Snapshot Poll: Will the Sox Acquire a Front Line Starter by the Trading Deadline?

[a700hitter]

Just looking to take the temperature of the members on this. We know it depends on a lot of things that we don't know, but if you had to make a bet, what would would b e your guess? Will the Red Sox acquire a front line Starting Pitcher by the Trading Deadline. I will leave the voting open for the weekend.

[Bellhorn04]

Very doubtful. And it would only be a pitcher who is under control beyond this year.

[a700hitter]

Very doubtful. And it would only be a pitcher who is under control beyond this year.

 

So, you vote no?

[Bellhorn04]

So, you vote no?

 

No it is.

[a700hitter]

I voted no, but I am hoping yes, because we need a top starter whether it be this year or next season of we are going to get competitive. I need to watch some meaningful Red Sox games. This will be two full seasons where our seasons were dead in May. I am too old to start other hobbies.

[Kimmi]

I voted no.

 

I've stated before, I think the likely additions we'll see are a bullpen arm and a consistent, innings type middle of the rotation starter.

[a700hitter]

I voted no.

 

I've stated before, I think the likely additions we'll see are a bullpen arm and a consistent, innings type middle of the rotation starter.

what category does Kazmir fall into in your opinion?

[Spudboy]

I voted no.

 

One top line starter won't turn this season around in two months.

 

Now if Ben does have an opportunity to snag a top guy that he would have targeted in the off season then fine. I just don't see the necessity of a paying top prospect prices to make it look like he is trying to salvage this mess of a season.

 

I think the abundance of good arms entering FA should be his focus. I say that we need two as things stand now. That could change if Johnson performs well.

 

But again, if someone is about to be moved that Ben has a boner for, he should consider some kind of move.

 

Other than Swilhart I say any player currently in the Minors is expendable.

[Spudboy]

what category does Kazmir fall into in your opinion?

 

I'll answer that. Simply put, he would be our best starter for now. But he is getting up there in age and I can't see the Sox making a long term ( 3+ years ) deal for him.

 

I'd like to see Kazmir on our team, but not for a haul of prospects.

 

That would be even more stupidity by Ben.

[Dojji]

GOD no. DO NOT buy at the deadline, we're at the bottom of the division, and 6.5 games out. We. Are. Not. Contenders.

[iortiz]

We are done this season. I think he will be a seller.

[Palodios]

A few years, the Phillies dismantled their team... Who then turned things around and just barely missed the playoffs despite losing a lot of talent.

 

I can see Ben trading for a second tier starter like Leake Fiers or Harang and letting the team gel a bit, and try to turn things around. I can also see him dealing the farm for a controllable ace and going for it, but there needs to be a willing seller.

[a700hitter]

A few years, the Phillies dismantled their team... Who then turned things around and just barely missed the playoffs despite losing a lot of talent.

 

I can see Ben trading for a second tier starter like Leake Fiers or Harang and letting the team gel a bit, and try to turn things around. I can also see him dealing the farm for a controllable ace and going for it, but there needs to be a willing seller.

so, what is your best guess? How did you vote?

[Bellhorn04]

We are done this season. I think he will be a seller.

 

Not that we have much to sell.

[Palodios]

so, what is your best guess? How did you vote?

 

They're buyers. Definitely a pitcher. Probably not a "front line" pitcher, but if Hamels/Cueto are available for mid tier pieces or Gray/Sale are available for minor league pieces I see it being possible.

[a700hitter]

They're buyers. Definitely a pitcher. Probably not a "front line" pitcher, but if Hamels/Cueto are available for mid tier pieces or Gray/Sale are available for minor league pieces I see it being possible.

register your vote. Right now there is a 0 thinking we get anyone.

[Palodios]

I said no to the front line starter question.

[Kimmi]

I voted no.

 

One top line starter won't turn this season around in two months.

 

Now if Ben does have an opportunity to snag a top guy that he would have targeted in the off season then fine. I just don't see the necessity of a paying top prospect prices to make it look like he is trying to salvage this mess of a season.

 

I think the abundance of good arms entering FA should be his focus. I say that we need two as things stand now. That could change if Johnson performs well.

 

But again, if someone is about to be moved that Ben has a boner for, he should consider some kind of move.

 

Other than Swilhart I say any player currently in the Minors is expendable.

 

For the most part, I agree with this. It wouldn't be very prudent of Ben to give up top prospects for a top of the line starter who won't help us beyond this season. However, if he could acquire someone who is locked up for several years, then that's a different story. I could see him doing that.

[sk7326]

Depends on what you call front of the line ... but I think yes.

 

FO gave this team 2-3 weeks to present a credible case ... largely they have. That said, I imagine a case like Gallardo will be more likely than a Cueto or Hamels.

[Kimmi]

what category does Kazmir fall into in your opinion?

 

Kazmir is sort of in between. He is someone I could see Ben checking into, but because of his low ERA, I think his price will be more than he is worth. He is currently outperforming his peripherals.

 

I am thinking of someone more along the lines of Mike Leake. I don't think it would take as much to get him as it would to get Kazmir.

[sk7326]

The guy to also kick tires on is Jordan Zimmermann. The Nats are obviously good, but they also have a surplus and a probably not going to re-sign him. Could there be a match there? But I think a Leake, Kazmir, Gallardo flavor guy is likelier.

[Palodios]

The guy to also kick tires on is Jordan Zimmermann. The Nats are obviously good, but they also have a surplus and a probably not going to re-sign him. Could there be a match there? But I think a Leake, Kazmir, Gallardo flavor guy is likelier.

 

They're gunning for a World Series-- I get the feeling they're looking to keep Zimmerman for now. What about Fister? They're going to be looking for major leaguers to build their postseason roster, and he might be expendable.

 

Maybe they'd have some interest in Victorino. He's probably not a starter, but he's still has excellent defense and is crushing lefties, has speed off the bench and has a couple rings.

 

Fister --> Red Sox

Cecchini/Mid tier pieces --> 3rd team for a reliever

Reliever/Victorino/5 million in cash --> Nationals

 

Nationals put Roark into their rotation.

[a700hitter]

They're gunning for a World Series-- I get the feeling they're looking to keep Zimmerman for now. What about Fister? They're going to be looking for major leaguers to build their postseason roster, and he might be expendable.

 

Maybe they'd have some interest in Victorino. He's probably not a starter, but he's still has excellent defense and is crushing lefties, has speed off the bench and has a couple rings.

 

Fister --> Red Sox

Cecchini/Mid tier pieces --> 3rd team for a reliever

Reliever/Victorino/5 million in cash --> Nationals

 

Nationals put Roark into their rotation.

The Nats could use a first baseman or an outfielder. Too bad Craig has been such a flop and Napoli too. Maybe they could use Victorino.

[Spudboy]

For the most part, I agree with this. It wouldn't be very prudent of Ben to give up top prospects for a top of the line starter who won't help us beyond this season. However, if he could acquire someone who is locked up for several years, then that's a different story. I could see him doing that.

 

I agree. I just assumed that people here would expect Ben to only go after someone who could and would be extended. Rentals won't get this team far this season. I say go for broke or just make some tweaks and unload some excess baggage in the process. Craig comes to mind. I would not be surprised to see Kelly gone or even Fat Boy or Hanley.

 

Don't know who would want any of them especially with the big price contracts. Of course the Sox could eat some of that. Like 1/3 or half!

[cp176]

I'm going with yes. Not sure they have anything to sell and I can't continue to pay much attention if they sit still. No one is going to vote for a rent a player for just this season - makes no sense. Wait till next year should start before the end of the month. I think that they are very apt to start building the rotation for next year, this year.

[cp176]

I'm going with yes. Not sure they have anything to sell and I can't continue to pay much attention if they sit still. No one is going to vote for a rent a player for just this season - makes no sense. Wait till next year should start before the end of the month. I think that they are very apt to start building the rotation for next year, this year.

 

Trade or trades have to be coming.

[yankthis]

FO gave this team 2-3 weeks to present a credible case ...

 

They've had 3-1/2 months.

[Spitball]

I voted no to a top of the rotation type, but I can see the Sox being interested in someone like Mike Leake. A groundball pitcher who would not cost a lot in terms of prospects, and could be auditioned before extending an offer.

 

Cincinnati may be willing to take an offer featuring Deven Marrerro. They acquired shortstop Eugenio Suarez from the Tigers for Alfredo Simon this winter, but Suarez has proven to lack the defensive skills the Reds seem to prefer from their position players.

 

I also wonder if the Reds GM Walt Jocketty would be interested in Joe Kelly as part of the return package. The former Cardinal GM seems to like giving former Cardinal players a second chance.

[a700hitter]

I voted no to a top of the rotation type, but I can see the Sox being interested in someone like Mike Leake. A groundball pitcher who would not cost a lot in terms of prospects, and could be auditioned before extending an offer.

 

Cincinnati may be willing to take an offer featuring Deven Marrerro. They acquired shortstop Eugenio Suarez from the Tigers for Alfredo Simon this winter, but Suarez has proven to lack the defensive skills the Reds seem to prefer from their position players.

 

I also wonder if the Reds GM Walt Jocketty would be interested in Joe Kelly as part of the return package. The former Cardinal GM seems to like giving former Cardinal players a second chance.

i could see Ben being interested in Mike Leake, but I am not sure that another middle to bottom of the rotation guy would be helpful. It might be helpful to unload Kelly if that would be part of the deal.

[mvp 78]

Not that we have much to sell.

 

They have stuff to sell, but aside from Koji all if the available assets are of the clearance rack/$1 bin/dumpster dive variety.