moonslav59

Indeed, he was. I have no hard feelings about him, but I really felt it was the right thing not to outbid the Yanks. That play where Manny cut off his throw really highlighted the "NOODLE" arm.

I stand corrected. I just remember all those short porch HRs!

I don't disagree, but his D was better than Buck's and would have helped in that game.

His one value was on defense, and our manager wanted Buck on the field to celebrate victory.

True, but at the time, I felt it was best to not pay Damon what he got. Also, I think Damon's numbers from 2006-2009 were helped by playing in Yankee Stadium half his games. All-in-all, I think we made the right choice. In fact, I think the vast majority of our choices to let free agents walk worked out well- then add the comp picks we gained from losing them, and we did great.

He should not even have been in the game, at that point. Stapleton had been used as a late inning defensive replacement, often, that year.

Nice! 16. Casas 55 19. Mayer 55 29. Yorke 55 (Nobody else in the top 114) Yankees? 12. Volpe 60 39. Peraza 50 60. Medina 50 73. Dominguez 50 93. Vargas 50

YES! (I think Kapler was his back-up.) In 2007 & 2008, it was Crisp and Ellsbury. In 2009, it was Ellsbury We had Manny in LF and JD Drew in RF. Papi at DH. I did not miss ole noodle-arm Damon, too much.

I was not upset Damon left. We had a CF'er. It sucked he did rather well with them.

I like seeing cheaters and creeps in Yankee uniforms.

Thanks for the research. I did not expect the Sox to have the 2nd highest increase. (I expected 3rd or 4th.)

Good one!

Tiant & Boggs in a Yankee uniform was just as bad.

We were going to buy tickets to see Elton here in Houston, but ticket prices were absurd. Our daughter ended up getting us tickets for King's Day. September 24th, baby!!!

I try to see things within the context of other entertainment costs and increased costs. I've been to over 100 concerts and love live music, but the cost of going to see good bands is now off-the-charts. In that context, seeing a Sox game is a bargain. I have a good situation living near Houston. I can see the Sox 2-3 times a year for a fraction of the cost at Fenway. Plus, the seats and climate are more comfortable in Houston.

That was one of the lowest points in my time as a Sox fan. Not only did we lose a HOF catcher, we got nothing for him and ruined what little cred the team had with fans and possible future players wanting to come to Boston.

Yes, trading Nomar was the end of Sox Nation as we knew it.

I'm not denying that. My point is about how much prices have been rising comparatively. If that is not of interest to you, fine.

Here’s where each side stands on the key issues. Minimum Salary MLB: $630K, or fixed $615K/$650K/$725K salaries for 0-3 players MLBPA: $775K in 2022, $805K in 2023, $835K in 2024, $865K in 2025, $895K in 2026 Current gap: $145K in 2022 I'm thinking maybe they agree on $725K plus $20K each year, ending at $805K Competitive Balance Tax MLB: Base tax thresholds at $214MM in 2022/ $214MM in 2023/ $216MM in 2024 / $218MM in 2025 / $222MM in 2026. Also proposing significant increases in tax rates on overages and new draft pick penalties. MLBPA: $245MM in 2022 / $252MM in 2023 / $259MM in 2024 / $266MM in 2025 / $273MM in 2026 Current gap: $31MM in 2022, growing to $51MM in 2026. Gap also includes MLB’s proposed increases in tax rates and addition of draft pick forfeiture I don't see the owners giving much up, here. Maybe we see $220M in 2022 and $5M additions each year, ending at $240M. Draft Pick Compensation MLB: Has proposed eliminating draft pick forfeiture for teams that sign free agents. Their plan still calls for teams to get draft picks for losing free agents, depending on the quality of the player. This offer seems to be tied to MLB’s CBT proposal as sort of a trade. Maybe this gets in. Pre-Arbitration Bonus Pool MLB: $20MM pool. MLB has agreed to fund a bonus pool for pre-arbitration players, which would be a new addition to the CBA. They have proposed “a six-person panel — three from each side — to develop a mutually agreeable WAR statistic to allocate the funds,” according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. He adds, “The top 30 players in WAR and award winners would be eligible for the bonus pool.” MLBPA: $115MM pool, distributed to 150 players. Current gap: $95MM I can't see this gaining much traction. I think the players lose, here. Arbitration Eligibility MLB: No change in which players are eligible for arbitration. In the previous CBA, the top 22% of 2+ players were arbitration eligible, known as Super Two players. MLBPA: Top 75% of players in the 2+ service class eligible for arbitration I see the players making gains, here. Maybe they settle on 40%- 50% tops. Service Time Manipulation MLB: Offering two draft picks within the player’s first three years if he finishes in the top three in Cy Young, Rookie of the Year or MVP voting (per Jesse Rogers) MLBPA: “Players receive a full year of service time in their rookie season if infielders and catchers finish among the top seven for their position in WAR in each league, with outfielders, relief pitchers and starting pitchers finishing among the top 20. The union also said it would accept a modification of MLB’s proposal that would reward draft pick compensation to teams whose players finish among the top three in the Rookie of the Year, MVP and Cy Young voting.” (per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale) Not sure about any of this. Anti-Tanking Measures MLB: Lottery for top four picks MLBPA: Lottery for top seven picks. Under the union’s offer, teams would find themselves excluded from the lottery for finishing below certain thresholds in the standings for two to three consecutive seasons. The specific thresholds for exclusion varied depending upon market size, with larger-market clubs facing stricter requirements for lottery eligibility. Probably settle on top 5 or6 picks. Revenue Sharing MLB: No change to revenue sharing MLBPA: $30MM reduction I see no change, here. Expanded Playoffs MLB: 14 teams MLBPA: 12 teams 12 teams is my bet. Universal Designated Hitter This seems to be generally agreed upon by both sides. About time, and why not Robo Umps, too? While it seemed like I projected a lot of wins for the owners, I think the players would make out well, if all of my guesses come true. To me, if they could make further gains anywhere, it would be on the min salary.

Agreed. I'd bet concert prices have increased by way more than any sport or any team. Yes, the Sox have been on the very high end of the MLB spectrum for many years, but I'm curious how much they have increased compared to other teams, leagues and entertainment options. I'm thinking they are probably not way out of line from the norm- in terms of percentage increase over the last 2-3 decades.

I'm curious how much ticket prices have gone up over the last 20-30 years for... a MLB game an NBA game an NFL game An NHL game a movie a concert a night out bowling Is MLB way out of whack on pricing?

Yes, if they know they won't be paying Devers, they could think of trading him, but will they pay Jose big money to keep him? (I think they both are FAs in 2 years, right?) Bogey is different. He can be a FA after 2022.

Seems weird to trade Devers then trade for a 3Bman, but who knows? I'm just think we should concentrate on areas of higher need, first, or at least a position like SS, where we may be losing a star after 2022.

We have a 3Bman. I guess we could move Devers to 1B, but I like Yorke, too much, I guess.

Agreed, but it would be interesting to know how many #21-60's have made it to the bigs in any meaningful way.