2014 Roster Projections

[sk7326]

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

 

First round pick is protected. Price is a third rounder - which is not nothing, but they could probably spin him for more at the deadline than the expected value of a third.

[sk7326]

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.

 

The trade bait thing is one thing, but he is clearly a grown up about that. The trade market is much larger than the FA one - and there is a better chance to go to a contender later in the season. Mets don't have to pay the same draft pick price other teams do ... they brought in Granderson, so there is some use in a veteran holding a spot. Just collecting assets If he gets 2 years, then he and the Sox got exactly what they wanted from their marriage last year.

[seabeachfred]

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

 

It makes even less sense than no sense Jacko, if that is even possible. You DO ride with the kids or why develop them and boast and brag about how good your farm system is if you're going to bring in the likes of Grady Sizemore and then drag back Stephen Drew into the equation? Middlebrooks's development will take a big hit if he is platooned or used as a situational player. Drew can't hit lefthanders, he strikes out way too often for a guy with only so-so power, he is 31 and maybe heading on the downside of his career while WMB has a very high potential ceiling. He has a tough sophomore season and right away everyone is ready to dump him. For the record Drew is also a strikeout machine, does not have good speed and his power doesn't come close to Middlebrooks. This is going to be a very stupid move on our part if we do this. I hope we don't.

[Bellhorn04]

Way to read all the posts again, Fred! (You obviously missed the one about the Sox wanting Drew to be a utility infielder.)

[seabeachfred]

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.

 

If he comes back Dupree it will not be fine in my opinion. Last December Farrell said that if he got Drew back he would play him at SS and would NOT platoon him. That means every time we face a lefty we have at least one deadbeat in the lineup. And trading him perhaps in mid-season? That only means Middlebrooks' development is hindered and who is to say that his confidence has not evaporated by that time. You don't mess around with your young players like that. I'm becoming more convinced than ever that the Red Sox are getting a bad case of cold feet over their youngsters. You bring in Sizemore and threaten Bradley, you bring back Drew and threaten Will. If you don't have confidence in your young players just go the Yankees way. Stop talking one thing and doing another. For the Red Sox to move on to better days it is a necessity that Bradley and Middlebrooks are in the lineup this season until if and when they can show they cannot do the job. IMHO they can. Let the kids play!!!!!!!

[seabeachfred]

Way to read all the posts again, Fred! (You obviously missed the one about the Sox wanting Drew to be a utility infielder.)

 

******** Bellhorn!!!!! You apparently forgot what Farrell said last December so I will remind your very cloudy memory. To wit---If we get Drew back he will be our shortstop and I have no intention to platoon him at all. That's what he said and that's what I think will happen. Way to go with your crappy memory Bell. And I think that's exactly what will happen and we will lose a good young player because the team got cold feet with WMB just as they might have with Bradley. Stop patching patching and patching.!!!!!!!! Get those kids in there and let them develop. This is the perfect season to do that.

[rjortiz]

First round pick is protected. Price is a third rounder - which is not nothing, but they could probably spin him for more at the deadline than the expected value of a third.

 

Forgot about Granderson.

[rjortiz]

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.

 

I'm guessing because the QO was worth more than the two year contract he was offered. He'd be probably play more than a typical utility infielder, but how much can you really offer to someone that might top out at 350 PA's? 2/10?

Edited February 4, 2014 by rjortiz

[mvp 78]

Fred, be nice to your dogs today. They won't understand why you're pissed.

[Palodios]

It makes even less sense than no sense Jacko, if that is even possible. You DO ride with the kids or why develop them and boast and brag about how good your farm system is if you're going to bring in the likes of Grady Sizemore and then drag back Stephen Drew into the equation? Middlebrooks's development will take a big hit if he is platooned or used as a situational player. Drew can't hit lefthanders, he strikes out way too often for a guy with only so-so power, he is 31 and maybe heading on the downside of his career while WMB has a very high potential ceiling. He has a tough sophomore season and right away everyone is ready to dump him. For the record Drew is also a strikeout machine, does not have good speed and his power doesn't come close to Middlebrooks. This is going to be a very stupid move on our part if we do this. I hope we don't.

 

Fred, read back a few pages to the post I sent responding to a similar post of yours. Giving players a guaranteed spot is always a terrible idea. It gets into their heads, and they don't always focus on baseball. It isn't just youngsters, it is veterans too.

 

Look at some of the guys on this team... During their early years, Buchholz and WMB had their eyes off the baseball and onto a playboy playmate and Jenny Dell respectively. Doubront came into last offseason fat and lazy. Every player on this team had to earn their spot... if they are talented enough, they will find their way.

[rjortiz]

Fred, read back a few pages to the post I sent responding to a similar post of yours. Giving players a guaranteed spot is always a terrible idea. It gets into their heads, and they don't always focus on baseball. It isn't just youngsters, it is veterans too.

 

Look at some of the guys on this team... During their early years, Buchholz and WMB had their eyes off the baseball and onto a playboy playmate and Jenny Dell respectively. Doubront came into last offseason fat and lazy. Every player on this team had to earn their spot... if they are talented enough, they will find their way.

 

I'm not disagreeing that depth is a good thing to have, but how much do you plan on spending on a bench?

[Bellhorn04]

******** Bellhorn!!!!! You apparently forgot what Farrell said last December so I will remind your very cloudy memory. To wit---If we get Drew back he will be our shortstop and I have no intention to platoon him at all. That's what he said and that's what I think will happen. Way to go with your crappy memory Bell.

 

There's nothing wrong with my memory at all, I'm just pointing out what the most recent rumors are. And John Farrell ain't the general manager.

[sk7326]

******** Bellhorn!!!!! You apparently forgot what Farrell said last December so I will remind your very cloudy memory. To wit---If we get Drew back he will be our shortstop and I have no intention to platoon him at all. That's what he said and that's what I think will happen. Way to go with your crappy memory Bell. And I think that's exactly what will happen and we will lose a good young player because the team got cold feet with WMB just as they might have with Bradley. Stop patching patching and patching.!!!!!!!! Get those kids in there and let them develop. This is the perfect season to do that.

 

It's Farrell's job to say that. The Sox have to simultaneously develop and win - they are defending a title, and the public are gouged way too much for otherwise. If you could get Drew for 300 PAs and he'd be happy with that, why wouldn't you? Indeed, there is a non-zero chance that Bogaerts starts in Pawtucket anyway (we know he can work an at-bat, we don't know if he can crush mistakes, and could use those reps). That said, I understand why Drew is hesitant to take a deal with so little upside personally.

[vjcsmoke]

I think signing Drew on the cheap makes sense. He can back up in the infield. All I know is that XB MUST START. He's got Hamley Ramirez upside. As for WMB, I just don't know. He could turn into quite a good 3rd baseman, or maybe his inability to hit the breaking ball could turn him into a bust at the ML level.

[reYoukilis]

I think signing Drew on the cheap makes sense. He can back up in the infield. All I know is that XB MUST START. He's got Hamley Ramirez upside. As for WMB, I just don't know. He could turn into quite a good 3rd baseman, or maybe his inability to hit the breaking ball could turn him into a bust at the ML level.

I doubt that if Drew signs it will be for backup. Not saying its out of the realm of possibility but seems to me that there must be someone somewhere who could use a decent and proven SS to start. I also dont think he should play other positions because his value is D more than O so it would be more of a waste for him to play second or third. If he comes back WMB will get some shots but may be odd man out.

[seabeachfred]

Fred, be nice to your dogs today. They won't understand why you're pissed.

 

Hey MVP, I'm sitting here LMFAO at that comment of yours. Believe it or not, I'm not pissed off, just enthused and excited and my dogs have me wrapped around their paws. I once said that if the Sox did resign Drew I would fall in line and root like hell for him to succeed, but coming off a WS Title I think you, me, 700, VA, User, iortiz and the whole pack of us would be more patient with what the Red Sox did if they decided to go with the kids. I'm thinking long term. Counting this season there are seven of them remaining in this decade and if our young guys develop and prosper we could be in two or three more WS if all goes well. As for Bellhorn, I like the guy. We insult each other from time to time but nothing personal from my end and none of his. Anway, thanks for the quick retort. We might just hit it off after all.

[seabeachfred]

Fred, read back a few pages to the post I sent responding to a similar post of yours. Giving players a guaranteed spot is always a terrible idea. It gets into their heads, and they don't always focus on baseball. It isn't just youngsters, it is veterans too.

 

Look at some of the guys on this team... During their early years, Buchholz and WMB had their eyes off the baseball and onto a playboy playmate and Jenny Dell respectively. Doubront came into last offseason fat and lazy. Every player on this team had to earn their spot... if they are talented enough, they will find their way.

 

What you're saying Pal is not false at all, but it often depends on the player involved. I can't read our players because I don't know them, but in Middlebrooks and Bradley's case, they are considered players of promise that had some tough stretches last year---Bradley off to a slow start, back in the minors, and so-so when he came back while Middlebrooks just got off to a miserable start and it took a trip to the minors to get him on track....for awhile. OK, let me put this way, and this is just MY opinion. I think the term would be better served in the long run if we could get a couple or three young players into the lineup this year come what may. There are seven more seasons in this decade and, believe it or not, I'm thinking long term. You get Bradley, Middlebrooks and Bogaerts going this season and players like Swihart, Cecchini, Renaudo, Owens and Betts infiltrated into the lineup the next couple of years and we have a helluva nucleus. Anyway, not to take anything away from your pretty accurate statement I'm willing to roll the dice on these kids and I think this is the year to do it, coming off a surprising WS Title with just about every Red Sox fan willing to cut the team some slack this season.

[seabeachfred]

There's nothing wrong with my memory at all, I'm just pointing out what the most recent rumors are. And John Farrell ain't the general manager.

 

Glad you didn't take anything personal Bell because nothing was meant to be personal. I told mvp we go back a ways and always had fun tweaking each other. I'll tell you what I told him. IF we sign Drew I will root as hard for him as I would for any Red Sox player. I just think we have three young players we can get into that lineup this year who could be the vanguard of a group that could eventually dominate the American League. Remember, barring unforeseen circumstances we have Cecchini, Swihart, Betts, Renaudo, Barnes and Owens nearing Big Time status. Hey just thinking long term.

[seabeachfred]

Hey guys, we're talking about baseball again. What a relief!!!!!!!! Enough of this football crap.

[Palodios]

I'm willing to roll the dice on these kids and I think this is the year to do it, coming off a surprising WS Title with just about every Red Sox fan willing to cut the team some slack this season.

 

Why roll the dice when you have a great opportunity to mitigate the major risks on the team? The young guys will either earn spots or they won't. I don't forsee a scenario where they are playing well, and sit on the bench. Unless ofcourse Drew is having an awesome season, and in that case, why worry? Stephen Drew is still only 30, and if everything clicks for him, he still has several prime years left.

[a700hitter]

I expect that there will be a flurry of activity with the remaining free agents in the upcoming week with les tha 10 days until pitchers and catchers have to report to camp.

[rjortiz]

Why roll the dice when you have a great opportunity to mitigate the major risks on the team? The young guys will either earn spots or they won't. I don't forsee a scenario where they are playing well, and sit on the bench. Unless ofcourse Drew is having an awesome season, and in that case, why worry? Stephen Drew is still only 30, and if everything clicks for him, he still has several prime years left.

 

Tell us your plan about playing time. Tell us what you are going to offer Stephen Drew?

[Palodios]

Tell us your plan about playing time. Tell us what you are going to offer Stephen Drew?

 

Drew can have 1/8 or 2/12. He is getting desperate now.

 

My plan is to see how spring training goes. See the progress of WMB and XB. Give Drew time at 2B and 3B, and even 1B. RF if willing.

If a 2B/3B/SS/1B/DH gets hurt, all three players immediately have spots in the lineup or DL.

If everyone is healthy, and it looks like either WMB or XB needs more seasoning, they both have options left.

If everyone is healthy and performing, Herrara gets DFAed, and they split time between the 2 positions until someone is underperforming or gets hurt.

Edited February 5, 2014 by Palodios

[BSN07]

If he's willing to be a utility player I would think NYY would make more sense. There's a decent shot he could end up with a starting spot there eventually anyways. I think one of the NY teams signs him.

[Palodios]

If he's willing to be a utility player I would think NYY would make more sense. There's a decent shot he could end up with a starting spot there eventually anyways. I think one of the NY teams signs him.

 

The Mets are only willing to give him one year. He could end up with the Yankees, but he's guaranteed to be pushed off SS in that case, and I think he would prefer to stick there as long as possible.

[SoxSport]

Gammons says Ben has "made it clear" X will be starting SS, and that there might be "roles" for Drew.

 

http://www.gammonsdaily.com/gammons-notes-braves-extend-heyward-freeman-free-agency-and-the-system/

 

Butterfield is working defensively with MBrooks at 3B and X at SS.

 

It isn't clear what those "roles" would be for Drew. Sounds like a political stance, more than anything. Especially since he traded for Herrera, who looks like an ideal IF backup.

[sk7326]

Current system will definitely be a key issue with the next CBA negotiation - I think getting the system abolished entirely paired with allowing trading of draft picks would solve all of the issues at the same time in a much clearer manner.

[mvp 78]

Current system will definitely be a key issue with the next CBA negotiation - I think getting the system abolished entirely paired with allowing trading of draft picks would solve all of the issues at the same time in a much clearer manner.

 

What's wrong with the current system? Drew should've just taken the $14M when offered.

[sk7326]

What's wrong with the current system? Drew should've just taken the $14M when offered.

 

The current system? Aside from the millstone for free agents (and good ones, too) - it also removes tools for the smaller market teams to improve themselves. It's a worse draft pick for one thing. Allow trading picks and letting the market set itself is more sustainable. In general one of the things the last CBA negotiation did was take tools away from the Tampas of the world to stay competitive, between reducing compensation for free agent losses as well as restricting amateur bonuses.

 

Drew made a mistake seemingly by not taking the qualifying offer - but in 2014 there is no reason to tie free agency and the draft - and there is less reason to not let draft picks be part of trade discussions.

[VA Sox Fan]

Hey MVP, I'm sitting here LMFAO at that comment of yours. Believe it or not, I'm not pissed off, just enthused and excited and my dogs have me wrapped around their paws. I once said that if the Sox did resign Drew I would fall in line and root like hell for him to succeed, but coming off a WS Title I think you, me, 700, VA, User, iortiz and the whole pack of us would be more patient with what the Red Sox did if they decided to go with the kids. I'm thinking long term. Counting this season there are seven of them remaining in this decade and if our young guys develop and prosper we could be in two or three more WS if all goes well. As for Bellhorn, I like the guy. We insult each other from time to time but nothing personal from my end and none of his. Anway, thanks for the quick retort. We might just hit it off after all.

 

Don't count me in on that. I'd be fine with Drew coming back. I just don't get all wound up and worried about things like you do. The Red Sox will do what's best for the team no matter what I think. I like Drew and was impressed with his defense last season. The hitting piece doesn't concern me. I like our young guys too. They need to prove themselves to earn a starting position. Look at Nava last season, he worked his butt off and proved himself in Spring Training and had a damn nice season when a lot of us thought he was done.

 

BE NICE TO YOUR DOGS!!!!!! And yes, MVP is quite witty!!