2017/18 Hot Stove Thread

[Kimmi]

I am not compelled to reveal my sources...

 

I bet that your sources are as reliable as anyone's.

[Kimmi]

The team is a mystery to the media and public, but not to Scott Boras and the club that has not been publicly disclosed.

 

But don't you think that if a higher offer from a mystery team did exist, that Boras would disclose that to the Red Sox?

 

And wouldn't you think that Dombrowski would be willing to go higher than the reported $100 mil?

[mvp 78]

But don't you think that if a higher offer from a mystery team did exist, that Boras would disclose that to the Red Sox?

 

And wouldn't you think that Dombrowski would be willing to go higher than the reported $100 mil?

 

And don't you think a beat writer for the mystery team would be chomping at the bit to disclose this story?

[Kimmi]

Sometimes good signing is that one you let it get away.....

 

!!!

[Kimmi]

Now, of course, Boras says the 5/$100 report is not accurate.

 

Of course.

 

And as others have said, he could quite possibly be the one that leaked that information to begin with.

[Kimmi]

Which raises the question, what's the difference between a 'hold out' and an unemployed person?

 

The strong likelihood is that JD needs the Red Sox more than the Red Sox need JD. IMO, JD is not the one with the leverage here.

[Kimmi]

And don't you think a beat writer for the mystery team would be chomping at the bit to disclose this story?

 

Publicizing a 'mystery team' would seem to only help JD's cause, not hurt it.

 

I believe we would have heard about it if one existed.

[cp176]

I bet that your sources are as reliable as anyone's.

 

and that is sad- lol

[moonslav59]

The strong likelihood is that JD needs the Red Sox more than the Red Sox need JD. IMO, JD is not the one with the leverage here.

 

That's exactly how I see it.

 

Just because the Sox look like the best fit for JD and his contract, does not mean we have to grossly overpay or outbid everyone (nobody) else.

 

I hope DD gave a fair offer and won't go so much higher that it reaches the stupidity level.

 

If $125M/5 won't get it done, I might add a $5M option buyout on a $20M year 6, making it a $130M/5 (but $130M/6 on luxury tax) deal that JD can take or leave.

 

I'm only mildly concerned about our plan B and C being taken before JD decides, but if the flurry of signings begin, that sentiment may change.

[moonslav59]

Publicizing a 'mystery team' would seem to only help JD's cause, not hurt it.

 

I believe we would have heard about it if one existed.

 

Unless, that team has asked not to be named. Maybe that team might have a player that would feel bad, if he knew the team was thinking of replacing, demoting or moving him to another position to make room for JD.

[mvp 78]

https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2018/1/18/16882650/mlb-collusion-offseason-free-agency-explainer

 

Kill the luxury tax.

[mvp 78]

Unless, that team has asked not to be named. Maybe that team might have a player that would feel bad, if he knew the team was thinking of replacing, demoting or moving him to another position to make room for JD.

 

The only other teams that have come up are the Jays and the D'Bags. I'm not sure which other team would be willing to pounce on an expensive DH.

[harmony]

But don't you think that if a higher offer from a mystery team did exist, that Boras would disclose that to the Red Sox?

 

And wouldn't you think that Dombrowski would be willing to go higher than the reported $100 mil?

I am nearly certain Scott Boras would communicate the top offer to other suitors (but not to the media and public).

 

On your second question, Dave Dombrowski might hesitate if the top offer stood at five years and $135 million, for example.

Edited January 18, 2018 by harmony

[mvp 78]

I am nearly certain Scott Boras would communicate the top offer to other suitors (but not to the media and public).

 

On your second question, Dave Dombrowski might hesitate if the top offer stood at five years and $135 million, for example.

 

If the top offer exceeded what the Sox want to pay, why wouldn't Dombrowski be bringing in other FA's to look at?

[harmony]

If the top offer exceeded what the Sox want to pay, why wouldn't Dombrowski be bringing in other FA's to look at?

I suspect Dave Dombrowski has been looking for alternatives all along.

 

Only Red Sox fans have been hyper-focused on J.D. Martinez.

 

But the way, have the Red Sox "brought in" J.D. Martinez?

[cp176]

I am nearly certain Scott Boras would communicate the top offer to other suitors (but not to the media and public).

 

On your second question, Dave Dombrowski might hesitate if the top offer stood at five years and $135 million, for example.

 

But you think it likely I guess that the Sox offer has somehow leaked out maybe and a possible higher offer by someone else has not. Forgive me thinking that you might be just giving 'good ole' Red Sox nation a little poke here.

[mvp 78]

I suspect Dave Dombrowski has been looking for alternatives all along.

 

Only Red Sox fans have been hyper-focused on J.D. Martinez.

 

But the way, have the Red Sox "brought in" J.D. Martinez?

 

They interviewed him directly during the winter meetings.

 

The problem is that you are dealing hypothetical what ifs. Everyone else on here is dealing with the reality of the direct information we know. You can keep saying "well I suspect that maybe blah blah blah" but if there is no indication of those things happening, it's a pointless exercise.

 

No doubt the Red Sox are interested in landing Martinez — Silverman calls him the organization’s “first choice” — but at a palatable price. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/j-d-martinez-prefers-to-sign-as-outfielder-mlb-free-agent-rumors-red-sox.html If he's their first choice, wouldn't they be hyper focused on making sure he's they guy they get?

[S5Dewey]

LOL. I'm just not convinced the Red Sox have the current best offer.

Are you convinced the Sox don't have the best offer, or are you just blowing smoke?

[mvp 78]

Are you convinced the Sox don't have the best offer, or are you just blowing smoke?

 

Trying to play devil's advocate, but poorly.

[harmony]

They interviewed him directly during the winter meetings.

 

The problem is that you are dealing hypothetical what ifs. Everyone else on here is dealing with the reality of the direct information we know. You can keep saying "well I suspect that maybe blah blah blah" but if there is no indication of those things happening, it's a pointless exercise.

 

No doubt the Red Sox are interested in landing Martinez — Silverman calls him the organization’s “first choice” — but at a palatable price. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/j-d-martinez-prefers-to-sign-as-outfielder-mlb-free-agent-rumors-red-sox.html If he's their first choice, wouldn't they be hyper focused on making sure he's they guy they get?

Please provide links to "direct information" from Dave Dombrowski, Scott Boras and/or J.D. Martinez.

 

Michael Silverman's opinion is not direct information.

 

J.D. Martinez may ultimately sign with the Red Sox ... or not. I'm just not convinced the Red Sox have made the best offer to date.

[harmony]

Are you convinced the Sox don't have the best offer, or are you just blowing smoke?

I'm not convinced of anything in these ongoing confidential negotiations.

[moonslav59]

I'm not convinced of anything in these ongoing confidential negotiations.

 

I'm convinced we can be the top bidder, if we want to be.

 

I'm not convinced who all the interested parties are, but I'm pretty sure no big spending teams are involved (so far).

[Kimmi]

That's exactly how I see it.

 

Just because the Sox look like the best fit for JD and his contract, does not mean we have to grossly overpay or outbid everyone (nobody) else.

 

I hope DD gave a fair offer and won't go so much higher that it reaches the stupidity level.

 

If $125M/5 won't get it done, I might add a $5M option buyout on a $20M year 6, making it a $130M/5 (but $130M/6 on luxury tax) deal that JD can take or leave.

 

I'm only mildly concerned about our plan B and C being taken before JD decides, but if the flurry of signings begin, that sentiment may change.

 

I agree with everything you wrote here. And $125M/5 is already an overpay, so it's not like JD should be insulted by that offer. If he is, then let him go elsewhere.

[Kimmi]

Unless, that team has asked not to be named. Maybe that team might have a player that would feel bad, if he knew the team was thinking of replacing, demoting or moving him to another position to make room for JD.

 

Valid point.

[notin]

I suspect Dave Dombrowski has been looking for alternatives all along.

 

Only Red Sox fans have been hyper-focused on J.D. Martinez.

 

But the way, have the Red Sox "brought in" J.D. Martinez?

 

 

He's already signed his Plan B. It's the only move he's made....

[Bellhorn04]

Still virtually nothing happening with free agents. Getting curiouser and curiouser.

[mvp 78]

Still virtually nothing happening with free agents. Getting curiouser and curiouser.

 

Just need one domino to fall.

[moonslav59]

Just need one domino to fall.

 

That's what people said before the Stanton trade and the Othani decision.

[Bellhorn04]

That's what people said before the Stanton trade and the Othani decision.

 

Exactly.

[mvp 78]

That's what people said before the Stanton trade and the Othani decision.

 

Neither were traditional FA signings.