Who Should the Red Sox Trade For?

[Bellhorn04]

I’ll take Reed over the 3 stooges come pennant race or playoff time any day of the week

 

Of course you would, even though Reed has a 6.10 ERA in the postseason, because you have s*** for brains.

[moonslav59]

Price isn't going anywhere so don't believe for a minute that can happen. DD made that acquisition and now we have to live with it. There is some value there, just not close to the contract we took on. Just another of our poor acquisitions. Most of us here disliked the contract and were outspoken about it. Kimmi doesn't like long term contracts in general and this one was for a past prime pitcher so worse than most. He will give us innings and probably have good games against weaker teams so we just have to live with it.

 

I know he's not going anywhere.

 

Maybe the best we can hope for is that he has the surgery and gives us a couple good years after the recovery.

[OH FOY]

He's got to stop thinking he's just got Drafted from Vanderbilt, and start thinking. You need a smart Catcher for this too. Has to change his whole style. A smart Pitcher can beat any team. He has enough in the tank, to out think them.

 

Next time I would try Leon, behind the plate, against them nothing to lose.

Edited July 2, 2018 by OH FOY!

[Carbo-Diem]

I'd do it. I'd even throw in a prospect.

 

I'd also look to trade Pom, if he shows he's healthy.

 

With the money saved, maybe we could do more.

 

Here's an even more outlandish thought. Price and some minor league flotsam to Reds for Votto and Iglesias. Both contracts from Reds total about 148 million. Price would be banished to that bandbox and would go so insane (bonus) he would have to have Astro registered as a "comfort animal" so he could accompany him to the mound on days he pitches.

[illinoisredsox]

Here's an even more outlandish thought. Price and some minor league flotsam to Reds for Votto and Iglesias. Both contracts from Reds total about 148 million. Price would be banished to that bandbox and would go so insane (bonus) he would have to have Astro registered as a "comfort animal" so he could accompany him to the mound on days he pitches.

 

Votto is a 10-5 guy; he goes nowhere unless he wants to, and everything I’ve read indicates he LOVES playing in Cincinnati.

[moonslav59]

Votto is a 10-5 guy; he goes nowhere unless he wants to, and everything I’ve read indicates he LOVES playing in Cincinnati.

 

Plus, if they ever traded him, it would not be for a big contract exchange. It would be for top prospects, for which we have none.

[notin]

I know he's not going anywhere.

 

Maybe the best we can hope for is that he has the surgery and gives us a couple good years after the recovery.

 

I'm hoping he opts out after this year, although it's more likely that he flaps his arms and flies to the moon...

[Kimmi]

David Price has $142 million remaining on his contract through 2022 at an AAV of $31 million. Price may opt out after this season.

 

Seattle second baseman Robinson Cano has $126 million remaining on his contract through 2023 at an AAV of $24 million. Cano has a full no-trade clause.

 

Cano is suspended until August 15 and is not eligible for the postseason roster.

 

Would the Red Sox trade Price straight up for Cano to gain $7 million annually* in space under the luxury tax threshold?

 

I doubt Seattle would take on an AAV salary of $31 million.

 

Just throwing out an idea that will never happen.

 

* except in 2023 when Cano is still owed $24 million after Price's contract runs out

 

I would not do that trade simply because of the PEDs issue.

 

Beyond that, I still think that the Sox need the starting pitching more than they need the offense. So it's a no for me either way.

[SoxnCycles]

I would not do that trade simply because of the PEDs issue.

 

Beyond that, I still think that the Sox need the starting pitching more than they need the offense. So it's a no for me either way.

 

I'd do it!

[Kimmi]

Agreed, there is no possible way to give Price a post season start, not after last nights exhibition of big game futility. Just no way. Maybe they should bring his puppy dog to the clubhouse for hugs and comforts before he pitches in a big game.

 

He goes to the pen for the post for my money and only gets a start if the entire rotation falls apart physically leaving no option.

 

It's interesting that Price was able to pitch so well out of the pen in the postseason.

 

Does pitching out of the pen in a close game have less 'pressure' than starting?

[Spudboy]

Of course you would, even though Reed has a 6.10 ERA in the postseason, because you have s*** for brains.

 

 

You should apologize to Stork for saying such hurtful things you meanie.

[Kimmi]

I'd do it!

 

LOL I know you would.

 

There are some reasons to consider it, like the $7 million we'd save toward the luxury tax limit. That would allow us to make another move.

[SoxnCycles]

It's interesting that Price was able to pitch so well out of the pen in the postseason.

 

Does pitching out of the pen in a close game have less 'pressure' than starting?

 

Depending on the role, I'd think there would be more pressure.

[harmony]

LOL I know you would.

 

There are some reasons to consider it, like the $7 million we'd save toward the luxury tax limit. That would allow us to make another move.

In all seriousness, Seattle won't be taking on David Price's AAV salary of $31 million. That's crazy money in light of his production and injury concerns ... unless Price agrees to opt out after this season (that's not happening).

 

Because of his postseason ineligibility, Robinson Cano might not have a dedicated starting role when he returns from the suspension list on August 15. Cano could be Seattle's super utility player if 1) he learns to play first base, a move rumored for several years, 2) if Ryon Healy can play once a week at third base, where he has played a majority of his MLB games, and 3) if Dee Gordon can play once a week at shortstop, his original position. Those contingencies would permit Cano to provide needed late-season breaks to Nelson Cruz at DH, Healy at first base, Gordon at second base, Jean Segura at shortstop and Kyle Seager at third base.

 

Probably too many moving parts.

[Kimmi]

Depending on the role, I'd think there would be more pressure.

 

I would agree.

 

So, how is it that Price can handle the pressure of pitching from the pen, but not the pressure of starting?

 

Rhetorical question, BTW.

[Kimmi]

In all seriousness, Seattle won't be taking on David Price's AAV salary of $31 million. That's crazy money in light of his production and injury concerns ... unless Price agrees to opt out after this season (that's not happening).

 

Because of his postseason ineligibility, Robinson Cano might not have a dedicated starting role when he returns from the suspension list on August 15. Cano could be Seattle's super utility player if 1) he learns to play first base, a move rumored for several years, 2) if Ryon Healy can play once a week at third base, where he has played a majority of his MLB games, and 3) if Dee Gordon can play once a week at shortstop, his original position. Those contingencies would permit Cano to provide needed late-season breaks to Nelson Cruz at DH, Healy at first base, Gordon at second base, Jean Segura at shortstop and Kyle Seager at third base.

 

Probably too many moving parts.

 

Yes, I realize that this trade is not happening.

 

Fortunately for your Mariners, they seem to be getting along fine without Cano.

 

Since I made my post about Seattle not hanging with the Astros for the division, they fell back about 4 games, but have now won 7 in a row to get back to within .5 games. You can thank me later.

 

That said, Seattle is still an incredible 9 games above their Pythagorean W-L.

[harmony]

Yes, I realize that this trade is not happening.

 

Fortunately for your Mariners, they seem to be getting along fine without Cano.

 

Since I made my post about Seattle not hanging with the Astros for the division, they fell back about 4 games, but have now won 7 in a row to get back to within .5 games. You can thank me later.

 

That said, Seattle is still an incredible 9 games above their Pythagorean W-L.

That may explain in part why FanGraphs projects Seattle to play below-.500 ball the remainder of the season en route to 92 wins:

 

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

[a700hitter]

http://mlb.com/r/article?ymd=20180702&content_id=283909094&vkey=news_bos&c_id=bos

 

This would be a nice arm to add from the Marlins.

[kenmeister]

 

Beyond that, I still think that the Sox need the starting pitching more than they need the offense. So it's a no for me either way.

 

Gosh I'd still like to see Velazquez start every 5th day and see how he'd do.

[Station 13]

Gosh I'd still like to see Velazquez start every 5th day and see how he'd do.

 

Smoke and Mirror.

 

Hit per 9: 11

 

K per 9: under 6

 

He has a niche of a long man. Let him be.

[moonslav59]

Smoke and Mirror.

 

Hit per 9: 11

 

K per 9: under 6

 

He has a niche of a long man. Let him be.

 

Warning: tiny sample sizes:

 

2018

as starter 2.53 ERA/1.219 WHIP (.748 OPS against)

as reliever 2.73 ERA/1.515 WHIP (.775 OPS against)

 

One could argue his niche was as a starter, and they messed him up by making him a RP'er.

 

Contrary numbers:

Career

as starter: 3.96/1.360 (.847)

as releiver: 2.08/1.315 (.689)

[a700hitter]

Warning: tiny sample sizes:

 

2018

as starter 2.53 ERA/1.219 WHIP (.748 OPS against)

as reliever 2.73 ERA/1.515 WHIP (.775 OPS against)

 

One could argue his niche was as a starter, and they messed him up by making him a RP'er.

 

Contrary numbers:

Career

as starter: 3.96/1.360 (.847)

as releiver: 2.08/1.315 (.689)

Moon, what do think about Barraclough?

[moonslav59]

Moon, what do think about Barraclough?

 

I mentioned him in an earlier post.

 

He looks great this year, but this worries me:

 

WHIP

 

1.233 2015

1.225 2016

1.379 2017

0.743 2018

 

Outlier? Fluke? Real deal?

 

Are we just guessing?

 

What's equally weird is that his K/9 was always over 10.4, and now, during his best season, it's down to 9.7.

 

I'm not sure we can afford to trade for an established & consistent RP'ers, so someone like Kyle B might be all we can get. We just will have to hope he stays good all year and doesn't revert to 2017 or earlier numbers.

 

[vegasbob]

Given the recent history and surgery, no way can you count or rely on Thornburg being effective. If he is, it's a bonus and big help. If not , it may take until 2019 to get any value out of him. Velazquez as your #5 starter is not the answer either. He and Johnson can plug a one time hole but not as a regular. IMO, Pomeranz will be given every chance to earn back the spot and it may take 2 or 3 cycles of the rotation to reach a conclusion before the deadline, 7/31. I wouldn't rely on Drew being effective either . Like Price, another guy hard to root for just based on durability and facial expressions .

[Natick to NC]

Moon, what do think about Barraclough?

 

He's a beast this year watch him a lot .Relievers are a risk always but when they figure it out ? Ride that horse into the sunset .

[a700hitter]

He's a beast this year watch him a lot .Relievers are a risk always but when they figure it out ? Ride that horse into the sunset .

He has looked pretty good to me too.

[Kimmi]

That may explain in part why FanGraphs projects Seattle to play below-.500 ball the remainder of the season en route to 92 wins:

 

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

 

Yes, that is a big part of it, I'm sure. I'm still expecting Seattle to fade in the division, though they will likely still win the wildcard.

[Kimmi]

Gosh I'd still like to see Velazquez start every 5th day and see how he'd do.

 

I think he did well enough at the beginning of the year to merit another shot at starting.

[harmony]

He's a beast this year watch him a lot .Relievers are a risk always but when they figure it out ? Ride that horse into the sunset .

With three more seasons of team control after this year, Kyle Barraclough could command a handsome return in a trade.

[harmony]

Yes, that is a big part of it, I'm sure. I'm still expecting Seattle to fade in the division, though they will likely still win the wildcard.

Seattle fans are enjoying the Mariners as the M's continue to exceed ongoing and widespread low expectations. It's almost a no-lose situation.

 

I give great weight to the metrics that suggest the Mariners' best days are behind them this season. Nevertheless a postseason appearance would be a welcome improvement ... and anything can happen in the postseason.

 

An insight into the mindset of a Mariner fan: On June 10 the M's were 17 games above .500 entering a daunting 17-game stretch that included contests against the Angels, Red Sox and Yankees before four in Baltimore to culminate a 10-game East Coast swing. I figured the Mariners would still be a respectable .500 if the M's lost all 17 games. Instead the Mariners have gone 13-7 since that date despite a disappointing 1-5 trip through Boston and New York.

 

Perhaps the Mariners and Red Sox will play again this year.

 

Or not.