User Name?'s super minimalist offseason

[User Name]

Bloomquist? I guess Dojji is rubbing off on you?

 

Not particularly. I just see him as a decent utility type guy. The thing with him is, he can actually play the OF competently.

[Palodios]

Lester in pinstripes ? Yeesh Jacko that is just plain mean. It makes more sense than I am willing to admit though... His playoff success and al east success would make him a juicy target for them. I see him being open to a weaver contract- team friendly but still sizeable. I don't think Ben will let him go for nothing though- trade or sign are the possibilities for him.

[mvp 78]

The Sox have the money to retain anyone. If they see Lesteras the leader of the staff, they'll keep him around.

[Bellhorn04]

The Sox have the money to retain anyone. If they see Lesteras the leader of the staff, they'll keep him around.

 

I think they will get that done.

[marklmw]

UN, I wouldn't be surprised if that's the way they go. I thought 2013 was part of a bridge to the future, but they f***ing won. You have replacements at all positions vacated by a FA, and they're all highly touted prospects sans Carp. This is the yr to gobble up the picks and see what the kids can do, theoretically. If the sox take a step back or the kids aren't as good as advertised, the 2014 FA class is strong and can be delved into at any time. The one thing you aren't accounting for, though, is a Lester extension. Something they must do or risk watching him go about 200 miles southwest and pitch in pinstripes

 

Jacko ... you make a lot of sense for a Yankees fan. If there were anytime that the Sox could turn towards their in-house young talent it would be now ... coming off a championship .... we are definitely playing with house money. If we play things correct we can extend Lester this off season giving him a little bump for 2014 as well. I think 2 compensation picks will work fine as I would like to see Napoli back. The Sox have an excellent scouting department so there is a very good chance that 1 out of our top 3 picks will turn out to be something special. With a little luck 2 of 3 will find their way to Fenway. I know you are envious of the place Boston is in right now with the mess that you have in the Bronx. Lots of needs and some really bad contracts.

[mvp 78]

Very interesting thread starter UN. Want to try reading that on the small screen of a handheld device and keeping track of the various thoughts and considerations therein?

 

The problem with long posts is not that they are long and it is not that they are not cohesive. It is that many of you are using devices that simply are not conducive to reading that sort of material at a high enough degree of comprehension. We do not read word by word. That is actually not how our brains work. We can bring a Pulitzer Prize winner here and we would be complaining about his post if we tried to read it on a handheld.

 

I would suggest that folks use handheld devices for use in game threads where the nature of the best is short posting but resist the temptation to change members posting habits so they can continue to use the wrong device for the wrong job.

 

You don't know what you are talking about and are a horrible writer.

[jacksonianmarch]

An extension wouldn't impact 2014 payroll.

 

Also, this was just a fantasy exercise. As i stated in the initial post, it's very likely they bring back two out of Napoli/Drew/Salty. It wouldn't surprise me if they brought back Napoli and Drew, since they have an organizational hole at 1B and could move Bogaerts to 3B. That would keep the lineup very strong while still graduating XB and JBJ in 2014.

 

An extension before opening day would significantly impact payroll. Lester's option is for $13 mil. Let's say they extend him for 5 yrs and $120 mil. His AAV gets recalculated off of 6 yrs and $133 mil, which comes out to $22.2 mil, a jump of $9.2 mil. If they delay past opening day, then you are right

[jacksonianmarch]

Jacko ... you make a lot of sense for a Yankees fan. If there were anytime that the Sox could turn towards their in-house young talent it would be now ... coming off a championship .... we are definitely playing with house money. If we play things correct we can extend Lester this off season giving him a little bump for 2014 as well. I think 2 compensation picks will work fine as I would like to see Napoli back. The Sox have an excellent scouting department so there is a very good chance that 1 out of our top 3 picks will turn out to be something special. With a little luck 2 of 3 will find their way to Fenway. I know you are envious of the place Boston is in right now with the mess that you have in the Bronx. Lots of needs and some really bad contracts.

 

I wont be envious in 2015. The Yankees trump card has always been their willingness to spend out of any s***** situation they are in. If they are pulling back the reigns for a season, then we're in trouble, especially since our farm needs another year

[marklmw]

I wont be envious in 2015. The Yankees trump card has always been their willingness to spend out of any s***** situation they are in. If they are pulling back the reigns for a season, then we're in trouble, especially since our farm needs another year

Fair enough ... but you admit that you are envious today November 16, 2013 ... tell the truth.

[User Name]

An extension before opening day would significantly impact payroll. Lester's option is for $13 mil. Let's say they extend him for 5 yrs and $120 mil. His AAV gets recalculated off of 6 yrs and $133 mil, which comes out to $22.2 mil, a jump of $9.2 mil. If they delay past opening day, then you are right

 

An why wouldn't they delay it? They did it with Gonzalez. What, do they not understand such a simple concept?

[Dojji]

Because MVP grilled my chops about the misuse of the word "minimalist" and jung wants (ironically) a shorter post, let's try this again but only filling out positions from within or signing truly cheap free agents.

 

Holes: C, 1B, OF, RP

 

Sign/promote:

 

C- Vasquez

1B-Lavarnway

RP-Ranaudo

RP-Webster

Util-Bloomquist

OF-Young

 

Mmm. Don't see the need to add an OF at all, other than JBJ of course. Do we really need 6 outfielders?

 

I like bringing in Bloomquist because he does add to the outfield depth, and while he's no offensive stud, he hits just about enough to not be a total black hole which is fine for a backup infielder. If you're bringing in Bloomquist, the need for a 6th OF is questionable.

 

Here's how I'd go for a minimalist offseason

 

Sign Bloomquist, since his versatility offers something you can't actually replace in our minor league system at present and promote everything else you need from the minors

 

your catcher to play alongside Ross is whichever of Vazquez, Lavarnway and Butler looks best in the Spring. All have something to recommend them. Vazquez is head and neck above the rest defensively, Lavarnway similarly advanced offensively, and Butler offers a balanced skillset if his offense translates the way I think it ought to. I feel the front office has committed itself to favoring offense at catcher as a default unless theyh ave a specific reason not to given current personnel, so I have to believe Lavarnway has the leg up here.

 

Roster:

 

Starters

 

C Lavarnway

1B Carp

2B Pedroia

3B Middlebrooks

SS Bogaerts

LF: Nava

CF: JBJ

RF: Victorino

 

Bench:

 

C Ross

UT Bloomquist

LF Gomes (starts every game against LHP)

 

Rotation:

 

Lester

Lackey

Peavey

Buchholz

Doubront

 

Depth: Dempster (for now), plus prospects such as Webster, Ranaudo, Workman and Barnes

 

Bullpen:

 

Uehara CL

Tazawa SU

Miller

Workman

Breslow

(open spot for Spring competition, likely to be a rotating position until someone sticks)

Dempster

 

Analysis: Not nearly on par with what we're currently fieldin, but that's a lineup that can probably win games as long as the pitching doesn't fall off too badly, and it has room to grow as the youngsters gain experience.

 

First Base is a mix of Carp and a bit of Middlebrooks (much as I hate the idea, given the present roster it makes sense as long as Middlebrooks is hitting) with Bloomquist and Bogaerts playing on the left side when Middlebrooks plays first base. If Nava continues to show progress and begins to hit effectively from the right side, he replaces Middlebrooks in that platoon while we work Gomes into the lineup in his own favorable platoon advantage.

 

I hear the concerns about Uehara but he doesn't need to repeat the year he had this year to be an effective year, in fact I'm not counting on him to repeat this year at all. If his health falters, I'd have little qualm about trying Tazawa as the closer as well, in fact I think it would be smart of the FO to give him some 9th innings to take pressure off our aging closer. Breslow has taken high leverage innings in the past and has been a consistent reliever for the last 4-5 years, Workman is talented, and Miller has shown himself to be a new man in the last few years, we're not short on talented MR's who could move up.

 

The interesting thing about this roster is that we technically have all spots covered, and by my count that's only 24 men even counting the rotating relief spot. A rotating general roster spot being open for call ups from the minors is an intriguing possibility, it would allow us to debut many of our ready or nearly-ready prospects at need on a regular basis, giving them each a taste and seeing what they're capable of while allowing the team's versatility to keep things going.

 

It also means that as soon as Cecchini forces his way onto the team, which ought to happen in the first couple months if he's as talented as I think he is, there's a spot open for him. he might wind up being our answer at first base, he's got all the talent he needs to get it done at that position and I'm all for keeping the road clear for him if he wants to make himself the answer.

Edited November 16, 2013 by Dojji

[marklmw]

An why wouldn't they delay it? They did it with Gonzalez. What, do they not understand such a simple concept?

I might be wrong about this but they probably will wait unless they have plenty of room under the cap in 2014 and they wish to lower the AVV for the subsequent years

[Bellhorn04]

Personally I think the budget for this year will be set at a point just under the tax threshold, as it has been in recent years.

 

That leaves about $32 million to spend, more than that if they trade Dempster.

[User Name]

Mmm. Don't see the need to add an OF at all, other than JBJ of course. Do we really need 6 outfielders?

 

I like bringing in Bloomquist because he does add to the outfield depth, and while he's no offensive stud, he hits just about enough to not be a total black hole which is fine for a backup infielder. If you're bringing in Bloomquist, the need for a 6th OF is questionable.

 

Here's how I'd go for a minimalist offseason

 

Sign Bloomquist, since his versatility offers something you can't actually replace in our minor league system at present and promote everything else you need from the minors

 

your catcher to play alongside Ross is whichever of Vazquez, Lavarnway and Butler looks best in the Spring. All have something to recommend them. Vazquez is head and neck above the rest defensively, Lavarnway similarly advanced offensively, and Butler offers a balanced skillset if his offense translates the way I think it ought to. I feel the front office has committed itself to favoring offense at catcher as a default unless theyh ave a specific reason not to given current personnel, so I have to believe Lavarnway has the leg up here.

 

Roster:

 

Starters

 

C Lavarnway

1B Carp

2B Pedroia

3B Middlebrooks

SS Bogaerts

LF: Nava

CF: JBJ

RF: Victorino

 

Bench:

 

C Ross

UT Bloomquist

LF Gomes (starts every game against LHP)

 

Rotation:

 

Lester

Lackey

Peavey

Buchholz

Doubront

 

Depth: Dempster (for now), plus prospects such as Webster, Ranaudo, Workman and Barnes

 

Bullpen:

 

Uehara CL

Tazawa SU

Miller

Workman

Breslow

(open spot for Spring competition, likely to be a rotating position until someone sticks)

Dempster

 

Analysis: Not nearly on par with what we're currently fieldin, but that's a lineup that can probably win games as long as the pitching doesn't fall off too badly, and it has room to grow as the youngsters gain experience.

 

First Base is a mix of Carp and a bit of Middlebrooks (much as I hate the idea, given the present roster it makes sense as long as Middlebrooks is hitting) with Bloomquist and Bogaerts playing on the left side when Middlebrooks plays first base. If Nava continues to show progress and begins to hit effectively from the right side, he replaces Middlebrooks in that platoon while we work Gomes into the lineup in his own favorable platoon advantage.

 

I hear the concerns about Uehara but he doesn't need to repeat the year he had this year to be an effective year, in fact I'm not counting on him to repeat this year at all. If his health falters, I'd have little qualm about trying Tazawa as the closer as well, in fact I think it would be smart of the FO to give him some 9th innings to take pressure off our aging closer. Breslow has taken high leverage innings in the past and has been a consistent reliever for the last 4-5 years, Workman is talented, and Miller has shown himself to be a new man in the last few years, we're not short on talented MR's who could move up.

 

The interesting thing about this roster is that we technically have all spots covered, and by my count that's only 24 men even counting the rotating relief spot. A rotating general roster spot being open for call ups from the minors is an intriguing possibility, it would allow us to debut many of our ready or nearly-ready prospects at need on a regular basis, giving them each a taste and seeing what they're capable of while allowing the team's versatility to keep things going.

 

It also means that as soon as Cecchini forces his way onto the team, which ought to happen in the first couple months if he's as talented as I think he is, there's a spot open for him. he might wind up being our answer at first base, he's got all the talent he needs to get it done at that position and I'm all for keeping the road clear for him if he wants to make himself the answer.

 

So you'd play a 24-man roster?

[Bellhorn04]

Looks like he just left Ortiz out of it.

[Dojji]

Oh my dear lord how the heck did I manage to do that?????

 

I think my problem was that I went through the roster by fielding position, but still, that's utterly embarrassing.

[User Name]

Looks like he just left Ortiz out of it.

 

He has 12 position players and 12 pitchers if you include Ortiz. Just throw that other 1B/OF or speedy OF and you're set.

[Dojji]

So you'd play a 24-man roster?

 

Well, it's not like there'd ever have been only 24 men on the roster. It'd be the 24 regulars plus whatever rookie the team wanted to promote based on what they felt the team needed. The idea was to keep the roster flexible by having the open spot available to send one rookie down and call up another even with 24 other healthy players, since we actually have quite a stable of big league ready guys.

[User Name]

Well, it's not like there'd ever have been only 24 men on the roster. It'd be the 24 regulars plus whatever rookie the team wanted to promote based on what they felt the team needed. The idea was to keep the roster flexible by having the open spot available to send one rookie down and call up another even with 24 other healthy players, since we actually have quite a stable of big league ready guys.

 

I'd sign a guy like Young as JBJ insurance and also because of his power against LHP. If it's a cheap contract, then making space for a young player is not a problem. Also, remember that Carp and Nava aren't strictly OF or 1B.

[marklmw]

Oh my dear lord how the heck did I manage to do that?????

 

I think my problem was that I went through the roster by fielding position, but still, that's utterly embarrassing.

Nothing to be embarrassed about Dojji ... We all know that you meant to include the big guy.

[Dojji]

I'd sign a guy like Young as JBJ insurance and also because of his power against LHP.

 

Not entirely unreasonable, but I'd rather bring in someone with a bit more utility. Unlike Gomes, who can step beyond his platoon role if needed as we saw in the World Sieries, young's unlikely to be able to do so. I'd actually rather move on a more conventional backup CF like doing a trade for Gregor Blanco. But then you already know my passion for making the rookies compete with regulars for their jobs.

 

Anyone think the Giants could be enticed to do a deal like Nava and Dempster for Blanco and Scutaro? Scutaro's nearly done as a starter but would make a superlative backup IF and would be an ideal foil to force Bogaerts to work hard to win the job as starting SS.

Edited November 16, 2013 by Dojji

[Bellhorn04]

Anyone think the Giants could be enticed to do a deal like Nava and Dempster for Blanco and Scutaro?

 

Stop trying to dump Nava, wouldya?

[mvp 78]

Stop trying to dump Nava, wouldya?

 

Seriously.

[sk7326]

Not entirely unreasonable, but I'd rather bring in someone with a bit more utility. Unlike Gomes, who can step beyond his platoon role if needed as we saw in the World Sieries, young's unlikely to be able to do so. I'd actually rather move on a more conventional backup CF like doing a trade for Gregor Blanco. But then you already know my passion for making the rookies compete with regulars for their jobs.

 

Anyone think the Giants could be enticed to do a deal like Nava and Dempster for Blanco and Scutaro? Scutaro's nearly done as a starter but would make a superlative backup IF and would be an ideal foil to force Bogaerts to work hard to win the job as starting SS.

 

Young is, if right (and a big if considering his 2013) is better than Gomes - Three True Outcomes guy with serious power who is a plus defensive CF. He'd make Gomes expendable if anything - or force Gomes to figure out how to use a 1B mitt.

[Dojji]

Young is, if right (and a big if considering his 2013) is better than Gomes - Three True Outcomes guy with serious power who is a plus defensive CF. He'd make Gomes expendable if anything - or force Gomes to figure out how to use a 1B mitt.

 

Young has tons of talent but is simply not consistent enough to be useful. Gomes barely is, Young is worse.

 

He had those 2 good years in 10 and 11, but those are his only years when he was even average much less great.

[sk7326]

Young has tons of talent but is simply not consistent enough to be useful. Gomes barely is, Young is worse.

 

He had those 2 good years in 10 and 11, but those are his only years when he was even average much less great.

 

He was solid in 2012 - but got hurt. And betting on athletic ability and a decent approach is not a bad thing. After all, we are auditioning for a 4th outfielder not a future stud. And he is a much more useful defender than Gomes, although Gomes makes an adequate LF.

[marklmw]

The Dodgers would like to have Gomes since you are guaranteed to win games when he is in the lineup.

[User Name]

How about an off-season scenario where the Sox completely steer clear of the FA market and graduate JBJ, XB, Vasquez, keep Berry and turn WMB into an IF Util-type player (who couldn't play SS unfortunately). They'd round out the BP with MiLB guys who are on the verge of making the Majors (Britton and Webster for example joining a returning Miller and Workman).

 

How many games would that team win?

[sk7326]

How about an off-season scenario where the Sox completely steer clear of the FA market and graduate JBJ, XB, Vasquez, keep Berry and turn WMB into an IF Util-type player (who couldn't play SS unfortunately). They'd round out the BP with MiLB guys who are on the verge of making the Majors (Britton and Webster for example joining a returning Miller and Workman).

 

How many games would that team win?

 

Any change in the bullpen would be almost all "luck based" - that is a good philosophy for staffing the pen (guys who are on their way up, or former washouts like Manny Parra). That would not affect my view of the games won. You'd lose some offensive production in catcher, though defense might be better (enough to offset - I don't know), and increase ceiling and risk with the infield, though I am all for it. The outfield with Berry would weaken the product, especially with the considerable production risk in LF to begin with.

 

But I'd have the same outlook I had for the team entering 2013 - 85ish wins, capability of a lot more with good health and some things going their way. Definitely not a team that'd ruin our summah (ruining the fall is another matter).

[Dojji]

How about an off-season scenario where the Sox completely steer clear of the FA market and graduate JBJ, XB, Vasquez, keep Berry and turn WMB into an IF Util-type player (who couldn't play SS unfortunately). They'd round out the BP with MiLB guys who are on the verge of making the Majors (Britton and Webster for example joining a returning Miller and Workman).

 

How many games would that team win?

 

depends almost exclusively on those young players' ability to live up to their potential in their first full seasons.

 

but it's entirely possible that they wouldn't lose much, with the big differences being the offensive dropoff of Salty to Vazquez and Napoli to Carp. Neither of which are necessarily as drastic as they first appear.