SchillingIsTheNatural

I can guarantee Aubrey Huff would not be a downgrade by any means...and Fred McGriff?? How old was he by the time he was moved. Huff is like 29 years old right in his prime. The guy can hit the ball hard and playing in Fenway also helps him. Not to mention he would have better guys in the lineup protecting him. The guy is a baseball player and is better than most 1B options out there. I would deffinitly take him if given the opportunity. He has always had a good OBP which the Red Sox relish. I also have a very good feeling our pitching rotation will consist of Schilling, Wells, Clement, Arroyo, and Wakefield. That was the starting rotation we had this year and it was not good. I think we have seen just about all we can get out of Arroyo. He is what he is and thats someone who battles but doesnt have the pitches to get players out consistantly. Wells is 42 years old and clearly has lost some zip on his fastball. He is steady but not what you are looking for to solve any problems. I don't know what the hell to think about anymore with Clement. Schilling will be fine based on his determination to get back to where he was a year ago. Jonathan Papelbon has the most live arm out of everyone in the potential starting rotation. Wade Miller is a good starting pitcher who (when healthy) can dominate a lineup. If I had my way this is my rotation: Schilling Wakefield Wells Papelbon Miller ...sending Arroyo to the pen and Clement on his way out of town

I wonder how much the Sox would think about getting Hanley Ramirez into the mix for a possible OF spot. If they think Pedroia is ready to make a run at the 2B job then I can't imagine Hanley is too far behind. I was hearing that the Sox might be willing to let Pedroia and Cora run the 2B job this year. Maybe the Sox would get a veteran CF to help Hanley along. Just a thought....I think it would be interesting to see two young speedy kids batting 1st and 2nd....both with the ability to take a base. Then hitting the lineup of Ortiz, Manny, and say Huff. Not to mention the back of the lineup being made up of Varitek, Nixon, Renteria, and Youkilis.

Look at the games Huff has played at 1st and check out his fielding %. I think thats more important than errors. Not to mention I think Huff is a top 5 1B hitter in the AL along with Giambi, Konerko, Texiera, and Sexson. If he can put up those numbers in Tampa Bay with that team...imagine how he would look hitting behind Manny and Ortiz and being covered by Varitek and Nixon....good god that could be excellent. He would also go back to 30 HRs a year playing in Boston.

The only way I see us moving Manny is if we get a deal that can't be refused. The last TRUE effort to move Manny was for A-Rod. Those are some pretty big names. I think the player(s) in return would need to be starting pitching or a young talented batter. If you are talking about the Mets then you are talking about David Wright. If you are talking about the Blue Jays you are talking about Roy Halladay. If you are talking about Texas then you might as well discuss Texiera or Young. If you are going to say White Sox then we are discussing Jenks or Buehrle. It has to be a star for a star....otherwise why would the Sox make the deal? They can afford Manny they just don't want to. But they aren't going to sacrifice the success of the team just to save money. Especially in this market of free agents cause who are you saving money for?? One move I would consider cause I saw his name as a free agent next season is Derek Lee. I don't know if the Cubs have that kinda money but its possible. Not to mention Lee is solid at 1B and hits from the right side (counter to Ortiz hitting lefty).

I say the hell with small ball, bunting, sacrifice, fly balls, whatever.....thats not how the Red Sox play and thats fine by me. Normally our style of hitting works great. The whole lineup can hit the ball and I like having a lineup of guys who can work a count. Get the pitch count up and get the starter out as soon as possible. Teams are at such a disadvantage if they need to go to the bullpen early. Our main focus should be more power and pitchers who can win when the Sox score 6 runs. It seems like we are always scoring 6 runs...thats what the starter needs to focus on...7 innings and 3er. We could use more speed on the bench if anything so if Ortiz can't get to the plate at the end of the game....we can probably manufacture a run with pinch runners.

I think we have a much better shot at getting Overbay instead of Huff. The Brewers aren't in our division and they have Fielder who is going to play first so they should move him while they can. Its not like the Brewers don't have places on there team to improve. Not to mention its tough to deal within your own division with Tampa Bay who always asks for teams top prospects. Although with the changes Tampa Bay made it might be easier to deal with them. The idea of trading Nixon and having both Overbay and Huff sounds interesting. That would require a couple trades though and that might be tough although I'm sure the Red Sox could pull something off. I'm still a big Trot Nixon fan though and he is just one of those Red Sox I feel is important to have around. Adding two new faces and both guys who I wouldn't consider superior to Nixon might not be the best idea. Its interesting though. Without a doubt it appears our biggest issue on offense is a #5 hitter to protect Manny and that player will come in the form of either OF or 1B. Both players who take up those roles I would hope to be strong defenders and one of them being a 30 HR guy.

I was reading a bunch of rumors and ideas from sports writers that the Red Sox should trade Manny for Gary Sheffield straight up. Who are these guys that write such lame crap. I could seriously list about 100 reasons why that trade wouldn't happen and will never happen. I wouldn't be suprised if the Yanks and Sox never speak to each other or consider a deal with each other as long as baseball exists. DUMB! Then again I did read the article so I guess they did there job.....damn.

I agree with Rugbyboy_90210. Just hit the ball...we dont need to play small ball. We need better pitching....there that was easy.

I would rather see another team get Matsui simply to take him from the Yanks. I'm not excited about trading Manny then having Ortiz and Matsui as our big hitters...two lefty hitters. No keep Manny...get a power hitter in either CF or 1B.

Amazingly the pitching we need may already be on our team. As horrible as it was this season you have to think more of the answers are already here. More than anything the Sox need a shut down lefty in the bullpen. BJ Ryan should be there top target which I know they will fight with the Yanks for. I believe Mike Timlin is the biggest resign. If we have those two guys thats a great 1-2 punch and if Foulke can retake the closer role....we might have the best bullpen in the league. Not to mention Hansen, Delcarmen, and DiNardo will continue to progress. I would also like to keep Bradford and Myers for those situational outs. As far as the rotation goes. With all the guys we have signed I think we are guaranteed to see a better season from Curt Schilling and Wade Miller. The anticipation for Jonathan Papelbon is huge and he should be a tank this year. Boomer and Wake would be perfect at the end of the rotation but unfortunatly we have to deal with Clement who I think we all agree he will probably never live up to his potential now at age 30. Arroyo deffinitly seems like the odd man out and as much as I like him he doesnt have enough pitches or velocity to do much more than he has. Lets not forget that Jon Lester could be up there with Papelbon next season who would give us that much needed lefty. We also have Anibal Sanchez who might not be too far away....so investing in ANOTHER starting pitcher is not the way to go unless its a stud.

Maybe he can figure out what the hell is wrong with Oliver Perez

I think both Hansen and Delcarmen will start in Pawtucket. Certainly making an appearance in the majors for 2006 at some point. Hansen needs to get his slider back and Delcarmen needs to work on his curve so he can throw it for strikes. Things don't work out the way you want and I'm sure injuries will take a run as well as some players being ineffective. With the outfield I listed its very important to have defensive backups. With the infield I listed its important to have experienced players to help out the young guys. I think I agree 100% about Burnett. I'm real high on him but with the problem he had with McKeon I now question his character. I don't like bringing in guys with an attitude problem. If this team is going to get a facelift I want leaders to come in and a team that doesnt have drama. I think you are also right as far as adding a lefty starter cause the list I provided doesn't include one. I'm wondering how long it will be for Jon Lester to finish up his minor league career. Theo has been saying a lot about building from within and maybe he doesn't address a free agent starter. Perhaps moves a "finally" healthy Wade Miller back to the rotation for now. I don't see the Sox making a move for another starter other than Burnett cause I don't see many guys being upgrades from what we alreay have. So you are right as far as waiting for those prime pitchers to hit the market or waiting for Lester.

I would imagine most of those options being picked up and some of those guys hitting long term contracts...however...it would set up nice for possible trades by the trade deadline for those teams who can't strike a deal. Personally I think this free agent market can be real good. I'd like to see the Red Sox go after three players: Brian Giles (play CF for a few years until Ellsbury is ready), AJ Burnett (we need that #2 ace), and BJ Ryan (set up lefty). Then I would resign Timlin and Myers. Trade Arroyo for Overbay. Wells would probably do something else and give the sox a look like this: ROTATION Curt Schilling AJ Burnett Tim Wakefield Matt Clement Jonathan Papelbon BULLPEN CL: Keith Foulke SU: Mike Timlin SU: BJ Ryan SR: Chad Bradford SL: Mike Myers LR: Lenny DiNardo LR: Wade Miller POSITION C: Jason Varitek 1B: Lyle Overbay 2B: Dustin Pedroia 3B: Kevin Youkilis SS: Edgar Renteria RF: Trot Nixon CF: Brian Giles LF: Manny Ramirez DH: David Ortiz ....a big question on the defensive side with a young infield and slow outfield...but if you look closely...a majority of the pitchers are strikeout guys which would help a lot

Most pitchers who play for the Red Sox are over .500 cause of the run support we provide. I guess its just back to the question from last year...can we find a replacement for Pedro and can we get Schilling healthy. If that happens then we have a dominating rotation...cause then you are talking about Wells, Wakefield, Clement, Papelbon, Arroyo, Miller fighting for the other three spots. Considering only half of them make the rotation I would say Wakefield, Wells, Papelbon....but that leaves out Clement, Arroyo, and Miller. So we have a numbers problem and guys need to be traded, added to the bullpen, or retire. I would like to have 6 starters as we did this year cause it gives good depth for injuries.

I've seen crazy trades happen. I don't think it would happen either but it sounds interesting. Any player in baseball can be traded. I was simply suggesting it would be interesting to look into.

That is deffinitly the case. It would be pretty tough to trade Matt Clement. My personal preference would be keeping Arroyo and moving Clement...mostly cause Matt didn't really win me over this season. But like you said most teams would want Arroyo over Clement.

I think this is good news. I don't mind David Wells but at 42 he is not the answer. If we could get anything for a 42 year old pitcher I say...AWESOME. I was hoping circumstances would arise where pitchers wouldn't work out and clear room for others since we have all of them under contract.

Giles would be a great addition if we moved Manny. I believe Giles is a lefty? We would still need another strong righty bat to go with Ortiz and say Giles. A middle lineup of Ortiz, Giles, and Konerko sounds pretty nasty.....I still think our money needs to go to pitching though. Or if Manny was traded he should be traded for pitching

I'm not sure what kind of cancer we are talking about but.....my father recently beat brain cancer. Had a type 3 brain tumor and was able to overcome all obstacles and will live a full healthy life. That is if he doesn't kill himself playing hockey at age 56. Boston is tops in overall cancer treatment. It can be beaten and the best way to beat it is to believe. stay strong!

I like reading what Riverside has to say cause he voices a good opinion. I don't care if people are wrong or right and I like seeing people post good information no matter how many times its brought up. What I don't really like are those who post something worthless with no insight of there own. Brainstorming is the most enjoyable part of this forum. Thinking up crazy ideas and exploring possibilities even if they are extremely out of reach. Who cares??? Its a forum...not like any of us are going to make the slight bit of difference in what the Red Sox do....we just like to talk about it. So who are you to say Riverside is worthless when half the stuff I read from you consists of "that will never happen." Brilliant!!!

I actually didn't feel bad cause when you think about it....this team really overachieved and I'm shocked we made the playoffs. Not a single starter below a 4.00 ERA. It was a fun year though mostly just watching David Ortiz.... if he wins the MVP that will make my year all by itself

that should be exciting I cant wait to see that

I was actually also reading about Toronto being interested in Manny and Halladay's name was brought up. Maybe they would deal him to a division rival BUT they would be getting possibly the best hitter in the division. Not to mention I hear the Blue Jays are real interested in Burnett so they would have Burnett take the reigns of ace and add a TOP cleanup hitter. I think they would want another pitcher which we could actually provide considering we have a few. Maybe they would want Arroyo who has done well in the AL. If I was the Blue Jays I would keep Halladay and go after Burnett. That would be a nice 1-2 punch but there batting is still pretty pathetic.

One thing thats tough is knowing all of our pitching staff is returning. We also needs to come to grips that the pitching staff is not good enough. Some of these guys need to move to different roles. I think Wakefield and Arroyo need to go to the bullpen as much as I like them. Most of the answers are on our team but I think we should sign a strong lefty. Keith Foulke BJ Ryan (my choice over Wagner) Craig Hansen Manny Delcarmen Lenny DiNardo Tim Wakefield Bronson Arroyo (might be traded) If this team is going to trade Manny Ramirez then we need to seriously upgrade our rotation: Curt Schilling AJ Burnett Jonathan Papelbon David Wells Matt Clement ....Wade Miller can play a part somewhere in the mix cause like last year you can assume there will be injuries and Matt Clement can possibly be used less so not to tire. Wells will prolly get hurt and Schilling/Burnett are risks...you can never have enough pitching. So basically I'm saying sign Burnett and Ryan. Now here is a twist. It is possible to move Manny Ramirez and someone like Bronson Arroyo to a team for a top pitcher. I hear rumors that the Blue Jays could be interested. I have no idea where they would get the money but if they were interested (and I hear they want Burnett too) perhaps they would be interested in moving Halladay (they might be tired of his injuries). If healthy I would do anything for a pitcher like Roy Halladay.

Here are my thoughts on David Wells: I love the "me against the world" type attitude....but its not great for the team. Does anyone remember seeing a few of the Red Sox starters walking to the mound last season all claiming they were available to pitch whenever needed. Thats the kind of attitude you want. Not someone who says "we will see." I want someone who wants the ball and is willing to sacrifice for the team no matter how they are called upon. I also want pitchers who don't quit and remain focused...here are two cases I find troubling with our newly aquired pitchers this postseason: Matt Clement obviously got hammered in the first game but what bothered me the most was how he quit. Its something you can see in the guy when he gets frustrated cause things aren't going right. After Clement gave up an early 5-0 lead you could see he was already done. The next batter he faced got up to a very quick 2-0 count and the two balls Clement threw were effortless and way off the plate. This man should know that a 5-0 lead with the Red Sox behind him is nothing to get worked up over....clear your head and make your pitches...act as if the game is still 0-0. He says that making himself available for the bullpen would be hard and maybe not the best interest. Now to David Wells. I love the energy he can bring and personally I like his overall attitude but he lets it work against him. If you ever watch David Wells reaction when he doesnt get a call you know whats coming next. The ball travels right down the middle and *whap* off it goes. Its almost like Wells way of telling the umpire...."fine screw you, if thats how it will be then I'll just hand the ball over and its your faultl." I've seen it happen several times this year. When he faces a team like Chicago in the playoffs who is geared up for this game...the last thing Graffanino could do was ruin the tempo that Wells had going for himself. Not because it places the Red Sox with two on and one out...but because David Wells is on the mound and things are working against him in a situation he can't control. You could see it in Wells face....he had just quit. Now he says "we will see" for his next start. Tim Wakefield, Curt Schilling, Bronson Arroyo....these guys don't quit....they fight it out for the team and do everything they can to keep the team in it. I don't mind if a pitcher gets hammered or things just happen to work against them on a particular day. What I can't stand is a pitcher who is not mentally prepared for what can happen and give up on the team. I admit that somtimes Arroyo gets wrecked and it bugs me but its in part cause his stuff isn't that great....but he doesn't quit. All three of these guys are ready to pitch whenever, wherever, from the bullpen, short days rest...doesnt matter.