riverside sluggers

wow damn, Harris stands out as a better late innings/pinch runner bench player than he is. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6303 He seems to be a career minor leaguer at best. .196 career batting avg in 146 MLB games proves that. ----------------- Apologies to other talksox posters. I was thinking there'd be a chance this guy was a hidden gem to be found by Boston. Seeing his stats, thats clearly not the case.

It does speak volumnes that the Yankees werent that much vocal into the bidding war for Pedro

Maybe 1 or 2 of the young outfield prospects could transition to the corners. Trot Nixon in the minors was originally a center fielder but made the change to right field.

Oh give it a rest. No one was talking about Damon or the loss of him in this thread. If they were to deal Marte and a mid level prospect, it deosnt affect the team of having a bright future. The 2nd prospect wont be along the lines of Papelbon or Hansen, but moreso of Edgar Martinez or Luis Soto according to WEEI. The Sox will continue to scout well and will have 7 picks in the first 100 of this year's draft, so all is not lost whatsoever.

eh, id still gladly take this over Seattle asking for Lester or Papelbon in return for Reed.

Coco Crisp would also be with the Sox guaranteed thru 2009 which is when free agency will hit for him, so it wouldnt just be a short term fix. He gives us back another switch hitter after the departure of Mueller, and also importantly the speed that was lost when Johnny switched sides. Rotoworld is indicating the relief pitcher could most likely be David Riske. Hell yea to that, solid setup man and even more assurance than going with Mota into the 06 season. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6309/career;_ylt=AndKODE0dunebdOSnMRUrFeFCLcF As for the other player, Sox should take a look at the Guardians' prospect outfielder Brad Snyder. He was just ranked in the top 100 outfield prospects of 2005 #28 Brad Snyder (22) -- Cleveland Guardians Lake County (Low-A) 79 Games .280 10HR 54RBI Kinston (High-A) 29 Games .355 6HR 21RBI http://www.topprospectalert.com/top-100-outfielders.htm stats are from 2004

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/01/21/sox_hope_to_work_indians_to_a_crisp/ This Crisp trade talks are moving along. It has now advanced to a 6 player trade. No coincidence that once Theo was officially back, the engine would be on and reving up and not just sitting in the garage collecting dust. Boston- Coco Crisp, 2 players/prospects (maybe along the lines of a 4th outfielder and relief pitcher) Cleveland- Andy Marte, Guillermo Mota, prospect

Keep in mind that it was right after the All Star Break not Tampa that his 2nd half went into decline. His 2 starts that he had against the yankees and white sox Combined 8.2 innings, 11 Hits, 10 ER, 4 HRs, 7 Walks, 9 Ks

true, hence what the Sox are in the process of doing. 2007 is looking like a breakout year for our farm system's product

How were the Marlins "1 year wonders" if theyve won 2 world series since 97?

doesnt everyone know that bench hitters are supposed to hit .300+? Please, I think we did fine with Pokey in 04. Harris will bring the same dimensions to the Red Sox.

Yes I realize that, but I was asking for plausible suggestions. Griffey rumor was shot down this morning, making this deal even less likely of a chance.

Who do you suggest the Red Sox should get since they are looking for a center field er not already with the organization?

There is now speculation that the Patriots could draft Dillon's successor in this year's draft. Im hoping for a longshot, that Lindale White is not taken by the time its the Patriots pick in the 1st round.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17876220%255E23218,00.html This article indicates that Trent Durington, a native Australian, will get his chance this upcoming spring training to try and earn a spot on the 25 man roster. Thoughts? And does anyone know anything about him who is known to be an infielder?

Lets also remember the last time "soriano to boston" was brought up in the news, it was reported that Washington would be seeking pitching, pitching, pitching We're not talking Wells, Clement or Arroyo The Nationals were moreso along the lines interested in Beckett, Papelbon or Lester. Thanks but no thanks Washington. ------------------------ other reasons to avoid Soriano Soriano at 2nd base would harpen the new & improved defense the Sox is going towards 5 past seasons has commited 104 errors, and overall has a horrid career .969 fielding percentage He also doesnt like to connect that bat with the ball when there are men on base 2005 stats RISP- (.235 avg) RISP/2outs- (.181 avg)

Glad to hear they are moving things along nicely and setting themselves up for the 06 season Defensive Coordinator: Check Offensive Coordinator: Check On to retaining some of our prized players who will be free agents.

Not to mention he seriously lacks plate patience.

Lets keep in mind here, the team hasnt totally dismantled. Some areas have been improved on the defense, our much loved 05 Sox team was the 4th worst team on fielding. In 2004 they were ranked the 4th best. The opening day bullpens of 05 compared to the eventual 06 also sees a great uptick for us to be excited about. 2005 opening day pen John Halama -released after 1-1 record with a 6.18 ERA Blaine Neal- traded back to san Diego after 0-1 record with a 9.00 ERA Matt Mantei- put on season DL after 1-0 record with a 6.49 ERA Alan Embree- released after 1-4 record & 1 save with a 7.65 ERA Mike Timlin- stood as the most reliable reliever of the season, 7-3 record & 13 saves with a 2.65 ERA Keith Foulke- injury (physical/mental) marred season, 5-5 record & 15 saves with a 5.91 ERA 2006 opening day pen **Bronson Arroyo **Jonathan Papelbon Guillermo Mota Rudy Seanez Julian Tavarez Mike Timlin Keith Foulke Alex Cora is set to take over ss after Rent's 30 error season. Edgah's my boy and he will get a standing O this season, but Cora will provide more solid D at the middle of the infield. While providing decent offense such as .270 - .275, 7 Hrs, 50-65 RBIs 1st base, enough said. A tandem of Youk as the starter and JT Snow as the late innings def. replacement will overshadow Millar's horrid 05 season. 3rd base, Mueller's my boy but Lowell has the advantage of winning 2 golden gloves, one of which came this past season. Moving to fenway he could provide about the same or more offense than Mueller.

Agreed on who is starting to be the most likely option. I would be thrilled to hear if Sox were able to latch onto Crisp, center field and lead off hitter is solved and now lets get to spring training please. This is the only possible trade that I wouldnt be totally devastated if Marte was sent packing there. As opposed to Marte for a 1 season worth of Lugo, no thank you. We know we are getting talent for talent, Crisp is in his prime years (age 26) and has proven himself in the majors. The newest speculation is that multiple players would be switching sides...

From Chris Snow of the Boston Globe on center field options There are ongoing talks between Cleveland and Boston of a Marte for Crisp swap. This could also be a larger deal of multiple players switching sides. He quickly shot down a David Wells to San Francisco trade in return for 40 year old Steve Finley. Thank God. He also shot down the rumored trade that wouldve seen Griffey come to Boston. Multiple sources along with Snow are reporting the Sox are having interest in free agent Jeff DaVanon.

Lets not count out that the Sox could still keep Tony to act as their 4th outfielder/right handed hitting compliment to Nixon. Can play all infield/outfield positions Wont make waves if placed in utility role Hits .300 with RISP, especialy with 2/outs Fenway is definitely home for him 32 games played- 37 for 107 (.346 avg) (.403 OBP) --------------------------- Who do you suggest? Wife Beater Lugo perhaps who will cost an arm and a leg trying to deal with Tampa Bay?

No one said this move was for Harris to be the 4th outfielder/platoon partner with Nixon--As of right now they are still looking for a backup righty outfielder whether it be through trade or free signing. It is evident Willie will see most of his time doing the infield in the late innings. Whats not to get? This improves the defense even more now for our pitchers.

News-Filled Day for our boys He will be valuable for tito to call on when a pinch runner is needed and a solid player to call upon for late innings defense if Cora, Loretta or someone in the outfield needs a spell.