The Red Sox have acquired Andrew Bailey from the Athletics in a trade that will send Josh Reddick to Oakland and Ryan Sweeney to Boston, the teams announced. First base prospect Miles Head and right-handed pitching prospect Raul Alcantara are going to Oakland in the deal.
Bailey (pictured) figures to replace longtime closer Jonathan Papelbon at the back of Boston's bullpen in 2012. The 27-year-old right-hander posted a 3.24 ERA with 8.9 K/9, 2.6 BB/9 and a 37.1% ground ball rate in 41 2/3 innings in 2011 after recovering a forearm strain that sidelined him early on in the season. MLBTR projects a $3.5MM salary for Bailey in 2012. The two-time All-Star and 2009 AL Rookie of the Year is under team control through 2014.
Reddick, 24, posted a .280/.327/.457 line in 278 plate appearances for the Red Sox this past season. The left-handed hitter got his first extended shot at Major League pitching in 2011, after posting a .278/.332/.500 line in parts of five minor leagues seasons. Reddick has big league experience at all three outfield positions and figures to get the chance to play every day in Oakland. He's under team control through 2016 and won't be arbitration eligible until after the 2013 campaign.
Sweeney, 27 in February, played all three outfield positions for the Athletics in 2011, posting a .265/.346/.341 line in 299 plate appearances. He has experience in parts of six big league seasons and will remain under team control through 2013. Sweeney's career UZR/150 of 9.2 suggests he's an above-average defender, and his numbers in right field are particularly impressive. MLBTR projects a 2012 salary of $1.6MM for Sweeney through arbitration.
Sweeney's a left-handed hitter who has a solid career line of .296/.352/.402 against right-handed pitching. However, GM Ben Cherington may want to pair him with someone who can hit left-handers given his career .233/.306/.289 line against southpaws. Ryan Kalish and Darnell McDonald (.285/.348/.451 career line against lefties) are internal candidates for the Red Sox to consider and right-handed hitting free agents Ryan Spilborghs and Cody Ross could also be fits.
The Red Sox selected Head, now 20, in the 26th round of the 2009 draft. He has posted a .274/.351/.446 line in 861 minor league plate appearances over the course of the past three seasons, but has yet to reach Double-A. Alcantara, who recently turned 19, has a 2.72 ERA with 6.0 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 as a starter in 125 2/3 minor league innings. However, he has just four appearances above Rookie Ball.
Bailey will join the recently-acquired Mark Melancon in a new-look Red Sox bullpen. Boston may move Daniel Bard to the rotation and Alfredo Aceves might also start, but Matt Albers, Scott Atchison, Bobby Jenks and Franklin Morales are candidates to contribute out of the bullpen in 2012.
ESPN.com's Buster Olney first reported the move (all Twitter links). Photo courtesy Icon SMI.
Josh Reddick?
That’s it? Seriously?
BAM!
Seriously, I must be getting punked here.
I think you are.
There has to be more coming from the Red Sox…
Olney says that Reddick only part of the deal.
No he buster said he’ll be part of this deal meaning theres prob more
No, I think he means he will only be a part of the deal.
Ryan sweeny just got sent to red six too. Has to be more to the deal.
where’d you hear this?
Buster olneys tweeting. A’s get miles head and raul alcantera from sox
Its a 3 for 2 sweeney and bailey for reddick miles head and raul alcantera
are miled head and raul alcantera any good?
BA ranked Alcantara as the 6th best prospect in the Gulf Coast League for 2011. Electric arm…
Both are good-not-great prospects at this point, but both have solid potential.
Despite what Olney is saying, Head is actually a 1B prospect (and if he makes the majors he will be an offensive minded 1B at that). But he does have a high power potential and solid all-around offensive potential.
Alcantara has three pitches that all have plus potential (Fastball, Slider, and Change), but all three still need refinement in control and consistency (he’s only 19 and came from the Dominican leagues). His FB sits in the low 90’s and can hit 95 currently but he is expected to put on a lot of weight and is expected to sit more around 95-96 once he matures.
Miles played 3b at HS and his size is not huge by any means. Have a feeling beane mad this deal with moving him back to the position, or with the way they “seem” to have been going about this off season and looking for young OF as well.
I also like Sweeny as a superb replacement for mcDonald.
This is an outright steal of Bailey.
Nobody (including the Red Sox) think that he can play 3B at this point.
If Beane got him thinking he could switch him back to 3B, he’s the only person in baseball who thinks he’s a 3B.
No on ESPN it said Reddick and others
freaking a, you guys totally got a steal
I have absolutely no problem with that package. Reddick as the centerpiece? Alcantara? Head? And they get sweeney? Outstanding.
haha that post was made before the details about sweeney, alcantara, and head were announced
I can’t see the logic behind Reddick for Bailey, especially since Toronto and Tampa have two of the top three farm systems in baseball. Is Beane trying to tell everyone that Toronto and Tampa Bay didn’t have better talent than Reddick to go to Oakland in exchange for Bailey. Something is wrong with that picture and there must be a boatload of talent heading to the west coast that hasn’t been published yet, especially if Sweeney is also going to the Sox. Stay tuned tomorrow for the continuing saga of how to conduct a fire sale in Oakland, turning A’s into triple A expansion team.
Why would the Blue Jays be going after Bailey? They just got Santos from the White Sox. Can’t really see the Rays going after him either, but I suppose it’s possible. Doubt they’d give up as much as BOS did.
Just because you have one closer, it doesn’t mean you don’t pick up players that also have closing experience in a set-up role. Boston has Melancon who is a closer, but they also obtained Bailey, which means one of them has to be moved to set-up roles or they alternate closing games. lol.
melancon will not be closing over bailey….
I’m sure that AA did his due diligence to check on Bailey, but I’m betting the price was too high for AA’s liking, and he went on to get Santos. Molina for Santos was a much better deal, in talent and worth to TBJ, than this deal for Bailey is to Boston. Doesn’t mean AA is done, I just think Bailey was overpriced for what he wanted to pay.
theres no way the price was to high look what the sox gave up. If i was any other team i would have gone for him if that is all it took
Well, Bailey’s been on the market for 2 months, so if you know why AA didn’t jump on him, you’re a better faux-GM than I am…
Price is not the same to every team, CJ Wilson asked the Yankees 20+ millions, asked Texas for 19 millions, and signed for less. Hoyer asked the moon and the stars for Adrián González, but sold low to his former team (it was the best i would get, he said).
I’m sure that AA did his due diligence to check on Bailey, but I’m betting the price was too high for AA’s liking, and he went on to get Santos. Molina for Santos was a much better deal, in talent and worth to TBJ, than this deal for Bailey is to Boston. Doesn’t mean AA is done, I just think Bailey was overpriced for what he wanted to pay.
lol, wtf are you saying you homer.
HEY EVERYONE WE HAVE A HOMER OVER HERE
I can’t see the logic behind Reddick for Bailey, especially since Toronto and Tampa have two of the top three farm systems in baseball. Is Beane trying to tell everyone that Toronto and Tampa Bay didn’t have better talent than Reddick to go to Oakland in exchange for Bailey. Something is wrong with that picture and there must be a boatload of talent heading to the west coast that hasn’t been published yet, especially if Sweeney is also going to the Sox. Stay tuned tomorrow for the continuing saga of how to conduct a fire sale in Oakland, turning A’s into triple A expansion team.
Well, Beane got bent over on this one, but at least he was able to get Head.
o_0
I actually don’t hate this trade from Oakland’s perspective. Head and Alcantara are both fairly high risk (low minors and need refinements) but both have high ceilings. There is a high chance that neither makes it to their full potential but if either one of them does I think this trade looks like a win for the As (if both do it’s a slam dunk, but that is very, very unlikely).
heard he went a Mile out of his way to get some too. wonder if he ever tried craigslist?
heard he went a Mile out of his way to get some too. wonder if he ever tried craigslist?
Well, Beane got bent over on this one, but at least he was able to get Head.
Miles Head is the one IMO. Agreed there bro that Reddick is a slight to no loss and Alcantra is a wild card.
Head might be the key here. Long as he does not balloon up in size? They move him back to 3B, where he belongs and they might have the power hitting 3B have been looking for in a couple of years.
Good thing Boston has outstanding depth at the position. As much as liked Miles, am not worried with the loss. Stll a position with a world of depth throughout the system as you know.
Wouldn’t have had to move him to 1B if not clogged up already.
1B is way more blocked in Boston than 3B is, what with Gonzalez there and all; if they thought there was even a little chance that he could stick at 3B they would have left him there, if only because he would be more valuable in a trade.
“1B is way more blocked in Boston than 3B is”
Thought it was a bit obvious the minor league system 3B, or it was to the regular Sox people here from the people that they have in the system.. Vitek, Middlebrooks, cecchini, Bogaerts eventually.
Edit
Was supposed to have been 3B clogged up in my original post.. my mistake there.
When they moved him to 1B in 2010 Vitek and Cecchini weren’t part of the equation at 3B, and Bogaerts still isn’t. There are plenty of places in the minors where they could reasonably put him and he could still play 3B if they thought he was at all able to. In fact, the very case of Vitek still being at 3B (and not in the outfield where he should/will be) shows that they like to stick with players at positions as long as possible, just in case. (they did the same with Fife, Wilson, Hazelbaker, etc.)
I don’t know where your “the regular Sox people here” comment comes from, but as someone who follows the prospects at least as much as the guys in the majors I can tell you that none of the Sox scouting guys, or the national scouting guys, think he is a 3B; in fact, average defense at 1B is considered the extent of his potential.
Ok…
I take it will have to start writing in braille then, lest some of my left out, or not finished thoughts will be misconstrued and tossed back like this…
Guess you have not figured out by now, or don’t care that other people follow the minor league prospects also around here and know that Vitek *might* get moved to the outfield eventually, Bogaerts *might* get moved to 3B and as for Head? he went to 3B as far as my knowledge, because Vitek was going to be playing 3B for Greenville last season.
Now, without doing some cursory bow to your omnipotence here on the subject.. That was my understanding of it….
Wow, apparently I hit some sort of nerve. I don’t know what you’re so upset about, all I was trying to do was point out my perspective (and coincidentally the perspective of scouts who have seen him).
If Oakland really is going to give him a shot at 3B I don’t blame them, it can’t hurt, but the Sox moved him for more reason than just because there were other 3B prospects in the system. His defense wasn’t good there, and it’s not all that good at 1B either.
Look, I can give you the opinions of scouts if you want them: Newman at FG says “lack of range and foot work forced him over to first base,” Goldstein was asked if Head could transition back to 3B and said “Rarely optimistic on wrong way defensive spectrum moves,” and the guys at SoxProspects say of his defense at 1B “Choppy footwork at times and about average range [for a 1B]. Strong arm for a first baseman. Shows soft hands with improving glovework on balls in the dirt. Projects as average-to-solid-average defensively [at 1st] as long as his body doesn’t fill out too much.”
You don’t need to get all worked up just because I don’t agree with you though. At first I honestly thought you were talking about 3B being blocked at the majors, so I said 1B is more blocked than 3B; then when you told me that was wrong I thought you were saying the position was more overloaded in the minors, and now that is apparently wrong too, so now I’m honestly not sure what you were trying to say.
Beane is one of the most over rated GMs in baseball
The ode to Billy Beane: We draft them, we groom them, we make them stars, and we trade them. The second verse is the same as the first. The triple A’s are never in contention and they’re never in first… place that is. Their home is in major league baseball, where the big boys come to play.
Think of it this way..Bailey is oft injured and had his worst season ever…The A’s are getting a good position player who can play all OF spots who will hit 280-20-25hr-80-90RBI every year…not a bad deal for both teams
Worst season ever’s a matter of debate, his peripherals were right in line with his career numbers. His BAbip normalized, for the most part and his GB% went down a bit, but still, good option as a closer (As I’m of the mind a lights out closer is overrated).
I do agree that the deal is actually good for both teams. I was pretty high on the Reddick thing as he’s obviously redundant for the Sox and I’m just glad we got as much as we did for him. I think your numbers are a bit generous, for him. He’s certainly CAPABLE of those kind of numbers, but it’s far from a given, he needs to work on his plate discipline to keep his BA and HR numbers up by avoiding pitchers’ exploiting his tendency to swing at stuff out of the zone and I’m still not convinced Oakland is the best fit for him, but he’s a great defender.
The Sox didn’t really give up much that they’re ever likely to use while the A’s got some good upside with some question marks attached.
good move!
Good Move by the Red Sox they needed Bullpen depth after losing Pabelbon. That means Madson won’t be signing with the Red Sox.
You can’t even do that right.
Edit: LMAO he completely edited his post, it initially read “First to comment.”
That’s happened to me a couple times. People are really sad. Why would you even care if you’re first or not?
It is a meaningless achievement for people with empty lives and nothing important going on. It is the quintessential “posting from your mom’s basement” thing to do.
I am glad I am not you.
The Sox must’ve been really concerned about the pen if Cherrington was willing to give Beane Head to get Bailey.
Oh man, these jokes are even better than I had hoped.
NO
The rich get richer!
lol bye bye Josh Reddick.
See ya Reddick! Hello BAILEY!!!
This does not shock me the slightest bit. Wonder who else will be going to the A’s.
Reddick and who else?
shouldnt you know “Ben”?
Of course not, he’s Lucchino’s puppet.
all i know is i had to give beane head
did he gaze lovingly into your eyes while you were doing it? no hideo.
Now our bullpen starts to look solid.
Bard is going to be a starter, right?
he is just one person in the trade, they have not gotten all the details figured out yet.
Whoa! Good thing all that Melacon talk was just that. Nice move, Sox. And for Reddick, at that!
Melancon talk wasn’t just talk, Melancon was a done deal weeks ago.
I think he means using him as the closer.
If Reddick has 500 Abs of solid play with even some slight above average times in it he is a steal. Guy has a huge power ceiling, and is good on d. I would say this trade will be even if Bailey can stay healthy.
Reddick was def the centerpiece your not gonna hear big prospect names. Bailey for Reddick and some minor talent is a fair trade. Whammy. Thank you Billy.
Moneyball II: The Wrath of Beane…
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!
yes
This is misleading. It isn’t just Reddick going the other way. Middlebrooks or Lowrie MUST be involved…
Lowrie was already traded LOL
First off, no way Middlebrooks is in the deal. Second, Lowrie was already traded to the Astros.
Lowrie is gone and I will eat my hat if an above average prospect of any kind goes Oaklands way. Now begins the waiting game till Bailey hits the DL.
Lowrie went to Houston for Melancon
Lowrie is an Astro
Lowrie was previously traded.
uhhh no… No way Middlebrooks is going anywhere in this deal, and Lowrie is already gone to the ‘Stros
Lowrie is already in Houston. Im thinking maybe Ranaudo is in the deal?
Chance of that at like 1%.
Wasn’t Lowrie part of the Melancon trade??
lowrie is in houston, they dealt lowrie for melancon
3 team trade with Houston??
Lowrie didn’t stay there long…
Lol nothing like being corrected seven times in less than a minute. Usually, as soon as I see Houston Astros in any headline, I immediately disregard it.
I still think you all underestimate the ridiculous relief pitcher market right now.
Hey! Did you guys hear the Red Sox traded Lowrie to the Astros?
No….
No….
Lowrie went to Houston
we get it
yessssssssss
Bailey for Reddick? That makes it official: fire sale under way in Oakland.
It wasn’t official when they traded their two best starting pitchers…?
Gonna wait and see who the extras are before I give Ben an A+ for this, but me likey so far…
If reddick main piece steal for sox
Redsox got their guy. Hard to believe Reddick is only part. If so, then Oakland got robbed. Reddick is good, but seems Bailey has more value
He’s not. More coming.
nice, if its just for Reddick. Now Bard can start & we have a formidable 1-4 starters.
Bard hasn’t started a game in forever, what gives you the impression he would be formidable?
Bard hasn’t started a game in forever, what gives you the impression he would be formidable?
I’m assuming blatant homerism. I’m as big a Sox fan as anyone, but I’m nowhere near foolish enough to believe that Bard’s going to have a seamless transition…
please say there’s more headed oakland’s way, rip-off if there isn’t
im relieved…but who will play RF? and we still need a starter
Kalish or Linares
Linares? I’ve never heard of him and I’m a Sox fan.
He spent a lot of last year on the DL like Kalish. Doubt they give him the starting job though, more likely to go to someone not on the roster or Kalish.
Linares is a 27 (now 28) year old Cuban defector who put up good numbers in the AFL and got tons of hype among Sox prospect junkies. Most likely ceiling is a 4th outfielder.
che-hsuan lin plz
+10
For some reason I’ve always had the impression that he isn’t thought of very highly though, even by the Sox, but I really want to see what he could do; no power but a good OBP, base stealing, and phenomenal defense.
Linares is a 27 (now 28) year old Cuban defector who put up good numbers in the AFL and got tons of hype among Sox prospect junkies. Most likely ceiling is a 4th outfielder.
I know Aviles’ success last year was in limited time, but i’d be fine with him platooning with someone else. I mean our lineup is crazy enough that we don’t need an all-star manning RF.
I assume the Red Sox are now out on Garza, correct?
not necessarily, but Yankees or Blue Jays could probably provide more in terms of prospects
If it was just Reddick then no. But I seriously doubt it was just Reddick.
You can never have too much pitching.
now that they emptied the farm on bailey?
sucks for the a’s
I think it’s looking like Andruw Jones will be the right fielder will be the right fielder this upcoming year.
I just had a Goodfellas flashback when he says he’s gonna get the papers get the papers
YES! Great job for Beane. Lol @ Boston.
Really, U being sarcastic
If this isn’t sarcasm, I have to question your overall level of sanity.
So I know Sox fans are happy and it’s a great deal but what does that mean for RF? Kalish?
My question exactly, who plays RF? I doubt they feel comfortable giving it to Kalish after he essentially missed all of last season. I would have to imagine they already have their eye on someone for RF, but I have no idea who.
With the news that Sweeney is part of the deal I’m thinking they start with a platoon. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them increase an offer to Jones to be part of that platoon, start Kalish in AAA and consider bring him up in June if he looks ready.
Yeah, my thought too once I saw Sweeney was involved.
With the news that Sweeney is part of the deal I’m thinking they start with a platoon. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them increase an offer to Jones to be part of that platoon, start Kalish in AAA and consider bring him up in June if he looks ready.
Beltran would have been a good fit.
I thought so too
Beltran would have been a good fit.
They could play Aviles in RF as well, but does not seem like an ideal option.
Aviles can produce just as much as Reddick has in the past, which wasn’t entirely that much.
Who cares who play RF now though…It still December, plenty of time to figure that out next.
Sigh. Reddick….
and THAT is why the Rays should of tried harder.
Ryan Kalish looked terrific in 2010, and would of continued if not for an injury riddled 2011. They’ll sign a Spillborghs or Andruw Jones type, but I have confidence in Kalish
Ryan Sweeney going to the Sox also
Why not? Toss in Brett Anderson also, he will be healthy soon enough. The Red Sox never seem to give up enough in these trades, Padres should of gotten a lot more for Gonzalez and A’s…I will wait for full details but good g-d this looks bad.
Relax. I doubt Billy Beane would willingly give up such value in Bailey without a better then what’s currently being reported.
Ryan Sweeney also coming to Boston
Ryan Sweeney going to Bos too. Must be another notable prospect
Raul Alcantara, Miles Head
where to now Ryan Madson?
The unemployment line.
they also got Ryan Sweeney….whoever he is
I would say I’m shocked, but then again, you ARE a Red Sox fan.
Yeah – I mean he has nearly 500 career major league games to his name. He has never played for the Yankees or Redsox so I can understand how he had never heard of him
Hes been dreadful for 2 yrs its not a big deal to forget about him.
99,99,99 and 91 OPS+ in last four seasons, including 102 OPS+ last year vs. righthanders, plus an excellent glove. Not dreadful at all, merely a useful bench piece if spotted correctly.
Yeah – I mean he has nearly 500 career major league games to his name. He has never played for the Yankees or Redsox so I can understand how he had never heard of him
Oakland also gets Miles Head, 20-year-old 3B, and Raul Alcantera, 19-year-old pitcher.
are those good prospects?
Both are in the lower levels so that’s one thing to know. Head is only 20 and has very good power potential and decent eye for the ball, could potentially be an above average first baseman. Alcantra was dominate in the rookie leagues but needs some secondary material.
Both are in the lower levels so that’s one thing to know. Head is only 20 and has very good power potential and decent eye for the ball, could potentially be an above average first baseman. Alcantra was dominate in the rookie leagues but needs some secondary material.
Ranked 21st and 23rd overall in the Red Sox Farm System which is about an average farm system.
Head is a 1B, not a 3B. He was moved from 3rd to 1st for 2010 and doesn’t project to be able to cover 3B at the ML level (only average at 1B is what most are saying).
Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
Oakland also gets Miles Head, 20-year-old 3B, and Raul Alcantera, 19-year-old pitcher.
Lets see…. All-star quality closer traded for OF who has:
no power (check)
no speed (check)
strikes out tons (check)
was a REAL low round draft pick with no “tools” (check)
Yep, that sounds like a Billy Beane trade alright!
Reddick has really high power potential actually. Also, while he doesn’t have base stealing speed, he does have good range in the outfield and an absolute cannon for an arm.
Reddick has really high power potential actually. Also, while he doesn’t have base stealing speed, he does have good range in the outfield and an absolute cannon for an arm.
He’s had all of 400 PAs in the big leagues. Slow yo’ role.
He’s had all of 400 PAs in the big leagues. Slow yo’ role.
to your points i would say:
.457 SLG, .177 ISO in 2011
21.9 UZR/150 career (not a direct measure of speed, but obviously the kid can play D just fine)
18% K’s in 2011, hardly tons.
cant really comment on his draft report, but that was like 5 years ago. if he had no tools he wouldnt have made it this far.
some small sample sizes there, but i think you underestimate the possibility that reddick could be an above average RF.
He actually does have power and speed, and is an excellent defender. You were right on the strike zone management issues, but he’s likely to be an average RF, with the potential for more if he learns the strike zone a bit better.
He actually does have power and speed, and is an excellent defender. You were right on the strike zone management issues, but he’s likely to be an average RF, with the potential for more if he learns the strike zone a bit better.
Josh Reddick is a good player… I can see that you expected more from Bailey, but Reddick can start right away and is getting better.
Josh Reddick is a good player… I can see that you expected more from Bailey, but Reddick can start right away and is getting better.
Oakland also gets Miles Head, 20-year-old 3B, and Raul Alcantera, 19-year-old pitcher. – Buster Olney
Does Oakland have anyone left over there, jeez
items on the (other teams’) shopping list:
gio gonzalez-x
trevor cahill-x
andrew bailey-x
kurt suzuki-
brandon mccarthy-
craig breslow-x
ryan sweeney-x
grant balfour-
brian fuentes-
items on the (other teams’) shopping list:
gio gonzalez-x
trevor cahill-x
andrew bailey-x
kurt suzuki-
brandon mccarthy-
craig breslow-x
ryan sweeney-x
grant balfour-
brian fuentes-
I’m guessin…..Ryan Madson signs with…….tampa
Believe it or not, you aren’t the only one thinking that. A no pressure situation on a 1 year deal and he can try again next season. Might happen and people wont be worried that we will trade prospects for a closer in his case….
exactly. maybe tampa bumps it up to around 2yr-14/15m. there isn’t much of a market for him. plus, other closers may become available via trade like Marmol
Miles Head has only played 9 games at 3B was 1B his first two seasons
madson is going to be an angel
Completely off-topic, but I’m curious: why all the fervor for the Angels to go get a closer? Walden was flat-out dominant in 2011, and the Angels have a very stout, and cheap, bullpen otherwise.
Great move, needed a replacement for Bard and backs up Melcanon in the pen. Lackey/Matsuzaka in the pen?
Lackey/Dice-K on the DL.
I like Reddick, just let this guy start and he will put up big numbers.
Confirmed on the 3-for-2, per Buster. I really love this deal for the Sox
Wow, Bailey literally just got traded in my OOTP game. Although he got dealt for Martin Prado in that. Maybe it’s not quite the greatest simulator ever yet…
“And playing for the A’s are…uhhh…St…ass…F’ it! I’ll just call them by numbers”
A’s fan got screwed. Sounds like a fire sale in Oakland. Cashman should try to pick up Brandon McCarthy. He was great in the second half last year.
Maybe McCarthy has finally put it all together and ready to produce
By “put it together” do you mean that doctors have finally put his arm back together?
If so, then I would say you’re right.
he wassss the league leader in FIP last year, so something clicked
Only 9 AL pitchers had a higher WAR than him, he was so good, plus he’s the best twitterer in MLB (sorry lomo).
i would love to see him to the pirates or to the yankees, could get a decent return
McCarthy, Balfour, Suzuki and Carter for Montero? I would cry in pure joy.
This trade can’t be like any of the previous fire sales. The A’s HAVE to get results, and we HAVE to set a foundation of young postion players as Green, Choice and Weeks move closer to stardom…but I did expect to recieve more in a Bailey deal…Hey Beane, the newcomers that will be in lineup better be able to score some runs! Can’t start another April-June with our team batting avg. under .230! Still, we’re 1-2 years from being serious contenders. THIS youth movement seems for real. Be patient, A’s fans!
Sorry cannot see them being “serious contenders” in 1-2 with Rangers and Angels in that division. The A’s prospects will need at least 4 or 5 more seasons to gain experience and develop.
Sorry cannot see them being “serious contenders” in 1-2 with Rangers and Angels in that division. The A’s prospects will need at least 4 or 5 more seasons to gain experience and develop.
This trade can’t be like any of the previous fire sales. The A’s HAVE to get results, and we HAVE to set a foundation of young postion players as Green, Choice and Weeks move closer to stardom…but I did expect to recieve more in a Bailey deal…Hey Beane, the newcomers that will be in lineup better be able to score some runs! Can’t start another April-June with our team batting avg. under .230! Still, we’re 1-2 years from being serious contenders. THIS youth movement seems for real. Be patient, A’s fans!
I was concerned that Bailey was going to end up costing the farm, but I love this deal for the Sox. Reddick could develop into an above average right fielder but that’s now Oakland’s issue. Head and Alacantra had some decent potential but still.
Gotta think the Sox won this trade on paper.
It looks like a wash to me. Probably because I like Josh Reddick.
miles head and raul alcantra….i think a lot rides on miles head on whether this is a solid deal down the stretch, since the a’s need a good future 3rd baseman
They announced he will be playing 3B not 1B, which is good news.
They actually said that? I’d be shocked if he even came close to being able to play 3B passably.
Why?
Because he was moved to 1B by the Sox because his defense at third wasn’t good, and he still only projects to be average defensively at 1B. I wouldn’t blame them for giving him a shot there (they need a 3B in a bad way, and it can’t hurt to try), but I wouldn’t put good odds on him being able to stay there. He’s a 1B, and an offensively minded one at that. (his range for one thing, is described as average for a 1B, which would be solidly below average for a 3B, and he’s got the potential to get bigger, and slower)
miles head and raul alcantra….i think a lot rides on miles head on whether this is a solid deal down the stretch, since the a’s need a good future 3rd baseman
Red Sox just acquired the must useless offensive player in baseball in Ryan Sweeney
And also acquired a cheap alternative to Madson.
And also acquired a cheap alternative to Madson.
ryan sweeney- the most empty .300 hitter in all of baseball
ryan sweeney- the most empty .300 hitter in all of baseball
you obviously are not well acquainted with jeff mathis…
he hits for average. good opposite field approach. makes good contact. hitting in fenway will help his numbers. slick defense too. decent 4th OF.
If by decent you mean “infuriatingly bad” you would be close.
He was a 4th OF on the A’s, who’s entire outfield the last two years has been AAA callups, AAAA guys, DL regulars, and Josh Willingham.
Pretty sure all they cared about was his glove. They’ll either make another move for a RFer, or let Kalish play. But with their offense, they’re looking for guys who can catch the ball, not necessarily hit it.
Theyre looking at the wrong guy in Sweeney, who’s knees are as bombed out and depleted as Afghanistan.
he’s going to help the red sex a ton he was my favorite player i think ur thinking about mike sweeney
Red Sox just acquired the must useless offensive player in baseball in Ryan Sweeney
Miles Head/Alcantra/Reddick for Sweeny/Bailey…..I would call it a Sox win with the potential for it to be a draw if one of the prospects becomes solid and Reddick repeats.
Miles Head/Alcantra/Reddick for Sweeny/Bailey…..I would call it a Sox win with the potential for it to be a draw if one of the prospects becomes solid and Reddick repeats.
Love the deal for the Red Sox.
Even as a big spending team, Red Sox sure value cost and control.
Love the deal for the Red Sox.
Even as a big spending team, Red Sox sure value cost and control.
A’s are cleaning out…They’re Going to have one of the tops farms in the majors
Not from this trade, that’s for sure.
A’s are cleaning out…They’re Going to have one of the tops farms in the majors
Seriously, how is Beane still employed? I have no horse in this race and even I can’t see where Oakland got any sort of fair return in this deal. Reddick is the lone highlight going to the A’s along with two players with marginal MLB “potential”. Meanwhile the Red Sox, who don’t really need any financial help, just landed a serviceable closer under team control through 2014.
Where’s the two-way parity here? Just because Beane and Co. want to move to San Jose doesn’t mean they should be allowed to drive a team and its farm into the ground just to force the move.
They got value for Gio, but the Nats were in a position to overpay, so it will likely work out.
Cahill and Breslow were shipped off for what will likely be about equal value, but only Cook pans out as a fireballer.
But even if these trades all work out, Oakland remains irrelevant for 3 more years.
Ugh. I hate it when business meddling interferes with competitive integrity.
As an A’s fan I think you are being a bit harsh on Beane. I don’t like this deal at all – reports were he turned down the deal the Padres got for Adams at the deadline – I would much prefer Erlin and Wieland. I think he did very well out of the Gonzalez deal tho and while I wasn’t that impressed with the overall Cahill package he did get Parker in the deal and Cahill does have some warts.
I don’t remember the Adams rumors, and its not a good thing if Beane turned down that deal, but Adams has been far more consistent than Bailey, and at this point is the better reliever. And is a better bet to stay healthy.
Can’t disagree. How do they sell tickets?
they don’t, that’s why they’re trying to move to SJ
My friends live in San Jose. They’re all Giants fans and listen and watch Giant radio and tv. I live 2-3 hrs away in central Cal and I get both Giants and A’s games and I only watch A’s games depending on who they’re playing.
Moving to San Jose isn’t going to help us much as people think but moving will probably beat their current location.
Sweeney and Bailey werent selling any tickets.
This is all about positioning for the move to San Jose. they are shedding payroll and stocking the lower levels. sure, it may look like outright surrender in comparison to Anaheim and Texas, but the A’s are never going to be able to buy a free agent roster. Their best chance is to construct a competitive team in the lower ranks.
No one is arguing this is the best way to build a championship team.
The A’s weren’t winning with Gio, Cahill, Bailey, Willingham, McCarthy, the whole crew. Even in an alternate reality where they had signed Albert Pujols and Carlos Beltran they still wouldn’t be competing with the Rangers.
The A’s had two options:
1. Stay adrift in mediocrity
2. Be terrible for a few years then get better.
And: aren’t the massive-market Cubs planning a rebuild as well. Seriously.
Worst post ever. Beane traded an oft-injured closer and an overpaid scrapheap OFer whos career is probably over for an every OFer and two high upside teenagers. The more I think about this deal the more I think the A’s clearly won out here. Beane is really killing it this offseason, youre looking at a farm system that screams 2015 playoffs, not one being “run into the ground”.
Love it. “Cherington turned Lowrie, Reddick, Weiland and 2 kids into a closer and set-up man. Not bad. Not too bad at all.” – Peter Abraham
YEA! Good moveeee red sox! goingfor all in 2012 ! GO RED SOOX!
The market for closers and their perceived value must not be very high.
The market for closers and their perceived value must not be very high.
Still waiting for someone to explain this to me. And not that thrilled that the A’s keep getting worse…it was already a two-team division. Most of us Angels fans hate the Red Sox more anyway.
Still waiting for someone to explain this to me. And not that thrilled that the A’s keep getting worse…it was already a two-team division. Most of us Angels fans hate the Red Sox more anyway.
A’s got some good talent to add to the farm that I think has a solid chance of becoming something and they got Reddick who is slight improvements away from being an above average RF’er. Sox got a closer and an immediate replacement for Reddick who we can now platoon with a righty like Jones who would prob kill at Fenway part time. Now maybe a couple depth signings and we are done. Finally!
Boston still needs a starter.
True but it doesn’t have to be anyone front line. We just need a solid 5 starter. So ideally we go out and get someone like Bartolo Colon (My pick anyway) He appeared to be healthy and his peripherals were solid. Then maybe a couple depth starters on invites. Then we could field a nice staff looking like this.
Lester
Beckett
Buc
Bard (Could still be in the pen when season starts) Colon/Miller/Tazawa (I have a feeling he will be impressive somewhere)/Doubront
Bard (Could be in the rotation)
Bailey
Melancon
Aceves
Albers
Jenks
Morales
Tazawa/Miller/ect.
I think Doubront, Tazawa, and Bard will be options out of the pen or rotation coming into ST. Just a feeling though. Imho Tazawa could be a very
special player. He bounced back from injury with very decent numbers a year
removed from injury. He could do a lot better this coming season and make
himself a factor somewhere on the team, hopefully starting.
At least now i can say reddick is a fourth outfielder without a huge arguement.
Beane… seriously?!
What a move by Cherington .. Good trade for Sox. Sweeney can start at RF too
no thanks
You mean, the guy who was given every opportunity to crack the starting OF in Oakland but didn’t?
Something’s very wrong if Sweeney is opening day starter in Boston.
“Something’s very wrong if Sweeney is on the opening day roster in Boston.”
Fixed that for ya!
Selling EXTREMELY high on Josh Reddick and throwing in 2 prospects with limited upside is “emptying the farm”? What color is the sky in your world, I wonder?
Alcantra has a high ceiling aparently…
not that high. mid-rotation
having said that, this trade isn’t as good for boston as it looks. head and alcantra are volatile prospects, but both could be productive regulars. reddick by himself should produce more value for oakland than bailey in boston
given the going rate for closers of bailey’s caliber, you have to like this deal for boston. but by no means is it a steal
It really is a crazy deal, at first glance you think Boston wins easily but when you factor in Bailey’s health, what a nonfactor Sweeney is and what Oakland got in return, it actually swings back in the A’s favor.
Quiet, your ignorance and/or homerism is showing.
Well, as much as I hate to see the farm system drained even MORE, at least it wasn’t anyone major that we gave up. Not the overpay for Bailey that I was fearing.
Unfortunately, we still only have three viable starters >_>
still an overpay though by my count. i’d have targeted thornton for less
i think this commits them to giving bard a full shot in the rotation. if oswalt or kuroda can be added, it will have been a strong offseason overall
Yeah, I’d say it was still a little steep, but I was worried it was going to be a Middlebrooks-type of guy that would have to go.
I agree about the starters. I’m really annoyed that Ben hasn’t scooped up one of them yet. I guess Jackson could do, too, but I’, not a huge fan of him. If we can just get Aceves back into the pen by way of adding a starter I actually think we’ll have a pretty good club (up to right field). Definitely a club that has a reasonable playoff future in the AL East.
Ya take Thornton and blow 10 games a year and be in the same position ur be in. Obviously the sox could careless about the farm considering the moves they have made in the past two years for guys like gonzalez and such. If your in this state of play by spending money you jump on this trade because it cost nothing in perspective. You basically give us your 4ofer and a few wild cards for an insurance of 25+ saves and a sub 2 ERA. solid trade
This doesn’t drain your farm system much at all. Neither Head or Alcantra where in the Red Sox top 20 prospects.
Finally! Love this for the Redsox.
Wow I don’t understand how Beane traded away Bailey when his trade value was (obviously) at his lowest point. There were a lot of closers available on the FA market and still has, why don’t you wait at the trade deadline or simply next year !? That’s a low sell in what could have been a much more better deal for OAK if Billy Beane would’ve been more patient.
If Bailey gets hurt again, considering he’s been on the DL multiple times for extended stints over the last 2 years, his trade value will be lower.
Injury-prone guys are a catch-22.
I like the instant analysis from Brett Anderson…..”dropping like flies”
Terrible trade by Oakland. Reddick isn’t that good. The A’s should have held out for Lavarnway, Iglesias, or Middlebrooks. Bailey’s value could have been higher in July anyway. Bad, bad deal.
What if Bailey is hurt in July like usual?
so now the a’s have an outfield of collin cowgill, michael taylor, josh reddick, with jermaine mitchell as a fourth OF
Isn’t Mitchell out of action for a while?
Beane still has to spend revenue sharing money on something, I’m betting it will be Ryan Ludwick, JD Drew or Fukudome.
yeah mitchell is out, but i think just for spring training and maybe a week or two at the beginning of the season.
i’d rather them just stay with internal options (including the guys they signed to minor league deals). money spent on guys like ludwick, drew, and fukudome should at least be saved until soler signs (whether it’s with the a’s or not)
This trade makes no sense for the A’s. The two prospects are minor (at best), and Reddick is not much better than Sweeney.
But after robbing the Nta’s, I guess the A’s can afford to lose one trade.
Great for the Red Sox.
Rizzo could have done something to have gotten Bailey.
Imagine Storen and Bailey in the bullpen.
That would have been quite a tandem.
Damn them Red Sox!
they already have storen and clippard, which is an even better tandem
Not a horrible move by Bean…He traded a relief pitcher who pitches 40 innings a year for an every day outfielder and 2 prospects. IDK, seems ok. Did you expect Jacoby Ellsbury for Andrew Bailey?
40 innings a year? That was just last season. Before that, he pitched a lot more.
Does an Oriole Fan have the authority to get Duquette fired? He didn’t even try for Bailey. Why? The Red Sox look like they got the better of the deal. Is Bailey still hurt or something? On paper it looks as if Beane gave it away on this one. I mean cripes Rizzo from the Nationals could have thrown in another prospect or something and gotten Bailey in addition to Gio Gonzalez!
Sincerely,
A Very Frustrated Oriole Fan
PS Dan Duquette: What the Hell are You Doing?
PSS I am going to the Cactus League this year for Spring Training, the O’s seem very determined to do nothing to improve a AAAA Team!
Ya know..Theo always had a hard-on for ryan kalish..possible trade involving garza??
As an A’s fan I’m disappointed no Middlebrooks, but glad to be rid of the utterly useless Sweeney. Beane said “we arent selling jeans” but then he got a guy who was that exact mold of himself in Sweeney, or “Swingles” as he’s called by A’s fans.
Reddick is a massive upgrade over Sweeney, and the A’s have FDLS, Devine, Fuentes and Balfour who can vie for the closer role. The two youngsters are interesting enough, and Reddick over a full season in RF might be ok. Can’t really call this deal for 2 years when we find out what these youngsters can do.
I’m not so sure about Reddick being an upgrade over Sweeney. I think Sweeney might be a better defender, and we’ll see how changing from one extreme to the other as far as home ballparks effects their numbers. The one real advantage that Reddick has over Sweeney is that he is younger and under team control for longer. I think this is a pretty underwhelming return for Bailey.
LOL! you are completely insane if you think Sweeney is better than Reddick. Reddick has actual power and good D. Sweeney has broken knees and can only hit singles. Reddick is only 25 next year and might even end up as something that swings this deal in Oaklands favor.
I cant honestly believe anyone in their right mind wouldn’t think Reddick is a massive upgrade over ol Swingles. I’d say youre trolling but it doesnt come off that way. You need to go to fangraphs and take another look at how truly awful Sweeney is, I honestly think Boston might even release him and only took him on as salary relief. I wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t in Boston by the end of 2012.
Reddick has potential to be a good pick up for the A’s. He’s got power potential and was pretty good in the field for the Sox. I never saw him as a future all star, more like a solid regular. If the hitting coaches in Oakland can get him to take a few more pitches and walk a little more often then he could be an above average right fielder.
You’re overrating Reddick a lot. Neither are very good players, but both can play defense. Reddick’s career minor league babip is .293. His babip last year in one of the more hitter-friendly parks in the majors was .318. It is hard to expect anything but regression and his plate discipline isn’t very good.
Reddick could easily put up a sub-.300 OBP in Oakland which is awful any way you spin it.
Well when you’re one of the only good bats in a terrible lineup, I think Reddick is going to get pitched around a lot more. I do expect a better OBP in Oakland, but I don’t expect him to hit for as much power as he did either.
He’s not really a good bat. He’s more of a defensive specialist. Plus, nearly every decent hitter that has gone to Oakland in recent years has seen his numbers decline in almost every area.
Really dude, you are putting average BABIPs as the heart of your argument? 280-320 BABIPs dont make a point, thats whats expected of an average hitter, its Reddicks ISO is what makes him legit. Oh and Sweeney simply cant play defense anymore, why do you think he can? His knees are COMPLETELY shot and theres a great chance Boston cuts him before opening day. Reddick can run circles around him defensively in 2012.
How can you predict Reddicks OBP when hes never played a full season in Bostons crowded OF. Just give up, you made a mistake here. Reddick is semi-good and Sweeney is just terrible. End of story.
What exactly makes you think his knees are completely shot? Please leave references. He had surgery to clean them up last year and played the whole year without any serious incidents. Many times it takes well over a year to completely recover from knee surgery, so there is a chance that his mobility could actually improve.
The point of listing Reddick’s BABIP was to show that he had good luck on balls in play last year which is not likely to continue. In Oakland there is a good chance that his BABIP will nosedive. This combined with a poor walk rate (over several years in the minors and majors) is a formula for a low OBP. That is the heart of my argument.
You need to re-assess how you evaluate baseball players if you really think Sweeney is an awful player. His .340+ OBP would be useful on any team. At worst he is an average defensive outfielder who can play all three outfield positions. He would also greatly benefit from a platoon and would get the majority of the at bats in the platoon.
Bill James predicted that that Reddick and Sweeney will have nearly identical wOBAs, and that was with Reddick having a much greater home park advantage. I never said that Sweeney was better than Reddick, but I think it is fair to question whether Reddick is actually an upgrade over Sweeney.
Sweeney was better than Reddick two years ago. Since then, no.
Yea back when he had two knees.
Thanks Beane!
Good trade for both teams if Bailey stays healthy.
Jesus, the A’s got absolutely swindled in this trade. What the hell, Beane?
You are very much incorrect sir.
The trade sounds good for the sox unless Reddick starts playing to the potential he is capable. Is a good closer worth as much as a posible right field all star. I hope Reddick does well for Oakland and Bailey fills the hole in the sox bull pen.
Red Sox aren’t winning anything with that starting rotation.
Jon Lester-Josh Beckett-Clay Buchholz-Daniel Bard-Whomever isn’t that bad of a rotation. The problem is, who starts when one/two of those guys gets injured.
My hope is they go after Oswalt though I admit to fantasizing getting Garza cheap. My guess for right now is the Sox acquire another starter with ability to be a #3-#4 arm, convert Bard into a starter, leave Aceves in the pen while seeing him as the first replacement starter. I’d like them to sign Wake again to be in the pen and as another potential replacement starter. After that we have a couple of guys in the minors for quick emergencies and I expect Cherington to sign a couple of arms to be emergency back ups in AAA like every team does.
It’s not perfect and if two of Beckett, Les, and Buch go down for extended time then there will be panicking… But the Sox still had one of if not the best offense in baseball last year with the core returning and with the additions of Bailey and Melancon the pen looks potentially stable in the back end, so I’m not worried.
Oswalt is my preference too, Garza would be nice assuming they can get him reasonably, and I could also see a trade for Floyd, I wouldn’t be upset about Kuroda either on a short term deal.
Lester, Beckett, Buchholz, one of those guys, and Bard would be more than good enough to make them contenders considering the offense and the bullpen (which is actually looking really strong at this point, on paper at least).
i like it josh reddick is awsome i still dont think the A’s are done susuki ,balfour,fuentes and maybe even braden
there is noone to start for suzuki. recker and donaldson have little to no experience in the majors. and norris hasnt even played in AAA. so the possibility of suzuki being traded is not a real unless they get an mlb ready catcher in return. next year seems more likely that this will happen.
Recker’s 28 next year, its now or never for him, same for Donaldson. If Beane can get a B-grade prospect for Zooks I seriously hope he does.
with the a’s not looking to compete for a few years, why not just give recker and donaldson the reigns until norris and ortiz are ready? they have decent pop and good patience, so i wouldn’t be against it
Agreed, if he can get B-grade or high ceiling prospects for Suzuki, Balfour, Fuentes & McCarthy right now, Beane should. Lets load this farm up…
suzuki, balfour, and mccarthy should bring in a decent haul, fuentes’s value is pretty low, so i don’t think he’ll bring in anything good, or even ok
A McCarthy trade will have to wait until after Oswalt/Kuroda/Jackson are all gone.
I see the other 3 as more “trade at the deadline” types.
a lot of teams could use one of the best defensive catchers in the league.he definetly has about the same amount of value if not more than bailey. and if balfour has the same good year he had last year he’ll obtain value, as with mccarthy.
well, since the a’s aren’t looking to compete for the next few years, recker and donaldson (who both have decent pop and good patience at the plate) would be just filler while guys like max stassi and derek norris advance through the minors. so get whatever value you can from kurt suzuki
Very good acquisition for the Red Sox. Love the move.
Headline: “Beane gets Head!”
There must not have been many offers out there for Bailey. I’m more surprised they were willing to part with Sweeney as well who I see as a possible 200 hit guy who hasn’t been given an opportunity to start and walks a ton too while not striking out.
They must hold Reddick in high regard, that’s the only way this makes sense though Head actually has some impressive minor league numbers(OPS just under .900 last year.)
if the carolina league is a hitter’s league, then yes those are good numbers, if it’s a pitcher’s league, then those are very impressive numbers
Why on earth would you see Sweeney as a 200 hit guy? He’s more of a candidate to be released than anything. He is terrible at baseball because all his value had to do with him playing fantastic defense and legging out singles, which he cant do anymore because his knees are totally shot.
Sweeney was only involved because he was due too much money for too small a result. This is why Beane won this deal, he made it look on the surface like he let Bailey go for not much, when he actually didnt.
Bailey can make Boston forget this though if he saves 40 games with a sub 2 ERA, which is entirely possible as well.
Hey guess what everyone: as of now Albert Pujols makes more money than the entire A’s team, who are at $23MM right now.
Also if anyone doesn’t see Sweeney’s involvement in this deal as being anything more than salary relief you are wrong. Im calling it now, Beane isnt letting Bailey go without Boston taking on Sweeney’s contract. The A’s now have the lowest payroll in MLB and a mountain of dough to throw at Soler or even Cespedes if they want to, which I see happening with Soler, not so much with Cespedes, although they can definitely afford both now…
i would love to see soler in a ports uni next year, the a’s would have seriously an amazing farm system if they got him
Yes please to Soler. I’d steer clear of Cespedes honestly (his prime is now, not when the A’s will be good, and WTH 10 year deal).
Also: if any of the major SP FA aren’t signed by late January, I’d LOVE the A’s to throw money at them with the enticement of playing in a pitcher’s park that inflates everyone’s numbers and the potentiality of ending up on a definite contender midseason.
Buying prospects, if you might.
Agreed on all fronts, the a’s might be forced to spend some money, and maybe they could spend it on someone like edwin jackson (or a lesser version) who could use some build up in value to a 1 or 2 year deal.
that way, they could also let brad peacock refine his change up, sonny gray get some seasoning, and jarrod parker build up a little more stamina/arm strength (since he’s still not 100% recovered from tommy john) in AAA
None of the SP prospects should be up on Opening Day. I expect Milone, Peacock, and Parker to at least get cups of tea in MLB next year, but not till after the All Star Break.
Let it be Braden, McCarthy, Outman, Moscoso, and FA/someone/Brett Anderson when he gets back.
i think milone has a pretty good chance of cracking the opening day rotation, my hopes aren’t too high on outman to be honest.
McCarthy, Braden, Moscoso, Ross, Milone is my guess, with outman as the spot starter and long relief guy, although it could very much switch between him and ross
I think they will try Godfrey basically because they seem to have trust in him
Strongly agreed. Blows my mind no one is biting on Oswalt, he could be that Ben Sheets 1/10 guy again, and flipped for prospects. I can see Beane getting Harden and a guy like Zumaya for the pen next year too.
I’d also try hard right now to move McCarthy, Suzuki, Balfour and Fuentes for more prospects, and then start buying up pitching FA’s like you said.
Beane might end up with a top 3 farm by the end of 2012 if everything falls right.
I think this trade was even. I’m underwhelmed at it from the A’s side, but its justifiable from both sides.
First of all, you are NOT getting the Bailey that won ROY. You’re getting a guy who’s missed significant portions of the season with arm/elbow injuries, in addition to a back injury.
His K rates have dropped over a batter an inning since winning ROY while not also dropping BB rates, and has absurdly low BABIPs and absurdly high LOB%. And he hasn’t thrown a lot of innings the last two years.
Sweeney’s an injury-prone non-tender candidate who’s going to arbitration for his second year.
It’s a good trade for both sides, Bailey will be a strong arm out of the pen, but he’s very replaceable for the A’s.
Bailey isn’t too injury prone he basically had a strain in his arm that the a’s took a long precautionary time with and his oblique was a common sprain and strain. Sprains and strains are common among MLB pitchers and the body can only train so long before it breaks down. Bailey is a very strong addition and Sweeney is jus a great piece of the puzzle and a great player on any team. Jus his personality is genuine to a team.
i’m still amazed the a’s couldn’t pull someone like brandon jacobs or bryce brentz for bailey, did ryan sweeney really pull the value on the return down that much? jeez
If you look at it as Bailey not being the most healthy guy, and the closer market hitting the floor, Bailey for an everyday OF who can play all 3 spots is probably about even in the long run. Its when you look at it as the overpaid Sweeney for 2 high ceiling 20 year olds where you say “Dang Beane, you did a good one.”
Reddick in CF is a bit of a stretch; he could probably cover spot duty in CF but nothing more.
Do you realize the difference between a playoff team that cant afford to make mistakes, and a sub-.500 team that can? I dont think you do. Reddick can absolutely play as much CF as possible in Oakland in 2012.
I understand perfectly. Replace the word could with the word should and you have a statement that works for a crappy team. Just because Reddick can play CF for a sub .500 team doesn’t mean he is a legitimate CF.
This is really bad news for Ryan Madson.
Did he really turn down 4/$44M?
Who’s his agent again?
The Soxs need to get not a decent right fielder “Cody Ross” is on the Market or even get a better starter like good ole Roy Oswalt…. Im sad they traded Reddick but this will be a good move for both teams Reddick will get to play full time and we have a decent closer cant wait to see the season take place with all the talent we have Crawford, Gonzo, Youk, Pede, Elsburry great players lets get this season going
I guess having red in his name didn’t help him stay with the RED Sox, good riddance Josh Reddick
I’m a bit disappointed in this, as a Sox fan. I probably over-value Reddick, and still think Bard belongs in the closer role, though. Plus, I’m not high on Bailey. But if they were going to acquire a closer externally, better this than over-paying a free agent, I guess.
only knock of bailey is his health
i’m never excited to give up much for a reliever, but this is much cheaper than a starter would be. now bard gets to try and be that starter – without leaving a gaping hole in the ‘pen
Wow… what robbery!
Ryan Sweeney for Josh Riddick, as a straight up trade, would be pretty even.
For reference, before Sweeney came up, John sickles rated him as a B.
John Sickles rated Riccick as a B-.
Bill james projects Sweeny to post a wOBA of .325 in 2012.
Bill james projects Reddick to post a wOBA of .331 in 2012.
Sweeney is a plus outfield defender.
Reddick is a plus outfield defender.
Riddick will make slightly less money and you can mine some other petty differences, but Riddick over Sweeney or vice-verse doesn’t add much net value for either team no matter how you spin it.
So that leaves Andrew Bailey.. a 2-time all star, former rookie of the year for WHO?
21) Miles Head, 1B, Grade C+: Ineffective in the New York-Penn
League in ’10, but something clicked last year, hit for power and
average in Low-A. Power carried forward to High-A but he’s got contact
issues to work out, and right-handed hitting first baseman have an
uphill battle. Could rank much higher next year.
23) Raul Alcantara, RHP, Grade C+: Live arm with good results in rookie ball, still refining his secondary pitches. High ceiling.
That is embarrassingly weak. These guys are roster stuffing. For Andrew Bailey, the A’s should have got at least a couple of guys who weren’t just complete long-odds gambles.
Man… what a farce. At least with the Cahill/Gonzalez trades you could hope that it wasn’t just all-out fire-sale. This trade just makes the A’s worse without any substantial gains in the short or long terms.
Worst of all, it makes the A’s look stupid, and ruins my off-season mojo. We’ll be eating crow for this trade for the next 3 years at least while we see Bailey closing games against us, and all we’ll have to show for it is Josh Riddick.
WEAK!
You are completely off-base in thinking Sweeney will even be with Boston on opening day. His knees are so destroyed his career is basically over at this point. Reddick is at least three times the player Sweeney is, and will out-WAR Bailey too. 19 year olds arent great things to try and predict, so these two arent worth talking about until after this year.
Billy Beane has this weird public perception where people hate him for having a rogue journalist write a book about him and he’s ok looking….you seem to be one of those people who dislike him and get off on him failing for these reasons. He never asked for Moneyball yet you hate him for it.
Sweeney is not worth much, and neither is Riddick.
In parts of three AAA seasons Riddick hit:
.243 .300 .449 .748
In parts of three big league seasons Riddick hit:
.248 .290 .416 .706
For a corner outfielder, those numbers are weak. Sweeney is a contact hitter with declining knees, but Riddick is a hacker who doesn’t require declining knees to be mediocre.
You think Riddick is a bit better than Sweeney. That’s fine. Even so, he’s certainly not enough better to offset the difference between Bailey and Head/Alcantara.
There’s not a single player we can look forward to and say “when he comes up, he’ll be better than Bailey”
We traded a B player and an A player for a B player and two C players.
Anyway, I’m an A’s fan and a huge fan of Billy Beane. It doesn’t stop this deal from being way too little value to receive for Bailey.
i step away for an hour or two and this happens? nevermind that jays were looking in on bailey, why wouldnt any team in the league go after bailey if this is all it took for boston to get him? the santos deal was good for toronto as AA snuck in there while other guys were preoccupied with other things. but this is a mind-F if i’ve ever seen one. how is it that boston got him so easily? i’m sure other teams inquired…is billy beane trying to get the gm job in boston a few years from now and sending his good players there ahead of time?
Complete this sentence:
“Closers are ________”
I’m willing to put money on the first word that comes to a large majority of peoples minds is “overrated”. Bailey went from being a mediocre low ceiling SP straight into being a dominant closer, there’s not a lot to it, yknow? Factoring in Bailey’s health issues and getting Boston to take the entirely worthless Sweeney which frees up more money to use elsewhere, I think Beane killed it, and getting two teenagers that Sickles said have high ceilings, as well as an everyday OFer who can play all 3 spots, I think Beane won here. Bailey will be solid if healthy for Boston, but that’s not a given. This trade looked underwhelming at first but after an hour it looks very good for Beane.
Closers are necessary for teams that expect to be in and win playoff games. When you consider the alternatives to Bailey were paying Paps of Madson $10M a year I’d say this was a great alternative for the price tag even factoring in the injury history.
I do think Reddick could be a good player under the right coaches. I don’t see him as an all star but as a the kind of guy you’d be happy enough to see patrolling right field for a while. But I really think Beane could have gotten a lot more from a lot of teams.
As for the prospects… let’s face it, if I came on this board and said the Sox have these 2 high ceiling prospects that can be thrown into a trade for Bailey you would have been part of a large group of people saying I know nothing. Neither of them would crack the top 10 of anyone’s top prospect list for the already deplete Sox farm. One is just graduating high A ball and one just left the rookie leagues. For the price tag I think Cherington made an excellent move and I think Beane should have gotten a lot more for Bailey.
i can see an argument for beane waiting for the trade deadline when teams are much more desperate for bullpen help, but it’s not as if he made an impulsive move here. he shopped bailey around and this was it apparently
Nah those guys are so young I wouldnt have said anything, they both are what they are: C+ Sickles prospects who are 19. I am pretty happy about adding them. I’d never hate on this package, but yeah I would prefer Middlebrooks or Cecchini…its looking at the big picture but Reddick was Bostons 4th best prospect before this year, an oft-injured Bailey is worth that.
I don’t think Bailey could have gotten more, if Beane’s goal was to get rid of Sweeney as well. Really stoked on that part.
“C+ Sickles prospects who are 19.”
Ok, just making sure you weren’t pumping this up. I think in this case we’ll have to agree to disagree.
No prob. You are one of the least troll-y posters here whos opinion I can actually think about. Id be with you if these guys were 22 but theyre so young and made Sickles list anyway, I cant hate. The market for closers hit bottom in between Nov and now so its as good as Beane could get.
Wow I am so surprised! Seems like a great deal for the Sox. I don’t know much about Head and Alcantara, but it seems like they’re nothing significant.
I officially like this deal for the A’s, especially after McGowans “The A’s arent going to SJ” comment yesterday. Beane really is making it difficult on Selig to not give him the go-ahead.
people say the a’s are a triple a team. they have a strategy its not like they are just dumping their aces. they will likely suck for the next few years until the stadium comes. beane is working with what little money he is given with. he is a good gm. he has made some bad decisions with cargo and eithier but there is not a perfect gm.
what stadium? There will be no San Jose A’s. Read this: sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/12/28/M…
its not up to the giants. these are just rumors. you obviously dont know what your talking about because the oakland mayor is pushing for a new stadium in oakland. i personally dont care where its built, but it will happen.
wow unbelievable there goes my favorite player in sweeney, this deal is terrible. And yet another pitcher, beane sure loves pitchers!
Sweeney and Reddick are nothing more than 4th OFers. Basically this was an all star closer for 2 low level prospects. The Red Sox have an average farm system and neither Head nor Alcantara ranked in their Top 20. (Yes Twenty)
Not true about Reddick, he had a 1.8 WAr in 87 games, that’s a decent player.
Well we know Beane is a guy who likes OBP and that is something Reddick is not good at. Even with a 1.8 WAR, his OBP was only .327. Very low walk rate % and a pretty high K%.
Depends on what you like more. Reddick has power but a medicore BA and OBP. Sweeney has a good AVG and good OBP but has less power than Carlos Zambrano probably.
I don’t understand how Sweeny’s UZR looks like this:
2009: 20.6
2010: -1.7
2011: -2.0
Sweeney’s knees deteriorated in that time. He really doesnt have much of a future as an OF, or even in MLB. He cant hit anything but singles and even his obp took a hit thanks to his knees. I get the feeling MLBTR doesnt really understand how bad he is and how chronic his injuries are. His knees are straight up shot and it would not be suprising to see Boston cut him. This deal looks somewhat decent when its Bailey for Reddick & 2 C+ prospects AND salary relief with Sweeney.
As for the OBP/plate discipline thing, Carlos Gonzalez doesnt really have that either, and I think Reddick is a bootleg version of him, his value will lie in good defense and power.
Reddick is an easy starter on a team like Oakland (and a starter for a contender until someone better comes along), and if his plate discipline improves a little he’s an above average starter even on a contender, everything else is already there.
You or I can be a starter on a team like Oakland (sorry @twitter-15165733:disqus ). He is probably going to get pitched around more. It will be interesting to see how he does in his first full season.
His OBP will prob be higher, Batting average maybe about the same, power could decrease. I do thing he’s better than Reddick, but not by a whole lot.
Hey no need to feel sorry, the A’s OF was non-existent until this deal. Now it looks like Reddick-Cowgill-Taylor, young and inexperienced. In fact I’m sure Beane will go grab someone like Damon or A. Jones or Ludwick to throw into the mix for a veteran presence.
The Red Sox gave Head to the A’s.
The A’s traded an established Reddick (Sweeney) for Reddick. Then threw in an injury-plagued star for nothing. I guess they did so well for Gio that they didn’t want to seem too greedy. I’m glad, anyways, because the Red Sox should look at getting Michael Pineda from Seattle.
Pineda?? Now he would cost ALOT! I think the Sox should just sign a few veterans to minor league deals and see where that goes. Like the yankees last year. If that doesnt work out well then they can always acquire someone midseason.
When it was just Bailey for Reddick + prospects, I thought that it was a fairly even trade(depending on the prospects of course) but I don’t understand why the A’s would kick in Sweeney too and only get two wildly unproven, low level prospects. I liked the other two trades Beane made this season but I think the Red Sox clearly win this one. The last thing Oakland need is another 1B prospect who probably won’t reach his potential. Does this mean they’ve already given up on Chris Carter etc? I would’ve liked to have seen Beane get one great prospect rather than a good young RF and two long shots… just stinks of going after quantity over quality. Wouldn’t they have been better off just getting Middelbrooks for Bailey? Or Kalish and a prospect? Boston have got good prospects at the positions Oakland need… I just don’t understand why Oakland would settle for a pitcher and 1B… two things they have in abundance… when they could have gone after one of the Sox 3B or SS…
Red Sox have done great in rebuilding their bullpen without giving out a massive contract OR giving away any major pieces. Getting Melancon and Bailey to replace Papelbon is definitely a positive off season. They still need to get somebody who can produce in RF though, Kalish/Sweeney should be 4th outfielders for a team with serious WS aspirations.
I WRITE ALL CAPS BECAUSE I HAVE NO LIFE AND I WANT TO FEEL IMPORTANT.
Now it looks like they are proactively deleting his posts. I just received a response on a previous post from : “BIEBER FAN”. It was all caps again. I was going to respond but the link leads nowhere and I can’t find any posts by
“BIEBER FAN”.
Excellent job Tim and team. One of the reasons I love this site is it is a fun place to discuss and sometimes argue your point without having to put up with a lot of the nonsense you see on less-closely moderated boards.
Bailey will spend at a minimum of 60 days on the DL. By July Bard will be the closer and the Red Sox will fight to get out of 4th place.
Even if we assume you are right about everything else, it’s not going to put the Sox into fourth place. The Sox have the talent to compete for the division with out without Bailey.
well all that matters is that Reddick gets on base which is very importants for the A’s. also they should sign Peter Brand as assistant GM
well all that matters is that Reddick gets on base which is very importants for the A’s. also they should sign Peter Brand as assistant GM