What should Bloom's plan for 2020 be?

[jacksonianmarch]

You don't have to worry about Betts going to the Yanks. The Dodgers are a real threat on the open market.

[moonslav59]

The whole “once he’s gone he ain’t coming back” mentality also applies to the end of 2020, right?

 

First of all, players do re-sign with the team that traded them all the team. Most don’t, largely because there are 29 other teams.

 

We know Betts wants as much money as possible. That keeps the large market Red Sox in the running. Resetting does as well. How many teams have the money available to sign Betts next year? Th Yankees likely spent their allowance this year. The Red Sox can. Maybe the Dodgers. Maybe the Mets. Anyone else?

 

Exactly, and if someone goes way overboard and signs him away from us, we should have a lot of budget space to add several other high quality players, instead.

[notin]

You don't have to worry about Betts going to the Yanks. The Dodgers are a real threat on the open market.

 

Except that they do not have any sort of history giving out that type of contract to external players. And by “that type of contract”, I just mean 9 figures over 6 or more years.

 

Am I wrong here? I can’t think of anyone...

[jacksonianmarch]

They don't have that history, but Betts is a pretty unique talent. The Dodgers were in on Cole pretty heavy too

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Exactly, and if someone goes way overboard and signs him away from us, we should have a lot of budget space to add several other high quality players, instead.

 

I already agreed with that scenario, with the possibility of signing all three of Springer, Robbie Ray and Liam Hendricks instead...

 

But the reality is that none of us know what teams can and can't afford, lux tax be damned; just look at the clubs that recently spent big bucks at market value -- and not just Yanks:Cole, Washington:Strasburg, Angels:Rendon...

 

...but Twins: Donaldson, Pineda, Bailey; Phils:Wheeler, Didi (and Harper); BJs:Ryu, Roark; Dbacks:MadBum; ChiSox:Grandal; Keuchel, Edwing; Atl:Ozuna, Hamels, Smith; SD:Machado; Col: Arenado; Cards:Goldy, etc....

 

Texas also made some big bids and is opening a new stadium (they once shocked the world on ARod), Atlanta only signing Ozuna for one year gives them options, Mets and LA are players, Cubs -- like Boston -- will have the resources if they lower payroll, SF needs a new cornerstone...

 

A better question might be: who probably can't afford Betts? Tampa, KC, Cleveland, Oakland, Miami, Pittsburgh and Cincy? I'd add Baltimore, but not too long ago they overpaid for Chris Davis.

[moonslav59]

I already agreed with that scenario, with the possibility of signing all three of Springer, Robbie Ray and Liam Hendricks instead...

 

But the reality is that none of us know what teams can and can't afford, lux tax be damned; just look at the clubs that recently spent big bucks at market value -- and not just Yanks:Cole, Washington:Strasburg, Angels:Rendon...

 

...but Twins: Donaldson, Pineda, Bailey; Phils:Wheeler, Didi (and Harper); BJs:Ryu, Roark; Dbacks:MadBum; ChiSox:Grandal; Keuchel, Edwing; Atl:Ozuna, Hamels, Smith; SD:Machado; Col: Arenado; Cards:Goldy, etc....

 

Texas also made some big bids and is opening a new stadium (they once shocked the world on ARod), Atlanta only signing Ozuna for one year gives them options, Mets and LA are players, Cubs -- like Boston -- will have the resources if they lower payroll, SF needs a new cornerstone...

 

A better question might be: who probably can't afford Betts? Tampa, KC, Cleveland, Oakland, Miami, Pittsburgh and Cincy? I'd add Baltimore, but not too long ago they overpaid for Chris Davis.

 

Springer signed a 2 year- $24M contract.

 

Traditional big spenders have recently reset the tax. We have talked about it.

 

Many recent big contracts have gone to teams not paying Lux Taxes.

[S5Dewey]

I'm beginning to think we're looking at Bloom's plan for 2020:

1) See if we can get what we think is a fair return for Mookie. If not, keep him and move on.

2) See if we can get what we think is a fair return for David Price. If not, keep him and move on.

3) See if we can get what we think is a fair return for Nathan Eovoldi. If not, keep him and move on.

 

It's looking like we're not going to get rid of anyone just for the sake of cutting salary if we have to take a bath on it. There are no glaring deficiencies in the team's offense or defense and we'll be taking another shot at the ring this year.

 

If this doesn't work out we'll be sellers at the trade deadline, but what we get in trade then won't be vastly inferior to what other teams are offering now so we may as well give it a shot.

[jacksonianmarch]

S5Dewey, I think you may be right. He is setting a bar right now. He is comfortable entering the season as is. He likely thinks he will be able to offload some pricy pieces in season as teams get desperate.

[moonslav59]

We don't really know what offers are on the table or being negotiated. There may already be a good deal agreed upon, but Bloom is trying for better. It's too early to know.

 

I am beginning to lose my faith that a deal will be done. I thought, for sure, he at least had someone wanting JBJ. Otherwise, why tender him?

 

I'm still thinking the odds are better than 50% JBJ or someone(s) more valuable will be dealt by opening day.

[Bellhorn04]

We don't really know what offers are on the table or being negotiated. There may already be a good deal agreed upon, but Bloom is trying for better. It's too early to know.

 

I am beginning to lose my faith that a deal will be done. I thought, for sure, he at least had someone wanting JBJ. Otherwise, why tender him?

 

I'm still thinking the odds are better than 50% JBJ or someone(s) more valuable will be dealt by opening day.

 

I'm the opposite. I had reached the point I didn't think any deals were happening. But now I'm fairly sure Mookie is going to be dealt. The rumors have really picked up, and now it seems Arizona might also be in the mix.

[moonslav59]

I'm the opposite. I had reached the point I didn't think any deals were happening. But now I'm fairly sure Mookie is going to be dealt. The rumors have really picked up, and now it seems Arizona might also be in the mix.

 

Some one has to go. I get the idea of waiting until July, but with all the deals pro-tared at that time, we'd have to trade a bunch of guys to get under the tax line.

[Bellhorn04]

One thing I think we have already learned about Bloom is that the dude is patient.

[jung]

I am not sure the question is as much what they should do as what the Sox will be inclined to do.

 

They don't need to win a championship in 2020 to be a successful business enterprise. Hence, IMO, they will rely on their old standbys to drive revenue. Those being Fenway Park, still one of the most compelling bucket list destinations in baseball, their marketing of same, NESN etc. In other words, hard assets of Fenway Group.

 

As to how they try to "manage" the Sox as a business through 2020, to me it hinges on Price/Eovaldi. If they can turn either or both into a means to trim payroll and restock a bit then that will lead to one direction for the team. If they can't that will lead to another direction for the team. if they can't then Henry and Company might (and I do mean might) decide to accept the hit for being way outside the luxury tax limit again which is not inconsequential. They really have not moved any of their salary woes of consequence yet.

 

The wild card is MLB penalties if they are in fact coming. If they can't turn Price/Eovaldi into something AND get tagged by MLB then it makes it all the more likely that they just take the luxury tax hit as onerous as it is to Henry, hold onto Mookie till the trade deadline and see where they are in the race at that point. If anything, they are so far holding onto the contracts that are big lux tax hits with X really the only core member that they are now committed to long term.

 

The fact that they don't even have a Manager yet sort of says it all as far as the degree to which the direction of the team for 2020 is fluid and undetermined at this point. One could make the case that in their view, who manages as long as he is bilingual and does not rock the diverse makeup of the team just does not matter. Would we be that surprised if they just let the stat geeks in the front office run the team?

 

I don't think there is a snowballs chance in hell that they trade Mookie between now and the deadline as we would all know the direction of the 2020 team that very instant. I suspect that is not an outcome the Sox brass is interested in.

 

The Sox as a business outside of its standard fair hard assets lives off of the speculation by fans that their could be greatness in a particular edition of the team. Remove that speculation and a significant portion of the Sox fan base could just plain tune out for a year. That is an issue in this environment that includes so many entertainment options. Getting them back if they tune out for a year could be an problem.

[Bellhorn04]

jung, the buzz about Mookie being traded has really picked up hard the last few days.

[moonslav59]

One thing I think we have already learned about Bloom is that the dude is patient.

 

Which is thought to be a virtue.

[jung]

jung, the buzz about Mookie being traded has really picked up hard the last few days.

 

They still need somebody to take Price or Eovaldi. That sounds like Dodgers to me, not Padres if only because the Sox/Dodgers have a history along the lines of Sox salary dump deals. The risk to the Sox in either event is what is left for a 2020 team and can they create that speculation about the potential greatness of the 2020 edition with what will be left for a team. Who even plays RF? If you move JBJ there, who plays CF....Beni???? PLEASE!!!!! Does JD play more RF in Fenway in 2020. That has disaster written all over it.

 

Funny but I find myself immensely grateful at this particular moment for ERod. I would install one of those stair climbers in the Sox dugout just to protect against ERod catching a spike on a step and injuring that gimpy knee of his.

[mvp 78]

Exactly, and if someone goes way overboard and signs him away from us, we should have a lot of budget space to add several other high quality players, instead.

 

That's pending on those high quality players being available in FA at positions of need.

[mvp 78]

We don't really know what offers are on the table or being negotiated. There may already be a good deal agreed upon, but Bloom is trying for better. It's too early to know.

 

I am beginning to lose my faith that a deal will be done. I thought, for sure, he at least had someone wanting JBJ. Otherwise, why tender him?

 

I'm still thinking the odds are better than 50% JBJ or someone(s) more valuable will be dealt by opening day.

 

Why tender him was always my question. There were a few cheaper comparable options in FA.

[mvp 78]

One thing I think we have already learned about Bloom is that the dude is patient.

 

We know how all the posters on here love that virtue!

[mvp 78]

They still need somebody to take Price or Eovaldi. That sounds like Dodgers to me, not Padres if only because the Sox/Dodgers have a history along the lines of Sox salary dump deals.

 

So because the Dodgers took on CC's bad contract in 2012, they are more likely to do that 8 years later? I can't say I agree with that reasoning.

[jacksonianmarch]

So because the Dodgers took on CC's bad contract in 2012, they are more likely to do that 8 years later? I can't say I agree with that reasoning.

 

Especially when the ownership group is completely different and the GM is different

[moonslav59]

That's pending on those high quality players being available in FA at positions of need.

 

We have so many needs, there's bound to be someone available at 2-3 positions.

 

Plus, I'm hoping Bloom works his magic and finds under-the-radar players to more than adequately fill the other slots.

[moonslav59]

Why tender him was always my question. There were a few cheaper comparable options in FA.

 

I thought by tendering him they had a deal in place. They still may, but I'm getting less and less optimistic on that one.

 

The bad thing about JBJ is that he's gone 3 straight years with horrific starts to each season. He is not likely to increase his trade value to start 2020.

 

(Maybe some smart GM realizes this and trades for him in late May- just in time for his .800+ stretch.)

[mvp 78]

We have so many needs, there's bound to be someone available at 2-3 positions.

 

Plus, I'm hoping Bloom works his magic and finds under-the-radar players to more than adequately fill the other slots.

 

It's far more likely Bloom goes with option 2 rather than get stuck with long term dead money. I'm here for it.

[mvp 78]

I thought by tendering him they had a deal in place. They still may, but I'm getting less and less optimistic on that one.

 

The bad thing about JBJ is that he's gone 3 straight years with horrific starts to each season. He is not likely to increase his trade value to start 2020.

 

(Maybe some smart GM realizes this and trades for him in late May- just in time for his .800+ stretch.)

 

Nope.

[notin]

Nope.

 

If Bradley starts the season in Boston, he finishes it there as well.

 

And with Pillar and Billy Hamilton still looking for jobs, Bradley doesn't look like the most attractive CF option on the market...

[jung]

Especially when the ownership group is completely different and the GM is different

 

I don't see the goals and aspirations of this Dodger's ownership group as any different than it was in 2012.

 

At the same time I don't see any dif in the Padres profile of putting together endless strings of meaningless seasons.

 

The Sox need somebody willing to gamble IMO and that is not the Padres. If anybody, its the Dodgers.

 

The caveat to that might be Myers who I can only guess Bloom saw as the second coming of Ben Zobrist at least at one point. So maybe Myers still has that attraction for Bloom and the Sox could certainly use somebody that might be that sort of player.

 

As far as good but not inspiring players that might help the Sox, 1st base, 2nd base and maybe backup catcher are possibilities. This is not a team the depends on a deep 25 man roster. It is a team of very good core players with specific talents. Take any one of the 9 that tend to take the field every day off the field for any length of time and it shows up in performance almost immediately. We cannot even take Devers off the field for any length of time now while still needing X out there to get the most out of Devers. I would however take almost anybody for the right side of the infield if it relieved us of the helter skelter aspects of the Sox right side of the infield.

Edited January 27, 2020 by jung

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

"I don't think there is a snowballs chance in hell that they trade Mookie between now and the deadline as we would all know the direction of the 2020 team that very instant. I suspect that is not an outcome the Sox brass is interested in.

 

The Sox as a business outside of its standard fair hard assets lives off of the speculation by fans that their could be greatness in a particular edition of the team. Remove that speculation and a significant portion of the Sox fan base could just plain tune out for a year. That is an issue in this environment that includes so many entertainment options. Getting them back if they tune out for a year could be an problem."

 

"jung, the buzz about Mookie being traded has really picked up hard the last few days...One thing I think we have already learned about Bloom is that the dude is patient."

 

Jung and Bell, I want to agree with you both... this is the kind of unfamiliar, convoluted cold-stove season Sox fans have been dealing with all winter.

 

One thing for sure: Bloom is the extreme opposite of Dombrowski (thus far). Another: if Mookie is dealt, there's no way they're moving JBJ to right, Beni to center and JD to anywhere in the outfield -- that would be weakening three positions instead of just one.

 

I think I'll stay on this thread today; there's no way our unflappable new Chief Officer will fall for some of those salary-dump proposals on the Realistic thread... (like a straight swap a Yankee fan belched of Betts for Pollock -- ya, right; Yanks should throw in Judge for Kike Hernandez, and Billy Crystal for Will Smith).

[mvp 78]

If Bradley starts the season in Boston, he finishes it there as well.

 

And with Pillar and Billy Hamilton still looking for jobs, Bradley doesn't look like the most attractive CF option on the market...

 

And both will be cheaper than Bradley. Pillar and Bradley are both close enough in skill set that I would have non tendered JBJ and signed Pillar.

[a700hitter]

And both will be cheaper than Bradley. Pillar and Bradley are both close enough in skill set that I would have non tendered JBJ and signed Pillar.

Bradley is not worth the money. Pillar or Legares would have been acceptable alternative.