Who Should the Red Sox Trade For?

[Station 13]

yep, back end reliever is more critical than 2B on this team.

 

Absolutely. It is crucial in the playoff. We would force game 5 last year if we had a better pen.

[Jack Flap]

I still think that the Sox are trying their darnedest not to go over the next luxury tax limit, and will do so unless they are met with a deal that they simply can't refuse. To me, that means that Dombrowski will get a relief pitcher and that will be it.

 

If I had to choose between adding a late inning reliever or a 2B, I would add a reliever. I don't think anyone that we could add at 2B would be a significant upgrade.

 

I don't think they'll go over for just anyone, but if we can make a legitimate upgrade, I don't think the luxury tax should stand in the way. This is a historically great team with a real shot at a championship, and ownership knows this. The loss of 10 spots in the draft (probably the difference between picking 30th and 40th overall, or something along those lines) really wouldn't be earth-shattering.

 

And I guess I disagree that we couldn't make a significant upgrade at second...personally, I'm tired of seeing Nunez and his negative WAR playing almost every night.

[moonslav59]

According to fangraphs WAR, these are our weakest and strongest positions to date (by AL rankings):

 

1 RF

1 LF

1 DH

3 SP (behind HOU & CLE)

3 RP (behing NYY & HOU)

3 1B

6 SS

8 CF

12 3B

14 2B

15 C

 

(Note" ourOF WAR of 15.0 nearly doubles the 3rd best AL team, LAA, at 7.8.)

 

For all those who think of me as just a stat geek, notice how I am not calling for a trade for a catcher, 2Bman or 3Bman. I'm also a big JBJ supporter, despite the WAR ranking.

 

I want a quality set-up man despite our 3rd place ranking.

[cp176]

According to fangraphs WAR, these are our weakest and strongest positions to date (by AL rankings):

 

1 RF

1 LF

1 DH

3 SP (behind HOU & CLE)

3 RP (behing NYY & HOU)

3 1B

6 SS

8 CF

12 3B

14 2B

15 C

 

(Note" ourOF WAR of 15.0 nearly doubles the 3rd best AL team, LAA, at 7.8.)

 

For all those who think of me as just a stat geek, notice how I am not calling for a trade for a catcher, 2Bman or 3Bman. I'm also a big JBJ supporter, despite the WAR ranking.

 

I want a quality set-up man despite our 3rd place ranking.

 

You clearly are a stat geek Moon but a tolerable one at that because you actually know something about the game being played on the field.

[moonslav59]

It might be worth pointing out that the acquisition of Eovaldi increases bullpen depth by putting a former starter in that role. If everyone is ever healthy, that might put Pomeranz in the bullpen.

 

Whoever goes back there will certainly take a few innings and lighten the load for Kelly.

 

Also I wouldn’t be surprised if the emergence of Hembree hasn’t lessened the need for a back end reliever in DD’s eyes...

 

Plus, a converted SP'er to RP'er allows for that guy to pitch 2-6 innings, if needed. That takes a big load off the pen.

 

If Pom, Wright or Eovaldi can do well in LR, it lessens the need for multiple high quality set-up men.

[Jack Flap]

I don't think you have to be a "stat geek" to recognize that we have gotten subpar production from several positions despite our great record.

 

I'm not overly concerned about C and 3B, but 2B to me is an obvious spot for an upgrade, even a modest one (hopefully in addition to, not instead of, a setup man).

[notin]

I don't think you have to be a "stat geek" to recognize that we have gotten subpar production from several positions despite our great record.

 

I'm not overly concerned about C and 3B, but 2B to me is an obvious spot for an upgrade, even a modest one (hopefully in addition to, not instead of, a setup man).

 

The Sox have been using their long term, homegrown guys at catcher and 3b; growing pains are expected.

 

But 2B has been filled by bench guy/role player types all year. I think Brandon Phillips, who has had a very underrated career, came on board too late to be ready and be any use.

 

I’d like a second base upgrade. But I don’t expect one...

[vegasbob]

It might be worth pointing out that the acquisition of Eovaldi increases bullpen depth by putting a former starter in that role. If everyone is ever healthy, that might put Pomeranz in the bullpen.

 

Whoever goes back there will certainly take a few innings and lighten the load for Kelly.

 

Also I wouldn’t be surprised if the emergence of Hembree hasn’t lessened the need for a back end reliever in DD’s eyes...

 

Good observation. Hembree has been the more frequent first arm out of the pen for Cora and has been effective. One thing is that the pen should be well rested for the Twins series, so all hands on deck if needed

 

Should Cora short cycle Price back on the mound in lieu of the 5th starter since he really only threw the equivalent of a good bullpen session in Baltimore ?

[S5Dewey]

Good observation. Hembree has been the more frequent first arm out of the pen for Cora and has been effective. One thing is that the pen should be well rested for the Twins series, so all hands on deck if needed

And yet I remember when some here wanted Hembree's head on a platter after a couple of bad appearances. The fact is that most pitchers are like that. They have good days and bad days. I'm hoping Kelley turns things around and becomes the pitcher he was earlier. It could happen.

[Bellhorn04]

Absolutely. It is crucial in the playoff. We would force game 5 last year if we had a better pen.

 

Possibly, but it was Kimbrel who gave it up in the 4th game.

[Fan_since_Boggs]

I don't see us going large at 2B, unless we find a way to dump Nunez & his salary, which is highly unlikely.

 

We signed Nunez as Pedey insurance. He may be playing hurt or just in a funk, but I think DD will ride this one out.

 

I'm thinking we go for the best set-up man we can get at the most reasonable cost. (Sounds like an over simplification, granted)

 

I'm starting to think this is our strategy too. Add a relief pitcher, and just hope that Nunez gets hot. Holt is decent enough at 2b if Nunez never wakes up.

 

I just hope the Red Sox don't trade Houck, Shawaryn, Groome, Mata, Buttrey, or Feltman. Hold on to the young pitching. I would use Dalbec as my main trade chip -- he is forever blocked at 3b anyway with Devers. I also want to hold on to Ockimey (replaces Moreland in 2020) and Chatham (possible future starter at 2b).

 

If the Red Sox don't trade for a relief pitcher, they might be able to improve the pen from within: Buttrey.

Edited July 26, 2018 by Fan_since_Boggs

[Fan_since_Boggs]

And yet I remember when some here wanted Hembree's head on a platter after a couple of bad appearances. The fact is that most pitchers are like that. They have good days and bad days. I'm hoping Kelley turns things around and becomes the pitcher he was earlier. It could happen.

 

It is amazing what has happened to Kelly. He was one of the Red Sox's best relief pitchers and now they can't trust him in a close game. I would put him on the DL, give him some rest, and then maybe he can find it again on a rehab assignment.

[kenmeister]

It is amazing what has happened to Kelly. He was one of the Red Sox's best relief pitchers and now they can't trust him in a close game. I would put him on the DL, give him some rest, and then maybe he can find it again on a rehab assignment.

 

And if I’m not mistaken Poyner is back at AAA and we could probably use him.

[Spudboy]

You clearly are a stat geek Moon but a tolerable one at that because you actually know something about the game being played on the field.

 

Agreed.

[mvp 78]

And if I’m not mistaken Poyner is back at AAA and we could probably use him.

 

He was optioned to AAA on the 21st. I don't think he can come back until July 31.

[mvp 78]

From MLBTR:

 

Also from Fenech’s piece, he reports that a Red Sox executive was recently in attendance to see Francisco Liriano in action, and notes that Liriano could be a fit as a left-hander out of Boston’s bullpen. The Sox are currently going with eight right-handed relievers, with southpaws Bobby Poyner, Robby Scott, and Williams Jerez down at Triple-A, all of whom are far less experienced than a veteran arm like Liriano. While Liriano has struggled overall as a starting pitcher for the Tigers this year, he has dominated left-handed hitters and would fit as a LOOGY in a return to relief work.

 

Liriano's career numbers as a reliever are worse than as a starter. Not sure this is a good fit.

[Station 13]

From MLBTR:

 

Also from Fenech’s piece, he reports that a Red Sox executive was recently in attendance to see Francisco Liriano in action, and notes that Liriano could be a fit as a left-hander out of Boston’s bullpen. The Sox are currently going with eight right-handed relievers, with southpaws Bobby Poyner, Robby Scott, and Williams Jerez down at Triple-A, all of whom are far less experienced than a veteran arm like Liriano. While Liriano has struggled overall as a starting pitcher for the Tigers this year, he has dominated left-handed hitters and would fit as a LOOGY in a return to relief work.

 

Liriano's career numbers as a reliever are worse than as a starter. Not sure this is a good fit.

 

He sucks. Rattle easily and has the Minnesota stench. Pass

[notin]

From MLBTR:

 

Also from Fenech’s piece, he reports that a Red Sox executive was recently in attendance to see Francisco Liriano in action, and notes that Liriano could be a fit as a left-hander out of Boston’s bullpen. The Sox are currently going with eight right-handed relievers, with southpaws Bobby Poyner, Robby Scott, and Williams Jerez down at Triple-A, all of whom are far less experienced than a veteran arm like Liriano. While Liriano has struggled overall as a starting pitcher for the Tigers this year, he has dominated left-handed hitters and would fit as a LOOGY in a return to relief work.

 

Liriano's career numbers as a reliever are worse than as a starter. Not sure this is a good fit.

 

His career numbers as a starter include quite a few extremely good seasons from when he was a far better pitcher with a lot less wear and tear on his arm...

[mvp 78]

His career numbers as a starter include quite a few extremely good seasons from when he was a far better pitcher with a lot less wear and tear on his arm...

 

Ok, but his career bullpen numbers are far below average... Bad even.

[Bellhorn04]

ok, but his career bullpen numbers are far below average... Bad even.

 

loogy?

[mvp 78]

loogy?

 

I think Robby Scott is a good LOOGY and doesn't cost anything.

[oldtimer]

Well, the Yankees got Happ and one of our pipe dream targets, Soria, went to the Brewers. I still hope that DD has something else working for the BP. Still time but not much to get more done.

[d-money]

With the Yankees making another move i expect Dave to make another move.

[dgalehouse]

Could probably get Liriano for next to nothing. Just take what is left on his contract. But I don't see how he could help. Say no.

[d-money]

Well, the Yankees got Happ and one of our pipe dream targets, Soria, went to the Brewers. I still hope that DD has something else working for the BP. Still time but not much to get more done.

 

Whose out there for the BP?

[dgalehouse]

I would expect the Red Sox and/or the Yanks to make a surprise move before the deadline. Something not on the MLB trade rumors radar.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Whose out there for the BP?

 

John Smoltz? Sorry, couldn't help myself.

[notin]

Whose out there for the BP?

 

Well, we just put Johnson in the pen. And someone else (Pomeranz?) might join if/when Wright or Rodriguez return...

[Kimmi]

I don't think they'll go over for just anyone, but if we can make a legitimate upgrade, I don't think the luxury tax should stand in the way. This is a historically great team with a real shot at a championship, and ownership knows this. The loss of 10 spots in the draft (probably the difference between picking 30th and 40th overall, or something along those lines) really wouldn't be earth-shattering.

 

And I guess I disagree that we couldn't make a significant upgrade at second...personally, I'm tired of seeing Nunez and his negative WAR playing almost every night.

 

Fair enough about Nunez and his negative WAR. We could make a significant upgrade at 2B, but I don't think we can do so and stay within the next penalty limit.

 

Personally, I hope the FO does not choose to go over it. I think our team is good enough as is, even with Nunez and his negative WAR, to challenge for the championship. I would, however, play Holt more and give Lin and extended look.

[Kimmi]

Good observation. Hembree has been the more frequent first arm out of the pen for Cora and has been effective. One thing is that the pen should be well rested for the Twins series, so all hands on deck if needed

 

Should Cora short cycle Price back on the mound in lieu of the 5th starter since he really only threw the equivalent of a good bullpen session in Baltimore ?

 

Cora and Dombrowski already have the rotation mapped out through the Yankees series, where Pom will not have to pitch in that series. I would think that short cycling Price back in messes that up.