6:41PM: Another breakdown is provided by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, who reports that Turner will earn $15MM in 2023, and then $7.7MM in 2024 if he exercises his player option. Another $1MM is available to Turner in incentive bonuses in 2023, as he can unlock a series of $200K bonuses if he reaches at least 480 plate appearances.
6:01PM: Alex Speier of The Boston Globe has a different set of contract numbers, reporting that Turner will get only $8.3MM in 2023 and then $11.4MM in 2024 if he exercises the player option. Unless is a signing bonus or buyout also attached to the deal, Speier’s report would indicate that Turner is only receiving $19.7MM in guaranteed salary. The $8.3MM figure in 2023 in particular looks like a very nice bargain for the Red Sox on what could well end up being a one-year commitment to a 38-year-old player.
5:26PM: Turner will earn $14MM in 2023, Heyman reports, and the 2024 player option is worth $8MM.
4:54PM: The Red Sox have agreed to a deal with infielder Justin Turner, according to ESPN’s Joon Lee and Jeff Passan (Twitter links). The two-year contract will pay Turner slightly less than $22MM, and Turner can opt out of the deal following the 2023 season. Jon Heyman of the New York Post (Twitter links) reported earlier today that Turner and the Sox were “looking close” to working out a contract, and that Boston was “heavily” pursuing Turner. Michael Marino of Fantrax reported yesterday that Turner and the Sox were in talks. Turner is represented by Vayner Sports.
The Marlins, Diamondbacks, Twins, and Dodgers are the other teams publicly known to have some interest in Turner, and Miami made Turner an offer earlier this week. Barry Jackson and Craig Mish of the Miami Herald described the Marlins’ offer as “competitive,” and though the exact details of the offer weren’t known, Heyman wrote that the Marlins seemed open to giving Turner the multi-year deal he is seeking in free agency.
Turner (who is entering his age-38 season) did find that multi-year pact, though at a significant drop in average annual value from the $17MM he received in his previous two-year deal with the Dodgers. MLBTR projected Turner for only one guaranteed year, but for $14MM. The year-to-year breakdown of the new contract isn’t yet known, and the opt-out could indicate that Turner’s camp might essentially view this deal as a one-year pact, with an eye towards getting a larger multi-year contract next after on the heels of a big platform year at Fenway Park.
That said, it isn’t as though Turner underachieved in 2022, as he posted a strong 123 wRC+ after batting .278/.350/.438 with 13 homers over 532 plate appearances with the Dodgers. However, given how Turner’s usual offseason routine was thrown off-kilter was the lockout and the shortened Spring Training, he might well imagine that he could’ve hit much better had it not been for a very slow start. Turner had only a .611 OPS over his first 243 PA of the year, but then caught fire with a .940 OPS over his last 289 PA.
Despite this production and Turner’s long track record of success over nine seasons in Los Angeles, the Dodgers opted to decline their $16MM club option on Turner for 2023, instead buying him out for $2MM. The move was seemingly made to give the Dodgers some extra flexibility in regards to their payroll and luxury tax situation, as the Dodgers could conceivably use any of Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, or prospect Miguel Vargas at third base. While president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman repeatedly stated that the door was still open for a possible reunion with Turner, the Dodgers’ signing of J.D. Martinez yesterday seemed to hint that L.A. had moved on.
As it turned out, the Dodgers and Red Sox will unofficially swap veteran hitters, with Martinez heading to Los Angeles and Turner coming to Boston. Turner brings more defensive utility than Martinez, as Turner still saw quite a bit of action at third base last season, basically splitting his time between third and DH. Rafael Devers of course has priority at the hot corner in Boston, but the Red Sox could now use Turner at third base when Devers (a subpar defender) is given a DH day of his own. Turner hasn’t played at first base since 2016, but he could also conceivably get some time at the cold corner as a right-handed hitting complement to rookie Triston Casas.
Xander Bogaerts’ departure to the Padres has led to a lot of hard feelings from Red Sox Nation directed towards ownership and chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom. Though Bogaerts is certainly a major loss, Bloom’s plan is to fill the void with multiple players, as Bloom has stated that he wanted to add roughly 7-9 new faces to the roster. That long list of needs has now been partially filled by Turner, Masataka Yoshida, and relievers Kenley Jansen, Chris Martin, and Joely Rodriguez.
It would seem like starting pitching, catching, and the outfield remain on Bloom’s checklist, given the other players the Red Sox have at least checked in on this winter. But with Turner, the club reinforcements the corner infield/DH mix that Boston first looked to address by making a push for Jose Abreu, before Abreu signed with the Astros. The Red Sox made some room at first base by designing Eric Hosmer for assignment earlier this week, and though Hosmer was essentially a free player since the Padres were covering almost all of his remaining salary, the Sox were looking for either a more productive bat, or at least to more firmly clear a path for top prospect Casas.
After surpassing the luxury tax threshold in 2022, the Red Sox are thus far well under the $233MM threshold. That leaves Bloom with some opportunity to perhaps stay under the tax line, though given how Bloom and ownership were willing to pay the tax for even a rather remote shot at a playoff berth last year, one would imagine the Red Sox wouldn’t balk at paying another tax penalty for the right upside. Many of the offseason’s top free agents have already come off the board, but the Sox could still pursue other upgrades on the trade market.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Wow
I like it. I think Turner has more left in the tank than JD Martinez.
Agreed. Strong second half. He’s older than Martinez, but he might have more left in the tank.
suit – Based on what?
Both had very similar offensive production this year.
Last year JD put up an .867 OPS while JT hasn’t even sniffed that good a number since he put up an .881 in 2019 … the same year JD put up a .939
If he stays healthy, JD is expected to have the much better season next year. And he’s on a much more affordable contract than JT.
But Turner fills in a void around the diamond. JD Martinez I’d a liability in the field. So give or take either way.
Fever: Based on my gut feeling. I had a bad feeling watching JD Martinez last year. He looked pretty done to me. I didn’t get the same feeling watching Turner, although I watched him less. I could be wrong, but I thought it was time to move on from JD.
Finally. Someone who uses their eyes instead of worthless analytics.
suit – I’m guessing you watched JD in July and August, and then understandably stopped watching games after that. JD actually put up some really good numbers in Sep/Oct.
Based on his health issues, I was at peace with letting him go. But I just don’t see JT replacing JD’s 2021 numbers. Hope I’m wrong.
Fever: Is there a way to see who hit more balls into a shift last year? The shift going away could change a lot of our thinking about them.
JDM is younger & a pure hitter with a lot left in the tank. Shaim Doom must intend on trading Devers & slide JT in at 3rd. Otherwise this deal makes absolutely 0.00 sense.
Great question, Suit. On face values the hit maps look somewhat similar, and don’t really indicate the number of times players were shifted. But it’s a tricky answer. Here’s why:
JDM: Shifted against 9% of the time, batted .508 wOBA w/shift, and .326 w/o shift. .274 BA overall.
JT: Shifted against 6% of the time, batted .318 wOBA w/shift and .346 w/o shift. .278 BA overall.
So, it’s apparent JDM hit better with the shift on than without. It’s also apparent JT was hurt by the shift, but he was shifted against less, at only 6%. It will help JT more, but how much at only 6%? It would equate to JT getting between 2-3 or so more base hits, with his .278 avg., I believe.
Nonetheless, JDM had more base hits, but was shifted in more and had a lower wOBA w/o the shift. which gives him about 4 additional base hits with his .274 BA. It should also be noted that JDM hovers around an “average wOBA” of .320, while JT hovers right near “above average wOBA” of .340.
I’m summary, Neither player was shifted on that much, believe it or not. JDM actually improved when shifted on. But, both hitters are switching to opposite leagues with different pitchers, so one or both could have terrible years of adjustment.
That’s awesome, Clipper. Thanks! Looks like the shift going away won’t really affect them…and maybe switching leagues will be a problem. The more I think about baseball, the more I realize there is to think about. Getting the right perspective is everything. Thanks again!
Sure, brother! Anything to prove myself wrong…lol. I did a deeper dive on some of the advanced metrics because your question is probably the most relevant one pertaining to the comparison between these two and it gets even more interesting….
So, JDM has dropped noticeably (and is much lower than JT) with whiff, K, BB, xBA, and EV.
But JDM retained much higher % numbers in his power areas, showing much better %s than JT on ISO xISO, xSLG, and max EV. JT dropped in those latter power-related categories and hovers around 50th % or lower in several.
Check out their stats: baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/j-d-martinez-…
You can see their charts which are an easy read under “Percentile Rankings” but there’s a ton of data points on here.
I personally think the humidor affected him last season He wasn’t the only one. He only hit 3 opposite field HRs last season. His ball wasn’t carrying the same.
I remember he made a comment around mid season about needing to take a different approach because his ball wasn’t carrying. After that he was better.
@Fever Pitch Guy You’re abusing the numbers. Martinez’s .790 OPS in 2022 is significantly lower than his 2021 .867 OPS, something extremely relevant regarding a player turning 35 for the 2023 season.
As for going back to 2019 (while ignoring JDM’s dismal .680 OPS in 2020), no valid projection system goes back to 2019 except at most as a 10% predictor towards a player’s output 4 years later. Such systems hew close to or use a weighted rating of 8-5-3-2. 2019 is rapidly disappearing over the horizon into the Sea of Irrelevance.
Turner’s decline has been slower and lacks anything like the cratering of Martinez in 2020. Add in his superior OBP over the last three seasons, and his defensive abilities and he’s likely to be meaningfully more valuable than JD in 2023.
There’s people say this type of comment with no facts all the time .
This is not a future move. It’s a now move
I think people are reading into stats way too much, especially for the full 6% they’re worth arguing for. Seriously, see it play out. It’s basically a swap only JT can play the field better.
Runningred: Couldn’t agree with you more. So disappointed in this Turner signing. 15 mill for a 38 year old? Bloom could have used that towards starting pitching instead of this guy.
Good analysis. There is also the Fenway factor to include. Fenway typically can be attributed with increasing offensive production for “most” hitters. The myth is that it adds HR’s. What Fenway tend to add is doubles, and AVG.
Marinez undeniably has more power, but neither hitter is a pull hitter in the traditional sense. They can, but neither look to pull middle, out. All things being equal without further regression, Turner should benefit from half his games at Fenway with an uptick in average, and doubles. He may or may not gain any benefit in HR’s there. Like Martinez, not a lift guy.
Turner leaves a home park that is pitcher friendly to a hitters paradise. Let’s see what happens, my money is on JT.
Thanks Clipper. I felt bad for JD watching him last year, but I guess he alternated between looking feeble and getting hits, a lot of doubles. After looking it over, it is hard to conclude which guy is better at this point.
Suit: What I found pretty interesting too is their hit splits…both guys were nearly identical in their splits to L, C, and R. And, those weren’t far off from each other, so that explains why they were shifted in so few times. They seem to be conventional all-fields hitters.
Looking at this purely from a statistical analysis, I think JT may have an advantage at Fenway. His weaknesses were Avg, SLG, and xSLG. I think Fenway’s center-to-right field is going to help those numbers with the way he contacts the ball.
Thanks Clipper. I appreciate the insight. I really need to get up to speed on what the stats are and how to use them.
LOL
You trust anyone’s eyes but can’t make heads or tails out of detailed stats breaking down everything a player does on the field?
emac22: Why don’t you break down all the advanced stats and give us a detailed analysis?
Where did you find a .867 OPS for JD? I’m looking at .788 JT to .790 JD right now.
JD hasn’t sniffed playing defense in a long time, for good reason. He’s a nice better than average DH (only), and his contract reflects it.
Jack – I understand JD’s OPS for the entire year was down. But I look at two things …. offense was down league-wide, and he ended the season strongly against some very good teams, which leads me to believe he’s far from done.
2020 will forever be a “does not count” year, for obvious reasons. As stated in the above article, Covid protocols affected JD more than most because of his reliance on video. He proved that with his rebound year in 2021.
Injuries, particularly to his back, have been a big factor in JD’s recent slump. I hope you’re right about Turner, but if I had to bet on who has the better offensive season in 2023 – presuming both are healthy – I’d put my money on JD.
Martinez was younger, a better hitter, and healthier last season than Turner was.
JDM’s at-bats were excruciating to watch in 2022. He has lost the outside of the plate. Maybe Van Scoyoc can get him on track again. I think that’s why JDM chose LAD.
Might want to take a look at his heat map. Sometimes your eyes are clouded by what you want to see,
He had a sore hip so there goes your dumb theory jd was hurt
JD had steep decline last year. Turner not nearly as bad.
He had a sore hip what makes u think turner isn’t declining o because he got hot last year for a lil stretch o wow
YourDream – I think JD’s problem was in part because of his back problem. That said it may be a problem for the rest of his career. Turner is much more versatile as far as his defense as well. I am glad they have Turner instead.
“he got hot last year for a lil stretch o wow”
‘From May 10 onward, Turner turned a corner offensively and hit a stout .306/.380/.488 with 32 doubles, 12 homers, 68 RBIs, and 52 runs scored across 102 games.’
May to October isnt a ‘lil stretch’.
Danby Swanson would’ve moved the needle,
but Turner still a solid pickup. essentially a 1-year deal
Huge signing for Red Sox… great stick
Justin time…
This guy could be a page Turner for Boston…
You mean he could be a game . . . Changer. Damn it, I suck at this.
Bloom sure does like signing declining players
Remove – Good point, he has declined 5 consecutive seasons.
If Bloom ever gets into the stock market, he will go bankrupt very quickly.
Declined, maybe, but he still had 27 Homer’s in 2021 with a consistently high OBP even in 2022. It’s a tough call either way but I don’t believe Turner is any more done than Martinez was last year. Tough call but not a bad investment for one to two years.
Everyone over 28 is, on average, in decline. Most FAs are over 28. Take it from there.
He’s basically plugging the holes he lost with inferior players but the names still carry some clout in blooms head
I don’t know. Bloom is making some awful decisions but he does have autonomy if you listen to him. I don’t think he will go bankrupt just like that… wait until the Padres, Mets, Yankees have trouble upholding their large contracts, then we will see who goes bankrupt. Bloom may be impacting himself now with some poor deals but he’s not hurting us down the road financially.
I’d argue its the exact opposite. 28 to 30yo is when a ballplayer is at his peak, which is also the age FAs usually hit the market. The fans want the most expensive players at their peak, with little no expertise working in the industry.
Buying the most expensive stocks, when they peak, with no advisor is considered a terrible way to invest.
if he’s so astute, then where is the pitching and where is the young near-MLB ready positional talent. Bloom is swinging and missing on every move.
Buying the most expensive stocks, when they peak, with no advisor is considered a terrible way to invest.
========================
Every couple of years, there is a financial implosion. It is generally related to people trying to get into a market niche, long after market prices have corrected.
The experts do their own investigation, find something under-priced, and buy. Smart guys follow the experts and make a few bucks at the margins. Then the amateurs that a class of stock had doubled and want to get in. That’s when the experts and the margin guys get out and look for the next trend.
A lot of fans simply look at the highest-trending names, and that’s what they want. A good GM will look for guys whose value has been beaten down, for factors not likely to repeat, and buy low.
where is the young near-MLB ready positional talent.
===============================
If you don’t know their names, then why ask the question? It just betrays a lack of knowledge about the RS farm system.
“near-MLB ready positional talent”
I notice the “near-MLB” Someone’s trying to avoid talking about the wave of talent coming, but its still at Double A.
Just looking at the payroll figures.
Are they going to hit $200 million in payroll this season? They will have to spend a boatload on players they trade for in order to get there from what I can see.
My math could be way off – would appreciate some input on this.
Red Sox are at 206M against the Salary Threshold and that doesn’t count Justin Turner yet.
Thanks, I was looking at the wrong web site and questioned it myself.
Is that total without Turner?
They were around 200m then they got rid of Hosmer which saved them around 6m on the CBT then added Turner.
After I just checked, Spotrac it looks like they’re 206 with Turner. Unless I’m totally missing something which wouldn’t be news to anybody.
With Turner, I didn’t think he was added yet. They don’t even have his salary yet, but somehow they put this Lux Tax on the list already.
Fair enough. I’ve been keeping my eye on this because they keep creeping towards it. I thought I completely missed something.
To be fair I still don’t know what his actual contract is. This story gives 3 different versions and there’s quite a difference in a couple of them.
Jack – At Age 28 Ortiz never had an OPS over .983
At Age 29, 30, 31, 36 and 40 he had an OPS over 1.000 each year.
Dwight Evans at Age 28 never had an OPS over .889
At Age 29, 30, 32 and 35 he had an OPS over .920 each year.
JD has not had an average career, his projected numbers shouldn’t be based on the past performance of average players.
After I just checked, Spotrac it looks like they’re 206 with Turner.
=========================
I find a lot of these salary sites do a lousy job. COTs has them at $185M without JT. That’s enough for maybe Eovaldi, Segura, and Rogers.
Not as much as mediocre players with “versatility.”
Asking a lot out of a 36 year old man Boston fans r settling for these old players for some reason
“for some reason”
Its a bridge year. Red Sox want decent veterans on short contracts, because they have major talent at Double A, and High A.
Not sure why its hard to see.
@jeff are you the same doofus that just posts wow on every transaction ?
He never has anything to contribute but he always wants to be first wow what a mo ron
TC and Remove: 100% agree. A well-below average poster.
Alerts that people have responded to your post are just as good as friends!
I noticed that, too. Maybe that’s the only word he knows.
Are you just waiting for every post just so you can be first to comment with a wow? That’s kinda sad
Jaysfan – Yes, it is.
The move was seemingly made to give the Dodgers some extra flexibility in regards to their payroll and luxury tax situation
-they put that part in the article for Blueskies LA
These are great opportunities for Martinez and Turner.
Good luck to both.,
We will really miss him in LA. Dodger legend and great dude.
Second post
Good for Justin! Wish him the very best in Boston. He was a great player for the Dodgers, a tremendous leader in the clubhouse and I hope he will someday return to the organization.
I am shocked. Unless the Dodger organization flat out declined to offer him a contract I am surprised that he is leaving LA.
@StreakingBlue
It could have come down to Turner not wanting to be a part-time player. I imagine he will get the bulk of the DH AB’s in Boston next season and the Dodgers signing JD Martinez took that opportunity away in LA.
The Dodgers never made Turner an offer. He had one choice aparently, because he signed with a team destined to be fighting to stay out of last place. He wanted one last contract.
I would guess he would have taken less money to stay in LA. My guess they didn’t want him for anything close to this much.
Can care less about covid. My doctors said natural immunity was a thing. My family got covid at same time and for the past 2 years go everywhere mask less and haven’t gotten it again. If I get it again oh wow. Rather get it than a cold or flu. Can care less what anybody else does. I am pro vax just got covid before enough vax information was available. Certainly not getting vax now.
Are you proud of yourself Lars? Would Gene and Ole be proud?
Why though
Missed on JD. Needed a DH. He’s the next best on the market
Exactly. Basically the Dodgers and Sox swapped their primary DHs from last season. Time will tell who it works out better for overall.
Considering Red Sox look like the 5th best team in the east it just seems odd
Red Sox. Martinez is cooked.
One could argue that hes slightly more useful than J.D….not being sarcastic on slightly. I’m not sure if he should have been under JD with regard to free agent rankings….I’m not even a Dodger fan or Turner..tossing my two cents.
Age related most likely. To me it’s healthy for both. JDM only had an off year in 2022 by his standards. Power for many was off in 22 and I’m still thinking he was fighting injuries. As for Turner, the upside is Fenway. Reminds me of when thecSox got Beltre. Beltre though was in his prime and was brilliant at third (just get of his way when he’s chasing a pop up…).
Dodgers knew Turner well and decided he was not worth a $14 million decision. An amount that Bloom will not pay more than for him.
Instead, the Dodgers took the guy that Bloom didn’t like because he wasn’t “his” guy. The Dodgers took the guy that was a great clubhouse presence, is younger, and was a better hitter and healthier last season.
That is why the Dodgers win and the Bloom led Red Sox will continue to pull up the rear in the AL East.
Wait….JT wasn’t a good clubhouse presence for the Dodgers? I guess I heard it hear first.
Shaim Doom strikes out again!!
Seems like a good move … can platoon at first if Casas struggles, play 3rd and DH too. Probably won’t have the upside with power as JD but more flexible .
Dalbac still on Roster.
Devers replacement next year?
of course he’s Devers replacement because Devers is not a Doom man’s player.
Maybe this year.
I like Joe’s version better. If they’re out of the race, Red Sox will look to move Devers at the deadline this year.
Next year, definitely not. They would go for someone much better and long-term at 3B.
Ugh. I was really hoping the Brewers were going to swoop in.
If he would of signed a minor leauge contract they would have. Were doomed for the next several years.
I heard they’re inviting Corey Koske, Casey McGee and Aramis Ramirez to spring training. I was hoping for Jeff Cirillo too, but management is worried other players might accidentally learn to hit for a higher average and not swing for the fences as much.
Wow didn’t see that coming
Solid move
Dodgers seem to have a lot of holes now with untested players at some spots
Gotta let the kids play at some point.
Yeah, but maybe not all at once?
Maybe not, but I can’t wait to see how guys like Vargas and Stone do this year. Watching the games this year will be far less stressful due to my lowered expectations!
I could have waited, until they are ready. They brought up Outman for a few minutes last year, and after a tantalizing couple of debut games he was like, out, man.
The biggest hole is Friedman (( O ))
That’s a huge ring piece
It has it’s own zip code too!!!
Not as many as the Red Duds…….. JDM is younger and he has 2 years left in that tank. JT is older and he is productive if he can stay on the field. IMO both are good players with different qualities.
I wish we could of signed him 1 more year with JDM. JT energy and leadership will be missed.
Turner and JDM needed changes of scenery. Basically a trade
Why did Turner need a change of scenery?
Turner did not need a change of scenery at all. He loved it here and he was beloved in return. His production was okay last year. In the second half, he looked like his old self after being injured.
He was a quintessential Dodger. I hope he returns to the organization after done playing. I think most fans would agree.
The Dodgers needed a change of scenery from him. He couldn’t hit 94 fastballs down the middle in the playoffs. Sentimental contracts are the worst thing you can do in sports.
This one does, and I don’t see what the Dodgers think they are getting by taking Martinez and dumping Turner. It has the feel of office politics.
Finally I agree with you on something.
JT was the player Rep if I remember correctly and out-spoken too. Probably was tired of Roberts and Friedman and voiced his displeasure,
He was. Shades of AJ Ellis being given the boot. He was also the player rep, and outspoken. We’ll never know the backstory on either one, but we sure can make some pretty good guesses.
There’s going to be a lot of mad Dodger fans on this one. I’m for bringing up young players but kicking JT to the curb is just plain stupid. They need a trade for Ohtani this year and forget going after him in Free Agency.
Nvm BlueSkies this post cleared up my other question about his departure. I feel the same (we’ll never know).
Sorry man, seems like a cheap shot on your part Blue. The Red Sox guaranteed $4 million more in 2023 and a total of $12 million over two years. JD is younger and certainly JT’s equal as an offensive player. If you are correct, I dare say that the “journalists” at the LA Times will be more than happy to dig it out and report it. To the contrary, however, the front office has been nothing but complementary of JT and I see no reason why he won’t come back to the organization. If you have evidence to the contrary, please provide it; but, your mean-spirited innuendos are not appropriate here.
Sorry you feel that way, but I don’t see your reasoning. Starting with Ellis, when he was traded basically for nothing the clubhouse to a man was stunned. Longtime Dodger fans will remember him as very smart and free with his opinions, a catcher the pitchers really loved to work with, so it’s hardly out of bounds to wonder what happened there. Him landing in another front office should have surprised nobody. He was escorted out of the organization. Likewise, JT was the acknowledged team captain and a fan favorite for ten years, and it isn’t as if they moved on from him to make a big improvement in the roster. At best, it’s a weak lateral move. So it’s hardly out of bounds to wonder why this happened too.
The FO has been complimentary in the press, but they never made him an offer. Their actions are deafening. Other players have not spoken up in his favor. Even Kershaw.
Why does there have to be a villain or scapegoat here? All parties made choices that seem quite reasonable. JT elected to take $5 million more in 2023 and a guarantee of $22,7 million (with an opt out if he has a quality season this year) to play for the Red Sox.. The choice required him to leave the place he grew up and no doubt would have preferred to play.. Who can fault anyone for taking more money for his family? The Dodgers elected to save $12.7 million and bet on a guy three years younger than JT tp DH…..essentially replace JT. JD elected to take a pillow contract to reunite with the coach who turned his career around, play for a team with a stronger lineup around him and with a better chance for postseason success. All fair and reasonable decisions. We need to accept the fact that this is a business and money saved and better salary guarantees matter to teams and players far more than legacies and the desire of fans and families to see players remain with teams for their entire careers.
Beloved by the fans? When Kershaw doesn’t stick up for you, you know you are not well liked in the clubhouse.
Websoulsurfer, if JT was disliked by his teammates, us Dodger fans certainly were never aware of it.
ElysianPark–Been a fan since the 60’s myself, could’nt agree more with your assessment of Justin Turner and the Dodgers.
How do you let Bogaerts leave in free agency and sign Justin Turner to replace him lol
Maybe saving $260 million had a bit to do with it.
Subsequently wasted 22m by signing a washed up overweight player instead of investing it in a homegrown clubhouse guy
A 123 wRC+ is “washed up”?
They aren’t connected but if they were, who do they get in the other 9 or 10 years factor in too.
…they didn’t do that? They always needed a DH regardless of what happened with Bogaerts.
Yanks2: Turner is replacing JD Martinez not Bogaerts.
JD was a better hitter last season and he played more.
let Bogaerts leave in free agency and sign Justin Turner to replace him lol
=========================
So you think JT is replacing Bogaerts at SS? lol
Can’t believe the Dodgers weren’t willing to go to $11m for him.
Yes…$10 million for Martinez but not $11 million for one of the most beloved players in Dodger blue? I can only think that the Dodgers wouldn’t offer a second year, while Boston did.
This hurts. He brought so much to the team and the community. He grew up here and was beloved.
This is another one of those wonderful Friedman spreadsheet decisions. If you can’t quantify something, it doesn’t exist. And who cares what the fans think? Since when do they count?
BlueSkies, if I could think of any player that adds intangible and therefore unquantifiable value to a team it is JT…The “Turner Trot” won’t be the same out here anymore..
Yup. Should have retired as a Dodger.
Do you think the Dodgers wanted to move on from him? Or was it something else?
Spreadsheet decision? You honestly cant remember JT killing rallies because his hammies only let him jog? Or giving the opposition extra outs with an increasingly inaccurate arm? This wasnt money based, it was quietly putting him out to pasture…
A $22M pasture.
There are consequences for losing. And for running on the field without a mask after you have tested positive for COVID. The fans will justifiably be upset.
The flip side of the coin is that I think Miguel Vargas will be very good.
There are consequences for losing, if your name isn’t Andy Friedman. Has he ever taken any ownership for this latest postseason failure? Any at all?
Couldn’t agree more. Friedman I can do without and Roberts is just his YES man. Neither Friedman nor Roberts will take blame for sucking in the playoffs.
The result was? Another healthy athlete got a runny nose and a few others didn’t even know they may have had Covid?
As a Dodgers fan, I am happy to keep Friedman and Roberts. That does not mean I agree with all of their decisions.
I would have liked to keep Turner, but I am glad that they kept Muncy. It was time for Belli to go.
@Trumbo
It probably came down to the fact that JD was willing to sign for less money than Turner. Now the question is did JD leave money on the table to leave Boston or did Bloom even make an offer to begin with?
I trust in Friedman 100% I don’t blame him for 2022 playoff performance as it was solely on the offense not hitting with a few managerial mistakes. The Dodgers did say they wanted JT back, but either the Red Sox caught them off guard or the Dodgers wanted some fresh faces. I am glad they got JD at least as I have wanted him on the Dodgers for a while.
Bingo!
Ironic how the two flipped teams for essentially the same costs. Almost like a trade between Boston and LAD.
He got a SWEET little opt out after this season Clip….I’ll take a stab now…If he has a “good” year, he gets 3/60 come next November! Haha
At age 39? No way it’s one year deals plus options from here on out. 3/ 60 I really don’t think that’s in the cards anymore.
2/30?
A DH will get 3/60 at 39 years old? LMFAO.
I guess that’s not much less So You weren’t way off but I think 2/30 If he has a great year. 3/60 just sounded like a lot to age 42.
Bloom spent much more.
Yeah, not only was this like a trade of DHs from Dodgers to Red Sox, but Dodgers also basically traded expensive downside CF with Cubs (belli for heyward). Unfortunately, they did not ‘free agent trade’ anyone at SS. They lost one of the best at SS and will replace him with a mediocre player in Lux. I expect he’ll be replaced sometime this season as his mediocre bat will not sustain his poor fielding.
Except it wasn’t “at the same cost” and therein lies your explanation for Friedman’s choice. I can’t explain Bloom’s choice other than the deal JD was willing to sign in LA was unacceptable in Boston.
Says volumes about Turner, doesn’t it?
So they’re paying an older player more money for two years than they would have JD Martinez for one?
As for the 38 year old Turner, apparently he didn’t get any offers from contending teams and had to settle.
Settle? He got 50% more than JD Martinez received as these teams are scrambling for these final good free agents. Plus an option year in case he gets hurt. Far and Away a better contract for Far and Away and a more valuable player.
Same hitter but can play Third, probably 1st, and I bet he does anything you ask of him. JD a DH and occasional hack OF.
^^^^ This. 100% this. The Dodgers never even made and offer.
To play 1B?
He could play 1B no problem if need be. He might even be a better 1B than 3B
.
To DH. Casas and Dalbec will likely platoon at 1B with Dalbec playing some 3B. Sox should try Dalbec in the OF during spring training to increase his versatility
Where’s Turner going to play
DH mostly, maybe some 1st/3rd every now and then
Boston, Massachusetts
Cute lol
Depends if it is a home or away game.
By the way, Dodgers are at Fenway on the weekend of August 25-27, 2023.
Only part-time. Half to be exact.
JT would uproot his family from a place he grew up just to have a secured extra 11 million after making over 70 million in his career? And to play for a losing team? Sports players are so greedy
Team owners, not?
So what did the Dodgers offer him? Anything?
Agree. If the Dodgers offered Turner the Martinez deal and he turned it down to go for the second year, then so be it. If the Dodgers made no offer to Turner at all, then it was a poor choice.
This is where I would love to be a fly on the wall to hear the actual story. I am sure the Dodgers will say publicly all the pretty things like wish him the best etc. But officially who will ever know. I think the Dodgers know something, or Turner just got a better offer that would be a new opportunity. Whatever it is no ill will for either side. Always hard to lose players that you are accustomed to see in blue most days. This is the business side.
When your team doesn’t make you an offer, another offer is likely to be the better one.
Turner’s earnings window is closing quickly and we don’t really know what if anything the Dodgers offered him. Plus he’s also played for the Orioles and Mets, so it’s not like he was truly a Dodger lifer. It’s not like Kershaw leaving the Dodgers for Toronto
He’s from LA and has been here since 2014 during their great run. The fans really loved him. Outside of Kershaw, he was dry beloved.
It was the only offer he had apparently. He could retire or play for the last place Red Sox.
TWO YEARS??!! Oh come on this isn’t right…
Yeah, I agree. This is a crap deal. I’ve been holding out in favor of giving Bloom time to work with new flexibility as long as I can, and now it’s just not possible. He cannot select the right players for the Sox. I don’t want Justin Turner on this team, esp not on a two-year deal (player option).
I thought he would be a bargain for a bargain shopping team. Maybe get one more great season from him or at least a good one. That Rosenthal contract isn’t a bargain at all. More of a desperation move than finding value.
DH, 1B/3B. Not sure if it made since to DFA Hosmer on a is essentially a league min but time will tell. I’m wondering if Trey Mancini or Will Myers are on Blooms radar now, considering the obsession with players who can play multiple positions.
Trust me, you don’t want Will Myers. He’s a head case. Sox fans would get inside his head, and he’d immediately become Joey Gallo in the Bronx.
Myers had been on Blooms wish list for the previous 3 offseasons when he would have to trade for him, now he can have him for nothing more than cash and we hear nothing.
I think Mancini ends up in San Diego or though Tampa Bay or Miami also make sense, as do the Cubs
Well, good for Turner but I hope he’s a bust for the Red Sox or he’s so good he gets flipped at the feeling to a club in contention and the return takes 5+ years to pay off for the Red Sox.
*at the deadline
This move to me is indicative of the confounding moves made by Bloom. They signed Turner for two years and more than twice as much as JD, who is also younger.
I don’t understand Bloom, but I think he’s the Yankees fans’ dream GM for Boston.
There are some Sox fans who have confidence in what they’re doing though, and they could turn out to be correct. I just can’t see any cogent strategy right now.
It seems as if they are setting up to try and sell the team within 5 years
B-Cap: I hadn’t considered that as a possibility, but if that turns out to be true, it actually makes more sense. Otherwise, I don’t get it, man.
Nonetheless, Suit posited above that Turner had more to offer than JD. If that’s true, I could see the decision from that standpoint.
It’s one year at 14m. The second year is a player option at 8m. If he tanks he probably would retire rather than opt in. If he’s still a productive player unless he likes it in Boston he’ll opt out. The risk of him opting in is if he ends up hurt for an extended period or ends the season hurt where he won’t get a better offer but still wants to play.
I disagree. If he tanks he’s guaranteed to opt-in. Why pass in $8MM for free? Even if they cut him he gets an $8MM check. I think the likelihood of JT opting in at age 39 is very, very, very high given it’ll be his last season in the majors.
When he tanks, he will absolutely take the money for the 2nd year. ONLY if he can better 2022 will he opt out.
Martinez will turn out much better than Turner in my view, Bloom will be on the hot seat by mid season.
Slider, I also thought JD would be a much better bet to perform, but Suit watched him play all last season so I don’t want to die on that hill either.
All said and done, I’m not sure JT is worth the extra year and $8MM or whatever it is.
I am fairly sure Bloom started planting his ass on the hot seat leaving spring training last year. That roster was so riddled with glaring issues a blind man could have seen it.
Is there anyone alive going into last season that thought we had a solid rotation, a lock down bullpen, a good defensive team, speed, or a lineup with power to cover up the deficits everywhere else? I never thought we would be a last place team (not in a division with Baltimore), but I knew we had zero chance of being a 90+ win team…………….in April. My expectation was an 85-win season.
He either did not see it, which would be shockingly unbelievable, or he did but could not admit that last season’s build was part of a non-competitive transition period. This off-season to date has been head scratching at best. It is either going to unfold with at least 2 massive trade deals that will transform the roster, or we will know if Bloom for the second season in a row is still transitioning and willing to sacrifice a second year.
I am not a Boston fan, but don’t see this a bad move. If Turner is still who he has shown it would be a good replacement for bot having JD. JD probably has more power then JT, but besides that issue Turner is a solid clutch hitter who is a team leader. Not saying that JD isn’t.
Yeah, I agree with you there. He’s certainly a solid player as long as he maintains. I think it’s more about what they’ve lost and the limited moves in FA.
But, you’re right, in that context, Turner could be a viable supplement (or improvement, I guess) for the production they lost with JDM.
Turner provides a reasonable replacement for JD’s bat. He also has the added bonus of providing short term insurance against Devers not signing an extension. Similar play as signing Story a year before Bogaerts became a FA. I think a Devers deadline trade became more likely with this move.
Bloom is pretty aggressive dollar wise on short term deals. I don’t think the price difference between JD and Turner was as important as the flexibility Turner provides, in the eyes of the sox front office.
@Clipper, I’m having a hard time figuring out what the Red Sox are doing. Admittedly, the Yankees frustrate me at times by some of their moves, but I do understand what the Yankees are doing. I don’t understand the Red Sox under Bloom.
Nice!! He can play third when they let devers walk.
JT it was an honor watching this past decade (more or less) of Dodger baseball. You are forever engrained into the hearts of Dodger fans
…And in the hearts of all gingers too!
Good thing he didn’t come to the Yankees….he would’ve gone from a Ginger to a War Boy.
@ clipper. I would rather see him on the Yankees then JD. I’m sure he could outperform him dramatically, I believe he has a little bit more left. anything be an improvement over Donaldson this point. On that note, I wonder if Gio is still available, I’m sure he would be cheap enough for the Yankees. Pieces keep coming off the board and our Yankees do nothing except depth minor league pieces.
That’s true Doc, although I’d want neither. JD ruined the elderly statesman 3B for me for awhile.
But I was referring from his lumberjack hair to going completely bald/clean shaven with that bright Irish skin….. he’d look like the War Boys from Mad Max. He just needs to spray the silver every time he gets up to bat…
Thats valid clipper. I hope cashman has something up his sleeve though. We are in dire need of some markedly improved offense from somewhere. We can’t just rely on guys to rebound, and I don’t trust that Stanton or DJ will be healthy, as usual. And we can count on Aaron Judge to have the same year he had last year. So the offense might actually be worse than last year.
Hopefully there are guys available in trade, that we are not privy to, that Cashman is aware of.
Clipper, I can see him now and it is glorious!
DeeNice: That wasn’t very “Nice” of you. It’s a Sox thread, but the chain started with Turner and then evolved. Many of us use the latest thread for enjoyable baseball discussions.
There are lots of great people on here to chat with, learn from, and joke around with. Please keep that in mind before overreacting in the future. It will make your time and ours here more enjoyable.
Go baseball! Cheers.
“I live. I die. I live again! WITNESS ME!”
I guess I hadnt been aware that I was being all that harsh or aggressive in my reply…. I think nearly EVERY sentence was in jest or atleast full of sarcasm.. & I didnt call him an idiot or anything.. I was saying it was an idiotic thing to say here of all places… In that saying the Yankees have only added fringe/minor budget pieces while in a Sox based discussion where people are psyched about the 39 yr old positional player w/ 2 bum knees & who happens to play the 1 position we’re solid at(Atleast for another year anyhow)… But that too was moreso a jab at The Sox & Chaim more then it attacking his position… It was moreso saying imagine if he were a Sox Fan how he’d be viewing their movements… As they are night & day from one another…
No need to be rude deniice. You don’t have to read my comments, if you do not like them. I was addressing my comments to another Yankees fan anyway. But whatever, argumentum ad hominem, the lowest form of argument. Can’t expect any better.
And just for your enlightenment,most Yankee fans don’t complain about their teams spending, the amount of it, it’s how they spend it that is the problem. Maybe you should worry about your own team.
JT will be missed in LA. I hope though that he gets plenty of PT and lots of ABs as well. My guess is that he’ll man 2B.
WHY!? Where the f is he going to play?
At Fenway Park.
My vote for reply of the year.
I second your motion!
I’m still pretty miffed about this, but kudos on the pun.
A while back some dude was complaining on another site and said “How does anyone watch the NBA anymore?” to which I said “I turn the TV on, put it on the correct channel, then use my eyes to receive the information presented.”
Bloom’s gonna sign him too
Only half the time.
Dh
3b after they trade Devers.
Probably soley a DH which makes sense with his bad knees.
so confusing.
Geez the guy is always hurt… not to mention 38
The lowest number of PAs he made for the Dodgers in nine seasons (aside from 2020) is 426. So, no.
It’s a RS thread. Don’t expect many posters to know the numbers.
True, but it isn’t difficult to find this information.
But it is still a RS thread. Some RS fans take pride in never bothering to document things.
Sorry to see him leave. I’m not even a Dodger fan, but see enough games at Dodger Stadium and enjoyed Turner’s playing the game for the Blue! He could be a Rico Petrocelli in Boston…good luck Justin.
I’m not not a Dodger fan either but Turner killed my team over and over, much respect but can’t say I’m not glad he’s no longer in NL west
another veteran dbacks lost on.
Maybe Evan Longoria is on deck?
Seth Lugo and Jose Iglesias next pls
That would be a considerable improvement over the way today went.
Or Elvis Andrus and then at least we’ll have a lineup
One of the most confusing offseason I’ve ever seen a team have. Ownership must be on drugs or something
Jansen, Turner, how did they not also get Bellinger?
Don’t forget Verdugo and Kike…
Weird.
It will be interesting to see how they compare at the end of the season, but I think the Sox got the better part of that exchange.
I doubt it and they’re on the hook for 24’
I’d still rather have the non-defensive liability. There’s a reason why Turner’s bWAR is .9 higher. And if Turner is terrible, and doesn’t opt-out, the player option is for only $8M. For a big market team like the Sox, that hardly constitutes being on the hook.
He needed to move back East in order to perform as a stand in for Gritty.
Call me crazy, but I’m starting to have some cautious optimism about what this team will look like in March. They’ve added a lot of plate discipline and contact ability to an offense that, while productive, was abysmal with RISP and man on 3rd/less than 2 outs. Getting better there while beefing up the bullpen is a great way to account for all the missing power they were expecting to have in last year’s lineup. If they can get into the 86-88 win range and hang on to their top 5 prospects, I’m okay with that.
Good take. I assume, at this point, we will add two more players. If it is 1 bat/1 arm. I’m hoping for Segura & Rogers. If it is two bats, I’m hoping for Mancini and Segura.
We’ll win some games this year. I wonder if any of the “70-win” whiners are still around for a little wager.
He can pop up or strike out at fenway now. Loved him as a dodger but father time has caught up to him
So it’s a 1 year/$14M deal that’s gaming the luxury tax masquerading as an $11M AAV deal to save the Red Sox $3M on the CBT.
Probably but let’s be honest, the thin line with that has always been very vague and do you realistically believe a then-39 year old Justin Turner wouldn’t pick up that option?
Depends on his 2023 performance.
Bloom made this move just in time to get Turner into Medicare early enrollment and save a few sheckles on medical coverage.
Economically and logistically, I get it. As a Dodger fan though, nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
At least he gets to reunite with Kenley and Kike and Verdugo
Is there really so much of a gap in production between Hosmer and Turner that it was worth $14m? Is this supposed to be a way to stunt Devers value before FA?
the answer to your first question is yes
No. 108 OPS+ vs 116 OPS+
When they declined his modest player option for 2023 at $16M I knew he was gone. I like JD Martinez but he’s one dimensional whereas JT has value defensively too. IMO he is stil the better option at 3B than Muncy or the kid they’re promoting, Vargas?
I wish I could hear something on what the real plan is for the Dodgers im 2023. They are clearing house of a big clubhouse leader in JT. I think he was still a good 3b/DH option. I am not going to break the bank for him, but would like him as a clubhouse leader especially if they are going to bring on a bunch of young guys this season. If there was a fierce bidding war I could see how this would be a hard decision, but this one kinda hurts. I didn’t think that he was in that steep of a decline.
I think they’re laying back for the most part to make way for signing Ohtani next year. All the other big market teams have blown past the luxury tax threshold this winter. Dodgers will likely only have the Angels to contend with there.
A good player but I guess DH, maybe some 2nd base.
I wish JT the best in Boston, he certainly gave my Dodgers some very productive years. If JT still had legs I’m sure he’d still be in Dodger Blue, but Father Time has withered JT’s hammies to the point that anything much beyond a brisk jog starts setting of the flashing lights and sirens. I never thought any player could make me pine for the blazing speedster that was Adrian Gonzales (sarcasm), but I now fondly remember how much less A-Gon clogged the bases.
There is a reason that the Dodgers didn’t even pursue bringing him back. He was far from a positive influence in the clubhouse and at 38 he is done as a hitter.
Uuuhh where is your source? I haven’t seen or heard anything stating that he was not a positive influence.
The put up with him for a long time then.
No reason JT shouldn’t have at least 3 solid seasons left in the tank. He made the play of the year at 3B last year for those who missed it!
RED Sox. Thanks for the memories JT!!!
Redturn2 meets green monster
Came on here to see if Red Sox fans were going to be walking the plank, or jumping up and down with joy that the team made a move.
As it turns out, it appears that most are jumping up and down on the plank…
His OPS went down just about every year in LA and he couldn’t hit velocity by the end of his tenure.
Except in 2022 where his OPS went up as the year went on. It was .734 first half, and .889 second half. Plus you could say the same thing about JDM’s OPS decreasing every year as well.
I think they are very similar, with JT having more flexibility.
Look at his stats since 2016/2017. His OPS goes down every year. He’s still effective against off-speed pitches but he’s clearly in decline, as are most players who are 38 years old.
fred-3, I did not dispute that fact. My point was that JDM’s OPS has also gone down since 2018, and more precipitously. In the comparison between him and Turner, both are in decline, but I would prefer Turner since he has more flexibility.
I never compared JD to Turner. I just said Turner is declining, which he is, and you shouldn’t expect him to turn back the clock. He’s still a good pick-up for Boston.
Thank you for that. Folks don’t always understand the “decline” thing. Quite literally, half the league is in decline, almost by definition. If it wasn’t for decline, we’d be paying $80M/4 for his 2016/17 stats.
Apologies. I had compared the 2 in a separate thread, but I see that was not your intent. And I agree with you about this.
1. Yoshida LF
2. Hernandez CF
3. Devers 3B
4. Story 2B
5. Verdugo RF
6. Turner DH
7. Casas 1B
8. Sanchez C
9. Iglesias SS
Looks like a scary lineup
McGuire/Wong is fine. This team would be very strong defensively, although below average in corner outfield. Don’t give a lot of that advantage back by dreaming on Sanchez’s power potential from the juiced ball years.
Good luck JT.
Red Sox looking like they’ll be competing with Baltimore for 2nd place.
You mean last place?
Yankees
Blue Jays
Rays
Orioles
Red Sox.
So the Sox have possibly the best 3b in baseball and got another one. I guess DH but I’d take Nelson Cruz for 1/2 the $$ this is a useless signing
It is interesting how different sources report vastly different numbers. I wonder who is right and who is wrong,
Stat Masterson > Heyman
Heyman and his bs reporting strikes again. This guy’s a joke
“The $8.3MM figure in 2023 in particular looks like a very nice bargain for the Red Sox on what could well end up being a one-year commitment to a 38-year-old player.” In what world does Justin turn down $11.4MM in 2024.
He ended 2022 on a big hot streak. If he hits like that (and 2021) next year, he could definitely get more than $11.4M on a one-year deal next offseason. It’s definitely not likely, but it’s not impossible either
For reasons beyond comprehension, Marlins GM Ng is unable to complete deals for players to join the club. Let’s see how she does with Conforto, as so far she’s being a complete failure.
Red beard. Red Sox.
So here’s a prediction you can put in the bank and draw interest. Turner gets off to one of his typically slow starts to the season and the Boston fans go hair on fire nuts.
As if they aren’t already?
That’s not as much a prediction as a history lesson. But the howling will start in his first AB, if he doesn’t get a hit.
I know it isn’t a prediction worthy of Carnac the Magnificent, but it will be a small consolation to losing JT to a fan base that doesn’t know or care about him.
The one spot the BoSox are solid at is 3B, so they add another 3B.
JT is a DH at this point, and the BoSox didn’t have a DH. This move is fine, and is one I wanted them to go for as a fan when it became obvious JD was gone.
Another exercise in futility for the MARLINS…. Fans are getting fed up with this lack of success in negotiations…..Can GM Ms. Ng close any deals with good players ? … Giving women a fair chance to succeed as ML baseball executives is a wonderful idea, but do men (players) in the sport pay any attention (and respect) to them ?
I would think that the Marlins $$ is low, and therefore the GM can’t do much regardless.
I was hoping the Mets would sign him to RH DH. DH was a bit of a Ruf-spot for us last year, eh.
fried-man: Ugh, don’t remind me. I really hope Ruf is not on the roster on Opening Day. Vientos has nothing left to prove in AAA and doesn’t have a position on the roster since Baty seems to be the preferred choice at 3B. They might as well platoon him at DH with Daniel “Truffle Shuffle” Vogelbach. But if they aren’t going to let Vientos play then he should be traded.
This is the most reported variations of a contract’s structure I think I’ve ever seen reported.
How are there this many different reported variations and does it truly matter if the AAV and it being a one year opt out deal are the main details, both of which haven’t changed?
I think it is awesome to feed 3+ different sets of contract numbers to the media, to point out how ridiculously unreliable a lot of this information actually is (obviously, some of it is spot on – but there is SO much noise in the mix that, why not just wait until pen is on paper)
The media are trash. They care more about being the first to report stuff instead of actually getting it right. I’m just glad they aren’t reporting on wars. Otherwise, there would be quite a few unnecessary wars over some misunderstanding.
rhswanzey;
Imagine having a job where one calls people in the know to find out who’s signing with who, or who might be traded, etc.
Guys like Passan, Rosenthal, and Heyman are nothing more than Hedda Hopper’s…..they think they’re powerful because the franchises and players agents let them break the news a day or so before it’s officially released……and in order to get that information, they have to do something for the franchises and the players agents……
Yeah, it’s not that I have anything against those people, who obviously work hard and contribute solid reporting. It’s that, as fans, we ought to be a lot more aware of how these types are just as easily used as a type of public negotiation. As much as it sucked for New England to lose Bogaerts, and as much as it is fair to be critical of the front office and ownership for that, it probably stung more because we had totally baseless reports that there was momentum towards a deal a few hours earlier. When in fact, the media was just being used to pressure San Diego. I think there’s a lot to criticize the Sox for these past four years, but it’s gotten to the point of piling on. I have some sympathy for Bloom at this point.
Woof, talk about being ‘first’ at any cost. Three different contract amounts detailed. Embarrassing
I’ve seen ppl say they should trade Verdugo. Wonder if a sox Verdugo for Jays Danny Jansen plus deal could happen. In sure it never would but 2 guys with 2 yrs left that can help the other club
Unless the Jays are ready to move on from Lourdes Gurriel (and their decision to trade Teoscar instead of him shows that they – somewhat questionably – aren’t), then I don’t see much place for Verdugo on their roster. Additionally, while Jansen would be an upgrade for the Sox, they’re hurting more in the infield than at catcher, and trading Verdugo would open up a new hole in right field. I don’t see a fit there for either team
Interesting proposal, Murph! Fills a need for both teams.
Murphy NFLD;
I like Verdugo and think all he needs is to get in a comfortable situation,
However, with Masataka Yoshida in LF that puts Verdugo in RF at Fenway – which is one of the most difficult fields to play in any park in MLB…..CF and LF included.
Verdugo is not going to be effective there as he’s not a plus OF – which will weigh on both the team and on him…..which in turn will make him uncomfortable.
Red Sox need to find a team to send him to that’s in need of a strong LH bat that can play LF, DH and possibly some 1B. Get a young pitcher or two back to work with.
Good. JT was #5 on my wish list. Should DH mostly, give Devers some days off, and hopefully owns a 1B glove.
Yoshida needs DH time, too–he cannot be an outfielder for a full MLB season. He was a DH at least half time in Japan this last season. I would much rather they pounded on ARZ for a Christian Walker trade to be a RH platoon at 1B with Casas and a part-time DH, and then picked up Brandon Drury for UTIL/3B to pick up the hot corner after Devers is traded.
I’m okay with this. Could go either way. Not a bad gamble
I vastly prefer this deal to bringing Martinez back. The Red Sox needed a DH and some righty pop, and JT still has gas in the tank
Plus he can fill in at 3b or 1b
We’ll let’s see now…. Bloom catches nothing but BS no matter what he does. Now that being said. I’ve privately cussed @ this bloke more than I should admit. But… we’ve got along way to go before opening day amigos. Let’s see what he puts together the rest of the way. I’m absolutely sure he knows that the clock is ticking on his watch. He also knows that if he pulls this off & crushes the trade market. Not the free agent market. He’ll be the man! Anyway… He’s not ever going to pay those prices. He’s a different bird for sure. Now as a Red Sox fan for roughly 45 years. & I’m 60 years of age. I also know & so does he. He’ll be a hero for life in New England if he wins a couple of World Series. It’s not just Boston my friends. Relax you negative Nellies! He’s got to get there first. I get it! GO Chaim!!! Please knock it out of the park the rest of the way! We all need it including you. Use that noggin of yours & start w/ San Diego & Pittsburgh. There are two players available for the picking. Remember Chaim… Superstars are what prospects are for. Most of those rascals are coveted but rarely pan out. Get busy ol boy!
Ol Scotty boy;
I don’t think he’s trading prospects…..he doesn’t even have a core yet.
But I like your attitude and believe that there’s a good chance he succeeds. Pitching is – and has always been – the coin of the realm. You got that and defense up the middle and it’s easy to fit in the hitters. How his administration develops young pitchers will determine if his tenure is successful or not….and they need to start showing some results this coming season.
So, which version is accurate? Anyone want to guess?
I’ll put my money on Rosenthal
I guess I’ll pick Heyman.
WTF? This is some shaky reporting for contract details.
Another swing and a miss by the great Kim Ng.
similar numbers to JD. the fact that this guy could play defense sometimes adds value
Turner can be a bit of Pedroia / Youkilis – a smart player that never quits, gets his uni dirty, and battles every AB and every ball hit to him in the field.
THAT’s what the Red Sox are missing. A team leader with Grit. Not guys complaining they want an extension instead of concentrating on the game.
Not to mention walks. Our OBP has been pretty weak relative to the way our team use to be built.
The Dodgers have let a lot of good players go this off-season. They’ll probably be competitive, but Walker Buehler’s out for the season, and overall they seem less imposing. It appears they’re reducing payroll with the intent of going all-out to acquire Shohei Ohtani, either via trade or free agency.
J.T. no longer had the defensive value as years past. Couple that with his steadily declining bat, I’m sure LA didn’t want to commit multi-years AND take away at bats from Vargas. My guess is they offered J.T. similar to what they offered J.D.
We’ve seen the “win at all cost” spending model the last few years, and it hasn’t really worked out. Time to reset, retool, and re-engineer another strong core while still being competitive.
I have my doubts Dodgers go all out for Ohtani. I just don’t think he fits with the team.
Smitty and Gonsolin for Shohei! That would be the only trade I would accept.
He is reunited with his best friend Kenley. Lots of ex Dodgers on that team now.
Year after year, he was a terrific Dodger and was an integral part of their success and World Series Championship. Solid player and a good person on and off the field.
A couple of big moments I remember from his time with the Dodgers:
– That walk-off bomb at Dodger Stadium in the NLCS against John Lackey! I was at that game in the outfield about 25 seats over from the guy who caught the ball. Man, that stadium was rockin’ that night!
– That double play he made against the Braves in the NLCS in ’20. That was a pivotal moment in the series that helped the Dodgers secure a trip to the World Series.
Thanks for the great moments, JT! Good luck to you.
The Red Sox are foregoing bringing up prospects and building for the future. they are in a full-blown lose-now mode.
“Lose Now” that’s funny…and true. As a Red Sox fan I say why not – let’s have a really messed up season and be entertained by it.
dude as a Yankee fan I know we are not supposed to feel for the Sox fan base, but this is getting ridiculous.
The Yankees and their fan base and the Red Sox and their fan base have always done this little dance with one another over the years, suddenly we are being tapped on the shoulder on the dance floor, turning around and meeting your ugly sister with whiskers and teeth like a picket fence and having to dance with her instead….OY!
There are no prospects blocked now that I can see.
Everyone including myself knows the red sox arent done, they will probaly trade for bryan reynolds which would actually give them a decent lineup, and we all know they will get a SP, either greinke or ian kennedy or whoever, the red sox arent stupid or broke or cheap, lets stop acting like they are and see what happens by april. ALOT of red sox players were signed in january, including Matsuzaka, love him or hate him thats when he was signed.
My eyeballs thank you Boston. Hate hate hate seeing this guy. Scary clutch. Glad he is out of NL West
websoulsurfer
^^^^ This. 100% this. The Dodgers never even made and offer.
So you’re either JT’s agent, Andrew Friedman, or Dave Roberts?
everything im reading about this guy is that hes a leader and thats exactly what they need, i dont think people realized how bad this team was going to be about 2 weeks ago, our lineup would be devers
story,
then basically 7 AAA guys, you do all know we still dont have a catcher or shortstop, right?
finish this sentence,
the boston red sox opening day shortstop in 2023 is………………………………………….
Trevor Story
As to JD having a good year with the Dodgers, the National League pitchers haven’t seen him in years…remember when he went from Detroit to the Snakes….he was UNreal with them and I will never understand why they didn’t sign him long term. JD Martinez will cook in ’23….that’s a natural fact.
I’m not saying he won’t have a good year, but the National league has indeed seen him. Interleague rules.
He had over 80 AB’s against NL last season. Hit less than .200.
i dont know why everyone is surprised JD left, he was a FREE AGENT. thats what baseball is, he signed a 5 yr deal and that was done and he chose not to return and the team made no effort to bring him back, get over it.
hes also not an ‘ elite’ hitter, hes good to basic to average, nothing special about him. Regular home run hitter who cant play the outfield, if the they wanted to offer him another deal, they would have, thats why he was still available a week before christmas.
His specialty is getting hit by pitches.
no hes a good home run hitter hes just not as good as everyone thinks he is, also his last 2 seasons have been bad, smart move by the sox to let him test the market, i still dont get why his deal had the opts out but thats why i dont make the decisions, i do respect him every year accepting the qualifying offer, he WANTED to be here, nobody else does.
Now the Dodgers can retire Ron Cey’s jersey number!
Red Beards >>> Stubble
Pretty wild that we have three different salary breakdowns across the two years and that none of them even add up to the same number. Two of these reports have to be wrong…
Or all three.
According to this article he is making 14 million, 15 million and 8.3 million next season. Sounds like my man is getting paid
I would have liked a reunion with the Mets to have him DH and play some 3B in a pinch. I always thought the Mets gave up on him too quickly. But maybe I just had JKPTSD… Jeff Kent Post-Trade Stress Disorder.
It’s only because of his 2.0 WAR in 2022 that they signed JT, that’s it, that’s what I was told by an expert on WAR.
Great move…. now they can trade him and recoup a few Prospects at the trade deadline when they are 20-25 games out.
Thank you, Red Sox & Twins! Now I don’t have to be concerned that the Brewers would pull a bonehead move by signing Turner or Gallo!
Definitely going to partially boycott this team this year. Building up the bullpen is good, but the positional player lot is horrible and the offense will be horrible. Mark it down–horrible. I called the hunter Renfroe – JBJ trade last year the dumbest I’d seen in while and said to mark that down. Do again here. This team is a MESS.
Amon25
That JBJ trade was horrendous last year and there is not a doubt in my mind that was done because it was a woke move. They had traded Betts and Price as well and had no African American players on the 25 man roster. That contract was ridiculous and Renfroe was a better hitter. The other idiot move was letting Schwarber go. Bloom builds up the bullpen but with this joke of a starting staff with Paxton, Sale, Pivetta and God knows who else there are not going to be many leads to protect. All the top tier players are gone with this clown of a GM. The other GMs know he is a clown too. What peeves me off is how Henry can look himself in the mirror and say this team is improved from last year. The prices that they charge up there and this far inferior product they put on the field because Bloom is looking for cheap deals and his famous prospects which most of the time do not pan out. I remember all the top Red Sox prospects of the late 1970 and 1980s that did not make it. Sam Bowen, Allen Ridley, Joel Finch Win Remerswal, Gary Hancock, Anderson, Chuck Rainey, Jeff Ledbetter, Eric Hetzel to name
Bloom is as bad a GM as the Red Sox had in the 1980s Buddy Larouix and Hayward Sullivan and the idiot move of not sending the contracts out in time to Rick Burleson, Carlton Fisk, and Fred Lynn. Then we had to trade them for 25 cents on the dollar for a washed up Joe Rudi, an injured Frank Tanana and pitcher Jim Dorsey who never made it.
Dan Duquette was another guy who use to pick up throwaways and wasted the Prime Pedro Martinez years by not picking up another pitcher like Mike Mussina. He finally picked up a good player in Manny Ramirez in 2002.
Boycott Fenway Park!!!!!!! They’re not going to re-sign Devers. Make ownership notice or make them sell.
The RS have won 4 WSC since Henry has owned the team. How badly do you hate the Red Sox to want him to sell the team?
They havent even been seen since 2018. The news is they aren’t even close to a Devers extension. They lost Bogaerts, Benintendi, and Betts for nothing. They refuse to pay talent. If the owners don’t want to money any more, just sell the team
The RS have won one WSC since 2018. How badly do you hate the Red Sox to want him to sell the team?
“If the owners don’t want to money any more, just sell the team”
Again, statements like this make you sound like an idiot. Everyone in the country, all 330,000,000, know that the Red Sox ALWAYS spend to the cap or above.
So how is it that YOU don’t know that? Do the rules of mathematics cease to exist under your roof?
If the Red Sox don’t spend money to pay homegrown talent, who says they ever will. I can’t remember the last time the Sox have let go this amount of talent in such a short period of time.
JoeBrady – The key to understanding the comments on MLBTradeRumors is the there is no common in common sense….more people do not have it than have it…… lol, but very, very true.
They players they choose to pay they overpay for and they are not anywhere as good as the players they get rid of.
“They havent even been seen since 2018.”
Poor Red Sox fans havent won a WS since 2018. And you don’t see why everyone hates you?
I’m fine with not making it to the world series or even the postseason. I just wish the team would show it cares about the fans by extending the people they want them to instead of trying to undercut them with an offending offer before finally giving them a good offer when its too late. Happened with Bogaerts, going to happen with Devers. Whose to say it wont happen with Mayer, Bello, and Casas too.
Also Jon Lester
If they spend $230M, then they spend $230M. If they prefer JT over JD, that doesn’t make them cheap. I prefer JT myself.
They players they choose to pay they overpay for and they are not anywhere as good as the players they get rid of.
==========================
In that case, you are simply commenting on how they are creating the team, not the spending. They are spending plenty.
And arguing that Henry should sell the team, because he is not signing the players that YOU like, is silly.
I just wish the team would show it cares about the fans by extending the people they want
============================
I create an off-season wish list of whom I would like. The idea that Bloom would care about my list, or your list, is beyond far-fetched.
And while you would like to keep at least some of these guys, I don’t know if makes sense. I love Bogaerts, and I thought early that we should offer him something in the range of $160-17M, just so he’d get more than Story, I said it was more for emotional reasons than practical reasons.
He’s not a SS, imo. He has a career -50 DRS. I assume he’d move to 3rd if/when Mayer gets promoted. But that’s two years of a substandard SS. And when we move him to 3rd, he only had 15 HRs last year. He could bounce back next year, but do you really want a 3B with a mediocre glove and 15 HRs, at $27M?
Same with Devers. He’s got some fielding skills, but is erratic. He’s very strong but carries 20-30 extra pounds. I’d sign him at a decent price, but no one knows how much he is asking for. And imo, he isn’t a superstar.
So do I
So you support getting Rid of Bogaerts, Benintendi, Betts, and most likely Devers?
I agree with everything you said about Bogaerts. I would have been willing to pay him slightly more around 180 Million. The problem is Bogaerts and Devers were close and now Bogaerts is gone. It impacts how much Devers wants to keep playing here. I don’t think he does. I just remembered when we traded Mookie Betts that Bloom said that he would use that money to re-sign Bogaerts and Devers.. Bloom’s ready to go 0-2 on his statement and get fired as a thank you for screwing over Boston
Devers is a superstar and in my opinion is a top 10 player in the league. He just had a down year this season.
You could be right. But if I were to sign a superstar, I’d be hesitant about signing one off of a down year. If Devers is looking for $350M/10, or $420M/12, then there should really be nothing to question.
I still remember the reaction of Angels’ fans when I asked ‘what if 2011 is Pujols new baseline, and he will only decline from here?’ They were aghast and just refused to consider that could be the case.
Devers could easily be a DH in 2-3 years.
Honestly, I’d take Devers at DH. We just need to show real commitment to somebody. Were at the point that if he leaves, the longest tenured position player on the team is Alex Verdugo who got here only 3 years ago. I think Devers is worth up to $400M/10 and after that I might stop. I think the Red Sox should also go after that MVP from Korea Jung-hoo Lee. Seems like the real deal.
Jung-hoo Lee
=========================
Interesting name. I like it when fans think outside the box. We have way too many fans that simply like the biggest name available.
I don’t know anything about him except what I just read. Could this guy be a legitimate CFer? Even discounting his Korea batting numbers, he’d be a nice addition at a position where we have some uncertainty.
Could be an option if we trade Verdugo which we will within the next year. I just hope we trade for either Alejandro Kirk from Toronto or Max Fried from the Braves. We need to trade the prospects before they bust.
As I mentioned in a different post, pretty much everyone that I expected to dislike Bloom’s next move, disliked Bloom’s next move. And I am predicting that everyone that disliked this move, will dislike Bloom’s next move.
FWIW, I like the comments from the Dodger fans. It isn’t 100% unanimous like Keke was, but it seems like at least 75% of the fans liked Turner a lot. That’s a good sign.
Joe
Do you actually think that this team is better than last years last place finish in the division? You would have to have a crack addiction to think so. Yeah he improved the bullpen and finally got a closer but you have a very questionable starting staff. Do you think that Paxton, Sale are going to be definites ? Sale has not pitched consistently since the first half of 2018. Paxton has been injured the last two years. Pivetta is a lower level 3rd starter or 4th starter. Houke is coming back from back surgery and Whitlock has been moved back and forth from the rotation. None of the rookie pitchers looked like the second coming of Roger Clemens as a rookie. You lost an Allstar shortstop in Bogaerts and an outfielder Betts the year before and replaced them with an average Verdugo and a not DFAD Downs. Story is nowhere near Bogaerts and when you move him back to shortstop what are you going to count on often injured Arroyo or move Kike there and have to look for a centerfielder?
All the top pitchers are gone now so what are you going to count on 44 year old Rich Hill, resign Wacha or often injured Eovaldi?
Dalbac is terrible but repeating the process and depending on Casas to be the everyday first baseman is a real bad decision. Rookies struggle and you gradually slowly bring them in not anoint them the everyday first base position.
Yeah I’m grateful for the Championships in 2004, 2007, 2013, and 2018, and was in Iraq in 2003 when Grady Little blew Game 7. Joe, this team has had last place finishes 2 or second to last place finishes out of the last 3 years. I am waiting for Devers to be lowballed as well. This team is going to be bad with the current roster and is destined for another last place finish.
AL34
Joe
Do you actually think that this team is better than last years last place finish in the division? You would have to have a crack addiction to think so.
=================================
Last year, they won 78 games. Before i answer, would you like a little ‘honor’ wager on this year’s number. If they win less 78, I disappear for one month next November. If they win more than 78, you disappear for a month.
After you decline, I’ll explain my reasoning.
Bloom will be fired before or after next season. I’m guessing Cora will be joining him. This team will not be very good. The sox will have a bad pitching staff and the offense will be worse. Bloom can’t evaluate talent, which is evident by his trades. The Mookie, Renfroe and benetendi trades were all bad.
Doubt it. Bloom’s moves would be more aggressive if that were the spot he was in. All these 1 or 2 year deals says he knows he’s got multiple years to put this together. JMO.
Are you impressed with any of the moves he has made. Yeah maybe the bullpen is better. Letting Stramm go was a mistake but he saw the incompetence of Bloom and the non commitment to winning. You signed an untested player from Japan in Yoshida.
the heck?
I’m assuming his wife made the call since she wears the pants in the family. There’s no way Justin would willingly go play for those cheaters.
“There are always going to be limitations, like people can just put something plain out of reach. Some people love to bet on themselves and I hope he hits 63 homers if he does that.”
– Chaim Bloom talking about negotiations with Devers
Sure, it’d be great for the Sox to get that kind of season out of Devers while he’s still on the team. But if you had any interest in signing him in 2024, his price would escalate like Judge’s did if he hit 63 home runs. But maybe you’d like that if you have no intention of keeping him, since that’d give you a stronger excuse not to pay him.
This current Red Sox team is a mish mash of crap thrown together by Bloom hoping it will achieve the impossible, and it is not going to happen. What is the plan for the starting pitching ? Does Bloom sign 44 year old Hill, Wacha, or Eovaldi. What a mess !!! How does Henry watch this utter incompetence and cheapness demonstrated by Chaim Bloom to this franchise. How do you ship out Betts and get nothing in return but an average player in Alex Verdugo so they take David Price’s contract. You could have released Price. Come on ! How do you jerk around Bogaerts by lowballing him and talk to him at the trade deadline when he wanted to stay. The other GMs in the league know Chaim Bloom is a clown and in over his head. This crap might work in Pauper Tampa Bay but not in major market Boston. None of these valued rookies that Bloom cherishes look earth shattering. You gradually mix a few rookies in not depend on a clump of them. This mess Bloom created will take years to clean up when John Henry finally wakes up. What really amazes me is that the prices they charge in Boston to watch this garbage that Chaim Bloom threw against a wall hoping it will stick.
Bloom added players for a transition year. That means mostly short contracts. The prospects he’s counting on are at Double A and High A.
Plan seems really clear, this isn’t the year to spend stupid. With stiff competition in the division, and FAs going for ridiculous amounts its better to bide a year and make splash in FA in 2024 and forward.
Payroll Allocation for the next five years:
Red Sox:
Red Sox—-$104.1M–$100.5M–$62.3M–$51.1M–$51.8M
Yankees—-$230.7M–$189.4M–$177.6M–$150.3M–$118.8M
These numbers show how the Red Sox and Yankees are on different schedules.
Prospects are Prospects simply put. I have been a Red Sox fan since the 1970s and I can put a list of can’t miss players who completely flopped with the Red Sox. You are going to charge the prices they expect in Boston for this mosh mash of crap Bloom put together.
Here are a few can’t miss guys who completely flopped with the Red Sox
Sam Bowen, Chico Walker, Pat Dobson, Scott Cooper, Jim Rochfird, Eddie Jurak, Jay King, To Mitchell, John Leister, Rob Woodward, Jeff Sellers, Winn Remerswaal, Allen Ripley, Joel Finch, Jeff Ledbetter, Gary Hancock, Keith MacWhorter, Brian Denman, Dennis Burtt, Roger LaFrancois, John Lockett, Manny Sarmiento, Dave Schoppee, Dave Schmidt
These are some that I remember. There are a ton more. I’ll take an established player anytime. The thing that Bloom likes is that prospects are at a pro-rated major league minimum in salary. This is not what fans come to see with the prices the Red Sox charge.
“I can put a list of can’t miss players who completely flopped with the Red Sox.”
“Cant miss” Who says that other than the haters? There is no such thing as ‘cant miss prospect’.
Ive been around from Carlton Fisk to Raphael Devers, there are plenty of top rated prospects who did produce at the big league level. Give me a percentage, if you want, then we can discuss what the Red Sox might have/might not. But dont tell me that every prospect is a flop, by dismissing all the players in the minors.
You want to make your team by buying all the FAs, so be it. Get rich, buy a team and do what you want.
Also, Manny Sambiento? WTF he played for the Reds not the Red Sox.
Did you just google a bunch of names? Half your list are nobodies, who were never “can’t miss prospects”. ‘
And in the 15th Round the Red Sox select “Cant Miss Prospect” MARK MACWHORTER’. Come on. Lol.
He was one of ours 1981 Pawtucket. Red Sox, saw limited time in Boston.No genus I was a fan and use to go to the Pawtucket Red Sox games during the 1981 strike. It was Meuth MacWhorter originally from Dodger Organization. You have to study up on your baseball Sparkey. I guarantee I am older than you son. Look up your baseball genus !
The Bottom line is this team the way it is configured us going to be bad. Don’t kill the messenger because you are not happy the way the off-season and Winter Meetings played out for the Red Sox
I agree AL34, prospects are only prospects, until they can prove it in the MLB. Bloom has solidified us last place this coming year. I don’t even see us winning 78 games as in 2022. I am seeing with our roster right now, 70-92, at least in that ballpark. If Sale pitches decent in the first half, I see him getting moved at the trade deadline
Any thoughts?
I think Bloom is in over his head, or simply is late to everything, with no urgency in staying ahead of the curve.
Duck and Dodge, Duck and Dodge.
Heres what you said:
“Here are a few can’t miss guys who completely flopped with the Red Sox”
Then you listed:
“Manny Sambiento” and “Keith MacWhorter” plus many other nobody names.
Manny Sambiento was in the majors for 4 years before having a cup of tea with Pawtucket.
Keith MacWhorter was a 15th round draft pick
So what you remember two nobodies. My point is neither one was ever a “CANT MISS PROSPECT”
You certainly are older. Reminds me of JB when he starts tell stories of of train conductor, who was dead at the time he alledges the story took place.
“Don’t kill the messenger because you are not happy the way the off-season and Winter Meetings played out for the Red Sox”
Youre having another JB moment. Im fine with the way things turned out, youre the one thats not.
Rich: Vague comment, zero content, meant to get people mad.
I say:
Good for you.
Grow up ! You sound like a spoiled punk that does not want to hear facts from an adult. I am sad for you but have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year anyway!
You listed a guy as a “Cant Miss Prospect”, who had played 5 major league seasons as a journeyman middle reliever, who AFTER THAT went to Pawtucket and pitched 47 games in a season, before the Red Sox got rid of him.
Check your first message, you listed him as a “Cant Miss Prospect”.
You grow up. Or at least get your facts straight.
It was Keith MacWhoter too and he was highly regarded along with a lot of the others I mentioned. Good luck with your defense of Chaim Bloom. They will be looking for his head during this season with this team he put together!
Boy are you a complete child. Keep putting all your faith in prospects and you are going to be very disappointed Sparkey! Do you even know who the other guys I listed were Sam Bowen had over 20 homeruns in Triple AAA and did not make it.
So youre not going to answer how a 5 year Major League journeyman is a “Cant Miss Prospect” when he came to Red Sox?
Which one genus ? Look up the Media guides or Organizational books. For the Red Sox back then. Boy you really get down into the weeds?
Rich
We are in major trouble, all the top players are off the boards and signed. Boras in a nice way said that Bloom was BS in his contract talks with Bogaerts. They needed starting pitching and did not get it. He is looking to probably get a Wacha, 43 year old Hill and maybe Eovaldi for dirt cheap if they are still out there. None of these guys are going to make a difference including a returning Chris Sale who has been hurt since 2018 and Paxton who has been hurt for two years now. Yeah Bloom fixed up the bullpen a bit but there are not going to be many leads to protect with this current staff. What a complete mess and Bloom hangs on to his prospects like they are savings bonds or gold.
I think you nailed Huntington! Nicely done.
LOL. I don’t like people who just try to crush other people’s views because they do not want to hear the truth. Unfortunately this team is put together poorly and is going to be bad this coming season. I hope they get rid of Bloom and bring in a real GM not this guy who thinks like a pauper and jerks around our players.
Did you just google a bunch of names?
============================
I usually check a few names, because I find it entertaining.. Out of the first 5 names:
Sam Bowen-Never ranked
Chico Walker-Not only never ranked, he was a 22nd round draft pick
Pat Dobson-Never played for the RS in the pros or the minors
Scott Cooper-Ranked as high as #68 by BA, never ranked by BP
Jim Rochfird-Doesn’t show in BR as ever existed
I peaked at a couple of others. Some don’t exist, but it could be a spelling issue. Most were late draft choices, and never ranked. The idea that these guys were considered ‘Can’t miss’ moves from silly to crazy.
It was Meuth MacWhorter originally from Dodger Organization.
=================================
You are probably referring to “Keith” MacWhorter originally from Dodger Organization.
I ask you, just read what you are saying here.
1-A 15th ROUND pick, #335 overall.
2-Released by the Dodgers.
And you think this was a ‘Can’t Miss” prospect? How do you not know how crazy this sounds?
I don’t like people who just try to crush other people’s views
=============================
I like to exchange opinions, especially if it is a well-documented opinion, even if I disagree.
But claiming a 15th draft picked, picked and released by another team, was a RS ‘Can’t miss’ is beyond crazy. You just have to admit it.
And no one is saying that won’t occasionally disappoint. But pulling names at random is a waste of time. Pull the BA top-100 from every year. Focus on the top-50 as guys that had a good shot. Then compare that with the number of HOF players & AS players the RS developed, and let me know how you think that balances out.
I actually like the Turner signing. But as I suspected, they signed Turner, in case they can’t sign Devers, they will trade him, and go into a full rebuild.
I just read they are mies apart from Devers on perameters of a contract, and may move him if the price doesn’t come down.
This is what I was afraid of when they signed Turner, as I think they want to do a full rebuild, but can’t come out and say it. The best offer they gave Boaets was like 6yr. 170yr. 110k less then SD. So, how bad did they try signing him?
thaoughts??
The best offer they gave Boaets was like 6yr. 170yr. 110k less then SD. So, how bad did they try signing him?
thaoughts??
==========================
I liked Bogaerts, and I’d have given him the $170M. But I also think $170M was too much. He is a liability as SS, but I just like the guy. But $280M is crazy.
And I would never use the money handed out by Preller or Cohen as a baseline for anyone should pay. It’s shootout between two billionaire investment bankers.
The players who are difference makers are already gone! Last place in the division is assured. So may as well trade Devers, and anyone else who has a good first half of 23. Get on with the rebuild, and act like the small or mid market team Boston wants to be. See ya in a few years, unless my resentments against Henry, Kennedy, and Bloom keep me away longer?
This team is awful and I agree will be a last place finisher this year.
Chaim Bloom is at it again and continues to win the offseason with the signing of Niko Goodrum, who has played for the Twins, Tigers and Astros to a minor league contract. Another bullseye for Chaim Bloom. Where did he find this guy? He doesn’t go after top players, he looks in the weeds for guys like this. He should put us over the top! Hey Bloom, you need pitching and all the top guys are gone. What a complete utter fiasco Bloom has turned this team into.
Correa was available because of a failed physical but Bloom cannot go after him otherwise fans would say, “Why Didn’t You Sign Bogaerts”? So he is in a Catch 22 with the failed Bogaerts negotiations and his pursuit of players in free agency.
The 30-year-old Goodrum’s most notable claim to fame is the fact he has played every position in the big leagues with the exception of pitcher and catcher.
Another 130-word essay on another minor league backup?
Sorry Joe but that is all Bloom does is sign tier 3 & 4 free agents or career minor leaguers. Are you Impressed with the signing ? The Yankees keep their top free agents And address their pitching. The Red Sox and Chaim Bloom don’t do either! Bloom is only going to add team rejects and throwaways.
Impressed is too strong a word. But I’ve always liked Goodrum as a fringy #4/5 jack-of-all-trades player. That we have in the minors, at no cost, is a good move imo.
IRT the NYY, they added two players at a cost of $67M, and puts their total payroll at $290M, or roughly $90-100M more than us.
Past that, you shouldn’t get troubled by minor league depth.
Trade Devers.