2015 rotation?

[Spitball]

It would be great if that happened, but two 30 year old pitchers making that kind of $$$$$$ I think is a long shot.

 

I agree, also. I think Lester will get offered at least six years by the Yankees, Tigers, or whichever teams lose out on Scherzer. I doubt the Sox go six years.

 

Hamels might make more sense since he is signed for only four more years (with a vesting clause). He would unfortunately cost some prospects, but the Phillie GM, Rueben Amaro, Jr., seems a little dimwitted.

[seabeachfred]

I agree, also. I think Lester will get offered at least six years by the Yankees, Tigers, or whichever teams lose out on Scherzer. I doubt the Sox go six years.

 

Hamels might make more sense since he is signed for only four more years (with a vesting clause). He would unfortunately cost some prospects, but the Phillie GM, Rueben Amaro, Jr., seems a little dimwitted.

 

Well at least Bungling Ben can rest assured that he's not the worst GM around this season because there's Amaro Jr, who makes the word putrid look good in comparison. However, I see no way he keeps his job after the miserable performance he's turned in the past two years. He wants two king's ransoms for every player he gets an offer for and since that is highway robbery nothing gets done. He better enjoy his last month and a half at Philly this year because he'll never get another GM job. He's even worse than Omar Minaya was with the Mets and that is saying something.

[Spudboy]

Well at least Bungling Ben can rest assured that he's not the worst GM around this season because there's Amaro Jr, who makes the word putrid look good in comparison. However, I see no way he keeps his job after the miserable performance he's turned in the past two years. He wants two king's ransoms for every player he gets an offer for and since that is highway robbery nothing gets done. He better enjoy his last month and a half at Philly this year because he'll never get another GM job. He's even worse than Omar Minaya was with the Mets and that is saying something.

 

Lol.

 

To me it just seems improbable that the Mets could be so bad for so long in that market.

 

I hope that does not happen to the Sox.

[a700hitter]

Lol.

 

To me it just seems improbable that the Mets could be so bad for so long in that market.

 

I hope that does not happen to the Sox.

The Mets have been so dead for several years that a Met fan friend of mine told me that he longs for the days of Omar Minaya. Lol!

[Northern Star]

You just can't plug and play 3/5 of the rotation or more with FA signings. I don't see it panning out.

[a700hitter]

You just can't plug and play 3/5 of the rotation or more with FA signings. I don't see it panning out.

They haven't left themselves any choice. Filling these spots internally would guarantee a wire to wire last place team.

[Spudboy]

Cherrington said that there "are other ways" of building a rotation ( other than signing a 1 and 2 via trade or FA ). I think that he is just covering his ass with that remark. I hope so, at least!!!

 

The Sox have the money to make a splash with the accusation of one or two big name front line pitchers. I still think that they will grab one big name #1 and another pitcher of the Masterson / Arroyo type. I used those names only for illustration and not to suggest that those two would be the choices.

 

And of course the Sox will likely grab either a reclamation project or ( as a700 would say ) "go dumpster diving".

 

2015 is a long way off now. There is plenty of time to make moves.

 

I will be very disappointed if the Sox are not aggressive in trying to land at least one front line starter. If they don't, 2015 will be another lost season no matter how many unproven or injured outfielders they sign.

[dupree]

I hope the Sox make a trade for Chris Sale, sign Lester, and maybe a trade for another mid rotation starter or trade for Hamels. A would use our minor league assets for pitching instead of dealing a s*** ton for Stanton. We have Cespedes now just resign him and build the rotation.

 

Lester, Sale, Hamels, Kelly, Bucholtz, with Workman or Ranuado spot starting.

 

I'm not a big game james fan, if the Padres put the one young kid, can't recall his name, up for trade I'd like him as our number 3.

 

This offseason is going to be interesting. Our offense is pretty much set now all ben has to focus on is starting pitching and bullpen.

[BigPapi]

I hope the Sox make a trade for Chris Sale, sign Lester, and maybe a trade for another mid rotation starter or trade for Hamels. A would use our minor league assets for pitching instead of dealing a s*** ton for Stanton. We have Cespedes now just resign him and build the rotation.

 

Lester, Sale, Hamels, Kelly, Bucholtz, with Workman or Ranuado spot starting.

 

I'm not a big game james fan, if the Padres put the one young kid, can't recall his name, up for trade I'd like him as our number 3.

 

This offseason is going to be interesting. Our offense is pretty much set now all ben has to focus on is starting pitching and bullpen.

 

 

What do you suggest we do with rubby? Him and kelly are the only ones who have shown this year that they could be in the rotation next year. And I highly doubt we get sale, lester, and hamels. Sale is going to cost us a ridiculous amount of prospects and so will hanels.

[dupree]

I figure ruddy will be in a package to bring us back an ace.. a yes Sale will cost a ton, but if it was a deal for sale I'd say throw any prospect at it. No one should be safe if Sale is on the market. Even Boegarts or Owens.

[BigPapi]

I figure ruddy will be in a package to bring us back an ace.. a yes Sale will cost a ton, but if it was a deal for sale I'd say throw any prospect at it. No one should be safe if Sale is on the market. Even Boegarts or Owens.

 

So you want to take the route of making sure we have very good starting pitching and an alright offense?

[dupree]

So you think Bogey is the a make or break of our offense. With Ortiz, Cespedes, Craig, Peddy, Castillo, Napoli, & Middlebrooks( if he's here or back to form) you think Bogey holds the keys to our offense. Ridiculous. I would hope like hell if Sale becomes available the Ben jumps on it and sends the Bogey packing. I know he has a high ceiling and is young and the scouts rave. But pitching wins champions that has been proved time and time again. So I have no idea where you say that we will have an alright offense without Bogey.

[BigPapi]

So you think Bogey is the a make or break of our offense. With Ortiz, Cespedes, Craig, Peddy, Castillo, Napoli, & Middlebrooks( if he's here or back to form) you think Bogey holds the keys to our offense. Ridiculous. I would hope like hell if Sale becomes available the Ben jumps on it and sends the Bogey packing. I know he has a high ceiling and is young and the scouts rave. But pitching wins champions that has been proved time and time again. So I have no idea where you say that we will have an alright offense without Bogey.

 

What I meant was that you don't want to bolster the offense anymore and focus on pitching instead? I never said I thought bogaerts was the center piece of the offense. All i said was that its going to take a lot of dough and resources to land those 3 so I assumed you were fine with the offense the way it is.

Edited August 24, 2014 by BigPapi

[dupree]

I don't know what else their would be to do. As strong as our farm system is I see a position players able to fill in if anyone gets hurt or struggles. Ben has done a lot of work so far and his offseason can pretty much include focusing on pitching, starting and bullpen. As far as position I don't see a huge need anywhere. Is see a lot of questions as far as who is gonna get any playing time. But I'd rather have that problem than a need at a position. I just see a left handed power bat may be the only need as far as offense. I see us as a lil too right handed hitting right now. But with the Monster and guys with equal splits vs rhp & lhp it shouldn't matter. That's the only need i see as of now. Our defense should be average, Castillo is the big question now no-one knows exactly what to expect. I for one like the move. I think our biggest problem this year excluding our pitching and just talking about our offense was no speed on the bases and stealing 2nd and going from 1st to 3rd on a single by the man behind you. Ellsbury did that for us. And I was one that said we should of resigned him because I thought he was the spark to our offense and it showed this year. Has he been worth the contract NO so let 2014 go and let's see how Castillo is this year. I just hope he can leadoff that is a big need for us in my opinion. I think the middle order is one of the best if not the best in baseball now and with Castillo leading off the top of the order will be elite. The bottom half is the big concern. MIDDLEBROOKS needs to get healthy and quit trying to hit the ball out of the park everytime. If he hit around .250 and hit 20-25 hrs I'd be happy. Vazquez I don't care if he buns every at bat as long as he has the cannon arm to throw out runners is all I care about. Then you come to Boegarts, I don't know what to make or say, if I had to say something I'd make the point if he was traded for an ace caliber pitcher I'd wish him the best and plug Holt in there and not worry or the kid in the minors from AzState to play SS. I think Ben makes a splash and makes moves to compare to the rotation of the Tigers. He done his work for the offense now he just needs pitching and with his fan base he knows if he tries to rely on the youth and booms next year he will be looking for a job.

 

Keys:

Resign Lester club friendly deal

Trade for another Ace

Trade for or sign a previous ace caliber

Resign Koji

Resign Andrew Miller

Sign or trade for another closer type as an insurance policy.

 

That's just my opinions and I know most will say I'm outta line but it's just one fellas views on what would make us worth wild and exciting to watch next year. I'm just looking forward to the September calls ups as of now.

[BigPapi]

I don't know what else their would be to do. As strong as our farm system is I see a position players able to fill in if anyone gets hurt or struggles. Ben has done a lot of work so far and his offseason can pretty much include focusing on pitching, starting and bullpen. As far as position I don't see a huge need anywhere. Is see a lot of questions as far as who is gonna get any playing time. But I'd rather have that problem than a need at a position. I just see a left handed power bat may be the only need as far as offense. I see us as a lil too right handed hitting right now. But with the Monster and guys with equal splits vs rhp & lhp it shouldn't matter. That's the only need i see as of now. Our defense should be average, Castillo is the big question now no-one knows exactly what to expect. I for one like the move. I think our biggest problem this year excluding our pitching and just talking about our offense was no speed on the bases and stealing 2nd and going from 1st to 3rd on a single by the man behind you. Ellsbury did that for us. And I was one that said we should of resigned him because I thought he was the spark to our offense and it showed this year. Has he been worth the contract NO so let 2014 go and let's see how Castillo is this year. I just hope he can leadoff that is a big need for us in my opinion. I think the middle order is one of the best if not the best in baseball now and with Castillo leading off the top of the order will be elite. The bottom half is the big concern. MIDDLEBROOKS needs to get healthy and quit trying to hit the ball out of the park everytime. If he hit around .250 and hit 20-25 hrs I'd be happy. Vazquez I don't care if he buns every at bat as long as he has the cannon arm to throw out runners is all I care about. Then you come to Boegarts, I don't know what to make or say, if I had to say something I'd make the point if he was traded for an ace caliber pitcher I'd wish him the best and plug Holt in there and not worry or the kid in the minors from AzState to play SS. I think Ben makes a splash and makes moves to compare to the rotation of the Tigers. He done his work for the offense now he just needs pitching and with his fan base he knows if he tries to rely on the youth and booms next year he will be looking for a job.

 

Keys:

Resign Lester club friendly deal

Trade for another Ace

Trade for or sign a previous ace caliber

Resign Koji

Resign Andrew Miller

Sign or trade for another closer type as an insurance policy.

 

That's just my opinions and I know most will say I'm outta line but it's just one fellas views on what would make us worth wild and exciting to watch next year. I'm just looking forward to the September calls ups as of now.

 

 

I think a rotation like that would be very beneficial in the playoffs. Pitching does win championships. The question would be can the offense be just good enough to get to the playoffs and have a couple of timely hits in the postseason. If craig can regain 2013 form and Papi doesn't slow down, that would be HUGE next year.

[dupree]

If the players can come together and stay healthy all year and start getting timely hits with a rotation that allows few runs then I see us going very far. I'm not sure what t he stats are but I'm know that this year we have lost a lot of close one or two runs games. When last year on our way to the championship they won those close games. I think wit more speed on the bases at the top and bottom of the lineup and having OFs that hit coupled with the bottom third of the lineup getting on base would help up win those close games. We have had injuries and the OFs obp is one of the most if not the worst in baseball an snow the bottom third of the lineup has been none existent most of the year.

 

I'm not saying ben has to break the bank on pitching but solid trades for top tier proven starting pitching is a must. We have the prospects it's time we take to pieces and make a t ta de to bring back aces. If ben wanted Sale and Hamels then he has the assets to get it done. But my fear is how Hamels would do in the AL east. Lester is a must to lead the staff next year. I still say he made this move to the A's after talking tobt he FO about bringing back elite talent to help for next year's squad.

[jacksonianmarch]

Dupree, put the Kool-Aid down and jump back to reality. You need to pitch to "go far". Right now, the only guys on your roster who are staring at a rotation spot are....

 

1. De la Rosa- K rate not akin to a power pitcher, lots of walks of late, more hits than innings pitched. He has the stuff, but does he become a Doubront type pitcher or does he take the next step?

2. Clay Buchholz- He pitched great tonight, but he's been pretty terrible all year long. Counting on him to be a key cog is concerning to say the least

3. Joe Kelly- this guy is a reliever who isn't cut out for AL pitching.

4. Alan Webster- I think he saw his shadow, he decided to hide

5. Brandon Workman- guy is a beast in the pen, but sucks as a starter

 

The only player on your current roster who I can see being a good starter in 2015 is De la Rosa, because he has dominant stuff and has been inconsistent akin to most rookies. The other 4 are hot messes. Yes, I know you have Ranaudo and Owens in the minors, but neither of them are locks to produce or stay healthy in the bigs. You are going to need 3-4 starters off the trade or FA market to be good in 2015

[dupree]

Maybe so 4 or 5 might be the move Ben makes. And I'll put the Kool aid down as soon as your boys quit ordering tons of pine tar to accent their necks. Also your team is in as big of need of starter pitching as we will be this offseason. Tanaka is your only sure thing.

[jacksonianmarch]

Not sure if you watched Pineda last night, pine tar free as well. And Tanaka isn't a sure thing in 2015, as his elbow might require surgery. That being said, we've had some good work from Phelps and Greene this yr, enough to consider them depth if healthy. But you're right, we're gonna need at least one top tier acquisition and at least one back end one to stay competitive next yr

[jacksonianmarch]

Also, it's never a good thing for the sox when their needs and the Yankees needs align in an offseason

[a700hitter]

Also, it's never a good thing for the sox when their needs and the Yankees needs align in an offseason

You are right about that. The Yankees will get their man, and this offseason, they may look for 2 pitchers. Who knows. There are only 3 big FA names out there: Lester, Scherzer and Shields.

[Station 13]

Phillies are still selling Papelbon, and no takers for him, even though he is earning that closers high salaries. If they can eat half of it, I wouldn't hesitate to take him back at $6M yearly for the next 2. We can send them a piece like Webster/JBJ.

[Bellhorn04]

Phillies are still selling Papelbon, and no takers for him, even though he is earning that closers high salaries. If they can eat half of it, I wouldn't hesitate to take him back at $6M yearly for the next 2. We can send them a piece like Webster/JBJ.

 

I don't disagree with this, but I don't think it'll happen. Not because of Paps's ability but because of potential clubhouse issues. The Sox probably regret the Pierzynski signing. As we know, Paps can ruffle feathers when he opens his mouth.

[a700hitter]

I don't disagree with this, but I don't think it'll happen. Not because of Paps's ability but because of potential clubhouse issues. The Sox probably regret the Pierzynski signing. As we know, Paps can ruffle feathers when he opens his mouth.

I really don't remember Paps having clubhouse issues with the Red Sox.

[Palodios]

I really don't remember Paps having clubhouse issues with the Red Sox.

 

He's a firey guy. I seriously doubt he'd want to setup for Koji.

[a700hitter]

He's a firey guy. I seriously doubt he'd want to setup for Koji.

I don't see that sitting well with him.

[Spudboy]

I don't see the Phillies eating half of Pap's contract.

 

The idea of having him back is kind of neat. I doubt that it happens.

 

Besides, relief arms are abundant.

[Behindenemylines]

I don't see the Phillies eating half of Pap's contract.

 

The idea of having him back is kind of neat. I doubt that it happens.

 

Besides, relief arms are abundant.

 

Plus it looks like Workman's future is in the pen, and Webster's might be as well. In short stints these two may be productive arms out of the pen.