Sox Acquire Porcello, Miley, and Masterson

[mvp 78]

I don't think this team is built for the playoffs. It's a competitive regular season team though.

[cp176]

I truly hope that they are not done with respect to the search and I do mean search for a top of the rotation guy. The current shape of the American league east should not dictate what this team does to create the best rotation that they can create. I think that a good job has been done so far, if the wheels are still turning in an attempt to reel in a "stopper". Something that every championship team needs.

[BSN07]

I truly hope that they are not done with respect to the search and I do mean search for a top of the rotation guy. The current shape of the American league east should not dictate what this team does to create the best rotation that they can create. I think that a good job has been done so far, if the wheels are still turning in an attempt to reel in a "stopper". Something that every championship team needs.

 

Yes a stopper be nice, but if the cost prevents one from being acquired until later on than it's not the end of the world.

[lospunchados]

I don't think this team is built for the playoffs. It's a competitive regular season team though.

 

Really that's what you need. You try to get what you can in the offseason, and they did pretty well landing Sandoval and Hanley. They got three decent pitchers who all have either expiring contracts or good cost control contracts and didn't give up too much in players or prospects. If they remain competitive there will be players to be traded for mid season to make a good playoff push and hopefully a good playoff run.

[cp176]

Yes a stopper be nice, but if the cost prevents one from being acquired until later on than it's not the end of the world.

 

Very good point - depends on the cost. If the cost was players (meaning Betts), I would probably say no. Combination of practically any of the rest of them within reason of course might be ok with me. The concept of waiting until later on is not bad either.

[sk7326]

I don't think this team is built for the playoffs. It's a competitive regular season team though.

 

It is the funniest thing about baseball - the things that can get you through a monthlong tournament are much different than what gets you through the regular season marathon. It's why seasons like the 2013 Sox (and to be fair, all three of our title sides) are remarkable.

[cp176]

It is the funniest thing about baseball - the things that can get you through a monthlong tournament are much different than what gets you through the regular season marathon. It's why seasons like the 2013 Sox (and to be fair, all three of our title sides) are remarkable.

 

You are right. Expanded playoffs have certainly made people very rich but the approach to the game in general is very different in this era. It is almost like two separate seasons. Magnified expansion hasn't worked real well for me but it is what it is. Don't think we are going backward anytime soon.

[sk7326]

You are right. Expanded playoffs have certainly made people very rich but the approach to the game in general is very different in this era. It is almost like two separate seasons. Magnified expansion hasn't worked real well for me but it is what it is. Don't think we are going backward anytime soon.

 

I don't know how much expansion changed that really. Even the most monstrous mismatch in baseball is a 60-40 proposition. (after all, the range of best-worst in baseball is generally equal to a 6 to 9 win team in football) And with the rotating of starters, even the worst team in baseball can put the best team on the field occasionally. Put simply, the "best team" in a classic sense doesn't win - often. It's just how baseball is designed compared to football (where it is rare) and the NBA (where it is even rarer).

[cp176]

I agree. It is the length of the season and the effects on a pitching and coaching staff that bother s me.

[seabeachfred]

Yes a stopper be nice, but if the cost prevents one from being acquired until later on than it's not the end of the world.

 

If by that BSN you mean we will all keep breathing and hopefully staying healthy, then you're right. If by that you mean we can still win the division and head deep into the playoffs, then your wrong We need an ace....that is a must if we want to be favorites for the division and have a ghost of a chance in the playoffs. The front office must have their feet kept in the fire until they replace Lester....WHICH THEY MOST CERTAINLY HAVE NOT .

[BSN07]

If by that BSN you mean we will all keep breathing and hopefully staying healthy, then you're right. If by that you mean we can still win the division and head deep into the playoffs, then your wrong We need an ace....that is a must if we want to be favorites for the division and have a ghost of a chance in the playoffs. The front office must have their feet kept in the fire until they replace Lester....WHICH THEY MOST CERTAINLY HAVE NOT .

 

I think they can start with this. Maybe someone takes a big step forward, maybe they don't. I think the rotation and offense is good enough to contend in a weak AL East as is. If no one steps up into that stopper role then I would want one added before the TDL.

[cp176]

A good point for sure. I just still wonder about the current thinking. They have stockpiled enough players to field two teams. If the right move was there right now, I would like to see them make it. Emphasis on the right move for the team in general.

[Spudboy]

I don't think this team is built for the playoffs. It's a competitive regular season team though.

 

They certainly don't have a playoff rotation.

[a700hitter]

The rotation isn't built to survive a wild card game.

[iortiz]

They have money, right? Then... What is the big deal giving Shields a 120 M contract? Overpaid? You bet, but almost every FA is. So show him the money already haha Edited December 14, 2014 by iortiz

[iortiz]

...and to me Shields is a No 2.

[cp176]

They have money, right? Then... What is the big deal giving Shields a 120 M contract? Overpaid? You bet, but almost every FA is. So show him the money already haha

 

I have no problem with that at all if he is the right one to get the job done. I'm not sure he is but it doesn't make sense to me not to either make a deal or pay the price for what you want. Betts would be off the table in my estimation.

[cp176]

I really never saw Shields as an "ace" but with him and what they have done already - Maybe that is enough. I don't know.

[Bellhorn04]

...and to me Shields is a No 2.

 

You don't think he was the #1 for the AL champs?

 

I swear, there are fans who don't consider a pitcher as a #1 or an ace unless he's a Hall of Fame candidate.

[cp176]

You don't think he was the #1 for the AL champs?

 

I swear, there are fans who don't consider a pitcher as a #1 or an ace unless he's a Hall of Fame candidate.

 

I guess it is just a judgement call with me. I would take him don't get me wrong. I do think that any pitcher who is a true ace probably should be a candidate for the Hall at some point though. Maybe not in but a candidate none the less.

[iortiz]

You don't think he was the #1 for the AL champs?

 

I swear, there are fans who don't consider a pitcher as a #1 or an ace unless he's a Hall of Fame candidate.

Sure, in a team like KCR or even ours, Shields would be a No 1. In some teams he could be a No. 1. But he is not an ace by any means, he could even be a number 3/4 in teams like LAD DET WSN, etc.

 

Damn, not sure when is going to be the season when we have a solid 1-2-3 like LAD or DET.

[mvp 78]

Verlander kinda sucks now. Scherzer is leaving. Price is overrated.

[iortiz]

I would exchange the combo for any of them in a heartbeat. Edited December 15, 2014 by iortiz

[Palodios]

Over the last 4 years, Shields has averaged 233 IP, a 3.17 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in the AL. That's 1st in IP, 5th for ERA, 6th in WAR, 5th in Wins, 8th in WHIP over that span.

 

Most of those numbers are better than Verlander's, Darvish's, Scherzer's and Lester's. Very similar to Price/Felix, except those guys had slightly better ERA/WHIP over fewer innings. He has been worlds better than real #2s like Anibel Sanchez, Josh Beckett, John Lackey.

 

Shields is a #1 pitcher. That shouldn't be questioned. The question is whether he will still be an ace into his mid and late 30s.

[iortiz]

Over the last 4 years, Shields has averaged 233 IP, a 3.17 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in the AL. That's 1st in IP, 5th for ERA, 6th in WAR, 5th in Wins, 8th in WHIP over that span.

 

Most of those numbers are better than Verlander's, Darvish's, Scherzer's and Lester's. Very similar to Price/Felix, except those guys had slightly better ERA/WHIP over fewer innings. He has been worlds better than real #2s like Anibel Sanchez, Josh Beckett, John Lackey.

 

Shields is a #1 pitcher. That shouldn't be questioned. The question is whether he will still be an ace into his mid and late 30s.

 

Looking the numbers and considering what Lester got and what Scherzer will get, a 120 M contract sounds like a bargain to me.

[MJantomaso]

Over the last 4 years, Shields has averaged 233 IP, a 3.17 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in the AL. That's 1st in IP, 5th for ERA, 6th in WAR, 5th in Wins, 8th in WHIP over that span.

 

Most of those numbers are better than Verlander's, Darvish's, Scherzer's and Lester's. Very similar to Price/Felix, except those guys had slightly better ERA/WHIP over fewer innings. He has been worlds better than real #2s like Anibel Sanchez, Josh Beckett, John Lackey.

 

Shields is a #1 pitcher. That shouldn't be questioned. The question is whether he will still be an ace into his mid and late 30s.

 

His pitching style seems to make me believe that he can perform at a high level mid-late 30s. Hes always been high 80s-low 90s on the gun with a A+ change up. Thats old man ball in my book.

[Dojji]

One thing I note about these new acquisitions is that they're all durable starters that make their scheduled starts and generally can go deep into games. If your offense is good that CAN be enough. In fact one could argue that the rotation in 03 was built around the same attributes, and that was a deep playoff run for us even if it didn't end all that well.

 

Oh and yes I want Shields. You're talking about a guy who has never missed a scheduled start in his entire 10 year career. That's unfathomable.

[iortiz]

Wonder if the FO is really in the hunt for Shields as they apparently were for Lester. After watching the numbers and his durability would be a mistake not landing this guy at whatever price even if this means entering in a bidding war with NYY, LAD or eventually DET.

[dupree]

It may be a good play to sign Shields now and at the deadline add another front line starter when most asking teams prices are down. With the reports of how ben feels about the additions it would suprise me if he adds two more starters before the season.

[lospunchados]

Over the last 4 years, Shields has averaged 233 IP, a 3.17 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in the AL. That's 1st in IP, 5th for ERA, 6th in WAR, 5th in Wins, 8th in WHIP over that span.

 

Most of those numbers are better than Verlander's, Darvish's, Scherzer's and Lester's. Very similar to Price/Felix, except those guys had slightly better ERA/WHIP over fewer innings. He has been worlds better than real #2s like Anibel Sanchez, Josh Beckett, John Lackey.

 

Shields is a #1 pitcher. That shouldn't be questioned. The question is whether he will still be an ace into his mid and late 30s.

 

Thank-you for posting this. Shields is a legitimate front of the rotation starter with the numbers to back it up.