Red Sox re-sign Mitch Moreland for 2 years, 13 M
- Thread starter DeadlySplitter
- Start date
Honestly not surprised. The notion of Hosmer or some other big ticket 1B seemed far fetched to me from the start. Save for the period where his toe was broken, he was just what they wanted/needed him to be.
And good luck to Mr. Hosmer.
I liked Moreland better than any of the budget options at 1B for his defense and healthy hitting last year. I’m cautiously optimistic about the terms.
I liked Moreland better than any of the budget options at 1B for his defense and healthy hitting last year. I’m cautiously optimistic about the terms.
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I also like this better than signing Morrison or Alonso. I suppose this is probably production neutral with someone like Duda, as well. So depending on the dollars, this might be the best use of resources for this purpose.
I wonder if this is an attempt to build leverage with Martinez or if it means they have a deal worked out for dumping Hanley should a Martinez deal materialize?
Edit: They could have a deal to move JBJ instead, I suppose.
I don't think it would. Hanley will play plenty as the 10th man -- 1B against LHP, DH when Martinez plays OF to give one of the three starters a day off, pinch-hitting -- not a full-time job, but plenty of opportunities to contribute.
He signed a one year deal for 5.5 mil last year. He deserves a raise? Meh. I can't believe one of the other guys wouldn't have been available on a one year deal, but I guess it's not that much money so not worth quibbling too much. I do like it better than a big deal for Hosmer.
You never know with the Sox, but I would think so.
It is a tough call. If they sign(ed) one of these big free agents they are going to be killed for overpaying aging free agents. If they don't, it will be seen as a pretty weak off-season compared with Yankees. And maybe a white flag of sorts during the Sale window. I think this makes sense if they are eying free agents next year, or a trade of some sorts.
I would have preferred Duda, but this is probably the next best thing. Far from precluding Martinez, I think this move practically necessitates him.
I like it, small enough contract that you can still chase a big bat, decent at the plate good in the field.
Don't really like the player but for the price you can't really complain. Hopefully this means they're sitting out this insanity and going all in free agency next year.
I seriously doubt DD has designs on nabbing Harper or Machado. Harper will be a Dodger or Cub and Machado in pinstripes.
I guess they are buying in what they saw pre-toe injury. Moreland showed his bat played well in Fenway earlier in the season. Hope they can get close to the production of a Santana or a Hosmer on the cheap. They have to take care of Martinez now.
If you're going to spend 30 million might as well go higher and get an actual star player. Sox could easily be a player for either one. Remember this isn't Tampa we're talking about here and a lot can change with roster construction in a year.
I don't like the player/bat and may be an overpay but total expenditure at $13 makes this a low risk move. Hosmer is much better but would have been a massive overpay and massive risk. Hoping savings goes to a 3 month 2B, a bench bat for the OF, a backup SS to push Hanley, a set up guy to replace Reed, and a flyer on a buy low 7th starter
I find it very hard to imagine they haven't discussed this with Hanley.
I also find it very hard to imagine they would plan on a guy who has been hurt repeatedly playing the field -- and who, if he plays full-time, has an expensive option set to vest for 2019 -- being the everyday first baseman.
I also also find it very hard to imagine they'd spend the money on JD Martinez and then backtrack in value, either by dumping Hanley for nothing or by playing Martinez in LF and weakening the OF defense significantly so that Hanley can have a full-time DH job (and thus have his option vest if he stays healthy).
So, I don't know. I guess we'll find out, but I'd wager a nickel that they've talked to Hanley and feel confident that he'll be okay with his role.
I wouldn't be surprised if this signals a Miguel Cabrera acquisition with Hanley going back the other way. If Tigers eat 60% of Miggy's contract, does it make sense? DD's got something up his sleeve.
Yes but I think that money is going to extend Sale and Betts. And it’ll be 40+, not 30 million.
Not sure I buy the injury storyline. August was his best month sandwiched in between being unplayable in July and September.
He had a solid finish to the year once recovered from the toe as well (.263/.319/.527 in 182 PA in August/Sept).
Moreland might be a 27-28 HR guy with great defense if healthy for full season. Terrific use of 6.5 million, which is utility player money.
I don't think he has a whole lot of leverage, does he? He should know as well as anybody that a contending team can't carry the kind of offense he showed last year in a full-time role at 1B, let alone DH.
Is there a reason to acquire Miggy that isn't a better reason to acquire Martinez?
I don't know what the plan is but there's zero chance that Hanley and his agent (and the player's union) are OK with a reduced role.
Love it. He was everything they needed him to be until he got hurt. Here's hoping for a healthy and productive season.
I don't trust Martinez is a truly elite slugger and apparently he suuuuuccccckkkkks defensively, which gives up of the few advantages over the whole league that we do have. We'll cobble together the homers from somewhere else.
I predict Vasquez hits 40 bombs
Pass
I predict Vasquez hits 40 bombs
Pass
Not really. It provides some depth with three bodies to use at 1b and DH with one of them a 5th of.
Your bench is Hanley, Catcher, Holt, OF.
If the bench OF can pay first and/or the backup catcher can play the corners a bit, you're good.
Swihart has the athleticism to play the corners so maybe you're ut inf doesn't have to be Holt and could stick to second, third, and short.