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

[Spudboy]

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 like the sound of this except that Deven Marrerro is not a MLB hitter yet. The Reds would be trading one problem for another, it would seem.

 

I'm all for salvaging anything at all out of the Cards deal so I'd trade Kelly in a minute for the right guy. Is Leake that guy?

 

I think that the Sox need to aim higher. Twice.

[Thunder]

I believe in my heart that we're buyers, and will hold onto that thought until I'm proven otherwise

[Spudboy]

Just looked at Leake's numbers. His numbers are pedestrian. He will be a FA at season's end. He is another Wade Miley type.

 

This team does not need another 4.0+ ERA meatball throwing turd.

 

Pass on this guy.

[Palodios]

Just looked at Leake's numbers. His numbers are pedestrian. He will be a FA at season's end. He is another Wade Miley type.

 

This team does not need another 4.0+ ERA meatball throwing turd.

 

Pass on this guy.

 

Wade Miley is the team's second best pitcher now. I'd rather a 4.00 turd than a 6.00 turd any day.

 

That being said, Leake isn't exactly going to cost a haul.

Edited July 18, 2015 by Palodios

[User Name]

I'd try to get a package of both Leake and Cueto.

[Spudboy]

Wade Miley is the team's second best pitcher now. I'd rather a 4.00 turd than a 6.00 turd any day.

 

That being said, Leake isn't exactly going to cost a haul.

 

You are right.

 

Cespedas is a good outfielder too.

[Spitball]

Just looked at Leake's numbers. His numbers are pedestrian. He will be a FA at season's end. He is another Wade Miley type.

 

This team does not need another 4.0+ ERA meatball throwing turd.

 

Pass on this guy.

 

https://www.fantasysp.com/start/mlb/45615/wade-miley-or-mike-leake

 

Mike Leake is not another Wade Miley.

Edited July 18, 2015 by Spitball

[Spudboy]

https://www.fantasysp.com/start/mlb/45615/wade-miley-or-mike-leake

 

Mike Leake is not another Wade Miley.

 

Not if you use a cherry picked sample of one or two weeks.

 

Look at his numbers over his career.

[Spudboy]

I'd try to get a package of both Leake and Cueto.

 

Why take the scraps when you can have the filet?

 

Do the Sox need another mid-rotation arm?

 

Time for some bold moves. Grab a great pitcher and another guy with near great stuff.

[a700hitter]

Leake might be a sliver better than Miley, but just a sliver.

[Spudboy]

Leake might be a sliver better than Miley, but just a sliver.

 

I'm not splitting hairs when I look at the numbers.

 

Do you want another 3 or 4 on this staff? Is he good enough to sacrifice prospects for?

[a700hitter]

I'm not splitting hairs when I look at the numbers.

 

Do you want another 3 or 4 on this staff? Is he good enough to sacrifice prospects for?

I think we have learned the hard way by having a rotation full of 3s 4s and 5s. I can't see doubling down on that strategy. It is a failed strategy-- worse than "Closer by Committee."

[NativeBostonian]

If they're going to try to get a starting pitcher, they can't wait until the deadline. We have four pitcher who can't pitch and now two rookies at the top of the rotation: Edward Rodriguez and Brian Johnson. That is not a recipe for success.

[jacksonianmarch]

If you get a front line starter, you better get one that will be around for 2016 and beyond, because you're done this yr

[mvp 78]

If you get a front line starter, you better get one that will be around for 2016 and beyond, because you're done this yr

 

We're only 7.5 games out. Get the chart something something!

[yankthis]

Confucius say if you do not score any run, then it not matter if your pitcher only give up one.

[Kimmi]

Why take the scraps when you can have the filet?

 

Do the Sox need another mid-rotation arm?

 

Time for some bold moves. Grab a great pitcher and another guy with near great stuff.

 

Of course we would all rather have an ace, and we might get one, more for next year and beyond than for this year.

 

For this year, someone like Leake is exactly what I think the FO will look for. He's not a game changer, but if the other guys can pitch decently, he can certainly provide some help.

 

And the main point is, he shouldn't cost much.

[Spitball]

Not if you use a cherry picked sample of one or two weeks.

 

Look at his numbers over his career.

 

Hmmm.. there is not any cherry picking there. In my opinion, Mike Leake is a very good mid-to-bottom of the rotation option, and a better pitcher than Wade Miley. Plus, he will probably be obtainable for the likes of someone not in the Red Sox long range plans like Marrerro. Why would it be bad to acquire a pitching upgrade for someone who is not in the Red Sox long range plans?

 

Mike Leake's career numbers are skewed because he went straight to the big leagues from college. He cut his teeth on big league batters in an extreme hitters' park, The Great American Ball Park. This season his home ERA is 5.46 compared to his away ERA of 2.57. His home WHIP of 1.595 compares to his 0.889 away WHIP.

 

He ranks 11th in GB/FB percentage compared to Miley who is 44th. Leake is among the top tier of quality start pitchers with 63% while Miley is below 50%.

 

The main point is Leake is obtainable without giving up too much. The Reds will not extend Leake a qualifying offer. They do not want him to walk without some return. The Sox can improve their current rotation and audition a potential future rotation spot. This is not the number one guy some think should be obtained, but he is a low cost option who could be a future strength to the depth of the rotation.

 

Winning teams of today are built with roster and rotation depth. The Yankees are doing it. The Royals are also doing it. Times are changing, and teams need to change with the times.

[Kimmi]

Hmmm.. there is not any cherry picking there. In my opinion, Mike Leake is a very good mid-to-bottom of the rotation option, and a better pitcher than Wade Miley. Plus, he will probably be obtainable for the likes of someone not in the Red Sox long range plans like Marrerro. Why would it be bad to acquire a pitching upgrade for someone who is not in the Red Sox long range plans?

 

Mike Leake's career numbers are skewed because he went straight to the big leagues from college. He cut his teeth on big league batters in an extreme hitters' park, The Great American Ball Park. This season his home ERA is 5.46 compared to his away ERA of 2.57. His home WHIP of 1.595 compares to his 0.889 away WHIP.

 

He ranks 11th in GB/FB percentage compared to Miley who is 44th. Leake is among the top tier of quality start pitchers with 63% while Miley is below 50%.

 

The main point is Leake is obtainable without giving up too much. The Reds will not extend Leake a qualifying offer. They do not want him to walk without some return. The Sox can improve their current rotation and audition a potential future rotation spot. This is not the number one guy some think should be obtained, but he is a low cost option who could be a future strength to the depth of the rotation.

 

Winning teams of today are built with roster and rotation depth. The Yankees are doing it. The Royals are also doing it. Times are changing, and teams need to change with the times.

 

I agree Spitball. Very nice post.

[Spitball]

Of course we would all rather have an ace, and we might get one, more for next year and beyond than for this year.

 

For this year, someone like Leake is exactly what I think the FO will look for. He's not a game changer, but if the other guys can pitch decently, he can certainly provide some help.

 

And the main point is, he shouldn't cost much.

 

Kimmi, well said. I either missed your post or was posting while you were responding. Either way, I totally agree with you, as usual.

[Kimmi]

Kimmi, well said. I either missed your post or was posting while you were responding. Either way, I totally agree with you, as usual.

 

We were posting at the same time. You know what they say about great minds.

[Spitball]

We were posting at the same time. You know what they say about great minds.

 

Haha! It must be true! : )

[Youk Of The Nation]

We were posting at the same time. You know what they say about great minds.

 

They eventually leave TalkSox, never to return?

[jacksonianmarch]

You need a top of the rotation arm. Mike Leake is a continuation of the same rotation building approach that failed you this year. And if he sucks in a homer dome like the GAB, how's he gonna do in the Fens?

[mvp 78]

They eventually leave TalkSox, never to return?

 

So true. RIP suns.

[cp176]

Another nice start for Henry Owens last night. I would much prefer to see him brought up and to get his chance than have them trade for another mid-rotation starter at best. I wouldn't mind seeing him packaged in a trade for a bigger fish as well.

[Spudboy]

You need a top of the rotation arm. Mike Leake is a continuation of the same rotation building approach that failed you this year. And if he sucks in a homer dome like the GAB, how's he gonna do in the Fens?

 

I guess some Sox fans are gluttons for punishment.

[Spitball]

You need a top of the rotation arm. Mike Leake is a continuation of the same rotation building approach that failed you this year. And if he sucks in a homer dome like the GAB, how's he gonna do in the Fens?

 

I don't think anyone is arguing the Red Sox need a top-of-the-rotation starter. Doing it in a wise and effective manor is just easier said than done. Times are changing for the Red Sox and Yankees. Success can't always be purchased by throwing money at the problem.

 

The Yankees stood their ground back in 2013 when Sabathia went down. Many expected them to go out and buy another big arm,but if memory serves me, they went with Freddie Garcia, David Phelps, and maybe Chase Whitley. At the end of the season, Cashman goes out and splurges by acquiring Tanaka for seven years for $154,000,000. Wow! That is that is the way to go as long as he doesn't get hurt...Time will tell how he will perform over the course of the contract, but he has missed about 18 starts over the first year and a half of it.

 

This year they are employing retreads like Nathan Eovaldi and Adam Warren, and an over-the-hill Sabathia (who isn't earning his $23,000,000) despite the fact there were several top starters and far better options available this winter. The Yankees are not building their rotation a whole lot differently than the Red Sox, they are just doing a better job of it.

 

As for Leake, he is a ground ball pitcher who would come cheaply because he won't be offered a qualifying offer by the Reds. He also would be the second or third best pitcher on the staff going forward. The Sox could get a first-hand chance to see if he is viable option for a reasonable signing.

 

I am not advocating for the guy but making the suggestion that he is a guy on which to take a flier. I look at the Sabathia and Tanaka signings (as well as Cliff Lee and Justin Verlander) and question the logic to signing Cueto, Price, or any other dominant ace to a long term contract.

 

I believe the Red Sox would like to go forward with future rotations fortified by youthful, controllable pitchers like Eduardo Rodriguez, Henry Owens, and Brian Johnson. Hopefully their future aces will come from their own system. I believe they will avoid trying to pay older pitchers for their past successes.

[jacksonianmarch]

Spitball, we spent the money on Tanaka expecting an ace. Seeing Pineda and Tanaka perform last year emboldened Cashman to shore up our D up the middle and our cash situation made us shy away from adding a Scherzer. Eovaldi is a guy pitching coaches drool about. Warren was actually very, very good as a first year starter. Nova was coming back as well. Our rotation was built on potential that was actually attainable. We've had some hits and some misses

[jacksonianmarch]

And spit, if you want to play the game, you have to pay the fare. Getting an ace forces you to either develop an ace, which means years of watching success and failure until consistency develops, or signing one to big money usually at a concerning age or dealing away prospect loads for one. You have to pick one if you want an ace