Should the Red Sox move Mike Napoli along?

[Palodios]

You're pretty much right. I'd assume that the more the Phillies pay on [name redacted], the more prospects they would want.

 

I've said this in several threads, but if you're paying 110 for Hamels + 60 for Howard (or 60 million worth of prospects), why wouldn't you just pay 150 for Lester/Scherzer? Those guys are proven in the AL. Those guys have significantly fewer innings on their arms. Those guys don't frontload big contracts. Do you really think the Red Sox should take on 40 million in payroll a year just to get one player?

[jd98]

I've said this in several threads, but if you're paying 110 for Hamels + 60 for Howard (or 60 million worth of prospects), why wouldn't you just pay 150 for Lester/Scherzer? Those guys are proven in the AL. Those guys have significantly fewer innings on their arms. Those guys don't frontload big contracts. Do you really think the Red Sox should take on 40 million in payroll a year just to get one player?

 

I think this will be may last post on this scenario. I'm sure everybody agrees this dead horse has been beaten enough.

 

My plan would be to get Lester AND Hamels. Scherzer would cost too much. It would be a total of $110m for Hamels (ignoring a 2019 team/vesting option) and $20m for Howard (theoretical value of prospects does not translate to actual cash). By year, it would be $32.5/$32.5/$22.5/$22.5, so that's not $40m per year. Also, I do not consider Howard to be worthless (granted, it's a possibility), so the first two years would be for 2 players.

[seabeachfred]

Napoli is gonna have a good year. Fatigue in ball players is a nightmare and this guy struggled with sleep apnea. If the surgery works, which isn't guaranteed, he should feel better coming into 2015. That plus the motivation of another big contract should give him a boost so long as he stays healthy. Bank on a big Napoli season

 

Come on over to our side Jacko and apply for the GM's job. You seem to have it more in order than some of the s*** rumors I'm hearing about Cherington. Right now I have zero confidence that he will do anything but screw up things as he's done two of the last three seasons.

[BSN07]

I think this will be may last post on this scenario. I'm sure everybody agrees this dead horse has been beaten enough.

 

My plan would be to get Lester AND Hamels. Scherzer would cost too much. It would be a total of $110m for Hamels (ignoring a 2019 team/vesting option) and $20m for Howard (theoretical value of prospects does not translate to actual cash). By year, it would be $32.5/$32.5/$22.5/$22.5, so that's not $40m per year. Also, I do not consider Howard to be worthless (granted, it's a possibility), so the first two years would be for 2 players.

 

lol this is your first off season on talksox. We beat so many dead horses around here that PETA has prices on most of our heads.

[seabeachfred]

lol this is your first off season on talksox. We beat so many dead horses around here that PETA has prices on most of our heads.

 

Well said BSN--it is something we seem pretty good at. If you hear of PETA closing in on any of us let me know so I can get out of Dodge.

[Dojji]

Just bumping this due to the significance of the signings of two third basemen, one of them the unathletic Sandoval. I'm fixating right now probably a bit too much on the idea that this means the plan may be to move Naps at the deadline or even in the offseason, and shift Sandoval to first, Hanley to third. I see this as a potential set of moves the team is lining up in case the market for Cespedes isn't as strong as they thought it was. A power hitting 1B in the last year of his contract can usually find a buyer who's willing to part with something.

[BSN07]

I think they plan for Pablo to be at 3B for a couple seasons at least. Regardless I've read a few things mentioning Napoli as a possible trade candidate. If they get a good offer for him why not? They have the depth to make that move. The return just needs to be worth it.

[Bellhorn04]

I think they plan for Pablo to be at 3B for a couple seasons at least. Regardless I've read a few things mentioning Napoli as a possible trade candidate. If they get a good offer for him why not?

 

For me the why not is that it could mean a significant downgrade at 1B. We have depth but nobody special at that position.

[BSN07]

But it would theoretically upgrade the rotation more than it would down grade 1B.

[Spudboy]

For me the why not is that it could mean a significant downgrade at 1B. We have depth but nobody special at that position.

 

That is how I see it, too.

 

Napoli's surgery aside, I think that he will return to form and provide near Gold Glove defense and his usual high OBP / 16-24 HR power.

 

Don't mess with what is not broken just to make the new pieces fit.

[Spudboy]

But it would theoretically upgrade the rotation more than it would down grade 1B.

 

Really? Can't that be done by unloading players that are redundant? This team could move any of three or so outfielders plus prospects to build the rotation. Even more if Lester is not signed.

 

I bet the Sox make some kind of splash building the rotation. They would be crazy not to.

[BSN07]

Really? Can't that be done by unloading players that are redundant? This team could move any of three or so outfielders plus prospects to build the rotation. Even more if Lester is not signed.

 

I bet the Sox make some kind of splash building the rotation. They would be crazy not to.

 

Yes it can. I'm not advocating a Napoli trade. I'm just agreeing with dojji given his contract status and valuable RH power, if the right deal came along he could be moved. It all depends what they can get for him and what they could get for some of the other pieces. If Napoli nets you the best SP option you do it. If it's about the same you keep him and move some of the others.

[RedSoxNC84]

A Napoli trade doesn't make that much sense. Moving Napoli moves one of Sandoval/HanRam or somehow even Craig to 1B, and then if we were to still move Cespedes, that leaves an OF of Betts, Nava, Craig, JBJ, Vic, Holt. Even if Hanley's defense isn't great in LF, at least we'd be able to fit in his bat as well as keeping Napoli's bat in the lineup, and move the pieces that DON'T make sense for us.

 

I say Cespedes gets moved, maybe some utility guys and prospects.

[sk7326]

A Napoli trade doesn't make that much sense. Moving Napoli moves one of Sandoval/HanRam or somehow even Craig to 1B, and then if we were to still move Cespedes, that leaves an OF of Betts, Nava, Craig, JBJ, Vic, Holt. Even if Hanley's defense isn't great in LF, at least we'd be able to fit in his bat as well as keeping Napoli's bat in the lineup, and move the pieces that DON'T make sense for us.

 

I say Cespedes gets moved, maybe some utility guys and prospects.

 

It's why I hate this question "should the Red Sox move Napoli". He is one of the more desirable properties they have contractually. So he could fetch a solid return - more than other guys. And Allen Craig (whose value frankly needs to be rebuilt) is best moved to 1B right now. So the math works out. But the team does not need to get rid of Napoli nor should they without a good returrn.

[Behindenemylines]

Unless trading him brings back a solid starting pitcher I would not move him. He is in a walk year and has a lot to prove because of his injury full 2014 season. He has performed in the bright lights of Boston and will benefit from the added bats to the lineup. Plus he gives you solid D at 1B. I think with the sleep thing taken care of he is primed for a big 2015 season.

[SCM33]

Mike Napoli can put up very good numbers as long as he is not exposed. If you have to rely on him as one of your 2 primary power positions in the lineup, you will be disappointed. Hit him 5th or 6th and you will love the production you get from him.

[vjcsmoke]

Napoli is a good 5-6 hitter. Don't see the point of moving him just for moving him. What would anyone even give back in return that would be worth taking his 20-25 HRs out of the lineup?

[seabeachfred]

Napoli is a good 5-6 hitter. Don't see the point of moving him just for moving him. What would anyone even give back in return that would be worth taking his 20-25 HRs out of the lineup?

 

VJC---Napoli hit fourth much of the 2013 season and did well for us, but I take what you and others have said.....he is much better as a hitter down in the fifth or sixth hole. I think we will get good production from him down there, and he is after all a very good defensive first baseman. I'd sure rather have him there than try to move Ramirez or Sandoval there. If Nap stays healthy we should expect him to have a good rebound year. In fact, I like the guy makeup....I think he is a real Red Sox and would love to see him finish his career with us.

[Spudboy]

VJC---Napoli hit fourth much of the 2013 season and did well for us, but I take what you and others have said.....he is much better as a hitter down in the fifth or sixth hole. I think we will get good production from him down there, and he is after all a very good defensive first baseman. I'd sure rather have him there than try to move Ramirez or Sandoval there. If Nap stays healthy we should expect him to have a good rebound year. In fact, I like the guy makeup....I think he is a real Red Sox and would love to see him finish his career with us.

 

Dito more or less.

[GomesBeard]

The lineup should have a lot more pop than last year - with Hanley, Panda and a healthy Napoli and Pedroia - and Papi doing his usual damage. I'm more concerned about having a couple guys at the top (and bottom) of the order that can get on base, to turn those solo shots into 2- and 3-run homers....

[mvp 78]

Pedroia has no pop left. Betts should lead off with Pedroia hitting second.

[User Name]

Pedroia has no pop left. Betts should lead off with Pedroia hitting second.

 

I wholeheartedly disagree. We'd have to see him play fully healthy before declaring a lack of power on his part.

[BSN07]

I think I'd go Betts leadoff as I think he might be a bit more of a threat on the base paths going forward but if Pedroia is leading off I wouldn't be upset.

[User Name]

Betts for leadoff plz.

[sk7326]

RF Betts

2B Pedroia

DH: Ortiz

LF: Ramirez

3B: Sandoval

1B: Napoli

SS: Bogaerts

C: Vasquez

CF: Castillo

 

Flip flopping Vasquez and Castillo makes sense of course - but I like the idea of increasing the number of RBI chances Betts has at the leadoff spot, even by a wee bit

[jacksonianmarch]

Napoli stays because, even though he can be a swing and miss artist, he's pretty much a shoe in for an .800OPS. Also, he is in a walk year and seems to play well under those circumstances. Plus, at $16 mil for 2015, you'll likely have to eat money and probably wouldn't get a whole lot. BUT, if you get walk year production out of him this season, then you can offer him a QO and get a pick for him, which is likely a lot more than what you'd get in a trade

[jacksonianmarch]

BTW, you're gonna have Victorino starting the year in the OF. I am guaranteeing you that right now. A healthy Victorino is a wild card for your team as he was the outright catalyst for your WS run. If he can play to his 2013 level at least physically, then you'd be crazy not to at least showcase him. Plus, if you keep your rotation as is, there's no chance you are vying for a title. So starting Vic and building his value for trade is probably your best bet. My guess is that Betts gets pretty regular PT floating through the OF and giving Pedroia a rest at times until you either cut or deal Vic. And if Vic returns to 2013 level and you're somehow winning, you let Betts fight with Rusney for PT.

[seabeachfred]

BTW, you're gonna have Victorino starting the year in the OF. I am guaranteeing you that right now. A healthy Victorino is a wild card for your team as he was the outright catalyst for your WS run. If he can play to his 2013 level at least physically, then you'd be crazy not to at least showcase him. Plus, if you keep your rotation as is, there's no chance you are vying for a title. So starting Vic and building his value for trade is probably your best bet. My guess is that Betts gets pretty regular PT floating through the OF and giving Pedroia a rest at times until you either cut or deal Vic. And if Vic returns to 2013 level and you're somehow winning, you let Betts fight with Rusney for PT.

 

If Victorino is healthy, IF IF IF IF, I agree, he will win an outfield spot because the guy is a gamer and a clutch performer. You don't need me to say it, just look at his body of work in 2013. Of course, I am a little biased on his behalf, first of all, because I thought his signing might have been a mistake and he made me eat my words and became a big favorite of mine, and secondly, because I was in Fenway when he hit that granny that put us in the World Series. Of all the thrills I've gotten watching baseball games in my life that homer was the biggest of all. I and all the ballpark went totally ape s*** when he belted that ball.

[mvp 78]

I wholeheartedly disagree. We'd have to see him play fully healthy before declaring a lack of power on his part.

 

With the way he plays, I doubt he'll be fully healthy again.

[Spudboy]

With the way he plays, I doubt he'll be fully healthy again.

 

Well assuming that his thumb is fully healed and that range of motion and strength are back to normal I can see him resuming production at or near his career numbers.

 

You are probably right, though. He can't control being hit in the hand by a pitch but his aggressive style of play does seem to increase the likelihood that he will sustain an injury more frequently than some players.