BSN07

So you believe he is one and done as well? It's really not a shocker though. It's pretty much the exact situation Boras was hoping for with his pillow contract.

Beltre is hard to figure out. My gut is saying he is in contract mode. But the Red Sox fan in me wants to believe he would play like this every year he's in Boston. In the end I think it's just too risky financially to try and bring him back at 4/12-15M per. I think they should offer arb, hope to get picks or at worst Beltre back on a one year deal. Other then that look to the off season FA/Trade market to bring in a impact 1B/3B.

The package does seem a bit light at first glance. But if you consider a couple things it doesn't look too bad. 1. Saunders ERA in the AL over the past 2 years is 4.00. Harens is 3.23 in the NL. I think it's fair to reason that Saunders may very well benefit from the change of AL to NL like a lot of pitchers have done in the past. So a mid to upper 3 ERA isn't far fetched. And that would be extremely valuable to a young and rebuilding AZ team. Not to mention the possibility of flipping him for more prospects if he has success there. 2. Saunders makes 3.7M this season an is Arb eligible for 2 more years. Which even if he pitches well probably won't come close to what they had remaining for Harens deal. Add in a couple decent cost controlled prospects and it's not bad deal. Just not the one everyone was expecting. Also I was reading more on the deal and there is a PTBNL. That typically means one of this years draft picks who can't be traded yet. From the GM's comments it appears to be another LHP. Did the Angels draft any highly talented LHP in the draft this year?

It's why I said I don't expect any major moves from the Sox this deadline. Neither selling or buying. I expect they will stand pat, maybe a BP arm or something complementary, but for the most part they will go with the team they built in the off season. I expect more "major" moves to come this November-December.

Maybe the Yankees get a third team involved. Jesus being a Catcher and AZ having a good young Catcher hurts the Yankees since he's probably their best trade chip. If they can find another team to send Jesus too for another elite prospect AZ loves, then a deal might fall together. It's not unfathomable. Haren's a little risky. But if the Sox were in on him, I probably wouldn't be opposed to getting him. He has enough upside to warrant the risk.

Some comments from Gammons, I think Helton is out for a little while, so this is probably not an option until the off season. Probably nothing more then Gammons kicking around names, but with the Dodgers on going issues and a lot of players due pay raises in arbitration next season, I guess it may be possible to get him. Assuming he is available is he worth trying to get? I mean he has kind of slid in each season since his break out year in 2007. I have really no idea how good he is behind the plate. Thoughts?

But back on topic. What's everyone think of Cuban owning the Rangers?

I know it's a one year deal, but that doesn't mean they couldn't re-sign him. Extend was a bad word to use sorry. I think a 2-3 year deal at 10-12M annually would be a competitive offer. While Young has like 3 years 48M left on his deal after the year is over. Personally I hope it's neither. My preference would be to see Youk at 3B come next season anyways.

Beltre for Werth is interesting. I agree with Jacko that it would have to be part of some other deal to really make any sense. Fielder seem like a long shot, but could be a possibility. Any deal for Fielder starts with Casey Kelly. If the Sox some how manage to add a combo of Werth+ Fielder/Dunn things could get very interesting. Not sure I see it all lining up in the end, but it is an interesting topic.

No thanks. They would be better of just extending Beltre for probably less money.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2010/07/red_sox_acquire_2.html

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-22/mark-cuban-can-bid-on-texas-rangers-league-decides.html Thoughts? I personally felt the MLB owners would never let him bid/buy one of the "old" franchise's. He has a much better chance at a expansion/newer franchise. The Rangers seem to be a perfect fit however. Not too old, some history but nothing major. If that team can get some finical backing they will be a powerhouse. Also speaking of the Rangers, Is this true? I checked on Cots, and it doesn't have him listed as a possible FA. Anyone know the deal? If Hamilton hits the open market, he could be looking at a big pay day. I know he has had his issues and they are real concerns. But does anyone think he could play in Boston.? I salivate at the Idea at adding him to the team. And cringe when I think of some of the "what if's".

Neither. The cost will be too high for either player. I've said it before, the Sox won't be bringing in any big names this deadline. They can't offer what other teams are looking for, high impact ML ready(or close to it) players. Look for the to ride it out and maybe make a few minor moves, maybe a couple waiver wire deals.

What up all? 1st time in the game thread this season. I know the Red Sox are beat up, that said, this may be the best spring training lineup ever. Lowrie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's about damn time.

I wouldn't mind them getting Iannetta at some point. V-Mart is not coming back as the everyday Catcher. Tek is not an everyday guy anymore. And the biggest upside catching prospect, Ibarra, is realistically not going to be ready by 2011 to take over full time.

Is that out a month then start baseball activity's or our a couple weeks and will be back pitching for the Yanks in a month? Let's face facts. Andy is old and groin injuries can be very nagging injuries. This could be a big issue for the Yanks.

You should start taking something for your stress levels now. You just pointed out how exactly I think the deadline is going to go down. There are no impact players available. Teams want too much for the 2nd tier guys. The Red Sox payroll seems to have hit their ceiling and the Sox farm system is not deep with what teams are looking for this year. This all points to minimal if any activity on the trade front for the Sox IMO.

Ortiz can want all he likes, but in the end the most he is looking at is a 2 year guaranteed contract. Possibly the Twins on a 2 year deal at 7 or 8M per.