Mookie Betts and David Price have been traded to Dodgers

[Larry33]

We didn't trade him because we didn't want him, we traded him because we needed to get under the luxury tax, and that was one of the easiest ways to do it. Yes, we are known for some pretty terrible contracts. Price, Sandoval, Carl Crawford, and Adrian Gonzalez all come to mind since Theo left for Chitown. But I don't think we had too many other options in this case

 

Now on who fault would that be not Mookie for sure he's not the one who decided to give Price his record deal or Sale 30 mil/year deal on busted elbow or Sandoval contract which they still pay today. Mookie was ranked the 2nd best baseball player in the game behind Mike Trout.

 

So you're telling me if the Red Sox had Mike Trout the best baseball player in this era they would've traded him to get under the luxury tax. Sure look like they would've done it because they traded 2nd best player.

 

This no longer a sport for the owners or players it's a bloody business it's all about the money the owners want to make as much profit as possible and the elite players want to be paid as much as possible. That why they fought so hard for free agency so they could negotiate their contracts.

 

The Red Sox is one of the richest franchise in baseball there's no reason to cheap out on their roster especially when it come to elite players that came up through their farm system.

[moonslav59]

I never felt it was always about the money. He wound up signing with LA for the same AAV that the Sox offered.

 

I always felt it was about getting out of Boston. He never ordered his agents to make a deal to stay, like Bogaerts.

 

Mookie is now the hot ex-girlfriend... fun while it lasted, but there was always the sense he knew he could do better.

 

It's hard to know, but one thing is for sure. He wasn't set on going to free agency, as he stated he was. Now, maybe this whole covid uncertainty changed his mind, but you are probably right.

 

LA might be more to his liking.

 

I hate to see him go. I'm on record as saying I'd have offered more than he just signed for, and who knows if the Dodgers would have countered or if Betts would have still signed with LA, but to me, he's worth $31M x 12. In terms of revenue generating value, he's probably worth over $50M a year for several years. If his skill level drops more quickly than I expect, he'll likely still be a draw to fans with that smile and style.

 

If his value ends up being something like this, he's worth it:

By year

$50, 50, 45, 45 ($190 the first 4 yrs)

$40, 35, 30, 25 ($130 the middle 4 yrs)

$20, 20, 10, 10 ($60M the last 4 yrs)

[moonslav59]

I feel good about our line up. Really good actually, even without Mookie.

 

Hopefully our pitching will pleasantly surprise us.

 

I agree, but part of me thinks that our pitching is so bad, the season is hopeless, and in a way, our line-up is wasted.

 

Sure, it will make watching the Sox way more fun, but in terms of our future, one can argue it's wasted by keeping players that will not be here in 1-2 years.

[Bellhorn04]

Sure, it will make watching the Sox way more fun, but in terms of our future, one can argue it's wasted by keeping players that will not be here in 1-2 years.

 

Like who? I assume one you're thinking of is JD, but if he doesn't opt out, he'll be here in 2021 and 2022.

 

We only have 3 proven premier hitters in JD, Raffy and Bogey.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I agree, but part of me thinks that our pitching is so bad, the season is hopeless, and in a way, our line-up is wasted.

 

Sure, it will make watching the Sox way more fun, but in terms of our future, one can argue it's wasted by keeping players that will not be here in 1-2 years.

 

It's not wasted on me, because I'm here now to watch this season... but who knows if any of us will be here in 1-2 years (and that's not just a Covid or camo storm trooper political note).

 

For me, as I stated in past threads, Red Sox year-to-year seasons are most entertaining when they're annual contenders. I know a few said they favored coming in last place three out of four years if there's a trophy mixed in, but the odds of that happening again have to be less than capping off three straight firsts with a ring.

 

I'll take another 2016-19 over a repeat of 2012-15 any time.

[redsoxrules]

Wait a few years and everyone will be glad the Sox didn't pay Mookie all that money. And yes a few years is all that it will take.

[notin]

Anyone think it was kind of wimpy for Price to opt out of this season?

 

Not at all.

[notin]

Wait a few years and everyone will be glad the Sox didn't pay Mookie all that money. And yes a few years is all that it will take.

 

I think the nest 2 to 3 (or 2 to 2 1/2 if you like) seasons if Mookie will be among his best, which stands to make them all time great seasons. But he will decline everywhere but in salary...

[Donnie Sadler was short]

Now on who fault would that be not Mookie for sure he's not the one who decided to give Price his record deal or Sale 30 mil/year deal on busted elbow or Sandoval contract which they still pay today. Mookie was ranked the 2nd best baseball player in the game behind Mike Trout.

 

So you're telling me if the Red Sox had Mike Trout the best baseball player in this era they would've traded him to get under the luxury tax. Sure look like they would've done it because they traded 2nd best player.

 

This no longer a sport for the owners or players it's a bloody business it's all about the money the owners want to make as much profit as possible and the elite players want to be paid as much as possible. That why they fought so hard for free agency so they could negotiate their contracts.

 

The Red Sox is one of the richest franchise in baseball there's no reason to cheap out on their roster especially when it come to elite players that came up through their farm system.

 

Youre missing the very clear fact..that Mookie was NEVER going to re-sign here. I had heard on "The Baseball Show as far back as 2018 that he didnt like Boston. Perhaps he heard some racist crap being out in right field...who knows. His actions just told everyone he was never going to sign in Boston. When he was asked something like that the other day, I guess he just smirked & said good question. The fact that he signed with LA so quickly should convince everyone that trading him when they did was the best move.

Edited July 23, 2020 by Donnie Sadler was short
spelling

[Kimmi]

The only question, and one we'll never know the answer to, is if the Sox could have signed him with an offer like the Dodgers gave him.

 

No, we'll likely never know for sure.

 

I'm thinking that the circumstances are so different today than they were then that the answer is no. I'm thinking that if there were no pandemic, Mookie might not have signed that deal with the Dodgers, at least not without first testing the market.

[Kimmi]

I agree, but part of me thinks that our pitching is so bad, the season is hopeless, and in a way, our line-up is wasted.

 

Sure, it will make watching the Sox way more fun, but in terms of our future, one can argue it's wasted by keeping players that will not be here in 1-2 years.

 

But now with the expanded playoffs, it changes the whole picture of who might be buyers and who might be sellers.

 

It will be harder to trade players before the deadline.

[Bellhorn04]

No, we'll likely never know for sure.

 

I'm thinking that the circumstances are so different today than they were then that the answer is no. I'm thinking that if there were no pandemic, Mookie might not have signed that deal with the Dodgers, at least not without first testing the market.

 

I agree that's a strong possibility. Very unusual circumstances.

[illinoisredsox]

It's hard to know, but one thing is for sure. He wasn't set on going to free agency, as he stated he was. Now, maybe this whole covid uncertainty changed his mind, but you are probably right.

 

LA might be more to his liking.

 

I hate to see him go. I'm on record as saying I'd have offered more than he just signed for, and who knows if the Dodgers would have countered or if Betts would have still signed with LA, but to me, he's worth $31M x 12. In terms of revenue generating value, he's probably worth over $50M a year for several years. If his skill level drops more quickly than I expect, he'll likely still be a draw to fans with that smile and style.

 

If his value ends up being something like this, he's worth it:

By year

$50, 50, 45, 45 ($190 the first 4 yrs)

$40, 35, 30, 25 ($130 the middle 4 yrs)

$20, 20, 10, 10 ($60M the last 4 yrs)

 

How would you have offered more than what he signed for? He wasn’t a free agent. Once he was traded there was no Sox offer possible.

 

He wasn’t going to resign in Boston. Period. Maybe this was clearly communicated to the front office, maybe it was just subtle hints or maybe the FO could read the tea leaves, which is why they traded him. He turned down some pretty hefty offers to stay.

[devildavid]

I will be interested to see how playing half his games in Dodger Stadium will impact Mookie's numbers. When Fred Lynn went to California his numbers dropped off and many wondered how he would have done had stayed with Boston. His years ahead in L.A. may determine his true legacy, although he does have that 2018 WS ring to flash around.

[Hitch]

Anyone think it was kind of wimpy for Price to opt out of this season?

 

I'd question the intelligence and mentality of anyone who thought it was.

[Bellhorn04]

Anyone think it was kind of wimpy for Price to opt out of this season?

 

I think I should have phrased this question differently.

 

Hypothetically, if Price had not been traded, and he opted out of the season, I wonder what would have been the general reaction of Red Sox media and fans.

[Bellhorn04]

I will be interested to see how playing half his games in Dodger Stadium will impact Mookie's numbers. When Fred Lynn went to California his numbers dropped off and many wondered how he would have done had stayed with Boston. His years ahead in L.A. may determine his true legacy, although he does have that 2018 WS ring to flash around.

 

It is an interesting question how Mookie's numbers will be impacted by leaving Fenway.

 

His career road OPS is .858, which is solid, but well short of elite.

 

Trout's career road OPS is 1.000 - somewhat improbably, his home OPS is also 1.000 at this point in time.

[devildavid]

It is an interesting question how Mookie's numbers will be impacted by leaving Fenway.

 

His career road OPS is .858, which is solid, but well short of elite.

 

Trout's career road OPS is 1.000 - somewhat improbably, his home OPS is also 1.000 at this point in time.

 

They like to say that Mookie is the second best player after Trout, but to me it is kind of a distant second, as far as numbers go. I don't really think that Trout is the appropriate comparison. As good as Mookie is, it has always felt to me that a lot of the excitement over him has been about his exciting style and his personality and smile. By the numbers, his is not at the same level as Trout. Trout has a career OBP over .400. Mookie only has one out of six seasons with an OBP over .400.

 

Time will tell if Fenway Park played a big role in Mookie's batting numbers.

[mvp 78]

I agree about Betts being distant 2nd if not 3rd (Yellich, Bregman). Trout is an all time great. Betts is a certain HOFer, but Trout is a completely different level. He could be an MLB Mt Rushmore guy if he stays healthy.

[Larry33]

Youre missing the very clear fact..that Mookie was NEVER going to re-sign here. I had heard on "The Baseball Show as far back as 2018 that he didnt like Boston. Perhaps he heard some racist crap being out in right field...who knows. His actions just told everyone he was never going to sign in Boston. When he was asked something like that the other day, I guess he just smirked & said good question. The fact that he signed with LA so quickly should convince everyone that trading him when they did was the best move.

 

That's nothing but a line of BS that was even rebutted by Mookie himself to the media and sportswriters that claims of him not liking Boston were untrue and unfounded. Heck even Sam Kennedy the president of the Red Sox said those rumors were also untrue and that he was disappointed that Mookie sign a long term extension with the Dodger. He went on to say that they tried to sign Mookie to an extension but both side couldn't come together that's part of business. Now with those comments from Kennedy that would lead someone to believe that the Red Sox were still holding hope at having another crack of signing Mookie Betts in FA.

 

The Red Sox made their decision on Betts pretty much right after the 2018 World Series. They never really attempted to engage Betts in contract extension talks. Kennedy repeatedly tried to soften the blow of losing Betts, saying last September that it would be “difficult” for the team to retain both J.D. Martinez and Betts.

 

It would be one thing to have made a serious effort to keep Betts in Boston, only to see him turn the Red Sox down and force the club’s hand in trading him. But the ball was always in Boston’s court. The Dodgers paid to retain elite talent; the Red Sox chose not to.

[Bellhorn04]

That's nothing but a line of BS that was even rebutted by Mookie himself to the media and sportswriters that claims of him not liking Boston were untrue and unfounded. Heck even Sam Kennedy the president of the Red Sox said those rumors were also untrue and that he was disappointed that Mookie sign a long term extension with the Dodger. He went on to say that they tried to sign Mookie to an extension but both side couldn't come together that's part of business. Now with those comments from Kennedy that would lead someone to believe that the Red Sox were still holding hope at having another crack of signing Mookie Betts in FA.

 

The Red Sox made their decision on Betts pretty much right after the 2018 World Series. They never really attempted to engage Betts in contract extension talks. Kennedy repeatedly tried to soften the blow of losing Betts, saying last September that it would be “difficult” for the team to retain both J.D. Martinez and Betts.

 

It would be one thing to have made a serious effort to keep Betts in Boston, only to see him turn the Red Sox down and force the club’s hand in trading him. But the ball was always in Boston’s court. The Dodgers paid to retain elite talent; the Red Sox chose not to.

 

Yeah, Kennedy being disappointed that Mookie signed an extension with the Dodgers doesn't really fly.

 

It was the Red Sox decision to not only trade him, but trade him to the team that was probably in the best position to extend him.

[Kimmi]

I think I should have phrased this question differently.

 

Hypothetically, if Price had not been traded, and he opted out of the season, I wonder what would have been the general reaction of Red Sox media and fans.

 

This is a fair point. Many in the Red Sox media and fan base would have crucified him. I have never understood all the hatred for Price, and I'm one who was against his signing/contract before it happened. IMO, he never got a fair shake while in Boston.

 

If I were able to afford it financially, I would opt out of my job for a year to protect my family and myself.

[Bellhorn04]

This is a fair point. Many in the Red Sox media and fan base would have crucified him. I have never understood all the hatred for Price, and I'm one who was against his signing/contract before it happened. IMO, he never got a fair shake while in Boston.

 

If I were able to afford it financially, I would opt out of my job for a year to protect my family and myself.

 

Which raises the question of how much more at risk MLB players are than the general population right now. Are David and his family in lockdown?

[Kimmi]

That's nothing but a line of BS that was even rebutted by Mookie himself to the media and sportswriters that claims of him not liking Boston were untrue and unfounded. Heck even Sam Kennedy the president of the Red Sox said those rumors were also untrue and that he was disappointed that Mookie sign a long term extension with the Dodger. He went on to say that they tried to sign Mookie to an extension but both side couldn't come together that's part of business. Now with those comments from Kennedy that would lead someone to believe that the Red Sox were still holding hope at having another crack of signing Mookie Betts in FA.

 

The Red Sox made their decision on Betts pretty much right after the 2018 World Series. They never really attempted to engage Betts in contract extension talks. Kennedy repeatedly tried to soften the blow of losing Betts, saying last September that it would be “difficult” for the team to retain both J.D. Martinez and Betts.

 

It would be one thing to have made a serious effort to keep Betts in Boston, only to see him turn the Red Sox down and force the club’s hand in trading him. But the ball was always in Boston’s court. The Dodgers paid to retain elite talent; the Red Sox chose not to.

 

Geez, define 'serious effort'. The Sox supposedly offered Mookie $310 million in 2018 to stay with the Sox. If that's not a serious offer, I don't know what is. The ball might have been in Boston's court, but Mookie also had to be reasonable on his end.

 

I don't think that Mookie was in a hurry to get out of Boston. I think he wanted to receive the largest contract given to date. He got that with the Dodgers (and I'm still in shock about it), but I also think that the pandemic played a huge part in Mookie agreeing to a deal before reaching free agency.

[Bellhorn04]

I don't think that Mookie was in a hurry to get out of Boston. I think he wanted to receive the largest contract given to date. He got that with the Dodgers (and I'm still in shock about it), but I also think that the pandemic played a huge part in Mookie agreeing to a deal before reaching free agency.

 

The pandemic probably did play a part. But the Red Sox should have known the Dodgers would make a serious play for Mookie.

 

-Friedman had created some payroll room.

-The Dodgers are set up to be contenders for a while and have a good organization.

-It's a good place to play.

-The Dodgers had to give up some talent for Mookie so it makes sense they weren't just looking to have him for one season.

[moonslav59]

Geez, define 'serious effort'. The Sox supposedly offered Mookie $310 million in 2018 to stay with the Sox. If that's not a serious offer, I don't know what is. The ball might have been in Boston's court, but Mookie also had to be reasonable on his end.

 

I don't think that Mookie was in a hurry to get out of Boston. I think he wanted to receive the largest contract given to date. He got that with the Dodgers (and I'm still in shock about it), but I also think that the pandemic played a huge part in Mookie agreeing to a deal before reaching free agency.

 

Under these new economic times, I'm not sure that $310M offer was still on the table, or would have been this winter, had Betts not signed.

 

I agree, that offer was "serious" and maybe just a starting point, but times were different, then.

 

My guess is, he'd have gotten more from the Dodgers had Covid not hit.

[Kimmi]

Which raises the question of how much more at risk MLB players are than the general population right now. Are David and his family in lockdown?

 

Good questions, to which I don't know the answer. I guess that depends on how well the players follow guidelines, which is also the case with the general population.

[Kimmi]

Under these new economic times, I'm not sure that $310M offer was still on the table, or would have been this winter, had Betts not signed.

 

I agree, that offer was "serious" and maybe just a starting point, but times were different, then.

 

My guess is, he'd have gotten more from the Dodgers had Covid not hit.

 

I'm sure the $310 offer was not still on the table. The point was that the Sox did make a serious offer.

 

And yes, times are very different now. That is why I can't believe the Dodgers gave Mookie that contract. Color me shocked.

[Kimmi]

The pandemic probably did play a part. But the Red Sox should have known the Dodgers would make a serious play for Mookie.

 

-Friedman had created some payroll room.

-The Dodgers are set up to be contenders for a while and have a good organization.

-It's a good place to play.

-The Dodgers had to give up some talent for Mookie so it makes sense they weren't just looking to have him for one season.

 

No doubt. I don't disagree with any of that. IMO, once Mookie turned down the Sox' offer, the Sox knew that they would not be signing Mookie long term. I don't think there was ever any serious intention of trading him then re-signing him as a free agent.

[Bellhorn04]

I'm sure the $310 offer was not still on the table. The point was that the Sox did make a serious offer.

 

And yes, times are very different now. That is why I can't believe the Dodgers gave Mookie that contract. Color me shocked.

 

Personally I like the Dodgers' confidence.

 

Or maybe what they're thinking is 'Well, if the pandemic destroys the world, this contract won't much matter anyway."