BSN07

I agree, but like I said, it would depend on what's involved.

Oakland might want to move Crosby. He wouldn't be bad. Eckstein wouldn't be horrible either. Those are just a couple off the top of my head. But i'm sure theres someone out there that could handle it. Or they could aquire a SS, and have Lowrie be super utility guy.

Bowden for a Catcher I like. Whether it be Salty/Teagarden or the package deal of Lugo and Bowden for Montero and Byrnes. Sheets on a 1 or a 2 year deal might not be too bad. Depending who and what is involved, I could be sold on Peavy to the 5th spot. I don't see any marquee types coming this off season though. Unless maybe the economy forces some teams to make previously unavalable players, available.

Ya it sucks, but have you seen anything to make you think it isn't plausable? IMO ANY Red Sox player to hit the FA market over the next couple years has the chance of wearing pinstripes. To deny it is pointless. A labor strike might be the only thing that stops it( on the assumption the strike is because of the owners wanting a salary cap LOL)

At this point I don't ever see the Yankees out on anyone in the FA market, Papelbon or whoever. And if Papelbon goes for the $, then the Yankees are a real possibility. Papelbon is an intense competitore and adrealine junky. The Yanks can provide the rush of closing on the big stage like at Fenway+ the $ he seeks. So I wouldn't consider myself shocked if he wears pinstripes at some point. And I'm not trying to be synical. Only realistic. I agree Kilo, I don't see the Sox giving that much $ to Youk either.

I agree with both of you guys(Kilo, Example) Kilo, I think they do need to do something to sure up the holes in the roster(C,4thOF,SP), But I also agree with Ex in thinking we are replacing Tek,Kotsay, and Byrd, not the nuts and bolts of the team. I would like to have seen a plan B, but considering what is out there on the FA market, nothing toots my horn. I agree with extending Bay now. I think if they wait, there is a good chance the lose on both Holliday and Bay to the Yanks. I am on the fence about signing Youk long term. I wouldn't mind it, but if he costs what Tex does, then send him packing. I'd like to see a stud Catcher w/ a nice bat. but agree, Buchholz should not be dealt. If they can get one for Bowden would be nice. But if it's Bowden the I'd rather not see him dealt for Montero, unless he's going along with Lugo and Byrnes is coming back as well.

Not in the system, but when is David Wright a FA?LOL

I'm not whinning, or being a spoiled lazy brat. I only stated that if fans of the Sox, want the team to spend anywhere near what the Yanks do, it will only happen with a new Stadium. I also stated that if the Yankees can leave Yankee stadium, the Red Sox can leave Fenway. If they stay at Fenway, I have no issues with it at all. But I do get the othersides argumnet about a new facility. And I also don't have a problem with the FO current Strategy either. I will admit the the flashier FA do catch my eyes, I fine with seeing the team developing players rather then bringnig in High priced players. Now should the Sox be a mid level team payroll wise? No. But if they are in the 100M-140M range, it's hard to say there not trying to field a competitive team.

There not that far off here IMO. http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/american/bosbpk.htm I'd add the monster seats as to there design obviously. Even add more to that section if possible.

They could go 45K seats, and maybe have an upper section that gets opened up for Yankee series, special occasions, Playoffs, All- Star game. Bringing the total capacity to around 50K.

It's hard to say, but if the Yanks can leave Yankee Stadium, the Sox can leave Fenway. I would like to see the "look" of the park, the dimensions, Green Monster. I would bring in the RF wall though, maybe making it higher as well. What about seating capacity? Should they go really big?

I like the idea of Youk. But 23M just seems crazy to me. Although with the way contracts are going, it's completely feesable.

I like the Idea of Dunn's power. But I don't see a spot for him, unless the Sox moved someone. But to that i'd hope they be getting a Catcher in return.

Such a thing is unprecedented. but I guess it's possible to play home games in 2 parks. I understand your history angle with the Yanks. But in the grand scheme of money making, wouldn't you want as many seats available to sell for a Yankees series?

Dojji your argument has merit. If Youk can put up those numbers, then he might very well get an offer that high. But depending on the length of the contract might be the downfall. When he reaches FA he will be 30-31 I think. If he wants 6+ years, i'd be weary of such a deal.

I love Fenway, but with the current finacial structure replacing it is really the only reasonable way to close the gap. That said I guess your opinion will be decided if you hold Fenway and all that it brings to the table over having the team be able to compete toe to toe with the Yanks. Me personally, I am planted firmly atop the fence. With both sides having compelling arguments.

A Salary cap with a minimum and a maximum would be great. With all the extra money the owners would make, make them pay more revenue sharing, thus leveling the playing field even more. It seems like an obvious thing to do to creat a level playing field. Teams would have to realy on scouting, drafting, player development, smart FA spending more then they do know. I think it would really show what an organization is made of.

Jacko, you gotta let him go. He fought us tooth and nail.

I don't know if the article is correct, or your theory is. But I don't see them as terribly unreasonable. Nice post:D

I can't see the Cards allocating 25+M to one player.

Well it should make for interesting debate when the time comes. Throw in the fact Pujols has a good enough glove to play multiple positions. Does anyone think St. Louis makes him available next off season or the season after? If it is anything close to 30M a season, then there will only be a handful of teams that can afford that. NYY- Have a 1B, but why would that stop them. NYM- Might have spot open Bos- Could have a spot CHC- They may have an open spot, and would love to take him from the rival Cards LAA- They have money LAD- They have money too Not sure the Cards could afford that. Maybe some mid market team looking to be a huge splash.

What teams can afford 30M a season?

A700 please never take anything I say personally. It was just my way of coloring up our conversation. Not to make personal attacks on you. When I post here, I assume my reputation preceeds me. That being a fairly lade back poster who likes to have fun and occasionally poke in the ribs. Please in the future if I write anything like that, chalk it up to color commentary and not an insult. I know where your coming from. I'm not thrilled about the teams current roster really either. But given the teams current run I'm whiling to go with what they have right now. Knowing that Theo at some point this offseason address the C,4th OF,SP question marks. Maybe Theo gets creative and moves some pieces around. Maybe he goes with what he has. We will just have to see. Tex signing with NYY sucks balls. Anyone else I would have viewed it like last years Santana seal, "atleast he is not on the Yankees". But this year it happened. I guess what at the core of what I was trying to get at, is it does us no good to get all worked up about it. It won't change the outcome. Merry Christmas everyone, I hope everyone's Holiday season is wonderful:thumbsup: