BSN07

Can't agree more here. Listen last year I would have said Pujols reupping with the Cardinals is a 99.9% possibility. Now I would say it's 85-90%. I believe the chances of hi leaving aren't great but getting bigger the closer it get's. I don't see him signing soon. He's going to have to see what the Cardinals do this offseason. Yes they brought in Holliday. but it was for 2 reasons. 1st and foremost it was to give Albert a running mate and try to keep him happy. 2nd was in case Albert decided to leave, they would have someone to build around. But now with them bombing this season and LaRussa a ?, there seems to be a little more un settled in the St. Louis. Off course this is my opinion of course. I agree but I wouldn't say there is absolutely no excuse not to bring him back. Yes th Sox should try and sign him before he hits the market. But if he wants to test the waters he's going to. And when he's out there you always have to account for for a desperate GM. If someone is crazy enough to give him 6 years or 16M+ a season or whatever. I would not be mad if the FO didn't beat that offer. I want V-Mart back, but not if it means a deal like that. I'm actually iffy on 5. But not as much because he does have good flexibility in the field. On a side note about V-Mart. I've been thinking it was kind of odd for the Sox "2 year" proposal got out to the public. For the most part the club is pretty good at keeping these thing internal. "Puts on tinfoil hat", is it possible the Sox leaked the low offer on purpose? Possibly to calm the market on V-Mart. Let's be honest, you look at V-Mart as a standout player in the league at a decent age and the Red Sox only offer 2 years? Maybe they are hoping some GM's may be worried about something the Red Sox know and it keeps them from going to that 5 year plateau on an offer. Then if it's all 4 year offers(which I believe the Sox goal is 3-4 years for him) the Sox can probably match any offer that comes in. No I don't think this is some major coup, but just maybe a little strategic plant. Probably me just being bored and wanting the off season to start

This is could very well be the case. I am still wondering what their plans on replacing him would be. FA? Trade? Internal option? Of course we won't know for sure until it all plays out.

A little piece of Dojji just shriveled and died...

That's fair. I know it is probably unreasonable at this point. But I can hold out hope

Dude you guys have Kuyt! I'm so f***ing on board! The man runs and looks like a horse! One of my favorite players to watch on the Dutch National team.

Looks like these guys are here to stay. And I'm looking forward to the opportunity to learn about the club from it's dedicated fan base. Guys feel free to give an outlook of the current state f the team in your opinions. Is there hope for competitiveness? Or does it need to be blown up so to speak and rebuilt?

Ok I know Gerrard and Cole are solid players from seeing them in international action. What is the state of the rest of the roster? Big money guys? Young upcoming players?

Ya your tropical ass is gonna freeze Why did you head north?

Straight cash homie How's Michigan BTW?

I love the fact that Talksox has been infiltrated by the Brits

42 pages? f***ing hell lol

Watched the game last night. So sick. That was ridiculous. Congrats Halladay!

There is already a thread with multiple pages on the subject Look in "other sports"

Dice-K getting traded if probably more likely then Lackey. Although I'd rather Lackey gone. NWIH Lee signs in Boston. He's either a Ranger or Yankee IMO. After Lee the SP market is bleak. Millwood and Webb could be interesting 1 year options. As far as the trade market goes for SP. I don't think there is much known to the public right now. One of the TB starters could be available, but I would imagine those really aren't realistic options. Zambrano? No thanks. Grienke is debatable. I'm still hoping that Felix gets snubbed for the Cy Young and rages against his FO.

Yes they will be. Do you not pay attention to how the FO operates? they are going to set a value for all the FA they are going to make offers to. If some other team comes and a goes significantly higher, the Red Sox have shown they will let that player pass. If someone gives Werth/Crawford 18M a season, don't expect it to be Boston. Expect them to go for a short term guy instead of over paying for one of the other two. Just because there is a ton of $ coming off the books this season, doesn't mean they are going to spend every last dime of it. If you think they Sox are going to go all "Yankees" and blow everyone out of the water for the players they want, you are going to be sorely disappointed.

And stop right there. Trading Buchholz at this point it just an exercise in futility. No way in hell they trade Buchholz for someone that can be had in FA next season. Trading Buchholz is laughable.

That's why he becomes plan A I believe if Werth and Crawford price themselves out of Boston. I would totally be on board for a year of Beltran.

How outstanding would it be if Pavano finished off the Yanks in game 5?

Reyes would be interesting.

We all know the off season can take numerous different routes. The ripple effect from even one move is often hard to predict. But here is what I think may happen, at least for now And this isn't everything, just some general thoughts. I think everyone is expecting a trade for a big time hitter. Me included. But I'm not sure I see it. I don't think they are going to give up the necessary talent for one of the 3 1B that are mentioned around here constantly. Not when they will have a better then average chance to sign 1 of the 3 when they hit FA the next season. I think they will go with a stop gap for the year and pursue those players next off season. And I can't say I blame them. I expect they will go after a Konerko(possibly Dunn if they can stomach his D at 1B for the year and move him to DH next) type and slide Youk over to 3B a year early. Yes I think Youk will be playing 3B next season. Unless there is a minimal market for Beltre(I don't see how it's possible), the Sox won't match the 4 and 5 year deals that are likely to get offered. I only see them going 3 years with a possible option year. And unless Beltre see's no interest or really loves Boston, he's not taking that. Now for other trades. Papelbon and Dice-K are candidates. But they are going t have to get something in return. Even if that means picking up a % of the remaining contracts. Both should garner interest. But it's really too early to tell with them. I also think JD Drew will get shopped. And if they can find a taker they could align themselves for the shocker of the off season. The signing of both Werth and Crawford! :thumbsup: Ok so I may be having a little fun on that one. That one I'll file next too my "Felix has ask to be traded" hopes

Overall I think you assessment of Dice-K is fair. I added earlier in the thread that I though getting Darvish at a young age was important. If he waits a few more seasons i believe he will be stuck in his ways like Dice-K. He's 24, and I believe still has time to be groomed into an MLB style AP.

Who knows? He may be replacing Dice-K :dunno:

Beltran is more of a plan C or D. I don't think he would be their main objective going into the off season.