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Red Sox Notes: Napoli, Upton, LaRoche

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Here's a look at the latest on the Red Sox following their introductory conference call for shortstop Stephen Drew..

  • The Red Sox continue to work on language in Mike Napoli's deal concerning his hip issue, but they haven't gotten to whether they will alter the terms of the agreement, tweets Jim Bowden of ESPN.com.  Meanwhile, the club continues to talk with free agent Adam LaRoche as a possible alternative.
  • Bowden suggested five deals that would change the fortune of contending teams, including a swap for the Red Sox with the Diamondbacks.  In the proposed deal, the Red Sox would acquire Justin Upton in exchange for Xander Bogaerts, Matt Barnes, and Brandon Jacobs.  The deal would give Boston an outfield of Upton, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Shane Victorino and give them adequate reinforcements if Ellsbury goes elsewhere in free agency.
  • The continued interest by the Red Sox in LaRoche puts pressure on the Nationals, writes James Wagner of the Washington Post.  The Nationals have so far refused to go to three years for LaRoche while the Red Sox are exploring multi-year possibilities with the first baseman.

Pedroia Influenced Stephen Drew To Pick Boston

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Stephen Drew stood as the top available shortstop this winter, despite missing the bulk of the last two seasons with a severe ankle injury.  Some speculated that it would take a multi-year deal to sign the 29-year-old, but the Red Sox wound up inking up Drew to a one-year pact worth $9.5MM and $500K in performance bonuses.  Drew says that there were potential opportunities for multi-year deals and contracts with player options, but he ultimately felt that the Red Sox were the best fit for him.

"There were some teams out there that me and [agent Scott Boras] said could have been thinking that.  I think at the end of the day we said that there were teams that needed a shortstop and we looked at who is playing second and the rest of the field and we looked at what would benefit me.  I think Boston was the best fit for us," the shortstop said on a conference call with reporters.

Drew explained that part of Boston's appeal was the chance to form a strong middle infield with second baseman Dustin Pedroia.  The shortstop believes that despite all of the time missed in 2011 and '12, his defensive play in Oakland was some of the best of his career.  Drew will celebrate the new year on January 1st by taking ground balls and ramping up his prep for 2013.

One might think that the shortstop's opinion of Boston would be shaped by his brother J.D. Drew, who played for the Red Sox from 2007-2011.  However, the younger Drew said that his conversations with the former outfielder only center on baseball "here and there".  Drew is aware of the difference between the markets in Arizona and Oakland versus Boston, but isn't overly concerned with having to adjust.

Boras believes that Drew's setbacks over the last couple of years have led to fans forgetting exactly how talented he is.  In the three years prior to his injury-shortened '11 campaign, Drew posted a .277/.335/.465 batting line and provided the kind of power that isn't easy to find at his position.

"The need for shortstops is so great.  And then when you add in Stephen’s swing plane and his metrics, where he hits the ball, in Fenway, we really felt like that was kind of the match made for what strengths Stephen has as a hitter and what the ballpark in Boston provides," the agent explained.

Ultimately, Drew's one-year deal is an opportunity to prove that he can once again produce at a high level while staying on the field.  While the Red Sox are still working on finalizing Mike Napoli's deal amongst questions about his hip, Drew says that he is as healthy as ever.  If Drew can show that his right ankle is back to 100%, Boras knows that he will boost his value even further.

"I think after this year, everyone is going to think a lot differently about what kind of player Stephen is and the impact he can have on a division-contending team." 

Red Sox Talking To Adam LaRoche

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The Red Sox are talking with free agent Adam LaRoche, two sources tell Jen Royle of SB Nation Boston (via Twitter).  LaRoche is seeking a three-year deal and a third source tells Royle that he's still not willing to compromise on contract length.

LaRoche would be the alternative to signing Mike Napoli, but major league sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that Boston would prefer to complete their deal with the backstop.  The Red Sox haven't given any official word on why the deal with Napoli hasn't been completed, but sources say that an issue with one of Napoli's hips has given the club pause.  There's an agreement in place for a three-year, $39MM deal, but the Red Sox could simply walk from it since it has not been finalized.

If the Red Sox did sign LaRoche, Rosenthal writes that Napoli would go back into the market and likely accept a shorter, cheaper deal, possibly from the Rangers.  The Nationals would fill the void internally by moving Michael Morse to first base and go with an outfield of Bryce Harper in left, Denard Span in center, and Jayson Werth in right.  However, Napoli remains Boston's preference in part because signing LaRoche would cost a second-round pick.

The Napoli problem is familiar territory for Boston as they put language in the contracts of right fielder J.D. Drew and right-hander John Lackey to protect from pre-existing medical conditions.  According to sources, the Red Sox are working to get Napoli to agree to similar protection in his deal. 

AL East Notes: Red Sox, Yankees, Diaz

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Links on the Yankees and Red Sox as Wednesday becomes Thursday..

  • Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe (on Twitter) sees several tradeable pieces on the Red Sox roster.  Among them are the club's spare catchers (Ryan Lavarnway or Jarrod Saltalamacchia), Alfredo Aceves, Andrew Bailey, or one of their left-handed relievers.  Abraham isn't sure what those pieces could net Boston in return, however.
  • The Yankees' signing of Matt Diaz to a minor league deal likely won't end their search for a right-handed hitting outfield option, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets.  Diaz's deal will be worth $1.2MM if he reaches the majors with the chance to earn an additional $800K in incentives.
  • Diaz could be primed for a bounce-back year as his agents at Reynolds Sports Management (on Twitter) point out that the outfielder's recurring thumb issues are behind him.  Diaz's slash line over the last two years has been .251/.295/.326 versus .301/.350/.456 in the previous eight seasons.

Hanrahan Trade Reactions: Bailey, Melancon, Grilli

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Earlier today, the Red Sox and the Pirates finalized the trade that will send closer Joel Hanrahan to Boston. The swap has Hanrahan and infielder Brock Holt joining the Red Sox with outfielder Jerry Sands, right-handers Stolmy Pimentel and Mark Melancon, and Ivan De Jesus Jr. going to Pittsburgh. Here's a look at some of the reactions to the trade..

  • Both the Red Sox and Pirates did well in the trade, writes Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  Pittsburgh sees similarity between Melancon now and Hanrahan when they originally acquired him from the Nationals.
  • ESPN's Keith Law says the Red Sox received a small upgrade at a small cost with the trade. He opines that the Pirates would have been off moving Hanrahan last offseason.
  • The Red Sox were wise to remake their bullpen, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Heyman believes that Andrew Bailey will make a fine set-up man and the plan to have Hanrahan close makes sense.
  • Melancon was asked if he got a fair shot in Boston and while he was diplomatic, it would seem that he was less-than-thrilled with how things went.  “It is what it is. It’s over and done with. Obviously, I didn’t pitch as well as I wanted to," said the pitcher, according to Tim Britton of The Providence Journal (on Twitter).
  • Melancon told Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe (Twitter link) a few weeks ago that his biggest problem in Boston was manager Bobby Valentine.  Abraham expects Melancon to do well in Pittsburgh now that he has a fresh start.
  • For the Pirates, the deal effectively works as a 5-for-2 or even a 6-for-2, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Francisco Liriano will get most of the money that would have gone to Hanrahan and there still may be room for one more budget free agent.
  • Brian MacPherson of The Providence Journal notes (on Twitter) the Red Sox will have roughly $175MM committed to payroll in 2013 if Hanrahan gets $7MM through arbitration. Matt Swartz projects a $6.9MM salary.
  • Alex Speier of WEEI.com notes the Red Sox could flip Hanrahan at the trade deadline if they fall out of contention. He says they'll also consider making him a qualifying offer after the season.
  • The most cost-efficient free agent signing of the winter may be the Pirates' signing of Jason Grilli on a two-year, $6.75MM deal as he will now take over as their closer, Heyman tweets.
  • The Red Sox traded for Bailey on this date one year ago and it'll be interesting to see what this trade means for him, Abraham tweets.
  • Red Sox manager John Farrell said that the club "didn't go into the offseason looking for a closer" but the trade makes Boston a better team, according to Abraham (on Twitter).

Mike Axisa contributed to this post.

East Links: Phillies, Lee, Orioles, LaRoche, Nationals

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Earlier today the Red Sox finalized the Joel Hanrahan trade and Stephen Drew signing, but assistant GM Brian O'Halloran told reporters (including Tim Britton of The Providence Journal) there is no update on the Mike Napoli situation (Twitter link). Here's the latest from baseball's two East divisions….

Red Sox Sign Stephen Drew

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The Red Sox have officially signed free agent shortstop Stephen Drew to a one-year contract, the team announced. The Scott Boras client will earn $9.5MM in 2013, with another $500K available in performance bonuses.

Stephen Drew - A's (PW)

Drew, 29, will have the chance to re-build his value in Boston and seek a multiyear deal in free agency a year from now. He posted a .223/.309/.348 batting line with seven home runs in 327 plate appearances for the Diamondbacks and Athletics this past season. The ankle injury that ended Drew's 2011 season prematurely sidelined him until the end of June, 2012.

Drew's presence in Boston will push 22-year-old infielder Jose Iglesias to the bench, or perhaps to the minor leagues. Known for his tremendous defense, Iglesias has a .264/.313/.314 batting line as a minor leaguer and doesn't have Drew's offensive upside.

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington has added a number of veteran free agents so far this offseason. Shane Victorino, Ryan Dempster, David Ross, Mike Napoli and Koji Uehara have also agreed to deals with the Red Sox (Napoli's deal hasn't been finalized, however).

The Indians, Tigers, Athletics, Yankees, and Cardinals also showed interest in Drew this offseason. He ranked 24th on MLBTR’s list of top 50 free agents, but wasn’t linked to draft pick compensation, since he wasn’t eligible to obtain a qualifying offer.

As MLBTR’s Free Agent Tracker shows, the class of free agent shortstops looks especially thin with Drew off of the board. Interested teams could turn to the trade market, where Asdrubal Cabrera and Jed Lowrie are among the potential trade targets.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com first reported the agreement while also adding details with ESPN's Buster Olney (Twitter links). Mike Axisa contributed to this post. Photo courtesy of US Presswire.

Red Sox Acquire Joel Hanrahan In Six-Player Trade

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On the heels of back-to-back All-Star appearances, the Pirates have traded away their closer one year before he hits free agency. Pittsburgh has dealt Joel Hanrahan and infielder Brock Holt to the Red Sox in exchange for reliever Mark Melancon, first baseman/outfielder Jerry Sands, infielder Ivan De Jesus Jr., and right-hander Stolmy Pimentel. Both teams have announced the trade.

Uspw_6394936Hanrahan, 31, pitched to a 2.72 ERA with 10.1 K/9 and 5.4 BB/9 in 59 2/3 innings for Pittsburgh last season. Despite having a reputation as a strong closer, some rival evaluators have been concerned about his conditioning and recent proclivity for walks. Hanrahan's walk rate climbed from 2.1 BB/9 in 2011 to 5.4 BB/9 in 2012. Matt Swartz projects the right-hander to earn $6.9MM through arbitration this winter after pulling down $4.1MM in 2012. Brian MacPherson of The Providence Journal notes he will not net the Red Sox a compensation draft pick if he signs elsewhere based on the assumption Hanrahan will accept a pricey qualifying offer (Twitter links).

Melancon, 27, pitched to a 6.20 ERA with 8.2 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 45 relief innings with the Red Sox after being acquired from the Astros last winter. He spent some time in Triple-A as well, then returned to the big league club at midseason. Melancon struck out 40 and walked just ten in his final 43 innings of the season. The former Houston closer will step into Pittsburgh's bullpen to provide depth behind the recently re-signing Jason Grilli, who will take over as closer.

Both Sands and De Jesus came to the Red Sox in their summer blockbuster trade with the Dodgers. The 25-year-old Sands owns a Triple-A batting line of .288/.362/.552 with 55 home runs in 940 plate appearances across the past two years. He also has 70 big league games to his credit, most of which came in 2011. De Jesus, 25, has 80 big league plate appearances under his belt and is a .303/.355/.416 hitter in 1,294 career Triple-A plate appearances. The Red Sox had recently removed him from their 40-man roster.

Pimentel, 22, was rated as the sixth best prospect in the Red Sox's organization in 2010 by Baseball America but was bumped down to No. 23 the following year. The 6-foot-3 right-hander boasts a strong changeup but has failed to impress at the Double-A level. In 37 starts for Double-A Portland, the youngster has posted a 5.96 ERA with 6.3 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9. Alex Speier of WEEI.com notes that Pimentel was targeted by the Pirates in 2008 as part of the three-way deal with the Dodgers and Red Sox that resulted in Manny Ramirez going to LA and Jason Bay coming to Boston, but the Sox refused to include him.

Holt, 24, was rated as the 27th best prospect in the Pirates' farm system in 2010 by Baseball America, but he has not been featured by the publication in their annual Prospect Handbook since. He hit .292/.329/.354 in 72 big league plate appearances this season, his MLB debut. Holt has hit .317/.381/.427 throughout his minor league career, including a .344/.406/.453 showing between Double-A and Triple-A this past season. He's played the middle infield exclusively as a professional, spending most of his time at short rather than second.

Andrew Bailey, Boston's incumbent closer, pitched to a 7.04 ERA in 15 1/3 innings in 2012 while missing most of the year with injuries. The additions of Hanrahan and Koji Uehara give the Red Sox some late-inning bullpen depth along with Junichi Tazawa and possibly Daniel Bard if he can bounceback from a disastrous season. The Pirates will pair Melancon and Grilli with Jared Hughes and Tony Watson, though they could also seek additional relief help on the free agent market.

ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes first reported that the two sides were nearing an agreement while ESPN's Jim Bowden reported the agreement (on Twitter). Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, John Tomase of the Boston Herald, MLB.com's Evan Drellich, MLB.com's Peter Gammons, and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports all added details on Twitter. Mike Axisa contributed to this post. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AL East Notes: Yankees, Red Sox, Hanrahan

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Right-hander Derek Lowe wasn't off to a great start in 2012 but managed to finish out the year strong with the Yankees after signing in August.  The veteran posted a 5.52 ERA with 3.1 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 in 21 starts for the Indians but had a 3.04 ERA with 5.3 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 in pinstripes as a reliever.  However, as we learned earlier today, he's still looking for an opportunity to start.  Here's more out on the Yanks and the rest of the AL East..

  • The Yankees may be a team in transition, but Richard Justice of MLB.com refuses to count them out in 2013.  For the Bombers to win, however, they'll need a right-handed hitting outfielder to balance their three left-handed hitting outfielders. They also need the newly-acquired Kevin Youkilis, who was signed to fill-in for Alex Rodriguez while he recovers from hip surgery, to stay healthy.
  • The Red Sox's trade for Joel Hanrahan could signal that the front office believes that they can contend next season, writes Alex Speier of WEEI.com.  If the deal is built around a player other than Hanrahan who can be controlled for multiple years, then that may not be the exact case. But if Hanrahan is the true centerpiece of the swap and the other player is more of a complementary piece, then it could mean that Boston expects to win next year.
  • The Red Sox won't be announcing any of their pending moves over the next couple of days, according to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe (on Twitter).  That would presumably pertain to the aforementioned Hanrahan trade and the delayed Mike Napoli deal.

Reactions To The Nick Swisher Signing

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Earlier today, we learned the Indians agreed to sign Nick Swisher to a four-year, $56MM deal, which is the largest free agent contract (in total value) in franchise history, according to ESPN (via Twitter). Here are the reactions to the Indians' big splash into the free agent pool:

  • Yankees GM Brian Cashman had kind words for Swisher, as tweeted by Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News, "He was great for us. We’ll miss him, but I’m happy for him. I think Cleveland got a bargain."
  • The Swisher move is stunning but it reflects a willingness on the part of ownership to spend (signing Swisher and Mark Reynolds) and make bold moves (the Shin-Soo Choo trade and the hiring of Terry Francona), writes the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto. 
  • Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (on Twitter) has yet to identify one other team on Swisher's free agent "tour" of prospective suitors.  Heyman adds that it's possible that there were other teams in the hunt, but it's a mystery as to who they could be.
  • Swisher and Jayson Werth have comparable regular season stats, but Werth got $70MM more in part because of his October play and defensive ability, Heyman tweets.
  • The Indians considered all of their free agent pursuits to be longshots, but the fact that Swisher is from Parkersburg, West Virginia and went to Ohio State helped to lure him to Cleveland, Ken Rosenthal tweets.  Manager Terry Francona's pitch also factored in for the veteran.
  • While the Indians’ decision to sign Swisher while entertaining trades for right-hander Justin Masterson, closer Chris Perez, and others seems curious, the club has an explanation, Rosenthal writes.  The Tribe is trying to thread the needle and improve the team both short- and long-term.
  • The Red Sox valued the second round draft pick they would have had to forfeit by signing Swisher more than Swisher himself given the new spending restrictions on draft choices, according to Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal. With that in mind, MacPherson wonders, in a second piece, if the Red Sox erred in not tendering a qualifying offer to Cody Ross. 
  • Swisher's deal is a bit startling in terms of free agent prices and makes B.J. Upton's $15MM/year agreement with Braves look better, opines the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's David O'Brien (Twitter links).  
  • Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer puts the Swisher contract into historical context by listing the Tribe's five best and five worst free agent signings.

Edward Creech contributed to this post.

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