Do The Red Sox Need Izturis?
It is apparent that Dodgers shortstop Cesar Izturis is available, as the Dodgers don't have an opening for him at shortstop. I would think that the overall health/performance shakiness of the entire infield would be enough for L.A. to keep Izturis around as a backup all season.
But the rumors persist, the main one being that the Red Sox are interested. I have to wonder why. The team already has a slick-fielding, walk-allergic shortstop, and his name is Alex Gonzalez. I admit, Gonzalez had a terrible April with the bat. But he's had similar months in his career, so why not see if he can shake it off and hit his usual .240 with decent pop? That's all that was expected in the first place.
Now, if the Red Sox were jonesing to acquire, say, Julio Lugo, I'd understand. A healthy Lugo would be worth a good three wins in the standings compared to Gonzo. But Cesar Izturis is a .261/.295/.338 career hitter, and he's signed through 2007. Even if Gonzalez tanks and Izturis is himself, the team's gain is minimal. The Dodgers are going to want something decent in return for Izturis, so why bother? They already gave up something decent to reacquire Tim Wakefield's personal catcher.
Hopefully it's not true...if Gonzalez's defense had somehow taken a dive I'd be more receptive. Since the deal would probably have to be Gonzalez + Prospect, I really don't want to see it go down.
Posted by: desturbd1 | May 03, 2006 at 02:41 PM
Macier Izturis?
Posted by: thegogglesdonothing | May 04, 2006 at 07:52 AM
Wha? The entry was about Cesar Izturis. Maicer would actually be a more appealing option given his age and great minor league numbers. Alas, he is hurt, and I don't think Anaheim is in much of a hurry to trade him anyway...though I do wonder what will happen if Kendrick excells...
Posted by: desturbd1 | May 05, 2006 at 01:05 AM
A few days ago, I would agree with you about the Sox not needing Izturis. But after Alex Gonzalez proving that he can't even bunt the freaking ball, I think Boston may need someone who can handle the bat a little better. And didn't Cesar hit above .300 for the first half of last year? Might he be a steal? You note his paltry career #'s, but maybe he's developing. Any thoughts?
Also, do you think it's worth it to pick up Kendrick at this juncture of the fantasy season? How much PT do you anticipate for him?
Posted by: EM3 | May 05, 2006 at 09:58 AM