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Red Sox Name Chaim Bloom Chief Baseball Officer

By Jeff Todd | October 28, 2019 at 9:30am CDT

Oct. 28: The Red Sox have announced the hiring via press release.

“We believe Chaim is exactly the right person to lead the Boston Red Sox baseball operation based on a number of attributes we sought in this process,” owner John Henry said in a statement. “We had done exhaustive work narrowing down candidates. That work led us to Chaim, who was the first executive invited to Boston for an interview. He made a strong impression on all of us and validated our initial research that he was the one to lead our baseball operation.

“We particularly want to thank Raquel Ferreira, Brian O’Halloran, Eddie Romero and Zack Scott for their extraordinary leadership over the past two months in guiding our baseball operation forward without missing a beat and ensuring we had a very strong start to this offseason.”

Oct. 25, 4:54pm: Brian O’Halloran will be promoted from assistant general manager to general manager, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand (Twitter link).

4:01pm: The Red Sox have “finalized” an agreement to bring aboard Chaim Bloom as their next baseball operations chief, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post (via Twitter). Bloom will take the title of chief baseball officer, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com tweeted. Financial details remain to be seen.

It’s a fascinating hire for the Boston organization, which cut loose veteran exec Dave Dombrowski late in a disappointing 2019 season. Though Dombrowski helped deliver a World Series title, ownership decided it wanted a new direction — and went on to steer into a decidedly new-school course by hiring Bloom.

The Red Sox certainly got an up-close look at Bloom’s handiwork with the Rays. His Tampa Bay outfit ran past the 2018 World Series champs, pacing them by a dozen games despite carrying a payroll into the season that was barely more than a quarter of the war chest deployed by the Sox.

Boston’s last run with an analytically minded front-office leader didn’t end quite as hoped, with the Ben Cherington-built rosters delivering gloom as much as glory. But the allure is obvious. One of Bloom’s predecessors in Tampa Bay, Andrew Friedman, has since moving to Los Angeles shown convincingly that an efficiently managed large budget can produce perennial high-end performance at a profit-minded price.

It was a rather tidy hiring process for the Red Sox, who trusted a four-person executive team with many notable decisions this winter while lining up Bloom for the job. No doubt the organization already knew at least its general direction with the hiring. Bloom long seemed a clear possibility, particularly after narrowly missing on a few top baseball ops gigs last winter. The 36-year-old comes with an impeccable resume and widespread respect in the industry. Interestingly, he was the only outside candidate to interview for the post, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand (via Twitter).

Bloom will jump into an organization that already has a built-out, modern front office infrastructure. No doubt he’ll tweak the organization to suit his preferences, but this isn’t a fixer-upper situation. That’s also the case on the roster, which features the sort of talent that … well, the kind that won a World Series just one year ago.

There’ll be plenty of work to do for Bloom and his new charges, right out of the gates. He’s not going to blow things up or drop the bottom out of the payroll. But there are plenty of clear signs that the organization will task the new baseball ops head with paring salary — which means making some tough choices about who stays and who goes.

One big question will be answered without input from Bloom and the Sox: the status of J.D. Martinez, who can opt out of his contract. Good as he is, the club surely would love to regain a whole lot of financial flexibility in one fell swoop. Otherwise, Bloom will need to look hard to some of its spendier pieces — Jackie Bradley Jr., perhaps even Mookie Betts — as trade candidates.

It doesn’t appear that Bloom will have much free capital to work with to add talent. But that’s precisely the challenge he was brought in to take on. Bloom will be working to fill needs — on the right side of the infield and in the bullpen, at a minimum — in a creative manner. Fortunately, there are loads of veteran free agent options in both areas, many of whom figure to be had for relatively low cost. And Bloom will no doubt take a long look at other cost-efficient possibilities. If he does a particularly good job of supplementing an immensely talented core that could still rise back up, a return to serious contention in 2020 cannot be ruled out.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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Boston Red Sox Newsstand Brian O'Halloran Chaim Bloom

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135 Comments

  1. walls17

    6 years ago

    they got themselves a good one

    7
    Reply
  2. DarkSide830

    6 years ago

    probably one of the best available options – if not the best

    5
    Reply
  3. Jremy4evah

    6 years ago

    irobot

    Reply
  4. david klein

    6 years ago

    Mets should have hired him a year ago but the Wilpons

    3
    Reply
    • kingcong95

      6 years ago

      Or he just didn’t want to be there.

      1
      Reply
  5. Bosoxfan9

    6 years ago

    Welcome to the NATION Bloom.

    3
    Reply
  6. GothamNeedsMe

    6 years ago

    Bloomshakalaka! Love it.

    2
    Reply
  7. spooky

    6 years ago

    Looks…Irish

    4
    Reply
    • damhikt

      6 years ago

      Your point being?

      Reply
      • Steven Chinwood

        6 years ago

        Should’ve applied for the Celtics.

        3
        Reply
    • thetruth 2

      6 years ago

      I’m pretty sure he’s Jewish.

      Reply
      • MoRivera 1999

        6 years ago

        Doesn’t Ireland have more Jews than Israel?

        1
        Reply
  8. StandUpGuy

    6 years ago

    He is a great hire for Boston. They need someone to make their payroll more efficient. Less money spent on underperforming players. David is right. If the Wilpon bros had more than 3 brain cells to rub together between the two of them they would have hired someone like this rather than someone who would trade good prospects for the right to pay 35 year old Robinson Canon well over $100 million. I think this guy is gonna be real good for Boston. Am I the only one that thinks he kinda looks like a bug-eyed test tube baby version of Superman though? I know that sounds kinda rude but there is a definite compliment in there as well. He does look a bit like SuperMan and that can’t be a bad thing.

    4
    Reply
    • njbirdsfan

      6 years ago

      That’s quite a rant especially considering the Wilpons are father and son so of course the rest of the content is accurate

      Reply
      • letsplaytwo

        6 years ago

        Good stuff bro

        Reply
    • kc38

      6 years ago

      What about Friedman in LA? Being smart for the future doesn’t give you championships. Awesome they’ll win the division the next 10 years but will rarely ever have enough to push them over the edge. Dumb money and bad contracts for superstars are necessary to win

      Reply
      • MoRivera 1999

        6 years ago

        No way they’ll win the division for the next 10 years. This is a team that tends to finish last after it finishes first.

        1
        Reply
        • kc38

          6 years ago

          How many divisions championships have they won in a row lol…?

          2
          Reply
        • butch779988

          6 years ago

          They’ve won more than anyone this century moron.

          3
          Reply
        • MoRivera 1999

          6 years ago

          And they’ve finished last 3 times.

          1
          Reply
        • MoRivera 1999

          6 years ago

          You’re not answering the question.

          1
          Reply
        • letsplaytwo

          6 years ago

          Reaaly?

          Reply
        • redsox18

          6 years ago

          It’s about winning championships who cares about winning the division smh The Dodgers win their division every year and have nothing to show for it. I’ll take a championship every 3-5 years instead.

          1
          Reply
        • MoRivera 1999

          6 years ago

          But nothing sucks more than finishing LAST on the same basis. That COUNTS.

          Reply
        • marijuasher

          6 years ago

          You should care about winning the division if you hope to make it to the playoffs.

          Congrats on last year’s WS victory. You guys did squat this year. At least we made the playoffs. See that? Good times.

          Reply
        • JoeBrady

          6 years ago

          And they’ve finished last 3 times.
          ———————————
          Yeah, but people don’t buy ‘last place’ sweatshirts, just like they don’t buy ‘we were close’ sweatshirts.

          So we both go home happy. I’m happy alternating between WSC and last place, and you’re happy being competitive.

          Reply
        • redsox18

          6 years ago

          Finishing last helps teams compete in the future that’s just the way the draft works The Royals,Cubs and Astros build great teams that way.

          The real problem is when teams have a legitimate chance to make a run and ownership refuses to spend like the Pirates a few years back.

          Reply
        • MoRivera 1999

          6 years ago

          BWAHAHAHAHA!

          Reply
        • pullhitter445

          6 years ago

          Royals & cubs are not great teams

          Reply
        • yaniwox

          6 years ago

          This is an odd take. If you didn’t win the division or make the wild card, 3-5 are the same. The inconsistent performance is confusing, but when you win the whole thing as often as they have, it’s an easy pill to swallow.

          Reply
      • acell10

        6 years ago

        yes because being consistently competitive both in the present and long term is a bad thing. It’s not Friendman’s fault that his ace pitcher gets louse bowels in the post season costing them. He’s at least putting the team in position to win the world series in the long term.

        Reply
        • thelegendofmike

          6 years ago

          Ewwww “louse bowels”

          Reply
      • Rocket32

        6 years ago

        Most teams would love to be in the position the Dodgers are in and have had the recent success that they have. Hasn’t ended in a championship yet but they’ve at least been in the mix to win it all consistently and will likely remain in the mix of title contenders.

        Friedman has done a pretty solid job in LA. I don’t see how it’s his fault they keep falling short. He has put and still has the pieces to compete for a title in place. The talent is there.

        1
        Reply
        • kc38

          6 years ago

          Did he go get that one last piece like Houston or Boston or any other team that wants to win? Never. They’ve never went out of their comfort zone and got that missing piece of Dodgers fans will agree. That would be great for Oakland or Tampa to win the division every year. But in a huge market with a huge payroll championships are expected

          1
          Reply
        • Pedro Cerrano's Voodoo

          6 years ago

          Not that it helped that year but Machado…..

          1
          Reply
        • gravel

          6 years ago

          and Darvish in 2017.

          Reply
        • JoeBrady

          6 years ago

          Did he go get that one last piece like Houston
          —————————————————
          Houston’s last piece was Greinke, who is 0-2 with a 5.31 ERA in the playoffs. Was that the point you were really trying to make?

          Reply
      • JoeBrady

        6 years ago

        Playoffs are a crap shoot. If we get to finishing first consistently, with a few WCs, I’ll take my chances.

        Reply
      • letsplaytwo

        6 years ago

        Some luck, wise managerial decisions, and getting hot at the right time are necessary to win the World Series. The main thing is to get into the postseason!

        Reply
        • StandUpGuy

          6 years ago

          Really? All these replies to my comment and no one brings up the fact that I called him a test tube baby version of Superman? I’m disappointed MLBTR readers. Disappointed and hurt. I feel so neglected and used. None of y’all will be invited to Thanksgiving.

          1
          Reply
    • pasha2k

      6 years ago

      Lol…..Stand, you right!

      Reply
  9. terry g

    6 years ago

    Good choice. It will be interesting to see how he handles Boston.

    2
    Reply
  10. MoRivera 1999

    6 years ago

    Where did all the previous comments go? There must be about 20 or 30 missing comments. Censorship? What?

    Reply
    • Bradley0327

      6 years ago

      If you scroll down you will see the original Chaim Bloom story about 6 stories down. So, no, there is no censorship. Calm down.

      1
      Reply
      • MoRivera 1999

        6 years ago

        Thanks.

        Reply
  11. MoRivera 1999

    6 years ago

    It would really be helpful to have some concrete examples of how Bloom’s work contributed to Tampa’s success. Then we could really evaluate the hire. Otherwise aren’t we left “imagining” and “presuming,” as previous, deleted comments stated, that he was the lynchpin?

    3
    Reply
    • kc38

      6 years ago

      Now this I agree with, it’s all hear say. Bloom wasn’t even the highest executive in Tampa there is no promise he’s really good

      1
      Reply
  12. ScottCFA

    6 years ago

    I have a good feeling about this guy. He is “new school” without giving up the best parts of “old school.”

    Reply
  13. Deleted Userrrrr

    6 years ago

    “One big question will be answered without input from Bloom and the Sox: the status of J.D. Martinez, who can opt out of his contract. Good as he is, the club surely would love to regain a whole lot of financial flexibility in one fell swoop.”

    Once again, if that is the way the actual GM’s view J.D. Martinez and his contract, then you can completely forget about him opting out. You will never find a player who opts out when his team “would love” to shed him and his contract.

    Reply
    • redsoxu571

      6 years ago

      That’s a gross misinterpretation of what was written. Boston has established that it would like to drop under the luxury tax line, which means it has to trim the necessary amount of payroll. The author here was noting that it might make sense for Boston to remove the bulk of the needed payroll in one fell swoop by seeing the DH leave, not because he isn’t totally worth the money but because that might be the easiest way to accomplish the goal.

      After all, there is talk (not that I believe it) that the move Boston might make to get under the tax is the trading of Mookie Betts…does that means other GMs wouldn’t want Betts? Of course not.

      Reply
      • Deleted Userrrrr

        6 years ago

        No. If Martinez opts out, his production will just have to be replaced. And doing that will cost a lot more than whatever they are paying him.

        3
        Reply
        • Ejemp2006

          6 years ago

          With Martinez on the team you are pretty much guaranteed the best DH bat in the league. He is not replaceable.

          Reply
        • AtlSoxFan

          6 years ago

          His production is a luxury and does not need to be fully replaced.

          Red sox had one of the top offenses in mlb. More offense wasn’t going to save them, they needed pitching.

          As it stands, JD was and remains a defensive liability. He has a nice bat, and a $23.75 million contract in 2020. The team would improve overall if that money were redistributed to other areas of need, even if not all of that offense was replaced.

          2
          Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          @AtlSoxFan if what you are saying is true then there’s no way JDM opts out. Only way a player opts out is if the tram actively wants him to stay. Look at the guys who actually opted out. Zack Greinke, Yoenis Cespedes, Alex Rodriguez, etc.

          Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          The problem is if the team is not likely to win in 20, why pay JDM who will still be able opt out the following year? I love his bat and remember he was brought in because 2017 was a down year hitting wise without Papi. He isn’t just the best DH, he makes everyone around him better, something Mookie can’t say. Mookie’s down season since he came on strong was 17 when neither Papi nor JDM were on the team.

          Reply
        • letsplaytwo

          6 years ago

          Well said Atl

          Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          My above post talked out of both sides o my mouth. If I was to keep only one for next year, I’d keep JDM, buy out his opt out clause for $5m and trade Mookie.

          Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          @deweybelongsinbaseball they don’t want JDM to opt out because if he doesn’t, they can either keep the superstar they have signed for below market value or trade him for a haul of prospects. If some other team is willing to pay JDM more money in FA if he does opt out and give up a draft pick to do so (as it’s pretty certain the Red Sox will QO JDM if he opts out) it stands to reason they would be willing to trade some good prospects for his current contract if not for the opt out right?

          Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          Thanks Show Me. It depends on their position on Mookie. If the team doesn’t feel they can get him signed, they’d should trade him but in my view keep JDM. I don’t think in this market place, they’ll get a haul on both. I just think makes the line up complete. As great as Mookie, if he didn’t have age on JDM, I’d prefer JDM if I could only have one. I just can’t forget how the offense clicked when he was clean up.this year. JDM will now cost less. My preference is to trade Price or Sale but the latter is untradeable and the former will require other assets that they don’t have. Unless you package Devers and then get a ton back.

          Reply
        • AtlSoxFan

          6 years ago

          @Dewey – I disagree for two reasons. If you trade mookie you lose 3 things – high quality OF defense in arguably the hardest RF in MLB, a pretty nifty bat, and a decent threat on the base paths.

          Thats a lot to replace.

          If you lose JD, you lose a bat from a line-up that already exceeded needs for production, and which would still be one of the top 10 even if you plugged in a guy who is 1/3 of the hitter as DH.

          Looking ahead, mookie is a FA at years end. If you’re under the tax limit as the FO claims is a goal, you’re getting a round 1 comp balance tail end pick.

          If JD stays, you get two options. 1) he opts out anyways, and you get that same pick. But he’s also more advanced in age, with a history of medical issues, and the same concerns that led to reworking the deal in terms first place. If he DOESNT opt out, that means he couldn’t beat a reduced 19m guarantee on the market, and, you’re likely stuck wasting almost 20m/yr for two more years on an underperforming contract of an advanced age player with health issues.

          I think mookie adds more for 2020 than jd, and there’s less to replace. I also see an equal upside, because if JD stays this year, you pretty much KNOW he isn’t gonna re-up for 19m in 21 and 22 if he stays productive in 20

          1
          Reply
        • AtlSoxFan

          6 years ago

          I also think, in the abstract, you look at a couple other things:

          While we don’t know, you expect mookie to make maybe 27m in arb. Jd is basically 24m.

          So pretend we assign an arbitrary 32m to cover who we keep + the replacement for the other guy.

          How much of what Mookie brings can you replace for 8m?

          How much of what JD brings can you replace for 5m?

          While JD in cleanup makes things click, imagine removing Mookie from that same lineup. Cause you lose something there, but, it’s possible that if things go as you expect bogey/devers can fill in fine at around cleanup with mookie setting the table and benny hopefully coming around

          Reply
        • soxfan4381

          6 years ago

          Alt Mookie is gone at the end of the year and I want more than a competitive balance pick. Mookie could Get you several top prospects which the Sox badly need, especially if it’s pitching prospects. JD is worth keeping, because the guy can rake. They should move Mookie and JB for prospects and it would free up payroll. Also, I would pay $10 million a year of Price’s contract and move on. I don’t want to hear someone wouldn’t take Price, because he is still a good pitcher. If price was a free agent someone would give him $20 million a year so by kicking in the $10 million a year it would even out. Use the savings to correct the bullpen.

          Reply
        • SG

          6 years ago

          Sounds like a plan. Dewey Belongs In The Hall.
          I agree 100%.

          Reply
        • SG

          6 years ago

          I suspect they are “stuck” with Price and Sale.
          Don’t think they could get anything for either of them this off season with the uncertainties each has.
          Although I would move Price before Sale as Sale is a lion and Price is a lamb. So I wouldn’t give up on Sale.
          If Sale isn’t producing it’s because he is hurt.
          When Sale is healthy I can see him winning another WS for Boston.
          He’s a class act.
          Can’t say I feel the same way about Price.
          I don’t trust the guy.
          Think he dogs it as does Stanton and Ellsbury for the NYY.
          Give me a Derek Jeter, David Ortiz or a healthy Dustin Pedroia any day.

          Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          @dewey My point is that the Red Sox can’t benefit from JD opting out. If they are in a position where they would, he won’t opt out. A lot of people say that JD opting out benefits them by allowing them to drop below the luxury tax line without having to trade Mookie. The problem with that is if he plays well enough to opt out, it means he played well enough to draw some trade interest. So without the opt out they could trade him for a haul of prospects and still get to drop below the luxury tax line without having to trade Mookie. Trading JD for prospects easily beats losing him for nothing.

          I do think the Sox should trade Mookie FWIW.

          Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          Disagree Letsplsy unless you guarantee Mookie resigns which you can’t do. Benny has overall disappointed when compared to expectations. Devers had an unreal year but no one knows how much was him and what was the ball in use. JDM is not a gold glover but is serviceable as a part time fielder. His bat will always outperform his defense deficiencies. A lot also depends on where he plays which should at home be left field.

          Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          By the way, I love the exchanges on this post. Some agreed with me, some probably thought I was a jerk in posting but all brought in my view good arguments which the others probably in many cases didn’t consider and none were rude or disrespectful. Thanks everyone who responded to my thread as you made my morning a bit brighter. I only wish all threads were this way with no trolls, just real opinions.

          Reply
        • AtlSoxFan

          6 years ago

          2 questions…

          Doesn’t a potential JD trading partner almost have to value him as a rental? He gets another opt out after 2020. His salary is down to 19m in 2021. If he continues to produce, healthily, why wouldn’t he be a guaranteed opt out?

          Next, if he opts out this season it may not be because he has much surplus value for 2020… it could be because he feels he carries surplus value for 2021&22, and/or he feels this is a good chance to lock up extra yrs beyond 2022 right now.

          If so, there may not be great surplus value as far as teams valuing him/willing to pay more than 24m for his 2020 season, and thus, no real prospect haul for retaining and trading him. Particularly if he is viewed as a lock to opt out after 2020 should he continue to produce.

          Either JD or Mookie theoretically give you a draft pick. JD a 4th rounder this year, or either a 1st rd Comp B next year.

          But, if you view both as actually being gone next season IF they remain productive, which of the 2 does more for you in 2020?

          Bat first, poor defense, error prone, no base threat, aging/injury questionmark?

          Complete package, elite OF defense, GG, base threat, young/durable?

          Regardless, I think JD makes the decision for you because I honestly doubt he brings much in a trade – the number of teams willing to trade for 1 season of JD/24m is vastly less than 1 season of Mookie/27m

          Reply
        • MoRivera 1999

          6 years ago

          Except that you’re looking at $27 M plus 3-4 top prospects for 1 year of Mookie. I don’t think there’s a big market for that. I wouldn’t do it, I know that, and I respect Mookie’s game, even if he is just 5’9 180lbs.

          Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          @AtlSoxFan If he doesn’t have great surplus value as you say then he isn’t opting out in the first place. The only way he opts out is if he is producing enough surplus value on his contract to get more money as a FA with the signing team also having to give up a draft pick. If he has that kind of surplus value, of course the Red Sox would be able to trade him for a haul if not for the opt out. That is why the opt out hurts them.

          Reply
        • AtlSoxFan

          6 years ago

          @Tatis – you ignore the fact there are things in the contract that could allow the sox to effective void years 4 and/or 5.

          Based on DL time the contract becomes a mutual option on either year 4 or 5.

          Also jd gets a 2.5m payout if he opts out.

          So, really, what the contract amounts to is a 21.25m guarantee this year, plus 2.5m as a thank you for past services.

          2021 and 2022 are by no means fully guaranteed, they become mutual options based on time on the DL related to foot injuries

          Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          @AtlSoxFan and you ignore the point that if JDM can get a better contract (from the player’s POV) in FA (therefore a worse contract from the team’s POV) then teams would certainly give up a haul of prospects to trade for his current contract which is seen as worse from the player’s POV and therefore better from the team’s POV. And if he can’t get a better contract (from his POV) then he isn’t going to opt out in the first place.

          In the end, no matter how you cut it, slice it or dice it, JDM will opt out if and only if the Sox would prefer he stay under his current contract exists. If there is no scenario in which the Sox would want that, then there is also no scenario in which JDM opts out.

          Reply
        • AtlSoxFan

          6 years ago

          @Tatis

          Please explain how a player taking a contract for similar money/years, but without the IL clause creating options, is worth a “haul of prospects.”

          I’m not sure what type of negotiating background you have, but certain intangibles are valued differently by different parties.

          Is possible a team says idgaf about IL protection, I’ll buy insurance because we do that with all our deals anyways. Even more so with a team far below the cbt limit. But the player puts a huge premium on getting out from the insecurity of what’s basically a voidable deal.

          Not a scenario where the contract is worth much more than a bucket of spit in a trade to the acquiring team, at least compared to the same deal on a free agent deal

          Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          @AtlSoxFan You’re missing the point. If JDM opts out, it means he can get a better contract (from his POV) in FA than the one he has now. By definition, if the contract is better for the player, it is worse for the team. So if some team is willing to give JDM a contract that is worse for the team if he does opt out and give up a draft pick to do it (as it’s more or less guaranteed the Red Sox QO him if he opts out) then absolutely that team would be willing to trade a haul of prospects for JDM’s current contract if he didn’t or couldn’t opt out of it.

          JDM’s contract not being guaranteed if he sustains an injury that is related to the one that gave him trouble when he was with Detroit and his team not having to purchase insurance against it is actually a perfect example of why his current contract is better (at least from the team’s POV) than a fully guaranteed contract. If they are willing to give him a fully guaranteed contract with the same years and dollar figures as his current contract and give up a draft pick, it’s fairly certain they would be willing to take him with his current contract and give up a nice prospect or two in the trade.

          Reply
        • AtlSoxFan

          6 years ago

          Still have to disagree tatis.

          See, there was an article (or few) years back about Henry’s aversion to insuring contracts due to prior experience he had collecting on an occasion. Billionaire eccentricity, let’s make life complicated rather than improve operating practices. But I digress.

          The current contract has an extremely narrow set of opt out parameters what would lead to instant grievances if attempted.

          If JD blows a knee? Uncovered.

          If he hurts a shoulder? Uncovered.

          If he tried to play outfield and breaks a hip? Uncovered.

          Given the relative value FOs place on their prospects now a days, a minute pinpoint medical opt out carries less than 1% of the value the insurance contract does.

          And the prospect or two as you put it have a much larger cash value than the cost of the insurance policy.

          My view is with broad blanket insurance you get superior coverage than the existing contract clause, and, you guy it at a mere fraction of the price.

          Not that you buy an insurance policy giving the same restricted/limited value that the existing contract gives.

          Neither of us are clearly going to convince the other. Good debate though

          Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          There is no agreeing or disagreeing with facts. If someone is going to give JDM a better contract if he opts out (and give up a draft pick to do so) they would most certainly trade good prospects for his current contract.

          And if they wouldn’t give him a better contract, he’s not opting out in the first place. Therefore, the Red Sox can not benefit from JDM opting out. Best case scenario is if he doesn’t opt out it is the same contract as if the opt-out never existed. Look at the players who have opted out of their contracts in the past. Zack Greinke, Yoenis Cespedes, Alex Rodriguez, etc. Them opting out was a complete disaster for their teams. That is what it’ll take for JDM to opt out.

          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          6 years ago

          1)Martinez is stupid if he opts out
          2)the team signing him to a better contract is even more stupid
          3)the Red Sox would silently shout for joy if he does as it would get them below the taxing salary threshold
          4)the Red Sox can replace him on one year contracts with younger and younger players each year for 40% of his contract value as DH players are plentiful
          Does not seem to me to be any more complicated than that

          Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          If he can get a better contract why would he be stupid for opting out? And why would the Red Sox be jumping for joy if he opts out when him not opting out means they could have traded him for a haul?

          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          6 years ago

          How would he know whether or not he will get a better contract?
          Boras has led others astray in mis directing them on the status 9f the market for them.
          What I am saying is that he has peaked and would never warrant that high of an AA salary again.I doubt that he would get more years.DH’s are not that hard to come by and for.a lot less money.
          If another team wanted him and he knew that they were willing to pay more than the current contract then he should strongly consider opting out.
          The Red Sox would get the pick from the QO.
          Why would the team that wanted him give the Red Sox several prospects instead of the QO pick.If they do want him that badly and he does not opt out then they have the option of trading for him.
          First he must make the decision on his option then the particular scenarios would apply.
          I’ did not have the time to read all of the back and forth but it seems to me that this is much simpler than you guys were making it.

          Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          He doesn’t know if he will get a better contract. That is why it pays to have an agent who knows how to read the market.

          The team that wants him would give up several prospects if he doesn’t opt out because if they like him enough to give him more than his current contract and give up a draft pick then they should have no problem trading good prospects for his current contract if he doesn’t opt out.

          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          6 years ago

          You could be correct.It would depend on the value of the current players that they would have to give up to equate to the QO draft choice that the Red Sox would have received.
          Boras has missed big time before.

          Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          They’d give up more than the value of the QO pick cuz they’d be paying him less than they would if he opted out and they signed him.

          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          6 years ago

          I knew that you meant that but if they gauged the interest properly and they were the only team interested and they actually could get him for less than what the Red Sox are paying him they may not want to give that extra value.
          Plus the Red Sox May not need it if they want to get him off the books.

          Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          If JDM can’t get more than his current contract and he has an agent who is worth a darn he’s not opting out in the first place.

          And if he can get more than his current contract, the Red Sox would be able to trade his current contract for a haul of prospects if not for the opt out.

          In neither scenario does JDM having an opt-out clause benefit the Red Sox.

          Reply
  14. jorge78

    6 years ago

    So Raquel F. is a bridesmaid again…..

    Reply
    • bobtillman

      6 years ago

      Not necessarily. Bloom might have an “Executive VP”, or something like it, type of title. That would leave room for Raquel to be the “operational” GM.

      I’ve said before, John Henry loves being a groundbreaker. And a woman GM would definitely sell in Boston.

      Reply
      • Ashtem

        6 years ago

        O Halloran is the GM now

        Reply
  15. bobtillman

    6 years ago

    It’s hard to discern where, among the Silverman-Bloom-Neander trio, Bloom actually landed; maybe he was the middle guy, between business and baseball ops?

    One thing he’ll have to improve is his interviewing skills. He was on a few times with the Mad Dog and had a discernable “deer in the headlights” look…..that ain’t gonna sell in Boston; one thing DD had in spades was the ability to relate to the press. And that’s a lot more needed in Boston than in Tampa. Bloom may not like that every time he farts, 3 sports writers are there to smell it.

    1
    Reply
  16. thetruth 2

    6 years ago

    Great move. I think Boston’s long term outlook is looking very good.

    2
    Reply
  17. nemolee.exe

    6 years ago

    I’m not going to be surprised if some people tell the Red Sox to fire him once he gets them to 5th place next season.

    1
    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      6 years ago

      5th place is almost impossible.

      Reply
      • nemolee.exe

        6 years ago

        We don’t know what his style is. Very questionable on my part.

        Reply
      • MoRivera 1999

        6 years ago

        But 4th is very possible.

        Reply
        • JoeBrady

          6 years ago

          4th is still pretty unlikely. Unless the RS trade for nothing but kids, we’ll likely win 90.

          Reply
        • clepto

          6 years ago

          Dont drink the bong water, please.

          Reply
    • SG

      6 years ago

      He’s just trying to get you Boston fans going. LOL

      Reply
  18. BuckeyeRefugee

    6 years ago

    If he tries to implement the same approach used in TB, it will not fly in Boston. NE fans demand instant success and unlimited spending on top free agents because that is what they have come to expect. The owners are talking about a new game plan and this hire reflects that, but it will be interesting to see how the fan base reacts to any major changes that may be on the horizon.

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      6 years ago

      I think the RS fans were fine when we let all those FAs walk after 2004, and after we traded everyone after 2011. True BB fans know it isn’t always prom night.

      Reply
    • deweybelongsinthehall

      6 years ago

      He can’t implement everything by next year as some contracts are not movable.

      Reply
    • MoRivera 1999

      6 years ago

      You’re talking Evil Empire M.O. and you’re right, Boston has taken it on with a vengeance. It will be interesting to see where they go as they attempt to pull back spending to get under the luxury cap. I doubt they go back all the way to $208M though.

      Reply
  19. Bruin1012

    6 years ago

    I’m guessing this hire is a clear indication that the Red Sox are going under the 208 million lux tax cap and reset.

    Bloom seems like a great guy to rebuild the farm and move towards a consistent contender. The real question if he will be able to go for it when the time comes to go for it. One thing you have to give DD he is the right guy to go for it when you are in the right position.

    2
    Reply
    • deweybelongsinthehall

      6 years ago

      Yes. He’ll get the team under the threshold but then will he spend smartly or not spend at all? He’s never been able to freely spend.

      3
      Reply
      • MoRivera 1999

        6 years ago

        Once he gets under the cap will he be allowed to spend only to surpass it again? It’s tough to see where they’re headed.

        Reply
      • Bruin1012

        6 years ago

        I agree Dewey and Mo will be interesting to see what happens. I’m guessing JDM opts out and they trade JBJ that gets them under. What I’m really interested to see is what he does if things go right for Boston and all the players who underperformed perform next year and the Sox are in the heat of it at the trade deadline that will be where a GM earns his chops.

        1
        Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          What you said Bruin = 2013 if things go right or 2014 perhaps if they don’t

          Reply
    • SG

      6 years ago

      Why can’t you “go for it’ without getting fleeced?
      Add over priced FA’s to be the trade deadline, when you’re in it, and don’t resign them.
      Sound like a plan?

      1
      Reply
  20. aussiegiants53

    6 years ago

    It’s an exciting hire for Boston, he has a big hill ahead of him tho. What does he do this offseason and for 2020? Shed some contracts? Implement some scouting and draft strategies, have a good draft, realistically aim for 2022 contention?

    Reply
  21. AllRiseForTheJudge

    6 years ago

    Should’ve hired Chaim Witz….

    Reply
  22. iamoldboy

    6 years ago

    2020 Champs!

    Reply
  23. SG

    6 years ago

    Great move. I’m very happy to hear this news confirmed.
    Tampa executives deserve Boston’s respect.

    1
    Reply
  24. xpensivewinos

    6 years ago

    The Price, Sale & Pedroia contracts are going to be anchors around this team for quite some time….. Aren’t they still paying Pablo Sandoval and Rusney Castillo as well?

    Reply
    • SG

      6 years ago

      Yes but it is what it is and you have to go forward with the right plan to win another WS. Don’t see the logic in thinking they can never win it for a while just because of past over spending and a depleted minor league. Lets see what the man can do going forward.

      Reply
    • Ashtem

      6 years ago

      Sandoval on 5M buyout, Castillo doesn’t count and ends next year and Pedroia ends after 2021

      1
      Reply
      • AtlSoxFan

        6 years ago

        Because the buyout was triggered when he was released, doesn’t he come off the books as far as aav for CBT calculations? I vaguely recall hearing that somewhere but cannot say where for the life of me.

        Reply
  25. Mendoza Line 215

    6 years ago

    Just another example of the wealthy poaching from the small market teams.
    Players are not the only employees who respond to the money.

    Reply
    • SG

      6 years ago

      That’s how they got wealthy and they stay wealthy.
      Did I miss something or isn’t that how the world has always worked?
      The big fish eat the little fish.
      Are you saying “YOU” don’t respond to money?

      Reply
      • Mendoza Line 215

        6 years ago

        SG leave me out of it because I may or may not be representative as I have not chased it.
        But you are correct in your view of many in this country.The problem is in baseball is that that playing field eliminates fully one third of the teams in any meaningful competition for the ultimate prize unlike other sports.

        Reply
    • AtlSoxFan

      6 years ago

      Red Sox have given far more than their share of staff/execs to other teams as managers, gms and ops.

      Nothing about poaching here, all about free movement to advance career/positions

      2
      Reply
      • Mendoza Line 215

        6 years ago

        But teams like the Red Sox can easily attract the best replacements and quickly so they are never really at a disadvantage.

        Reply
        • AtlSoxFan

          6 years ago

          Depends what you mean by that. The guy from the Twins declined to be interviewed.

          Hazen also pushed forward an extension rather than throw his hat in and he worked for the sox for a long time.

          I think there’s as many downsides as upsides to working with a big team like LA/BOS/NYY/ETC. You get more money to work with, but, a much shorter leash, less room to experiment and try new things, and definitely higher pressure/expectations. Those things all factor in

          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          6 years ago

          ASF-That all is true.But the best candidates are willing to take the chance because they respond to challenges.
          Even if they eventually lose their job they will have the experience that would bode well for interviewing for other similiar team openings.

          Reply
  26. Brendasboy

    6 years ago

    Is it just about cutting cost or winning a title?
    If costs are going to get cut will they pass it on to the fans or will I still have to pay 100. a ticket then the parking fees, 10 a beer, 10 bucks a hotdog. Instead of cutting salaries of players cut the costs to fans

    Reply
    • theredsoxrule

      6 years ago

      the cost to fans will NEVER drop…they charge ridiculous prices because people still pay them…sure it hurts the average joe who can’t afford those prices but its a business so it’s about making money…

      Reply
    • whyhayzee

      6 years ago

      Once upon a time, Boston supported two baseball teams and New York supported three baseball teams. Meanwhile, Chicago continues to support two baseball teams. Imagine if Chicago has one team move away while New York and Boston had their teams stay there instead of moving away? How many championships would the remaining baseball team in Chicago be able to BUY? Who knows for sure. They sure would have an advantage. There are great baseball towns around the country who have had teams for a long time. There are newcomers, some do well, some not so much. But New York and Boston do have an advantage. That said, you still have to get it right and perform well so that you can have an income advantage over other teams.

      Reply
  27. IloveMACfootball

    6 years ago

    Lol mets

    Reply
  28. Fangdango

    6 years ago

    This was always their target, not Mike Hazen. Hazen managed to turn D’backs fans and media irrational fears into an extension without having delivered anything beyond a playoff birth with his predecessor’s roster. Gotta hand it to him. He’s been great at turning mediocrity into perceived greatness! There is real skill in that.

    2
    Reply
  29. Valkyrie

    6 years ago

    Say what you will about the Rays organization but then look around at how many teams have hired their resources.

    Reply
    • Mendoza Line 215

      6 years ago

      They do more with less than any other team.
      It will be interesting to see how this loss affects the Rays.

      Reply
  30. anthonyd4412

    6 years ago

    Looks like Jeff Goldbloom

    Reply
  31. thebluemeanie

    6 years ago

    Sure he’s not an alien?

    Reply
  32. AngelDiceClay

    6 years ago

    Wasn’t this guy on Leave it to Beaver???

    Receptionist- Mr. Bloom, Billy Eppler is on line 1
    Bloom-Good Day William. And how is my favorite GM in Beautiful SoCal?
    Eppler-Very well Chaim thank you. I’m calling in regards in our interest Mookie Betts. Joe Maddon and myself were thinking we could part with Fletcher and one of our top 3 prospects as a starting point.
    Bloom- Wow William that’s a excellent starting point. Something I would be interested in..
    Eppler-Very Good. I will email a list of potential prospects that we would be available in moving.
    Bloom-Most excellent William. BTW I’m headed out to Los Angeles next week. Let’s do lunch in Newport and talk about this further. I envy you William. You have the best player in Trout. A great new hire in Maddon as your manager Playing all your home games in the best weather. Ahhhh it doesn’t get any better than that.. I’m sure the Angels will be playing October baseball in 2020.
    Eppler-Haha ha that’s the plan. Very good. You have my number. Take Care.
    Bloom-Have a blessed day my friend.

    Bloom-Margie block all further calls from Billy Eppler. The Audacity of that twerp trying to steal Betts from me. Ill teach him a thing or 2.

    Reply
  33. pburns65

    6 years ago

    Clearly Henry is setting the team up to be sold.

    Reply
  34. seth3120

    6 years ago

    Henry needs to make up his mind. Clearly hiring DD he was expecting him to go big and he did exactly that. Won them the World Series in 2018. He doesn’t even get through the next year? Pick a path

    Reply
  35. jsay2948

    6 years ago

    No details about what his contract with the Sox is… ???

    Reply
  36. fljay73

    6 years ago

    Rays GM Neander has just stated that Bloom will not be taking any Rays Front Office Personnel with him so he will be on his own initially in Boston.

    Reply

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