Your 2015 Boston Red Sox

[lxt]

The main reason I personally would have labelled your previous suggestions preposterous was the assignment of real value to Mujica.  He turned his season around pretty well and I don't think he's an albatross at $4.75M for one more year, but no team is giving him real trade value at that price.
 
Also, Brentz would probably have less value to Cincy with Cespedes than to Boston without Cespedes.  At that point the Sox are committing to some form of Nava/Craig/Victorino platoon in LF and Brentz would be valuable depth.  Meanwhile Cincy's 2nd and 3rd best prospects on most lists are OFs, and depending on the list Blandino (a SS) and Yorman Rodriguez (a OF) trade places in the top 10.  Rodriguez got a taste of the bigs last year as well.  They're incredibly poor on IF depth, especially anything in the upper minors (they just drafted Blandino).
 
I think you'd see a preference for Sean Coyle or Deven Marrero over Brentz.  Wendell Rijo would also likely REALLY interest them as he's in an ideal position to pair with Blandino straight up through the minors, developing a strong battery they would have daydreams about breaking in together at the ML level.
 
If I was to spitball a deal for Cueto I'd guess something like this:
Cueto + Marshall for Cespedes + one of Webster/Ranaudo/RDLR/Barnes + Travis Shaw + Noe Ramirez + Wendell Rijo.  You could probably swap Sean Coyle for Rijo, maybe talk them into Asuaje instead of Rijo but I'd doubt that.  Shaw would be a nice piece for them as 1B has been a black hole and having Shaw would let them defer some risk by signing a one year vet to fill the gap.  Adam LaRoche for example just had his option declined and is 35.  A one year deal for nice money could land him and when teamed with Cespedes would massively overhaul their offense.  If Mesoraco continues to hit like last year while Bruce and Votto bounce back from very poor seasons they could then have the best offense in the NL in a GFIN move before having to resign some of their pitchers and likely losing Aroldis Chapman to FA after 2016 (hence why they'd probably like Noe Ramirez).  When that rebuild does hit they would then have their own in-house OF options to replace Cespedes, Shaw could replace LaRoche, and they would have Blandino/Rijo on the horizon to handle up the middle.
 
That relies entirely on no other team throwing a blue chipper into the pot for the right to pay Cueto $20M+ per for the next seven years mind you.  If some team is willing to do that I don't think the Sox will be game with all the other pitching options available.

Good argument. I would really like to hang on to Marrero until Bogaerts truly proves himself at SS. The idea of having Pedroia & Marrero up the middle with Betts, JBJ and Castillo in the OF and Vazques with Headley at 3B would be a joy to watch defensively.  
 
The real benefit of the trade would be some sort of agreement for a longer term stay in Boston. If players are going to be flipped for a season then a more straight up trade would be more appropriate. Cespedes, RDLR and Mujica (eat his salary) for Cueto & Marshall would be more balanced. The Reds get a small financial break (Again eat Mujica's salary - $11 - 12million Vs. $17 - 18million in 2015) and walk away in 2016 with a solid starter prospect in RDLR could make it worthwhile for them. If however Cueto is willing to sign an extension (Don't know what that could be ... there are just too many variables to say what is the right years/dollars) then the Sox have a long term benefit that the Reds could leverage into a bigger and better package.
 
Travis Shaw makes little sense unless the Reds plan on some how unloading Votto's salary. The other players can be useful in as you mentioned that they could address the future. I think a few more young arms would be to the Reds liking.

 

[lxt]

Where would X be playing in this scenario? You've left 1B and DH. 

My bad. I was thinking of 2016 and not next year. Marrero is about a year away, well at least offensively. That's why I left Victorino out of the picture. Sorry about the lack of clarity on my part.
 
It all depends on X. If he picks up his game in 2015 and plays like he did once he resettled at SS this year then Marrero would be the one without an every day role. 
 
In 2016 I don't know who would hold down 1B & DH. Can Ortiz beat "father time" for a couple more years. Will Napoli be there in 2016? Can Bogaerts step into either of these roles if Marrero does prove to have offensive abilities. Will Shaw step up and take over 1B if Napoli leaves at the end of the season? Is there another DH that the Sox could obtain if Ortiz finishes up after 2015?
 
It's nothing more than a dream on my part.  There is just way too much that can still happen between then and now.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

If X is our full time SS, would we really go witj Brock Holt as the backup? I have my doubts.

Seems an all glove SS would be one of the 4 bench spots. If Deven never hits enough to start, he could be that guy but for now, you want to give him PA. I guess they'd trade him before making him a super sub in the Brock Holt mode, probably because if he's playing he should be the SS.

Still, I can't see Holt being the backup to start the year. Nava and Craig are redundant almost anyway you construct the roster short of trading Napoli and Yoenis. Granted someone will be on the DL given the roster so carrying that all glove UI won't be an issue.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

 
So again, where is X playing? Are you suggesting that Marrero is going to relegate X to the bench? Or that the Sox will trade X to make room for Marrero? Because either seems like an extreme stretch to me. 

Lxt said replacing Ortiz or Napoli, so 1b/DH which seems a waste of resources.

 

[lxt]

I was reading "Tim Dierkes" is estimating it will take 5/$95million to sign Shields. Maybe it's just me, I know there is a great opening here which I know will cause great refrain from acting on, but that seems rather long and expensive.

 

[lxt]

Lxt said replacing Ortiz or Napoli, so 1b/DH which seems a waste of resources.

To be honest I'm hoping Bogaerts locks down SS. He looked comfortable there is September, relaxed and his hitting picked up with a good return to his power. Marrero is smooth and has real nice range but I'm still hoping Bogaerts makes Marrero redundant. If Bogaerts defense rises another notch or two then my "Dream" would easily be rewritten with him at SS.
 
Easily rewritten as: The idea of having Pedroia & Bogaerts up the middle with Betts, JBJ and Castillo in the OF and Vazques with Headley at 3B would be a joy to watch defensively.
 
 

 
I was looking for a somewhat realistic answer. 

Not sure there would be one. If Marrero turns out to be the next Ozzie Smith than it's hard to leave X there.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

But if X can't handle SS, you are saying you'd move him to first or DH, no?

 

[The Boomer]

To be honest I'm hoping Bogaerts locks down SS. He looked comfortable there is September, relaxed and his hitting picked up with a good return to his power. Marrero is smooth and has real nice range but I'm still hoping Bogaerts makes Marrero redundant. If Bogaerts defense rises another notch or two then my "Dream" would easily be rewritten with him at SS.
 
Easily rewritten as: The idea of having Pedroia & Bogaerts up the middle with Betts, JBJ and Castillo in the OF and Vazques with Headley at 3B would be a joy to watch defensively.
 
 
Not sure there would be one. If Marrero turns out to be the next Ozzie Smith than it's hard to leave X there.

 
I'm with you on this.  Somebody beat me to posting the Washington Post article by Thomas Boswell in the Lester thread but spending money long term on pitchers is mostly wasteful.  If a combination of the surplus of available young starters could be part of a deal for a pitcher like Cueto or Hamels, this will be an upgrade.  However, if someone like that isn't on the trade market, then auditions for the youngsters on the major league cusp will continue.  Buccholz and Kelly are decent back end starters at the least.  The Sox have Owens, Rodriguez and Johnson toiling at AAA hoping to get a chance that will involve as much patience for a couple of seasons as the Sox first showed for Lester.  Escobar and Ball, if he eventually starts to consolidate his consistency to earn promotions, are on the horizon. If the Sox can't land that in his prime pitcher in a trade with another team, then Scherzer, Lester, James and most of the other pitching free agents are unlikely to be worth what the market will pay. A controlled overpay for Lester, in particular, is possible but unlikely.  Better to find out, if one of the 3 top ranked lefties will project as a Lester replacement within a reasonable time (not necessarily limited to just next season), then they will need to  exhibit some patience to determine who from among DLR, Webster, Barnes and Ranaudo will shake out as either starters or good young bullpen arms.  2 starters and 2 relievers could emerge from this group.
 
Everyone is too eager to bring in overpriced free agent pitching because, let's face it, babies aren't really flown in by storks.  You make them yourselves.  The Sox have decent upper level pitching prospect depth that requires just the right amount of babying to properly develop.

 

[lxt]

 
I'm with you on this.  Somebody beat me to posting the Washington Post article by Thomas Boswell in the Lester thread but spending money long term on pitchers is mostly wasteful.  If a combination of the surplus of available young starters could be part of a deal for a pitcher like Cueto or Hamels, this will be an upgrade.  However, if someone like that isn't on the trade market, then auditions for the youngsters on the major league cusp will continue.  Buccholz and Kelly are decent back end starters at the least.  The Sox have Owens, Rodriguez and Johnson toiling at AAA hoping to get a chance that will involve as much patience for a couple of seasons as the Sox first showed for Lester.  Escobar and Ball, if he eventually starts to consolidate his consistency to earn promotions, are on the horizon. If the Sox can't land that in his prime pitcher in a trade with another team, then Scherzer, Lester, James and most of the other pitching free agents are unlikely to be worth what the market will pay. A controlled overpay for Lester, in particular, is possible but unlikely.  Better to find out, if one of the 3 top ranked lefties will project as a Lester replacement within a reasonable time (not necessarily limited to just next season), then they will need to  exhibit some patience to determine who from among DLR, Webster, Barnes and Ranaudo will shake out as either starters or good young bullpen arms.  2 starters and 2 relievers could emerge from this group.
 
Everyone is too eager to bring in overpriced free agent pitching because, let's face it, babies aren't really flown in by storks.  You make them yourselves.  The Sox have decent upper level pitching prospect depth that requires just the right amount of babying to properly develop.

Okay, I'm lost here ... did you get the right quote ... can't follow your logic and the quote you selected.

 

[lxt]

 
Yes, let's plan on this. That sounds extremely realistic. And when Cecchini turns into Wade Boggs what do we do with Headley? 
 

Wow! I was daydreaming.This sounds like an out-an-out Hallucinogenic experience

 

[YTF]

lxt, I'm also wondering about the offense in your scenario. That defense better be lock down and your pitching staff even better. .

 

[sean1562]

i thought jose iglesias was the next ozzie smith? are there going to be 5 or 6 ozzie smiths in the league at once? isnt andrelton simmons the new ozzie smith?

 

[Drek717]

Good argument. I would really like to hang on to Marrero until Bogaerts truly proves himself at SS. The idea of having Pedroia & Marrero up the middle with Betts, JBJ and Castillo in the OF and Vazques with Headley at 3B would be a joy to watch defensively.  
 
The real benefit of the trade would be some sort of agreement for a longer term stay in Boston. If players are going to be flipped for a season then a more straight up trade would be more appropriate. Cespedes, RDLR and Mujica (eat his salary) for Cueto & Marshall would be more balanced. The Reds get a small financial break (Again eat Mujica's salary - $11 - 12million Vs. $17 - 18million in 2015) and walk away in 2016 with a solid starter prospect in RDLR could make it worthwhile for them. If however Cueto is willing to sign an extension (Don't know what that could be ... there are just too many variables to say what is the right years/dollars) then the Sox have a long term benefit that the Reds could leverage into a bigger and better package.
 
Travis Shaw makes little sense unless the Reds plan on some how unloading Votto's salary. The other players can be useful in as you mentioned that they could address the future. I think a few more young arms would be to the Reds liking.

1. Pitchers and outfielders are the only things they really have on the farm, they would likely be up for one ML ready starter to give them a solid six man core post-trade, but they aren't going to take a deal fattened up with all our back end of the rotation type young guys.
 
2. You're giving Mujica away and paying his freight to make it happen why exactly?  Even fully subsidized he isn't going to carry a ton of value, and you're also giving up $11.25M in cap room to then pay Cueto another ~$23-25M.  So about $35M of the available resources in 2015 committed entirely to one pitcher.  Why not just keep the prospects and Cespedes and sign Scherzer?  It almost seems like you're more focused on getting rid of Mujica instead of constructing a legitimate deal for Cueto.
 
3. The reality of Marrero is that he's likely to be a great utility middle infielder who might, after a few years at the ML level, put it together enough with the bat to give him value as a starter.  He is much more comparable to Brandon Crawford or JJ Hardy than Ozzie Smith.  You don't move Bogaerts, who has Nomar/ARod/Tulowitzki offensive potential for that.  The Reds interest would primarily stem from Cozart being a pretty comparable player himself now reaching his arb. years, so after 2015 Marrero could potentially make an arb2 Cozart expendable.  Why pay a few million for an all glove, no bat SS when you could pay one tenth of that for a comparable player?
 
He's a nice safety net for Bogaerts being abjectly awful at SS, but once the team secures a 3B long term that all goes out the window for a few years at least.  I'd say the ideal use for Marrero (from a Sox perspective) is to let him develop in AAA for 2015, have him as the utility MI for 2016, 2017, etc. until the FA 3B signed this off-season is either done with his contract or shifted to 1B/DH, and then if Bogaerts needs to move over as he ages Marrero maybe takes his place.  Ideally Bogaerts never needs to move over, the free agent 3B plays well at 3B for his whole contract, Devers or Chavis develops well and is ready to take over after the signed FA 3B, while Marrero spends his time as a very valuable utility infielder who gets to go find himself a starting job when the arb. years run out or get too expensive for a bench guy.
 
The value in Marrero is the same as the value in Vazquez and JBJ, but he isn't nearly as elite with the glove relative to his position as either of those two are with respect to theirs.  He's really good but no one has claimed he'll be one of the two or three best defenders at his position from day one.

 

[lxt]

lxt, I'm also wondering about the offense in your scenario. That defense better be lock down and your pitching staff even better. .

I think, as mentioned early in this thread or possibly another (AAV?) that the group I mentioned for defense is also a fair good offensive group. Headley, Castillo, Betts, Pedroia are all capable of hitting 12 - 20 hrs., each has a decent OBP, Pedroia, Castillo & Betts can run. If Bogaerts remains at SS then he is another one to add to the mix. JBJ & Vazquez are offensively challenged. In 2015 Victorino if healthy could also be added to the mix. Napoli & Ortiz can find themselves in a situation where there is always some on base and possibly in scoring position. If they can stay healthy and hit then the defensive oriented group I mention could run up about 800 - 850 runs (Markov's run estimator).
 
After way too much discussion I've come to the agreement that it is best to leave Bogaerts at SS and use Marrero as a backup in 2016 or trade fodder.
 
The 2016 season is a tad more difficult in that Victorino & Napoli may be gone and Ortiz will be a year older.
 
As you stated the pitching has to be as solid or better than the defense. That's going to be tough to make happen. The young arms and prospects all have potential but there is a need for two front-liners in this team configuration to make it work. Buchholz and Kelly are middle of the rotation guys. Yes, if Buchholz can stay healthy and pitch like he did in 2013 that changes the picture but its a big if. Resigning Lester is a key and adding another top quality arm is a must. Then pen also can benefit from an upgrade - Miller comes to mind but that may not be enough.
 
All-in-all it's just a dream and most likely not a reality.

 

[Hoplite]

The deadline for extending qualifying offers was yesterday. They following players received them:
 

• Max Scherzer (Tigers)
• Victor Martinez (Tigers)
• David Robertson (Yankees)
• Melky Cabrera (Blue Jays)
• James Shields (Royals)
• Hanley Ramirez (Dodgers)
• Pablo Sandoval (Giants)
• Nelson Cruz (Orioles)
• Russell Martin (Pirates)
• Francisco Liriano (Pirates)
• Michael Cuddyer (Rockies)
• Ervin Santana (Braves)

I don't think it would be too hard to operate this season without signing any of those guys. We could always trade Cespedes for a starting pitcher or third baseman and sign some combination of Jon Lester, Brandon McCarthy, Jason Hammel, Chase Headley, etc.

 

[MakMan44]

It shouldn't be, but with the protected 1st rounder, I think we'll see at least one sign here. 

 

[Hoplite]

I could see James Shields since he arguably offers a better value than Lester. But IMHO Headley and McCarthy represent some of the better values on the market, even if you don't consider that they wouldn't cost a draft pick.

 

[MakMan44]

Agreed, Shields would be the I'd prefer they sign.

 

[Doctor G]

Agreed, Shields would be the I'd prefer they sign.

Santana would be my choice now that he has developed an effective change. i don't think Shields is worth the extra money and years.

 

[Snodgrass'Muff]

It's on the low end of I'd be happy with this winter, but if they signed Shields, Santana and Headley they would probably be a playoff caliber team next year. That is, a team capable of making the playoffs. I'm not sure how they would match up with the best teams in the majors, so I'd expect an early exit, but it would set them up to take that last big step with a big free agent pitcher signing next winter. It might be the better long term approach as it would preserve the trade chips for replacing the big bats who will be leaving (mainly Ortiz and Napoli).

 

[lxt]

The Sox are to meet with Panda & his agent next week.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/11/red-sox-to-meet-with-pablo-sandoval-next-week.html

 

[lxt]

It's on the low end of I'd be happy with this winter, but if they signed Shields, Santana and Headley they would probably be a playoff caliber team next year. That is, a team capable of making the playoffs. I'm not sure how they would match up with the best teams in the majors, so I'd expect an early exit, but it would set them up to take that last big step with a big free agent pitcher signing next winter. It might be the better long term approach as it would preserve the trade chips for replacing the big bats who will be leaving (mainly Ortiz and Napoli).

What a strange feeling. I actually agree with you. The fact that setting up for 2016 can be extremely important this season with Napoli, Victorino and perhaps Ortiz potentially moving on is a really a great concept ... future thinking.

 

[MakMan44]

Again Pitchforks and Torches? Where is their any sign of that? That's you again being defensive. When a team finishes in last place hard questions should be asked, unconventional ones as well. This is not 2012, where injuries and down years by key members of the team gave a realistic hope that 2013 would be much better. With nearly the entire rotation traded, the hole to climb out of is much steeper this go round.
There is a very realistic chance it takes multiple years before we can seriously contend again. Anyone that is 30 years or older now may not be as crucial to the next great Redsox team as you think.

Cross posting from the Pedroia thread so as not to derail it further. 
 
Anyway, there's a lot wrong with this post. Ortiz's BABIP was about .050 lower than his career average. Pedey and Nap played huge chunks of the season injured. The starting catcher was a piece of shit who got released midseason, and there's a chance that Vaz could even exceed AJP's OPS next season with excellent defense. They're going to have full seasons from Mookie and Rusney who could both have big seasons. Just about every hole on the team can be filled either through FA or trade, and our farm system is at the point that a few trades is actually the smart move. They make some smart moves and they're right back in it in 2015. I think your entire post is off-base.

 

[lxt]

Cross posting from the Pedroia thread so as not to derail it further. 
 
Anyway, there's a lot wrong with this post. Ortiz's BABIP was about .050 lower than his career average. Pedey and Nap played huge chunks of the season injured. The starting catcher was a piece of shit who got released midseason, and there's a chance that Vaz could even exceed AJP's OPS next season with excellent defense. They're going to have full seasons from Mookie and Rusney who could both have big seasons. Just about every hole on the team can be filled either through FA or trade, and our farm system is at the point that a few trades is actually the smart move. They make some smart moves and they're right back in it in 2015. I think your entire post is off-base.

I'm starting to get real freaked out. Not only have I agreed with Snodgrass but now you. We may disagree on trades and who is worth what but on this one we are in 100% agreement.
 
I wonder if this is what congress feels like when they actually agree upon something.

 

[OptimusPapi]

Cross posting from the Pedroia thread so as not to derail it further. 
 
Anyway, there's a lot wrong with this post. Ortiz's BABIP was about .050 lower than his career average. Pedey and Nap played huge chunks of the season injured. The starting catcher was a piece of shit who got released midseason, and there's a chance that Vaz could even exceed AJP's OPS next season with excellent defense. They're going to have full seasons from Mookie and Rusney who could both have big seasons. Just about every hole on the team can be filled
either through FA or trade, and our farm system is at the point that a few trades is actually the smart move. They make some smart moves and they're right back in it in 2015. I think your entire post is off-base.

You know its funny the kids born in 2004 are only ten years old right now. I think in another 20 years this board is going to be a much more optimistic place. While the rest of us are unable to post because we are waiting for a nurse to change our diapers, the ones born in 2004 who have no knowledge of the suffering that came before are going to be the ones posting on sosh, and I am willing to bet that not having to live through pre 2004 they are going to be a happier more optimistic bunch.

 

[Darnell's Son]

I'm starting to get real freaked out. Not only have I agreed with Snodgrass but now you. We may disagree on trades and who is worth what but on this one we are in 100% agreement.
 
I wonder if this is what congress feels like when they actually agree upon something.

It's what Congressional delegates feel like when they are voting on their pay increases.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Gammons wrote his offseason preview column today:
 

But here’s a hypothetical quandary: Thursday night at an Arizona Fall League game, one highly-respected veteran scout offered the opinion that Deven Marrero, who is hitting .320/,443/.420 in that league, is the best defensive shortstop in the American League and that, in his opinion, Marrero is a better player than the Indians’ phenom Francisco Lindor.

 

Or they could trade Napoli, get a left-handed bat at first (Adam LaRoche?) and go find another third baseman. Hanley Ramirez has made it clear he will play third, left or right, he has always deferred to Ortiz, Cherington has known him since Hanley was 16…but has also had a medical history.

 
http://www.gammonsdaily.com/peter-gammons-cherington-red-sox-faced-with-long-winter-ahead/

 

[jimbobim]

Gammons wrote his offseason preview column today:
 
 
 
http://www.gammonsdaily.com/peter-gammons-cherington-red-sox-faced-with-long-winter-ahead/

 
I just finished making my way through the column. It was impressive and made me wonder if GM's just let him follow around because he's a hall of famer. I remember in the 2013 WS Farrell said something to the effect he got to the ballpark and Gammons was in already in the park at some crazy time just getting an early start. 

 

[Hee Sox Choi]

From the Gammons article:  "especially in a home park built for left-handed hitters."
 
And here I thought it was always built for right-handed hitters (backed up by park factor #s and the deep right field).  

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

From the Gammons article:  "especially in a home park built for left-handed hitters."
 
And here I thought it was always built for right-handed hitters (backed up by park factor #s and the deep right field).  

 
I've often seen it suggested that the park is built for LH hitters because the LF wall doesn't require elite opposite-field power to reach. LH power hitters who can go really deep when they pull, and just moderately deep the other way, can be a threat to almost every part of Fenway, where in most parks their power would only play from CF to RF.

 

[Mighty Joe Young]

I've often seen it suggested that the park is built for LH hitters because the LF wall doesn't require elite opposite-field power to reach. LH power hitters who can go really deep when they pull, and just moderately deep the other way, can be a threat to almost every part of Fenway, where in most parks their power would only play from CF to RF.

Wade Boggs and Freddy Lynn endorse this message

 

[Hee Sox Choi]

Wade Boggs and Freddy Lynn endorse this message

Yeah, but the thousands of other left-handers who never use the wall don't.  The park takes away a lot from left-handed batters except for a select few.  Cecchini showed a little bit of wall-ball action in his short time up, so hopefully he's one of the few.  My point still stands that it's not a park built for left-handers as Gammon states and years of park factor data back up (at least as far back as I can remember).  

 

[E5 Yaz]

And, once again, a column with notes and gossip about possible offseason moves gets waylaid by pedantic soap boxing over grammar and questionable statements about minor matters

 

[CaskNFappin]

Shark might be my new favorite idea. Oakland is one of the few teams we could reasonably expect to demand someone like Betts. They are in a position where accepting 4 quarters for a dollar is commonplace and in some ways, expected by the fanbase. Furthermore, they're one of the most likely teams to value our 10-20 prospects. So if the Sox are looking for a number 2; this one can be had at a price that doesn't feel like a stomach punch. It's a stop gap option, even as an ace, to a 2015 FA SP class that has much more appeal than this one. Santana and Shark could even be enough to eek out a WC2 and hope for the best. <br />
<br />
Next offseason, you hit reset at a time when Price, Zimmerman, and Cueto hit the market. Pounce then if the philosophy has always been to avoid 30 something's.

 

[nattysez]

The Marrero thing is interesting, particularly given the "we're going for it now" stuff Gammons references early in the article.
 
If Marrero is for real, you could argue that the Sox should let WMB/Cecchini serve as a bridge to an X-at-3b, Marrero-at-SS infield in 2016.  But ownership doesn't sound too interested in a "bridge year."
 
If Marrero is as well-regarded as Gammo suggests, moving him in a Hamels or Shark deal makes a lot of sense IF the Sox believe in X as a starting SS.  The problem with trading for Shark is that I'm not sure he'll give up his free agency via a before-the-year extension, meaning he's a one-year rental.  If Marrero is as good as Gammo says, dealing him for one year of anything seems like an overpay.    

 

[Rasputin]

I have to confess, a 2016 team of Castillo, Bradley, and Betts in the OF, Bogaerts, Marrero, Pedroia, and Napoli around the infield, with Vazquez behind the plate makes me a bit giddy.
 
Sure, Napoli isn't under contract for 2016, and sure, Bradley, Vazuez, and Marrero have to demonstrate they can hit enough, but damn. The defense up the middle would be ridiculous. We wouldn't be cringing at the defense in left field at the Toilet or right field in Fenway. We'd have some decent speed, someone to shut down the opponent's running game...sigh...a man can dream, right?

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

I have to confess, a 2016 team of Castillo, Bradley, and Betts in the OF, Bogaerts, Marrero, Pedroia, and Napoli around the infield, with Vazquez behind the plate makes me a bit giddy.
 
Sure, Napoli isn't under contract for 2016, and sure, Bradley, Vazuez, and Marrero have to demonstrate they can hit enough, but damn. The defense up the middle would be ridiculous. We wouldn't be cringing at the defense in left field at the Toilet or right field in Fenway. We'd have some decent speed, someone to shut down the opponent's running game...sigh...a man can dream, right?

And if Marrero Vazquez and JBJ can't hit in 2016 it's going to make you pull your hair out.The issue lies in being able to get high end talent while keeping a strong minor league system. Boston is in an interesting position in which the team has a gaping need at a position where two of the top available bats play. It doesn't matter if Hanley or Panda sign provided that one of the two are in the lineup on opening day. Neither cost prospects. Both are reasonably young and have nice offensive upside for Fenway.

I love prospects too. But at some point if you're a big money team you're going to spend. I can't envision the Sox becoming the Rays and having a full homegrown lineup aside from Napoli (some posters have called for Travis Shaw by 2016) and Ortiz. Unless your plan is to sign Lester and Scherzer then there is no reason to bypass going after either Hanley or Panda or even Headley.

 

[moondog80]

Yeah why worry about accuracy or the ability to compose a coherent sentence?

 
I was able to cohere every sentence he wrote just fine.  Granted, it shouldn't be an either/or proposition, CHB is a great wordsmith whose polished contain nothing of actual substance.  Give me the information-rich run on sentences any time.
 
Now, if you want to say that he gushes too much about prospects, (especially Red Sox ones), have at it.  

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

My best guess at the 2015 roster version 2.0

Catcher (2) Vazquez Butler
1st Base (1) Napoli
2nd Base (2) Pedroia Holt
Shortstop (1) Boegarts
3rd Base (2) Ramirez Middlebrooks
Outfield (5) Cespedes Castillo Victorino Betts Nava
DH (1) Ortiz
Starting Pitching (5) Lester, Buchholz, Kelly, RDLR, Webster
Bullpen (6) Uehara Mujica Tazawa Workman Wright Layne

Hembree and Barnes would be the next two up. My feeling for putting Middlebrooks on the team is that he would play 1st and 3rd, giving Napoli and Ramirez breathers. While I don't know if its advisable to go with 14 bats and 11 arms I do feel that's the way it will shake out on opening day. There are a lot of things that could happen between now and February. Boston will sign one or two reclamation arms to give competition in camp. Someone like a Josh Johnson is a thought but he might be too far gone.

So as a recap out of major free agents I have Boston signing both Lester and Hanley but this could change.

 

[Sandy Leon Trotsky]

My best guess at the 2015 roster version 2.0

Catcher (2) Vazquez Butler
1st Base (1) Napoli
2nd Base (2) Pedroia Holt
Shortstop (1) Boegarts
3rd Base (2) Ramirez Middlebrooks
Outfield (5) Cespedes Castillo Victorino Betts Nava
DH (1) Ortiz
Starting Pitching (5) Lester, Buchholz, Kelly, RDLR, Webster
Bullpen (6) Uehara Mujica Tazawa Workman Wright Layne

Hembree and Barnes would be the next two up. My feeling for putting Middlebrooks on the team is that he would play 1st and 3rd, giving Napoli and Ramirez breathers. While I don't know if its advisable to go with 14 bats and 11 arms I do feel that's the way it will shake out on opening day. There are a lot of things that could happen between now and February. Boston will sign one or two reclamation arms to give competition in camp. Someone like a Josh Johnson is a thought but he might be too far gone.

So as a recap out of major free agents I have Boston signing both Lester and Hanley but this could change.

 
I think Middlebrooks refusal to play in the AFL was the point of no return.  He'll be dealt.
I'm still thinking that Ben will bring in Cueto or Shark in a trade.
Add Lester.
3B I'm puzzled by and have no clue.
BP arms I think they're also done and will add to from what they already have

 

[jimbobim]

Some grains of salt from Abes on Toucher and Rich ... 
 
- Thinks Sandoval goes back to the Giants and further doesn't see the Red Sox extending for any type of 100 mill plus Carl Crawfordian contract as he put it 
- Puts the Red Sox Lester reunion chances at 2 percent and thinks the Cubs or Yanks will get him 
- Pitches out 3- 60 or similar high AAV for Shields 
- Mentioned trades as more likely path for the other pitcher citing Cueto and Cashner as likely targets
- 3b he mentioned the obvious Headley option or again moving from the SP/ OF surplus to address the need 
 
one of the the hosts asked if anything changes in the FO approach based on a last place finish. Abes answered he didn't get that sense and then he went on talking about the prospect depth they have. 
 
I think Abes is terrible at his job and I hope he's wrong in his predictions but there they are .

 

[OptimusPapi]

Some grains of salt from Abes on Toucher and Rich ... 
 
- Thinks Sandoval goes back to the Giants and further doesn't see the Red Sox extending for any type of 100 mill plus Carl Crawfordian contract as he put it 
- Puts the Red Sox Lester reunion chances at 2 percent and thinks the Cubs or Yanks will get him 
- Pitches out 3- 60 or similar high AAV for Shields 
- Mentioned trades as more likely path for the other pitcher citing Cueto and Cashner as likely targets
- 3b he mentioned the obvious Headley option or again moving from the SP/ OF surplus to address the need 
 
one of the the hosts asked if anything changes in the FO approach based on a last place finish. Abes answered he didn't get that sense and then he went on talking about the prospect depth they have. 
 
I think Abes is terrible at his job and I hope he's wrong in his predictions but there they are .

I am actually hoping this is correct. Sandoval long term is a questionable investment, and I have no desire to see the sox hand out a long term contract to a pitcher in his 30's. I would be fine with Shields if it was only for three years though. At least one trade seems to be the way to go and go after one of the sp next offseason. Hey pp how was Abe's grammar?

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

I am actually hoping this is correct. Sandoval long term is a questionable investment, and I have no desire to see the sox hand out a long term contract to a pitcher in his 30's. I would be fine with Shields if it was only for three years though. At least one trade seems to be the way to go and go after one of the sp next offseason. Hey pp how was Abe's grammar?

 
Yeah, seemed OK to me too. Only thing that was a red flag for me was the mention of Cashner. His home/road splits are sobering. As a frontline starter, he's entirely a creature of Petco. Everywhere else, he's an ordinary, mid-rotation type, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing to have one more of, but I wouldn't want to give up anything much for it.

 

[foulkehampshire]

 
Yeah, seemed OK to me too. Only thing that was a red flag for me was the mention of Cashner. His home/road splits are sobering. As a frontline starter, he's entirely a creature of Petco. Everywhere else, he's an ordinary, mid-rotation type, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing to have one more of, but I wouldn't want to give up anything much for it.

 
Casher is enticing because he has one of the most interesting arsenals in baseball. I think his stuff would play anywhere. 
 
He's a guy who's still learning how to pitch, and not throw - he's only had 400 IP at the major league level. Health permitting, he's at the cusp of a breakthrough.

 

[OptimusPapi]

 
Casher is enticing because he has one of the most interesting arsenals in baseball. I think his stuff would play anywhere. 
 
He's a guy who's still learning how to pitch, and not throw - he's only had 400 IP at the major league level. Health permitting, he's at the cusp of a breakthrough.

What kind of package do you think it would take?

 

[moondog80]

I'm skeptical that they're going to both have a $175 mil payroll and avoid long term deals for players over 30.  

 

[foulkehampshire]

What kind of package do you think it would take?

 
The injury risk is too high for my liking. Remember, they traded Rizzo for Cashner, so the return would have to be significant to recoup that loss. 

 

[jimbobim]

Speier trying his hand at what Gammons did yesterday. As usual an excellent and comprehensive read 
 
http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/alex-speier/2014/11/10/stacking-red-sox-chips-look-teams-trade-invent?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

 

[soxhop411]

“@GordonEdes: Jay Alou Jr., agent for Yasmany Tomas, said Sox had him take some ground balls when he worked out. Said he could play third. He’s an OF”

 

[soxhop411]

Not player related but scout related

“@nickcafardo: red sox have lost pro scout Galen Carr and director of player personnel David Finley to the Dodgers.”