elsrbueno

I want to be on record saying letting WMP go will be a big mistake. I hate JD Drew. Its exciting to see Clay Buchholz getting the call and Ellsbury up for a game but this sucks. Drew with his weak-ass pop ups and double play grounders isn't fit to carry WMP's jock strap. Sure, he strikes out a TON, and he can't hit a curveball, but Drew is the new Kevin Millar for me (longstanding talksox folks should understand). Drew is an expensive Trot Nixon without the hustle. Call me stupid but I really think with regular playing time WMP can blossom. I really think Drew will be what he is for the next 5 years. An overpaid 120 game a season platoon player with no pop, defense, arm, or heart. I have no idea what Theo sees in this guy. Wily Mo Pena may not become the next big thing but I'd still rather have him at $2 million than Nancy Drew at $14. Whining over.

don't forget-- Kevin Millar's in the best shape of his career! I'd love the idea of Ken Griffey Jr. as a DH. He's still got a decent bat, but the guy's so fragile that I'd be scared to put him in center or even right. The only problem is, the Sox have a pretty darn good DH already. I can still remember the time when Griffey was the best player in the game. He was a perennial threat to Roger Maris' single season home run record, and an amazing defensive center fielder. The problem is those days are gone. He'd be a nice 4th outfielder but can you imagine an outfield with Manny, Drew, and Griffey? EGAD! At least WMP would get some playing time.

I'd take Torii Hunter on a short term deal but he's at the point of his career that he's going to want 4 or 5 years and I just don't think that's a good idea. He's a very good defensive player but at 32 he's on the decline and speed is the first thing to go. Personally, I don't see Ellsbury as much of a downgrade from what Coco Crisp is doing right now, and the Red Sox are still a competitive team. I'd use the money Jones/Hunter/Ichiro would command and spend it other places.

Jeff Clement's another guy who probably won't last behind the plate. They were questioning his ability to stay there even before he was drafted, and he was drafted for his bat. That having been said, his bat doesn't look bad. In his second year of AAA this year his AVG is down but his SLG and OBP are up. He's doubled his walk rate and his strikeout rate is a tiny bit lower. His BABIP so far is .263 which tells me his .240 average is bound to improve once luck is on his side. Again, his future is probably at first base but I'd still take a flier on him. The Mariners are a horribly run organization so there's a chance he could be had.

Salty's minor league numbers are very impressive. Good power, good K:BB rates, good age. I can see the desire to put this guy in the lineup and just watch him hit. Are we dealing with a first base prospect though? Based on the scouting report above it sounds like he's best off getting out from behind the plate. Not that I'd be against this guy as a first baseman because it looks like his bat will play there.... he's just not as valuable if he's not catching. I'd love to see Ellsbury hit the majors with the Red Sox because based on everything I've read he'll be an exciting player. I know the Braves expressed interest in Coco and Hansen last year for Andruw Jones and that'd be IMO a better package from the both sides. The Braves are contenders now and they can't possibly be thrilled with Willie Harris as their everyday left fielder... P.S. are we giving up on George Kottaras? I know his production's way way down this year and he's advancing in age (24) but he's also been a bit unlucky (.244 BABIP this year in AAA). The thing that worries me is his dropping walk rate and rising k rate since the trade....

The Yankees don't have a choice in the matter. If A-Rod decides to opt out he decides to opt out. It's similar to JD Drew last year. The Dodgers didn't let him go, he saw the market potential and got a big raise because of it. Of course, IF he opts out the Yankees have the same chance as everyone else to sign him. I'm a big Lowell fan, but if A-Rod opts out the Red Sox would be foolish not to make an offer to him. Lowell and A-Rod aren't in the same class talent wise.

I'm hesitant to throw Lester into any prospect discussion or to try to tie his career to any current Major leaguers right now. Keep in mind that less than a year ago this guy was diagnosed with cancer. Yes, he's healthy now but that takes it out of you. He was admittedly weak in spring training and the last thing we want this kid doing is pressing, overdoing it, and hurting himself. He's making slow and steady progress and I applaud the Red Sox for bringing him along slowly. Before cancer, he was considered one of the better pitching prospects in baseball, but keep your expectations for this kid in check. I also read an interesting article on Phil Hughes-- apparently he's been playing around with his mechanics? http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/if-it-aint-brokea-video-review-of-phil-hughes-mechanical-changes/

I replied. Not enough. I've got a few feelers out there on Kinsler and others, and I think I've replied to everyone. Send me a PM or an e-mail or something if you think I missed your offer. Thanks

He's right. Papelbon was the future Clemens, Lester was just a great prospect. Hughes isn't considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball for no good reason. He was on yesterday until he got hurt. The sample size in effect until he does it over a prolonged period (more than one season) and before you call me out I've said that about Red Sox and other players too. The minors are filled with top pitching prospects who never panned out. Even Lester started off 5 or 6 or 7 and 0 before coming back to earth a bit.

My team has too many good hitters and not enough pitching. I'd like to make a trade or 2. The following players are available: I won't trade all of them obviously but if I tradea couple I'll still be good: Kinsler Cano Figgins Upton Adkins Wright Cameron Obviously these players have different true abilities so I'd ask for varying degrees of talent depending on which one you want. Send offers through the fantasy site

you think? I was shocked by WMP's being acquired by the Red Sox since he's not really the type of player the Epstein's and Beane's have typically valued. The dude has absolutely no plate discipline and I'm not sure he can hit a curveball. I'm not sure Beane would be interested in Wily, but I could be wrong. Harden's an amazing pitcher when he's pitching, but he may be one of those guys whose funky mechanics make him effective but put him at risk-- which means he may not be healthy AND dominant...... I'd stay away from him.

I wouldn't get too excited about a 23 year old in AA. Especially one with a "mediocre" fastball. Yes, it's nice that he's a lefty with good K/9 throughout the minors but his high walk rates (6.39 and 4.50 BB/9 before and after being traded last year, and a 4.37 minor league average) are troublesome to me. He keeps the ball in the ballpark and has an OK hit rate but again, this guy's prospect status is up in the air. On the other hand Shoemaker is only better statwise in that he doesn't walk as many hitters as Haigwood does. The control advantage is significant but overall sounds like a wait and see trade. I'd say chances are slim either one of these guys makes a significant MLB impact in their careers. All that being said though, I'd take the guy who's lefthanded, 2 years younger with stronger strikeout and homer rates so I'd rather have Haigwood right now.

Everyone, My team sucks. I'm looking to shake things up a little but obviously I want fair value. I'm strong in the infield (2 capable starting 2Bs, 2 good 3Bs), and I'm willing to make a trade to improve my pitching staff. I'm interested in hearing other people's offers. Elsrbueno

Yes. That's what it is. You can start any position player there but players (like Travis Hafner for example) who don't play anything but DH in real life can't play anywhere but there.

Everyone in Talksox league #2. I'm interested in shopping Jason Schmidt to see if I can get a top flight outfielder in return. Any interest please PM me here or (preferably) send an e-mail via the fantasy site. Any trade proposal automatically e-mails me so that works too. I'm Los Montanas Verdes. Thanks

it got one thing right...... B.R.A.S.S had the worst draft. I was satisfied by my draft but I don't know if mine is the team to beat. P.S. I'm looking to upgrade my outfield and nobody is untradable in the right deal. PM me (or e-mail me via the league website) if you're interested in talking.

Howard will probably settle into the 40 HR range as a regular for a while. Keep in mind though that despite his limited experience, he will be 27 this year-- so he's older than you might think. That having been said the year 27 season is widely considered to be his "prime" so I could easily see upper 40s this season. 58 is a stretch. Don't start etching his HOF plaque yet, but he'll be a fearsome hitter for 5 more seasons. I could see him having a Mo Vaughn-esque career (fizzling in his mid-30s), but there's nothing wrong with that.

This thread probably belongs in the minor league forum. Ellsbury should be in the top 100. He's a better prospect than Bowden or Cox. And if Bowden and Cox are on it, you've got to believe Buckholtz will be on it.

I would argue that Bill Stoneman is more stubborn about giving up prospects. When was the last time the Angels actually traded one?

it's ok man, I'm taking it back.

I'm sticking with the Spanish theme-- trying to recruit more latin ballplayers that way. Haha. Los Montanas Verdes. How long does a draft typically last? I've never been in one before.

Beckett was also extremely homer prone last year. He's got to tone that down if he intends to be successful. No doubt the Red Sox have an extremely talented rotation on paper, but the bottom line is that Matsuzaka hasn't done it, Beckett needs to adjust, Wake and Schill are a year older, and Papelbon is converting jobs. Anyone who expects Papelbon's bullpen numbers to carry over to the rotation is crazy. I hate to say this but I think Jacksonian is right. The Red Sox have a high risk, high reward rotation.