Stanton or Votto

[cp176]

So many possibilities here. I too though hope that we don't wind up in an over pay for JD. I have felt for quite some time though that Bradley likely gets dealt.

[moonslav59]

So many possibilities here. I too though hope that we don't wind up in an over pay for JD. I have felt for quite some time though that Bradley likely gets dealt.

 

Sadly, I agree.

[notin]

So many possibilities here. I too though hope that we don't wind up in an over pay for JD. I have felt for quite some time though that Bradley likely gets dealt.

 

Its December 16. The season ended over 10 weeks ago. At this point, I'm opening up to the idea of an overpay because at least it would mean Dombrowski made a move!!!

 

I don't get his plan. "Money and the luxury tax are not obstacles this year." So why did you settle on Brentz and Hernandez again?

[a700hitter]

Its December 16. The season ended over 10 weeks ago. At this point, I'm opening up to the idea of an overpay because at least it would mean Dombrowski made a move!!!

 

I don't get his plan. "Money and the luxury tax are not obstacles this year." So why did you settle on Brentz and Hernandez again?

I am baffled by this. I can only surmise that Boras is trying to squeeze the last dime for J.D. and that the rest of the plan depends on that move. DD should make J.D. his best and final offer and give him a week to accept or he will go in another direction.

[Bellhorn04]

I am baffled by this. I can only surmise that Boras is trying to squeeze the last dime for J.D. and that the rest of the plan depends on that move. DD should make J.D. his best and final offer and give him a week to accept or he will go in another direction.

 

The problem is that J.D. is the perfect fit. He's the best bat available, he will only cost money, and there probably aren't many other teams interested in him.

[harmony]

I am baffled by this. I can only surmise that Boras is trying to squeeze the last dime for J.D. and that the rest of the plan depends on that move. DD should make J.D. his best and final offer and give him a week to accept or he will go in another direction.

Perhaps the Red Sox have already done that and are headed in another direction.

 

Or not.

[a700hitter]

The problem is that J.D. is the perfect fit. He's the best bat available, he will only cost money, and there probably aren't many other teams interested in him.

And DD needs to prod Boras. He needs to make him think that he will walk away and perhaps go after Machado for 1 year and enter the Jaroer sweepstakes next season.

[cp176]

I am baffled by this. I can only surmise that Boras is trying to squeeze the last dime for J.D. and that the rest of the plan depends on that move. DD should make J.D. his best and final offer and give him a week to accept or he will go in another direction.

 

I think that you are right on here. I doubt very much that DD is just twiddling thumbs. Tough negotiations would be my guess.

[Spudboy]

Of course DD is gambling that the existing market for JD is soft enough that his offer will be the highest and that it will be less than 7/210.

 

If he f***s up and JD signs elsewhere, DD will not find another bat or bats to replace what JD would have brought. We will see lesser players signed and hope that those additions and a rebound from a few people will carry this team.

 

We will see. But maybe not soon.

[cp176]

Of course DD is gambling that the existing market for JD is soft enough that his offer will be the highest and that it will be less than 7/210.

 

If he f***s up and JD signs elsewhere, DD will not find another bat or bats to replace what JD would have brought. We will see lesser players signed and hope that those additions and a rebound from a few people will carry this team.

 

We will see. But maybe not soon.

 

I for sure didn't drink the good time - they all hit way below their averages - it is so unusual - and the long ball is grossly overrated kool aid, but we better all sure as hell hope that we get more out of Hanley and Mookie for sure. It would be nice to see X getting a little back and to see some progression from Benintendi. If we don't - if last year is who these guys are - we are just spinning tires.

[harmony]

Perhaps J.D, Martinez has told Scott Boras that he does not want to come to Boston because, among other reasons, the Red Sox outfield is filled with Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Andrew Benintendi.

 

Boras may keep the Red Sox in the loop only to drive up the price for other suitors. For all we know Boras can accurately tell other teams that Martinez has an offer of X years and X dollars from other club.

 

Of course, this is mere speculation.

[moonslav59]

For all we know Boras can accurately tell other teams that Martinez has an offer of X years and X dollars from other club.

 

He could deceptively tell teams falsehoods or exaggerations.

[jacksonianmarch]

Perhaps J.D, Martinez has told Scott Boras that he does not want to come to Boston because, among other reasons, the Red Sox outfield is filled with Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Andrew Benintendi.

 

Boras may keep the Red Sox in the loop only to drive up the price for other suitors. For all we know Boras can accurately tell other teams that Martinez has an offer of X years and X dollars from other club.

 

Of course, this is mere speculation.

 

This is a distinct possibility.

[moonslav59]

If he f***s up and JD signs elsewhere, DD will not find another bat or bats to replace what JD would have brought. We will see lesser players signed and hope that those additions and a rebound from a few people will carry this team.

 

There looks to be a big drop-off between JD and "the rest". As much as I love JBJ, I'd trade him for a good pitcher or Abreu, if it meant we got JD vs not getting him.

 

What's the best of the rest? Could signing 2 of these guys make up for missing out on JD?

 

(Contract cost estimates by MLBTR)

 

1B/DH

Morrison $36M/3

Lucas Duda $6M/1

Hosmer $132M/6

Alonso $22M/2

 

3B (Devers to 1B/DH?)

Mostakas $85M/2

T Frazier $33M/3

 

OF/DH

Jay Bruce $39M/3

 

SP

Darvish $160M/6

Arrieta $100M/4

Lance Lynn $56M/4

Greg Holland $50M/4

Alex Cobb $48M/4

 

Sign OF and trade JBJ for Abreu or a SP'er?

Lorenzo Cain $70M/4

Jarrod Dyson $12M/2

 

Super Utilty

Nunez$14M/2

Kendrick $12M/2

 

Assuming JD gets $156M/6, what combination of players would you prefer at about $160M?

 

Here are some suggestions:

 

A) Lynn ($56M), Cobb ($48M), Morrison ($36M), Nunez( $14M)

 

Moustakas ($85M), Duda $6M & Lynn ($56M)

 

C) Moustakas ($85M), Morrison $36M)- trade HRam (save $10M)- and (Alex Cobb $48M)

 

D) Cain ($70M)- Abreu for JBJ (add $20M), Lynn ($56M) & Nunez $14M

[notin]

I am baffled by this. I can only surmise that Boras is trying to squeeze the last dime for J.D. and that the rest of the plan depends on that move. DD should make J.D. his best and final offer and give him a week to accept or he will go in another direction.

 

I could see a couple moves being dependent on Martinez.

 

But DD hasn't signed a single pitcher to a minor league deal or tried to upgrade over Brentz and Hernandez. He hasn't done a thing yet beyond DEFacing Owens and d ignoring Quiroz. And I wondered if Owens was DFAd to clear a spot in the Rule 5 draft. But nope. He passed on that too...

[sk7326]

Of course DD is gambling that the existing market for JD is soft enough that his offer will be the highest and that it will be less than 7/210.

 

If he f***s up and JD signs elsewhere, DD will not find another bat or bats to replace what JD would have brought. We will see lesser players signed and hope that those additions and a rebound from a few people will carry this team.

 

We will see. But maybe not soon.

 

It is possible. Remember, this is what JD wants - Boras is working for him, not the other way around.

[moonslav59]

But DD hasn't signed a single pitcher to a minor league deal or tried to upgrade over Brentz and Hernandez. He hasn't done a thing yet beyond DEFacing Owens and d ignoring Quiroz. And I wondered if Owens was DFAd to clear a spot in the Rule 5 draft. But nope. He passed on that too...

 

Since Holt, Lin and Swihart can play LF, I doubt we seek a replacement for Brentz, who is out of options. We can look for a 4th OF'er next summer, if needed.

 

The 2B situation is more urgent, but with Hernandez, Holt, Marrero, Lin and Quiroz on the roster, I think we wait on that position as well. Signing Nunez is an option, since he can keep playing, if and when Pedey returns.

[Spudboy]

It is possible. Remember, this is what JD wants - Boras is working for him, not the other way around.

 

I understand that. He went out and hired him as soon after the season ended as he could. That tells me that he knows his best chance of getting the biggest, most bloated contract possible is what is important to him.

 

Given that little insight, how are we to believe that Martinez prioritizes winning and even playing the outfield?

 

My guess is he is not going to care about what position he plays as long as he get the biggest payday. And if the Yankees are not going after him his best current shot at this is with the Sox. He knows that. Borass knows that, too.

[Spudboy]

Since Holt, Lin and Swihart can play LF, I doubt we seek a replacement for Brentz, who is out of options. We can look for a 4th OF'er next summer, if needed.

 

The 2B situation is more urgent, but with Hernandez, Holt, Marrero, Lin and Quiroz on the roster, I think we wait on that position as well. Signing Nunez is an option, since he can keep playing, if and when Pedey returns.

 

If Nunez is healthy and looks to recover fully without any lingering issues to his knees or legs I say sign the motherf***er up as soon as possible.

 

I would prefer him at 2nd to start the season than my binky Holt or Hernandez.

 

The man "plays offense" and this team could use that.

[harmony]

For all we know Boras can accurately tell other teams that Martinez has an offer of X years and X dollars from other club.

 

He could deceptively tell teams falsehoods or exaggerations.

And a front office could falsely tell an agent that another player wants to sign a contract that represents a better value for the team.

 

Agents and front offices earn their reputations ... and a bad reputation is bad for business.

 

I suspect Scott Boras is doing fine.

[moonslav59]

And a front office could falsely tell an agent that another player wants to sign a contract that represents a better value for the team.

 

Agents and front offices earn their reputations ... and a bad reputation is bad for business.

 

I suspect Scott Boras is doing fine.

 

True, but it's not like agents have never played GMs and vice versa.

[Kimmi]

I am baffled by this. I can only surmise that Boras is trying to squeeze the last dime for J.D. and that the rest of the plan depends on that move. DD should make J.D. his best and final offer and give him a week to accept or he will go in another direction.

 

I think Dombrowski and the Sox are willing to pay what it will take to sign JD, but they are waiting the market out to make sure they have it gauged correctly. Encarnacion's price came way down. If Dombrowski signs JD quickly, he could end up giving JD more years and dollars than he might have to.

 

Dombrowski has probably asked Borass to give him a chance to beat his best offer before JD signs with another team.

[cp176]

I think Dombrowski and the Sox are willing to pay what it will take to sign JD, but they are waiting the market out to make sure they have it gauged correctly. Encarnacion's price came way down. If Dombrowski signs JD quickly, he could end up giving JD more years and dollars than he might have to.

 

Dombrowski has probably asked Borass to give him a chance to beat his best offer before JD signs with another team.

 

Hope that this is true. It almost sounds like it might be a little too good to be true. I hope that Dombrowski and Borass have that type of relationship. I'd be happily surprised.

[notin]

Boras will listen to every offer.

 

But JD's stated to desire to not DH might put the Sox lower on his list or it might mean the Sox need to pay more money to sign him. ..

[moonslav59]

Who else is going to offer JD close to $150M/6?

 

San Francisco?

 

I can't think of others now that STL got Ozuna.

 

If there are no other serious bidders we may luck out like CLE did with Encarnacion. The EE case may spur Bore-A$$ to mover more quickly than he previously has.

[Bellhorn04]

Boras will listen to every offer.

 

But JD's stated to desire to not DH might put the Sox lower on his list or it might mean the Sox need to pay more money to sign him. ..

 

OTOH his poor ratings as a fielder should make him less appealing to an NL team.

[notin]

OTOH his poor ratings as a fielder should make him less appealing to an NL team.

 

Certainly any team looking at defense would be hesitant.

 

But the market for Martinez may not be as big as Boras likes. I've only heard 4 linked to him, and I usually find that the rumors double the actual number of interested teams. So are there only 2 teams in on Martinez?

[moonslav59]

Certainly any team looking at defense would be hesitant.

 

But the market for Martinez may not be as big as Boras likes. I've only heard 4 linked to him, and I usually find that the rumors double the actual number of interested teams. So are there only 2 teams in on Martinez?

 

StL should be out of the running. AZ cannot afford him. To me, it's us or SF, who just cleared some salary space by dumping Moore.

[OH FOY]

I think something happens this week, with at least 1 of Darvish, Martinez, or Hosmer. Nice to have a great Christmas.

[Kimmi]

 

Hope that this is true. It almost sounds like it might be a little too good to be true. I hope that Dombrowski and Borass have that type of relationship. I'd be happily surprised.

 

I have no clue what type of relationship they have, but Boras would be doing his client and himself a disservice not to allow any team the opportunity to beat the best offer. Especially a team like the Red Sox, have the money to do it.