2014 Roster Projections

[VA Sox Fan]

Have the Sox really displayed cold feet with regard to handing the starting jobs to WMB and XB? I don't think there is any evidence of this Fred. I appreciate your interest and passion for the game and I respect your opinions. But here, I believe that you are reading to much into what is happening in this matter.

 

I suspect that Sizemore was signed for depth and is just a low cost, low risk signing to provide further depth in the outfield. Depth is good, would you agree? If The Sox really were concerned about JBJ's likelihood of success as the chosen starter in CF this year, would it not have been a better idea to go out and sign someone who had already demonstrated the ability to play competently everyday NOW?

 

I know you are almost totally against re-signing Drew. And honestly, I don't believe that they will. However, they won a championship with Drew as the starting SS for the bulk of the year. He is proven. XB is supposed to be a "sure bet". But what if boy wonder comes up short ( no pun intended ) and struggles with a full time diet of MLB pitching? Who plays short then?

 

Again, I doubt that Drew returns. But if he does, I believe the Sox are a better team. And both WMB and XB will get their shots.

 

 

Excellent post!!

[Bellhorn04]

Spudboy's posts are always worth reading.

[rjortiz]

I know you are almost totally against re-signing Drew. And honestly, I don't believe that they will. However, they won a championship with Drew as the starting SS for the bulk of the year. He is proven. XB is supposed to be a "sure bet". But what if boy wonder comes up short ( no pun intended ) and struggles with a full time diet of MLB pitching? Who plays short then?

 

Again, I doubt that Drew returns. But if he does, I believe the Sox are a better team. And both WMB and XB will get their shots.

 

Explain how this will work, and will satisfy Drew to get him to sign for $5 million less than the QO. He's not going to sign with the Red Sox to be in a three man rotation between SS and 3B.

[Palodios]

Ortiz's contract situation is getting so much press right now. I've given Ortiz the benefit of the doubt before, but he's 38 years old. Time to grow up, look at the extremely low number of players who perform into their 40s, and come to the understanding that his fate is to retire a Red Sox.

[mvp 78]

Ortiz's contract situation is getting so much press right now. I've given Ortiz the benefit of the doubt before, but he's 38 years old. Time to grow up, look at the extremely low number of players who perform into their 40s, and come to the understanding that his fate is to retire a Red Sox.

 

I think this is just one thing you have to deal with having him on your team. I'm sure ownership isn't worried about it. As long as he performs, he'll get paid here.

[Palodios]

I think this is just one thing you have to deal with having him on your team. I'm sure ownership isn't worried about it. As long as he performs, he'll get paid here.

 

How often do you have a franchise player that other teams have completely avoided during free agency, and only earned one year contracts from his own team? The only time that usually happens is when the free agent has no serious interest in signing elsewhere -- which I would imagine is the case here -- but it has been going on for five or six years at this point.

[mvp 78]

And it will continue to go on until he retires. It's just part of the deal of having him around.

[SoxSport]

This could be a deficiency of the new sabre metrics type thinking which takes away from gut reactions. Everybody has days where things go as smooth as butter and others, not so much. I think its good practice to be in tune to the moment and not look at pie charts etc. for answers.

 

The thinking with some major pitchers is it isn't the total pitch count, it's the tough innings that make a difference. Some low pitch count games can be tougher than some higher pitch count games. Halladay was the first I heard say that. Others have picked up on that recently.

[seabeachfred]

How often do you have a franchise player that other teams have completely avoided during free agency, and only earned one year contracts from his own team? The only time that usually happens is when the free agent has no serious interest in signing elsewhere -- which I would imagine is the case here -- but it has been going on for five or six years at this point.

 

In Ortiz's case I will cut him a little slack Pal. I hate it when players start bellyaching about contracts or being disrespected but Big Papi has become an icon for the Red Sox and I really think he's a big exception to my rule. We have won three World Series with the big guy leading the team and I don't think he has ever been the highest paid player on the team. Let him pop off but don't let him get away. We can give him another year this ST and tell him there will be no further talk of contracts until the 2015 season is over. He most likely will go along with it if presented right. I made the mistake of dissing him badly in 2009 when he couldn't seem to by a hit for two months and personally disrespected what he had done. I can't do that anymore. He has earned my undying affection and respect.

 

Now that I have finished droning on my friend, are you climbing the walls as badly as I am thirsting for some baseball? I've watched the first half of the Super Bowl and all I can think about is the Red Sox. Crazy, isn't it?

[mvp 78]

In Ortiz's case I will cut him a little slack Pal. I hate it when players start bellyaching about contracts or being disrespected but Big Papi has become an icon for the Red Sox and I really think he's a big exception to my rule. We have won three World Series with the big guy leading the team and I don't think he has ever been the highest paid player on the team. Let him pop off but don't let him get away. We can give him another year this ST and tell him there will be no further talk of contracts until the 2015 season is over. He most likely will go along with it if presented right. I made the mistake of dissing him badly in 2009 when he couldn't seem to by a hit for two months and personally disrespected what he had done. I can't do that anymore. He has earned my undying affection and respect.

 

Now that I have finished droning on my friend, are you climbing the walls as badly as I am thirsting for some baseball? I've watched the first half of the Super Bowl and all I can think about is the Red Sox. Crazy, isn't it?

Fred, I said the same thing about Papi a few years ago. Whenever he gets a big hit, my wife is quick to remind me that I though he was washed up.

[SoxSport]

In Ortiz's case I will cut him a little slack Pal. I hate it when players start bellyaching about contracts or being disrespected but Big Papi has become an icon for the Red Sox and I really think he's a big exception to my rule. We have won three World Series with the big guy leading the team and I don't think he has ever been the highest paid player on the team. Let him pop off but don't let him get away. We can give him another year this ST and tell him there will be no further talk of contracts until the 2015 season is over. He most likely will go along with it if presented right. I made the mistake of dissing him badly in 2009 when he couldn't seem to by a hit for two months and personally disrespected what he had done. I can't do that anymore. He has earned my undying affection and respect.

 

Now that I have finished droning on my friend, are you climbing the walls as badly as I am thirsting for some baseball? I've watched the first half of the Super Bowl and all I can think about is the Red Sox. Crazy, isn't it?

 

Papi has had a ton of big hits for the Red Sox in the playoffs over the years. Walk offs galore. He spoils it some with his lack of humility. But you can't take his contributions away.

 

He puts the Red Sox in a tough position, asking for more. Especially at this time. They can't really say no, coming off a championship. Chances are they'll extend him another year, but he's a big risk. Age, injuries, and a possible retreat to his form of a few years ago, when everybody thought he was in decline.

 

My guess is he has a very good trainer who is keeping him well-stocked with the fountain of youth. Whatever that means. It's a question of how long he can go on and whether he can maintain his motivation.

 

You got to feel a bit sorry for Peyton. Getting anointed by the media is always the kiss of death.

[seabeachfred]

Fred, I said the same thing about Papi a few years ago. Whenever he gets a big hit, my wife is quick to remind me that I though he was washed up.

 

Amazing how the wives keep us in line mvp. My Linda is just like your wife; she constantly tells me never ever to say anything negative about Big Papi. You may have had your reasons for getting on him back then but from my vantage point I was very ungrateful and willing to see him cut adrift. I like to think I am a fair person but I slide out of that from time to time and with David I was miserable and nasty. I wish they give him that extra year this Spring and tell him they will have to wait until after the 2015 season when he's ready to turn 40 to see if he has anything left that would warrant a new contract. I really want him to end his career with the Red Sox and have to believe that is the way he feels about it too.

[seabeachfred]

Papi has had a ton of big hits for the Red Sox in the playoffs over the years. Walk offs galore. He spoils it some with his lack of humility. But you can't take his contributions away.

 

He puts the Red Sox in a tough position, asking for more. Especially at this time. They can't really say no, coming off a championship. Chances are they'll extend him another year, but he's a big risk. Age, injuries, and a possible retreat to his form of a few years ago, when everybody thought he was in decline.

 

My guess is he has a very good trainer who is keeping him well-stocked with the fountain of youth. Whatever that means. It's a question of how long he can go on and whether he can maintain his motivation.

 

You got to feel a bit sorry for Peyton. Getting anointed by the media is always the kiss of death.

 

I was rooting for Peyton but not my wife. For some unfathomable reason she just dislikes him and his brother Eli. As for the game, give the Seahawks credit. Their defense was other wordly. Bronco runners and receivers were getting hammered on every run and pass play and Manning was forced to rush his passes practically all game.

 

Now like most people here I am ready for some baseball. I'm climbing walls waiting for Truck Day and the morning when pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers. In fact, I will probably go from my home in California to Arizona to see a few Cactus League games in March---the Cubs, Padres, Guardians and perhaps the Rangers. No Dodgers or Angels though.

[rjortiz]

I'd make him go year to year. How many teams are going to be offering him a long-term contract? He can't play the field, and he's old.

[Palodios]

In Ortiz's case I will cut him a little slack Pal. I hate it when players start bellyaching about contracts or being disrespected but Big Papi has become an icon for the Red Sox and I really think he's a big exception to my rule. We have won three World Series with the big guy leading the team and I don't think he has ever been the highest paid player on the team. Let him pop off but don't let him get away. We can give him another year this ST and tell him there will be no further talk of contracts until the 2015 season is over. He most likely will go along with it if presented right. I made the mistake of dissing him badly in 2009 when he couldn't seem to by a hit for two months and personally disrespected what he had done. I can't do that anymore. He has earned my undying affection and respect.

 

Now that I have finished droning on my friend, are you climbing the walls as badly as I am thirsting for some baseball? I've watched the first half of the Super Bowl and all I can think about is the Red Sox. Crazy, isn't it?

 

By all means, I learned my lesson in 2008-2009. I just find it obnoxious that he knows he'll keep being a Red Sox, and he knows that the team will pay him, and still we get this every year.

 

But yes, we're running into that awkward period between football and baseball where life slows down to a crawl. Fortunately I enjoy the Olympics quite a bit, so that will keep me entertained.

[SoxSport]

I'd make him go year to year. How many teams are going to be offering him a long-term contract? He can't play the field, and he's old.

 

Well, he always can go to the old folks home in NY. Not sure they want that.

[a700hitter]

By all means, I learned my lesson in 2008-2009. I just find it obnoxious that he knows he'll keep being a Red Sox, and he knows that the team will pay him, and still we get this every year.

 

But yes, we're running into that awkward period between football and baseball where life slows down to a crawl. Fortunately I enjoy the Olympics quite a bit, so that will keep me entertained.

It's a business, and every year they will do this silly dance, because he is on one year or 2 year contracts.

[Bellhorn04]

According to MLBTR (Jim Bowden) the Red Sox have made a 2 year offer to Drew.

[jacksonianmarch]

That makes no sense at all, IMO. You either ride with the kids or deal them. WMB may fail miserably this yr, but you can only hurt his worth if he is a situational player. Maybe Miami is willing to offer something serious in return for WMB

[dupree]

According to MLBTR (Jim Bowden) the Red Sox have made a 2 year offer to Drew.

But the timing of when the Red Sox made that offer is unknown.

 

That offer was probably made before the qualifying offer was made. Now the Sox are in the drivers seat with Drew refusing the QO and teams not wanting to give up a draft pick for him. I just wished he would sign somewhere so all the talk about him will stop. If he comes back fine, they will have a nice trade piece at the deadline if he stays healthy in the 1st half of the season. Him, X, and WMB will get enough at bats. But I hope the youngn's beat Drew out for the majority of the playing time and that he can stay off the DL so he will be a nice trade piece at some point in time.

[Palodios]

That makes no sense at all, IMO. You either ride with the kids or deal them. WMB may fail miserably this yr, but you can only hurt his worth if he is a situational player. Maybe Miami is willing to offer something serious in return for WMB

 

What could the Red Sox want from them that isn't Stanton? They have little to no major league vets, and their controlled / minor league players are probably part of their long term plan too.

[BSN07]

What could the Red Sox want from them that isn't Stanton? They have little to no major league vets, and their controlled / minor league players are probably part of their long term plan too.

 

Maybe it is Stanton? Unlikely but maybe. Maybe the Marlins really like WMB. If that's the case they could throw in Carp and 1-2 SP prospects and Miami might bite.

 

Other then that I agree I can't think of anyone they have that you'd give up on WMB potential?

[sk7326]

According to MLBTR (Jim Bowden) the Red Sox have made a 2 year offer to Drew.

 

This changes very little with Bogaerts or 2014 playing time. The thing is - if you are going to sign Drew, then getting him for 2 years is a must. Signing him for one year gets rid of the trade asset - and I suspect his market would be much larger via trade then via FA with a draft pick tied to him (I think he is more valuable with a reasonable salary and 1 year of control than as a pending FA). This why the Mets not signing him has surprised me - their pick is protected, and getting him for a 2-year hitch makes him a very useful trade chip later on.

[rjortiz]

Maybe it is Stanton? Unlikely but maybe. Maybe the Marlins really like WMB. If that's the case they could throw in Carp and 1-2 SP prospects and Miami might bite.

 

Other then that I agree I can't think of anyone they have that you'd give up on WMB potential?

 

Why do you want to trade for a reliever who retired in 2009?

[rjortiz]

According to MLBTR (Jim Bowden) the Red Sox have made a 2 year offer to Drew.

 

To be the utility infielder.

[Dojji]

To be the utility infielder.

 

lol

[rjortiz]

lol

 

It was reported late Tuesday that the Red Sox made a two-year offer to Drew (Bowden, Feb. 3). However, according to Gammons, Boston is asking Drew to essentially be a utility infielder, playing shortstop, third and second base.

 

http://metsblog.com/mets-rumors/stephen-drew/stephen-drew-rumors-red-sox-make-a-two-year-offer/

[sk7326]

I think Gammons is right here - Mets for 2 years is the likely answer. Makes sense for everybody, and there is a lot of posturing going around right now.

[Palodios]

Losing your starting spot hurts... but Drew would be going to a losing team in the mets that will inevitably use him as trade bait. I'm surprised he didn't accept the 2 year deal considering how unusual it would be for the whole infield to stay healthy.

[rjortiz]

I think Gammons is right here - Mets for 2 years is the likely answer. Makes sense for everybody, and there is a lot of posturing going around right now.

 

Mets might value the pick more than Drew. They would also have to give up some of their draft pool money.