Let's take a look at some Red Sox-related tidbits from around the web..
- Earlier today, BoSox closer Jonathan Papelbon told reporters that he doesn't know why everyone assumes he won't be with the club after 2011. Brian MacPherson of The Providence Journal brings us select quotes from the outspoken hurler, including his approval of GM Theo Epstein's moves this offseason.
- After starting his career as a shortstop, Tony Pena Jr. is now in camp with the BoSox as a relief pitcher, trying to make the squad as a non-roster invitee, writes Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe. Pena says he tops out at 94 miles per hour but usually throws in the low 90s.
- This winter's acquisitions of relievers Bobby Jenks and Dan Wheeler will help to reduce Daniel Bard's appearances, but manager Terry Francona is more excited about the two reducing the number of times Bard needs to warm up in the bullpen, writes John Tomase of the Boston Herald.
Zach, no offense but I doubt you meant to say “reduce reducing Daniel Bard’s appearances.”
One other factor to consider. Trading Papelbon for hot prospects would get them back under the salary cap.
Well Wake is going to get one spot no question. And Oki will most likely get the other one unless he is horrible in spring. Miller could get a spot, he’s got the talent to get back to form. But I thinks it’s a 80-90% chance Wake and Oki are the ones.
Here’s how it stands at the moment:
CLOSER: Papelbon
SETUP: Bard
SETUP: Jenks
MR: Wheeler
LR: Wakefield
That leaves two remaining spots – possibly 3 if they decide to go with 8 relievers instead of a backup corner infielder as Tito indicated they MIGHT (due to Lowrie’s versatility). 1 of those spots will DEFINITELY go to a lefty, possibly both. Here is the LONG list of players competing for those final 2-3 spots, starting with the leftys.
LHP Felix Doubront
LHP Rich Hill
LHP Andrew Miller
LHP Hideki Okajima
LHP Dennys Reyes
LHP Randy Williams
RHP Alfredo Aceves
RHP Matt Albers
RHP Scott Atchison
RHP Michael Bowden
RHP Matt Fox
RHP Tony Pena Jr.
RHP Clevelan Santeliz
I think, as of right now, the guys with the best shots at making the team are Okie, Hill, Aceves and maybe Atchison and Reyes. Miller will almost definitely begin the season starting in AAA, and that is likely where Doubront will start as well unless literally NONE of the other lefties in camp look good.
Good list. I would not be surprised to see the following start the season in Pawtucket, even though they will end up in Boston:
– Doubront because he has the talent to be a middle of the rotation guy, but needs time in AAA to get there.
– Miller to fine tune his mechanics so he can live up to his potential.
– Aceves to get himself back together after the injury (if needed).
If Bowden doesn’t make the team at some point this year, I think his time in the Red Sox organization is over.
I would not be surprised for Atchison to make the team, just because of his versatility.
Papelbon is okay but he had a less than stellar year last year and he makes way too much money. It’s nice to talk about trading him for prospects but in all honesty, who wants him?
I don’t see Papelbon getting traded. Teams are starting to realize that the closer is the most overpaid ond overhyped position in all of professional sports. While fans buy into the “closer mentality” as some special attribute only a few possess, the reality is it is just the same competitive fire all pro athletes possess because, without it, they would never succeed…
The overpaying for RP this off season contradicts your claim.
Aceves will not be ready by opening day and will have to spend some time in AAA after he is ready so he will not have one of the spots to start. I think Oki and Miller if good in spring will gets spots.
I’m thinking more along the lines of Okie/Atchison, Okie/Hill, or Doubront/Atchison for the final 2 spots.
if street continues to struggle or goes on DL, I would love to trade Paps for Rosario and Rafael Ortega…any takers???
Streets highest ERA was 3.73 had his highest HRs given up was 6 that’s not bad for a guy who pitches in Coors field. He doesn’t walk people he usually pitches 70 innings a year and saves on avg 25-30 games a year. I’ll take him if you think that’s bad.
Sorry his highest HRs given up was 7 not 6.
1st closer…………………… Papelbon
2nd closer………………….. Jenks
3rd closer… ……………….. Bard
1st 8th inning set up man.. Bard
2nd 8th inning set up man. Jenks
1st middle inning reliever.. Okajima (lefty)
2nd middle inning reliever.. Wheeler (righty)
3rd middle inning reliever… Atchinson (righty)
4th middle inning reliever… Aceves (righty)
1st starter/reliever………… Wakefield (righty)
5th starter………………….. Matsuzaka (righty)
4th starter………………….. Beckett (righty)
3rd starter………………….. Lackey (righty)
2nd starter…………………. Buchholz (righty)
1st starter …………………. Lester (lefty)
sent down………………….. Doubront
Miller
Albers
Reyes
Bowden
cut…………………………… Hill
Williams
Fox
Santilez
If Paps thinks he’ll be back at $12M or more a year, I’ve got some ocean front property in Kansas I’ll sell him. He ain’t getting any younger—or better.
i’m wondering if Theo would still make a trade if a decent trade opportunity for Papelbon comes up mid-season, but the red sox are in a tight race. I guess this will depend on the strength of the bullpen at that time…but assuming that the bullpen is ok (not great, but not as bad as last season), would Theo make the trade and potentially risk letting this season go in return for a good return on Papelbon?
Well as you said, it comes down to the right package. Despite what people like Michael Young think, every player is on the market and can be had for the right price. If the Sox can get a good package for him then Paps is gone. Hopefully Bard/Jenks/Wheeler can be a powerful core of a pen.
Ok? This bullpen could easily be the best in baseball! Papelbon in a contract year with Bard and Jenks handling the 7th and 8th pushes Wheeler back to the 6th! That’s a stacked pen with lefties Oki, Hill, Miller, Reyes and rh Wake, Atchinson, et al fighting for 2-3 spots! I see it as Wake, Oki, and another lefty btw!
IF Papelbon isn’t hurt. He looked like he had a tired shoulder last year. You could tell he was over throwing. If he’s strong the Red Sox bullpen should be tough.
I said “assuming” in my scenario…
if the bullpen was absolutely lights out, and losing Pap won’t make a huge difference, then the decision would be much easier.
I humbly beg your forgiveness for using the wrong term.
That’s my point though…if the right package comes along, but the pen’s performance is mediocre, would Theo make the trade and possibly risk the season?
I don’t think so. I really only think Pap will get traded if there is ample evidence that the bullpen will be good enough without him – something that is probably not going to happen.
Don’t pee on, the electric fence!
Yikes! Trust me, I will be on my guard. Especially after a couple o’ beers.
Expect me to put up high resistance.