2017/18 Hot Stove Thread

[moonslav59]

Hey, Pedey said what Machado did was okay.

 

Our beloved Pedey!

 

What greater endorsement can anyone every get?

 

(sarcasm alert)

 

 

I'd sign Machado in a heart beat (sarcasm over).

 

For those who believe in "clutch", and I believe Dewey is one, this guys is number one.

 

He's an excellent fielder.

 

He's an excellent hitter.

 

He has power.

 

He can slide spikes up vs the Yankees.

 

What's not to like?

 

[Bellhorn04]

For those who believe in "clutch", and I believe Dewey is one, this guys is number one.

 

How is Machado number one in clutch?

[harmony]

Exactly.

 

How much better would Hosmer be over Sam Travis?

Comparing three-time Gold Glove winner Eric Hosmer (DOB 10/24/89) with Sam Travis (DOB 8/27/93) is more far-fetched than comparing Jackie Bradley (DOB 4/19/90) with Yankee outfield prospect Jake Cave (DOB 12/4/92).

 

In the International League this year the now 24-year-old Travis posted a wRC+ of 107 in 342 plate appearances while the 24-year-old Cave posted a wRC+ of 156 in 297 plate appearances. Cave is considered the superior defender.

 

As a 21-year-old in 2011 Hosmer posted a wRC+ of 187 in 118 plate appearances at Triple A and a wRC+ of 113 in 563 plate appearances at the MLB level.

 

Hosmer peaked at No. 8 in 2011 on Baseball America's preseason prospect list while Bradley peaked at No. 31 in 2013. Neither Travis nor Cave has cracked a BA Top 100 prospect list.

 

I suspect Hosmer would be significantly better than Travis.

[S5Dewey]

Hey, Pedey said what Machado did was okay.

 

Our beloved Pedey!

 

What greater endorsement can anyone every get?

 

(sarcasm alert)

 

 

I'd sign Machado in a heart beat (sarcasm over).

 

For those who believe in "clutch", and I believe Dewey is one, this guys is number one.

 

He's an excellent fielder.

 

He's an excellent hitter.

 

He has power.

 

He can slide spikes up vs the Yankees.

 

What's not to like?

 

 

I'm not sure how much of that post is serious.

 

I recognize that not all professional athletes are bastions of character but there is a line that has to be drawn someplace. I happen to think that Machado is nothing but a low-class punk who's a danger to everyone he plays against. I don't care how "clutch" he is or how good he is defensively. I want no part of him on "my" Boston Red Sox. I'd platoon Moon & a700 @ 3B and take my chances before I'd let Machado see the inside of the Red Sox clubhouse.

Edit: I see Machado as being no better than ARod and IMO there's no place for either of those guys in professional baseball.

Edited October 14, 2017 by S5Dewey

[moonslav59]

How is Machado number one in clutch?

 

Anyone can be number one in something that does not exist, but he did have some big hits.

[cp176]

How is Machado number one in clutch?

 

Bell - really with the clutch stuff. You of all people. Must be a slow day for you. lol

[Behindenemylines]

The Sox need to add power to the lineup. A team that plays half of their games at Fenway and are last in the AL in homeruns. I am done waiting for Ramirez to consistently be a power threat. That leaves 1B and DH where power can be increased with the addition of some bats. Unfortunately, Hanley will be back and leaves room for one power bat.

[moonslav59]

The Sox need to add power to the lineup. A team that plays half of their games at Fenway and are last in the AL in homeruns. I am done waiting for Ramirez to consistently be a power threat. That leaves 1B and DH where power can be increased with the addition of some bats. Unfortunately, Hanley will be back and leaves room for one power bat.

 

I see it that way, too, and that's why I don't want to settle on someone like Hosmer or bringing Moreland back.

 

If we go the FA route, I see only JD Martinez and Moustakas as legitimate and significant difference makers.

 

I don't think Votto will okay a trade, so I think Stanton, Donaldson or Beltre are the top candidates for that route.

[a700hitter]

I'm not sure how much of that post is serious.

 

I recognize that not all professional athletes are bastions of character but there is a line that has to be drawn someplace. I happen to think that Machado is nothing but a low-class punk who's a danger to everyone he plays against. I don't care how "clutch" he is or how good he is defensively. I want no part of him on "my" Boston Red Sox. I'd platoon Moon & a700 @ 3B and take my chances before I'd let Machado see the inside of the Red Sox clubhouse.

Edit: I see Machado as being no better than ARod and IMO there's no place for either of those guys in professional baseball.

Put me in coach, and I can hit righties and lefties equally as good. Oh, and my bursitis is almost completely gone.

[moonslav59]

Put me in coach, and I can hit righties and lefties equally as good. Oh, and my bursitis is almost completely gone.

 

I'll be the late-inning defensive replacement.

[cp176]

I'm just a little pissed that I haven't even been considered as a replacement for that stiff Pedroia at second.

[harmony]

I'd prefer to not sign Hosmer at 1B, but he almost certainly would return much greater value for the next 4 years than any lost draft pick would.

MLB Trade Rumors has posted a poll on how much Eric Hosmer will earn in free agency this offseason:

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/10/poll-how-much-will-eric-hosmer-earn-in-free-agency.html#comments

[moonslav59]

I'm just a little pissed that I haven't even been considered as a replacement for that stiff Pedroia at second.

 

I'm too old and out of shape. Besides, I couldn't even hit well enough to play college ball, so you can have my slot.

[cp176]

I'm too old and out of shape. Besides, I couldn't even hit well enough to play college ball, so you can have my slot.

 

Never had the arm for third or short. After I got over the fact that I was destined to be a second baseman, I started to learn just how difficult that position is to play. So much happens up the middle - no snoozing allowed.

[notin]

The WS isn't even here yet, and this is how I see it all playing out.

 

1. If JD Martinez isn't a legend in AZ,he should be. The man his 29 HRs there in slightly over 1/3 of a season, including 4 in one game. I would not be surprised at all if he stays there.

2. Despite the complete lack of rumors, my prediction is Giancarlo Stantonwinds up on the Dodgers. Clearly they don't care what they spend. He's from LA and has a full no-trade clause (I would think a $325mill contract is a pretty good NTC, but he has one anyway). Also they have the prospects and even the dirt cheap major league talent to send back. And Miami might be the only team willing to take multi-talented headache Yasiel Puig, where he could go from being clubhouse detriment to marketing icon. The stars are aligning here.

3. The Sox really shouldn't sign Eric Hosmer.

4. Nunez, the only Sox free agent worth re-signing, is probably only likely to return if he has a starting job. Simply put, if Boston doesn't offer him one, someone else will. While I haven't spoken to Nunez or read anything about his preferences, money and playing time are almost always the big factors in free agent's decision making. Playing for a championship, not so much. Unless there is a lot of money and playing time also involved. Sure, we might want him for a super sub, but I don't think that's what he wants.

 

There really isn't much left after that. Moustakas is certainly an option, albeit not a very enticing one. He did hit 35HRs last year, but his prevous career high was 22. Is he in the midst of a career changing breakout? Or is he Morgan Ensberg 2.0? How much does it cost to find out?

 

The Marlins firesale looks imminent this year. While Stanton is likely to head elsewhere, maybe Ozuna can be had. Maybe Bour can be had.

 

The real problem for the Sox is trade bait. The minor leagues have very little above A-ball. If they deal off the MLB roster, who should go?

 

With so little wiggle room for offense already, it dies make it unlikely the team can do anything to prevent Hanley's option from vesting. But if they can add a couple decent bats and drop him down a bit...

[harmony]

The WS isn't even here yet, and this is how I see it all playing out.

 

1. If JD Martinez isn't a legend in AZ,he should be. The man his 29 HRs there in slightly over 1/3 of a season, including 4 in one game. I would not be surprised at all if he stays there.

2. Despite the complete lack of rumors, my prediction is Giancarlo Stantonwinds up on the Dodgers. Clearly they don't care what they spend. He's from LA and has a full no-trade clause (I would think a $325mill contract is a pretty good NTC, but he has one anyway). Also they have the prospects and even the dirt cheap major league talent to send back. And Miami might be the only team willing to take multi-talented headache Yasiel Puig, where he could go from being clubhouse detriment to marketing icon. The stars are aligning here.

3. The Sox really shouldn't sign Eric Hosmer.

4. Nunez, the only Sox free agent worth re-signing, is probably only likely to return if he has a starting job. Simply put, if Boston doesn't offer him one, someone else will. While I haven't spoken to Nunez or read anything about his preferences, money and playing time are almost always the big factors in free agent's decision making. Playing for a championship, not so much. Unless there is a lot of money and playing time also involved. Sure, we might want him for a super sub, but I don't think that's what he wants.

 

There really isn't much left after that. Moustakas is certainly an option, albeit not a very enticing one. He did hit 35HRs last year, but his prevous career high was 22. Is he in the midst of a career changing breakout? Or is he Morgan Ensberg 2.0? How much does it cost to find out?

 

The Marlins firesale looks imminent this year. While Stanton is likely to head elsewhere, maybe Ozuna can be had. Maybe Bour can be had.

 

The real problem for the Sox is trade bait. The minor leagues have very little above A-ball. If they deal off the MLB roster, who should go?

 

With so little wiggle room for offense already, it dies make it unlikely the team can do anything to prevent Hanley's option from vesting. But if they can add a couple decent bats and drop him down a bit...

The rare analysis that borders on objective.

 

Nice work.

[moonslav59]

The WS isn't even here yet, and this is how I see it all playing out.

 

1. If JD Martinez isn't a legend in AZ,he should be. The man his 29 HRs there in slightly over 1/3 of a season, including 4 in one game. I would not be surprised at all if he stays there.

2. Despite the complete lack of rumors, my prediction is Giancarlo Stantonwinds up on the Dodgers. Clearly they don't care what they spend. He's from LA and has a full no-trade clause (I would think a $325mill contract is a pretty good NTC, but he has one anyway). Also they have the prospects and even the dirt cheap major league talent to send back. And Miami might be the only team willing to take multi-talented headache Yasiel Puig, where he could go from being clubhouse detriment to marketing icon. The stars are aligning here.

3. The Sox really shouldn't sign Eric Hosmer.

4. Nunez, the only Sox free agent worth re-signing, is probably only likely to return if he has a starting job. Simply put, if Boston doesn't offer him one, someone else will. While I haven't spoken to Nunez or read anything about his preferences, money and playing time are almost always the big factors in free agent's decision making. Playing for a championship, not so much. Unless there is a lot of money and playing time also involved. Sure, we might want him for a super sub, but I don't think that's what he wants.

 

There really isn't much left after that. Moustakas is certainly an option, albeit not a very enticing one. He did hit 35HRs last year, but his prevous career high was 22. Is he in the midst of a career changing breakout? Or is he Morgan Ensberg 2.0? How much does it cost to find out?

 

The Marlins firesale looks imminent this year. While Stanton is likely to head elsewhere, maybe Ozuna can be had. Maybe Bour can be had.

 

The real problem for the Sox is trade bait. The minor leagues have very little above A-ball. If they deal off the MLB roster, who should go?

 

With so little wiggle room for offense already, it dies make it unlikely the team can do anything to prevent Hanley's option from vesting. But if they can add a couple decent bats and drop him down a bit...

 

Sometimes reality can be so depressing!

[notin]

Sometimes reality can be so depressing!

 

No.. That's depressing if we were coming off a 72-90 season. It's not like there is tons of room to improve already.

[Larry Cook]

The offseason priority list has to be:

 

1) sign ohtani. This guy is the real deal.

2) leave devers at third base.

3) sign/trade for a first baseman.

4) sign/trade for a lefty reliever.

 

Previously I thought devers should be moved to first, but there is nothing out there that makes sense at third base for us,

 

So in 2018 at first, we can resign Moreland and hope he is healthier next year or sign Santana and hope he does not imitate Pedroia and bruise extremely easily.

[a700hitter]

The offseason priority list has to be:

 

1) sign ohtani. This guy is the real deal.

2) leave devers at third base.

3) sign/trade for a first baseman.

4) sign/trade for a lefty reliever.

 

Previously I thought devers should be moved to first, but there is nothing out there that makes sense at third base for us,

 

So in 2018 at first, we can resign Moreland and hope he is healthier next year or sign Santana and hope he does not imitate Pedroia and bruise extremely easily.

I am concerned about Otani's ankle surgery. Do you trust our medical staff to determine whether he is fully healthy. You can't play on a bad ankle, and they are trickier than knees.

[moonslav59]

I am concerned about Otani's ankle surgery. Do you trust our medical staff to determine whether he is fully healthy. You can't play on a bad ankle, and they are trickier than knees.

 

Yes, look at Allen Craig.

[moonslav59]

No.. That's depressing if we were coming off a 72-90 season. It's not like there is tons of room to improve already.

 

The one major area of improvement needed is power (clean-up hitter).

 

While we don't need to have the best, I'm not sure Moreland, Morrison, Duda or Alonso is going to even help at all. Maybe Santana would work.

[notin]

The one major area of improvement needed is power (clean-up hitter).

 

While we don't need to have the best, I'm not sure Moreland, Morrison, Duda or Alonso is going to even help at all. Maybe Santana would work.

 

The media proposed deal for Marcell Ozuna (Bradley and ERod) might be more realistic.

 

First base is an area with weak options. Moreland or Morrison do seem like possibilities. But not exciting ones.

 

Dombrowski does have a long history of making big splashes via trade or free agency. He doesn't have as much prospect depth to make a deal. But he does have a reset luxury tax. I've thrown around Alex Cobb as an idea, but if DD is thinking bigger, might he pursue Yu Darvish?

[notin]

The offseason priority list has to be:

 

1) sign ohtani. This guy is the real deal.

2) leave devers at third base.

3) sign/trade for a first baseman.

4) sign/trade for a lefty reliever.

 

Previously I thought devers should be moved to first, but there is nothing out there that makes sense at third base for us,

 

So in 2018 at first, we can resign Moreland and hope he is healthier next year or sign Santana and hope he does not imitate Pedroia and bruise extremely easily.

 

1. Ohtani is the real deal? Based on what? His press clippings? Daisuke was supposed to be the real deal, too. Ohtani is a very expensive lottery ticket that may or may not pay off. We've all seen the Japanese superstarsr flop before. (And thrive, too. It's not like they all become mediocre to below.) If the Sox get a RHSP, I could see Darvish or Cobb, allowing them to trade Rodriguez (plus) and escape a weak power hitter market.

 

2. Devers could be left at 3B, but I don't think moving him to first is a horrible idea. If the Sox brought back Nunez to play 3rd full time, would that be such a bad move? Would you prefer Moreland/Morrison/Dude over Nunez? By limiting Devers' position, the Sox limit their options. And moving him to first is NOT a repeat of the Blake Swihart position change.

 

3. Or a 3B. Moustakas is in play, although he might be pricy. If the Sox want Nunez back, he isn't as likely to take a supersub role as he is a full time role. The best 1B/3B options are (not in order) Santana, Morrison, Duda, Moreland, Moustakas and Nunez. Which should the Sox go for?

 

4. The bullpen is fine. While I'm no Robby Scott fan, he is still here. And Robbie Ross returns as well. And Brian Johnson might find himself in the bullpen mix. If anything, I see the Sox moving a reliever (Hembree? Barnes?) as opposed to acquiring one.

[Jack Flap]

Regarding Otani - if he comes over this winter, he'd be subject to international bonus restrictions, meaning the financial commitment required to sign him will be pretty minimal. Definitely worth a roll of the dice even if the ankle issue looks worrisome. Where he actually ends up is anyone's guess, though.

 

I do think Dave is going to zero in on Martinez (we've seen that when he wants to make an upgrade, he goes after the top option available and usually gets his man), but if we fail to land him, what about Jay Bruce as a fallback option for DH? 36 HR with an .832 OPS this year, no qualifying offer, and shouldn't really break the bank.

 

Justin Upton will be another name out there if he opts out of his contract.

[moonslav59]

The media proposed deal for Marcell Ozuna (Bradley and ERod) might be more realistic.

 

First base is an area with weak options. Moreland or Morrison do seem like possibilities. But not exciting ones.

 

Dombrowski does have a long history of making big splashes via trade or free agency. He doesn't have as much prospect depth to make a deal. But he does have a reset luxury tax. I've thrown around Alex Cobb as an idea, but if DD is thinking bigger, might he pursue Yu Darvish?

 

Certainly signing a big pitcher and trading ERod would give more confidence in the rotation. I'm not against the idea, especially if JD and Moose are way too over-priced or choose to go elsewhere. Including JBJ in a trade would be fine by me, as much as I really appreciate him, but only two years of control for Ozuna seems too short. I guess it fits the "two year window" just right.

 

3 years of JBJ

3-4 years of ERod

 

for

 

2 years of Ozuna

 

It might take a deal like this to win a ring, but if we don't, we will have given up too much.

 

I guess that's the gamble possibly at stake.

 

[notin]

Regarding Otani - if he comes over this winter, he'd be subject to international bonus restrictions, meaning the financial commitment required to sign him will be pretty minimal. Definitely worth a roll of the dice even if the ankle issue looks worrisome. Where he actually ends up is anyone's guess, though.

 

I do think Dave is going to zero in on Martinez (we've seen that when he wants to make an upgrade, he goes after the top option available and usually gets his man), but if we fail to land him, what about Jay Bruce as a fallback option for DH? 36 HR with an .832 OPS this year, no qualifying offer, and shouldn't really break the bank.

 

Justin Upton will be another name out there if he opts out of his contract.

 

I always forget about former notin-favorite Justin Upton. His up and down career has been pretty tough to get a grasp on. But reportedly the Angels are trying to extend him or keep him around in some fashion.

 

Pass on Bruce. He has managed two straight bounceback years after two horrific years, but he won't age well, can't play defense anymore at any position, and is has gone from "player you build around" to "complimentary piece you build around WITH" rather rapidly.

[moonslav59]

Regarding Otani - if he comes over this winter, he'd be subject to international bonus restrictions, meaning the financial commitment required to sign him will be pretty minimal. Definitely worth a roll of the dice even if the ankle issue looks worrisome. Where he actually ends up is anyone's guess, though.

 

I do think Dave is going to zero in on Martinez (we've seen that when he wants to make an upgrade, he goes after the top option available and usually gets his man), but if we fail to land him, what about Jay Bruce as a fallback option for DH? 36 HR with an .832 OPS this year, no qualifying offer, and shouldn't really break the bank....

 

Bruce could be a good option. His 2014 and 2015 years scare me a bit, but all the options out there have questions or concerns.

 

He turns 31 in April, which isn't too bad, but often times, players decline after 31 and sometimes quickly.

 

Bruce does have 25 + HRs in 7 of his last 8 years with 30+ in 5 of the last 8 years.

 

He has 69 HRs in his last 2 years (273+ TBs each year).

 

His career OBP is rather low (.319) and he's been lower than that in 3 of his last 4 years, but he may work out well for us.

[moonslav59]

I always forget about former notin-favorite Justin Upton. His up and down career has been pretty tough to get a grasp on. But reportedly the Angels are trying to extend him or keep him around in some fashion.

 

Pass on Bruce. He has managed two straight bounceback years after two horrific years, but he won't age well, can't play defense anymore at any position, and is has gone from "player you build around" to "complimentary piece you build around WITH" rather rapidly.

 

He'd be a DH, so the defense would only hurt when an OF'er needs rest.

 

I've always liked Upton, but he scares me too much. He reminds me of HRam with the roller coaster career.

 

OPS since becoming FT in 2009:

 

.899

.799

.898

.785

.818

.833

.790

.775

.901

 

I guess a range of .775 to .901 is not too wide, but he's had too many seasons

below .820 for my liking (5 out of 8) and for what he will make.

 

He's been under .800 in 4 of his last 8 seasons.

 

Over 29 HRs in 3 of the last 4 years is pretty good, though.

 

[notin]

Bruce could be a good option. His 2014 and 2015 years scare me a bit, but all the options out there have questions or concerns.

 

He turns 31 in April, which isn't too bad, but often times, players decline after 31 and sometimes quickly.

 

Bruce does have 25 + HRs in 7 of his last 8 years with 30+ in 5 of the last 8 years.

 

He has 69 HRs in his last 2 years (273+ TBs each year).

 

His career OBP is rather low (.319) and he's been lower than that in 3 of his last 4 years, but he may work out well for us.

 

 

 

These last two years of Bruce are probably better than anything he has left.

 

Lefty power hitters used to be a necessity in any lineup to counter the overabundance of RHP. But with the insane overdeployment of the shift, it's getting to the point where, if you are not an elite LHH or capable of putting the ball all over the field, it can be a detriment. Bruce doesn't fit either category. I think his career will head south faster than he likes.