2016 Trade and Roster Move Speculation thread

[moonslav59]

Maybe we're looking to sign him as a free agent. I don't see Athletics not trading him because I doubt that they will want to make a qualifying offer to Hill. Price seems too high for the Athletics.

 

If we sign him as a FA after he's traded than we don't lose a draft choice. It just costs us money. I rather pay Hill big bucks than say Encarnacion (we need top line pitching help). Obviously it would be a gamble. Now if we could sign both, that would be a bold move. It's just money.

 

Unless Hill gets hurt more this season, I think he'll seek a 2-3 year deal, even at his age.

 

I'm not sure that's a good idea for the Sox.

 

Certainly, I'd kick the tires, but my guess is someone else will offer more than DD.

 

(Note: one good thing about the Pomeranz trade is that he will cost much less financially than a FA signing would have this winter. That may allow us to sign Encarnacion and someone like Hill $8-10M/yr plus a decent RP'er or two.

[Bellhorn04]

(Note: one good thing about the Pomeranz trade is that he will cost much less financially than a FA signing would have this winter. That may allow us to sign Encarnacion and someone like Hill $8-10M/yr plus a decent RP'er or two.

 

That was a hugely important factor.

[Nick]

Unless Hill gets hurt more this season, I think he'll seek a 2-3 year deal, even at his age.

 

I'm not sure that's a good idea for the Sox.

 

Certainly, I'd kick the tires, but my guess is someone else will offer more than DD.

 

(Note: one good thing about the Pomeranz trade is that he will cost much less financially than a FA signing would have this winter. That may allow us to sign Encarnacion and someone like Hill $8-10M/yr plus a decent RP'er or two.

 

Moon I think we're on the same page.....

 

There are moments in franchise history that with just couple of right moves the team can go on a sustainable playoff run for several seasons. It takes several players reaching their peak years at the same time. We are at such moment.

 

We have either cost controlled players or under team contract players for next two to three years and longer. Obviously we'll have to pony up with some free agent money as these players go beyond arbitration years.

 

The whole idea is not to dismantle the core group. It starts with Betts, Bogaertz and Bradley. You have to throw in Pedey since he's under contract until 2021. Shaw also has to be in the mix unless someone comes along who is actually better. That has not happened. He may grow into an elite hitter with some power. I'll give him credit for learning to play 3B like a major leaguer. I know that you see Swihart as a major trade bait but for now I'm perfectly content with the trio of Swihart, Leon and Vazquez calling the pitches. If Leon can hit .270 range than we have a very good major league catcher.

 

There will be a big hole at DH. My preference is to go get Encarnacion but other options are available and perhaps more urgent.

 

We'll have Young back along with Swihart to patrol left field as we wait on Moncada and Benintendi.

 

I'd prefer to keep Holt around as a super sub. With him we can go with 13 pitchers if we need to since he can play all 7 positions.

 

We have a good starting point with Price (6 more years), Porcello (3 more years), Pomeranz (2 more years) and cost control pitchers in Wright and Rodriquez. I'm all for acquiring another #2/#3 type but it has to be done without breaking up this group.

 

Kimbrel will return for 2 more years (club option in 2018). My guess is Ziegler will return to west coast. It seems money is secondary to him (good for him). Koji can return but he has to take a huge pay cut. Tazawa may get a better deal elsewhere, maybe not. It's encouraging to see Barnes and Hembree steping up. I still like Ross Jr. He's a fun loving guy that can pitch. If Kelly can accept his new role and is able to throw strikes he can be a very good reliever. Maybe we can still acquire a low cost pen help next year for an upgrade.

 

The whole point is that we have a good team assembled. We also need to remember that we've benefited from the last two drafts because we did finish dead last.(Benintendi and Gomes). It was also a major coup to sign Moncada. Our draft position hopefully won't be optimum going forward due to success in standings.

 

Getting Encarnacion and another top flight pitcher will cement our success going foward. (maybe Pablo will shed his fat man costume and earn some of his money)

Edited July 18, 2016 by Nick

[mvp 78]

The whole idea is not to dismantle the core group. It starts with Betts, Bogaertz and Bradley. You have to throw in Pedey since he's under contract until 2021. Shaw also has to be in the mix unless someone comes along who is actually better. That has not happened. He may grow into an elite hitter with some power. I'll give him credit for learning to play 3B like a major leaguer. I know that you see Swihart as a major trade bait but for now I'm perfectly content with the trio of Swihart, Leon and Vazquez calling the pitches. If Leon can hit .270 range than we have a very good major league catcher.

 

We don't HAVE TO.

[Nick]

We don't HAVE TO.

 

Trade Pedroia. Fire Farrell. Put Buchholz on waivers

 

well played sir.....at least you're upfront about it!

Edited July 18, 2016 by Nick

[Bellhorn04]

well played sir.....at least you're upfront about it!

 

He's more than upfront, he's relentless.

[moonslav59]

Moon I think we're on the same page.....

 

Agreed. Most of our debating is about the few areas we disagree, so it might seem like we are far apart.

 

There are moments in franchise history that with just couple of right moves the team can go on a sustainable playoff run for several seasons. It takes several players reaching their peak years at the same time. We are at such moment.

 

We have either cost controlled players or under team contract players for next two to three years and longer. Obviously we'll have to pony up with some free agent money as these players go beyond arbitration years.

 

It's not going to be as easy for the Sox to acquire great young talent going forward, even before the IFA penalty we just got. The rules have changed to make it harder for richer teams to draft and acquire better talent than poor teams.

 

That's one reason I liked Espinoza so much. He represented a great hope to our long term future. Getting Groome helped balance that loss, but having both of them would have really boosted our outlook 4-8 years from now.

 

The whole idea is not to dismantle the core group. It starts with Betts, Bogaertz and Bradley. You have to throw in Pedey since he's under contract until 2021. Shaw also has to be in the mix unless someone comes along who is actually better. That has not happened. He may grow into an elite hitter with some power. I'll give him credit for learning to play 3B like a major leaguer. I know that you see Swihart as a major trade bait but for now I'm perfectly content with the trio of Swihart, Leon and Vazquez calling the pitches. If Leon can hit .270 range than we have a very good major league catcher.

 

With Pomeranz in the fold for 2.4 more years, I don't feel an urgent need to acquire a top quality SP'ers. Don't get me wrong: I still would love another ace or solid #2 type SP'er more than Encarnacion, but we don't have to grossly overpay with our future to do it. Also, now that Espinoza is gone, I'm more reluctant to deplete our young core of players and prospects as before the trade.

 

I still think Swihart and Devers are our most expendable high value players in our system. Again, please don't take this as me wanting to hand these guys away or that I value them less than most.

 

There will be a big hole at DH. My preference is to go get Encarnacion but other options are available and perhaps more urgent.

 

I don't want to imply Moncada and Benintendi can replace Papi, but Papi's departure and the fluid LF situattion is what is providing a window of opportunity for these two kids.

 

We'll have Young back along with Swihart to patrol left field as we wait on Moncada and Benintendi.

 

I'd prefer to keep Holt around as a super sub. With him we can go with 13 pitchers if we need to since he can play all 7 positions.

 

Once Papi leaves, I don't think the need for a supersub like Holt is as important.

 

We have a good starting point with Price (6 more years), Porcello (3 more years), Pomeranz (2 more years) and cost control pitchers in Wright and Rodriquez. I'm all for acquiring another #2/#3 type but it has to be done without breaking up this group.

 

Agreed. I like to see us start 2016 with 6 solid starters.

 

Kimbrel will return for 2 more years (club option in 2018). My guess is Ziegler will return to west coast. It seems money is secondary to him (good for him). Koji can return but he has to take a huge pay cut. Tazawa may get a better deal elsewhere, maybe not. It's encouraging to see Barnes and Hembree steping up. I still like Ross Jr. He's a fun loving guy that can pitch. If Kelly can accept his new role and is able to throw strikes he can be a very good reliever. Maybe we can still acquire a low cost pen help next year for an upgrade.

 

I like the progress of Barnes and Hembree. We may need just 2 solid RP'ers to replace Ziegler, uehara and Tazawa.

 

The whole point is that we have a good team assembled. We also need to remember that we've benefited from the last two drafts because we did finish dead last.(Benintendi and Gomes). It was also a major coup to sign Moncada. Our draft position hopefully won't be optimum going forward due to success in standings.

 

100% agree.

 

Getting Encarnacion and another top flight pitcher will cement our success going foward. (maybe Pablo will shed his fat man costume and earn some of his money)

 

Encarnacion, a solid #3 SP'er and 2 decent RP'ers could make us the faves in 2017.

[oldtimer]

I find it interesting that you fail to mention Hanley going forward, although his contract is both big and extends into the year ahead. To my way of thinking, he is not showing himself to be more than a journeyman hitter, a decent first baseman and a rather worse than average base runner. His contract seems to make him a lock to play this year and perhaps next, but with him batting behind Ortiz this year, he is less than helpful to the team.

 

Yes, Encarnacion at Fenway would be a better choice than Hanley, but what to do with him?

[mvp 78]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/07/marlins-release-craig-breslow.html

 

Any interest in Breslow? Maybe sign him to minor league deal?

[Nick]

I find it interesting that you fail to mention Hanley going forward, although his contract is both big and extends into the year ahead. To my way of thinking, he is not showing himself to be more than a journeyman hitter, a decent first baseman and a rather worse than average base runner. His contract seems to make him a lock to play this year and perhaps next, but with him batting behind Ortiz this year, he is less than helpful to the team.

 

Yes, Encarnacion at Fenway would be a better choice than Hanley, but what to do with him?

 

I just missed him.....I'm old...I can't remember everything off top of my head...lol

 

He has much right as Pedey to be included....the point I wanted to make was signing Encarnacion and a starting pitching depth will cement our success for next several years. We maybe able to get away with doing neither but I think we'll have the resources to make it happen.

Edited July 18, 2016 by Nick

[Spudboy]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/07/marlins-release-craig-breslow.html

 

Any interest in Breslow? Maybe sign him to minor league deal?

 

A Minor League deal, okay, I guess.

 

I always liked Breslow both on, and off the field. But that is no reason to suspect that he has enough left to help.

[Nick]

A Minor League deal, okay, I guess.

 

I always liked Breslow both on, and off the field. But that is no reason to suspect that he has enough left to help.

 

He reminds me too much of tommy 'payne' layne...production wise

[Nick]

Per MLB Traderumors

 

"Clubs that were pursuing Brad Ziegler were stunned by what the D-backs accepted in exchange for him, according to both Passan and Peter Gammons of the MLB Network (links to Twitter). Passan writes that the Guardians, Blue Jays and Cubs all expressed interest in Ziegler and were all met with asking prices of Top 100-type or even Top 50-type prospects in return. Arizona, however, acquired a pair of prospects that weren’t nearly that well regarded in return. One NL GM who spoke to Gammons wondered if Dave Dombrowski’s close relationship with Tony La Russa impacted the negotiations."

 

Good for DD

[Nick]

July 18th per MLB Traderumors

 

"The Red Sox, Rangers, Orioles, Blue Jays and Dodgers are all expected to be in the bidding for Athletics ace Rich Hill, as are the Tigers, who have been calling around and asking about rotation upgrades, per Passan. The A’s, however, haven’t been willing to hold any meaningful talks about Sonny Gray, whose stock is at a low point right now in the wake of some highly uncharacteristic struggles. Passan also notes that Josh Reddick is “very unlikely” to reach an extension with Oakland at this juncture, though if the A’s were really only open to a three-year deal even as recently as July 9, I’d contend that it was never really a possibility in the first place."

 

Are we still after Hill?

[moonslav59]

I find it interesting that you fail to mention Hanley going forward, although his contract is both big and extends into the year ahead. To my way of thinking, he is not showing himself to be more than a journeyman hitter, a decent first baseman and a rather worse than average base runner. His contract seems to make him a lock to play this year and perhaps next, but with him batting behind Ortiz this year, he is less than helpful to the team.

 

Yes, Encarnacion at Fenway would be a better choice than Hanley, but what to do with him?

 

I have mentioned trading HanRam after this season on other threads..

 

I even suggested last winter we trade him even if he had a .900 OPS in 2016.

 

I doubt we trade him though.

[moonslav59]

Per MLB Traderumors

 

"Clubs that were pursuing Brad Ziegler were stunned by what the D-backs accepted in exchange for him, according to both Passan and Peter Gammons of the MLB Network (links to Twitter). Passan writes that the Guardians, Blue Jays and Cubs all expressed interest in Ziegler and were all met with asking prices of Top 100-type or even Top 50-type prospects in return. Arizona, however, acquired a pair of prospects that weren’t nearly that well regarded in return. One NL GM who spoke to Gammons wondered if Dave Dombrowski’s close relationship with Tony La Russa impacted the negotiations."

 

Good for DD

 

Team GMs often value players and prospects differently...maybe wildly differently at times. Maybe the AZ GM liked the pair of prospects better than these so-called "experts" did.

[oldtimer]

Yes, a trade is highly unlikely due to his large contract. With Encarnacion, where would he fit in the Red Sox lineup? I can't see him staying at first base without more offensive production. Mark him down as another of Cherrington's major mistakes. Does he have 2 years left after this season at $22 million a year? Ouch.

[Dojji]

who's your alternative at 1B next year guys. Sam Travis is hurt and had mediocre numbers in AAA, he'd have to destroy the ball to break camp with the team first week of April. Shaw is our incumbent at 3B and playing well enough there that there's no point moving him. That leaves Hanley, Pablo and possibly Swihart or Moncada playing 1b for us next year.

 

As much hype as there is surrounding Moncada, I don't think any of the other alternatives are any more likely to be as effective on both sides of the ball as Hanley and certainly not enough so to sacrifice depth for.

[Nick]

I honestly think Hanley comes back....contract is too big to move him....

 

If we do nothing, keep the line up the same, we just need to plug in Encarnacion for Ortiz...plug in Swihart and Young in left, Holt become super sub, Shaw at 3B....hope for little improvement from each player to compensate for losing Ortiz. Sandy and Vazquez behind the plate.

[Nick]

Also having a set rotation from start that can give us quality starts will enhance our ability to jump ahead from get go.

[Palodios]

July 18th per MLB Traderumors

 

"The Red Sox, Rangers, Orioles, Blue Jays and Dodgers are all expected to be in the bidding for Athletics ace Rich Hill, as are the Tigers, who have been calling around and asking about rotation upgrades, per Passan. The A’s, however, haven’t been willing to hold any meaningful talks about Sonny Gray, whose stock is at a low point right now in the wake of some highly uncharacteristic struggles. Passan also notes that Josh Reddick is “very unlikely” to reach an extension with Oakland at this juncture, though if the A’s were really only open to a three-year deal even as recently as July 9, I’d contend that it was never really a possibility in the first place."

 

Are we still after Hill?

 

The Sox are probably staying involved just in case.

[Nick]

The Sox are probably staying involved just in case.

 

Yep, maybe Sox is waiting to hear the best offer from other teams and see if it's worth it to better it....as many here have said Moneyball sometimes had different tastes when it comes to prospects...

[Nick]

Yanks win 2-1.....better get to them early....lights out with that bullpen

[moonslav59]

Yes, a trade is highly unlikely due to his large contract. With Encarnacion, where would he fit in the Red Sox lineup? I can't see him staying at first base without more offensive production. Mark him down as another of Cherrington's major mistakes. Does he have 2 years left after this season at $22 million a year? Ouch.

.

Trading HanRam should be easier this winter than last winter. His stock was bottomed out last winter, and he'll have $22M less owed to him.

[moonslav59]

who's your alternative at 1B next year guys. Sam Travis is hurt and had mediocre numbers in AAA, he'd have to destroy the ball to break camp with the team first week of April. Shaw is our incumbent at 3B and playing well enough there that there's no point moving him. That leaves Hanley, Pablo and possibly Swihart or Moncada playing 1b for us next year.

 

As much hype as there is surrounding Moncada, I don't think any of the other alternatives are any more likely to be as effective on both sides of the ball as Hanley and certainly not enough so to sacrifice depth for.

 

I think we will not trade HanRam, but if we do, I'd like to see Moncada at 3B and Encarnacion, Shaw, Pablo and maybe Travis at 1B & DH.

[Jack Flap]

Per MLB Traderumors

 

"Clubs that were pursuing Brad Ziegler were stunned by what the D-backs accepted in exchange for him, according to both Passan and Peter Gammons of the MLB Network (links to Twitter). Passan writes that the Guardians, Blue Jays and Cubs all expressed interest in Ziegler and were all met with asking prices of Top 100-type or even Top 50-type prospects in return. Arizona, however, acquired a pair of prospects that weren’t nearly that well regarded in return. One NL GM who spoke to Gammons wondered if Dave Dombrowski’s close relationship with Tony La Russa impacted the negotiations."

 

Good for DD

 

Yeah, good job by Dave if this is true. I thought we gave a decent package for a rental of a solid but not elite relief pitcher, but this year, who knows? Recent days just go to show that trade negotiations can be a strange, unpredictable thing.

[jacksonianmarch]

It was an adequate package for a pitcher who had a down first half, is more of a righty matchup guy and is 36. Don't let the ERA fool you, his WHIP was nearly 1.5 in Arizona

[jacksonianmarch]

Sox are in talks with the Twins for Ervin Santana, btw. Wright, Pomeranz, Price, Porcelli, Santana

[Hugh2]

who's your alternative at 1B next year guys. Sam Travis is hurt and had mediocre numbers in AAA, he'd have to destroy the ball to break camp with the team first week of April. Shaw is our incumbent at 3B and playing well enough there that there's no point moving him. That leaves Hanley, Pablo and possibly Swihart or Moncada playing 1b for us next year.

 

As much hype as there is surrounding Moncada, I don't think any of the other alternatives are any more likely to be as effective on both sides of the ball as Hanley and certainly not enough so to sacrifice depth for.

 

If Moncada is playing first base for us next year I will eat my underpants.

 

But it's a shame what happened to Sam Travis. He's not exciting enough to plan into next year but he was doing enough this year to get a shot. It would have been nice to see him get a call up and see what he could do at the MLB level. But between Moncada's athleticism and Shaw having a better glove at 1B I'd be hedgin my bets on a Shaw/Moncada 1B/3B rather than the other way around.

 

I wouldn't mind trading one of Shaw or Hanley either with the one staying playing with Moncada at the corners. I know it may sound like blasphemy to some to trade Shaw but packaged with the right prospects he could bring back a really good starter. Hanley might not bring back the same value, but his play has made him movable in my opinion so that should be an option as well if it can free up some money.

[Hugh2]

It was an adequate package for a pitcher who had a down first half, is more of a righty matchup guy and is 36. Don't let the ERA fool you, his WHIP was nearly 1.5 in Arizona

 

But ERA means everything....like wins and average.

Edited July 19, 2016 by A Red Sox fan named Hugh