Kike Hernandez signs 1 year extension

[Hugh2]

You could make an argument for a QO for both, the biggest risk is both accept. Oh no, we need starting pitchers anyways, we have about 1 solid guy who has shown he can stay health in this rotation the last several years and he's not great, not bad just not great.

 

You can still upgrade the rotation and offer some QOs

[moonslav59]

One big problem is we may want to reset in 2024. The QO's would help us do that, and hopefully, some prospect arms will be proven by then.

[moonslav59]

Another big problem is, if Wacha and Nate accept their QO, we can only realistically improve, if both stay healthy and give us more IP without regression (well, maybe Wacha regresses as much as Nate progresses.).

[Bobe2]

Assuming we add a RF'er, the only way Pham and ref stay on the 26 is if one is part of a DH platoon, otherwise, we wont carry 5 OF'ers. (Pham and Ref are out of options.)

 

Cordero has been out of minor league options since early 2021 and he’s been going back and forth for over a year without one, I guess the other 29 GM’s don’t view him the same as bloom or they would have claimed him by now

[Nick]

Staying on the topic...how to spend $79M with Pham in fold in left field ($6M mutual option seems will be exercised)

 

Notin had Sox picking up Paxton's 2 year, $26M option.

 

So our starters are now Sale, Pivetta, Paxton, Bello and Whitlock (my pick).

 

Notin however had Xander gone, saving $20M + $10M raise I used. That takes us up to $96M to improve the team. Why not sign Kike for $10M to play centerfield/shortstop, splitting time with Arroyo and Duran?

 

You can buy lot of pitching for $86M that's leftover, if we can live without both JD and Xander and duplicate this year's run total.

 

I got a call from Bloom. He just said "not a bad idea, Nick"

[sk7326]

Staying on the topic...how to spend $79M with Pham in fold in left field ($6M mutual option seems will be exercised)

 

Notin had Sox picking up Paxton's 2 year, $26M option.

 

So our starters are now Sale, Pivetta, Paxton, Bello and Whitlock (my pick).

 

Notin however had Xander gone, saving $20M + $10M raise I used. That takes us up to $96M to improve the team. Why not sign Kike for $10M to play centerfield/shortstop, splitting time with Arroyo and Duran?

 

You can buy lot of pitching for $86M that's leftover, if we can live without both JD and Xander and duplicate this year's run total.

 

I got a call from Bloom. He just said "not a bad idea, Nick"

 

Kike at $10M is fine - both sides have some upside there.

 

They need some functional production from DH and RF - now that cost shouldn't be ridiculous ... that is, the cost for Aaron Judge is a lot, but the cost for Hunter Renfroe isn't.

 

I would like to think the team would go in on somebody significant if Bogaerts walks like a Trea Turner ... but who knows.

 

Pitching they need at least one high floor starter and just a bunch of other arms for the bullpen. Maybe you pick up Paxton's option assuming he can pitch again at any sort of level of effectiveness - but I'd be just as happy seeing if Eovaldi would come back for a similar number.

[notin]

Cordero has been out of minor league options since early 2021 and he’s been going back and forth for over a year without one, I guess the other 29 GM’s don’t view him the same as bloom or they would have claimed him by now

 

ThT Bloom keeps DFAing says all you need to know about how he feels, too…

[Nick]

Kike at $10M is fine - both sides have some upside there.

 

They need some functional production from DH and RF - now that cost shouldn't be ridiculous ... that is, the cost for Aaron Judge is a lot, but the cost for Hunter Renfroe isn't.

 

I would like to think the team would go in on somebody significant if Bogaerts walks like a Trea Turner ... but who knows.

 

Pitching they need at least one high floor starter and just a bunch of other arms for the bullpen. Maybe you pick up Paxton's option assuming he can pitch again at any sort of level of effectiveness - but I'd be just as happy seeing if Eovaldi would come back for a similar number.

 

I was just patting myself on the back for 'predicting' Kike signing at $10M on the same day, earlier.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Regarding Wacha -- the past three years he took one-year contracts for three different teams, and this season finally set himself up for longterm stability somewhere.

 

1) Why would he'd accept a QO, when a big league club somewhere will undoubtedly offer him a multi-year?

2) The only reason the Sox would offer him a QO is to get a draft pick when he signs elsewhere, unless they really only want him for one more year... but

3). Isn't Wacha the type of established starter Bloom would covet for rotation stability to help right the ship, say for the next three seasons: 30 years old with a market value less than top-of-the-rotation-starters?

[notin]

Staying on the topic...how to spend $79M with Pham in fold in left field ($6M mutual option seems will be exercised)

 

Notin had Sox picking up Paxton's 2 year, $26M option.

 

So our starters are now Sale, Pivetta, Paxton, Bello and Whitlock (my pick).

 

Notin however had Xander gone, saving $20M + $10M raise I used. That takes us up to $96M to improve the team. Why not sign Kike for $10M to play centerfield/shortstop, splitting time with Arroyo and Duran?

 

You can buy lot of pitching for $86M that's leftover, if we can live without both JD and Xander and duplicate this year's run total.

 

I got a call from Bloom. He just said "not a bad idea, Nick"

 

For the record, while Notin predicts Cander to leave, he/I very much want him back…

[mvp 78]

Staying on the topic...how to spend $79M with Pham in fold in left field ($6M mutual option seems will be exercised)

 

Notin had Sox picking up Paxton's 2 year, $26M option.

 

So our starters are now Sale, Pivetta, Paxton, Bello and Whitlock (my pick).

 

Notin however had Xander gone, saving $20M + $10M raise I used. That takes us up to $96M to improve the team. Why not sign Kike for $10M to play centerfield/shortstop, splitting time with Arroyo and Duran?

 

You can buy lot of pitching for $86M that's leftover, if we can live without both JD and Xander and duplicate this year's run total.

 

I got a call from Bloom. He just said "not a bad idea, Nick"

 

Mutual options are rarely ever exercised. I’m not sold this one is picked up.

[Hugh2]

Staying on the topic...how to spend $79M with Pham in fold in left field ($6M mutual option seems will be exercised)

 

Notin had Sox picking up Paxton's 2 year, $26M option.

 

So our starters are now Sale, Pivetta, Paxton, Bello and Whitlock (my pick).

 

Notin however had Xander gone, saving $20M + $10M raise I used. That takes us up to $96M to improve the team. Why not sign Kike for $10M to play centerfield/shortstop, splitting time with Arroyo and Duran?

 

You can buy lot of pitching for $86M that's leftover, if we can live without both JD and Xander and duplicate this year's run total.

 

I got a call from Bloom. He just said "not a bad idea, Nick"

 

I hate the ideal of free agent pitching, especially this class. There’s a lot of former aces who could turn out value or spend the whole season on the DL. Example, Clayton Kershaw. There’s some talent, but everyone is going to be competing for guys like Degrom, and now you’re signing an over 30 year old pitcher to a long term deal at 30 million plus.

 

I wouldn’t mind taking a flyer on a guy like Syndergaard and trading for a TOTRS. Use the money to get a bullpen arm and build a WS caliber lineup.

[Hugh2]

Degrom has stated he wants to be the first 50 million dollar pitcher. Yeah, I’m good with that, let’s give Florida a call and see what they want for one of their cost controlled aces.

[Hugh2]

And I don’t want to see Duran on a MLB roster again unless he either vastly improves his defense or his bat takes off. A bat first position player who can’t hit doesn’t have a place on a team. Kid still has talent and shouldn’t be given up on but I’m not building a MLB team around him.

 

I love Arroyo, but history has shown us we shouldn’t build a team around him being a starter.

 

If this year has shown us anything, it’s how far you can when too many guys get hurt. So let’s shore up this lineup with some durable MLB talent and not platoon it with the same guys getting hurt who haven’t been consistently healthy or good year to year.

[moonslav59]

Cordero has been out of minor league options since early 2021 and he’s been going back and forth for over a year without one, I guess the other 29 GM’s don’t view him the same as bloom or they would have claimed him by now

 

Sox prospects has him with one, and they have never put him on waivers, that I know of.

[moonslav59]

Regarding Wacha -- the past three years he took one-year contracts for three different teams, and this season finally set himself up for longterm stability somewhere.

 

1) Why would he'd accept a QO, when a big league club somewhere will undoubtedly offer him a multi-year?

2) The only reason the Sox would offer him a QO is to get a draft pick when he signs elsewhere, unless they really only want him for one more year... but

3). Isn't Wacha the type of established starter Bloom would covet for rotation stability to help right the ship, say for the next three seasons: 30 years old with a market value less than top-of-the-rotation-starters?

 

Two big reasons:

 

1. The QO scares some teams away from even talking about signing a QO FA.

2. Yes, he would get a multi year offer but maybe likes $18M/1 better than $40M/3. If he does well two years in a row he’ll make a ton next contract plus $18M

[moonslav59]

And I don’t want to see Duran on a MLB roster again unless he either vastly improves his defense or his bat takes off. A bat first position player who can’t hit doesn’t have a place on a team. Kid still has talent and shouldn’t be given up on but I’m not building a MLB team around him.

 

I love Arroyo, but history has shown us we shouldn’t build a team around him being a starter.

 

If this year has shown us anything, it’s how far you can when too many guys get hurt. So let’s shore up this lineup with some durable MLB talent and not platoon it with the same guys getting hurt who haven’t been consistently healthy or good year to year.

 

Well said.

[Jasonbay44]

Sox prospects has him with one, and they have never put him on waivers, that I know of.

This is correct. Cordero has been optioned multiple times and never had to clear waivers.

[moonslav59]

So, we filled one big need- CF.

 

These are what I see as our biggest needs, now:

 

1. SP (Solid 1/2 type Wacha QO?)

2. 2B/SS

3. Closer or top set-up man

4. SP (solid 3 type -Nate QO?)

5. RF/DH

6. RP (set-up) or 2 RPs (depth)

[notin]

This is correct. Cordero has been optioned multiple times and never had to clear waivers.

 

The Sox DFAd Cordero last year despite his having an option left. This process required he be exposed to waivers.

 

https://bosoxinjection.com/2021/10/21/red-sox-designating-franchy-cordero-doesnt-spoil-andrew-benintendi-trade/

[notin]

So, we filled one big need- CF.

 

These are what I see as our biggest needs, now:

 

1. SP (Solid 1/2 type Wacha QO?)

2. 2B/SS

3. Closer or top set-up man

4. SP (solid 3 type -Nate QO?)

5. RF/DH

6. RP (set-up) or 2 RPs (depth)

 

I see it simply as BP and RF or LF.

 

But Bloom is very unpredictable. He might wind up trading Verdugo or Pivetta and just messing with my head. Not like we saw the trades of Benintendi nor Renfroe coming…

[moonslav59]

I see it simply as BP and RF or LF.

 

But Bloom is very unpredictable. He might wind up trading Verdugo or Pivetta and just messing with my head. Not like we saw the trades of Benintendi nor Renfroe coming…

 

Aren't you the wagoneer of the "Arroyo to the IL" Club?

 

Who plays SS or 2B?

 

Enmanuel Valdez?

[moonslav59]

The Sox DFAd Cordero last year despite his having an option left. This process required he be exposed to waivers.

 

https://bosoxinjection.com/2021/10/21/red-sox-designating-franchy-cordero-doesnt-spoil-andrew-benintendi-trade/

 

So, one time?

 

It was to make room on the 40 for someone else, I assume, since he did have options, left.

[notin]

Aren't you the wagoneer of the "Arroyo to the IL" Club?

 

Who plays SS or 2B?

 

Enmanuel Valdez?

 

Hey I don’t drive that wagon train. I just watch it go by a lot.

 

Yes his fragility could leave him in a part time role at 2b. Cora does appear to be a big fan, as bd lately Arroyo has been showing us why.

 

I would not be surprised to see a Valdez/Arroyo platoon at 2b next season. (Ok maybe a little.)

[moonslav59]

Hey I don’t drive that wagon train. I just watch it go by a lot.

 

Yes his fragility could leave him in a part time role at 2b. Cora does appear to be a big fan, as bd lately Arroyo has been showing us why.

 

I would not be surprised to see a Valdez/Arroyo platoon at 2b next season. (Ok maybe a little.)

 

Well, you were sitting right next to the driver on the front seat.

 

I've always liked Arroyo, except for the injuries, and I don't think we can or should count on him for even 130 games at 2B, next year. I'm also high on Enmanuel Valdez who has like 55 Hrs over the past 2 years and an OPS over .940, this year at AA/AAA, but his defense is suspect, and I would not want to see us go with that combo, all year.

 

Now, if it comes down to us only having enough funds for another pitcher or 2B/SS, I'm on the side of pitching, but I still see 2B/SS as a high need area. Losing Bogey and not adding anyone will need a lot of "making up" to do elsewhere to just balance that out.

[Hugh2]

Well, you were sitting right next to the driver on the front seat.

 

I've always liked Arroyo, except for the injuries, and I don't think we can or should count on him for even 130 games at 2B, next year. I'm also high on Enmanuel Valdez who has like 55 Hrs over the past 2 years and an OPS over .940, this year at AA/AAA, but his defense is suspect, and I would not want to see us go with that combo, all year.

 

Now, if it comes down to us only having enough funds for another pitcher or 2B/SS, I'm on the side of pitching, but I still see 2B/SS as a high need area. Losing Bogey and not adding anyone will need a lot of "making up" to do elsewhere to just balance that out.

 

Valdez is a hit first prospect with bad defense, and if he doesn't hit what does that make him at 2Nd? then who do you play if Arroyo goes down? or Maybe Arroyo isn't as great if he can become a 500 AT player for the first time ever. Jeter Downs?

 

It makes zero sense to buy and up the middle defender this offseason. It's happening.

[notin]

Well, you were sitting right next to the driver on the front seat.

 

I've always liked Arroyo, except for the injuries, and I don't think we can or should count on him for even 130 games at 2B, next year. I'm also high on Enmanuel Valdez who has like 55 Hrs over the past 2 years and an OPS over .940, this year at AA/AAA, but his defense is suspect, and I would not want to see us go with that combo, all year.

 

Now, if it comes down to us only having enough funds for another pitcher or 2B/SS, I'm on the side of pitching, but I still see 2B/SS as a high need area. Losing Bogey and not adding anyone will need a lot of "making up" to do elsewhere to just balance that out.

 

My top choice would be bring back Bogaerts. I’d like to see a return to OBP, with whick Kike brings back very little whereas Bogaerts is in the top ten in MLB over the past 3 years.

 

If the Sox do bring in an FA, Kolten Wong and Adam Frazier are the closest matches, but neither really excels at OBP. Jon Berti from the Marlins is an interesting target as he does get on base and is arb eligible in Miami, which often makes a player available. That he plays everywhere certainly helps and fits the mold of numerous players (Taylor, Muncy, J Turner) Friedman grabbed in LA to supplement that team.

[Hugh2]

My top choice would be bring back Bogaerts. I’d like to see a return to OBP, with whick Kike brings back very little whereas Bogaerts is in the top ten in MLB over the past 3 years.

 

If the Sox do bring in an FA, Kolten Wong and Adam Frazier are the closest matches, but neither really excels at OBP. Jon Berti from the Marlins is an interesting target as he does get on base and is arb eligible in Miami, which often makes a player available. That he plays everywhere certainly helps and fits the mold of numerous players (Taylor, Muncy, J Turner) Friedman grabbed in LA to supplement that team.

 

The thing with me, and this my opinion, it’s seems like a huge waste to trade for a position player. The team has a much better history of developing and signing position players leaving me biased towards trading for pitching.

 

Might make sense to trade for a guy if you’re bringing in a top tier FA pitcher like Rodon/DeGrom and then maybe you trade a guy like Pivetta for a 2nd basemen…..or a right fielder.

 

I think it’s more probable than not they bring back Bogey, but certainly not a lock.

[moonslav59]

My top choice would be bring back Bogaerts. I’d like to see a return to OBP, with whick Kike brings back very little whereas Bogaerts is in the top ten in MLB over the past 3 years.

 

It just seems strange to me you want to bring Bogey back, but if he doesn't come back, 2B/SS is not a high need area, to you.

 

I do think Sox brass will decides on going with what we have at maybe 2 of these positions, and maybe 2B is one of them:

 

2B: Arroyo/E Valdez (Story to SS)

RF: Refsnyder/Dugo (Pham/Duran in LF)

1B: Casas/Hosmer (Dalbec/Cordero in AAA)

C: McGuire/Wong (RHern/Cottam in AAA)

DH: Pham/E Valdez/Hosmer/Dalbec/Cordero

 

I'm not listing all the pitching options for 4 rotation slots (Pivetta at 3/4 slot) and RP.

 

[notin]

The thing with me, and this my opinion, it’s seems like a huge waste to trade for a position player. The team has a much better history of developing and signing position players leaving me biased towards trading for pitching.

 

Might make sense to trade for a guy if you’re bringing in a top tier FA pitcher like Rodon/DeGrom and then maybe you trade a guy like Pivetta for a 2nd basemen…..or a right fielder.

 

I think it’s more probable than not they bring back Bogey, but certainly not a lock.

 

Well I hardly consider a Jon Berti trade a depletion of resources.

 

I actually think the Sox are in a rare position where they have more MLB-ready pitchers than hitters/position players. The OF is particularly weak at the upper levels. Next year (if not sooner) the Sox could see the MLB debuts of Mata, Walter, Murphy and Ward to go along with this year’s class of Bello, Winckowski, Crawford and Kelly. But what position players? Valdez? Anyone else? (Not counting Wong, as he debuted last year.)