Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe would like to see the Red Sox acquire a marquee player in his prime. Let's dive in and check out the tidbits that he has for us today..
- The Red Sox will shed a great deal of payroll this offseason thanks in large part to David Ortiz and Mike Lowell coming off of the books. MLBTR's Tim Dierkes examined the team's 2011 contract issues recently, suggesting $40MM could be freed up. With that newfound breathing room, Cafardo writes that the BoSox would like to zero in on one of three elite first basemen this winter. While he anticipates Albert Pujols remaining in St. Louis, he says that Prince Fielder and Adrian Gonzalez could be acquired via in-season trades.
- If Kerry Wood can show that he's healthy, he should be able to attract a contending team as we approach the trade deadline. Wood was recalled from his rehab assignment in Akron on Friday. The 32-year-old is set to make $10.5MM this season but if a team were to trade for him they would only have to assume the prorated portion of that.
- David DeJesus is "more than available" for teams seeking a lefty outfield bat. In return, the Royals would seek bullpen help and a positional prospect. Kansas City was said to be expecting serious interest in DeJesus this winter. The 31-year-old earns $4.5MM this season with a $6MM option for next season.
- While there's still some skepticism in Houston that Lance Berkman would really leave the organization, one Astros organizational person opined that the 34-year-old would "fit Boston like a fiddle". However, considering his advanced age and his offensive struggles this season, he's an unlikely fit for the club at present. Meanwhile, Cafardo mentions the Mariners and White Sox as teams that could really use a bat like Berkman's.
- Meanwhile, Jeremy Hermida is an outfielder that would seem to fit Seattle, though it doesn't appear that the Red Sox would entertain offers for him right now.
Why is bullpen help even in the conversation involving a David DeJesus trade? Can they go ahead and can Dayton Moore already?
Maybe they can trade him for Leo Nunez…
Maybe they can trade him for Leo Nunez…
Every time I read something by Cafardo I want to punch my screen.
… As Tim’s off-season review pointed out the Red Sox have the potential to decrease payroll by as much as $65m. However, if that happens they will need to replace C, DH, and 3rd base as well as plug any holes that might spring this season. This also assumes that the Red Sox are going to keep payroll steady at record levels (this year they are almost at $170m – in 2007 they were at $143m, every year since 2004, besides those two outliers, they have been sitting between $120m and $133m). It wouldn’t surprise me to see payroll drop down to the $130-$140 range – especially if this team does not produce. Should payroll stabilize the team might only have $20m or so to address those 3 holes.
… Why is upgrading 1st base such a priority for the Red Sox? Last check Youk is one heck of a player – an elite 1st baseman. I get it that you can move him to 3rd (if Beltre is not retained) but is that really the best solution? If I was running the Sox here is what I would be focused on for next year:
1. Decide if Martinez is going to stay behind the plate. If not, then you make a play for a different catcher and let him walk. If he can catch 110-130 games then you retain him and go for broke on a stud DH. With a stud DH you can get someone in the $10m range and can afford a lighter hitting but better defending 3rd baseman.
2. Only move Youk to 3rd if you can land another elite 1B under favorable terms. Giving up the farm for Fielder or Gonzalez just doesn’t make any sense. You will be paying those guys $20m+/season + the cost of talent in a trade + you downgrade your defense. You could use those same prospects and money to go after an elite 3rd baseman. No need to shuffle players all over the place. You might not get 40+ HR’s but you can get outstanding defense + 30HR’s + a cheaper contract.
What other catcher will you target?
-The unproven kid blocked by Mauer? Who else is available?
What stud 3B is available?
-Multiple 1B seem to be that’s why getting one and moving Youk seems like the obvious choice
Amen
Would like to quickly point out that you’d only really be downgrading defense with Fielder. All reports I’ve heard are that A-Gon is also stellar there. Otherwise, though, I do agree about the first basemen thing. However, I’d only really be on board if Beltre bounces back in a big way. If he does, I’d like to see the Sox retain him and Youk. It’ll be some of the best corner defense in baseball for a while, and solid offensive players as well if Beltre improves. For DH my main targets would be Adam Dunn or Berkman, if either are willing to give up playing defense. Not extremely expensive guys, and will give a lot of production. I think, however, the big reason the Red Sox want so badly to nab a primo first baseman is not because that position isn’t performing for them, but that there are about to be a couple of them out on the open market, who are REALLY REALLY good. They also know their biggest competitor, the Yanks, are not going to be involved, so they may feel that they have a better chance at signing them on a more club-favorable deal. Then, it may be tough for Youk to move to third, but that’s what would happen, and suddenly you’ve got a legitimate bopper in the lineup. I agree they’ll likely let it go if they’re too pricey, because it’ll take a lot of juggling with Youk and such to make it work, but otherwise they’re going to want to take advantage of this weak market for some really good players.
I’m a fan of Dunn as DH and even keeping Beltre but if he puts up a good year he is likely to walk.
True, very true. I figure whether the Red Sox go for a power 1B or not, he’s definitely not taking the option. I just meant the Sox might be a player for him on the open market if they decided to go that route, because as Zack said, there’s not anyone else really available at third. I’m just thinking in concern for Youk’s defense. He said this offseason that it gets harder each year to move over there, and combined with the fact that, barring injury, he’s going to get zero playing time at third this year, it’s going to be scary trying to get him to move over next year. He’s going to start that slow decline next year, as he begins to move into his mid-thirties, which is not a great time for him to move full-time back to third. I do imagine a situation where Fielder and A-Gon keep asking for too much, and Youk says he doubts he can make the move, and the Sox go a different route.
Also, knowing Epstein’s penchant for letting popular players go in order to improve the team, what’s everyones thoughts on the possibility of him trading Youkilis? One, gotta think of a decent trade partner. But if he can find the trade, would he do it? I’m thinking of if Epstein has got his hands on A-Gon, but doesn’t want to make Youk move over (plus Beltre has a good year). We all have to admit that as good as Youk is, A-Gon is better. Especially, one would imagine, in Fenway. And if Youk’s defense is going to drop considerably at third, and Beltre bounces back, they might be comparable players at third base. Do I sound crazy, or is this possible? Thoughts?
True, very true. I figure whether the Red Sox go for a power 1B or not, he’s definitely not taking the option. I just meant the Sox might be a player for him on the open market if they decided to go that route, because as Zack said, there’s not anyone else really available at third. I’m just thinking in concern for Youk’s defense. He said this offseason that it gets harder each year to move over there, and combined with the fact that, barring injury, he’s going to get zero playing time at third this year, it’s going to be scary trying to get him to move over next year. He’s going to start that slow decline next year, as he begins to move into his mid-thirties, which is not a great time for him to move full-time back to third. I do imagine a situation where Fielder and A-Gon keep asking for too much, and Youk says he doubts he can make the move, and the Sox go a different route.
Also, knowing Epstein’s penchant for letting popular players go in order to improve the team, what’s everyones thoughts on the possibility of him trading Youkilis? One, gotta think of a decent trade partner. But if he can find the trade, would he do it? I’m thinking of if Epstein has got his hands on A-Gon, but doesn’t want to make Youk move over (plus Beltre has a good year). We all have to admit that as good as Youk is, A-Gon is better. Especially, one would imagine, in Fenway. And if Youk’s defense is going to drop considerably at third, and Beltre bounces back, they might be comparable players at third base. Do I sound crazy, or is this possible? Thoughts?
One more point … no one is going to take on that pro-rated contract for Wood. Unless he comes out and absolutely deals the Indians are going to have to kick in cash just to rid themselves of him. Getting talent back is out of the question unless there is a boat load of money being thrown in the deal.
Teams get desperate and do irrational things near the trade deadline if they’re in contention. I wouldn’t rule it out, while it might not be prudent use of their budget. Bargains come right before spring training, not the trade deadline.
If you think Red Sox Nation is unhappy now, wait until Theo gives Boras silly money for Prince Fielder, and watches him top 350 pounds before age 30. First Mo, then Big Papi, then Prince….
It’s hard to believe Theo would do this. Gonzalez, on a rational contract, maybe.
Theo had nothing to do with Mo Vaughn. Don’t know how he would factor into this AT all.
David Ortiz has lost weight this year, and has always been willing to do so for the team. I don’t really remember at any time hearing about Ortiz and weight problems. Sure, he’s a big guy. But it suits him.
I do agree about the Fielder thing though…if Theo does go for a 1B, I really hope its A-Gon.
Theo had nothing to do with Mo Vaughn. Don’t know how he would factor into this AT all.
David Ortiz has lost weight this year, and has always been willing to do so for the team. I don’t really remember at any time hearing about Ortiz and weight problems. Sure, he’s a big guy. But it suits him.
I do agree about the Fielder thing though…if Theo does go for a 1B, I really hope its A-Gon.
fielder hardly seems like a guy who would let his weight get out of hand. He’s a vegetarian and I think he would know (after seeing his father) that staying in shape is important to a big guy.
Seriously? His weight is out of hand now
fielder hardly seems like a guy who would let his weight get out of hand. He’s a vegetarian and I think he would know (after seeing his father) that staying in shape is important to a big guy.
Seattle: done. Hermida will not be able to save that offense. Neither will Dye. DeJesus to the ??
Seattle: done. Hermida will not be able to save that offense. Neither will Dye. DeJesus to the ??
before I used to be all for the Giants getting Fielder but now I’m undecided because Aubrey Huff is paying off for us right now and so is the rest of the offense. I think if Fielder does get traded he won’t sign an extension it doesn’t matter which team he goes to and God bless the guy for trying to get the money and years he thinks he deserves.However there is a small chance he just doesn’t want to stay in Milwaukee(no knock intended) or that he wants to see whats out there and if he doesn’t like what he sees he signs long term with Milwaukee.