Sources say Napoli signs with Sox.

[Lucienbel]

I also wouldn't mind seeing what Salty could do at first. I'm really not interested in seeing him behind the plate anymore, and I certainly hope that the Sox current catching situation means that he won't be back there a whole lot.

[Spitball]

I don't particularly like Napoli's bat as a first baseman, but it plays well as a catcher. I'd trade Saltamalacchia for pitching depth and acquire LaRoche.

[a700hitter]

I don't particularly like Napoli's bat as a first baseman, but it plays well as a catcher. I'd trade Saltamalacchia for pitching depth and acquire LaRoche.

I agree. LaRoche is a better hitter than Napoli and a far superior first base man. As for Fenway hurting LaRoche, I am not convinced of that. I have seen him hit a few absolute bombs at Citifield which is bigger in RF than Fenway. He crushes his HRs. I would have been fine with Napoli because of his ability to catch 60 games and he is right handed. If his physical condition is such that he will be unable to catch, the Sox should have run away from him already.

[SoxSport]

Pretty new angle to take on this Sox Sport and perhaps you may be on to something considering the injuries Napoli has endured the past few seasons. His body may be breaking down? Maybe. Still that doesn't answer my basic question....IF THERE ARE RED FLAGS IN THIS AGREEMENT WHY AREN'T WE LOOKING ELSEWHERE FOR OUR FIRST BASEMAN? We wait too long and they will all be gone and I am not looking forward to seeing Mauro Gomez patrolling there next season.

 

 

They are already comparing his hip problem to ARod's this morning. ARod took steroids, which probably contributed to his breakdown. The Mariners walked away from Napoli because of his hip.

 

The Red Sox acted pretty quickly signing a bunch of FAs as though it had been pre-scripted. They drew the line at 3 years, and went out and signed the guys they could who would take 3 years. They apparently missed the boat on Napoli. The spike year followed by a year of injuries last year. They still have time to walk away, and are foolish to try to re-do the deal. That isn't going to change his hip condition. They should go after LaRoche or Morse or Swisher.

[BSN07]

Pass on Laroche. Fenway will limit him. Morse be interesting. I'd offer Swisher 4/54M and see if he's take it. I don't really like the idea of sending NY a supp pick tho.

 

I liked the Napoli signing, but the more this drags out the more I think they should just cut bait and move on.

[jacksonianmarch]

You wont be "sending" NY a supp pick. It doesnt work that way anymore. The Yankees get one automatically if he signs a big league deal, which he is going to get. The sox 1st rounder is protected, so they'd lose their second round pick, but it no longer goes to the team that lost said player. That pick just gets deleted. If you signed Swisher, the Yankees get a supp pick (magically appears in the draft order) and you lose your second round pick (magically disappears into thin air)

[BSN07]

You wont be "sending" NY a supp pick. It doesnt work that way anymore. The Yankees get one automatically if he signs a big league deal, which he is going to get. The sox 1st rounder is protected, so they'd lose their second round pick, but it no longer goes to the team that lost said player. That pick just gets deleted. If you signed Swisher, the Yankees get a supp pick (magically appears in the draft order) and you lose your second round pick (magically disappears into thin air)

 

Thanks for the clarification.

[Palodios]

One thing you may see is a physical being performed under the noses of the MLBPA. Hence, a player who passes the MLBPA physical will then be able to avoid this crap that the sox are throwing out there

 

Sources say that the MLBPA believes that the problems Red Sox found in the physical are justified.

 

With Swisher going to the Guardians, and Laroche getting close to a deal with the Nats, I'm pretty sure this deal gets done.

[dupree]

I think the Nap deal gets done too.

 

With everyone else signing with other clubs or on the verge the FO better hope it gets done

[redsoxfan3]

Sources say that the MLBPA believes that the problems Red Sox found in the physical are justified.

 

With Swisher going to the Guardians, and Laroche getting close to a deal with the Nats, I'm pretty sure this deal gets done.

 

I agree. The J.D. Drew contract took 50+ days and we still got it done. I am sure that Cherington would have given up by now if he thoyght it was not going to to work. Especially with trading an internal option in Sands, seeing Swisher sign with the Guardians, anf LaRoche close to signing again in D.C. Tbat would leave us with Gomez and maybe Salty getting the opportunity at 1B.

[jacksonianmarch]

Sources say that the MLBPA believes that the problems Red Sox found in the physical are justified.

 

With Swisher going to the Guardians, and Laroche getting close to a deal with the Nats, I'm pretty sure this deal gets done.

 

what sources?

[Palodios]

what sources?

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/questions-mount-for-boston-red-sox-mike-napoli-deal-not-official-122112

 

Some in the industry have speculated that the Red Sox experienced buyer’s remorse after agreeing with Napoli and pounced on the issue with his physical as a way to negotiate more favorable terms. However, a source who has been in touch with the players’ union said the union views the team as justified in its concern.

[Dojji]

Anonymous speculation and thirdhand anonymous sources?

 

Yep. It's definitely hot stove season.

[SoxFanForsyth]

what sources?

 

Well then. So much for your 'no FA is going to want to go to the Sox because they toy with the physicals' theory.

[Lucienbel]

Anonymous speculation and thirdhand anonymous sources?

 

Yep. It's definitely hot stove season.

 

It's about as likely and legitimate as any other source you're going to get at the moment. An MLB.com article also sighted the same source as well. I have a tough time believing they're just trying to screw him...... It seems like he would walk and find a deal somewhere else if so.

[jung]

I don't think the Sox are trying to screw him either but if he reports are accurate I just don't know what they do from here. Yes JD' deal took 50 day and the Sox STILL did not like the way that worked out.

 

In this case it appears that the Sox made an offer post physical, Napoli rejected, the Sox came back with fewer year at the same per annum and that did not go anyplace either. So I am not sure the Sox have more moves to make and one side or the other is going to have to capitulate.

[seabeachfred]

I agree. The J.D. Drew contract took 50+ days and we still got it done. I am sure that Cherington would have given up by now if he thoyght it was not going to to work. Especially with trading an internal option in Sands, seeing Swisher sign with the Guardians, anf LaRoche close to signing again in D.C. Tbat would leave us with Gomez and maybe Salty getting the opportunity at 1B.

 

If we got stuck with Gomez at first it would be total debacle. The guy is a miserable fielder, dumber than a wall and a career minor leaguer who the pitchers would have field day with. And Saltalamacchia with his miserable defense and loudy OBA, not to mention his penchant for strikeouts, wouldn't be much better. Many of you think the Napoli thing will get done and I hope you're all right but our front office has proven themselves to be a totaly inept bunch the past few years and could screw things up again.

 

Get the Napoli thing done or move on and sign LaRoche. The list of free agents left is shrinking by the hour while Cherington is still with his finger up his keester, apparently unable to move and make a decision.

[seabeachfred]

I agree. The J.D. Drew contract took 50+ days and we still got it done. I am sure that Cherington would have given up by now if he thoyght it was not going to to work. Especially with trading an internal option in Sands, seeing Swisher sign with the Guardians, anf LaRoche close to signing again in D.C. Tbat would leave us with Gomez and maybe Salty getting the opportunity at 1B.

 

If we got stuck with Gomez at first it would be total debacle. The guy is a miserable fielder, dumber than a wall and a career minor leaguer who the pitchers would have field day with. And Saltalamacchia with his miserable defense and loudy OBA, not to mention his penchant for strikeouts, wouldn't be much better. Many of you think the Napoli thing will get done and I hope you're all are right but our front office has proven themselves to be a totaly inept bunch the past few years and could screw things up again.

 

Get the Napoli thing done or move on and sign LaRoche. The list of free agents left is shrinking by the hour while Cherington is still with his finger up his keester, apparently unable to move and make a decision.

[Lucienbel]

I don't think the Sox are trying to screw him either but if he reports are accurate I just don't know what they do from here. Yes JD' deal took 50 day and the Sox STILL did not like the way that worked out.

 

In this case it appears that the Sox made an offer post physical, Napoli rejected, the Sox came back with fewer year at the same per annum and that did not go anyplace either. So I am not sure the Sox have more moves to make and one side or the other is going to have to capitulate.

 

I see your point here, and I think that even if they do end up signing him, there's certainly a concern. If they have in fact gave him a different offer after the physical and he turned it down that would be interesting. Either way, if they don't lock him up the market is closing up quickly and that's not a good thing either.

 

It would kind of suck if he couldn't catch any games too. As just a first basemen he loses a lot of his appeal. Even if he wasn't going to catch a lot of games, any loss of versatility makes him less appealing. Now hearing that whatever is going on with his injury may have caused Seattle and Texas to back down too is bothersome. Hopefully he doesn't end up being another JD Drew.

[Spitball]

If we got stuck with Gomez at first it would be total debacle. The guy is a miserable fielder, dumber than a wall and a career minor leaguer who the pitchers would have field day with.

 

I disagree. Gomez has been a pretty good minor league hitter with a clue how to work a count in his favor. Minor league averages are a strong indicator of major league success, and Gomez has decent numbers. His minor league slash line is .281/.334/.484. and is strong enough to conclude he can fill first base about as well as Napoli.

 

For me, Napoli puts up very good catcher offensive numbers but not particularly strong first base numbers. Gomez might be a drop...but certainly not a significant drop.

[SCM33]

Get the Napoli thing done or move on and sign LaRoche. The list of free agents left is shrinking by the hour while Cherington is still with his finger up his keester, apparently unable to move and make a decision.

 

Cherington has been the most active GM in baseball since the trade of Beckett, Crawford and Gonzalez.

 

Fred, just curious....but what are your expectations?

 

This team is going to be between 82-86 wins and the FA market was terrible. The two best players on the market were head cases, and the third best player is a barely above average outfielder.

 

Trading Jose Iglesias for Felix Hernandez is not going to happen, so realistically......what would you have done different?

[SoxSport]

I think they did all right considering the constraints they applied to signing FAs: no more than 3 years and no lost draft pick. Those were the lines in the sand. I've heard some knowledgeable people say they'll be right in there this year if their core players show up to play--which some didn't last year. Or at least had sub-par years. My guess is they will.

 

Gomez was AAA MVP last year. That's not chopped liver. He showed he could hit when he came up in the few chances he got. And the one time I saw him playing 1B, he made a nice play. That doesn't prove much, except he isn't a stiff. He was also enlisted to play 3B a few times as well. I guess they think he's Youkilis. The one thing going against him is his age--28. There is age discrimination against older guys coming up from the minors--they like them younger. Remember Crash Davis in Bull Durham?

[Palodios]

Cherington has been the most active GM in baseball since the trade of Beckett, Crawford and Gonzalez.

 

Fred, just curious....but what are your expectations?

 

This team is going to be between 82-86 wins and the FA market was terrible. The two best players on the market were head cases, and the third best player is a barely above average outfielder.

 

Trading Jose Iglesias for Felix Hernandez is not going to happen, so realistically......what would you have done different?

 

I've liked a good number of the moves, and I think the Red Sox have been very smart about a lot of things. However, the big problem this offseason is that the biggest need of the team-- the rotation-- has not been addressed. Relying on Lackey -- who spent 2012 on the DL, and spent 2011 breaking "worst pitcher ever" records... that just seems irresponsible for a GM. I'm not the kind of guy who will whine about missing out on Greinke or Sanchez, but missing out on Haren/Mccarthy/Gurthrie hurts.

[a700hitter]

It would kind of suck if he couldn't catch any games too. As just a first basemen he loses a lot of his appeal. Even if he wasn't going to catch a lot of games, any loss of versatility makes him less appealing. Now hearing that whatever is going on with his injury may have caused Seattle and Texas to back down too is bothersome. Hopefully he doesn't end up being another JD Drew.

I agree. If the injury will limit Napoli to playing first base, go after the better first baseman-- LaRoche.

[example1]

If they were really worried about being able to sign Napoli why would they have moved Sands, who put up a respectable season last year in AAA and actually played some 1B, for a RP--where they have some relative depth?

[Rdsxmbnt]

I've liked a good number of the moves, and I think the Red Sox have been very smart about a lot of things. However, the big problem this offseason is that the biggest need of the team-- the rotation-- has not been addressed. Relying on Lackey -- who spent 2012 on the DL, and spent 2011 breaking "worst pitcher ever" records... that just seems irresponsible for a GM. I'm not the kind of guy who will whine about missing out on Greinke or Sanchez, but missing out on Haren/Mccarthy/Gurthrie hurts.

 

 

You HAVE to start Lackey though, he's a gigantic investment and no team out there is going to eat that cost. That's what sucks about long term deals, you have to slot them in. Therefore with Buchholz/Lester/Doubront/Dempster/Lackey and Morales/Rubby as possible candidates also it doesn't make much sense to keep adding more starters. The bullpen is jam packed as it is.

[a700hitter]

If they were really worried about being able to sign Napoli why would they have moved Sands, who put up a respectable season last year in AAA and actually played some 1B, for a RP--where they have some relative depth?

I am sure that the can sign him, but why sign him if he has a condition that would prevent him from catching.

[Lucienbel]

You HAVE to start Lackey though, he's a gigantic investment and no team out there is going to eat that cost. That's what sucks about long term deals, you have to slot them in. Therefore with Buchholz/Lester/Doubront/Dempster/Lackey and Morales/Rubby as possible candidates also it doesn't make much sense to keep adding more starters. The bullpen is jam packed as it is.

 

I've played through this a million times around, and I hate to agree but do. I think we all hate to agree. The truth is, something incredibly screwy would have to have him not start. I can't see him being just a long reliever in blow outs out of the pen, though I'm sure that's where we'd all like to see him.

 

With him it's probably just going to need to be a case of hoping for the best. It's going to be difficult to do, but if the surgery was truly a big part of the problem he won't be the worst.

[BSN07]

If they were really worried about being able to sign Napoli why would they have moved Sands, who put up a respectable season last year in AAA and actually played some 1B, for a RP--where they have some relative depth?

 

Maybe that's what's holding up the Hanrahan trade? Maybe they have decided they won't sign Napoli and therefore need Sands and are renegotiating now?

[SoxSport]

Maybe that's what's holding up the Hanrahan trade? Maybe they have decided they won't sign Napoli and therefore need Sands and are renegotiating now?

 

Hard to tell what's going on here. The media doesn't seem to know, except for the initial players announced. A lot of people think Garrett Jones is involved in the deal. Maybe Iglesias, whom the Pirates seem to like. The Sox need a first baseman. Jones hits only RHP well, so they would have to have Napoli or somebody else to hit LHP. The Pirates also have another big power guy, Robinson, a LHH, and Gaby Sanchez, a RHH, to play 1B. Jones is also listed as a right fielder on the roster, which also fits in with their needs. Jones looks expendable, with a salary of $2.2mil 2012. Maybe more in 2013.

 

Could be they are trying to balance things out in a deal which keeps them under the luxury cap. Could be they are juggling Napoli right now, and that could be a factor--in the cap and the 1B situation. Could also be there is banter about Iglesias or Kalish--or whoever the Pirates want for Jones.

 

The elements of the Pirate deal could hinge on what they do with Napoli. If they get Jones, I suppose they have a fallback of Gomez at 1B against LHP. Gomes isn't bad at 1b--made one error in 13 starts for the Sox there last year. .987 fielding % in the minors. Much worse at 3B.