2014 Roster Projections

[jacksonianmarch]

Why bring in a lefty to Fenway who has platoon issues? I would think you'd take a shot on a righty with some issues, a la Cody Ross, and watch their stats soar in the friendly confines of Fenway

[Palodios]

Andre Ethier is Daniel Nava with a bit more power and a bit less OBP. I see no reason to spend tens of millions and trade pieces for a player that serves the same exact role as one the team already has.

[Palodios]

Great quote from Ortiz.

 

"I don't even know why they're bitching about me talking about contracts," Ortiz said. "Guys putting up my numbers, they're making $25, $30 million. I'm not asking for that. I'm asking for half of it. And they're still bitching about it? (Expletive) them. I'm tired of hearing them talk (expletive) about me when I talk about my contract. Hey, every time I talk about my contract, I earn it, (expletive). So don't be giving me that (expletive)."

[redsoxrules]

Great quote?

I can guarantee you Ortiz is not just looking for 12-15 MIL for a multi year deal. That's less than he makes now.

[lospunchados]

Great quote?

I can guarantee you Ortiz is not just looking for 12-15 MIL for a multi year deal. That's less than he makes now.

 

That not true necessarily. He signed a contract for less last time. He was scheduled to make 11 million this year but had a stipulation in his contract that if he missed less then 20 days due to his Achilles injury. I think he would sign for 15 million right now. On January 29th in an interview with weei Ortiz said he wanted a one year extension, that's it.

 

He has also said that after that (in 2016) he would see if he felt he could still play the game or retire.

[a700hitter]

That not true necessarily. He signed a contract for less last time. He was scheduled to make 11 million this year but had a stipulation in his contract that if he missed less then 20 days due to his Achilles injury. I think he would sign for 15 million right now. On January 29th in an interview with weei Ortiz said he wanted a one year extension, that's it.

 

He has also said that after that (in 2016) he would see if he felt he could still play the game or retire.

He's been underpaid in recent years. I'd say say that 2 years $30 million would make everyone happy.

[Palodios]

Ortiz is signed through age 39. Why sign him through 40 or through 41 on his terms instead of the team's terms? He's going to retire a Red Sox, but it will end exactly one way, and it will look a lot like Curt Schilling or Mike Lowell's last seasons. Give him some 5-8 million dollar player options if he is concerned about staying with the team.

[mvp 78]

The first sign that spring is here is Ortiz being pissed off. Can't say this is unexpected anymore. He definitely has earned his paychecks. Hope he stays around.

[SoxSport]

the case for not re-signing Drew:

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2014/02/the_case_for_not_signing_stephen_drew.html

 

I like the energy argument. JBJ and Iggy certainly added some energy to that starting lineup in the opening series at Yankee stadium last year. The reader voting on the page is 3 to 1 against signing Drew.

[Bellhorn04]

the case for not re-signing Drew:

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2014/02/the_case_for_not_signing_stephen_drew.html

 

I like the energy argument. JBJ and Iggy certainly added some energy to that starting lineup in the opening series at Yankee stadium last year. The reader voting on the page is 3 to 1 against signing Drew.

 

Yes, and if someone else signs Drew and the Bogey-WMB tandem gets off to a bad start, we'll see how the voting goes then. Fans are fickle.

[iortiz]

Yes, and if someone else signs Drew and the Bogey-WMB tandem gets off to a bad start, we'll see how the voting goes then. Fans are fickle.

 

It's time to see what WM & XB are made of --mostly WM---, I think it is what most of the fans are thinking... I want to see them playing everyday for once and for all. With Drew around WM would be likely the utility guy. If WM sucks, you can look for a 3B before the trade line.

[Thunder]

Yes, and if someone else signs Drew and the Bogey-WMB tandem gets off to a bad start, we'll see how the voting goes then. Fans are fickle.

 

Yes. Completely agree. I see Drew as insurance.

[Palodios]

Drew is the most polarizing family in all of Red Sox fandom.

[Dojji]

It's time to see what WM & XB are made of --mostly WM---, I think it is what most of the fans are thinking.

 

I like that argument right up to the point where it becomes an excuse for failing to obtain proper depth.

[mvp 78]

You don't spend $8M on "depth."

[SoxSport]

Papi is quoted as saying there are "haters" out there. Haters? I don't know if there are any Red Sox fans that hate the guy.

There are people that love him, and want the Red Sox to give him anything he asks. And then there are people that respect his output and what he has done for the Red Sox--especially in the playoffs--over the years. Most of these think he should be extended a year for roughly what he makes now. And some of these think he talks too much--about himself, mainly.

 

Why should anybody "hate" Papi? I presume he's talking about Red Sox fans. Is he posturing for a bigger contract? He doesn't have to.

[SoxSport]

I don't think the "insurance" argument for Drew holds much water, mainly because it doesn't hold much water for Drew himself. He sees himself as a starter, and wants to be paid accordingly. In that sense, he is no longer a fit in Boston. He doesn't see himself as the type of role player they need. In fact, they already signed one in Herrera.

[Bellhorn04]

You don't spend $8M on "depth."

 

Maybe, maybe not. Dempster was basically a depth signing last year.

[mvp 78]

Maybe, maybe not. Dempster was basically a depth signing last year.

 

He was a starting pitcher not a bench player.

[Bellhorn04]

He was a starting pitcher not a bench player.

 

Agreed. If we did sign Drew though, I expect he'd get a lot more starts than the average bench player.

 

Anyway, the Sox are staying on message about this so far...that they're prepared to go with XB and WMB.

 

Drew's going to sign somewhere soon, I think. Boras is playing it out to the bitter end.

[reYoukilis]

Papi is quoted as saying there are "haters" out there. Haters? I don't know if there are any Red Sox fans that hate the guy.

There are people that love him, and want the Red Sox to give him anything he asks. And then there are people that respect his output and what he has done for the Red Sox--especially in the playoffs--over the years. Most of these think he should be extended a year for roughly what he makes now. And some of these think he talks too much--about himself, mainly.

 

Why should anybody "hate" Papi? I presume he's talking about Red Sox fans. Is he posturing for a bigger contract? He doesn't have to.

I think he may be talking about the media. I saw some article calling him selfish for talking about it. Im more of a keep things quiet kind of guy but I give Papi alot (putting it mildly) of leeway and hes absolutely right. Hes been a hell of alot more valuable than a slew of other guys are to their teams but gets a fraction of the pay and Papi is only asking for a year. Can you say "first WS win in 81 years"? Pay the man and while your at it pay Lester and lets get this season started.

[Palodios]

Sounds like the Sox are in late round talks with Capuano. Seems like a pretty solid Dempster replacement to me, assuming the money is in the 3-5 million dollar range.

 

 

Here's an interesting article http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/explaining-the-chris-capuano-bargain/

[iortiz]

Sounds like the Sox are in late round talks with Capuano. Seems like a pretty solid Dempster replacement to me, assuming the money is in the 3-5 million dollar range.

 

 

Here's an interesting article http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/explaining-the-chris-capuano-bargain/

 

I would prefer Workman and even giving another shot to Webster or another rockie as depth. In the ALE Capuano will be destroyed.

[crazydiamond]

Ron Chimelis of The Republican says the deal is done, pending a physical.

 

6th veteran + prospects... too much?

Sounds like it, but you know Lackey or Buchholz will get injured from time to time, so young guys could get their chance even with Capuano on board.

Edited February 20, 2014 by crazydiamond

[Spitball]

The Sox just signed Chris Capuano to a minor league deal.

[mvp 78]

The Sox just signed Chris Capuano to a minor league deal.

 

Works for me.

[rjortiz]

Major league deal. 1/2.25.

 

Great deal for the Red Sox.

[SoxSport]

So they turned $13M Dempster into $2.25M Capuano. Warren Buffet would like that.

[Thunder]

So they turned $13M Dempster into $2.25M Capuano. Warren Buffet would like that.

 

He wouldn't like someone filling out a perfect NCAA Tourney bracket, because then he would owe them $1B.

 

But yeah, Capuano is a solid deal all around.

[seabeachfred]

We all have to keep in mind that first of all this is only a one year contract from what I've heard. Second, with the array of injuries that have seemed to accrue to our starters over the years, a little safety valve for the rotation is not a bad idea at all. As a lefty Capuano could be a valuable asset against the heavily LH hitting Yankees and some of the other teams that feature some solid left handed hitters. I like this deal.