2014 Offseason Thread

[Palodios]

In regards to the Yankees pitching, big ifs exist, too. However IF Fatty, Tanaka, Pineda and I believe Nova ( is he even part of the team anymore?? ) come back solid then look out. That could be by far the best rotation in the East and possibly one of the best in the AL.

 

If everything goes right, the Yankees have the best rotation in the AL East. The problem is that Tanaka looked like someone who needed TJS about a year ago, Nova is recovering from it himself, and Pineda is practically Buchholz. They also lost the leadership of Derek Jeter, and replaced it with ARod.

[iortiz]

Fred, take this into context. I'm comparing the Red Sox to other AL East teams. Who has an ace? The only Cy youngs in the division are over 35 in Dickey and Sabathia. Tanaka's elbow is shot. Baltimore's staff is filled with #3s and 4s, like the Sox. The Rays have a few guys who might emerge, but the rest of their team are AAAA fodder.

Seems like games between ALE teams going to be slug parties.

 

I'd go overs all the way all season long LOL!

Edited December 18, 2014 by iortiz

[cp176]

The offense is among the best in the league. The defense is excellent. The bullpen is respectable. The bench is filled with useful, versatile players. The farm system's best talent is in the upper minors.

 

The starting pitching staff's average age is 27, healthy, and gives a ton of innings. They also may trade for another pitcher between now and the trade deadline.

 

I submit this respectfully for sure- not interested in ruffling feathers. Just another opinion. Hope you are right and that I am wrong-

The offense could be very good-

defensively we are suspect at short- who knows what will happen in the outfield - and sadly said but with great hope - I truly do hope our second baseman can stay healthy

 

No one truly leaps off the page in the "upper Minors" - all prospects - could be good but might not be

Bullpen probably will be respectable.

 

I am more interested in our starting pitchers earned run averages as opposed to their ages-

I too hope that they pick up the big arm they need.

[Spudboy]

If everything goes right, the Yankees have the best rotation in the AL East. The problem is that Tanaka looked like someone who needed TJS about a year ago, Nova is recovering from it himself, and Pineda is practically Buchholz. They also lost the leadership of Derek Jeter, and replaced it with ARod.

 

If you recall I advocated TJS for Tanaka last summer when the Yankees took the platelet route. He is one very expensive IF.

[cp176]

Me too!

 

"Back in the day" I used to go to about 40+ games at Fenway each year 1972-1974. I paid $1.00 for a bleacher ticket and $0.75 to gain access to the rest of the park after the 3rd inning.

 

I was on a first name basis with most of the Baltimore Bullpen. This because I looked about 10-11 when I was 14 and 15. I used to smoke HavaTampa cigars at the game. Those guys would be smoking real cigars and would get a kick out of passing their stogies through the back fence of the pen for me to toke on. Spital and all!!!

 

The game has changed. I very much doubt that any player would spend 10-20 minutes joking around with a teenage fan now.

 

The Baltimore relievers were a fun bunch or partyers that were often drunk or hungover and not bashful about it.

 

You speak my language. Best pitched game I believe I ever saw at Fenway was in 1978- Did not like it much but it was great to see - Louisianna Lightening blew it by all the big dogs - even Captain Carl. He just did not look big enough to do it. But he did it. What a year he had.

[seabeachfred]

Fred, take this into context. I'm comparing the Red Sox to other AL East teams. Who has an ace? The only Cy youngs in the division are over 35 in Dickey and Sabathia. Tanaka's elbow is shot. Baltimore's staff is filled with #3s and 4s, like the Sox. The Rays have a few guys who might emerge, but the rest of their team are AAAA fodder.

 

Are we really sure about Tanaka my friend. Once again, you are a epitome of a cool hand Luke, and don't think I don't appreciate it. What I really want to see is the Red Sox make a complete turnaround next year and dominate the division. If we had that No. 1 man, I would cover your back and insist that we will take the division as presently constructed. Let me be honest, though. I have to admit that I have a little of that entitlement in me.......I want us to be in the race for a division title every year and personally, after what kind of team the front office put on the field this season and how poorly we fared I think they owe all Red Sox fans, me, you, 700, mvp, iortiz and the whole lot of us a terrific 2015. If that's being selfish I stand tried and convicted.

[Palodios]

KRod is still available, and there has been minimal interest in him so far. I'd love to see him being open to taking a back-up closer type job here.

[Spudboy]

I'm pretty sure that very few even care. David Ross has had interest by a few teams.

 

My guess is that he lands with the Cubs and becomes Lester's catcher for 30 games and maybe 10-15 more games as a back-up.

 

Too bad. I think that he could have been had for cheap and he probably would have been good enough to back-up Vasquez for 2015.

 

I wonder if Theo goes more than one year? I kind of doubt it but I see him outbidding the Sox now.

[Palodios]

The Red Sox are trying to trade Allen Craig. I sure hope it is part of a bigger trade with the Brewers for Gallardo.

[iortiz]

Well if true, it will be Lackey for Gallardo and Kelly.

 

Also, if they finish rounding the team with Shields.... I will be very happy.

 

Shields and Gallardo?... sounds great.

[Palodios]

Well if true, it will be Lackey for Gallardo and Kelly.

 

It would probably take more to pull in Gallardo. I am still convinced Cecchini is the most expendable prospect at this point.

[dupree]

Gallardo would have to wave his block due the the fact the red sox on his no trade list.

[Spudboy]

Like Pal, I too wonder who will be packaged along with Craig from the Sox?

[iortiz]

At ESPN Bosotn, they are projecting that the Red Sox will win the division with only 87 Ws. Bookers have also the Red Sox ahead 9/1. Seems like the division is the weakest version in the last 20 yrs or something.

[cp176]

It would probably take more to pull in Gallardo. I am still convinced Cecchini is the most expendable prospect at this point.

 

Really? Gallardo? ok i guess- add him to the pile we are heaping up. I would agree with you that Cecchini is expendable but only because of the Panda's contract. How many middle of the rotation guys can you have before you go after the real deal?

[iortiz]

Really? Gallardo? ok i guess- add him to the pile we are heaping up. I would agree with you that Cecchini is expendable but only because of the Panda's contract. How many middle of the rotation guys can you have before you go after the real deal?

 

Gallardo is way better than the other pile we just added. Is he a true no.1? no, but he could be your solid No. 2. which we do not have.

Edited December 18, 2014 by iortiz

[cp176]

I reálly do hope you are right. I am not a big statistical freak but I guess I just don't see it. I think that he would be quite comparable to what we just got. I am a greedy! I want more.

[iortiz]

I reálly do hope you are right. I am not a big statistical freak but I guess I just don't see it. I think that he would be quite comparable to what we just got. I am a greedy! I want more.

 

Since 2009 he has averaged 180+ IP. Another anti Buch here. Sure, he could translate his 3.5+ ERA numbers just below 4.0 in the AL which is still decent for a No. 2 IMO.

[jacksonianmarch]

Gallardo has been a solid 2 WAR guy pretty much since he came into the league in 2007 (average WAR 1.9). He's a shoe in for 180-200IP with an ERA in the mid 3's. He is a useful piece. Craig is garbage, a shell of himself who has a ridiculous contract for his level of production. The idea that Craig gets Gallardo is fanboy crazy s***. They're gonna deal off Craig, but it's gonna be to a team that throws nearly nothing in return. I think the sox are just looking for someone who might take his whole contract.

 

Gallardo came up as a lights out ace prospect, and while he hasn't been that, he's been pretty useful. He's gonna cost you something of value. Cecchini isn't that guy of value. He's 24 in April, so not the youngest of players, and was pretty bad in 2014 in AAA. You're gonna have to give them a bat and an arm for Gallardo, probably someone like Barnes or Ranaudo plus a guy like Marrero. Not the top guys in the system, but guys that might make you wince a little when pulling the trigger

[cp176]

Gallardo has been a solid 2 WAR guy pretty much since he came into the league in 2007 (average WAR 1.9). He's a shoe in for 180-200IP with an ERA in the mid 3's. He is a useful piece. Craig is garbage, a shell of himself who has a ridiculous contract for his level of production. The idea that Craig gets Gallardo is fanboy crazy s***. They're gonna deal off Craig, but it's gonna be to a team that throws nearly nothing in return. I think the sox are just looking for someone who might take his whole contract.

 

Gallardo came up as a lights out ace prospect, and while he hasn't been that, he's been pretty useful. He's gonna cost you something of value. Cecchini isn't that guy of value. He's 24 in April, so not the youngest of players, and was pretty bad in 2014 in AAA. You're gonna have to give them a bat and an arm for Gallardo, probably someone like Barnes or Ranaudo plus a guy like Marrero. Not the top guys in the system, but guys that might make you wince a little when pulling the trigger

 

Rethinking this I do think getting him for Craig and Chechinne(sp) would make sense since they will not be playing for us anytime soon. Clearly I am not into the stats quite like you. I focus on Ip-hits allowed-and era. I would feel a lot better about this if I thought he was 24. I think that he is older. if anyone gave him up for Barnes, Renaudo, and Marrero, doesn't that tend to say something about our current "potential" minor leaguers.

[mvp 78]

The most you could get for Craig is a few prospects, a bullpen arm, or someone else's bad contract.

 

I think they should keep him and see if he gets his old swing back.

[Palodios]

Gallardo has been a solid 2 WAR guy pretty much since he came into the league in 2007 (average WAR 1.9). He's a shoe in for 180-200IP with an ERA in the mid 3's. He is a useful piece. Craig is garbage, a shell of himself who has a ridiculous contract for his level of production. The idea that Craig gets Gallardo is fanboy crazy s***. They're gonna deal off Craig, but it's gonna be to a team that throws nearly nothing in return. I think the sox are just looking for someone who might take his whole contract.

 

Gallardo came up as a lights out ace prospect, and while he hasn't been that, he's been pretty useful. He's gonna cost you something of value. Cecchini isn't that guy of value. He's 24 in April, so not the youngest of players, and was pretty bad in 2014 in AAA. You're gonna have to give them a bat and an arm for Gallardo, probably someone like Barnes or Ranaudo plus a guy like Marrero. Not the top guys in the system, but guys that might make you wince a little when pulling the trigger

 

Gallardo also has a declining strikeout rate, has only one year left on his contract, and plays for a team destined to miss the playoffs. The Brewers aren't going to be asking for the moon. Cecchini was a top 100 prospect last year, and probably still profiles as a major league 3B. The Brewers have Aramis Ramirez at 3B for one year, before he probably retires or moves on. They have no significant 3B prospects, and only drafted a 5th rounder last year.

[BSN07]

Gallardo would be interesting. But i don't see any point in giving up any good chips for a 1 year rental at this point. Wait till the tdl when prices are better for soon to be FA and go from there.

[cp176]

Gallardo has been a solid 2 WAR guy pretty much since he came into the league in 2007 (average WAR 1.9). He's a shoe in for 180-200IP with an ERA in the mid 3's. He is a useful piece. Craig is garbage, a shell of himself who has a ridiculous contract for his level of production. The idea that Craig gets Gallardo is fanboy crazy s***. They're gonna deal off Craig, but it's gonna be to a team that throws nearly nothing in return. I think the sox are just looking for someone who might take his whole contract.

 

Gallardo came up as a lights out ace prospect, and while he hasn't been that, he's been pretty useful. He's gonna cost you something of value. Cecchini isn't that guy of value. He's 24 in April, so not the youngest of players, and was pretty bad in 2014 in AAA. You're gonna have to give them a bat and an arm for Gallardo, probably someone like Barnes or Ranaudo plus a guy like Marrero. Not the top guys in the system, but guys that might make you wince a little when pulling the trigger

 

Sorry about that. I got a little confused. Cecchini's age (24) not Gallardo. If people have any faith at all in what is coming out of the minor league system, I still don't see giving up young arms for him.

[a700hitter]

I heard a report this morning that the President of the Yankees said they are out on Scherzer. If the Yankees are out and the Cubs have already blown there wad on Lester, that leaves the Dodgers and the Angels as the other big money teams. If they are not interested, he's ours if they want him. We can outbid the others.

[Palodios]

The Dodgers signed two starters this offseason already. The Angels have been burned by long term contracts a lot recently and probably aren't in on him. The Giants just paid for Romo and Peavy.

 

I would not be surprised to see the Nats and Mets in on this one, but yeah far fewer heavy hitters than Lester.

[a700hitter]

The Dodgers signed two starters this offseason already. The Angels have been burned by long term contracts a lot recently and probably aren't in on him. The Giants just paid for Romo and Peavy.

 

I would not be surprised to see the Nats and Mets in on this one, but yeah far fewer heavy hitters than Lester.

Forget the Mets. They are still in business with pyramid schemes. Amway runs a big operation from offices at Citifield. LOL! They are going to go it on the cheap. Plus, they think they are set for pitching with Colon, Niese, Gee, Wheeler, DeGrom, Harvey and Montero. They think they have excess pitching. The Nats have Strasburg, Fister, Gio and they are looking to extend Zimmerman. Their needs are probably not starting pitching.

[Bellhorn04]

I thought Detroit would be in big on Scherzer but who knows? Edited December 19, 2014 by Bellhorn04

[a700hitter]

Detroit will be in big on Scherzer.

If they are the competition, we can get him if they want him.

[Bellhorn04]

It's interesting that there hasn't been any buzz at all yet about offers to Scherzer or Shields.