2014 Roster Projections

[Youk Of The Nation]

Wait, there is a millionaire here? Mark, can I borrow 20 grand? I'll pay you back sometime after the rapture.

[Hitch]

Our new friend Hitch may have had some trouble reading between the lines Ted. While the Yankees have re-armed themselves, sans losing Cano, a big loss) we have been running in place. Two relievers and a catcher---a catcher who may be no better than the one we lost and one reliever who has good records and one who didn't do all that much in a one-horse tension free environment. We have not signed one important player for our lineup

 

Well, all I really said is that people were concentrating too much on what the Yankees were doing, and that there was no need for panic because the Red Sox were not far away from fitting all the peices together for next year either(for far less money/risk and with a better long term plan in place).

 

For all your hysterics about the Yankees and how everyone has taken their eye off them, and how they will punish the Sox...it would seem you agree with my above point?

 

 

 

True, I was over the top with my droning on and on about resigning him but first base is where we needed to get settled. And you are spot on about our young players.....we need to give Bradley, Bogey and Will full shots at playing for us and you know what? I think if we are patient we will get good performances out of them. I just hope Ben now realizes what you and I do.....that we don't have to make a big splash and expend a ton of money or prospects to land a big fish. I really think if we could get another real solid starting pitcher that would be fine but aside from a utility infielder and an outfielder who could spell Jackie IF and only if he struggles, we are good to go. Let the other teams in our division scramble. Good way to end the evening.

 

 

 

On a side note, The Yankees really love to pay big money to players on the back 9 of their careers, do they not?

[BSN07]

Dave Stewart, Matt Kemp's agent, has a "strong feeling something could happen" involving his client at the Winter Meetings, the former pitcher tells ESPN Boston's Gordon Edes. "This is the first time we've experienced this," Stewart said. "This is the first time we've heard it this much, and the first time we really believe something could happen." The Dodgers have been listening to offers for Kemp

 

This is the one "wow" move I can see them doing this off season. Not sure if they pull the trigger and it will all come down to price for me. But it's interesting concept.

[SoxFanForsyth]

This is the one "wow" move I can see them doing this off season. Not sure if they pull the trigger and it will all come down to price for me. But it's interesting concept.

 

Yup. I'm beginning to believe they make this move so much that I won't be surprised at all if or when it happens.

 

Agree, depends on the price. If they can get him and not give up anything more than Middlebrooks and potentially Workman, but get him for 6/90, I'm all for it. Although I love Workman. Hopefully Ben can work something out better than that

[Hitch]

I think if Drew comes back, Middlbrookes is going to get traded.

 

Not sure I like that idea, but I think it will happen.

[SoxFanForsyth]

I think if Drew comes back, Middlbrookes is going to get traded.

 

Not sure I like that idea, but I think it will happen.

 

If the Sox do indeed trade for Kemp, I think it will be after they sign Drew and then feel comfortable adding Middlebrooks to a deal

[Palodios]

It seems like the Red Sox have pretty much hit the wall with their budget. Current estimates say they are at 187 million under the 189 mark. Even if they trade a pitcher like Dempster and get Kemp, I seriously doubt the Red Sox outbid the Yankees for Drew. The Yanks have essentially rendered the qualifying offer system meaningless (down to a 4th round draft pick), they're spending like drunken sailors, and they have no great options at 2B/3B or SS.

[Bellhorn04]

Napoli was a good re-sign, especially for 2 yrs. I am shocked nobody went harder. That being said, that 3 yr $39 mil deal a year ago looks better and better, lol. Now, they have to shell out $45 mil for the same time span

 

True, they pay 6 million more, but if Napoli's hip condition had become the worst-case scenario last year the deal would have saved 34 million.

[Palodios]

True, they pay 6 million more, but if Napoli's hip condition had become the worst-case scenario last year the deal would have saved 34 million.

 

That's the difference between the Red Sox and the Yankees. The Red Sox try not to have blind faith in their players -- they would rather let guys go year-to-year and pay them higher rates than get stuck with them in later years. Ortiz is the perfect example.

[mvp 78]

Per Alex Speier: "A team source recently acknowledged that, while the team’s strong preference is to remain under it for the coming season (the first in which teams have the possibility of a revenue sharing rebate, which is diminished by exceeding the luxury tax threshold), the incentive is not quite as powerful for the coming year as was anticipated."

[marklmw]

If the Sox do indeed trade for Kemp, I think it will be after they sign Drew and then feel comfortable adding Middlebrooks to a deal

What type of deal do you see for Drew?

[dupree]

What type of deal do you see for Drew?

I think and hope he doesnt come back to Boston. If Drew comes back it will be too much of a log jam. The Yankees will probably sign him too.

 

But as i said in an earlier post. What if the FO does bring Drew back and moves Boggy to 3rd and WMB to LF. I would rather have WMB at 3rd, Boggy at SS, let Drew walk, and make a trade for an impact bat to go in the OF.

[a700hitter]

That's the difference between the Red Sox and the Yankees. The Red Sox try not to have blind faith in their players -- they would rather let guys go year-to-year and pay them higher rates than get stuck with them in later years. Ortiz is the perfect example.

This is true. It prevents being saddled with bad long term deals. In Ortiz's case, the short term deals have resulted in him being paid quite a bit more than he would have gotten 3 or 4 year deal after the 2011 season. The trade off is the security.

[a700hitter]

As for Kemp, I know that the guy is a great talent when healthy. I don't know about his attitude. Is he a prima dona or a head case. We learned after 2012 that bad chemistry can overcome talent.

[redsoxfan3]

I would not mind signing Rajai Davis to platoon with Bradley in CF. He has a career .294 BA, .354 OBP, and .779 OPS against lefties. Not to mention he stole 45 bases last year in 108 games. His speed will make up for some of the speed that we will be losing from Ellsbury. It doesn't look like a bad move if the price is right. How is Rajai's defense in CF? That is the only thing I am not too sure of. He posted a 0.3 dWAR last year, but only played 16 games in CF.

 

Kemp would be a good option if we do not have to trade Peavy. We would also have to consider how much salary the Dodgers would eat. He still has 6 years and $128 million left on the table.

 

We also need a LHH that can play 3B and SS. I don't know who the options are. Obviously Stephen Drew is a LHH, but is his price too high? I don't know many options beyond him that can play the left side of the infield and that hit LH. I briefly glanced at the FA options and it did not look too promising. I am sure a trade would be a better option for a LHH SS and 3B, unless I overlooked a FA.

 

Brock Holt is a LHH and can play 2B and 3B, but he has never played SS in the majors. That is an interesting in-house option, but you'd think that we would want someone capable of playing SS.

 

I doubt the Mariners would be interested in parting with Brad Miller or Kyle Seager, who are both LHH. Seager posted back-to-back 20 home run years and is only 26. Miller is only 24, but he would be interesting to think about as well. Both have experience at 3B and SS in the majors. Miller has only played 3 games in the majors at 3B and Seager has only played 10 games at SS in the majors in 2011, but I think it would be an interesting situation if we could try to trade for one.

[Dojji]

I see no particular reason Holt can't back up at SS, my issue is will he hit enough not to be a liability taking games at third.

 

My preference would be either to re-sign Drew, or go for a short term deal for Omar Infante.

[a700hitter]

I see no particular reason Holt can't back up at SS, my issue is will he hit enough not to be a liability taking games at third.

 

My preference would be either to re-sign Drew, or go for a short term deal for Omar Infante.

He's not a good glove guy for backing up at SS.

[User Name]

Infante doesn't make sense for the Sox.

[Jaddy]

I thought I had heard we were looking into furcal but I think he signed with Miami yesterday... Too bad that would have been an okay option.

[redsoxfan3]

The problem with Infante is the he bats RH. We need a LHH.

[Behindenemylines]

I see no particular reason Holt can't back up at SS, my issue is will he hit enough not to be a liability taking games at third.

 

My preference would be either to re-sign Drew, or go for a short term deal for Omar Infante.

 

I've heard the $panks will probably go hard after Infante because their BEST player took his bat and gloves and went to Seattle.

[seabeachfred]

As for Kemp, I know that the guy is a great talent when healthy. I don't know about his attitude. Is he a prima dona or a head case. We learned after 2012 that bad chemistry can overcome talent.

 

I've seen on the tube more times than I want to admit and here goes. At his best and in the best frame of mind he is a terrific talent. He hits, hits with power, runs, fields well and can throw. He is a five tooler. HOWEVER, the last two seasons he has been very injury prone and I don't just mean in one part of his body. He seems to be falling apart all over, hamstrings always tight and ready to blow, a very slow healing ankle that I think might actually be the start of an arthritic condition and all sorts of shoulder ailments. The last two seasons he'd be worth a Dempster and a mid level prospect but not a WMB or a Bogey or a Cecchini or a Renaudo or an Owens. I wouldn't call him a head case but does have his moods and when not performing well he has a tendency to loaf. That's how he hurt his still aching ankle this summer---loafing on a ground ball while running from third base, thinking the infielder was going to first and instead threw home. Kemp turned on the burners too late and slid awkwardly at home and injured himself. He had loafed like this before.

 

We'd be taking a real chance trading for him. We might get a superstar revised and renewed or we may get someone who might remind of us of a Carl Crawford, and the Dodgers are talking about some of our regulars or our top prospects, ABSOLUTELY NO!!!!! I have said since last night we don't have to make a big splash and we certainly don't have to empty the bank on Kemp or any other big named honcho with a strangling contract.

[Spitball]

I've heard the $panks will probably go hard after Infante because their BEST player took his bat and gloves and went to Seattle.

 

I can see the Yankees trading for Brandon Phillips. The Reds want to trade his bad contract and need a center fielder. Gardner would be a decent stopgap while Billy Hamilton develops on-base skills at AAA. The Yankee outfield is now crowded with Soriano, Ellsbury, Beltran, Ichiro, and Gardner.

Edited December 8, 2013 by Spitball

[marklmw]

I've seen on the tube more times than I want to admit and here goes. At his best and in the best frame of mind he is a terrific talent. He hits, hits with power, runs, fields well and can throw. He is a five tooler. HOWEVER, the last two seasons he has been very injury prone and I don't just mean in one part of his body. He seems to be falling apart all over, hamstrings always tight and ready to blow, a very slow healing ankle that I think might actually be the start of an arthritic condition and all sorts of shoulder ailments. The last two seasons he'd be worth a Dempster and a mid level prospect but not a WMB or a Bogey or a Cecchini or a Renaudo or an Owens. I wouldn't call him a head case but does have his moods and when not performing well he has a tendency to loaf. That's how he hurt his still aching ankle this summer---loafing on a ground ball while running from third base, thinking the infielder was going to first and instead threw home. Kemp turned on the burners too late and slid awkwardly at home and injured himself. He had loafed like this before.

 

We'd be taking a real chance trading for him. We might get a superstar revised and renewed or we may get someone who might remind of us of a Carl Crawford, and the Dodgers are talking about some of our regulars or our top prospects, ABSOLUTELY NO!!!!! I have said since last night we don't have to make a big splash and we certainly don't have to empty the bank on Kemp or any other big named honcho with a strangling contract.

 

I believe that James has cred with the ownership team ... if his projections for JBJ, WMB, Pedey, Bogaerts, Papi, Vic, Nap's are collectively even 90% accurate then we really do not have a need to overspend on Kemp or Drew. Adding either Kemp or Drew or both would add great depth to our roster and improve our chances to win the AL East. Obviously we will not have the spots available in the next 2-4 years for all of our top 20 prospects so using them as capital to acquire Kemp would probably be worth considering. Of course we can put our top 5 on a do not trade list and hope that those players are not on the Dodgers request list.

Edited December 8, 2013 by marklmw

[SeanJohn93]

I do not get the sudden love affair for Drew in the offseason. Less than 2 months ago, everybody wanted him out of town because of his horrendous slump at the plate in the playoffs. I understand Drew is a terrific fielder but the fact of the matter is the Red Sox are better off without him. WMB is poised to have a breakout year and Bogaerts will be a star. Why sign Drew and take away at bats to either WMB or Bogaerts when they can put off much better offensive numbers than Drew. I know Bogaerts made a few mistakes in the field but you have to remember the kid is only 20 years old. He will be a better fielder this year with a full spring training and year with the big club. Do not make the mistake of signing Drew.

[Orange Juiced]

I wonder if Eric Chavez is a possible backup IF. Lefty bat, last two seasons has a combined ops of .829, and an ops+ of 123. I don't think he can play SS though, but otherwise, might be a nice fit to spell Middlebrooks and/or Bogaerts.

 

That said, I'm not even sure he's available.

[BornToRun]

I wonder if Eric Chavez is a possible backup IF. Lefty bat, last two seasons has a combined ops of .829, and an ops+ of 123. I don't think he can play SS though, but otherwise, might be a nice fit to spell Middlebrooks and/or Bogaerts.

 

That said, I'm not even sure he's available.

 

Good hitter but not the versatile type that we need. At his age with his injury history, i don't think he could cover any positions other than 1st and 3rd.

[seabeachfred]

I do not get the sudden love affair for Drew in the offseason. Less than 2 months ago, everybody wanted him out of town because of his horrendous slump at the plate in the playoffs. I understand Drew is a terrific fielder but the fact of the matter is the Red Sox are better off without him. WMB is poised to have a breakout year and Bogaerts will be a star. Why sign Drew and take away at bats to either WMB or Bogaerts when they can put off much better offensive numbers than Drew. I know Bogaerts made a few mistakes in the field but you have to remember the kid is only 20 years old. He will be a better fielder this year with a full spring training and year with the big club. Do not make the mistake of signing Drew.

 

Why sign Drew you ask? The answer is WE DON'T SIGN HIM. Look, we have to give WMB and Bogey a chance to develop and it is high time we start putting some of our young players into the starting lineup. We got away from that after 2007 and it was more and more "they need some extra damn seasoning". That's how Kalish got hurt at Pawtucket in 2010 when he should have been in Boston and not JD Drew and his $15 million contract, which was the only reason he was here. Now is the time to give our kids a chance to show what they can do. If we could sign Drew and keep both WMB and Bogey in the lineup, then fine, but we can't. So Drew goes somewhere else---which is where he is going anyway. He's a Boras client and he has not more loyalty to Boston than Ellsbury had. To the Drews it is always about the money.

[SoxSport]

Why sign Drew you ask? The answer is WE DON'T SIGN HIM. Look, we have to give WMB and Bogey a chance to develop and it is high time we start putting some of our young players into the starting lineup. We got away from that after 2007 and it was more and more "they need some extra damn seasoning". That's how Kalish got hurt at Pawtucket in 2010 when he should have been in Boston and not JD Drew and his $15 million contract, which was the only reason he was here. Now is the time to give our kids a chance to show what they can do. If we could sign Drew and keep both WMB and Bogey in the lineup, then fine, but we can't. So Drew goes somewhere else---which is where he is going anyway. He's a Boras client and he has not more loyalty to Boston than Ellsbury had. To the Drews it is always about the money.

 

That's the way I read it. Screw Boras. Let him get the Yankees to overpay for Drew.

 

Cherington & company are sticking to a script. It says no draft pick compensation, short term signings, targeted needs. Exact opposite of the Yankees. LOL. Mujica, Bodenhop (or whatever his name is), and Napoli are targeted needs which didn't cost them a draft pick. They have kept the core chemistry together signing Nap (Ells was never part of that, as a Boras client), and Mujica --legitimate closer/setup insurance. They have improved their pitching depth.

 

Now Ben & Company are going to the meetings feeling pretty good about themselves and the Sox. They should. What might they do? Well, they need somebody defensive at SS to back up X. They also need somebody defensive to play RF in case Vic has to play CF or his back kicks out. Somebody mentioned Raj Davis--but he might be pricey and cost a draft pick? That doesn't go with their script. Possible they might deal with the Dodgers for Kemp or Ethier. But Kemp is an expensive risk. Ethier will cost less, but maybe push Bradley out of the picture too soon.Plus the Dodgers will want good players or prospects. The answer is probably a deal or deals for role players. Defensive guys at SS and RF.

 

I'd be surprised if they go after any FAs requiring compensation. Plus they're close to the cap, and won't spend much--unless they trade salary. That's where Dempster and Peavy come in. Maybe they can swap one of those guys for a Dodger outfielder or some other role players.

Edited December 8, 2013 by SoxSport

[dupree]

As bad as i hate to say it, i think Brock Holt will be used as the Utility Infielder next year. He can play 3rd and 2B, Boggey can play 3rd and SS, Peedy can play 2B and SS, WMB 3B, 2B, and 1B, and Nava and Carp can back up at 1B, which i still think Carp is the odd man out in Boston. So that being said they have a fairly cheap infield with great versatility so I think Brock Holt is on the 25man roster next year come opening day.

 

The Winter Meetings will be interesting because as Ben has stated all the heavy lifting is done and now they can sit back and look at options to add to the roster as a luxury instead of looking at players as an option of need. Davis is an intersting name because of his speed but i think Ben only goes that route if the trade market for a big bat is too pricey. I like where we are at now and would be happy if opening day were tomorrow but id be even more excited if Matt Kemp were in the lineup hitting 3rd as I think most of here would too. In Ben We Trust.