2014 Roster Projections

[Palodios]

In 6 of those seasons, Yaz played less than 25 games at 1b.

 

Three of which are at the end of his career when he supposedly switched to first base. You forgot to look up the facts on this one, don't worry about it. I'm sure there are better examples, because I do completely agree that players switch to 1B late in their careers. My concern is that he is doing it at the age of 37 with no infield experience in his entire career. He'd survive for a season while he is healthy, but it is years 2, 3 and 4 I am concerned about.

[mvp 78]

http://news.yahoo.com/whats-the-capital-of-canada-harvard-video-140610532.html

 

A700 will like this.

[mvp 78]

Three of which are at the end of his career when he supposedly switched to first base. You forgot to look up the facts on this one, don't worry about it. I'm sure there are better examples, because I do completely agree that players switch to 1B late in their careers. My concern is that he is doing it at the age of 37 with no infield experience in his entire career. He'd survive for a season while he is healthy, but it is years 2, 3 and 4 I am concerned about.

 

A 4 year contract would be dumb. 3 is questionable.

[BornToRun]

I go 2 years. Maybe put in some kind of option if it's that important to him.

[BSN07]

I go 2 years. Maybe put in some kind of option if it's that important to him.

 

Max 2. It's not like he can transition to DH.

 

There's almost "too much" Beltran/Sox talk. It's not like the Sox FO typically walks around lose lipped about who they want to bring in. And they also don't give up 1st rounders that easily. This really seems like someone is using the Sox to run Beltrans price tag up. I would be very surprised if Beltran ended up in Boston.

[mvp 78]

Or they're sending a message to Napoli/Ells saying that they won't wait around for them.

[marklmw]

He is 37 years old, and has played zero games at first base in his major league career. He is an even worse fit at 1B than LF.

 

I would be very surprised if they sign Beltran ... obviously the chances would be increased should Napoli sign with another team ahead of him, same with Hart. Fielding 1B is not as easy as people are suggesting.

[sk7326]

I would be very surprised if they sign Beltran ... obviously the chances would be increased should Napoli sign with another team ahead of him, same with Hart. Fielding 1B is not as easy as people are suggesting.

 

It's not about ease - it's about how easy it is to learn. To get from 0 to acceptable, it's pretty simple. To get to elite requires something - but you can't take elite glove without a bad, or else you get 2012 James Loney, which is largely a waste of a lineup spot.

 

Fielding is one of the things which can be taught, and often has to be taught at the professional level - instruction in fielding is just sorely lacking in high school and college levels. When Butterfield came over he had a reputation as a great fielding instructor. You take a good athlete, good coaching and a position which is not that physically demanding and you have to like your chances to get to "good enough".

[marklmw]

It's not about ease - it's about how easy it is to learn. To get from 0 to acceptable, it's pretty simple. To get to elite requires something - but you can't take elite glove without a bad, or else you get 2012 James Loney, which is largely a waste of a lineup spot.

 

Fielding is one of the things which can be taught, and often has to be taught at the professional level - instruction in fielding is just sorely lacking in high school and college levels. When Butterfield came over he had a reputation as a great fielding instructor. You take a good athlete, good coaching and a position which is not that physically demanding and you have to like your chances to get to "good enough".

 

As I stated before ... is it really wise to add a 2nd Sr. Citizen to the roster? We had good luck with Papi last season but with Beltran we are just adding to the %'s that one will go down. 37 is just too old for the kind of money we are talking about.

[User Name]

What kind of money are we talking about though? Dollar figures haven't even been speculated. Besides, chances are that Beltran/Hart are just contingency plans in case the "one stupid owner" rule applies here and someone offers Napoli something ridiculous.

[marklmw]

What kind of money are we talking about though? Dollar figures haven't even been speculated. Besides, chances are that Beltran/Hart are just contingency plans in case the "one stupid owner" rule applies here and someone offers Napoli something ridiculous.

True UN ... you shared your own ideas what Beltran will demand in a previous post. For 2014 the order should be:

1. Napoli

2. Hart

3. Beltran

 

A Hart / Carp tandem would be very strong IMO. Beltran is really a left handed bat. His numbers are significantly less batting from the right side.

[User Name]

Over his career, Beltran has hit left-handers slightly better than right-handers. 2013 was a luck (or lack of luck) fueled aberration.

[marklmw]

Over his career, Beltran has hit left-handers slightly better than right-handers. 2013 was a luck (or lack of luck) fueled aberration.

Yeah I suppose, I wonder however how much weighting the most recent season has when contemplating a signing vs. that players career numbers. Do you agree with my order of preference? Option 2 might be the best value depending mainly upon the price for Hart.

[User Name]

Yeah, i think that should be the preferred order. After Napoli, Hart has the most upside and comes without a QO attached.

[sk7326]

What kind of money are we talking about though? Dollar figures haven't even been speculated. Besides, chances are that Beltran/Hart are just contingency plans in case the "one stupid owner" rule applies here and someone offers Napoli something ridiculous.

 

I would suspect in Hart's case we are looking at a 1-year deal with a low base and an 8-figure upside. Like Napoli's with more burden shifted towards the player.

 

Beltran is a multi-year thing (2-3 I'd reckon) ... I don't think it's nearly enough bang for the buck considering the pick penalty.

[SoxSport]

http://bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox_mlb/boston_red_sox/2013/11/options_abound_for_sox_cherington

 

This article pretty much sums up the great position the Red Sox are in right now.

[marklmw]

http://bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox_mlb/boston_red_sox/2013/11/options_abound_for_sox_cherington

 

This article pretty much sums up the great position the Red Sox are in right now.

The Sox are in a really good place. I am having a feeling about Vasquez ... anyone else have a positive feeling about the lad?

[jung]

Vasquez arm from behind the plate is nothing short of incredible. I don't think the rest of his catching tool set is up that standard but that is an incredible standard. If I had to guess, it would be that he will make more strides around the rest of his catching tool set going into 2014. His hitting might be something else again. I don't think there is enough info there to even make an assumption at this point. I would love to be able to fast forward to the start of the 2015 season to see where he will be at that point.

[seabeachfred]

I just don't get the need for Beltran. He's way too old, fills no role, and costs too many years and a draft pick. On a 1/20 year, great. Otherwise, I just don't understand this at all. Can he play 1B?

 

Not to mention whether he would be a positive addition in the clubhouse or not. Nothing I've read about the guy tells me he is a leader of that type or any type at all. Yes, he does have talent but so does Bryce Brentz down on the farm, a power hitter and a strong armed outfielder. I don't want him blocked. I also fear that if we let all our FA leave we may replace them with types that do not fit the Red Sox mold. We've come too far too fast to suddenly reverse course and get a bunch of Crawford and Gonzales and Beckett types in our clubhouse again.

[seabeachfred]

They wouldn't be able to sign both even if they wanted to. They're probably looking for contingency plans in case Napoli signs elsewhere. In that scenario, it makes all the sense in the world to do due dilligence.

 

Due diligence my ass. Just sign Napoli and give him a three year contract before we lose him and replace him with a lesser player both on the field and in the clubhouse. Personally I think Cherington may be playing with fire here. There are other teams interested in Mike and if he is lost it means we have let all four of our FA flee Boston. What do we replace them with. You think we will as lucky this coming round putting he right mix together once again? Some of the names I've mentioned as possible replacements tell me that answer is HELL NO!!!!!!! Just resign Napoli.!!!!!

[seabeachfred]

Thinking about Beltran, I can't make much sense out of any serious interest here--other than keeping him away from the Yanks. But then do the Yankees really want another expensive graybeard? The Red Sox certainly shouldn't. Can't see him playing spacious RF in Fenway if Vic replaces Ells in CF. And there are no other real defensive options in RF unless it's Bradley--who is supposed to play CF. I don't think Nava is viable defensively in RF.

 

So why the "interest" in Beltran? LF? That would screw up what they have--Nava/Gomes. I think a lot of this is just the usual media hype, at a dead time of the year when they have to have something to talk about.

 

Bradley makes sense as the logical successor to Ells in CF, with Vic staying in RF. Now if they want insurance for Bradley, they need a stronger defensive option in RF than Beltran, if Vic moves to CF.

 

Somebody says Beltran at 1B? That sounds creative--insurance for Napoli, in case he goes elsewhere. But what about Salty at 1B? Mauer says his hitting will be better moving from catcher to 1B. Salty's hitting might be better there, too.

 

"KEEP HIM AWAY FROM THE YANKS"!!!!!!!! You know my friend, I really now hate hearing that phrase. It harks back to the time that we were always smelling the Yankees butt. Well s***, we have won three titles the last ten seasons, the Yankees one, and we are a lot better team than they are. The Curse is Dead, buried and screw the Yankees. We should let them worry about keeping players away from us. Is this still the mindset in RSN? I say f*** that !!!!!!! We should go get the players or resign the players who will help us win and not give a hoot in hell about who the Yankees sign. At long last SoxSport that mindset has to end and it's way overdue.

Edited November 21, 2013 by seabeachfred

[User Name]

Due diligence my ass. Just sign Napoli and give him a three year contract before we lose him and replace him with a lesser player both on the field and in the clubhouse. Personally I think Cherington may be playing with fire here. There are other teams interested in Mike and if he is lost it means we have let all four of our FA flee Boston. What do we replace them with. You think we will as lucky this coming round putting he right mix together once again? Some of the names I've mentioned as possible replacements tell me that answer is HELL NO!!!!!!! Just resign Napoli.!!!!!

 

Fred, this is my usual problem with a lot of your posts. You sound like someone just cut you off in traffic, and you're making a bunch of logical leaps to arrive at points that don't make an ounce of goddamn sense. None of the big FA's have signed, because they are waiting for the market to develop. Unless the Red Sox offer him something stupid, he's not signing because he (and almost everyone else) is clearly in a holding pattern. You're a grown ass man, exhibit some patience and restraint.

[sk7326]

Not to mention whether he would be a positive addition in the clubhouse or not. Nothing I've read about the guy tells me he is a leader of that type or any type at all. Yes, he does have talent but so does Bryce Brentz down on the farm, a power hitter and a strong armed outfielder. I don't want him blocked. I also fear that if we let all our FA leave we may replace them with types that do not fit the Red Sox mold. We've come too far too fast to suddenly reverse course and get a bunch of Crawford and Gonzales and Beckett types in our clubhouse again.

 

Every prospect sounds like a superstar when you look them up on Soxprospects or wherever. Brentz will be entering his Age 25 season next year - if he was ticketed for stardom, he'd already have shown up. He is being protected, which is fine. But he is far more likely a "guy" than he is a "Guy!!"

 

A strong clubhouse is important - but you generally can't build it. And if they can't play baseball, whatever chemistry you have will go down the toilet during your first 5-19 stretch. And if they got along, who cares at that point? I think re-signing Napoli is at the top of their list - but there are a lot of options out there, and they have the obligations to the fans who get the most demanded of them of any fan base, to do the best thing for the franchise.

[Bellhorn04]

Fred, this is my usual problem with a lot of your posts. You sound like someone just cut you off in traffic, and you're making a bunch of logical leaps to arrive at points that don't make an ounce of goddamn sense. None of the big FA's have signed, because they are waiting for the market to develop. Unless the Red Sox offer him something stupid, he's not signing because he (and almost everyone else) is clearly in a holding pattern. You're a grown ass man, exhibit some patience and restraint.

 

I think my blood pressure actually rose reading that post by Fred.

[iortiz]

Beltran at 1B? Not sure where did it come from... Just sign Napoli and cut the s***.

[seabeachfred]

Beltran at 1B? Not sure where did it come from... Just sign Napoli and cut the s***.

 

Cut the s*** is right. The idea of putting Beltran at first only came about because some of our friends here had too much time on their hands. The idea is idiotic!!! He has never played first base in his life and the fact he is 37 with weak knees and we don't need another greybeard on our team. We have a couple as it is and that's enough. Now that the Rangers have traded for Prince Fielder they have no need for Napoli unless they want to make him their DH. User as usual is playing his routine game of taking the party line and disagreeing with everything anyone says that smacks of disagreement with the front office. Napoli we need; Beltran we don't and I'd rather have him than Hart as well since that guy is coming off a year on the sidelines. Just because things are moving slowly doesn't mean we have to follow suit. Besides, some signings and trades have already happened, and Napoli is still hanging around Boston. How much more does Cherington need to know that Mike wants to stay in Boston. He is 32 and has three or four more productive years ahead of him. Just sign him and then fix the other problems as they are needed, but Napoli is a must. T hat is my opinion and I don't give a s*** if USER finds that offensive or not. I don't follow the party line.

[seabeachfred]

Fred, this is my usual problem with a lot of your posts. You sound like someone just cut you off in traffic, and you're making a bunch of logical leaps to arrive at points that don't make an ounce of goddamn sense. None of the big FA's have signed, because they are waiting for the market to develop. Unless the Red Sox offer him something stupid, he's not signing because he (and almost everyone else) is clearly in a holding pattern. You're a grown ass man, exhibit some patience and restraint.

 

Tell you what User.....you keep taking the party line. Ever heard of the old saying he who hesitates is lost? Let me be clear on this. I laud Cherington for the tremendous job he did getting the Red Sox up to speed and think he actually outstripped Epstein's best in the personnel department, but there is no reason to dally on Napoli. A three year contract is not unreasonable for a clean-up man who is a good run producer, a terrific club house man, a very dependable first baseman and a guy who loves playing in Boston. I want him on the team; we need him on the team....not Beltran and not Hart, and if you don't like my take on things I can only say to you what they say in Russia....TOUGH SHITSKY!!!!!

[seabeachfred]

Every prospect sounds like a superstar when you look them up on Soxprospects or wherever. Brentz will be entering his Age 25 season next year - if he was ticketed for stardom, he'd already have shown up. He is being protected, which is fine. But he is far more likely a "guy" than he is a "Guy!!"

 

A strong clubhouse is important - but you generally can't build it. And if they can't play baseball, whatever chemistry you have will go down the toilet during your first 5-19 stretch. And if they got along, who cares at that point? I think re-signing Napoli is at the top of their list - but there are a lot of options out there, and they have the obligations to the fans who get the most demanded of them of any fan base, to do the best thing for the franchise.

 

Brentz was drafted when he was 21 and it does take some time to make it to the Bigs, like three or so seasons in the minors. He also got injured one season and that might have set him back, and you don't ignore a person who has the capability of being a solid corner outfielder with a good arm and good power. But you can ignore him if you sign some 37 year old greybeard with weak knees who wants a three year pact. That also blocks Brentz. Apparently the Sox think he is worth the protection and we will need some good hitting outfielders within a year or two.

 

A lot of options out there? For first base? Who? Loney, Morales, Hart, Beltran? Come on Ski, you know damn well Napoli is the best choice for us. He knows how to play in Boston, loves playing here and we need him in that lineup. I might also mention he hits the Yankees pretty damn well. Our team also is not going on a 5-19 stretch in my opinion unless we replace those players we lost with other types who can't come together as the newcomers did for us last Spring. I also insist that Napoli is best for our team and not of the other people mentioned. Yes, I am pretty adamant about that but I'm convinced we have to sign Mike before some other team does. This is the one player we must move fast on. The rest we can wait to see how the FA market goes, but not Napoli.

[RedSoxNC84]

Tell you what User.....you keep taking the party line. Ever heard of the old saying he who hesitates is lost? Let me be clear on this. I laud Cherington for the tremendous job he did getting the Red Sox up to speed and think he actually outstripped Epstein's best in the personnel department, but there is no reason to dally on Napoli. A three year contract is not unreasonable for a clean-up man who is a good run producer, a terrific club house man, a very dependable first baseman and a guy who loves playing in Boston. I want him on the team; we need him on the team....not Beltran and not Hart, and if you don't like my take on things I can only say to you what they say in Russia....TOUGH SHITSKY!!!!!

 

Thing is Napoli is the one who came out and said he wanted to test the market. The sox didn't say "oh we want to look at other options." The Sox FO is going to do their due dilligence on any and all possibilities for a replacement for Napoli in case he gets an offer from another team that the Sox just can't match. It's simple really. Both sides expressed interest, but Napoli wants to see what kind of payday he can get. We'll just have to see what happens.

[User Name]

Thing is Napoli is the one who came out and said he wanted to test the market. The sox didn't say "oh we want to look at other options." The Sox FO is going to do their due dilligence on any and all possibilities for a replacement for Napoli in case he gets an offer from another team that the Sox just can't match. It's simple really. Both sides expressed interest, but Napoli wants to see what kind of payday he can get. We'll just have to see what happens.

 

Look Fred, logic. Try following it.

 

Also, i'm "holding the party line" because following the party line just won the Sox a WS. I'll trust the guy who built the team that won the WS and not the guy who can't exhibit patience on a message board thank you very much.