2014 Roster Projections

[marklmw]

You might need him in a park with a short right field fence to pull that off.

If he were wearing pinstripes I may have to make it 25. He hit how many in 2011?

[marklmw]

Just to add to this, Webster has 3 plus pitches (4 seamer, changeup,sinker) and a developing slider. It appeared to me in his ML starts this year he was trying to strike out everybody and barely threw his sinker. The potential to be a front of the rotation starter is there, just needs to work on his control.

 

Hard to be successful at the MLB level without control.

[SoxFanForsyth]

I'd be ecstatic to get Kemp, but I don't see why the Dodgers would think about dealing him given the seemingly infinite monetary resources at their disposal.

 

Ethier, Crawford, Puig, Kemp.

 

They're listening on 3 of those 4 (not Puig).

 

You're not going to keep one of those as a PH, and Puig has to play.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Hard to be successful at the MLB level without control.

 

Command and control are the last things to develop. Henry Owens walked 4.5 per 9 last year. Want to get rid of him? Scherzer had a 3.7 BB/9 in the minors (Webster had a 3.7 BB.9 last year in Pawtucket). Baseball is full of pitchers who took time to develop command and control during their early years.

 

It would be silly to give up on a SP because he had a rough first year after never throwing above AA ball.

[sk7326]

You guys are very reactive over a rough year.

 

Don't forget, Webster had never thrown a pitch in AAA before 2013. Would you also trade JBJ? He struggled pretty bad in the MLB this year after trying to skip AAA.

 

And RDLR had TJS last year. 2nd year back is typically the year where they start to flourish.

 

You'd be selling low on two guys who both have insane upside and were probably pushed a bit too hard this year, considering Webster was a conversion project (played SS in HS, converted to P in pro ball), and RDLR (TJS).

 

Webster's upside is not insane - mid-rotation ... which is good, but I'd listen on. The walk rate can be fixed. The homerun rate and groundball rate for a sinkerballer was alarming. De La Rosa has some real promise though.

 

Kemp is one of the 10 best players in the league when healthy. That said, his injury history might be worse (and more problematic) than Ellsbury's. Ellsbury has had some rotten luck on freakish injuries ... Kemp's problems (hammies, shoulder, ankle) speak to stuff which have some pretty good chance of recurring. The Dodgers will drive a hard bargain though - well they should. He is their best player. Ethier they'd drive to the airport.

Edited November 8, 2013 by sk7326

[marklmw]

If you're banking on a 2 year recovery from a shoulder injury and are willing to deal a good bit of money for him, then go trade for Kemp, who, when healthy, is a perennial 30 HR guy with the ability to touch a 40/40 season.

 

LA would not trade Kemp ... and especially not to the Red Sox.

[marklmw]

Command and control are the last things to develop. Henry Owens walked 4.5 per 9 last year. Want to get rid of him? Scherzer had a 3.7 BB/9 in the minors (Webster had a 3.7 BB.9 last year in Pawtucket). Baseball is full of pitchers who took time to develop command and control during their early years.

 

It would be silly to give up on a SP because he had a rough first year after never throwing above AA ball.

 

Okay ... we will keep Webster.

[Palodios]

LA would not trade Kemp ... and especially not to the Red Sox.

 

And even if they would, I doubt they'd take Webster and RDLR back for him

[win red sox]

Hard to be successful at the MLB level without control.

 

you could make that argument about Owens, RDLR,Barnes, and Ranaudo also.

[marklmw]

Dodgers are favorites to win WS in 2014. There is a good reason for this as they are oozing with talent. Listed in order of value:

 

1. Kershaw

2. Han Ram

3. Kemp

4. Puig

5. Greinke

6. Gonzo

[SoxFanForsyth]

LA would not trade Kemp ... and especially not to the Red Sox.

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/hot-stove-rumors-troy-tulowitzki-matt-kemp-andre-ethier-carl-crawford-carlos-gonzalez-allen-craig-trevor-rosenthal-110713

 

"The more realistic notion would be the Dodgers moving one of their expensive veteran outfielders.

 

That possibility, in fact, already is in the works; the Dodgers, according to major-league sources, are listening on Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford, telling prospective suitors, “If you’re interested in one of them, make us an offer.”"

[Bellhorn04]

Dodgers are favorites to win WS in 2014. There is a good reason for this as they are oozing with talent. Listed in order of value:

 

1. Kershaw

2. Han Ram

3. Kemp

4. Puig

5. Greinke

6. Gonzo

 

They did fall short with the same guys last year.

[marklmw]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/hot-stove-rumors-troy-tulowitzki-matt-kemp-andre-ethier-carl-crawford-carlos-gonzalez-allen-craig-trevor-rosenthal-110713

 

"The more realistic notion would be the Dodgers moving one of their expensive veteran outfielders.

 

That possibility, in fact, already is in the works; the Dodgers, according to major-league sources, are listening on Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford, telling prospective suitors, “If you’re interested in one of them, make us an offer.”"

 

I am surprised. I love Kemp. Health Kemp > Healthy Ellsbury

[SoxSport]

I would avoid Kemp. He had a big contract season, then has had injury problems since then. Pass.

 

I would also avoid Beltran--the Cardinals were lucky with him. 37yo with no knees.

 

One problem the Red Sox have is they have so much money to spend they sometimes go looking for excuses to spend it. The result is they often block young players, with the excuse that "they aren't ready."

 

What they should do is throw money at their NEEDS. That means maybe McCann--a guy who can catch as well as hit. Perfect compliment to Ross. Then you have to ask how Lav fits in the picture. I don't know. But with those veteran pitchers, a good game caller and pitch framer (watch Ross work behind the plate--a master) is needed. Epstein missed the boat not signing Martin instead of Salty several years ago. Martin much better defensively and timely hitter like Ross.

 

Nap fits a need, and should be re-signed as a priority. They have the inside track on him. Ells and Drew both block young players. I say no, at Boras' inflated prices. Bogaerts can play SS, JBJ or Vic in the OF. An OF of Vic,Gomes,Nava,Carp,JBJ looks OK. Beltran would add depth, but at what price? Giving up on Middlebrooks and switching Bogie to 3B so early in his career would be foolish. They can lock up the left side of their IF for 10 years.

[Palodios]

One problem the Red Sox have is they have so much money to spend they sometimes go looking for excuses to spend it.

 

That means maybe McCann--a guy who can catch as well as hit.

 

So you're saying the Red Sox go looking for excuses to spend money, but they should go after McCann? Doesn't that destroy your entire point?

 

#SignRuiz

[marklmw]

I would avoid Kemp. He had a big contract season, then has had injury problems since then. Pass.

 

I would also avoid Beltran--the Cardinals were lucky with him. 37yo with no knees.

 

One problem the Red Sox have is they have so much money to spend they sometimes go looking for excuses to spend it. The result is they often block young players, with the excuse that "they aren't ready."

 

What they should do is throw money at their NEEDS. That means maybe McCann--a guy who can catch as well as hit. Perfect compliment to Ross. Then you have to ask how Lav fits in the picture. I don't know. But with those veteran pitchers, a good game caller and pitch framer (watch Ross work behind the plate--a master) is needed. Epstein missed the boat not signing Martin instead of Salty several years ago. Martin much better defensively and timely hitter like Ross.

 

Nap fits a need, and should be re-signed as a priority. They have the inside track on him. Ells and Drew both block young players. I say no, at Boras' inflated prices. Bogaerts can play SS, JBJ or Vic in the OF. An OF of Vic,Gomes,Nava,Carp,JBJ looks OK. Beltran would add depth, but at what price? Giving up on Middlebrooks and switching Bogie to 3B so early in his career would be foolish. They can lock up the left side of their IF for 10 years.

 

You make a lot of sense .... but you forgot to mention that the Sox need to get Tanaka.

[SoxSport]

They are oozing expensive contracts thanks to fox sports we

 

Kemp is not hi level anymore after his big contract season. Oft injured. Possible post steroid effects? Who knows? You don't take that bad contract. The rest are unavailable.

 

You won't see any more $20 mil per year LT contracts in Boston. They've learned they can win without them.

 

My guess is they do one or two $13 mil/ 2 or 3 year deals like they did last year.

Edited November 8, 2013 by SoxSport

[marklmw]

Talking about Webster. Upon 2nd thought you are correct. He will improve his control and go on to have a great career with Boston so we can really rub it in to the Dodgers fans.

[Bellhorn04]

I would avoid Kemp. He had a big contract season, then has had injury problems since then. Pass.

 

I would also avoid Beltran--the Cardinals were lucky with him. 37yo with no knees.

 

One problem the Red Sox have is they have so much money to spend they sometimes go looking for excuses to spend it. The result is they often block young players, with the excuse that "they aren't ready."

 

Yes, that was a huge problem this past season. They spent all that money on mid-range guys. And where did it get them?

[marklmw]

They did fall short with the same guys last year.

 

These 2014 WS odds are predicated on the fact that players like Han Ram and Kemp will be healthy for the entire season.

[jung]

I would say that Naps does not take the QO and the Sox spend money to resign him and bring him back here. They make a very team friendly pass at Salty and then go elsewhere if he balks. They make a play for Drew but it is not enough. WMB breaths a sigh of relief and the infield for 2014 is WMB, XB, Pedey and Naps.

[SoxSport]

They have a couple of guys like Webster who could blossom. The problem is they have deadwood like Dempster they have to figure a way to get rid of--not easily done.

 

You don't know what these kids can do until you give them an opportunity. Look at Workman.

[SoxSport]

Nap is indispensable at this point. He and Gomes are part of the character fabric of the team.

[SoxSport]

I would say that Naps does not take the QO and the Sox spend money to resign him and bring him back here. They make a very team friendly pass at Salty and then go elsewhere if he balks. They make a play for Drew but it is not enough. WMB breaths a sigh of relief and the infield for 2014 is WMB, XB, Pedey and Naps.

 

Hope so. Makes the most sense to me. They have good prospects at 3B and SS coming up behind MB and XB in the minors. 1B is a shakier position.

[Orange Juiced]

They have a couple of guys like Webster who could blossom. The problem is they have deadwood like Dempster they have to figure a way to get rid of--not easily done.

 

You don't know what these kids can do until you give them an opportunity. Look at Workman.

 

Dempster is definitely moveable if you're willing to eat 1/2 or 2/3 of his salary. Which, of course, I'd be willing to do.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Nap is indispensable at this point. He and Gomes are part of the character fabric of the team.

 

I'd never say Nap is indespensible.

 

The Sox have a lot of options at 1B.

 

Is Billy Butler available? He could certainly be a big hitter at Fenway Park.

 

If the Sox sign Stephen Drew, what about sending Middlebrooks to LA for Trumbo? The Angels (badly) need a 3B.

 

Early reports are that Napoli doesn't like the Sox initial offer and is shopping around.

[redsoxrules]

From what I read , the Sox only have 32MIL to spend to stay under Lux tax.

So there is obviously 2 of drew,Ells,Nap,Salty that will be gone for sure, unless they get rid of salary somewheres.

[User Name]

Yes, that was a huge problem this past season. They spent all that money on mid-range guys. And where did it get them?

 

I love how he keeps talking about the Red Sox "blocking the young guys" while the Red Sox churn out player after player from the minors to the MLB roster. Can someone please take away his computer?

[User Name]

They have a couple of guys like Webster who could blossom. The problem is they have deadwood like Dempster they have to figure a way to get rid of--not easily done.

 

You don't know what these kids can do until you give them an opportunity. Look at Workman.

 

Oh, so you mean the Red Sox DO give opportunities to the young guys? Go figure.

 

Also, did Dempster beat up your kid at school or something?

[SoxFanForsyth]

From what I read , the Sox only have 32MIL to spend to stay under Lux tax.

So there is obviously 2 of drew,Ells,Nap,Salty that will be gone for sure, unless they get rid of salary somewheres.

 

Why do they have to stay under the lux tax??

 

They already reset their numbers last year when they stayed under.