2016 Trade and Roster Move Speculation thread

[illinoisredsox]

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=confor001mic

 

The downside is having him lose precious development time, and retarding his development. There's absolutely no need to rush Benintendi to the Majors.

 

Not to mention the contractual side of things re. free agency. Bring him up now and you lose a year of control (which I believe would be his age 27-28 seasons). If he's at all what many seem to think he is, I'd rather he be around at that age.

 

They can find a D'Aza type guy out there if they feel the need to get a short term fix.

[Jack Flap]

If Beni continues hitting well in Portland for a few more weeks, I'd move him up to Pawtucket, putting him in line for a possible cup of coffee in September. If his performance merits accelerating that timeline, then that's great - as long as it's based on the team's opinion of his readiness and not the needs of the roster.

[User Name]

^Excellent points, both JF and illinois.

[moonslav59]

I don't know, the last time we called up a highly rated prospect with minimal AA and no AAA experience, it didn't go too well (and seems to have messed him up for the better part of two years).

 

Of course, Benintendi is not JBJ -- different players, different situations -- but the possible downside is pretty easy to see here.

 

I'm not sure taking one example is fair. I'm not even sure you can judge whether some one was "called up too early" or "damaged" as a result of it. Players go into slumps at certain points in their career. It may have had nothing to do with the call up. Many players also have extreme difficulty adjusting to MLB to start their career, even if they spent 10 years in the minors, so how can we tell if JBJ's struggles were related to not being given enough "experience" in the minors?

 

We can't.

 

Besides, JBJ played college ball and became a professional at age 21.

In 2012, he got 575 PAs at the A and AA level at age 22 after getting 40 in 2011.

 

In 2013, he got 374 PAs at AAA. In total, he played 218 minor league games with 989 PAs before being called up to the bigs to play 37 games. We all know he stunk at the plate that year and the next, before busting out in August of 2015.

 

I'm not saying he wasn't rushed, but we'll never know, if he might have needed a long adjustment period, even after more time in the minors. He was 23 when he started playing MLB.

 

BTW, here are some other "rushed" Sox players:

 

Betts: started MLB at age 21 after 298 minor league games and 1311 PAs (just 211 at AAA and 253 at AA (both less than JBJ). No college ball.

 

Bogaerts: started MLB at age 20 trust into a playoff role playing an off position after just 10 games of playing 3B at AAA. He played 378 games in the minors (no college ball). He played in 79 AA games (356 PAs) and just 60 games in AAA (256 PAs)- both less than JBJ.

 

I'm just curious why you call JBJ "the last time we called up a highly rated prospect with minimal AA and no AAA experience, and you ignored the two that worked.

[Jack Flap]

I'm just curious why you call JBJ "the last time we called up a highly rated prospect with minimal AA and no AAA experience, and you ignored the two that worked.

 

Because that sentence doesn't apply to either Bogaerts or Betts. Both spent at least some time in AAA (even if it was brief) and demonstrated some success there before being called up. Bradley in early 2013 skipped straight to the majors from AA, which is what some people seem to want to do with Benintendi...that, to me, makes him a much more relevant example.

 

Of course, as you say, we can't say for a fact that Bradley's rushed initial call-up contributed to his early struggles in MLB, and there others like Conforto who have bypassed AAA and gone on to thrive in the majors. So it's all relative. I'm not against promoting Benintendi aggressively (if anything, I wished they'd moved him through the lower levels a little quicker), I just see no need for him to go straight from Portland to Boston at this juncture. Ultimately, though, I trust the team to make the right call here.

[User Name]

Conforto got sent down a couple weeks ago because he's been terrible this season. Initial success with an inability to adjust is an indicator of lack of maturity as a ballplayer. That's what they need to avoid with Benintendi.

[S5Dewey]

The problem isn't in promoting Benni to Boston. The problem is in sending him back down if it doesn't work out. A player has three option years during which he can be sent up or down an unlimited number of times. Having Benni skip AAA and come to Boston this year is a big gamble because if he doesn't stick and get sent back down they've used up one of his option years. OTOH if they wait and have him as a September call-up they still have his three options years to help his development.

 

IMHO we're not desperate enough for an OF'er to take that gamble.

[mvp 78]

The problem isn't in promoting Benni to Boston. The problem is in sending him back down if it doesn't work out. A player has three option years during which he can be sent up or down an unlimited number of times. Having Benni skip AAA and come to Boston this year is a big gamble because if he doesn't stick and get sent back down they've used up one of his option years. OTOH if they wait and have him as a September call-up they still have his three options years to help his development.

 

IMHO we're not desperate enough for an OF'er to take that gamble.

 

This is a wonderful point.

[Jack Flap]

Good points above.

 

I hadn't realized Conforto was doing so poorly this season.

Edited July 7, 2016 by Jack Flap

[Nick]

Mid Season Baseball Prospects Rankings-top 50

 

2 Moncada 11 Benintendi 19 Devers 24 Espinoza (former Sox Margot checks in at 16)

 

Yankees have two prospects #25 Aron Judge OF and #29 Jorge Mateo SS

 

Tampa has Brent Honeywell RHP at #44.

 

Baltimore and Toronto has none. Colorado has 3 in top 24.

 

It would be hard to give up any of these kids.....

Edited July 7, 2016 by Nick

[mvp 78]

@jonmorosi #RedSox have scouted Jeremy Hellickson recently; he is one of many rotation options they are considering, sources say. @MLBNetwork #Phillies

[moonslav59]

Because that sentence doesn't apply to either Bogaerts or Betts. Both spent at least some time in AAA (even if it was brief) and demonstrated some success there before being called up. Bradley in early 2013 skipped straight to the majors from AA, which is what some people seem to want to do with Benintendi...that, to me, makes him a much more relevant example.

 

Of course, as you say, we can't say for a fact that Bradley's rushed initial call-up contributed to his early struggles in MLB, and there others like Conforto who have bypassed AAA and gone on to thrive in the majors. So it's all relative. I'm not against promoting Benintendi aggressively (if anything, I wished they'd moved him through the lower levels a little quicker), I just see no need for him to go straight from Portland to Boston at this juncture. Ultimately, though, I trust the team to make the right call here.

 

Fair enough. My eyesight is failing, and I thought you wroye "minimal AA and AAA experience". Your example was fine and useful.

[moonslav59]

The problem isn't in promoting Benni to Boston. The problem is in sending him back down if it doesn't work out. A player has three option years during which he can be sent up or down an unlimited number of times. Having Benni skip AAA and come to Boston this year is a big gamble because if he doesn't stick and get sent back down they've used up one of his option years. OTOH if they wait and have him as a September call-up they still have his three options years to help his development.

 

IMHO we're not desperate enough for an OF'er to take that gamble.

 

Well said. I do think Beni & Moncada will be called up in September.

[oldtimer]

There is talk of bringing in Josh Reddick in a rent a player trade to mitigate our current lack of depth in the outfield. Reddick is returning from a thumb issue and so far isn't back hitting well but is a good outfielder and could well return to his pre-injury hitting prowess. One can guess there may also be more involved, such as pitching as yet unnamed. The question is what we would have to give up to get Reddick and/or a pitcher? Meanwhile we continue to keep Benentendi in the minors. He is an excellent fielder and has the possibility of being a decent major league hitter. So why trade for Reddick when we have a player in the minors who is slated to be on the roster as early as next season? One could argue that the Sox management and coaches know when players can contribute, but then the history of Allen Craig, Pablo Sandoval and Rusney Castillo comes to mind.

[moonslav59]

There is talk of bringing in Josh Reddick in a rent a player trade to mitigate our current lack of depth in the outfield. Reddick is returning from a thumb issue and so far isn't back hitting well but is a good outfielder and could well return to his pre-injury hitting prowess. One can guess there may also be more involved, such as pitching as yet unnamed. The question is what we would have to give up to get Reddick and/or a pitcher? Meanwhile we continue to keep Benentendi in the minors. He is an excellent fielder and has the possibility of being a decent major league hitter. So why trade for Reddick when we have a player in the minors who is slated to be on the roster as early as next season? One could argue that the Sox management and coaches know when players can contribute, but then the history of Allen Craig, Pablo Sandoval and Rusney Castillo comes to mind.

 

I think he'll be too costly.

[Jack Flap]

Jon Morosi ‏@jonmorosi

Clay Buchholz, now in bullpen, doesn’t have a future in Boston; with Harvey news, perhaps he could help #Mets until Wheeler is ready.

 

Jon Morosi ‏@jonmorosi

Buchholz, with 5.91 ERA in final year of contract, would not cost a top prospect. #RedSox probably would eat substantial portion of salary.

[Jack Flap]

Fair enough. My eyesight is failing, and I thought you wroye "minimal AA and AAA experience". Your example was fine and useful.

 

No worries, Moon, and thanks.

[Emp9]

Sox scouting Hellickson & R. Hill, and Hill just had a nice line last night. 6 Inn, 1 ER, 10 k...

 

We need R. Hill here fast. Fast like that Richard Gere movie where he drives to Point Pleasant in under two hours where it should've taken him well over six hrs...

[mvp 78]

I've always been a big Rich Hill guy. They should have taken a flier on him this offseason. I know that he left because he wanted an opportunity to start, but the Sox should have just offered him that role.

 

Hellickson would be a good get too.

 

I don't see the Rays trading Odorizzi in the division, so I'm crossing him off the wish list.

 

I think Pomeranz would be too expensive and moving him from the NL West to the AL East sounds like a disaster in the making.

 

Ervin Santana? I don't want him on the payroll through 2018.

 

It would cost too much to bring Gray in and he's had a pretty rough year so far.

 

Am I forgetting anyone? I don't think Fernandez and Sale are available.

[Kimmi]

Sox scouting Hellickson & R. Hill, and Hill just had a nice line last night. 6 Inn, 1 ER, 10 k...

 

We need R. Hill here fast. Fast like that Richard Gere movie where he drives to Point Pleasant in under two hours where it should've taken him well over six hrs... ��

 

LOL This has nothing to do with baseball, but I'm wondering why I'm reading so many Richard Gere references suddenly. This is the 3rd one since yesterday.

[Kimmi]

I've always been a big Rich Hill guy. They should have taken a flier on him this offseason. I know that he left because he wanted an opportunity to start, but the Sox should have just offered him that role.

 

Hellickson would be a good get too.

 

I don't see the Rays trading Odorizzi in the division, so I'm crossing him off the wish list.

 

I think Pomeranz would be too expensive and moving him from the NL West to the AL East sounds like a disaster in the making.

 

Ervin Santana? I don't want him on the payroll through 2018.

 

It would cost too much to bring Gray in and he's had a pretty rough year so far.

 

Am I forgetting anyone? I don't think Fernandez and Sale are available.

 

Teheran - Atlanta is asking for the moon for him.

 

I like Jack's suggestion of Hellickson and Hill.

[mvp 78]

Teheran - Atlanta is asking for the moon for him.

 

I like Jack's suggestion of Hellickson and Hill.

 

Yeah, I wrote Teheran off because of the trade demands.

 

My guess is the Sox bring one new starter in and call it a day.

[Jack Flap]

LOL This has nothing to do with baseball, but I'm wondering why I'm reading so many Richard Gere references suddenly. This is the 3rd one since yesterday.

 

Haha...glad it wasn't just me who noticed this.

[mvp 78]

Gere is a legit baseball fan who goes to HOF ceremonies at Cooperstown. He also directed a Yankees documentary so he gets one demerit.

[mvp 78]

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox/2016/07/mastrodonato_5_ways_to_make_red_sox_legitimate_contenders#join-conversation

 

If you want to read some horrible ideas on what the Sox should do, read this.

[Jack Flap]

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/red_sox/2016/07/mastrodonato_5_ways_to_make_red_sox_legitimate_contenders#join-conversation

 

If you want to read some horrible ideas on what the Sox should do, read this.

 

2. Trade Michael Kopech, Rafael Devers and Mauricio Dubon to the Atlanta Braves for Julio Teheran.

 

Gross.

[Nick]

Fix the #4/#5 rotation situation....would hate to give up on Michael Kopech.....100 mph pitchers don't come around every day.

[Nick]

Per Boston Herald

 

Prospects impress

 

Carlos Febles, the former Kansas City Royal and current manager of Double-A Portland, is raving about the organization’s two best prospects: Andrew Benintendi and Yoan Moncada.

 

Both players have been hot approaching Sunday’s MLB All-Star Futures Game — Benintendi will play for the United States, while Moncada will play for the World Team — and Febles said he thinks both have gotten comfortable since their promotions from Single-A Salem.

 

Moncada extended his hitting streak to seven games last night with three hits, including his fourth home run. He raised his average to .317 with a .977 OPS.

 

“The ball can jump off his bat well,” Febles said. “He’s a strong kid, has a good swing, just needs to be more consistent.

 

“He looks good defensively. He has some stuff that needs to be cleaned up. So far he’s doing a solid job. He’s quick, athletic. He’s good on the bag. It’s no doubt he can be a heck of a second baseman.”

 

Febles has given both prospects the green light to let them steal bases on their own. Moncada is 4-for-4, while Benintendi is 6-for-11.

 

“That’s how you learn,” Febles said. “If you tell the guys what to do every time, if you tell them when to run here, (then) they get to Triple A, get a green light and they won’t know when to go.”

 

I do think the two will be a September call up...

[harmony]

2. Trade Michael Kopech, Rafael Devers and Mauricio Dubon to the Atlanta Braves for Julio Teheran.

 

Gross.

It probably does not matter ... I suspect Atlanta will get better offers for Julio Teheran and Arizona will get better offers for Brad Ziegler.

 

The proposal's inclusion of shortstop Mauricio Dubon is puzzling because the Braves have Dansby Swanson and Ozhaino Albies, shortstops ranked No. 10 and No. 21 in the Baseball Prospectus midseason ranking of prospects.

 

https://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=29756

Edited July 8, 2016 by harmony

[Jack Flap]

I understand Teheran is a hot commodity, and honestly, I can't blame the Braves for wanting a big return for him, I just wouldn't make that deal personally. To be honest, I'm at the point of declaring the top five off limits unless a true superstar with several years of control becomes available, and I don't see that guy out there right now.

 

 

Fix the #4/#5 rotation situation....would hate to give up on Michael Kopech.....100 mph pitchers don't come around every day.

I agree. We hear so much about this organization's failure to develop pitching prospects...I'm in no rush to deal away one of the two guys (three, when Groome signs) in the system who have legitimate TOTR potential.