Massarotti On The Red Sox
Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe takes a look at the upcoming offseason for the Red Sox.
Massarotti says the Sox have had internal discussions about Mark Teixeira, which is not a surprise. The Red Sox definitely have the money for him. Signing Tex would necessitate trading Mike Lowell and moving Kevin Youkilis to third base. Lowell is owed $24MM over the next two years, and he has no-trade protection. He had hip surgery recently and is expected to be ready for spring training. My guess at possible suitors: the White Sox, Indians, Twins, Angels, Brewers, Reds, Dodgers, and Giants.
I thought the Sox would be players for C.C. Sabathia, but Massarotti suggests that is unlikely. He says Boston officials have concerns about Sabathia’s long-term durability. Massarotti does not see the Red Sox as players for any big name starter.
One other note: the Sox have yet to discuss an extension with Jason Bay‘s agent.
Red Sox Review
Red Sox GM Theo Epstein spoke to the press yesterday, resulting in a slew of articles in the Boston papers.
Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe runs through the team’s entire 25-man roster. Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald looks at Epstein’s to-do list, as does Joe McDonald of The Providence Journal. Paul Kenyon of the Journal looks at the team’s minor free agents. An overview of various common topics:
- Jason Varitek. Silverman sees an effort to re-sign him for one or two years, while McDonald thinks he will look for three or four. Massarotti thinks things could get nasty here, with Scott Boras in the middle. Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald has an article discussing the Varitek situation.
- Julio Lugo, Jed Lowrie, Jacoby Ellsbury, Coco Crisp. Four players for two starting spots. Epstein didn’t tip his hand as to whether he’ll move any of these players and diminish the depth.
- Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Jonathan Papelbon, Jason Bay. The Sox may explore long-term deals for each. There’s already been talks with Pedroia, though Massarotti thinks he might prefer to go year-to-year as Youkilis has. He suggests Papelbon wants a long-term deal but the Sox may choose to play it safe. McDonald and Massarotti feel the Sox will also explore an extension for Jason Bay.
- Sean Casey, Mike Timlin, Alex Cora, Mark Kotsay. Cora might go if Lugo stays. Timlin may retire. Massarotti does not think Casey will be re-signed, while McDonald doesn’t see Kotsay returning (he wants to start).
- Outside options: Epstein could make a big move, or do very little again. As I mentioned in the Offseason Outlook, C.C. Sabathia might be a better fit than Mark Teixeira.
Mark Teixeira Roundup
More on the Mark Teixeira front: Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal Constitution names four guys the Braves have been reportedly targeting in deals for Teixeira. Nobody new appears, but it’s good fodder for conversation:
Kevin Youkilis: Ortiz is healthy and Youkilis has been arguably the Red Sox MVP so far this season, not far off from Teixeira in production. Both sides deny it. Mixed reviews from MLBTR readers. Can we put this to rest?
James Loney: Keith Law reported yesterday on the Dodgers as a good fit with the caveat that Loney would have to either be included in the deal or default to the bench. If included, Loney would be a good a catch for the Braves. At age 24, he’s getting paid $411,000 to hit .301 and drive in a team-high 57 RBI. He won’t hit free agency until 2013. Far be it from me to predict what the Dodgers will do, but Loney has to be at least somewhat untouchable.
Conor Jackson: These rumors have been dispelled for now.
Casey Kotchman: Maybe the only intriguing possibility on this list, Kotchman is 25 and not eligible for free agency until 2012. The Angels dangled him and Joe Saunders in a deal for Teixeira before the Braves one-upped them. The Halos’ offense has picked it up this month and Scioscia’s saying they don’t need help. Still, with the addition of Teixeira, the Angels would be scary.
Braves Offered Teixeira For Youkilis, Hansen?
10:28pm: Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said there is nothing to this rumor.
3:28pm: Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe expects the Red Sox to engage in further conversations with the Braves about Teixeira leading up to the deadline.
8:29am: Several readers have written in regarding a rumor from ESPN’s Peter Gammons during last night’s broadcast. Reportedly Gammons said the Braves offered Mark Teixeira to the Red Sox for Kevin Youkilis and Craig Hansen, but the Sox declined.
Given Youk’s superior numbers and team control through 2010, hanging on to him makes sense. But it is interesting to see that the Braves might be shopping Teixeira already.
Stark’s Latest: Young Players, Giles, DeJesus
Jayson Stark’s latest Rumblings and Grumblings column is chock full of information.
- Stark rattles off Dan Uggla, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, B.J. Upton, Justin Upton, Russell Martin, Zack Greinke, Prince Fielder, Felix Hernandez, Jeff Francoeur, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, and Dustin Pedroia as youngsters who do not have long-term deals in the works. With Uggla and Greinke, the opposition seems more on the team’s side. With Hamels and Howard neither side wants a long-term deal. With the rest, the player is resisting.
- The Padres’ top trading chip is probably Brian Giles, though a deal would further deplete a weak offense.
- The A’s are willing to deal, with pitching considered the surplus. Billy Beane might be able to snag one good prospect for Rich Harden.
- There’s some doubt as to whether the Rockies will make Matt Holliday this year’s Mark Teixeira as we approach the deadline.
- Teams other than the Royals are speculating that center fielder David DeJesus might be available.
- The Marlins and Hanley Ramirez battled over a no-trade clause…and the Fish won. He has none.
Odds and Ends: Cantu, McPherson, Youkilis
Some evening odds and ends for your enjoyment…
- The Marlins are "pretty far along" on a deal with Jorge Cantu. He’d battle with Jose Castillo for playing time at third base. Dallas McPherson may be another possibility – he had talks with another club (the Giants?) recently fall through. The Fish are one of three or four clubs McPherson likes, though he’s not sure whether the interest is mutual. I hope the Marlins sign ’em both, maybe one of the three works out.
- Nick Cafardo discusses the slight possibility that the Red Sox and Kevin Youkilis discuss a long-term extension rather than go year-to-year with him. This is Youk’s first year of arbitration eligibility. I imagine his salary could jump up from $425K to $2-4MM.