A Realistic View at 2018: Part I

[moonslav59]

I like Lin as our 5th outfielder and untility man. He has really good speed and could fill the role that Davis held last season but at a lower cost.

 

I like Lin, too, and I'm not sure keeping the out-of-options Marrero is a top priority for IF depth. I could see Holt being the odd man out, but his ability to play 1B and OF might make him a better choice than Marrero. The estimated $2M price tag could mean Holt is traded or DFA'd.

 

I see these guys being on the opening day roster:

 

0 Leon

0 Swihart

0 Brentz

0 Marrero

2 Hernandez (starting 2Bman)

 

I think I'd choose Marrero over Holt as Holt has one option left, and although I like Lin over Holt and Marrero, I think we need as much IF depth as possible, at least until (and if) Pedey returns.

[mvp 78]

Travis Sawchik wrote...

 

"...reason a club might consider sacrificing a draft pick and/or international pool money for him [Moustakas] is that, unlike teammate Eric Hosmer — who is perhaps the greatest free-agent landmine in the class — Moustakas has demonstrated real improvement in his 20s and might continue to get better."

 

https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/mike-moustakas-is-the-former-royal-you-want/

 

Don't ever bet on a player continuing to get better.

[oldtimer]

I like Lin, too, and I'm not sure keeping the out-of-options Marrero is a top priority for IF depth. I could see Holt being the odd man out, but his ability to play 1B and OF might make him a better choice than Marrero. The estimated $2M price tag could mean Holt is traded or DFA'd.

 

I see these guys being on the opening day roster:

 

0 Leon

0 Swihart

0 Brentz

0 Marrero

2 Hernandez (starting 2Bman)

 

I think I'd choose Marrero over Holt as Holt has one option left, and although I like Lin over Holt and Marrero, I think we need as much IF depth as possible, at least until (and if) Pedey returns.

 

With Lin you have a player with speed to fill the role that Davis filled at the end of season last year. In addition he can play short and second so would be a nice guy to have around for utility at low cost. If we can unload Holt's small salary, I am all for it as his possibilities are either at 1st or second base. Marrero and Hernandez can handle the infield utility role and/or fill in at 2nd as well.

 

We have another consideration with Leon versus Swihart as well. Leon remains a solid defensive catcher but last year his offense reverted to a lower level. I'm not agaqinst keeping Leon, but it is a potential move that we can look at during or after spring training. How solid will Swihart be?

 

Not much mention today about the possibility of trading for Jose Abreu. It might take Chavez and perhaps one of our lesser performing BP guys and we would have to accept his salary. I believe there are two years of control with him and he is a consistent hitter with a 30+ HR potential. It would be a big upgrade at 1st base, and that is what I have been recommending. Quality hitter with solid HR potential.

[mvp 78]

I like Lin as our 5th outfielder and untility man. He has really good speed and could fill the role that Davis held last season but at a lower cost.

 

I like Lin too. If he can be a passable contact hitter, he should be in BOS not Holt.

[moonslav59]

I like Lin too. If he can be a passable contact hitter, he should be in BOS not Holt.

 

I agree, but until we know how Pedey's return is looking, we may want to keep as much depth at 2B as possible.

[mvp 78]

I agree, but until we know how Pedey's return is looking, we may want to keep as much depth at 2B as possible.

 

I'd take Hernandez or Lin over Holt. I think you could replicate Holt off the waiver wire.

[moonslav59]

I'd take Hernandez or Lin over Holt. I think you could replicate Holt off the waiver wire.

 

That's how I feel now, too, but I think Holt deserves a look in ST'ing to see if he looks to be near his allstar season level. Plus, he has an option, so we can keep him as depth.

 

The last 2 roster spots may come down to Marrero (0 options), Swihart (0 options) and Lin (2 options) as Holt starts in AAA.

[Slasher9]

I'd take Hernandez or Lin over Holt. I think you could replicate Holt off the waiver wire.

 

but but but he's a dirtdog!

[mvp 78]

That's how I feel now, too, but I think Holt deserves a look in ST'ing to see if he looks to be near his allstar season level. Plus, he has an option, so we can keep him as depth.

 

The last 2 roster spots may come down to Marrero (0 options), Swihart (0 options) and Lin (2 options) as Holt starts in AAA.

 

It's sad to say, but his concussion history is something to be wary of. Even if he looks great in ST, he could wake up April 1 and never play again.

[mvp 78]

but but but he's a dirtdog!

 

I like players who play hard, win AND have a clean uniform.

[moonslav59]

It's sad to say, but his concussion history is something to be wary of. Even if he looks great in ST, he could wake up April 1 and never play again.

 

Yes, sadly that is true.

 

Since he has an option, I think we should keep him on the 40 man until we know more about Pedey.

 

If we sign a FA, I'd DFA Owens. If we sign a second FA, I might consider Holt.

[harmony]

MLB.com columnist Mark Feinsand lists Brock Holt among the Top 10 non-tender candidates:

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/262520296/10-potential-non-tender-candidates-in-mlb/

[moonslav59]

MLB.com columnist Mark Feinsand lists Brock Holt among the Top 10 non-tender candidates:

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/262520296/10-potential-non-tender-candidates-in-mlb/

 

$2M plus a likely luxury tax is probably not worth it.

[moonslav59]

How's this? (LOL)

 

Trade: JBJ (3 arbs w $6M est for this year), Sam Travis, Heath Hembree & Jalen Beeks

 

For: Danny Duffy ($13M luxury tax for 4 more years)

 

 

Trade: Michael Chavis & Cole Brannen

 

For: Giancarlo Stanton ($25M luxury tax) & all of his contract

 

 

Sign: Carlos Santana $15M x 4 years

 

The major problem: adding $47M to the budget and bringing us over the second penalty phase by about $7-8M.

 

Maybe we can sign Morrison or the like to play 1B instead of Santana and stay just varely under the second level.

[notin]

How's this? (LOL)

 

Trade: JBJ (3 arbs w $6M est for this year), Sam Travis, Heath Hembree & Jalen Beeks

 

For: Danny Duffy ($13M luxury tax for 4 more years)

 

 

Trade: Michael Chavis & Cole Brannen

 

For: Giancarlo Stanton ($25M luxury tax) & all of his contract

 

 

Sign: Carlos Santana $15M x 4 years

 

The major problem: adding $47M to the budget and bringing us over the second penalty phase by about $7-8M.

 

Maybe we can sign Morrison or the like to play 1B instead of Santana and stay just varely under the second level.ti

 

Do other GMs have to agree?

[notin]

Simple plan

 

Sign JD Martinez

Sign Carlos Santana

Move Benintendi to CF

Trade Bradley to Cleveland for Danny Salazar

Trade Kimbrel to Houston for Kyle Tucker and Hector Perez

Sign Bryan Shaw

[Bellhorn04]

Simple plan

 

Sign JD Martinez

Sign Carlos Santana

Move Benintendi to CF

Trade Bradley to Cleveland for Danny Salazar

Trade Kimbrel to Houston for Kyle Tucker and Hector Perez

Sign Bryan Shaw

 

I like this one.

[notin]

Even the part about trading Kimbrel for a fairly light package?

[notin]

And the part I left out was the last step where the Sox use heir reamining international money to sign as many Braves' farm system refgees as possible. Maitan is not very likely. But maybe a few others from Severino, Gutierrez and Contreras.

 

Otherise if the Sox need anything in July, they have nothing to trade for it...

[Bellhorn04]

Even the part about trading Kimbrel for a fairly light package?

 

I'm a little iffy on that part, I guess, but overall it seems like a solid package of moves.

[notin]

I'm a little iffy on that part, I guess, but overall it seems like a solid package of moves.

 

I know a lot of posters scoff at the cliff idea due to the Sox weak farm. While the cliff absolutely exists, like any disaster 3 years pending, there is plenty of time to take action and multiple options available.

 

The real cliff is July 31, 2018. If the Sox are in contention as they should be, they will have zero ability to make any deadline improvements with this farm...

[moonslav59]

Do other GMs have to agree?

 

Hence the "LOL".

[moonslav59]

I know a lot of posters scoff at the cliff idea due to the Sox weak farm. While the cliff absolutely exists, like any disaster 3 years pending, there is plenty of time to take action and multiple options available.

 

The real cliff is July 31, 2018. If the Sox are in contention as they should be, they will have zero ability to make any deadline improvements with this farm...

 

Look what we gave up for Nunez, Davis & Reed.

 

I think we can get players like them next summer, but nothing like a JD Martinez/Verlander type.

[cp176]

I know a lot of posters scoff at the cliff idea due to the Sox weak farm. While the cliff absolutely exists, like any disaster 3 years pending, there is plenty of time to take action and multiple options available.

 

The real cliff is July 31, 2018. If the Sox are in contention as they should be, they will have zero ability to make any deadline improvements with this farm...

 

and there you have it - proof that the gd cliff exists Bel! Some was says it does so it must! lol Keep that old ball rolling.

[moonslav59]

I like this one.

 

...but Perez is just a single A crap shoot and Tucker just reached AA. Their value is purely speculative!

 

(For the record, I'd do this. I've wanted Salazar for a long time and even suggested JBJ for him before.)

 

I'm not sure we can do all this for less than $39M, but it could be close. We could DFA Holt and trade a player or two to get under the second penalty level,

but we might also want to keep some salary space for a mid season trade.

[moonslav59]

and there you have it - proof that the gd cliff exists Bel! Some was says it does so it must! lol Keep that old ball rolling.

 

An equal or higher amount of posters have declared it does not exist, so...

[notin]

and there you have it - proof that the gd cliff exists Bel! Some was says it does so it must! lol Keep that old ball rolling.

 

So you think there is anything on tje farm to provide hope going forward?

 

Right now, there is nothing. but a lot can happen in 3 years

[Bellhorn04]

An equal or higher amount of posters have declared it does not exist, so...

 

It doesn't exist YET.

 

Saying that something that might happen in the future exists is a logical fallacy. Hypothetical outcomes do not exist.

 

THE POSSIBILITY exists. I don't think anyone is denying that.

[moonslav59]

So you think there is anything on tje farm to provide hope going forward?

 

Right now, there is nothing. but a lot can happen in 3 years

 

I just don't see DD making a trade like the one you suggested with Kimbrel, unless we are out of the playoff hunt in July (highly unlikely).

 

That's the part I think makes rebuilding the farm much harder than when ben was here and we were getting high draft picks, had more money to spend on international free agents and were out of it a few times which allowed Ben to trade players for prospects or team-controlled players like ERod, Kelly and Hembree.

 

If we keep winning, rebuilding the farm gets harder and harder, especially under the new rules.

[notin]

I just don't see DD making a trade like the one you suggested with Kimbrel, unless we are out of the playoff hunt in July (highly unlikely).

 

That's the part I think makes rebuilding the farm much harder than when ben was here and we were getting high draft picks, had more money to spend on international free agents and were out of it a few times which allowed Ben to trade players for prospects or team-controlled players like ERod, Kelly and Hembree.

 

If we keep winning, rebuilding the farm gets harder and harder, especially under the new rules.

 

I don't either. But it's something he needs to consider.

 

Trading Bradley makes a lot less sense than trading Kimbrel, but he is apparently considering that already...