Sure, Mookie is going to win over Verdugo if you're talking about the 2 players going head to head. But you can't look at their values in a vacuum. Verdugo being a much better value allows the team to strengthen in other areas and is better for the team on the whole.
Cute dog, BTW.
Solid post Oldtimer. Once again, I very much agree with what you have stated as the team's goals for next year and beyond.
Despite what the players say, it has to be hard to focus with all the trade speculation that goes around. I know I would have a very hard time keeping focus if I thought there was a good possibility that I would be transferred.
I read a tweet or something saying how Mookie is on pace to have a 13 bWAR season over 162 games.
At the same time, Verdugo is on a 6.5 bWAR pace. That is nothing to sneeze at.
Take into account that Mookie's 13 WAR is at a cost of $27 mil. Verdugo's 6.5 WAR is at a cost of $650K or something thereabouts. This is the type of value that I'm talking about. We can fill so many other needs with the money saved from not signing Mookie.
When you say 'blow money', do you mean spend unwisely? If you do, I disagree. Not all of his free agent signings will work out, but I think he will spend very wisely. (Wisely meaning that I will approve but most others will not. LOL)
I don't think Henry has a lot of patience when it comes to rebuilding teams. He wants results every year. His hope with hiring Bloom is that Bloom can fulfill both the short term and long term goals. Henry will not be patient through a couple of last place finishes, whether it's Bloom's fault or not.
Henry will spend money like he always does. What I don't see happening is Price type deals or going after the all star type players, aka shiny new toys.
Look for those second tier type players who are almost just as good, who can be acquired for a lot less. Some people like to call them dumpster dives. I like to call them value players.
I'm sure he is listening to offers on every player. It would be stupid not to. However, there are several players that he will not move unless he is blown away by an offer. There are some GMs out there who could surprise us.
Most avid baseball fans really enjoy the trade deadline. Adds excitement, as you say. It drives me crazy in this day of instant information and endless speculation.
Just let me know when a deal has been completed, then I can process it.
It's nice to see Brasier put together a couple of good outings. His velocity is back up a couple of ticks.
Maybe we have something to be hopeful about.
It was an ugly start. I was thinking, here we go again.
It's nice to see the Sox come back like that and then hold the lead.
The pitchers after Hart did a very good job.