2013 Spring Training

[BSN07]

Bradley will probably miss about 25 games in April. Bradley provides, maybe 1-2 extra wins. So instead of going 14-11, they go 12-13. Are those one, maybe two wins really worth 5-7 wins when Bradley is in his prime?

 

Who do you think is more likely to be World Series bound, the 2013 Red Sox, or the 2019 Red Sox?

 

My point is they can explore other options for the short time period. You really want to give up a year of one of the best prospects in the system right smack in the middle of his prime for a month in his rookie season? You act as though what he's doing in ST is going to directly transfer to when the games matter. He would have to come up and basically have a Trout like impact for it to be worth it. How often does that happen? You honestly think he is going to come up and carry the team for a month? And even if he is good not great, the production over a one month span will probably not be that much more significant then league average and they have players capable of doing that already.

 

I think we are on the same page.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Bradley will probably miss about 25 games in April. Bradley provides, maybe 1-2 extra wins. So instead of going 14-11, they go 12-13. Are those one, maybe two wins really worth 5-7 wins when Bradley is in his prime?

 

Who do you think is more likely to be World Series bound, the 2013 Red Sox, or the 2019 Red Sox?

 

My point is that they can extend him and, rather than paying him at the age of 36, they'll be paying him at the age of 23.

[BSN07]

My point is that they can extend him and, rather than paying him at the age of 36, they'll be paying him at the age of 23.

 

So you disagree with us looking ahead to 2019 because of the "if's"," but's" and all the unknowns, but your argument is based of the huge assumption they will be able to extend him to a deal that would negate the negative finical and team control issues.

 

Dude I get it, your excited to see this guy. We are too. But there is more to it then just his name on the roster.

[Palodios]

My point is that they can extend him and, rather than paying him at the age of 36, they'll be paying him at the age of 23.

 

I say this in the most endearing way possible:

 

You're like an excited little kid who would rather have one ice cream cone now, than have a box of cones later.

[jung]

It is not a cash strapped team but neither are the Yankees. Since the new CBA, it is hard to predict what teams will and will not do. However it is safe to say that whatever it is, it will not likely be the same thing that they did before the new CBA. I would think that the two most relevant items regarding spending are in fact the new CBA on the one hand and the number of new cable TV contracts that some teams have signed on the other.

 

The guys that have the job of reviewing the new CBA and understanding it at a level of financial risk have the responsibility. I can only guess but I suspect a thorough review of the new CBA when bounced off the insane amount of money some players are making, particularly FA's suggests more financial caution is in order for organizations with the exception of those making decisions based on the windfall represented by a new TV contract. The Yanks have grown used to their TV revenues as have the Sox.

 

We have seen more teams exercise caution and fewer exercise financial freedom with the exception of those with newly acquired income streams that are in some cases astronomical. When that is combined with a plan to generate fan support at the ticket window via player payroll (ala' the Dodgers) then we have seen more spending freedom.

 

At any rate, I think the jury is way out especially with regard to teams like the Yanks and the Sox as far as how they spend, if they spend and when they spend.

[mvp 78]

I say this in the most endearing way possible:

 

You're like an excited little kid who would rather have one ice cream cone now, than have a box of cones later.

 

If later is 2019 and I'll have enough money to buy numerous boxes then, give me the cone now...

[jung]

I should have added that I do not think the Sox should take the hit by bringing up Bradley now. They have no idea how he will perform when facing regular season ML pitching. ST provides no indication for the regular season especially for a kid that would be in his first ML April. Its too much risk for too little potential reward.....the same sort of choice that everybody running a for profit business must make.

[mvp 78]

If JBJ gets sent to Pawtucket and injures himself, I don't want anyone complaining how the FO is at fault for not bringing him to Boston (aka the ongoing Kalish argument with certain posters).

 

Anyway, the Sox should just bring him up. If the risk is that he'll earn a big contract someday, I don't care because the Sox are a "have" rather than a "have not."

[SoxFanForsyth]

I say this in the most endearing way possible:

 

You're like an excited little kid who would rather have one ice cream cone now, than have a box of cones later.

 

I am very excited about him, I'll admit that. But I also think this is a team that shouldn't let dollars in 2019 get between putting the best team on the field for 162 games.

 

I understand that we would get an extra year from him if we keep him out until May 6th (or whatever that magic date is), but at the same time, that also pushes his FA year back by a year, which affects us in 2019 if/when we decide to try to give him an extension.

 

I think the monetary value is being overhyped a bit. Would you rather pay him $6mm extra in 2019, or pay him $20mm at the age of 36 instead of 35?

[Palodios]

I am very excited about him, I'll admit that. But I also think this is a team that shouldn't let dollars in 2019 get between putting the best team on the field for 162 games.

 

I understand that we would get an extra year from him if we keep him out until May 6th (or whatever that magic date is), but at the same time, that also pushes his FA year back by a year, which affects us in 2019 if/when we decide to try to give him an extension.

 

I think the monetary value is being overhyped a bit. Would you rather pay him $6mm extra in 2019, or pay him $20mm at the age of 36 instead of 35?

 

Just so everyone is on the same page here, Bradley's agent is Scott Boras.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Just so everyone is on the same page here, Bradley's agent is Scott Boras.

 

I understand that. And I'm giving him a Scott Boras deal. 7/140? That's about right for a 15 HR, 25 SB, .300/.385/.450 hitter.

[BSN07]

I understand that. And I'm giving him a Scott Boras deal. 7/140? That's about right for a 15 HR, 25 SB, .300/.385/.450 hitter.

 

I would not give that kind of contract for that kind of production. I'm sorry but 20M a year should reserved for middle of the order type power bats.

[SoxFanForsyth]

I would not give that kind of contract for that kind of production. I'm sorry but 20M a year should reserved for middle of the order type power bats.

 

You gotta remember, we're talking 6 years down the road here. Not 2013. This is 2019. Look at what BJ Upton got this year. 5/75? And his wOBA isn't close to what Bradley's projects to be. These salaries are only going to increase.

 

This obviously is all predicated on Bradley turning into a very good player.

[BSN07]

You gotta remember, we're talking 6 years down the road here. Not 2013. This is 2019. Look at what BJ Upton got this year. 5/75? And his wOBA isn't close to what Bradley's projects to be. These salaries are only going to increase.

 

This obviously is all predicated on Bradley turning into a very good player.

 

Ya that's true. By then the big guys will be making 30M a season lol

[jung]

Anything short of a middle of the order power bat should simply not sniff $20M.....part of the insanity of the Crawford signing and the very thing that became the issue with regard to paying AGons. I don't think things will change so much that guys that are not truly power hitters will be getting that kinda' money in the out-years. In fact, if you look at recent CBA negotiations, the PA is beginning to understand that its previous negotiating posture "a rising tide floats all boats" sorta' does not work.

 

More of the money has got to find its way to the "other" 90% of the ballplayers that make it to the ML instead of the cream of the crop just gobbling up bigger shares of the pie. I don't think the top salaries will continue to rise at their recent rates. However I do think that the money will be spread at least a bit more thinly over all of the ML players and I also think that future CBA's will continue in that vein. There is literally no other reason for the PA to have accepted some of the terms in the new CBA.

[mvp 78]

The Tigers have released Brennan Boesch.

 

That's an extremely intriguing player that the Sox could/should look into for a LH bat in LF. He's got a solid opposite field swing that could play well at Fenway.

 

@PeteAbe: #RedSox talking internally about Brennan Boesch. Trying to determine if he is a bench upgrade.

[BSN07]

@PeteAbe: #RedSox talking internally about Brennan Boesch. Trying to determine if he is a bench upgrade.

 

He has an oblique injury he's been fighting through all spring. Not sure how useful he will be.

[Big Guy]

Seeing as we arent probably going to compete for a championship (unless the pitching staff really balls up and we get hot all at once on O, which cant be ruled out). As a fan of the club I think most entertaining/promising outcome would be the guys on the big league club that are in front of some of our prospects play well, get shipped out, and we get some new prospects and get to watch a new crop of youngsters grow up in Fenway. I'm not sure why y'all are discussing a Bradley contract yet seeing as he's not even cracked the club, but I wont be sour at all if Ells gets ditched (or anyone in the OF) for that kid. Give me something to root for!!!!!

[seabeachfred]

http://bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox_mlb/boston_red_sox/2013/03/jackie_bradley_s_time_is_now

 

Tomase says throw caution to the wind--for a change--and start Bradley right now in LF.

He characterizes the Red Sox as too cautious lately. Just the word that reminds you of Cherington.

 

This kid is the best player in spring training. The team needs a spark. It is dullsville. The hell with the extra FA year. It's about winning. He says the Angels wish they had Trout last April. They might have made the playoffs. Actually, Pujols' slow start was what killed them in April.

 

Can you imagine these guys spending $170 million in payroll, and then worrying about extending a kid's control 7 years out?

 

And some of our friends here wonder why we think of he front office as a bunch of boobs. Sox Sport, you hit the nail on the head. We are not Tampa Bay or even Baltimore. The owners are multi millionaires, nay, billionaires and to worry about a kid's control for seven years is ludicrous in its senselessness. We certainly can use a spark, a good hitting outfielder and some extra speed to go with Ells, Pedey and Shane. Your point about the Angels and Trout is right on. Angels fans out where I live are all livid that their team dicked around with Mike Trout last season and lost games they would have won had their wonderboy been playing from the opening gun. Is it about winning I thought, but apparently the FO has another agenda and that is economy.

 

Uh oh!!!!!!!! I have to do a verbal retreat right now as I edit my previous post. Scott Boras is his agent??????? Well wait until April 27th and hope for the best, that we do ok until then and that Jackie does not get hurt at Pawtucket. I want to keep Boras away from our players as long as possibe.

[Dojji]

We may not be the Orioles, but to be quite honest, the financial advantage the Red Sox once enjoyed is now no longer anywhere near as absolute as it was.

 

Managing our young assets gives us the financial pull we need to make sure we keep them after they get expensive, which is going to make it a lot easier to build this team for the medium to long term.

 

Bradley's a fine prospect, and he looks really good right now. In the spring. Despite not having taken a single hack at a single big league pitch ever. Or even against AAA competition. And despite putting up relatively modest numbers last year against AA level competition (at least compared to what he'd done in Salem prior to his promotion).

 

I'm not seeing a guy who needs to be rushed to the big leagues here. I see a talented player who in a couple years is going to be something, or we can turn him out of the oven half-baked and enjoy the consequences. I'd say it's your call, but TBPH I'm glad it isn't.

 

There is no need to go overboard here. It's not like one Bradley at bat in April more or less is going to make or break our season. And if you ask me there's more than enough reasons to slam on the brakes against the everpresent prospectophiles that always demand the rookie play no matter what. There's nothing Bradley does that he wouldn't benefit from another entire year in the minors learning to do it better.

[Palodios]

And some of our friends here wonder why we think of he front office as a bunch of boobs. Sox Sport, you hit the nail on the head. We are not Tampa Bay or even Baltimore. The owners are multi millionaires, nay, billionaires and to worry about a kid's control for seven years is ludicrous in its senselessness.

 

What we need to understand is that the Red Sox are a hobby for the owners of this team. It is fun for them to watch, and be a part of, but after Loopy Larry's bad decisions, they are going to be smarter with how the team spends its money whether we like it or not.

 

It doesn't matter who the player is, in the long term, this could potentially cost the Red Sox 20-30 million for 25 games of one player. As a business owner, it would be silly to spend that kind of money on a guy who will likely provide 1 win over that time.

[jung]

I think it is a bit of an overstatement to call the ownership of an MLB franchise a hobby because it suggests they will run the organization that way. If the principle owners actually ran an MLB franchise or any business that way, it would be an absolute fiasco.

 

They only way you can manage your operational personnel is to set standards for them. Too some extent those standards will be predicated on how they utilize the assets of the organization. If you treat your business, whatever it is, like a hobby, you will not be able to manage your operational personnel and your shop will turn into a sandbox. So I just don't think we want to take that next step and say that the owners would "treat" it like a hobby. I think they have been organizationally sloppy and have allowed people to have too much influence over Baseball Operations as an example of that.

[jacksonianmarch]

Those who want iggy to start the yr as shortstop might get their wish. Stephen Drew still has concussion symptoms and will be out indefinitely. Which could be a couple more days to a couple months.

[SoxSport]

Those who want iggy to start the yr as shortstop might get their wish. Stephen Drew still has concussion symptoms and will be out indefinitely. Which could be a couple more days to a couple months.

 

It runs in the family with Drew. His brother was always on the DL, and took forever to get in gear. His salary per game played was astronomical.

 

Don't see Iggy sticking. He needs to build up his bat confidence in AAA. His hitting has been so overplayed in Boston, he's better off building some confidence in Pawtucket. Ciriaco is more likely to get the nod if needed for a few weeks. I wish they would go directly to Bogaerts, but that won't happen, either. Not with this FO.

[Big Guy]

What would be better for the kids confidence than a couple solid AB's in the bigs? Let him play!

[BSN07]

It runs in the family with Drew. His brother was always on the DL, and took forever to get in gear. His salary per game played was astronomical.

 

Don't see Iggy sticking. He needs to build up his bat confidence in AAA. His hitting has been so overplayed in Boston, he's better off building some confidence in Pawtucket. Ciriaco is more likely to get the nod if needed for a few weeks. I wish they would go directly to Bogaerts, but that won't happen, either. Not with this FO.

 

Exactly how many FO's would hand the starting SS job to a 20 year old that has never been above AA?..... .....You know why you can't think of any? Because it's a stupid move. Even the dumb franchises don't try that crap.

 

All the butt hurt over how the FO is handling the top prospects in the organization from some is bordering on the ridiculousness. This isn't MLB the Show...

[Palodios]

It runs in the family with Drew. His brother was always on the DL, and took forever to get in gear. His salary per game played was astronomical.

 

********. He got hit in the head with a pitch of no fault of his own. It isn't a minor nagging injury, this one can be life-threatening if not handled properly. How about we have someone throw a 95 mph fastball at your head and see what happens?

[mvp 78]

It runs in the family with Drew. His brother was always on the DL, and took forever to get in gear. His salary per game played was astronomical.

From 07 - 10

 

JD: 131 games per year

Stephen: 147 games per year (missed part of next two years due to a broken ankle in July 2011)

 

Stephen is a fulltime player. Stop with the JD comparisons.

[Big Guy]

I just want to see Iggy at short and Jackie in right by June and this season will be a success

 

Edit: Best Minor League defenders per BP.... Let 'em play!

[User Name]

From 07 - 10

 

JD: 131 games per year

Stephen: 147 games per year (missed part of next two years due to a broken ankle in July 2011)

 

Stephen is a fulltime player. Stop with the JD comparisons.

 

What is it with SoxSport and uninformed posts? I don't get it.