Francisco Cervelli

[notin]

Reportedly the Sox and Pirates talked about Cervelli in July and may have recently renewed their discussions, per soxsphere.com. The Pirates have some interest in Mike Sharwyn, according to MLBpipeline.com.

 

More to come at the Winter Meetings?...

[Bellhorn04]

I don't get it. Cervelli's contract has an AAV of 10.33 million. That would put a major dent in the pitching budget. And we seemed to do OK with Vaz and Leon.

[notin]

I don't get it. Cervelli's contract has an AAV of 10.33 million. That would put a major dent in the pitching budget. And we seemed to do OK with Vaz and Leon.

 

There has been chatter about upgrading the catcher situation since at least July. In theory, the Sox could send back Vazquez or deal him elsewhere, which would them remove about $3.5mill AAV from the budget, making an addition of Cervelli only a net increase of about $7mill...

[Bellhorn04]

There has been chatter about upgrading the catcher situation since at least July. In theory, the Sox could send back Vazquez or deal him elsewhere, which would them remove about $3.5mill AAV from the budget, making an addition of Cervelli only a net increase of about $7mill...

 

a) DD must like Vaz somewhat or he wouldn't have signed him to that extension.

$7 mill is not insignificant given the fact we're already over the first tax threshold.

c) Cervelli is a free agent after 2019 so then you have to replace him.

 

Yuck, IMO.

[notin]

a) DD must like Vaz somewhat or he wouldn't have signed him to that extension.

$7 mill is not insignificant given the fact we're already over the first tax threshold.

c) Cervelli is a free agent after 2019 so then you have to replace him.

 

Yuck, IMO.

 

A) Maybe he does, or maybe some of that love faded after Vazquez posted -0.8 fWAR this year.

While $7mill is not insignificant for the Sox budget right now, we really don’t know where moves like this fall on the priority list. Maybe if the Sox don’t get Eovaldi, they pull the trigger on the two most expensive Pirates and acquire Cervelli and Ivan Nova ($8.5mill) for the same estimated $15mill increase from Eovaldi? Ok that one is pure conjecture on my part.

C) The Sox have to replace a potential crowd after 2019 anyway, starting with Sale and Bogaerts. If DD goes for a one year catcher upgrade, he really is all in on 2019 again.

 

Regardless, the rumors exist that DD is looking to bolster the catcher position, whether this is the smartest idea or not. Time will tell how interested DD is...

[moonslav59]

It doesn't make sense. The talk last year was when vaz was hurt.

 

Even if Pitt pays half the contract, I'd say NO!

[notin]

It doesn't make sense. The talk last year was when vaz was hurt.

 

Even if Pitt pays half the contract, I'd say NO!

 

They may have talked when Vaz was hurt, but apparently the talks have been renewed.

 

Or it could simply be some crazy blogger with no real sources and a vivid imagination...

[moonslav59]

They may have talked when Vaz was hurt, but apparently the talks have been renewed.

 

Or it could simply be some crazy blogger with no real sources and a vivid imagination...

 

I'm thinking the latter. No way we take on a lot of money for a catcher.

[notin]

I'm thinking the latter. No way we take on a lot of money for a catcher.

 

If DD wants to improve the lineup, that’s the most likely place. Cervelli had an OPS+ of 123 last year. And his acquisition would free up Vazquez for a subsequent deal in a market where catchers are actually an early hot commodity, although I’m not sure what the market for CV would be.

 

I’m not so sure the Sox don’t spend at catcher. But if Eovaldi doesn’t sign, they will spend somewhere...

[Dojji]

If we're talking upgrading catchers, Cervelli's a great one to target. Hits well, defends pretty well, and has a great attitude for a catcher, always seems to have his pitcher's back and doesn't take crap from anyone.

 

Not sure we should expect 2018 Cervelli if he comes here, but he would still represent a big upgrade even if he regresses a little. At the very least he'll bring some OBP to the position and help keep a few more rallies alive.

[moonslav59]

If DD wants to improve the lineup, that’s the most likely place. Cervelli had an OPS+ of 123 last year. And his acquisition would free up Vazquez for a subsequent deal in a market where catchers are actually an early hot commodity, although I’m not sure what the market for CV would be.

 

I’m not so sure the Sox don’t spend at catcher. But if Eovaldi doesn’t sign, they will spend somewhere...

 

Yes, on another pitcher- a position we actually have a need or two.

 

BTW, he had a 91 and 90 OPS+ the previous 2 years, so at age 33, I'm not sure we'd be getting 123 next year.

[notin]

Yes, on another pitcher- a position we actually have a need or two.

 

BTW, he had a 91 and 90 OPS+ the previous 2 years, so at age 33, I'm not sure we'd be getting 123 next year.

 

I’m sure DD is going through the pitching market as well. Eovaldi does appear to be top priority, and hopefully there is a Plan B in place.

 

But I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to upgrade the catcher spot with a hitter. Cervelli might revert to the 90 OPS+ hitter he has been recently, but even that represents an upgrade of the 69 OPS+ that Vazquez has for his career and the 46 he posted last season...

[moonslav59]

I’m sure DD is going through the pitching market as well. Eovaldi does appear to be top priority, and hopefully there is a Plan B in place.

 

But I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to upgrade the catcher spot with a hitter. Cervelli might revert to the 90 OPS+ hitter he has been recently, but even that represents an upgrade of the 69 OPS+ that Vazquez has for his career and the 46 he posted last season...

 

Vaz had a 92 OPS+ last year, which is about equal to Cervelli's 2016 and 2017 numbers.

 

I'm not sure the projection for Cervelli, who is much older, is much better than Vaz, offensively.

[jacksonianmarch]

Cervelli gets on base. Always has.

[Bellhorn04]

It just doesn't make much sense in terms of filling needs. We lost pitchers. We need pitchers. Pretty simple.

[notin]

It just doesn't make much sense in terms of filling needs. We lost pitchers. We need pitchers. Pretty simple.

 

I’m just delivering the news here. If I were to make it up, we’d be targeting Wilson Ramos...

[a700hitter]

I can’t stand that guy.

[Dojji]

It just doesn't make much sense in terms of filling needs. We lost pitchers. We need pitchers. Pretty simple.

 

Not that simple We need a roleplaying reliever or two, a closer, and we might need a SP for the bottom of the rotation. We don't need an ace pitcher, so if the team isn't going to spend big on a closer there really isn't a lot of places extra money in the offseason is actually going to go.

 

A lot of our pitching needs are going to be done in in-season acquisitions, especially filling any needs in the rotation. None of it necessarily precludes bringing in a higher-paid catcher.

[Kimmi]

I can’t stand that guy.

 

This is the post of the thread.

 

Something we finally 100% agree on.

[Kimmi]

I would prefer to keep our tandem of Vaz and Leon, and use the money saved on pitching. Our position players and line up are fine.

[Northern Star]

He'd be an upgrade with the bat, but I'd rather find a longer term solution than a 1 year rental.

[Bellhorn04]

I would prefer to keep our tandem of Vaz and Leon, and use the money saved on pitching. Our position players and line up are fine.

 

I agree. They're a very affordable tandem, and they seem to get the job done. You don't need premium talent at every position.

[radatz17]

I only see the Red Sox doing anything with their catching if they completely fail in spending money on pitching. Eovaldi should be their number one target, and targets 2 thoough 10 should also be pitchers.

 

All three (if they again keep three catchers) of Swihart, Pena and Vasquez are likely to hit better in 2019 than they did this season. All three are much younger than Cervelli, are all about as good defensively, and the Sox can keep all three for less than what Cervelli will cost.

[Dojji]

For those arguing for spending the money on pitching -- who would you sign, and why does that mean a trade for Cervelli can't happen?

[Bellhorn04]

For those arguing for spending the money on pitching -- who would you sign, and why does that mean a trade for Cervelli can't happen?

 

Eovaldi + 2 relievers.

 

Not saying it can't happen, but the team is ALREADY over the first tax threshold. Cervelli's salary of 10.33 million would also entail tax of 30% or 3 million, plus there are all the other penalties that kick in. It would be an expensive transaction. You also give up a prospect.

[notin]

Eovaldi + 2 relievers.

 

Not saying it can't happen, but the team is ALREADY over the first tax threshold. Cervelli's salary of 10.33 million would also entail tax of 30% or 3 million, plus there are all the other penalties that kick in. It would be an expensive transaction. You also give up a prospect.

 

 

Someone better tell Dombrowski quick!

[Bellhorn04]

Someone better tell Dombrowski quick!

 

I'm just explaining why it doesn't make sense to me.

[notin]

I'm just explaining why it doesn't make sense to me.

 

Well, the Sox have been the recipient of a lot of catcher chapter since last July, so I’m not surprised.

 

But go for Ramos. Much, much better option...

[fxkatt]

I only see the Red Sox doing anything with their catching if they completely fail in spending money on pitching. Eovaldi should be their number one target, and targets 2 thoough 10 should also be pitchers.

 

All three (if they again keep three catchers) of Swihart, Pena and Vasquez are likely to hit better in 2019 than they did this season. All three are much younger than Cervelli, are all about as good defensively, and the Sox can keep all three for less than what Cervelli will cost.

 

Well, if we still had Tony Pena, we certainly wouldn't need Cervelli. Poor Sandy Leon... he gets no respect.

 

I love Vasquez and Leon... no upgrade needed.

[moonslav59]

Well, if we still had Tony Pena, we certainly wouldn't need Cervelli. Poor Sandy Leon... he gets no respect.

 

I love Vasquez and Leon... no upgrade needed.

 

My sentiments exactly.