BSN07

There isn't talent available that would warrant them spending everything saved in the Dodgers trade this year. Just because it is there, doesn't mean they have to spend it right now. Besides being unhappy with a team that spends anywhere above a 140M+ on payroll is ridiculous. I don't care what the owners are pocketing. Teams are building contenders for much less. You talk of the owners pocketing money like this is Miami

Maybe 130M is too low. And no I don't expect them to go past the threshold in the future. A well run franchise shouldn't have to really to field a competitive team.

The Sox will not be going right back to the LT threshold this season IMO. I'm expecting a payroll of around 130M, 150M max. He is demanding 6/90M and multiple executives expect him to receive it. 4/60M is most likely not going to get it done.

Mauer is entering the 3rd year of an 8/184M deal. You must be thinking of someone else?

lol seriously? You won't last the weekend if you keep that up. Just some friendly advice if you want to stick around and be taken to be something other than a troll.

Pass

I think he plays mostly at 1B. Will DH for Papi(I think he get's some games off this year) and he would be injury insurance for Lavs/Ross if one misses any time at C. 110 games at 1B, 30 at DH. Seems reasonable.

It's the same issues he had when he first came up. It's why I'm hopeful Farrell can get him back on track.

I think that was obvious when Sanchez name was mentioned as a possible 100M pitcher. I think it makes it even more likely they avoid the main part of the secondary pitching market and look at guys like Harden, Braden, Hernadez, and maybe even a Blanton that maybe settle for one year deals to rebuild value and have some measurement of upside.

That's also a good point that hadn't been brought up before. When it comes to Lavs or Salty? I think Salty would be odd man out. I think they would have to maybe not be blown away to trade him, but get more then they were expecting to move Lavs. I think the plan was to bring in a guy like Ross to bring Lavs along.

I'm not too hung up on the 4th year. I figure he's DH by year 3 anyways.

I would give him 3 years and an attainable 4th year vesting option for AB's if they are that worried about a 4th guaranteed year. Either that or try and bump the AAV up on the 3 year offer. If Seattle is offering 4/44 then offer 3/40.

Yes that would be good. Both actually have a chance to be that number one. Lester was but took a step back. Buchholz just hasn't made that final leap to the upper tier of pitchers. But ya having a known horse in the #1 spot would be sweet.

I like Victorino if they are moving Ellsbury. Long term? Not so much. I'd be ok with 2 years. But I think Bradley will be knocking at the door in year 2.

How do you know? How do you know it's not the guys you admitted to pulling the strings being the ones deliberate to a fault and risk adverse? It would make more sense that those are the guys that are risk adverse at this point in time since they were the ones that had deals blow up in their faces recently. Let's also not forget the rumors of Henry having less millions laying around. The FO could be operating at a real budget. I'm on record as saying I wouldn't be surprised if the entered the year with a payroll at around 130M. If that't the case, those 3rd year's for Ross types, or that 4th year for Napoli start becoming more or a worry then an after thought when your payroll is up at the threshold limit.

Jon Niese in Fenway-AL East is an awful idea. Sanchez is a good idea at the right price. 4/60M is ok. If he starts getting in Beckett-Lackey-AJ territory it becomes far less attractive. I think some team is going to over pay for him and I'd rather it not be the Red Sox. I'd much rather have a Haren and Hernandez on a one year deal. I wonder if Cleveland would do a Morales+Miller+ prospect for Masterson? Morales gets a chance to start, Miller is a solid BP piece. Miller and Morales produced a 1.4 WAR combined last season. Masterson was 2.3. I think Masterson's struggles split wise is enough to knock down his trade value. But getting him back with Farrell has upside. If the Sox add another respectable prospect or two low level guys it seems plausible. There is still enough BP help on the market to replace those guys as well.

I see Ben being more of a Jed Hoyer or Rick Hahn GM. I think Ben's role as GM is basically run the farm system, handle most of the ML roster. Any major acquisition consisting of large number of prospects/$/and lengthy contracts FA/Extension wise will need approval from higher up. Deals like the August blockbuster for the most part are going to be worked out with the higher ups, Ben's input coming in the form of who they should be trying to get back. That's why I don't understand why everyone throws everything at his feet instead of the Red Sox FO as a whole.

He had a horrendous July that was skewed for that 11 run Valentine debacle, a good August and a average September. Overall it was not a great season for Lester. I don't think it's the end of him by any means though. He is a prime candidate for a bounce back season IMO.

I lol'd

It's not unreasonable. Interested to see what the AAV is. If it's 12-15M, I'd be ok with that. But I can also see Seattle overpaying to get him. Something the Sox probably should not do.

How is passing on a bad deal getting your lunch eaten?

I've always said it's a small concern at the least and I did use the word "gamble" when talking about getting Grienke. But he seem's to have matured and found a way to cope with those issues. He's also stated that big markets don't intimidate him anymore. He seemed to handle LA(yes it's not Boston but still a large media market) well. And the Dodgers(yes I know the Dodgers seems to be acting without worrying about consequences) don't see it as an issue. I see his baggage as less scary then say Hamilton's and I'm on record as being ok with bringing in Hamilton(at the right length, nothing over 5). In the end I have a hard time seeing him being in anything other then a Dodger uniform next season. If that's the case my next preferred action would be to go get Haren. And possibly a couple other guys on minor league deals and the usual ST invites. Lester Buchholz Haren Doubront Lackey It's respectable if everyone pitchers near career averages. Also leaves flexibility moving forward in case a SP that is not know/available at this time becomes available. I'm reluctant for them to lock into Sanchez long term unless it's like 4/60M. That's just how I view it now, the situation could look different in a few weeks

lol I can't wait for how he's going to spin this

IMO there is one spot open. If healthy Lackey is pitching. Doubront earned a spot last season. Lester and Buchholz are obviously in the rotation. I think people are over looking Doubront. I wouldn't be surprised to see being one of the better pitchers in the rotation if healthy. I'm a little concerned there since he had such a big jump in IP last season.

Long term contracts for Grienke and Lackey are different situations. Grienke at 29 is in the earlier stage of his prime and would\be in his prime for at least 4/6 years. Lackey at 32 was in the last couple seasons of what would be considered being in his prime years. And the Sox were paying a large chunk for non prime seasons. Grienke with his age and make up is the kind of guy you gamble a long term contract IMO. Lackey was not and never should have been. But we all now that. edit: we should pick this conversation up in the appropriate thread