2014 Roster Projections

[SoxSport]

When your agent is Boras, I suspect you don't make any decisions. You put yourself in his hands with the expectation he will get you the highest dollar. That's what it's all about. Most of the time he does.

[sk7326]

When your agent is Boras, I suspect you don't make any decisions. You put yourself in his hands with the expectation he will get you the highest dollar. That's what it's all about. Most of the time he does.

 

Best in the biz, though a mixed bag this winter. Only people he rankles are the Judge Smailses - which is a group that could use it.

[mvp 78]

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.

 

I don't feel sorry for Tampa. That owner gets enough subsidy from the league and pockets a ton of cash. They could spend more if they wanted, they just don't. Also, Tampa and Pittsburgh seemed to do just fine last year. Parity isn't a big problem in MLB. Some organizations don't really care about winning each year. KC upped their payroll and still missed the playoffs. There shouldn't be corporate welfare for s***** organizations.

[Bellhorn04]

Best in the biz, though a mixed bag this winter. Only people he rankles are the Judge Smailses - which is a group that could use it.

 

LOL He rankles me too. I guess I just see him as a symbol of greed. I enjoy his failures.

[sk7326]

LOL He rankles me too. I guess I just see him as a symbol of greed. I enjoy his failures.

 

I can see that - although taking flak from fans (instead of his clients, say) is part of what he does well. Baseball owners, and I am old enough to have lived through proven owner collusion and an unfair labor practices charge, has a long rich history of trying to prevent players from being compensated. It's still pretty true - though the pie is much, much, much larger now. I do agree with Boras pretty strongly on the draft - but whatever.

[sk7326]

More from the Keith Law prospects package, from the guys who just missed the Top 100 http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/10383592/allen-webster-dj-peterson-prospects-just-missed-top-100-mlb

 

Allen Webster, RHP | Boston Red Sox

Top 2013 level: Majors

 

Webster still shows lots of pluses -- mid-90s velocity, good sink and a swing-and-miss changeup -- but he's also shown two big minuses that knocked him from a top-100 spot last year. One is that he still doesn't have a consistently average breaking ball, with a slider ahead of his curve, but neither there yet as a strong second pitch. The other is command; for a guy who can really sink the ball, Webster pitches up in the zone with his fastball far too often, and big league hitters were more than happy to show him the error of his ways during his brief stint in Boston (8.60 ERA in 30 1/3 innings).

 

He turns 24 this month and could still develop into a No. 3 starter, but the more years that go by and he doesn't find that third pitch or improve his fastball command, the more likely it is that he ends up falling short.

[Behindenemylines]

The truck leaves Saturday for Florida. We are getting close to pitchers and catchers.

[seabeachfred]

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.

 

Gammon says!!!!!!! Since when is he any authority on anything anymore. He also said we were going to sign Teixeira in 2008 and resign Bay in 2009 And who really know what to believe anymore? Farrell said back in December that if he got Drew back he would not only play shortstop but would not be platooned. Now we hear Ben saying Drew will be a utility man....a pretty expensive one I might add unless the other offers (if there are any) are so sparse that he would swallow his pride and sign on the dotted line. I'm at the point that I want to throw up my hands and just wait until all this shakes loose. Everyone knows where I stand on this issue and right now it's 50-50 that it will go with my preference. It's a piss poor sad commentary that days from the opening of ST we have these guys still unsigned and some nowhere near inking a contract.

[seabeachfred]

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!!

 

I have two of my four dogs sitting right next to me as I type this.......they know that Linda does not give them goodies. She's strict about that. Me? I spoil the hell out of them. As for the other stuff it is out of our hands and no matter what my point was no matter what the front office does we'll be rooting like hell for the Red Sox come what may. mvp was right on about Drew accepting that QO of 14.1 million. He may have blown it by not taking it. We'll see.

[Palodios]

Apparently Boras wants to get 3 years from the Red Sox for Drew. Can't blame the guy for trying.

[mvp 78]

Apparently Boras wants to get 3 years from the Red Sox for Drew. Can't blame the guy for trying.

 

Trying to save face with his client. He screwed the pooch here though.

[sk7326]

I don't feel sorry for Tampa. That owner gets enough subsidy from the league and pockets a ton of cash. They could spend more if they wanted, they just don't. Also, Tampa and Pittsburgh seemed to do just fine last year. Parity isn't a big problem in MLB. Some organizations don't really care about winning each year. KC upped their payroll and still missed the playoffs. There shouldn't be corporate welfare for s***** organizations.

 

Oh I am not crying poor for them - or for anyone else ... what you can say about Tampa applies to the Yankees and Sox too. Business is doing great. Tampa and Pittsburgh are doing fine due to stuff that happened pre-rejiggered CBA (and a LOT of high draft picks). But you look at Kansas City - the system by lowering draft slot amounts and international pool money basically penalizes a rebuilding team for making progress. Rebuilding is only rebuilding if you are Houston apparently. (and they have taken good advantage of this so far)

 

There has to be welfare for organizations since MLB is a cartel that needs its 30 franchises to be in some form of good shape. And MLB has done a nice job with it so far. But the current rules create a penalty for doing things well. Basically it was redone for true cheapskates like Reinsdorf to not look bad next to Tampa and Oakland.

[Bellhorn04]

Trying to save face with his client. He screwed the pooch here though.

 

Seems like a distinct possibility. But we won't know for sure till Drew signs.

[jacksonianmarch]

I think boras is being very shrewd. He couldn't pull a three yr deal out of the Mets initially, so he's asking for a 2 yr deal with an opt out after the first. The Mets have no interest, but from the sounds of it, may be willing to revisit the three yr deal option. Also, Drew is in limbo because of the Cuban SS Diaz who'll be available for teams in a week or so.

[Bellhorn04]

I think boras is being very shrewd. He couldn't pull a three yr deal out of the Mets initially, so he's asking for a 2 yr deal with an opt out after the first. The Mets have no interest, but from the sounds of it, may be willing to revisit the three yr deal option. Also, Drew is in limbo because of the Cuban SS Diaz who'll be available for teams in a week or so.

 

And we'll know how shrewd Scotty has been when his client signs.

 

It appears that if in fact the Sox have made him an offer it's for a low AAV...if it's true they want him to be a super utility guy they may have only offered $6-8 million a year. Who knows, really...

[a700hitter]

I may post a poll on who gets to Spring Training first-- Drew or me.

 

Drew is a nice player-- reliable with the glove and a good SS bat. I'd like to see him on the 2014 squad.

[VA Sox Fan]

I may post a poll on who gets to Spring Training first-- Drew or me.

 

Drew is a nice player-- reliable with the glove and a good SS bat. I'd like to see him on the 2014 squad.

 

You know if fred reads this he'll have a stroke, right??

 

Seriously, I'm with you.

[BSN07]

You know if fred reads this he'll have a stroke, right??

 

Seriously, I'm with you.

 

Can anyone go check on him?!?!

[SoxSport]

Gammon says!!!!!!! Since when is he any authority on anything anymore. He also said we were going to sign Teixeira in 2008 and resign Bay in 2009 And who really know what to believe anymore? Farrell said back in December that if he got Drew back he would not only play shortstop but would not be platooned. Now we hear Ben saying Drew will be a utility man....a pretty expensive one I might add unless the other offers (if there are any) are so sparse that he would swallow his pride and sign on the dotted line. I'm at the point that I want to throw up my hands and just wait until all this shakes loose. Everyone knows where I stand on this issue and right now it's 50-50 that it will go with my preference. It's a piss poor sad commentary that days from the opening of ST we have these guys still unsigned and some nowhere near inking a contract.

 

Gammons was a good writer when he was at the Globe, but then he sold his soul for big bucks to ESPN-NY and became a TV pundit--a rumor guy. The next thing you know, he is "hall of famer" Peter Gammons, which tells you something about the clout the TV sports media has these days. Now he's back in New England at NESN, I guess, so he's closer to the Red Sox. I figure the guy has some FO connections--especially with his pal Cherington. So maybe he knows a bit more than others.

 

As for Drew, I don't think they have the money to sign him--aside from the other problems with blocking their good young players. They might consider him if he has nowhere to go for $5M one year. I have to think the Yankees will come into the picture at some point. Their infield right now sucks.

[a700hitter]

You know if fred reads this he'll have a stroke, right??

 

Seriously, I'm with you.

LOL! Fred and I are buds, but we disagree about a lot of players and moves.

[VA Sox Fan]

LOL! Fred and I are buds, but we disagree about a lot of players and moves.

 

Really? I had no idea....

[a700hitter]

Really? I had no idea....

I consider us buds too, now.. right?

[VA Sox Fan]

I consider us buds too, now.. right?

 

Yep! All is good!

[BornToRun]

Yep! All is good!

 

I don't know whether to commend you two for setting aside your differences or be really upset that I no longer get to observe you go at each other all the time.

[seabeachfred]

See, we can disagree about players and still get along just fine. 700 Hitter is my closest friend on this board but I'm happy to say that I don't seen to have any one but one person who I'm at swords point with and I have him on ignore so from my standpoint we're all getting along. Suffice to say if Drew signs I will root like hell for him, but keep in mind that he not only would block Middlebrooks or even Bogey if he should slump, but if it is a two or three contract he blocks Garin Cecchini as well. I really want none of our young players blocked and that is why I want to see Drew play elsewhere. Besides, and bear with me since a lot of you dislike Dan Shaunessy, but he has it right........the Red Sox are playing with the house's money this year. We're all this riding high from what went down last year and I think there is certainly more patience on our part to let these kids play and take our chances, and if a bonkers guy like me shows that kind of mildness I think the rest of you can show it too.

[Bellhorn04]

See, we can disagree about players and still get along just fine. 700 Hitter is my closest friend on this board but I'm happy to say that I don't seen to have any one but one person who I'm at swords point with and I have him on ignore so from my standpoint we're all getting along. Suffice to say if Drew signs I will root like hell for him, but keep in mind that he not only would block Middlebrooks or even Bogey if he should slump, but if it is a two or three contract he blocks Garin Cecchini as well. I really want none of our young players blocked and that is why I want to see Drew play elsewhere. Besides, and bear with me since a lot of you dislike Dan Shaunessy, but he has it right........the Red Sox are playing with the house's money this year. We're all this riding high from what went down last year and I think there is certainly more patience on our part to let these kids play and take our chances, and if a bonkers guy like me shows that kind of mildness I think the rest of you can show it too.

 

We'll see how mild you stay when the real games start up again, Fred.

[SoxSport]

Yeah, the Red Sox are playing with house money this year. That means they can take chances with prospects and allow their young players to develop on the job.

 

The Yankees, on the other hand, are the anti-Red Sox this year. They don't make the playoffs, it's Siberia, baby.

[Palodios]

Johhny Gomes got a new tattoo. Wowza. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bf42XGhIAAADaRv.jpg

[Bellhorn04]

Yeah, the Red Sox are playing with house money this year. That means they can take chances with prospects and allow their young players to develop on the job.

 

Not buying it, SoxSport. When the games start people have a habit of wanting to win 'em. Lots of people already talking about the Sox repeating.

[Jaddy]

I totally agree with Bellhorn. I won't be giving the Sox a break if they fall on their face this year. I will, however, have more patience for the young guys just because that's what it takes if you're ever going to see them succeed. I wouldn't mind seeing Drew back, but it would bug me if X had to flop over to third just because Will is slumping. As long as Drew is willing to be a platoon guy and sub at third and second as well its a big boost for this ballclub and plenty of AB's to go around....

 

That being said, I still don't see it happening. He wants money, years and a starting gig and it doesn't seem the Sox are willing to budge on any of the three counts. They'll be happy with whatever comp pick they get.