4:12pm: "Talks quickly faded" between the Sox and Rockies about Iannetta, says Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, because Colorado reportedly "wanted 'premium' talent" for the catcher.
6:58am: The Red Sox are monitoring Chris Iannetta’s progress in case the Rockies make him available, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. The catcher, who has been linked to the Red Sox for a while, is now in the minors.
Iannetta struggled through 34 plate appearances with the Rockies this year, hitting .133/.235/.333. The 27-year-old’s .362/.449/.741 Triple A line should be robust enough to convince any doubters that the last two years were not flukes: Iannetta can hit. The Red Sox have no doubt noticed that Iannetta has thrown out seven of 13 would-be base stealers.
Victor Martinez has struggled at the plate, but he has multi-hit games in three of his last four starts. Backup catcher Jason Varitek has been hitting surprisingly well in limited time. The tandem has limited opponents’ running games more effectively of late, nabbing nine of the last 21 baserunners to attempt to steal.
Iannetta, who is under contract through 2012, could be a long-term solution for the Red Sox. Their catchers are producing now, but both Martinez and Varitek hit free agency this winter.
Nit pick: I’m thinking you mean ‘in case the Rockies make him available’ in the first sentence.
So…what would the Red Sox offer in return? The Rockies don’t need prospects unless its something significant.
Obviously the values aren’t the same here but wouldn’t Papelbon be interesting with the Rockies?
A 3B or 2B prospect, but the possible candidates escape me at the moment.
Brad Hawpe, Eric Young Jr, and Chris Iannetta for Pedroia.
Pedroia is a leader on that team; the Red Sox aren’t moving him. Dream on.
You are kidding, right? One of the best all around 2nd basemen in the game that would probably hit 30HR in that stadium, GG 2B on defense, team leader and only 26YO. Boston wouldn’t give him to the Rockies for anybody they have. The guy is locked up for 4/38M with another 11M option year.
Ianetta hit is way back to AAA this year and Hawpe plays a position Boston already has covered well, plus is only signed through 2011.
You don’t give up one of the top 3 2nd baseman in the game for this type of stuff..
Haha, funny how theres a double standard about Red Sox fans demanding the world for their players but think everyone should trade them their best for next to nothin.
I said that semi-tongue in cheek, but its a lot better than some of the bs propositions Sox fans toss out there.
Hell, still no one has come in with a legit offer for Iannetta. I guess thats because they expect him for free?
I’m not a BoSox fan or wouldn’t ask the world for him, but I would want at least two top-100 prospects plus more, and probably include Huston Street in that deal.
There is a very good possability that Varitek has asked to be traded since he isn’t getting playing time. Just because the Sox don’t match up l with Colorado very well, needs wise doesn’t mean anything because Theo’s biggest midseason moves have always involved multiple teams.
Considering that Varitek exercised his player option knowing exactly what the playing time situation was going to be this season, I would strongly disagree with that statement. What are you basing it on, anyway?
Felix doubront was just called up to Triple A… Maybe this is a showcasing scenario?
Doubront for Iannetta?
Didn’t the Rockies already have Pedroia? Oh wait it was just Marcus Giles, who was basically the same player only ESPN didn’t wet themselves over him… Look at what the Braves used to do, have one catcher that could hit (Lopez) and another that can field and throw (Bako, Olson, Virgil)… Even now with McCann and Ross. Kind of makes you think why they would trade for V-Mart. When he offers no real upgrade over Varitek, but his bat. Just some thoughts…
I don’t think the Sox are interested in bringing V-Mart back. He’s wants to be paid like premium player and, while he is among the best offensive catchers in the game, there are legitimate concerns about his ability to remain a full-time catcher. As a 1B, his bat is basically middle-of-the-road.
I have a feeling the Sox are keeping their eyes on a lot of catchers this season and, honestly, I think they’ll resign Varitek if he continues to produce in his backup role.
Dump a guy in AAA for no particular reason and then ask a premium for him? Move on.
Id sooner give Expo a shot than overpay for another player.