Who Should the Red Sox Trade For?

[notin]

Theo Traded away 3 of his Top 5 Prospects, and they still have a pretty strong Farm. That's the difference of Ben and DD.

 

 

The Cubs farm is not universally widely regarded as better than the Red Sox farm. Any argument insisting it's better is debatable...

[oldtimer]

Who kills lefties and plays on a team that is or will likely be out of it by the deadline?

 

2017-2018 OPS vs LHPs

 

1.015 Beltre

.993 H Renfroe

.990 J Abreu

.979 E Suarez

.977 R Chirinos

.976 Avisail Garcia

.973 N Castellanos

.970 Donaldson

.928 B Dozier

.909 Merrifield

.904 A Duvall

.895 J Smoak

.895 J McCann

.894 K Morales

.877 T d;Arnaud

.871 J Soler

.871 J Schoop

.853 M Sano

.852 Asdrubal Cabrera

 

I'm not saying all of these guys are available, or that I want every player on this list, but hitting lefties is a big need area and some of these guys play OF, 2B and C (or can DH).

 

 

 

You consistently don't mention Scooter Gennett but he would fill our needs best. Twenty eight, second baseman, excellent hitter and spark plug. It is kind of pie in the sky. but to ignore the best fit for us is being incomplete.

[Bellhorn04]

You consistently don't mention Scooter Gennett but he would fill our needs best. Twenty eight, second baseman, excellent hitter and spark plug. It is kind of pie in the sky. but to ignore the best fit for us is being incomplete.

 

He's a lefty hitter though and his career numbers against lefties are not good, although his 2018 numbers are.

[notin]

You consistently don't mention Scooter Gennett but he would fill our needs best. Twenty eight, second baseman, excellent hitter and spark plug. It is kind of pie in the sky. but to ignore the best fit for us is being incomplete.

 

Is he even available?

 

The time to get Scooter Gennett was last year, when he was released by the Milwaukee Brewers...

[harmony]

You consistently don't mention Scooter Gennett but he would fill our needs best. Twenty eight, second baseman, excellent hitter and spark plug. It is kind of pie in the sky. but to ignore the best fit for us is being incomplete.

The Minnesota Twins, whose postseason odds are down to 4.1 percent*, could make Brian Dozier available although the second baseman's cost in trade may be too high for the Red Sox.

 

Dozier earns $9 million this season in his final year of team control.

 

* https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds

[notin]

The Minnesota Twins, whose postseason odds are down to 4.1 percent*, could make Brian Dozier available although the second baseman's cost in trade may be too high for the Red Sox.

 

Dozier earns $9 million this season in his final year of team control.

 

* https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds

 

Over the last 2 years, Dozier has been worth the same fWAR as Jed Lowrie.

 

The Twins might be MLB's biggest disappointment. Playoffs last year, but this year they are a game behind the Tanking Tigers. Considering 3 of the 5 teams in the AL Central essentially gave up on 2018 before it even began, they shouldn't find themselves in third place as a team trying to contend...

[moonslav59]

You consistently don't mention Scooter Gennett but he would fill our needs best. Twenty eight, second baseman, excellent hitter and spark plug. It is kind of pie in the sky. but to ignore the best fit for us is being incomplete.

 

This was just the list of all the players on losing teams with an .850+ OPS vs LHPs.

 

Some here are "pie in the sky" as is Gennet, but my list was only meant to highlight the best players that are possibly available to fill our need area vs LHPs.

[notin]

So far I haven't heard any rumors that the Sox are even looking for a 2B, and they are looking primarily for some outfield depth, such as their interest in Mark Canha.

 

MLBTR does suggest they could and probably should go after a 2B/3B player as a way of adding a bat, like they did last year with Nunez.

 

If the goal is to improve vs LHP, Detroit's Nick Castellanos (1 arb year left) and Cincinnati's late bloomer Adam Duvall (3 arb years left) might be potential targets that fit the budget. Castellanos' "ability" to play 3B does not necessarily represent an upgrade over Devers; Nick is pretty bad there. His best defensive position might be DH.

 

No idea what the asking price might be...

Edited June 24, 2018 by notin

[moonslav59]

So far I haven't heard any rumors that the Sox are even looking for a 2B, and they are looking primarily for some outfield depth, such as their interest in Mark Canha.

 

MLBTR does suggest they could and probably should go after a 2B/3B player as a way of adding a bat, like they did last year with Nunez.

 

Detroit's Nick Castellanos (1 arb year left) and Cincinnati's late bloomer Adam Duvall (3 arb years left) might be potential targets that fit the budget. Castellanos' "ability" to play 3B does not necessarily represent an upgrade over Devers; Nick is pretty bad there. His best defensive position might be DH.

 

No idea what the asking price might be...

 

Both Castellanos and Duvall have been over .900 vs LHPs since the start of 2017.

 

If we really want to boost the offense, 3 positions look to be in need, but only one looks weak on defense, too: 2B.

 

The possible return of Pedey might keep a move at 2B at bay for a while, but at some point, a decision may be needed on 2B.

 

Replacing JBJ has been a hot topic and has a thread all to itself. Trading for an OF'er or DH type and letting JD play more OF is certainly an option, even if just for a platoon OF'er who just kills lefties.

 

I don't see us trading for a catcher, and I've never heard Chirinos' name mentioned. He kills lefties, but I'm not sure about his defense.

 

I'm thinking we won't do anything too major. Maybe something like this:

 

Hembree, Johnson, Swihart, Beeks & Travis for Joakim Soria, cash and Avisail Garcia (OF who killes lefties). (I'm thinking they may deal Abreu elsewhere and might want Sam Travis.)

 

We'd probably have to get enough money to keep us under the max penalty line, unless we shed salary elsewhere (JBJ or Pom?).

 

 

 

 

[notin]

One trade possibility that might make sense in some ways would be for the Sox to send Jackie Bradley to the Cardinals for Jedd Gyorko.

 

I like Bradley a lot, but Jedd does hit LHP, plays just about any infield position pretty well, and can't seem to get regular at-bats in St. Louis. In Boston, he could probably take over 2B right away.

 

In St. Louis, Bradley (0.0 fWAR) could push ultra-disappointing Dexter Fowler (-1.3 fWAR) to the bench and give the Cardinals an elite defensive outfield of Ozuna-Bradley-Pham.

 

Money is not an obstacle here, as Gyorko's AAV is about $6.2mill and Bradley's salary is $6.1mill. Gyorko has one less year of control, but does have an option for that differential season at $13mill with a $1mill buy out. Bradley might be making close to that in his last season anyway.

 

However, this would leave the Sox with a lesser defensive outfield of Martinez-Benintendi-Betts and a big question mark about who steps in to DH (or LF/CF, if Martinez stays put)...

Edited June 24, 2018 by notin

[notin]

Both Castellanos and Duvall have been over .900 vs LHPs since the start of 2017.

 

If we really want to boost the offense, 3 positions look to be in need, but only one looks weak on defense, too: 2B.

 

The possible return of Pedey might keep a move at 2B at bay for a while, but at some point, a decision may be needed on 2B.

 

Replacing JBJ has been a hot topic and has a thread all to itself. Trading for an OF'er or DH type and letting JD play more OF is certainly an option, even if just for a platoon OF'er who just kills lefties.

 

I don't see us trading for a catcher, and I've never heard Chirinos' name mentioned. He kills lefties, but I'm not sure about his defense.

 

I'm thinking we won't do anything too major. Maybe something like this:

 

Hembree, Johnson, Swihart, Beeks & Travis for Joakim Soria, cash and Avisail Garcia (OF who killes lefties). (I'm thinking they may deal Abreu elsewhere and might want Sam Travis.)

 

We'd probably have to get enough money to keep us under the max penalty line, unless we shed salary elsewhere (JBJ or Pom?).

 

 

 

 

 

So somehow a 7 player deal involving 5 major leaguers is not something major?

 

Sam Travis isn't much in the way of trade bait, although the White Sox might like the south suburban native as a local-boy-made-good type player. But would they give up any remotely valuable for him?

 

Soria is a nice add for the pen, but I a far from an Avisail Garcia fan. I think he would be overpriced for a platoon option.

 

I do think it makes sense for the White Sox to move Abreu, but I think we can agree it won't be to Boston. We simply don't have the pieces to entice the White Sox unless they really, really like Jackie Bradley. (Their outfield is pretty weak, and largely made up of players who are best served in bench and reduced roles.)

Edited June 24, 2018 by notin

[moonslav59]

So somehow a 7 player deal involving 5 major elaguers is not something major?

 

Sam Travis isn't muh in the way of trade bait, although the White Sox might like the south suburban native as a local-boy-made-good type player. But would they give up any remotely valuable for him?

 

Soria is a nice add for the pen, but I a far from an Avisail Garcia fan. I think he would be overpriced for a platoon option.

 

I do think it makes sene for the White Sox to move Abreu, but I think we can agree it won't be to Boston. We simply don't have the pieces to entice the White Sox unless they really, really like Jackie Bradley. (Their outfield is pretty weak, and largely made up of players who are best served in bench and reduced roles.)

 

7 players might seem "major", but several are not big names.

 

I didn't realize Garcia was making $6.7M.

 

No go there.

 

I don't see anything like this working:

 

JBJ, Travis, Beeks, Hembree, Johnson & Swihart for Abreu, cash and Soria.

 

It sure would clear out up some of our out-of-options players.

[notin]

I don't either.

 

I think if the White Sox trade Abreu, they are going to want something close to what they got for Quintana or Adam Eaton...

[bosoxmal]

Sure, we can get a sub-ballboy for out .178 hitting center fielder!

[cp176]

Theo Traded away 3 of his Top 5 Prospects, and they still have a pretty strong Farm. That's the difference of Ben and DD.

 

Hope you are kidding. You can always find trades that don't work regardless of the team you choose to discuss for sure. Sale for Kopeck and Moncada - I would never have done that one. lol

I also have a hunch that DD has a clue or two about the importance of the farm. I think that I am correct in saying that the Red Sox ownership was willing to sacrifice trade trips to build a team in addition to our own home growners as opposed to suffering multiple seasons with 0 hope of winning titles. It's a tired topic and certainly depends on your personal preference with respect to team building. I also like the fact that when it comes to signing free agents our current GM seems to have some clue as to what he is doing.

[a700hitter]

We should make a serious run at Wilmer Flores on the Mets. I have watched a lot of him and have not checked the stats. He rakes LHP with good power. He plays 1st and 3rd. He's meh at 1st and not as good at 3rd. I like him better than Canha.

[Spudboy]

We should make a serious run at Wilmer Flores on the Mets. I have watched a lot of him and have not checked the stats. He rakes LHP with good power. He plays 1st and 3rd. He's meh at 1st and not as good at 3rd. I like him better than Canha.

 

Now that is an assessment that I can have confidence in!

 

How many Mets game do you see each year?

[OH FOY]

Wilmer Flores would be a steal. Like it. Saw him a few years ago for Binghamton, liked him then.

[a700hitter]

Now that is an assessment that I can have confidence in!

 

How many Mets game do you see each year?

This year I will go to about 5 games. Most years closer to 10person. I watch a lot of their games on TV.

[Natick to NC]

This was just the list of all the players on losing teams with an .850+ OPS vs LHPs.

 

Some here are "pie in the sky" as is Gennet, but my list was only meant to highlight the best players that are possibly available to fill our need area vs LHPs.

 

Has nothing to do with me wanting him here for a month ??? Ok lol Here I thought you and many here just cast him aside because the Natick view him as by far the best fit .

[moonslav59]

Has nothing to do with me wanting him here for a month ??? Ok lol Here I thought you and many here just cast him aside because the Natick view him as by far the best fit .

 

I've told you why I'm not talking about Gennet.

 

Of course, I'd want him or Machado or others on this year's team, but it's just not going to happen, IMO.

 

DD already spent just about all the resources we had (financial and prospects) to build the team we have right now. There are limits to what can or should be done.

 

I already think we went a little too far in depleting our farm, and we're under $2M from the max penalty limit. Our hands are tied. That's the reality.

 

Stop trying to get me to join a fantasy land. I'm not going there.

[oldtimer]

I've told you why I'm not talking about Gennet.

 

Of course, I'd want him or Machado or others on this year's team, but it's just not going to happen, IMO.

 

DD already spent just about all the resources we had (financial and prospects) to build the team we have right now. There are limits to what can or should be done.

 

I already think we went a little too far in depleting our farm, and we're under $2M from the max penalty limit. Our hands are tied. That's the reality.

 

Stop trying to get me to join a fantasy land. I'm not going there.

 

A trade could free up some money so that is another possibility. I hope Pedey comes back and can play near to his old form but if he doesn't it's an impediment to the team this year and going forward. I have no guess what DD is planning but sitting tight might not be the best idea either. I know you don't advocate that. We could use strengthening. Maybe Nunez and Holt can help us. Doesnt appear that Swihart can and probably not Lin. Second base and/or relief pitching are the two must likely area needing an upgrade.

[cp176]

I got to say here that yes it would be nice to try to upgrade where upgrades seem necessary but I'm really not sure that we couldn't be quite successful with what we have. When Cora puts the best lineup that we currently have on the field, I'm thinking that a case could be made for it being the best in the game. Of Course it would help to have a healthy Pedroia out there, but overall I think that with the right guys on the field we are fine. Whoever assembled this team and it was not one person, has done an incredible job. A better job than most have done or could do. With people like this leading the way, we should be just fine now and going forward as well. These people are competent. They are far better at dong their jobs than we are at suggesting what they should do.

[moonslav59]

A trade could free up some money so that is another possibility. I hope Pedey comes back and can play near to his old form but if he doesn't it's an impediment to the team this year and going forward. I have no guess what DD is planning but sitting tight might not be the best idea either. I know you don't advocate that. We could use strengthening. Maybe Nunez and Holt can help us. Doesnt appear that Swihart can and probably not Lin. Second base and/or relief pitching are the two must likely area needing an upgrade.

 

Let's say we decide to trade JBJ and save his prorated $6.1M contract. Maybe we find a taker for Pom and part of his prorated $8.5M contract. Leon and Holt make about $2M and Nunez $4M. I guess we could cut small amounts with trading one of these guys.

 

Let's not even talk about the new weaknesses we'd be creating by trading some of the players I listed and just assume we would now have enough budget space to trade for a prorated and high priced contract. Who do we trade?

 

Our best 2 prospects are injured or suspended. Most of the other good ones we have are far from ML ready.

 

I may be wrong, but I doubt a combination of Beeks, Houck, Travis and Shawaryn would get us any of these big named players. Then, one has to wonder if that would be putting the final nail in our long term future hopes.

 

Just because DD has made so many enormous moves since taking over , doesn't mean will continue doing so due to a lack of resources and perhaps a feeling that he's already pushed the hopes of a good future as far as he thinks is prudent.

 

I look at it this way: DD has already gotten us Sale, JD, Price, Kimbrel, Pom and a few less major acquisitions like Moreland, Nunez & Thornbug/Smith. Expecting more is just not all that reasonable given our current resource predicament.

[OH FOY]

I got to say here that yes it would be nice to try to upgrade where upgrades seem necessary but I'm really not sure that we couldn't be quite successful with what we have. When Cora puts the best lineup that we currently have on the field, I'm thinking that a case could be made for it being the best in the game. Of Course it would help to have a healthy Pedroia out there, but overall I think that with the right guys on the field we are fine. Whoever assembled this team and it was not one person, has done an incredible job. A better job than most have done or could do. With people like this leading the way, we should be just fine now and going forward as well. These people are competent. They are far better at dong their jobs than we are at suggesting what they should do.

 

We'll find out if your assessment is right in a couple of Months.

[Natick to NC]

I've told you why I'm not talking about Gennet.

 

Of course, I'd want him or Machado or others on this year's team, but it's just not going to happen, IMO.

 

DD already spent just about all the resources we had (financial and prospects) to build the team we have right now. There are limits to what can or should be done.

 

I already think we went a little too far in depleting our farm, and we're under $2M from the max penalty limit. Our hands are tied. That's the reality.

 

Stop trying to get me to join a fantasy land. I'm not going there.

 

Why not Moon ? We can all ponder all that is lemehiew or whatever his name is from Colorado but that's not fun .

[Sox75]

I keep hearing Beltre, but I'm not sure how that could happen with the 8 or $9 million we'd owe him?

 

He's hitting .315, but with a career low 4 He's a?

 

Now you pretty much have to move JBJ, because you move JDM to the OF, and keep Denver's POP 13 or so HR's in the lineup?

 

Just not sure this is the best move for the RS? & I don't see how you get it done with our CAP & Luxury tax issues?

 

Plus.... we really need help at 2nd base? Not sure Lin is the answer there?

[notin]

I do think 2b is the most likely spot to add a bat, but the Sox should try all the internal options first.

 

Of course according to MLBTR, the Sox appear to be more focused on outfield depth. But then that comes from a guy who said no one was having off-season surgery while two players were checking in to the hospital. ...

[moonslav59]

Why not Moon ? We can all ponder all that is lemehiew or whatever his name is from Colorado but that's not fun .

 

Why knowingly enter in a fantasy world? Plus, it's a world that offers no enjoyment and only letdowns and disappointment.

 

We don't have the prospects or money to do anything grand.

 

I'm actually fine with that idea. I like our team, as is.

 

I don't need to see greener grasses. The green stuff we have is primo.

[moonslav59]

I keep hearing Beltre, but I'm not sure how that could happen with the 8 or $9 million we'd owe him?

 

He's hitting .315, but with a career low 4 He's a?

 

Now you pretty much have to move JBJ, because you move JDM to the OF, and keep Denver's POP 13 or so HR's in the lineup?

 

Just not sure this is the best move for the RS? & I don't see how you get it done with our CAP & Luxury tax issues?

 

Plus.... we really need help at 2nd base? Not sure Lin is the answer there?

 

I guessthe idea is we'd give the Rangers more in terms of prospect talent value in exchange for them paying enough of Beltra's pro-rated salary to keep us under the penalty.

 

The problem is we don't have extra talent to throw at the Rangers.