McAdam On Red Sox Trade Possibilities

Yesterday, Sean McAdam of The Providence Journal posted an article discussing trade possibilities for the Red Sox.  Let's discuss.

• It seems that the Red Sox will add a bullpen arm despite the fine work of Manny Delcarmen.  Apparently they want someone with experience.  Eric Gagne doesn't seem likely, nor does Brad Lidge.  Instead, Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler, and maybe Salomon Torres or Scott Linebrink could be acquired.  The focus is said to be on the Houston relievers.  Wheeler seems like a solid buy-low option.  You can add Octavio Dotel to the radar as well.  And let's throw Brian Fuentes into the mix.  UPDATE: Today, McAdam added Damaso Marte as a reliever the Red Sox like.  He says the price for Torres is "way too high" at present.  And according to the Boston Globe, Drayton McLane will not even consider moving Lidge.
• The Sox would get involved on a top-flight starter like Roy Oswalt or Dontrelle Willis.  Calling Willis "top-flight" is a stretch, but that's what McAdam said.  They also like Jon Garland, if they can pry him loose for a reasonable price.  Other available starters don't seem markedly better than internal options.
• The Royals would love to pawn Reggie Sanders off, but the Red Sox don't have interest.  Instead, they could reacquire Kevin Millar or even go after Jermaine Dye.  Is Dye really a perfect fit, though?  Wouldn't his acquisition make he and J.D. Drew part-time players?  That wouldn't be good for the clubhouse.  UPDATE: McAdam says today that this playing time issue will indeed thwart a trade.  On the Millar front, the Boston Globe debunks that rumor on the basis that the Sox want someone who can play center field.
• Speaking of people who can play center field, the Boston Herald mentions Randy Winn and Dave Roberts as possibilities.  The fans would love a Roberts acquisition, I imagine. 
• The trade Mike Lowell/acquire Mark Teixeira scenario is highly unlikely.
• The Boston Globe is saying that the Red Sox are "actively shopping" Wily Mo Pena.  I discussed Wily Mo in a post yesterday.  The Boston Herald today said that he might be the trading chip for a deal with Houston.

Comments

[quintjs]

If the Sox were to add another bullpen arm, that makes a tough bullpen, especially if Donnelly comes back (wonder if?) Delcarman and Timlin have been quite good the last few weeks.

You would have thought Sanders would have been right for the Red Sox, RH Bat, off the bench, gets rid of WMP.

And Why is someone who can play CF so important? Crisp in the majors, Drew can go there for a game or two, not a great idea but possible and Ellsbury and Murphy in AAA?

I have to say this post doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

How great would Beckett, Matsuzaka, Oswalt, Schilling be of a rotation?

[Teetz]

The Cubs could use a Wily Mo Pena

[aklaft]

This fan wouldn't love a Dave Roberts reacquisition. The Sox are fine unless they make some ridiculous panic move.

[bravesbeast]

Ok, a wily mo pena to houston for a reliever trade makes a lot of sense, but what about the rest of the astro outfield. Would Pena supplant scott in right?

[astrosfan]

I could see the Astros sending Wheeler & Qualls to the Red Sox for a high-end prospect. They'd need to sweeten the dal to grab someone like Ellsbury, but Willy Mo or Coco Crisp are not a good enough return.

McLane is doing a smart thing by hanging on to Lidge. He's still young, relatively inexpensive and the Astros have absolutely no one ready to take over as closer as they did when Wagner was traded.

[Papelboner]

What would the Cubs be willing to give up in a deal for WMP?

Oswalt would be an awesome aquisition, but I'd imagine Bucholz would be part of the deal, which would kill me. But I think when push comes to shove, I'd do the deal.

I think Reggie Sanders would be a great pickup if we traded WMP.

And while I love Dave Roberts, I believe he's in the 1st year of a 3 year/$19 million contract, which is wayyyy too much for a bench player/pinch runner.

What kind of offer would the Sox need to get Oswalt though? WMP, Buccholz and another solid prospect?

[astrosfan]

One other thing, if the Astros brass is stupid enough to deal Oswalt, they can cross me off as a fan.

Maybe for Derek Jeter, but that's about it. And no Papi or Manny wouldn't do it for me either.

[astrosfan]

Papelboner:

You mean to tell me that for Roy Oswalt, signed below market for 4 more years, the ace of the staff and arguably in the top 5 of N.L. pitchers you'd offer Willy Mo Pena, Buchholz and a prospect ?!?

That's insulting.

Dream on. GM Tim Purpura is quoted saying Oswalt, Lee & Berkman are off the market.

[quintjs]

Its amazing how everyong is high on Ellsbury but low on Crisp, really, Crisp is the far better bet, has actually hit .300 at the MLB level, switch hitter, defense has been outstanding and is signed cheaply for another few years.

Oswalt is signed for 4years after this one? Buchholz, Ellsbury, and a couple of other top-10 prospects.

It won't happen, but if the Stro's thought they would struggle in the coming years (I think that is safe), it might be something to consider, get a starting outfielder, 2 young talented pitchers and an infielder..?

[Papelboner]

Yeah, I don't know why the 'Stros would want to trade Oswalt. He's one of those guys who you sign to a long term deal and then just leave him in your rotation.

But, he is their best chip to rebuild and address their many needs. Buccholz is the top arm in the minors right now, IMO. He could be a star. Add in WMP and another player, you save money, fill holes and can have a more balanced team overall.

At least thats the reasoning behind taking offers for Oswalt. In the end, I don't see anyone blowing Houston out of the water with an offer they can't refuse.

[Teetz]

"What would the Cubs be willing to give up in a deal for WMP?"

Not sure. I assume his trade value is probably at the lowest it's ever been. Considering the Red Sox would like bullpen help and the Cubs have none to give, they might not make ideal trading partners. I'd still like to see Wily Mo get some PT in Wrigley. How good is he defensively in center field? For the Cubs, I can see him starting in right field against lefties and when Cliff Floyd has menstraul cramps and also getting some PT in center field.

[minerball30]

When does Isringhausen start getting thrown around in some of these reliever talks? If the Red Sox are going after guys like Dotel and Lidge, wouldn't they be interested in Izzy?

What does everyone think the Cards could get for Izzy? I am thinking a team's Top 5 prospect and another prospect. Maybe Willy Mo and a Top 20 from Boston's system.

[thecubsdontcatchtheball]

I doubt Wily Mo could play center field better than Pagan or even Jones. Pie is the future, so if he can't play everyday, it's not a bad thing, just stick him in right.

Right field is open, and who knows how long uncle Cliffy's going to stay past this year. He's always sore, too, and gets regular days off from Lou. Plus, like Tim said, I would love to see what he could do with 500 at bats. Remember when Glenallen Hill hit it like 520 feet...OPPOSITE FIELD...yeah that's what comes to mind with WMP.

[Mr_Punch]

The Red Sox will not be trading for Oswalt. It would require Buchholz. I've seen the kid pitch. They will not trade him.

I am all for trading prospects. Almost all of the time I say trade for the proven commodity. I was all for the sox trading Lester last year. Hansen too (before he lost his value). I would trade Ellsbury, Bowden in a heartbeat for an established major leaguer. I have never been so impressed with a pitching prospect as I have been with Buchholz. Best combination of stuff I can remember seeing in the minors. As many scouts have said, he could easily be pitching in the majors right now. The Red Sox are just gunshy.

This guy could be posting an ERA around 4 in the majors right now. I suspect thats about the same thing that Oswalt would bring with him. No way do I deal.

I am a propect pessimist. They are always overhyped. Except this guy. Front of the rotation stuff. No doubts in my mind. This guy will be the Sox #3 next year, and I wouldn't be surprised if he puts up the best numbers.

Trade Lester, Ellsbury, Bowden, Moss, Murphey, Hansen, Gabbard,Lowrie, Bates, anybody to solidify this championship team. Anybody but Buchholz. He will be pitching for the Red Sox in the playoffs. Believe it.

[Bosox4416]

Minerball- I hope your not serious, a struggling relief pitcher w/ a horrible contract for a top 5 prospect? I think you should re-think that statement..

[minerball30]

Bosox, I hope you aren't serious. If you are then go check out Izzy stats and see if he is "struggling". Also his contract is up after this season ($7.75 Mil this year) but has an option if the Sox would want to keep him around ($8 Mil option). That isn't a "horrible" contract.

So like I said, I hope you aren't serious because both statements you made are totally wrong.

[The Stone Cop]

Cardinals will not trade Isringhausen as long as "LaGenius" is with the team. His man crush on Izzy outweighs looking toward next year.
That being said, you could look for two mid-range prospects just to unload his salary. Certainly not anything in the top 10 with his consistent arm troubles.

[Bosox4416]

Minerball, okay he hasen't been horrible, but his 8.75 contract IS horrible. Wouldn't be an important enough player on the Redsox w/ that kind of salary or for what your looking for him..

[Tim Dierkes]

Actually given the contract, a Dave Roberts addition wouldn't be a good idea. But I still think most Red Sox fans would like to see him back.

[touchmymonkey]

Would Wuertz get the cubs WMP? Hes a solid middle relief P and at one time was being considered to be Dempsters heir apparent. WMP is probably a better player with higher value but sox just have no use for him. An 08 OF of Sori, Pie, WMP with Pagan as a 4th ( although theriot and derosa also can play OF )has some nice potential. I cannot back it up with stats just a gut feeling but WMP should hit 30hr if he can get 500AB. Maybe toss in Murton make it more even?

[steveh]

What about the Phillies - ho do they match up with the Sawx?

How about Burrell and Geary for WMP?

Maybe expand it to include Rowand for Crisp?

I would love to take back Schilling some how but he may come as a FA next year.....

[Megastahr]

I dont know if you guys realize this or not, but the red sox are pushing to astros to take Pena for wheeler or qualls. Not oswalt...this is a good trade but it would hard for me to do. With Rowand and Byrnes on the open market next year you could easily move pence to right. The astros desperately need 3b prospect, Catcher, or SS prospects.

Shoot right now id trade qualls and jennings to the braves for Saltamachia or wahtever.

[Megastahr]

When I say the are on the open market I mean if you push for them early you could get theme reasonable with all the outfield in FA.

[Evil Empire]

Forget about WMP going to the Cubs, or any other NL team for that matter. He is strictly an AL DH.

[Josephus]

What about Wily Mo to the Pirates for Marte? Marte is signed to a good contract through next year.

[WestCoastBias]

"I am a propect pessimist. They are always overhyped. Except this guy. Front of the rotation stuff. No doubts in my mind. This guy will be the Sox #3 next year, and I wouldn't be surprised if he puts up the best numbers."

I hope you know more then Rosenthal's inside scout -

It was only one start — and his Class AAA debut, no less — but one scout wasn't impressed by right-hander Clay Buchholz, one of the Red Sox's top prospects. "His fastball is straight as an arrow — real hittable," the scout says. "He's a high-angle guy, and he has no deception at all." Buchholz, the Sox's minor-league pitcher of the year last season — his first in pro ball — also did not throw his power curve for strikes the night the scout saw him.

[Mr_Punch]

I won't claim to know more than Rosenthal's scout. I will say that when I have seen him pitch (which was not the other night for AAA), he had people swinging and missing on all 4 of his pitches. Also, when Buchholz suared of against Clemens, there were multiple scouts at the game (for Clemens) who all were very impressed with Buchholz. At least one scout said that they would rather have Buchholz on their major league roster than Clemens.

I would write off that last start as a bad game. It happens to everyone. His stuff is nasty. Its his off-speed stuff (change, circle change, and wicked curve) that makes him so dangerous, not his fastball (though he generally throws 92-95). I'm not even remotely worried, and I would not trade him for Oswalt.

[darkstar1661]

The Globe Report:
“The Sox are looking for a righthanded-hitting outfielder who can play center, as the team actively seeks to deal Wily Mo Peña. Peña, who struck out twice in Tuesday's 9-3 loss, is batting .146 (6 for 41) in his last 19 games, and has struck out 12 times in his last 17 at-bats. He has just one RBI in his last 17 games, has just one hit in nine at-bats as a pinch hitter, and while the Sox still acknowledge the raw potential, there is substantial evidence they have concluded he is inadequate for the role they need. It's not enough that the Sox pick up a righthanded bat; they need someone who also can play center, which should put to rest recent speculation about reacquiring Kevin Millar . . .”

It clearly says the Sox are looking to dump him for a RH bat that can play CF when needed. A bullpen arm would work, but that’s what the team seems to want for him…

[Evil Empire]

"hope you know more then Rosenthal's inside scout"

I guess I do because if this "scout" is opining Buchholz is anything less than a #2 starter he has been smoking the funny stuff.

One word - STUD

[Evil Empire]

“The Sox are looking for a righthanded-hitting outfielder who can play center, as the team actively seeks to deal Wily Mo Peña. Peña, who struck out twice in Tuesday's 9-3 loss, is batting .146 (6 for 41) in his last 19 games, and has struck out 12 times in his last 17 at-bats. He has just one RBI in his last 17 games, has just one hit in nine at-bats as a pinch hitter, and while the Sox still acknowledge the raw potential, there is substantial evidence they have concluded he is inadequate for the role they need. It's not enough that the Sox pick up a righthanded bat; they need someone who also can play center, which should put to rest recent speculation about reacquiring Kevin Millar...”

I say "ha ha, Mo. Next time find yourself a real agent"

Mo probably wouldn't be having these issues if his contract allowed him minor league time.

So a career wasted. Thanks, Mr. Agent!

[Papelboner]

WMP for Marte- now that's a deal that both teams might look at doing. Good call.

As for Oswalt, I know it's a pipe dream, and when I said Buccholz, WMP and a prospect, I meant a good one, like Lowrie, Bowden, etc. That would give the Astros a starting LF (left seems to be similar to fenway in that there isn't a lot of ground to cover), a STUD pitching prospect that would be able to pitch in Houston NOW and post an ERA better than the rest of your starters, as well as another top prospect (Lowrie at SS, Bowden at SP). You could get WMP, with 40 HR power, as well as your future 1 and 2 starters for Oswalt. If you aren't going to be in contention in the next 3/4 years, you HAVE to consider this deal.

[Darin]

Papelboner:
The Astros have Carlos Lee in LF and Wily Mo is junk. Who wants the second coming of Tony Bautista playing bad defense in LF for them?

When you're UP SIDE is Tony Bautista, you have a career ahead of you, but not a great one.

[Papelboner]

Darin- Wily Mo is 25 years old and has never had consistent playing time. His up side is far higher than Tony Batista. I wasn't thinking about Lee in left, and an OF including Lee and Pena would result in terrible OF defense, but Wily Mo has tremendous upside. Last year, when Crisp was hurt, Pena played ave. D in CF and hit .301 with 11 HR in 276 AB. He also hit 26 HR in '04, 19 in '05, all with limited playing time. He just needs a team to give him a shot to play regularly, but I guess that won't happen in Houston.

Fine, if WMP isn't in a deal for Oswalt, how about: Buccholz, Bowden (or Lowrie, a SS) and Brandon Moss?

[Darin]

Papleboner:

I'm not so sure Pena's upside is actually "higher" than that of Batista's was. Tony didn't strike out near as much as Pena would, and they walk about the same (none). I won't argue the fact that Pena would probably be good for 30-40 homers, but he's going to K more than anyone ever has, and do it with an empty .260-.270 AVG. That's not very useful, unless you can play SS...which is where Batista played coming up.

For Oswalt, the Astros don't "need" to trade him, so if I was going to (not Purpura), I'd ask for Buccholz (who grew up about an hour and a half outside of Houston) and Jacoby Ellsbuy, as well as probably Lester....way too high for the Red Sox to go for sure, but that's the return I'd want for a player I don't have to trade.

But Purpura would probably take a guy past his prime, an injured pitcher and a crappy prospect. Just because the Astros are still in it (according to him).