2014 Roster Projections

[Dojji]

Can someone explain to me how acquiring Hannigan translates to going after Stanton? I must be missing something.

 

For SFF, everything translates to going after Stanton, thus the joke.

[marklmw]

For SFF, everything translates to going after Stanton, thus the joke.

 

Thanks Dojji ... this makes perfect sense now.

[a700hitter]

So, I know this sounds crazy but I swear on my life this happened.

 

Last night I was driving in Beacon Hill (Boston neighborhood) and I saw a man trying to hail a cab. Upon further look, it was Larry Lucchino. I rolled down my window and yelled 'Larry! You need a ride??' To which he responded 'yeah can you just take me to Fenway? I've been out here forever'

 

So I take him to Fenway, and on the way, he tells me that the Yanks just signed McCann (this was about 1,5 hours before it broke). I asked him who the Sox were going to get to catch next year and he said they are in on Hannigan.

 

Talked to him for quite a bit, about 15 min. Nice guy, cool that he disclosed some stuff to me.

 

How's that for a source User Name?

Didn't you also catch a foul ball this season? In 2013, you catch a foul ball, you played Frisbee with Sox players, the Sox win the World Series, and you gave a lift to the team president who gave you a scoop. 2013 is one memorable year for you!

[seabeachfred]

So, I know this sounds crazy but I swear on my life this happened.

 

Last night I was driving in Beacon Hill (Boston neighborhood) and I saw a man trying to hail a cab. Upon further look, it was Larry Lucchino. I rolled down my window and yelled 'Larry! You need a ride??' To which he responded 'yeah can you just take me to Fenway? I've been out here forever'

 

So I take him to Fenway, and on the way, he tells me that the Yanks just signed McCann (this was about 1,5 hours before it broke). I asked him who the Sox were going to get to catch next year and he said they are in on Hannigan.

 

Talked to him for quite a bit, about 15 min. Nice guy, cool that he disclosed some stuff to me.

 

How's that for a source User Name?

 

Truth be told, despite my now dislike of Lucchino because of his constant meddling prior to this season, when I met him on Opening Day 2009 in those seats near the Coke Bottle (used by RS Destination patrons) he was a very warm and friendly man and he seemed to enjoy cavorting with the fans. A much different persona than what we keep hearing and reading about. He was telling about ten of us gathered around him that he felt the Sox would make a decent run for the division title that year......which we did, leading at the ASB by three games before the wheels came off.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Didn't you also catch a foul ball this season? In 2013, you catch a foul ball, you played Frisbee with Sox players, the Sox win the World Series, and you gave a lift to the team president who gave you a scoop. 2013 is one memorable year for you!

 

Caught 3 (!!!!) foul balls this year. And went to G1 of the WS!

 

2013 has been outrageously good thus far

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Caught 3 (!!!!) foul balls this year. And went to G1 of the WS!

 

2013 has been outrageously good thus far

 

Where the hell do you sit? Idc how much they cost, I need to get seats for 3 Yankees games next summer. Did not come close to a ball sitting in RF.

[Hoplite]

I'd trade Carp, Workman or Brentz for Ryan Hanigan. He's an elite defensive catcher, who's lead the league in caught stealing percentage in each of the last two years and is one of the best catchers in baseball at handling a pitching staff and framing pitches.

 

I'd give Hart a one year pillow contract. Fenway would be the perfect place for him to rebuild his value and it between Napoli walking and Hart walking after next year, it could potentially net us two draft picks.

 

I'd bid $71 million for Mashairo Tanaka and then sign him to a $75 million deal. He wouldn't cost a draft pick and the $12.5 million cap hit would be very reasonable. He's not Yu Darvish, but he does project to be like Hiroki Kuroda.

 

If that isn't enough to get Tanaka, I'd be willing to go five years on a contract for Shin-Soo Choo. He's on base percentage would be great at the top of the lineup, and we have a guy in Gomes who would mitigate his issues against lefthanded pitchers.

 

I'd also see if we could get anything useful for Dempster, and Nava or Carp, Mookie Wilson, Bryce Brentz, etc. If we could get a backup option in centerfield like Lorenzo Cain (poor man's Peter Bourjos), that would be ideal. I believe he has minor league options left as well. We may also be able to upgrade the bench and get someone better than Brock Holt as our backup shortstop/third baseman, or add another quality reliever.

[Palodios]

I'd trade Carp, Workman or Brentz for Ryan Hanigan. He's an elite defensive catcher, who's lead the league in caught stealing percentage in each of the last two years and is one of the best catchers in baseball at handling a pitching staff and framing pitches.

 

 

Hanigan hit .198 last year, and only has one year remaining on his contract. It might take a mid-tier guy like a Sean Coyle to get him, but the names you mentioned are far more valuable at this point.

[Dojji]

I'd also see if we could get anything useful for Dempster, and Nava or Carp, Mookie Wilson, Bryce Brentz, etc. If we could get a backup option in centerfield like Lorenzo Cain.

 

If we're going to the Royals for an outfielder, I want Jarrod Dyson, not Lorenzo Cain. Especially if we're losing Ellsbury. Dyson has the kind of big league speed and defense that makes a good righthanded partner in CF with JBJ and he can do a ton of damage off the bench with his legs. Not much stick, but enough for a bench role with his speed, and his numbers against LHP (.274/.339/.402) are not bad at all for a fast guy.

 

Not that I don't understand the attraction of Cain, he's better balanced because he has more power, but I think Dyson's a better bet to return more value in a platoon/specialist role.

 

If there was a way to also secure Billy Butler, let him sweat out a couple years at first base and slide into the DH hole when Papi retired, I'd be 100% all for that. the down year just drives down the price, it won't repeat if he comes here. Billy Butler was made for Fenway.

Edited November 25, 2013 by Dojji

[Spitball]

Hanigan hit .198 last year, and only has one year remaining on his contract. It might take a mid-tier guy like a Sean Coyle to get him, but the names you mentioned are far more valuable at this point.

 

He was injured much of the season and pushed to the bench by former number one pick Devin Mesoraco. Before last season, he had a career OBP of .369. And of course there is his defense...and Andover connection.

[marklmw]

He was injured much of the season and pushed to the bench by former number one pick Devin Mesoraco. Before last season, he had a career OBP of .369. And of course there is his defense...and Andover connection.

 

That's all fine and good but I doubt it will take a top tier prospect to land him. Certainly not Nava, Carp, Brentz, etc.

[SoxFanForsyth]

That's all fine and good but I doubt it will take a top tier prospect to land him. Certainly not Nava, Carp, Brentz, etc.

 

Brentz's value is pretty low right now but I still agree, you could get Hanigan for less than that.

 

Hanigan has virtually zero pop but I would love to have a C with a 10-12% K rate and a .360+

OBP. Even without the pop.

 

I think the fact that Hanigan is only 1 year out is appealing to the Sox. Vazquez will start the year in AAA (he got called up at the very end of last year). So he probably is only 1 year out from being the starting C.

 

He's a lot like Hanigan but with better pop.

[marklmw]

Brentz's value is pretty low right now but I still agree, you could get Hanigan for less than that.

 

Hanigan has virtually zero pop but I would love to have a C with a 10-12% K rate and a .360+

OBP. Even without the pop.

 

I think the fact that Hanigan is only 1 year out is appealing to the Sox. Vazquez will start the year in AAA (he got called up at the very end of last year). So he probably is only 1 year out from being the starting C.

 

He's a lot like Hanigan but with better pop.

 

Why not just give Butler, Lavarnway, Ross a shot. Or perhaps have Hanigan replace Ross if they think he is an upgrade. Thus let Butler, Lavarnway, and Hanigan compete for the catching duties.

[mvp 78]

Ross is a part time catcher only, due to his age.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Why not just give Butler, Lavarnway, Ross a shot. Or perhaps have Hanigan replace Ross if they think he is an upgrade. Thus let Butler, Lavarnway, and Hanigan compete for the catching duties.

 

Assuming Drew doesn't resign, you're not only relying on 3 rookies, but you're relying on 3 rookies on 3 of the most important defensive positions in the game (C, SS, CF).

 

Not sure the Sox trust Butler or Lavarnway, either. Hanigan would be a solid upgrade over any of those guys. A combo of Hanigan and Ross would be a very strong defensive C duo.

[Palodios]

Assuming Drew doesn't resign, you're not only relying on 3 rookies, but you're relying on 3 rookies on 3 of the most important defensive positions in the game (C, SS, CF).

 

3 rookies and Middlebrooks. Yikes.

[marklmw]

Assuming Drew doesn't resign, you're not only relying on 3 rookies, but you're relying on 3 rookies on 3 of the most important defensive positions in the game (C, SS, CF).

 

Not sure the Sox trust Butler or Lavarnway, either. Hanigan would be a solid upgrade over any of those guys. A combo of Hanigan and Ross would be a very strong defensive C duo.

 

Come on Man ... you cannot call Hanigan or Lavarnway rookies any longer. I don't think you can even refer to Bogaerts as a rookie ... the dude just crushed it on the biggest stage there is. JBJ got a taste of the bigs and he did not seem over matched at the plate and he looked fine in the field. We have a very experienced pitching staff and no one could be worse than Salty as a receiver... I mean if the guy cannot properly frame a pitch by now when will he? Think 2015 and everything will be alright.

[jung]

I gotta' believe the Sox would try to get some experience somewhere in there as that is just too much inexperience up the middle to be believable. Having guys get experience in 2014 would bode well for 2015 but would make it pretty tough on the 2014 season. Maybe it will end up being a concession they are willing to make. As it is it looks like the Sox are trying to use LF to get some additional pop in the lineup. That would still leave them trying to do something to supplement all that youth up the middle.

[marklmw]

There is a reason why the Sox do not really care if Salty comes back. The guy gives you plenty off Offense from the C position so he really must suck on the defensive end of things. I would imagine that the FO figures that any 3 of the prospect we have on the farm will be upgrades over Salty from the defensive end of things. It's a long long grueling season so you have to take care of your pitchers ... the FO must know that the pitchers are not so keen on Salty.

[Hoplite]

Carp and Brentz are far from top tier prospects. If we could get Hanigan for less, great. But he's arguably the second best defensive catcher in baseball and his offense is average for a catcher. He had a .216 BABIP last year and was dealing with an injury. His strong plate approach makes him a pretty safe bet to bounce back. Plus, he hits really well in high leverage situations, unlike Salty. We're hardly the only team interested in him, it may take more than Sean Coyle.

 

I was more interested in Cain for his tremendous defense. Stolen bases are overrated. But the backup outfielder in this scenario would be pretty interchangeable, as long as they have an option year remaining. I think Bradley will do just fine.

[marklmw]

I gotta' believe the Sox would try to get some experience somewhere in there as that is just too much inexperience up the middle to be believable. Having guys get experience in 2014 would bode well for 2015 but would make it pretty tough on the 2014 season. Maybe it will end up being a concession they are willing to make. As it is it looks like the Sox are trying to use LF to get some additional pop in the lineup. That would still leave them trying to do something to supplement all that youth up the middle.

 

We had seasons with Lugo playing short. Relax ... I agree that by looking forward to 2015 - 2020 makes much more sense. Keep developing our youngsters, draft well, re-sign Naps, re-sign Lester, etc.

Edited November 25, 2013 by marklmw

[Hoplite]

If we're going to sign an all-offense catcher, why wouldn't we sign George Kottaras for 1/20th of the price? He's hit better than Salty the last three years and projects to hit better than Salty next year. It just goes to show you how overrated Salty is that a backup catcher who just got DFA'd hits better than him.

[Spitball]

That's all fine and good but I doubt it will take a top tier prospect to land him. Certainly not Nava, Carp, Brentz, etc.

 

I agree, but with McCann signed and Salty likely to sign a three year $30,000,000 contract, Hanigan's value is growing. I believe the Sox need to move quickly with an offer. Honestly, Cincinnati must absolutely move either Hanigan or Mesoraco at this point. Mesoraco is the former number one pick, has the higher upside offensively, and is cheaper. Hanigan must go. The question is how much will teams be willing to pay for a superior defensive catcher with decent on base skills.

 

Imo, he will not require a very top prospect, but he might command a Brentz if teams become desperate for a superior defensive catcher with very good OBP skills. He is a better option than A.J. Pierzynski who has a piss poor OBP.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Come on Man ... you cannot call Hanigan or Lavarnway rookies any longer. I don't think you can even refer to Bogaerts as a rookie ... the dude just crushed it on the biggest stage there is. JBJ got a taste of the bigs and he did not seem over matched at the plate and he looked fine in the field. We have a very experienced pitching staff and no one could be worse than Salty as a receiver... I mean if the guy cannot properly frame a pitch by now when will he? Think 2015 and everything will be alright.

 

I never called Hanigan a rookie. I called butler/Lav, Bogaerts, and JBJ rookies. And they all are.

 

Hanigan would help alleviate the reliance on the rookies.

[marklmw]

If we're going to sign an all-offense catcher, why wouldn't we sign George Kottaras for 1/20th of the price? He's hit better than Salty the last three years and projects to hit better than Salty next year. It just goes to show you how overrated Salty is that a backup catcher who just got DFA'd hits better than him.

 

The point is that the FO does not want an offensive catcher ... they want a top defensive catcher. But you are correct ... Kottaras would make more sense for the money.

[jung]

Maybe Hanigan is the "something" the Sox will do to get some experience out there every day between him and Ross. Catcher would be a perfect spot for the Sox to do that. Makes sense as I really think they would like to go with XB and JBJ at SS and CF at least for a goodly number of 2014 games. XB at SS, JBJ in CF and Lavarnway behind the plate does nothing for me. Lavarnway still does not know what he is doing back there.

[marklmw]

I never called Hanigan a rookie. I called butler/Lav, Bogaerts, and JBJ rookies. And they all are.

 

Hanigan would help alleviate the reliance on the rookies.

 

Lavarnway is no longer a rookie and neither is Bogaerts for that matter. Bogaerts excelled in some very high pressure situations throughout the playoffs. Why would you think of him as a rookie? Yes ... he is a rookie in name only as he is the odds on favorite to win 2014 Rookie of Year.

[marklmw]

People ... Look at what Butler has done at AAA ... It is close to now or never for him.

[marklmw]

Who is watching the Pat's game?

[SoxFanForsyth]

Lavarnway is no longer a rookie and neither is Bogaerts for that matter. Bogaerts excelled in some very high pressure situations throughout the playoffs. Why would you think of him as a rookie? Yes ... he is a rookie in name only as he is the odds on favorite to win 2014 Rookie of Year.

 

He has never gone through the grind of a 162 game MLB season. He has never had the MLB pitchers have consistent looks at him and figured out holes in his swing. He has never gone through a stretch where he had to dig himself out, and all the while that he isn't, he's facing either a demotion or he's letting down 35k fans a night.

 

Excelling in a few games in the post season certainly helps. But let's not overvalue those. I'm 100% sure Bogaerts should be your 2014 starting SS, but to suggest that he won't have some rookie lumps to swallow, especially defensively, is silly. And that goes for all 4 of those guys in various ways.