Nick

Wasn't Shane a 1 year $39M deal spread over 3 years?

Of course you are right. We are in 'debt' right now, we have the highest 'luxury' tax payroll. We already have $31M contract on our books. Sale and Betts will require big numbers. IT WOULD BE STUPID TO GIVE OUT $210m/7 YEAR DEAL FOR FUTURE DH. You know what? I want to see some of our younger players get an opportunity to play. We still have pretty good line up for two more years.

My only point was "don't get too greedy, best offer on the table may get pulled. then what?"

All great points... 1 spot on 2 spot on, contract is what's holding him up from getting a chance in the majors, IRONIC 3 some guys pique early, physicality is critical....he'll go down hill fast 4 spot on, now I'm hoping for no vesting. 5 I still hold hope for him, we need to win the World Series to justify his contract. $31M is the big albatross on our luxury tax payroll every time I look at Sox budget. 6 spot on Basically in 2017, Henry paid out $41M or so to three players (Sandoval, Craig and Castillo) not to be on 40 man roster.........unreal.

Right now we have the highest luxury tax payroll. It's simply going to be difficult to move out under it. We'll have to endure two more years of Sandoval's contract, $20M/year. It's a money that should not be earmarked for another player. We may have to put more faith in our younger, cost controlled players. Rick Porcello, two more years at $20M. I don't care how good he pitches, his contract has to lapse. Pom will become FA for 2019 and I'm guessing he's a bigger priority than Porcello. One of these two spots has to go to a cost controlled player. For 2019 Price, Sale, Pom, E Rod, Wright or any young kids. Hope for big year from Porcello in 2018 and then trade him. We can't re-sign Pom after 2018 and also keep Porcello for 2019. Give our young guys a shot in the 5th spot. Learn to live without Kimbrel. We can't afford to give a closer 4-5 year deals at $15M+ annually. Carson Smith as a closer for 2019. There are tons of young arms that can go to the bullpen. Learn to live without Hanley. Platoon him in 2018 and let his contract expire. 2018 Price, Sale, Pom, E Rod and Porcell Kimbrell 2019 Price, Sale, E Rod, Wright (?), young pitcher Carson 2018 Vazquez, Moreland/Hanley, Pedey, Xander, Devers, Beni, JBJ, Betts, Martinez (?) or combination players or another cheaper bat 2019 Vazquez, Moreland/Travis, Pedey, Xander, Devers, Beni, JBJ, Betts, Martinez (?) or combination of players or another cheaper bat This is still a competitive lineup that can get into the playoffs. Set a red line for Martinez. Let Borass come to us. Don't give in to his demands. Remind him of Steven Drew fiasco.

Mitch Moreland signing costs Sox nothing if he's platooned with Hanley.

Why complicate everything? Sign JD. See where we are at trade deadline and make a move or two. Signing Moreland was a brilliant move if it's used to get rid of Hanley's 2019 contract. Travis can be Moreland's platoon partner in 2019. We got bunch of options at 2B until Dustin comes back. Otherwise make a move to sign a 2B at mid season. This keeps our farm in tact.

I'm giving you a standing ovation. Best line of the Year.

I'm a big college basketball fan. I always chuckle when a coach complains about needing this and that. Why not just recruit what you need? Don't recruit a skinny kid if you need size. Don't recruit a non shooter if need shooting, etc. Sign Martinez and call it a day.

About a week ago, one member of the organization told me that there really might not be that much of a difference between Hosmer and Moreland. Besides three years in age, and batting average, perhaps. There is a difference, no doubt. But not $100 million difference, to be sure. Per WEEI I think Moon was very much opposed to signing Hosmer.

More I think about it, I like the signing, especially if we follow up with signing Martinez. We get Hanley for 1 year (assuming he is primarily platooned and 2019 is not vested), Moreland for 2 years and save $9M to boot. It's a good deal.

This is how I would look at Moreland signing. Could the Sox have traded Hanley for "Moreland" level talent for 2 years, saved $9M, AND still get to keep Hanley for one of those two years? Brilliant Move by DD. Of course some people are too stupid to see the real value in signing Moreland.

Club Projected Space under $197 million tax threshold Oakland $119,616,667 Chicago Sox $118,741,666 Milwaukee $116,251,667 Philadelphia $112,050,000 San Diego $101,991,667 Cincinnati $99,267,857 Tampa Bay $98,616,666 Minnesota $87,933,333 Miami $81,813,809 Pittsburgh $81,583,333 Colorado $77,533,334 Atlanta $72,810,116 Arizona $66,616,667 Royals $66,433,333 Detroit $61,055,000 Baltimore $60,975,000 NY Mets $60,364,261 Cleveland $54,180,335 St. Louis $48,814,850 Texas $44,970,238 Toronto $43,564,286 Houston $39,610,714 Cubs $37,692,858 LA Angels $28,222,620 Seattle $24,839,286 Giants $17,839,444 Dodgers $17,680,714 Yankees $16,550,000 Washington ($614,376) Boston ($10,005,000) PER COT'S BASEBALL Owners thank you, Players Union.

I was responding to Original Post that said Hanley's contract was a sunken cost. I replied only 2018 was. My whole point was by signing Moreland, Sox may actually save $9M. ($22M in 2019 for Hanley less $13M for Moreland)

right now we have the highest payroll.

Hanley is NOT a SUNKEN cost. If he fails to reach 497 plate appearance in 2018, his 2019 contract is NOT vested. Do you know what you are talking about? That's a savings of $22M BOTH CASH and LUXURY TAX Payroll for 2019. Sandoval's contract is SUNKEN. We're stuck unless he OFFICIALLY retires. (And why would he? He can sit on his ass and wait for a phone call).

goody, we can sign Holt again!

I agree, it's basically an insurance. No doubt JD is still in play. What if we sign JD to be the DH and our 4th OF? By limiting Hanley's at bats, Sox will save $20M for 2019. In reality we're saving NET $7M by signing Moreland.

Did I read somewhere that Martinez may not be a good fit for Fenway? He's more of an opposite field power bat? Only eight or so homers on a 'pull'? Or was I having a bad dream with the knowledge that Yankees are making moves while 'desperate' Dave staying very calm? I think Kimmie approves new Dave.

For last 25 years, Yankees have averaged 92.8 wins per season, finishing 1st 14 times including a stretch of 9 straight from 1998 to 2006. For the last five years, they've been un-Yankee like, coming in second twice and fourth place three times. The point being not winning the Division for five years is their 'cliff' and Yankees are coming out of it, or it seems. I'm still okay with where we sit. We are not going to out spend the Yanks on a regular basis. Their revenue stream is greater. How do we overcome the Yankees? Our starters at the top still have the ability to succeed in the playoffs. Anytime you can pitch Sale and Price pitch twice in a 7 game series, I'll take my chances (what other choice do I have?). Pitching still wins championships. Goal is to get into the playoffs.

Just sign a bat to play 1B or DH. Adding a bat, having Devers for full year, possibly have Price pitch for full year, E Rod pitching healthy for almost full year, better production out of couple of guys named Xander and JBJ, going to 75/25 split on catching duties, all these things are possible in 2018 and improve the team.

3B 18 19 20 21 22 23 Devers LF 18 19 20 21 22 Beni 2B 18 19 20 21 Pedroia CF 18 19 20 JBJ RF 18 19 20 Betts c 18 19 20 Vaz SS 18 19 Xander 1B 18 19 Hanley DH SP1 18 19 Sale SP2 18 19 20 21 22 Price SP3 18 Pom SP4 18 19 Porcello SP5 18 19 20 21 E Rod We just need to find a DH or 1B and slide Hanley to the open spot. Next hurdle is finding replacement for Xander or extending him. I don't think we're as desperate as we're making it out to be. My guess is Dustin won't last another 4 years but 2B should be a position easily filled. And I wouldn't give up quite easily on Sam Travis. Sometimes it takes two full years to recover from his type of injury. It's time for someone from our farm system to step into our rotation. E Rod basically was a gift from the Orioles. I'd like to see the Sox extend Pom right after spring training. I think Kimmi would approve.

Huge mistake signing both Hanley and Sandoval. Biggest question mark is will Price return healthy? Our rotation, closer and outfield are our strengths, Sale, Price, Pom, Porcello, E Rod, Kimbrel, Beni, JBJ and Betts. We're set at SS, 3B and catching. 2B will be fine with Dustin eventually returning. To me, 1B/DH positions are critical offensively and at some point, we need to join rest of the league from production standpoint at those two positions. Free agent signing should address one of those spots. I'm inclined to go with Kimmi's approach. We have enough talent to compete. Not overwhelming. Our starter if all healthy should be one of the best in American League. Add a bat.

I think Theo would do Schawrber E Rod straight up.

Hey, that's the Yawkey Way.