math.

 

3. Here are some of Iglesias's projections coming into this season:

 

http://www.fantasypros.com/mlb/players/jose-iglesias.php

 

So, his worst projected line was .237/.275/.258. And that's actually better than the projection I posted using Ryan's numbers. Not as good in SLG, higher AVG, same OBP.

 

I'm very sorry that you can't comprehend that there are two sides to a baseball game (hint: one is defense), and that value is added on both sides.

 

Iglesias, with his .118 average this year, still would have had a WAR consistent with that of Aviles. And his BABIP of .137? I'd say that's likely to trend upward, wouldn't you?

 

Probably not, you're not a reasonable person. You just throw on the blinders and hate players without regard to statistics and facts.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Derek Jeter was never, EVER a gold glove caliber short stop. Did that stop the Yankees from winning? I'm by no means saying that Mike Aviles is as good offensively as Jeter. But Iglesias hit .118 .200 .191 .391 this year for an OPS plus of 6. SIX! FREAKIN SIX. Many of you on these boards are willing to write off Ryan Lavarnway with a small sample size, but I don't think you can get much worse than Iglesias at the plate. In fact I'd take Rey Ordonez over Iglesias in a heart beat, both offensively and defensively.

 

Year	Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
2010	LOW	NYP	.350	13	40	8	14	2	2	0	7	20	7	8	2	1	.458	.500	.958
2010	POR	EAS	.285	57	221	29	63	10	3	0	13	79	8	49	5	2	.315	.357	.672
2010	Minors	 	.295	70	261	37	77	12	5	0	20	99	15	57	7	3	.339	.379	.719
2011	PAW	INT	.235	101	357	35	84	9	0	1	31	96	21	58	12	4	.285	.269	.554
2011	Minors	 	.235	101	357	35	84	9	0	1	31	96	21	58	12	4	.285	.269	.554
2011	Majors	 	.333	10	6	3	2	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	0	0	.333	.333	.667
2012	LOW	NYP	.375	2	8	1	3	1	0	0	0	4	1	1	1	0	.444	.500	.944
2012	PAW	INT	.266	88	353	46	94	9	1	1	23	108	27	46	12	3	.318	.306	.624
2012	Minors	 	.269	90	361	47	97	10	1	1	23	112	28	47	13	3	.321	.310	.631
2012	Majors	 	.118	25	68	5	8	2	0	1	2	13	4	16	1	0	.200	.191	.391

 

In anything higher than rookie ball he hasn't sniffed a .700 OPS and that's in the PCL as well. The kid can't hit.

 

By the way on your Brendan Ryan argument, how did the Mariners do this year?

 

Couple things.

 

First off, he's still extremely young to be in AAA. Going in as a 22 year old is playing way over his head. Brendan Ryan, for example, didn't reach AAA until he was 24. He's not going to be a big hitter. He's going to be an elite defensive SS who transforms into a decent hitter as he ages.

 

Need I remind anyone here that Dustin Pedroia hit .198 in his first year up here over 31 games?? By no means am I saying that Iglesias is going to be the next Pedroia, but holy s*** guys. He played 25 games. He had a UZR/150 of over 49, which is mind boggling.

 

He's easily a better option than Aviles at SS. Give me a young, inexperienced Bogaerts over both of them, but that will never happen. So it's Iglesias vs Aviles.

 

Iglesias literally did as bad as he possibly could this year at the dish, and still put up a WAR/game of 0.012, vs Aviles's 0.013.

 

Give me Iggy over Aviles any day. And that's not even a promotion of Iglesias. It's a knock on Aviles. He's awful.

[a700hitter]

Derek Jeter was never, EVER a gold glove caliber short stop. Did that stop the Yankees from winning? I'm by no means saying that Mike Aviles is as good offensively as Jeter. But Iglesias hit .118 .200 .191 .391 this year for an OPS plus of 6. SIX! FREAKIN SIX. Many of you on these boards are willing to write off Ryan Lavarnway with a small sample size, but I don't think you can get much worse than Iglesias at the plate. In fact I'd take Rey Ordonez over Iglesias in a heart beat, both offensively and defensively.

 

Year	Team	League	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS
2010	LOW	NYP	.350	13	40	8	14	2	2	0	7	20	7	8	2	1	.458	.500	.958
2010	POR	EAS	.285	57	221	29	63	10	3	0	13	79	8	49	5	2	.315	.357	.672
2010	Minors	 	.295	70	261	37	77	12	5	0	20	99	15	57	7	3	.339	.379	.719
2011	PAW	INT	.235	101	357	35	84	9	0	1	31	96	21	58	12	4	.285	.269	.554
2011	Minors	 	.235	101	357	35	84	9	0	1	31	96	21	58	12	4	.285	.269	.554
2011	Majors	 	.333	10	6	3	2	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	0	0	.333	.333	.667
2012	LOW	NYP	.375	2	8	1	3	1	0	0	0	4	1	1	1	0	.444	.500	.944
2012	PAW	INT	.266	88	353	46	94	9	1	1	23	108	27	46	12	3	.318	.306	.624
2012	Minors	 	.269	90	361	47	97	10	1	1	23	112	28	47	13	3	.321	.310	.631
2012	Majors	 	.118	25	68	5	8	2	0	1	2	13	4	16	1	0	.200	.191	.391

 

In anything higher than rookie ball he hasn't sniffed a .700 OPS and that's in the PCL as well. The kid can't hit.

 

By the way on your Brendan Ryan argument, how did the Mariners do this year?

I am as big a Yankee hater as there is, but to compare any aspect of Mike Aviles' game to Derek Jeter is pure foolishness. Aviles is a hack who shouldn't be starting at SS for any MLB team.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Hey SCM - Still waiting for your statistical proof that with Iglesias as the starting SS, we would have lost 100 games.

 

Anytime would be great. Actually, the sooner the better. Since, you know, you try to negate someone's statement by calling them out for having no statistical proof, then make a completely unjustified projection with, wait for it......no statistical proof.

 

Aviles DRS/1,200 Innings + wRC+ = 89

 

Iglesias would only need a wRC+ of 46 to match that.

[Plumpamania]

I am as big a Yankee hater as there is, but to compare any aspect of Mike Aviles' game to Derek Jeter is pure foolishness. Aviles is a hack who shouldn't be starting at SS for any MLB team.

 

I said in my post that it was stupid to compare, but what I'm trying to say is going defensive at a position and giving up a stick just for a glove isn't a good idea. There are plenty of options out there that are better than Iglesias.

 

Iglesias should be used as a trade chip rather than an actual clog. Xander Bogaerts is the future at SS.

[a700hitter]

I said in my post that it was stupid to compare, but what I'm trying to say is going defensive at a position and giving up a stick just for a glove isn't a good idea. There are plenty of options out there that are better than Iglesias.

 

Iglesias should be used as a trade chip rather than an actual clog. Xander Bogaerts is the future at SS.

It's just not an effective argument to bring up Jeter as being in anyway analogous to the Red Sox SS situation with Aviles. I realize that you didn't compare them offensively, but Aviles doesn't compare, not even remotely, to Jeter in any aspect of the game so bringing up Jeter's name in stating your position does not strengthen your argument.

[Plumpamania]

Fine I'll dumb it down for the sake of an analogy.

 

Good hitting players with average gloves highly outrank Good defensive players with s***** sticks.

[a700hitter]

Fine I'll dumb it down for the sake of an analogy.

 

Good hitting players with average gloves highly outrank Good defensive players with s***** sticks.

I am not convinced that Aviles is a good hitter. He's not even as good as Scutaro.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Exactly a700.

 

It's not as though we're comparing Iglesias to Tulo.

 

Aviles had a .663 OPS this year. That's disgusting. He had a 74 wRC+. That's awful

[SoxFanForsyth]

Side note, I cannot believe nobody caught my horrifying math error.

[Station 13]

Exactly a700.

 

It's not as though we're comparing Iglesias to Tulo.

 

Aviles had a .663 OPS this year. That's disgusting. He had a 74 wRC+. That's awful

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=ss&stats=bat&lg=al&qual=y&type=8&season=2012&month=0&season1=2012&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=7,d

 

There were only 3 AL SS with an above average wRC+. Zobrist wasn't filter out somehow. He played a few other positions. Seems like half of this board has something for J.J Hardy, he is comparable to Aviles.

 

and Iggy and his 4WRC+

 

At Iggy's peak he may be a 60-70 wRC+ guy.

[SoxFanForsyth]

http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=ss&stats=bat&lg=al&qual=y&type=8&season=2012&month=0&season1=2012&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=7,d

 

There were only 3 AL SS with an above average wRC+. Zobrist wasn't filter out somehow. He played a few other positions. Seems like half of this board has something for J.J Hardy, he is comparable to Aviles.

 

and Iggy and his 4WRC+

 

At Iggy's peak he may be a 60-70 wRC+ guy.

 

And a 60-70 wRC+ would put him at around a 105-115 DRS + wRC+. Which is much better than Aviles's 89 wRC+.

 

I do want to point out that by no means am I saying that Iglesias is a great option. He's more of a "better of the two bad options".

 

Just to be clear, saying that Iglesias is a better option than Aviles is not the same as saying that Iglesias is a good shortstop. He'll be, at his peak, around a 2.5-3.0 WAR player, which is above average, but at the same time, his WAR will be weighted very heavily by his UZR.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Side note, going back to the fangraphs site - I really would like to see the Red Sox go after Elvis Andrus.

 

As of right now, though, I am convinced that the DBacks and Rangers are going to line up perfectly for a trade with Upton and Andrus.

[a700hitter]

Side note, going back to the fangraphs site - I really would like to see the Red Sox go after Elvis Andrus.

 

As of right now, though, I am convinced that the DBacks and Rangers are going to line up perfectly for a trade with Upton and Andrus.

We have nothing to matchup with their needs which are in the pitching department.

[wyo-sox]

Side note, going back to the fangraphs site - I really would like to see the Red Sox go after Elvis Andrus.

 

As of right now, though, I am convinced that the DBacks and Rangers are going to line up perfectly for a trade with Upton and Andrus.

 

Andrus would be pretty sweet to have. Would rather have Tulo if we could work out a big trade with anyone. Who knows how it will play out.

[a700hitter]

I think Tulo is a possibility if the Rockies are looking to dump a salary. If the Rockies are looking to go in a different direction and need payroll flexibility, we could probably get him without gutting the farm.

[Behindenemylines]

If the Rangers let Hamilton walk they would have interest in Ellsbury. If Andrus is a SS the Sox are targeting then that is a possible trade match. A Tulo trade would be the Rockies trying to get out from underneath a large contract. Another name that falls in that category is Mauer. If the Twins are looking to dump a large contract the Sox could benefit with that. He could play a lot of first, and catch some. He is the type of hitter that can hit .300 in his sleep. He has enjoyed success at Fenway in his career.

[SoxFanForsyth]

We have nothing to matchup with their needs which are in the pitching department.

 

Texas has already done some homework on Ellsbury, along with Upton.

 

The Sox were also rumored to have been paired up with Texas at the deadline in a deal including Ellsbury, but the deal didn't get done for whatever reason.

 

Regardless, the Rangers are certainly interested in Ells.

[mvp 78]

Getting Mauer would be even worse than getting Tulo. He's not a fulltime catcher anymore and his bat isn't worth the $ at any other position,

[SoxFanForsyth]

Getting Mauer would be even worse than getting Tulo. He's not a fulltime catcher anymore and his bat isn't worth the $ at any other position,

 

Actually, he's precisely the guy that would fit the Red Sox. Extremely high OBP (.416 this year), OPS in the mid .800's (which would be increased by playing his home games at Fenway rather than Target). Versatile player who can catch, play 1B, and has a bat good enough to DH.

 

He may not hit 30 HR, but he's probably good for 15-20 with a .400+ OBP and a ton of doubles. If the Twins will eat some of his contract, I'd certainly be interested in a deal for him.

 

Last year, he caught 75 games. He can split time between C and 1B while Lavarnway filters in, and the Sox could even go as far as using Gomez as a 1B while Mauer catches and/or against LHP.