A Realistic View at 2017 Part I

[SoxHop]

Let's look forward to 2017.

 

We have a great core to work with.

 

We have $30-40M to spend to the new limit.

 

We have some prospects to deal, if needed, and still have enough left over to keep our future bright enough.

 

Let's hope 2017 brings better.

 

 

I'm going to say this again. I had a blast watching this team this season. We had journey men pop out of no way and just wreck it with Wright and Leon. We had sophomores step up, we had highs and lows and it won us the ALE. I really had a great time taking this season for a ride.............. it was fun.......

 

so now is the time to pimp the ride for next season.

 

I don't know why I'm saying this, and it hurts me. But I think we need a big power bat in the lineup to replace Papi. I would hate to spend big on it, but I think it is crucial.

 

As if any team isn't thinking strengthen bullpen. But hearing Smith is going to be out a good chunk of time during 2017, that hurts. Get Koji back for a year, and one more guy.

 

Another solid front line starter would be nice. We have a good package to do so. A blockbuster could be in the works too. Again it pains me to say it, but trading for pitching is never a bad idea in my mind. Adding another TOR starter that can put in the innings and we could sacrifice any position player including Betts and be ok. But just don't trade Betts.

 

The catcher situation I think is the most interesting. Third base can be Pablo or whoever or a work in progress or a snazzy deal. The catcher issue seems the most volatile to me.

[Nick]

Let's look forward to 2017.

 

We have a great core to work with.

 

We have $30-40M to spend to the new limit.

 

We have some prospects to deal, if needed, and still have enough left over to keep our future bright enough.

 

Let's hope 2017 brings better.

 

 

We probably have a good enough team to repeat. I guess the ultimate question is what if our starters fail again in 2017, in the playoffs? Would that be the time to make a major trade for the front of the rotation type guy, maybe giving up a star in making position player? Or will we be lamenting the fact that we did not making a push this winter?

[moonslav59]

We probably have a good enough team to repeat. I guess the ultimate question is what if our starters fail again in 2017, in the playoffs? Would that be the time to make a major trade for the front of the rotation type guy, maybe giving up a star in making position player? Or will we be lamenting the fact that we did not making a push this winter?

 

I'm always for trying to get an ace, and I hope we kick the tires on Quintana or Sale, but since we already traded Espi for Pomeranz and Buch is likely to return, I think this is not the winter it happens.

 

We had 6 starters with a top 30 half season this year, and Porcello nealry had two top 30 half seasons. That's enough promise to go on, I suppose.

 

With 3 glaring needs ahead of SP'ing, I doubt it happens this winter.

 

1) We need to upgrade the pen.

2) We need to decide what to do about 3B.

3) We need to find a way to lessen the impact of Papi's retirement.

 

Only the pen definitely cannot be fixed from within the system. The other two have possibilities within the system:

 

3B: Pablo/Shaw/Moncada/Hernandez/Holy/Rutledge

 

DH: Pablo-Young platoon/Swihart-Young platoon/ Moncada-Young platoon/HanRam vs RHPs (Shaw/Travis/Pablo to 1B vs righties?)-Young vs LHPs

[Nick]

I'm always for trying to get an ace, and I hope we kick the tires on Quintana or Sale, but since we already traded Espi for Pomeranz and Buch is likely to return, I think this is not the winter it happens.

 

We had 6 starters with a top 30 half season this year, and Porcello nealry had two top 30 half seasons. That's enough promise to go on, I suppose.

 

With 3 glaring needs ahead of SP'ing, I doubt it happens this winter.

 

1) We need to upgrade the pen.

2) We need to decide what to do about 3B.

3) We need to find a way to lessen the impact of Papi's retirement.

 

Only the pen definitely cannot be fixed from within the system. The other two have possibilities within the system:

 

3B: Pablo/Shaw/Moncada/Hernandez/Holy/Rutledge

 

DH: Pablo-Young platoon/Swihart-Young platoon/ Moncada-Young platoon/HanRam vs RHPs (Shaw/Travis/Pablo to 1B vs righties?)-Young vs LHPs

 

I suppose if we can repeat as a division champ and retain all of our high end prospects, then we'll have a better idea as to next course of action a year from now.

 

Benintendi becomes a full time regular LF

Moncada slides into 3B sometime in June.

Swihart becomes either a starting catcher or super utility player. Able to play any position other than SS/2B.

Kopech makes major league debut as a reliever in August/Septmeber.

Johnson becomes a bona fide major league pitcher, Clay B is traded for a young, controllable reliever in July.

To be continued

[oldtimer]

I'm always for trying to get an ace, and I hope we kick the tires on Quintana or Sale, but since we already traded Espi for Pomeranz and Buch is likely to return, I think this is not the winter it happens.

 

We had 6 starters with a top 30 half season this year, and Porcello nealry had two top 30 half seasons. That's enough promise to go on, I suppose.

 

With 3 glaring needs ahead of SP'ing, I doubt it happens this winter.

 

1) We need to upgrade the pen.

2) We need to decide what to do about 3B.

3) We need to find a way to lessen the impact of Papi's retirement.

 

Only the pen definitely cannot be fixed from within the system. The other two have possibilities within the system:

 

3B: Pablo/Shaw/Moncada/Hernandez/Holy/Rutledge

 

DH: Pablo-Young platoon/Swihart-Young platoon/ Moncada-Young platoon/HanRam vs RHPs (Shaw/Travis/Pablo to 1B vs righties?)-Young vs LHPs

 

I also think consideration of catcher as an issue is a realistic assessment. We do have Swihart so maybe we can improve things from within.

[oldtimer]

I suppose if we can repeat as a division champ and retain all of our high end prospects, then we'll have a better idea as to next course of action a year from now.

 

Benintendi becomes a full time regular LF

Moncada slides into 3B sometime in June.

Swihart becomes either a starting catcher or super utility player. Able to play any position other than SS/2B.

Kopech makes major league debut as a reliever in August/Septmeber.

Johnson becomes a bona fide major league pitcher, Clay B is traded for a young, controllable reliever in July.

To be continued

 

Very realistic assessment but a lot would have to go right for your scenario to come to pass. I would also think that Kelly may have a larger role to play. It he could develop another pitch and with his maturization, he could make the jump back to the right hand starter that we could use, particularly if Buchholz is traded.

[moonslav59]

I also think consideration of catcher as an issue is a realistic assessment. We do have Swihart so maybe we can improve things from within.

 

I would have put catcher at #4, but with Leon, Vazquez and Swihart in the fold, I seriously doubt we go outside the system to find someone this winter.

 

Hanigan's option will not be given.

 

Holaday is out of minor league options, so he is likely gone too.

[moonslav59]

I suppose if we can repeat as a division champ and retain all of our high end prospects, then we'll have a better idea as to next course of action a year from now.

 

Benintendi becomes a full time regular LF

Moncada slides into 3B sometime in June.

Swihart becomes either a starting catcher or super utility player. Able to play any position other than SS/2B.

Kopech makes major league debut as a reliever in August/Septmeber.

Johnson becomes a bona fide major league pitcher, Clay B is traded for a young, controllable reliever in July.

To be continued

 

Sounds realistic.

 

One thing we have going for us, assuming no major injuries, is that other than losing Papi (a big one), we should improve in many areas due to this...

 

1) 6 months of Beni not 2.

2) 6 months of Pom not 2ish.

3) 3-5 months of Carson Smith not zero.

4) 6 months of Swihart not 2ish.

5) More starts available from Wright, ERod, Buchholz & Pom (see above).

6) Possible big steps up by Barnes, Hembree, Scott, Elias, Johnson and/or Owens.

[moonslav59]

Very realistic assessment but a lot would have to go right for your scenario to come to pass. I would also think that Kelly may have a larger role to play. It he could develop another pitch and with his maturization, he could make the jump back to the right hand starter that we could use, particularly if Buchholz is traded.

 

I think Kelly may become a fine number 2 RP'er. I do think he may go back to starting at some point, but for now, I think we'll see if he can help fill the void left by departing Koji, Ziegler and Taz.

 

I think if Buch gets traded, we'll see Price, Porcello, Pomeranz, ERod & Wright- not Kelly.

[moonslav59]

I'm pretty certain Ziegler will want to end his career out West, and Tazawa is probably not worth the risk of what his contract might be, so to me, Koji may be the only RP'er of the three that may return.

 

There's really not much better out there that won't want "closer money", so maybe there's a good chance he returns. I'd like to see it happen, but I'm not married to the idea, as long as we upgrade significantly.

 

I don't think just bringing Koji back and hoping others perform as promised will be enough. Apparently, Carson Smith won't return until May at the earliest,

 

Is anybody here happy with this as our pen?

 

Closer: Kimbrel

 

Set-up: Uehara

 

Set-up: Carson Smith (May/June?)

 

Set-up: Kelly

 

Middle Relief: R Ross

 

Middle Relief: M Barnes

 

Middle Relief: Buch/Wright/Pomeranz (the 6th starter)

 

Middle Relief: Hembree (until Smith comes back? He's out of options.)

 

Out of options: Abad & Elias

 

Reserves on the farm: Scott, Workman, Owens, Johnson, Kopech, Martin, N Ramirez & Jerez,

[Maxbialystock]

I'm always for trying to get an ace, and I hope we kick the tires on Quintana or Sale, but since we already traded Espi for Pomeranz and Buch is likely to return, I think this is not the winter it happens.

 

We had 6 starters with a top 30 half season this year, and Porcello nealry had two top 30 half seasons. That's enough promise to go on, I suppose.

 

With 3 glaring needs ahead of SP'ing, I doubt it happens this winter.

 

1) We need to upgrade the pen.

2) We need to decide what to do about 3B.

3) We need to find a way to lessen the impact of Papi's retirement.

 

Only the pen definitely cannot be fixed from within the system. The other two have possibilities within the system:

 

3B: Pablo/Shaw/Moncada/Hernandez/Holy/Rutledge

 

DH: Pablo-Young platoon/Swihart-Young platoon/ Moncada-Young platoon/HanRam vs RHPs (Shaw/Travis/Pablo to 1B vs righties?)-Young vs LHPs

 

Well said, top to bottom. I personally am biased against an ace--too risky. Plus, as you say, we have 6 starters.

 

I love the phrase, "three glaring needs" and agree with all three. At the same time, however, you provide a partial answer to 3B with 6 names and do the same with the DH issue.

 

So let me add one new thing. I think it's foolish to try to get a big bat to replace Ortiz because he quite clearly is irreplaceable so we shouldn't even try. Nobody else in the entire AL came close to doing what Ortiz did in 2016. Instead, try to improve the rest of the lineup, especially the bottom third, which seemed to headed south in the final month or so of this season. I think the first six in next year's lineup will include Betts, Bogaerts, Pedroia, HanRam, DH combo, and Benintendi. That leaves CF, 3B, and C. I would probably stay with JBJ in CF and Leon/Vazquez at C, which gets us back to 3B. Even there, as you say, there are options.

 

One further thought on the lineup for 2017. This year with Ortiz the Sox scored 100 more runs than the 2d best (Cleveland) lineup in the AL. So lop off 75 of the runs, the cost of going with an ordinary mortal (Pablo/Young, whoever) as the DH, and you still have a very good offense.

 

You also make a good case for our rotation in the 2d half of 2016--it looks promising for 2017.

 

So maybe the real "glaring need" is, quite simply, the bullpen. When they were great in September, so were the Sox--best September in MLB this year and best Sox September in a long time.

[oldtimer]

I'm pretty certain Ziegler will want to end his career out West, and Tazawa is probably not worth the risk of what his contract might be, so to me, Koji may be the only RP'er of the three that may return.

 

There's really not much better out there that won't want "closer money", so maybe there's a good chance he returns. I'd like to see it happen, but I'm not married to the idea, as long as we upgrade significantly.

 

I don't think just bringing Koji back and hoping others perform as promised will be enough. Apparently, Carson Smith won't return until May at the earliest,

 

Is anybody here happy with this as our pen?

 

Closer: Kimbrel

 

Set-up: Uehara

 

Set-up: Carson Smith (May/June?)

 

Set-up: Kelly

 

Middle Relief: R Ross

 

Middle Relief: M Barnes

 

Middle Relief: Buch/Wright/Pomeranz (the 6th starter)

 

Middle Relief: Hembree (until Smith comes back? He's out of options.)

 

Out of options: Abad & Elias

 

Reserves on the farm: Scott, Workman, Owens, Johnson, Kopech, Martin, N Ramirez & Jerez,

 

First of all, elsewhere from this post, someone suggested getting Kenley Jansen, the Dodger free agent. That is highly unlikely as the Dodgers sports writers list his resigning as the #1 thing the Dodgers need to do.

 

Kimbrel as closer makes sense as he saved 31 of 33 attempts, despite his wildness toward the end.

 

Uehara is a risk based on his age, but he was very effective at the end of season and might just have another year in him. Depends how expensive he gets in the FA market.

 

Carson Smith is an unknown as far as how good he will be when he returns. He has a big upside so has to be one of the probable set up men.

 

Joe Kelly I like a lot. He is maturing and I am hoping he develops his pitching skills still further. Another pitch would help. He even has starter potential but probably not this year.

 

Ross is very solid

 

Barnes has been inconsistent. Has a good arm all right but not sold that he is an answer.

 

I am not certain Buchholz will return. If he does, I would use him in middle relief.

 

Hembree is a decent BP resource.

 

Abad looked like he could do the job but was never useful and probably will be gone. Elias is an flyer.

 

Scott is a keeper. Solid spot man to get out lefties.

 

Beyond those, there are some possibilities, especially with Workman, Owens, Johnson and Kopech

 

I still can see a couple of RP through trade or FA. I would replace our weakest links with these.

[cp176]

i think that it is wonderful that we have the wisdom that we have here when assessing our future needs. I'm really not being sarcastic when I say that either. I also think that John Henry would appreciate you all trying to save the money that he has and maybe even make him some more. That might be sarcasm.

 

1. Trade for a totr young pitcher

 

2. Sign the big bat to whack it in the middle of the order

 

3. Sign Koji, and Ziegler if you can and maybe one other

 

Win the East again and then take your chances.

 

Third Base presents no issue whatsoever.

[Kimmi]

With 3 glaring needs ahead of SP'ing, I doubt it happens this winter.

 

1) We need to upgrade the pen.

2) We need to decide what to do about 3B.

3) We need to find a way to lessen the impact of Papi's retirement.

 

Of course there is always room for improvement, but I'm not sure that I think this team has any glaring needs. If we stood pat, I think we'd get back to the playoffs.

 

That said, I'm not saying we should stand pat, and I'm positive that Dombrowski will not. However, I don't think we need the huge acquisition of a big bat that some are suggesting.

 

IMO, by upgrading the pen and figuring out what to do about 3B (which will likely be 'fixed' internally), you accomplish #3 - lessen the impact of Papi's retirement.

[moonslav59]

Well said, top to bottom. I personally am biased against an ace--too risky. Plus, as you say, we have 6 starters.

 

I love the phrase, "three glaring needs" and agree with all three. At the same time, however, you provide a partial answer to 3B with 6 names and do the same with the DH issue.

 

So let me add one new thing. I think it's foolish to try to get a big bat to replace Ortiz because he quite clearly is irreplaceable so we shouldn't even try. Nobody else in the entire AL came close to doing what Ortiz did in 2016. Instead, try to improve the rest of the lineup, especially the bottom third, which seemed to headed south in the final month or so of this season. I think the first six in next year's lineup will include Betts, Bogaerts, Pedroia, HanRam, DH combo, and Benintendi. That leaves CF, 3B, and C. I would probably stay with JBJ in CF and Leon/Vazquez at C, which gets us back to 3B. Even there, as you say, there are options.

 

One further thought on the lineup for 2017. This year with Ortiz the Sox scored 100 more runs than the 2d best (Cleveland) lineup in the AL. So lop off 75 of the runs, the cost of going with an ordinary mortal (Pablo/Young, whoever) as the DH, and you still have a very good offense.

 

You also make a good case for our rotation in the 2d half of 2016--it looks promising for 2017.

 

So maybe the real "glaring need" is, quite simply, the bullpen. When they were great in September, so were the Sox--best September in MLB this year and best Sox September in a long time.

 

I do see some merit in trying to lessen the impact of losing Papi by acquiring a big bat, but I'm thinking there may be a bit of "either/or" working here, and I think signing a big bat at 3B, 1B or DH is going to cost a lot and for many years. With Moncada, Devers and maybe others beating at the door looking for an open position that just isn't there (beyond the one: 3B/DH- whichever we don't acquire in this scenario).

 

I'm thinking with Young being so great vs LHPs, we only really need a good bat vs RHPs. With the glut at 3B of mediocrity, questions and promise, it's not hard to imagine two out of them being successful (Moncada, Pablo, Shaw, Hernandez, Holt, Rutledge & S Travis). I think we wait it out and maybe pounce at the deadline, if things don't work out.

 

My guess is we spend most of our available resources on the pen, and I think it's the right choice.

 

[moonslav59]

First of all, elsewhere from this post, someone suggested getting Kenley Jansen, the Dodger free agent. That is highly unlikely as the Dodgers sports writers list his resigning as the #1 thing the Dodgers need to do.

 

Jansen will make the final decision, and we certainly have enough to outbid the Dodgers. The big question is, do we want to? We're already paying Kimbrel closer money. I'm not saying I'm for signing Jansen or Chapman, or even Melancon, but it would greatly improve out team in our biggest need area. I guess I'd have to see what the cost would be. A lost draft pick is also a strong consideration. Chapman won't have one, but his other issues turn me off, personally. Melancon is probably not going to earn anywhere near what he'll make in an offseason with no great starters on the market. GMs will look for the next best thing: a better closer.

 

I'm thinking we should sign Koji and trade for a solid number 2 that could close, if needed.

[moonslav59]

i think that it is wonderful that we have the wisdom that we have here when assessing our future needs. I'm really not being sarcastic when I say that either. I also think that John Henry would appreciate you all trying to save the money that he has and maybe even make him some more. That might be sarcasm.

 

1. Trade for a totr young pitcher

 

2. Sign the big bat to whack it in the middle of the order

 

3. Sign Koji, and Ziegler if you can and maybe one other

 

Win the East again and then take your chances.

 

Third Base presents no issue whatsoever.

 

I'm not trying to "save" Henry money. The fact is, he's always stayed right near the luxury limit and has spent more on contracts that don't count on the tax (Craig & Castillo currently), but until I see him willing to go way over the limit and join the Dodgers and Yankees in the stratosphere, I'm operating on the assumption he's not going to fill your complete wishlist.

 

I'd love it if he did. I'd love to have EE, Quintana and Jansen. Sign me up!

 

I just don't think it's realistic. Sure, you can make a compelling argument that Henry can afford it. He can. He can pay the whole leagues payroll, but that doesn't mean he will.

He's already been burned spending big. Nearly every one of his biggest contracts have been disappointments. He's a business man. He learns from mistakes and avoids repeating them.

[cp176]

One thing that we can agree on is that he is a business man. None of us really have any idea what he might do. DD will have a great deal of input for sure. i think that he will do what they think it takes to move this franchise closer to where they want to be. As in winning a world series. he knows perfectly well what this team is worth if he were to sell it. He knows that is when he makes his money if that is what he decides to do. He might actually just like being the owner of this team. I don't think think that he will spend with wanton disregard for the luxury tax but on the other hand if you think that he wouldn't be willing to go over it in order to pay the price that might give this team an edge, I truly think that you are wrong.

[S5Dewey]

My thoughts, FWIW:

 

Sign someone not named Encarnacion for the DH (unless EE can be had for a reasonable price, which I see as unlikely). We can't replace Papi but we can get some power help for the linup, which is always a good thing. Maybe "EE lite" a/k/a Bautista? He'll probably be cheaper and for fewer years.

 

By all means sign Koji. He's Plan B in case Kimbrel continues to pitch like he has no control over where the ball is going once he lets go of it. If we end up needing a Plan C, at least we had a Plan B.

 

Ideally that power hitting DH I mentioned above should be capable of playing 3B. (And I know, that eliminates Bautista. But I said this was ideally). Maybe a converted 3Bman. This guy could be our Plan E if things don't work out with The Fat Man and Plans B, C, & D. Or he could be the bridge between a failing Fat Man and Moncada with a DH by committee during that time. Then if Moncada doesn't work out and we have to go shopping again we'll have the option of looking for either a DH or a 3Bman.

[moonslav59]

One thing that we can agree on is that he is a business man. None of us really have any idea what he might do. DD will have a great deal of input for sure. i think that he will do what they think it takes to move this franchise closer to where they want to be. As in winning a world series. he knows perfectly well what this team is worth if he were to sell it. He knows that is when he makes his money if that is what he decides to do. He might actually just like being the owner of this team. I don't think think that he will spend with wanton disregard for the luxury tax but on the other hand if you think that he wouldn't be willing to go over it in order to pay the price that might give this team an edge, I truly think that you are wrong.

 

He's already proven he's willing to go over. This year we're at 50%, and I can see us going over some, but not by a whole lot. I do think Henry would love to reset the luxury tax timer, but it doesn't have to be this year.

 

There is a way to sign a guy like EE and then trade for Quintana or Sale and still stay under the limit. We'd still need pen help

, and maybe someone to plug the hole we made to get Quintana (JBJ?).

Edited October 25, 2016 by moonslav59

[moonslav59]

Sign someone not named Encarnacion for the DH (unless EE can be had for a reasonable price, which I see as unlikely). We can't replace Papi but we can get some power help for the linup, which is always a good thing. Maybe "EE lite" a/k/a Bautista? He'll probably be cheaper and for fewer years.

 

We came within inches of getting Beltran at the deadline. He's old, so a short term deal is what we want anyways. He plays the wrong position, but if we just want a DH, he's a true switch hitter- equally good from both sides.

 

Maybe Young would then platoon with Beni or give JBJ some time off vs LHPs as well.

 

A one year great hitting 3Bman would be ideal, but where is that coming from?

 

By all means sign Koji. He's Plan B in case Kimbrel continues to pitch like he has no control over where the ball is going once he lets go of it. If we end up needing a Plan C, at least we had a Plan B.

 

Agreed

 

Ideally that power hitting DH I mentioned above should be capable of playing 3B. (And I know, that eliminates Bautista. But I said this was ideally). Maybe a converted 3Bman. This guy could be our Plan E if things don't work out with The Fat Man and Plans B, C, & D. Or he could be the bridge between a failing Fat Man and Moncada with a DH by committee during that time. Then if Moncada doesn't work out and we have to go shopping again we'll have the option of looking for either a DH or a 3Bman.

 

We could sign Turner at 3B and use Moncada to get that young pitcher.

[jacksonianmarch]

I read someone say the sox have $30 mil to spend. That's not quite accurate. You're at $148 mil for 11 players. Based on arb projections, you're likely to spend about $25 mil on arbitration players. The lux tax had been $189 mil for three seasons. If it doesn't rise, then the sox will have about $16 mil in AAV to add before hitting the limit. And that doesn't include filling out the rest of the squad or the likelihood the sox pick up Buchholz' option. Bottom line, the lux tax is irrelevant. You're gonna blow past it

[S5Dewey]

I read someone say the sox have $30 mil to spend. That's not quite accurate. You're at $148 mil for 11 players. Based on arb projections, you're likely to spend about $25 mil on arbitration players. The lux tax had been $189 mil for three seasons. If it doesn't rise, then the sox will have about $16 mil in AAV to add before hitting the limit. And that doesn't include filling out the rest of the squad or the likelihood the sox pick up Buchholz' option. Bottom line, the lux tax is irrelevant. You're gonna blow past it

 

Let's wait until the LT threshold has been established before we start making those predictions. The fact that it hasn't gone up in the past three years may mean that it's going to be at that level in 2017, or it may mean that it's time for a reset. There's speculation that it may be reset to ~$210M.

It went up every year from 2003 through 2010, then it went up again in 2011 and again in 2014 to where it's stayed for three years. It's due for a reset and if/when it gets reset the Sox may be able to get under it.

[moonslav59]

I read someone say the sox have $30 mil to spend. That's not quite accurate. You're at $148 mil for 11 players. Based on arb projections, you're likely to spend about $25 mil on arbitration players. The lux tax had been $189 mil for three seasons. If it doesn't rise, then the sox will have about $16 mil in AAV to add before hitting the limit. And that doesn't include filling out the rest of the squad or the likelihood the sox pick up Buchholz' option. Bottom line, the lux tax is irrelevant. You're gonna blow past it

 

I have us at about $185M after all arbs and Buch's option- leaving us about $5M.

 

The LT will go up this year, most think by a lot.

[Nick]

I have us at about $185M after all arbs and Buch's option- leaving us about $5M.

 

The LT will go up this year, most think by a lot.

 

I think the qualifying offer is up over $17M.....last year for the first time we had players accept the QO. I think you'll see more of that...

[oldtimer]

Sign someone not named Encarnacion for the DH (unless EE can be had for a reasonable price, which I see as unlikely). We can't replace Papi but we can get some power help for the linup, which is always a good thing. Maybe "EE lite" a/k/a Bautista? He'll probably be cheaper and for fewer years.

 

We came within inches of getting Beltran at the deadline. He's old, so a short term deal is what we want anyways. He plays the wrong position, but if we just want a DH, he's a true switch hitter- equally good from both sides.

 

Maybe Young would then platoon with Beni or give JBJ some time off vs LHPs as well.

 

A one year great hitting 3Bman would be ideal, but where is that coming from?

 

By all means sign Koji. He's Plan B in case Kimbrel continues to pitch like he has no control over where the ball is going once he lets go of it. If we end up needing a Plan C, at least we had a Plan B.

 

Agreed

 

Ideally that power hitting DH I mentioned above should be capable of playing 3B. (And I know, that eliminates Bautista. But I said this was ideally). Maybe a converted 3Bman. This guy could be our Plan E if things don't work out with The Fat Man and Plans B, C, & D. Or he could be the bridge between a failing Fat Man and Moncada with a DH by committee during that time. Then if Moncada doesn't work out and we have to go shopping again we'll have the option of looking for either a DH or a 3Bman.

 

We could sign Turner at 3B and use Moncada to get that young pitcher.

 

I was on the Beltran bandwagon from the get go. A real professional switch hitter for DH. Some power, decent average, good club house presence. Probably available for a short term contract for reasonable money.

 

I also suggested Justin Turner as the best available free agent option at 3rd base. Another pro in the prime of his career. Probably big bucks and long term commitment but a solution to 3rd for a few years to come. Ian Desmond is being talked about as a possibility as well. he has played SS but is thought to be capable of 3rd. We could off load Rutledge, Shaw and Sandoval (would anyone take him?) and Hill will be gone anyway. Hate to see us lose Moncada as he may well blossom in the near future.

 

Swihart may well become a solution to our weak hitting at the catcher position. Hanigan will be gone and probably Holaday. Take your pick, Swihart with Leon or Vazquez. Swihart has other value so I would want to keep him.

 

Would that leave us with enough $ to get another solid relief pitcher (assuming we resign Uehara)? Would we want to keep Buchholz if we did sign another capable reliever?

 

The final piece is a SP that could win in the playoffs. Assuming Porcello can do that, can E-Rod be a second playoff winner? It is probably a pipe dream to think we can get a pitcher of Quintana's ability. Just getting an average SP doesn't really improve us from where we are now.

[sk7326]

I think the qualifying offer is up over $17M.....last year for the first time we had players accept the QO. I think you'll see more of that...

 

And you might see fewer QOs as a result

[Nick]

Let's wait until the LT threshold has been established before we start making those predictions. The fact that it hasn't gone up in the past three years may mean that it's going to be at that level in 2017, or it may mean that it's time for a reset. There's speculation that it may be reset to ~$210M.

It went up every year from 2003 through 2010, then it went up again in 2011 and again in 2014 to where it's stayed for three years. It's due for a reset and if/when it gets reset the Sox may be able to get under it.

 

It hasn't gone up in last 3 years is because the last contract with Players Union was good for 3 years....not being a dick...just a fyi

[sk7326]

It hasn't gone up in last 3 years is because the last contract with Players Union was good for 3 years....not being a dick...just a fyi

 

Well, when did the last national TV deal kick in - that is the more relevant question here me thinks

[S5Dewey]

It hasn't gone up in last 3 years is because the last contract with Players Union was good for 3 years....not being a dick...just a fyi

 

No problem. I wasn't aware that the QO's were tied into the CBA.

 

Every day that I don't learn something is a wasted day.