Rotation

[Station 13]

Marcum is another guy who is still out there and be sign for much, much less than Sanchez/Jackson/Dempster. I personally would like him over Dempster.

[Bellhorn04]

Marcum is another guy who is still out there and be sign for much, much less than Sanchez/Jackson/Dempster. I personally would like him over Dempster.

 

I would rather see Marcum than Dempster as well because he's got some AL East credentials. I did see some scary data on his fastball speed from last year though.

[Bellhorn04]

Another stat showing how strong Sanchez finished last year:

 

Last 11 starts including postseason

 

74.2 innings

2.05 ERA

62 K

13 BB

[dupree]

Another stat showing how strong Sanchez finished last year:

 

Last 11 starts including postseason

 

74.2 innings

2.05 ERA

62 K

13 BB

 

I do like those #s from Sanchez & i wished we were hearing some rumors of starting pitching being mentioned coming to bean town. Sanchez slotted in as the #1 or #2 would make people start talking that the red sox have a good rotation. But Sanchez on a 5/80 is too risky in my opinion. I would hope they would trade for a pitcher for this year and next year FA class go all in.

[SoxSport]

The trouble with the current list of available FA pitchers is they are no better than Lester or Buchholz or even Doubront and maybe Lackey. And they are going to be overpaid because the MF Dodgers with all their MF Fox money just way overpaid for Greinke. I say pass to these guys--no more 6 year $15 mil contracts to middle rotation starters. Better to leave a slot for an emerging prospect--like DeLaRosa or whoever shines in ST. Something the Red Sox have not done enough of in years. It has taken an injury to an old vet for a promising kid to get the call from Pawtucket. Teams like TB don't work like that--because they don't sign expensive FAs to tie up their roster.

 

On the other hand, why do I look positively on throwing $25 mil at Hamilton? Because the guy is a proven stud--impact player. One of the top 5 in Baseball. I would push hard to make this happen--timing an important factor here. I also wouldn't mind having Swisher on my team, either, for $15 mil or so. Switch hitter, OF/1B, plenty of swagger. I go hard for him if Hamilton goes elswhere.

 

I would much rather spend my money on Hamilton or Swisher than the current lot of FA starters. Go with those prospects. Give them a shot. Or trade Ellsbury for a starter. No more overpaid Lackeys and Becketts, please. Bring up the pitching prospects-- TB style.

[SoxSport]

On the subject of TB, just look at how they handle their starting pitching. They keep a constant flow of young talent flowing into the rotation. Sure, they have the talent, but the result is they can afford to trade off a couple of their starters for a hitting prospect. How many teams could do that? The Red Sox couldn't even afford to trade Lester-much less another starter, because they don't know what they have in their pitching prospects, and would have to spend more money signing a FA who might be worse than Lester.

 

Right now, with the the Dodger deal, the Red Sox have a couple of prospects who might slide right into their rotation. DeLaRosa would have been in the Dodger rotation this year if they hadn't splurged on FAs and traded him. TB will have a couple of new kids in the rotation to go along with Moore, who needed a half-year to find his location last year. But he'll be good this year. In spite of all these youngsters, everybody likes TB's chances this year.

 

The message to the Red Sox is give the prospects a chance and forget about signing retreads.

[dupree]

The trouble with the current list of available FA pitchers is they are no better than Lester or Buchholz or even Doubront and maybe Lackey. And they are going to be overpaid because the MF Dodgers with all their MF Fox money just way overpaid for Greinke. I say pass to these guys--no more 6 year $15 mil contracts to middle rotation starters. Better to leave a lot for an emerging prospect--like DeLaRosa or whoever shines in ST. Something the Red Sox have not done enough of in years. It has taken an injury to an old vet for a promising kid to get the call from Pawtucket. Teams like TB don't work like that--because they don't sign expensive FAs to tie up their roster.

 

On the other hand, why do I look positively on throwing $25 mil at Hamilton? Because the guy is a proven stud--impact player. One of the top 5 in Baseball. I would push hard to make this happen--timing an important factor here. I also wouldn't mind having Swisher on my team, either, for $15 mil or so. Switch hitter, OF/1B, plenty of swagger. I go hard for him if Hamilton goes elswhere.

 

I would much rather spend my money on Hamilton or Swisher than the current lot of FA starters. Go with those prospects. Give them a shot. Or trade Ellsbury for a starter. No more overpaid Lackeys and Becketts, please. Bring up the pitching prospects-- TB style.

 

I couldnt agree more... hamilton or swisher instead of overpaid FA pitchers

Give the kids a chance!!!

[Bellhorn04]

Sanchez isn't a 'retread'. He's only 28 years old and he's only logged 869 major league innings. When we signed Lackey he was a couple years older and had logged 1500 innings.

[User Name]

Not only that, but the contradiction of "no more insane long term contracts" then "give a guy who may or may not be able to handle Boston an insane long term contract" is f***ing ridiculous.

 

Swisher? Whole other story. Using the word "swagger" to describe something, anything makes me want to punt a bag with a kitten and a puppy in it though.

[kapsis21]

I couldnt agree more... hamilton or swisher instead of overpaid FA pitchers

Give the kids a chance!!!

 

problem is we need pitching not hitting... no doubt Swisher or Hamilton would increase our depth but we are way to thin in starting pitching dept and even though i like the idea of the kids pitching if they dont pan out their confidence will get shot badly ... need to tread them carefully

[SoxSport]

With the Red Sox pitching and Fenway, you can never have enough hitting.

 

I was not referring to current FAs as "retreads." The retreads are all the pitchers the Red Sox signed last year.

[seabeachfred]

That's not a way to approach FA SP. The last time the Sox went with this kind of thought they landed Lackey... And he's had meatball problems ever since.

 

To be honest there's no one worth more then a one year commitment out there. The Sox shouldn't strap themselves long term with anyone this year.

 

The market says otherwise and the Red Sox are going to have to listen to the market or we will be bottom feeders again. Sure, the Lackey overpay was seemingly a disaster unless he comes back strong his last two years, but this past season was even worse. I mean look at some of the garbage we trotted out there this year. It was a disgrace to what was and had been a proud franchise. Also, keep in mind that guys like Lester and Buchholz have proven time and again that they are totally ill-equipped to lead a pitching staff, and I don't think that is going to change next season unless we get a gigantic smile from Dame Fortune. And who wants to bet on that?

 

Sign or trade for a couple of starters and do it as quickly at time will permit or they'll all be gone or traded.

[dupree]

With the Red Sox pitching and Fenway, you can never have enough hitting.

 

I was not referring to current FAs as "retreads." The retreads are all the pitchers the Red Sox signed last year.

 

Fenway Park changes the whole game on a pitcher's #s

& in the matter of a 3 run lead can soon go to a No Decision quick with a bad half inning of relief. Pitching does allow you to go deep into the playoffs & win championships. Also i believe a fly ball out pitcher gets hurt more in a place like Fenway and ground ball out pitcher does better by all statistics in Fenway. That being said is why i think kyle lohse is being mentioned in boston. Im not big on signing NL pitchers coming into the AL i believe they get hammered far to often after making the switch.

 

With boston's current staff & line-up both need help

[a700hitter]

The market says otherwise and the Red Sox are going to have to listen to the market or we will be bottom feeders again. Sure, the Lackey overpay was seemingly a disaster unless he comes back strong his last two years, but this past season was even worse. I mean look at some of the garbage we trotted out there this year. It was a disgrace to what was and had been a proud franchise. Also, keep in mind that guys like Lester and Buchholz have proven time and again that they are totally ill-equipped to lead a pitching staff, and I don't think that is going to change next season unless we get a gigantic smile from Dame Fortune. And who wants to bet on that?

 

Sign or trade for a couple of starters and do it as quickly at time will permit or they'll all be gone or traded.

The pitching just gets more expensive every year. if they sit out this season, next year prices will be even higher.

[Spitball]

Outside of Sanchez, I don't see a pitcher on the free agent market that will be worth signing. I'll be sick if they overpay in money and years for either Lohse or Dempster.

 

I think the only viable way to improve the starting pitching is through a trade. Ellsbury, Saltamalacchia, and Lavarnway are the only decent trade chips and they have drawbacks.

 

Cincinnati has an excess of starting pitchers with Chapman moving to the rotation next year, but I don't see them matching up with the Sox. The really need a lead off hitter/centerfielder like Ellsbury, but doubt they'd give up Bailey at this point for a one year rental. Mike Leake is the one who will most likely be bumped from their rotation. He is a lot like Rick Porcello only Leake has a higher ceiling. He is a former number one pick who is young and inexpensive. He jumped right from college ball to the majors and has only made two (rehab) appearances in the minors.

[iortiz]

Spitball, Sign Jackson and Sanchez and we are ready...

[Spitball]

Spitball, Sign Jackson and Sanchez and we are ready...

 

That would be great. However, Sanchez apparently has a lot of clubs interested, and Jackson is a Boras client. Since they are both more of number three starters, I don't think either should merit being paid as if they are number ones.

[jung]

Peter Gammons just reported on Hot Stove this morning that the Red Sox believe prospect Steven Wright may very well slot into the rotation this year. That he is the next R.A. Dickey throws his knuckleball at 82mph. That he has pitched very well & that the Red Sox love a knuckleball thrower slotted into a rotation to break up hitter's getting locked in

 

Maybe we all have been wrong & thinking they will go out & get free agent pitchers and just stay in house and bring kids up from the farm

 

The only guys that will truly get thrown off are our catchers. Anybody know if any can catch a knuckler? Salty can't for sure.

[jung]

Well I still don't think Hamilton will end up getting big years from anybody. So if the Sox should go that way hopefully they will not find themselves where they have so often been these past few years, setting the market for players.

 

As for the pitchers they have been focused on....I would be willing to buy the smokescreen thing were it not for the fact that they actually made an offer to Dempter. Dempter saved us from that deal, not BC or LL or JH or BJ or anybody else.

[Palodios]

I don't know who is feeding information to baseball writers, but I have been hearing about Steven Wright all day. It seems that suddenly people in the Red Sox organization have started thinking highly of him, and I have been reading hints about him possibly starting for the Red Sox mid 2013.

 

Anyone have any thoughts on him? Knuckleballers are painful, but having a 90 MPH fastball probably doesn't hurt.

[redsoxfan3]

I don't know who is feeding information to baseball writers, but I have been hearing about Steven Wright all day. It seems that suddenly people in the Red Sox organization have started thinking highly of him, and I have been reading hints about him possibly starting for the Red Sox mid 2013.

 

Anyone have any thoughts on him? Knuckleballers are painful, but having a 90 MPH fastball probably doesn't hurt.

 

I heard a little about him after he got traded from the Guardians. He is 28 years old, but he had a solid year last year in the minors. Age is not on his side. A strong, half season in AAA could land him a spot in the majors if there is need for him in the rotation. I know as much about him as you do. I have just read scouting reports about him. It is always good to have depth, especially a knuckleballer to mix things up. I do like the minor league pitching options. We have Wright, Barnes, De La Rosa, and Webster all with potential.

 

The only guys that will truly get thrown off are our catchers. Anybody know if any can catch a knuckler? Salty can't for sure.

 

I don't know who can for sure, but Lavarnway and Salty are both not that great defensively. I would assume that Ross would catch Wright if he breaks into the majors. He is our best defensive catcher. I doubt Salty is still in Boston if they think that Lavarnway is truly ready for the majors. Ross and Lavarnway split time, with Napoli catching on occasion. We will probably see more of Napoli catching during away interleague games when Ortiz mans 1B. I am guessing that Salty gets traded, unless Lavarnway gets stuck in AAA.

[DocHolliday]

Burhle,

Josh Johnson,

Guthrie,

Ervin Santana,

Hanson,

Haren

Kuroda,

Peavy

Baker,

Pettite

Worley

Blanton

Mccarthy

Greinke

Hyun-Jin Ryu

Wade Davis

James Shields

 

Looks like you can add Trevor Bauer to that list.

 

So much for the "deep depth" LL famously coined. I can look at that list and see atleast 3 names that would have been a good fit for the Sox rotation next season at affordable $.

 

Even if the interest in Hamilton is real, other teams appear to be picking up the legitimate depth options the Sox stressed were desperately needed to help the rotation going into next season. Yes, there are still names out there that can help. But this organization can't seriously be banking their hopes next year on getting bounce back/improvement years from ALL of their current 4 rotation starters can they?

[jung]

Never underestimate the Sox ability to convince themselves that Mo, Larry and Curly are enough pitching. But wave a big bat in their faces and it is spare no expense time.

[a700hitter]

I don't know who is feeding information to baseball writers, but I have been hearing about Steven Wright all day. It seems that suddenly people in the Red Sox organization have started thinking highly of him, and I have been reading hints about him possibly starting for the Red Sox mid 2013.

 

Anyone have any thoughts on him? Knuckleballers are painful, but having a 90 MPH fastball probably doesn't hurt.

IMO, the stories about Wright are obviously propaganda. The question that I have is whether they have resigned themselves to go with what they got because they don't believe there is a better alternative or they never had a, intention to spend money on pitching for financial reasons that are not public information. I don't know what these Wright stories mean.

[jung]

Well right now, with the staff where it is, resigning themselves to this bunch is not even the gamble that they made last year on the rotation. This is not a gamble. If they sit here, this is not a gamble, this is a white flag.

[example1]

IMO, the stories about Wright are obviously propaganda. The question that I have is whether they have resigned themselves to go with what they got because they don't believe there is a better alternative or they never had a, intention to spend money on pitching for financial reasons that are not public information. I don't know what these Wright stories mean.

 

They are a bit baffling.

 

If they are going to punt on this season they should truly punt on it. Take every opportunity to move every valuable (short-term) piece on the roster.

[a700hitter]

They are a bit baffling.

 

If they are going to punt on this season they should truly punt on it. Take every opportunity to move every valuable (short-term) piece on the roster.

Where I come from, the expression would be to tell the FO to "s*** or get off the pot". At this point, I just hope that( they have a plan that can be executed. The recent rumors and ina9tion leave me wondering whether they are just in disarray.

[example1]

Where I come from, the expression would be to tell the FO to "s*** or get off the pot". At this point, I just hope that( they have a plan that can be executed. The recent rumors and ina9tion leave me wondering whether they are just in disarray.

 

I have faith that no team can be in so much disarray. There must be some reason going on behind the scenes. Right?

[example1]

For what it's worth, this moment--this exact situation--is what make the inclination to go for a "splash" so hard. It's not the idea of getting a splash in theory that is hard to be disciplined about; it's the challenge of not just picking up the phone and calling Hamilton to say "okay, tell us what you want and we'll give it to you"--when virtually every other team is making moves.

[a700hitter]

I have faith that no team can be in so much disarray. There must be some reason going on behind the scenes. Right?

I am hoping right along with you.