2016 Trade and Roster Move Speculation thread

[Emp9]

I'd like to sure-up LF mid-way through atleast. Astros are 12-20 & Colby Rasmus cld be availabe and is a 2016-2017 Free Agent. CarGo also falls within these parameters. We of course have to wait on other teams' success or lack there of. Michael Saunders if Sea falls off perhaps? Raja Davis maybe? I think Texas really like what they've gotten from Desmond and W/ Darvish ready in a few weeks they look too competive to me. Fowler is having a great season for the Cubbies and they're obvisiously looking at the Post Season, so he's out. Anyone see any '16-'17 FA OFers that could help us at the trade deadline that wouldn't cost us major prospects?

[cp176]

I think that there might even be a bit of a smokescreen being thrown out there about Swihart. Everything you read says that he is sought after and is a viable trade target. Alone, I really don't see him bringing in anything close to what we need. Maybe in a package but it would have to include a bunch of major league or major league ready prospects. I don't think that they will just give him away. He still could provide good potential depth as a catcher.

[southpaw777]

Betts started that year in AA. Benintendi is still in A right now. He's not playing in Boston this year. No chance.

 

He should be in AA before June. Hes not challenged at all..He could get to AAA and then a sept call up this year. Its very possible

Betts had about 45 games in each AA AAA and Boston the year he came up.plenty of time left.

[illinoisredsox]

He should be in AA before June. Hes not challenged at all..He could get to AAA and then a sept call up this year. Its very possible

Betts had about 45 games in each AA AAA and Boston the year he came up.plenty of time left.

 

There are some big differences though. Betts started 2014 in AA, not A. Betts was called up to a last place team. Betts also benefited greatly by the total ineptitude of Sox outfielders that year: JBJ imploded, Victorino was hurt most of the year, Gomes was traded and really didn't do much before he was, Nava was terrible the first half. There is not a comparable situation in Boston this season.

 

No need to rush the kid. Yes, if he keeps raking at Salem he'll be in Portland before the end of the year, but that will probably be it. He appears to be a keeper, but let's not ascribe Trout/Harper fly through the levels type talent to him.

[sk7326]

There is no need to do anything to anybody 29 games in. There is merit in the team say, wanting to see how Benintendi looks against pitchers who have had a prior look at him. I think there is a 20% chance he is in Boston by the end of the year - only because we have seen a couple of real life examples already of that timeline last season. If he moves to Portland and rakes there, promoting him to the bigs is a real possibility - we know that AAA is more a taxi squad now than ever.

[harmony]

I'd like to sure-up LF mid-way through atleast. Astros are 12-20 & Colby Rasmus cld be availabe and is a 2016-2017 Free Agent. CarGo also falls within these parameters. We of course have to wait on other teams' success or lack there of. Michael Saunders if Sea falls off perhaps? Raja Davis maybe? I think Texas really like what they've gotten from Desmond and W/ Darvish ready in a few weeks they look too competive to me. Fowler is having a great season for the Cubbies and they're obvisiously looking at the Post Season, so he's out. Anyone see any '16-'17 FA OFers that could help us at the trade deadline that wouldn't cost us major prospects?

Michael Saunders plays for the AL East rival Toronto Blue Jays (and has since the start of the 2015 season).

 

The Seattle Mariners, who on Sunday fell into a tie with the Red Sox for the league's third-best record, are currently in first place in the AL West with a 58.2 percent chance of advancing to the postseason, according to Cool Standings:

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/coolstandings.aspx#ALW

[mvp 78]

I'd like to sure-up LF mid-way through atleast. Astros are 12-20 & Colby Rasmus cld be availabe and is a 2016-2017 Free Agent. CarGo also falls within these parameters. We of course have to wait on other teams' success or lack there of. Michael Saunders if Sea falls off perhaps? Raja Davis maybe? I think Texas really like what they've gotten from Desmond and W/ Darvish ready in a few weeks they look too competive to me. Fowler is having a great season for the Cubbies and they're obvisiously looking at the Post Season, so he's out. Anyone see any '16-'17 FA OFers that could help us at the trade deadline that wouldn't cost us major prospects?

 

http://www.spotrac.com/mlb/free-agents/outfield/

 

Depends on what you are looking for? Would a player like De Aza really put us over the edge and perform better than Young? I know Spud would say yes, but I'm dubious.

[Spudboy]

http://www.spotrac.com/mlb/free-agents/outfield/

 

Depends on what you are looking for? Would a player like De Aza really put us over the edge and perform better than Young? I know Spud would say yes, but I'm dubious.

 

Nope. I would not say yes, even tough I still believe the Sox screwed the pooch dumping De Azza.

 

The barn door is closed on that already. If the Sox want outfield fortification, they should look for an impact type bat.

[Bellhorn04]

De Aza is off to a crappy start too. I think we're fine with Holt and Young. If you can win a World Series with a platoon of Nava and Gomes, I think the one we have now is good enough.

[Emp9]

Michael Saunders plays for the AL East rival Toronto Blue Jays (and has since the start of the 2015 season).

 

The Seattle Mariners, who on Sunday fell into a tie with the Red Sox for the league's third-best record, are currently in first place in the AL West with a 58.2 percent chance of advancing to the postseason, according to Cool Standings:

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/coolstandings.aspx#ALW

 

My bad (abt Saunders). Point is ... teams fall off. I do doubt Toronto or any In-division trade would happen even at the deadline. Too bad cause a team like Toronto has Bautista, Encarnacion and .. now evidently Saunders up in the air at seasons' close.

[Emp9]

Strasburg no longer an option after signing a 7 yr $175M extension.The '16-'17 FA market just got alot weaker. Its looking like we only solve our TOTR woes via trade and thats probably Swihart & Devers & etc...

[Palodios]

175 for Strasburg feels painful. I know he's still young but he has been injured frequently hasn't he ?

[illinoisredsox]

Strasburg no longer an option after signing a 7 yr $175M extension.The '16-'17 FA market just got alot weaker. Its looking like we only solve our TOTR woes via trade and thats probably Swihart & Devers & etc...

 

Amazed that happened with Boras as his agent. Obviously Strasburg likes playing in Washington and was willing to forgo some $ to stay there. Good for him.

[Emp9]

175 for Strasburg feels painful. I know he's still young but he has been injured frequently hasn't he ?

 

One major issue, TJS (2010) and some very minor other issues. He's in his prime. 6 seasons, 59-37, 3.06 Career ERA, AS, 242 K (2014) tied for first in Ks that season. He's 5-0 w/ a 2.36 ERA thus far this year. $25M per year is pretty standard at the moment for a TOTR SP.

[Kingface]

One major issue, TJS (2010) and some very minor other issues. He's in his prime. 6 seasons, 59-37, 3.06 Career ERA, AS, 242 K (2014) tied for first in Ks that season. He's 5-0 w/ a 2.36 ERA thus far this year. $25M per year is pretty standard at the moment for a TOTR SP.

 

Agreed. Solid deal for sure.

[Jack Flap]

One major issue, TJS (2010) and some very minor other issues. He's in his prime. 6 seasons, 59-37, 3.06 Career ERA, AS, 242 K (2014) tied for first in Ks that season. He's 5-0 w/ a 2.36 ERA thus far this year. $25M per year is pretty standard at the moment for a TOTR SP.

 

Yeah, we may be in the minority, but I like the deal for Washington as well. $25 million per year is not just standard for a top-flight SP nowadays, it's a bit of a discount when you look at what older guys like Lester, Price, and Greinke have been getting.

[Hugh2]

Everybody always thinks about the big move, sometimes it's the little ones that help win championships. We don't need a big time pitcher if....WHEN Price picks it up. If Buccholz/Kelly/Owens/ERod never step it up this year we may need a good back of the rotation starter.

 

Also, I'd like to see a 3B depth option that can hit LHP, because Shaw looks lost out there vs. lefties. Holt has always had good reverse splits so he could see some time there if someone steps up in LF like Castillo but in the absence of that another outfielder should be in the cards as well.

[Emp9]

Yeah, we may be in the minority, but I like the deal for Washington as well. $25 million per year is not just standard for a top-flight SP nowadays, it's a bit of a discount when you look at what older guys like Lester, Price, and Greinke have been getting.

 

You're right. I'm convinced his floor is a solid #2 though. unless he thought the teams that spend that kind of money are spent-out? I think he likes it there too so that helps.

[Emp9]

Everybody always thinks about the big move, sometimes it's the little ones that help win championships. We don't need a big time pitcher if....WHEN Price picks it up. If Buccholz/Kelly/Owens/ERod never step it up this year we may need a good back of the rotation starter.

 

Also, I'd like to see a 3B depth option that can hit LHP, because Shaw looks lost out there vs. lefties. Holt has always had good reverse splits so he could see some time there if someone steps up in LF like Castillo but in the absence of that another outfielder should be in the cards as well.

 

A solid LFer would be nice. Maybe we could make a more prudent, less eye-popping trade? No blue chips involved? Is that even possible Hugh?

[Bellhorn04]

A solid LFer would be nice. Maybe we could make a more prudent, less eye-popping trade? No blue chips involved? Is that even possible Hugh?

 

What's wrong with Holt?

[Kingface]

What's wrong with Holt?

 

I was thinking the same thing Nut. The kid is doing fine......ride that horse till it breaks down.

 

.281avg, .356obp and .771ops is not exactly bad stuff!! Heck, I'll say it; .......if he keeps this up and Mookie continues to slump for the next few weeks.......maybe swapping the 2 in the lineup would be a great idea. Holt did pretty solid for us as a leadoff guy before......

[Jack Flap]

What's wrong with Holt?

 

Holt has done fine, but I still like him better in the utility role, and he has a history of falling off drastically in the second half...there's no urgency to make a move by any means, but if there's a position we wanted to try to upgrade this summer (other than the rotation), LF would seem to be it.

[Bellhorn04]

Holt has done fine, but I still like him better in the utility role, and he has a history of falling off drastically in the second half.

 

Yes, I get that, but it's not exactly an extensive history either...

[Spudboy]

Yes, I get that, but it's not exactly an extensive history either...

 

Not only that, Holt "dropped off" later in the seasons in which he had to play 7 different positions. I would argue that has to wear on an athlete both physically and mentally.

 

And it is still a smallish sample size.

[Jack Flap]

Fair enough, Bell & Spud. I'm not hating on Holt by any means, just not quite sold that he's someone you want starting all year long at a position where, ideally, you'd like a big bopper...but he's the best option at the moment and I'm happy to ride his bat as far as it will take us.

[Spudboy]

Fair enough, Bell & Spud. I'm not hating on Holt by any means, just not quite sold that he's someone you want starting all year long at a position where, ideally, you'd like a big bopper...but he's the best option at the moment and I'm happy to ride his bat as far as it will take us.

 

I can understand why you would feel more comfortable seeing what is accepted as the norm for corner outfielders. Larger, slower guys with more "pop".

 

The Sox just do not have that and watching the alternative is a little strange if you have been weened on the more conventional COF.

 

Personally, I am becoming accustomed to seeing less "pop" and more speed. I like that Holt gets on base one way or another each game. He makes things happen with his opportunities and keeps the line moving.

[Hugh2]

Fair enough, Bell & Spud. I'm not hating on Holt by any means, just not quite sold that he's someone you want starting all year long at a position where, ideally, you'd like a big bopper...but he's the best option at the moment and I'm happy to ride his bat as far as it will take us.

 

Holts career high OPS is .727, he falls off every year and until he doesn't I'm not going to think he will not. Anything short is just speculation. What we do know for a fact is that he can play average to better than average defense at almost any position and that is a void left unfilled by having him in LF. A .725 OPSer isn't exactly screaming "I need to stay here" in LF.

 

This team could do better in LF, and Holt would go a long way to spell Shaw at 3B vs. tough Lefties. Again, I don't buy that a second half drop isn't coming. It would be nice but I just don't see him staying hot in the dog days of summer till October baseball.

 

I'm fine riding the hot hand as well, but if we are still in this thing come trading deadline that should be priority....unless Price never puts it together and other injuries open up a huge hole elsewhere because LF isn't a big hole.

Edited May 10, 2016 by A Red Sox fan named Hugh

[Emp9]

What's wrong with Holt?

 

I've nothing against Holt. I do admit I like having Holt as our super utility guy, which was already mentioned. His production has dropped off in the 2nd half for 2 consecutive seasons, which was also already mentioned. Maybe that won't happen again? He should be coming into his prime right now. I gotta say, I don't really like his arm for the OF to be honest. However, to his credit, because of Holt, LF hasn't been a glaring need, but it's still a need and I wouldn't mind the Sox FO making a move if it made sense.

[Bellhorn04]

Holts career high OPS is .727, he falls off every year and until he doesn't I'm not going to think he will not. Anything short is just speculation. What we do know for a fact is that he can play average to better than average defense at almost any position and that is a void left unfilled by having him in LF. A .725 OPSer isn't exactly screaming "I need to stay here" in LF.

 

Just to be clear, a .725 is about exactly average for a left fielder these days.

[Emp9]

Funny thing is, Benintendi wld be perfect if he wasn't a year-year & a half away.