Fantl916

Seems like a good time to begin some discussion on this. I know there have been a few threads discussing specific items such as Quentin being traded, re-signing Mark, what to do with Rios/Dunn, etc. Manager/GM decisions aside, let's talk about what we want/think/hope will happen before spring opening day 2012 and what the key items might be. looking forward always seems to help getting over looking back I'll lead off with my thoughts/predictions: 1. Buehrle is re-signed. I think they'll give him the contract that allows him to finish his career in a sox uni. we won't be increasing salary here as he already is paid quite well 2. Sale stays in the bullpen. The emergence of Humber and prospects of Stewart give us a rotation back-end that's not bad at all. Sale stays in the bullpen and becomes the primary set-up guy for Santos. 3. Quentin is traded. Almost a foregone conclusion at this point, but salary needs to be shed somewhere and this is the most reasonable place with Dayan to step in. Probably traded for minor league arms, no ML ready talent 4. Danks doesn't sign long term nor is he traded. Just a gut feeling, but with Boras as his agent i dont foresee him signing long-term unless he goes Weaver on Boras and tells him to get a deal done. 5. Floyd is traded as the centerpiece to obtain a good young LF/CF/3b. I have no basis for this other than that we have 6 SPs with Floyd, his contract provides the best value to another team and it wouldn't be a bad thing for us. Some names could include Yonder Alonso, Logan Morrison, etc. Rotation: Mark, Danks, Peavs, Humber, Stewart Bullpen: Crain, Frasor, Reed, Sale, Santos, Ohman, a long man Lineup: CF De Aza, SS Alexei, 1b Paulie, RF Dayan, DH Done (hopefully slimmer and rejuvenated), C AJP, 2b Gordo, 3b Morel/young guy, LF Rios/young guy - if young guy is good then hit him 6th or 7th Bench: Flowers, Lillibadass, INF defender/Vizquel, 1 more all in fun

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Aug 25, 2011 -> 10:03 AM) Interesting. I doubt anything comes of it, but why not? makes sense in terms of preventing Cleveland from claiming him and potentially working a deal. doesnt make sense for the Sox to trade for himself unless they can get him for cheap as he's right on the edge of being a Type A free agent. i'm assuming Viciedo gets an opportunity at an outfield slot and we have pierre (free agent i believe) and quentin (probable trade bait) in the wings at the corner spots, no DH available, so trading for Kubel to keep him isnt likely. i like him as a hitter, but with the salary committments this team has we're better off just using this claim as a block. i foresee us not resigning pierre, trading quentin for young pitching, and signing a cheap OF to play LF. Our roster is heading into Cub territory with our aweful contracts

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jul 27, 2011 -> 09:17 AM) Well, if this is true, and I don't know s*** about prospects, then I am happy with this. Getting good prospects is what I advocated rather than trading him for and Thornton for Rasmus. i agree, i actually am a fan of this deal. teahan is worthless and his salary sucked. jackson, while fairly solid, was walking at years end. we got the equivalent to a type B level prospect in stewart which is about what you'd expect for edwin alone, as well as frasor whos pretty solid and cash to pay to frasor. overall its a solid move. we rid ourselves of a terrible bench player and a 6th starter. reasonably speaking, moving teahan was a great thing for the sox considering its doubtful theyre going to be able to move rios, dunn or other hugely large terrible contracts. pretty solid return for a bench player with a terrible contract who contributes next to nothing and a sp who was going to walk in 2 months

anybody have scouting reports on Mcmillen and/or Snodgress?

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Jun 7, 2011 -> 11:05 AM) To be fair, the 2nd rd pick does seem kinda meh. But the other 2 seem like good risks. Not that it matters, but Keith Law had Johnson #50 overall in his rankings, which in Law valuation means he was a value. Baseball is one of the hardest to project and just from looking at BA, Law's, and other rankings it really comes down to what characteristics you value most... I think with these pitchers we've taken thus far we've shown that we're at least beyond the years of drafting lance broadways and kyle mcollough's (good stats iffy stuff...) which is a solid progression. cant be upset with the pitcher picks thus far for sure, its about as good as we could hope to do with the assumed budget contraints considered

BA has McMillen 94 overall, first "value" pick thus far. i've actually been pretty pleased with the sox pitcher selections thus far

trayce thomson 2.0

QUOTE (bmags @ May 5, 2011 -> 02:09 PM) WHAT STEPHEN? haha touche, i roasted myself

ha guess i should research these things first... my bad? just figured a leadoff type ss would be a good fit for the team

I, like most out there, agree that this team needs a shakeup. I like most out there, agree than Pierre needs to find his way to the bench. I also understand and we are maxed out salary-wise... yet there is a fix out there... Jose Reyes WHAT STEPHEN!? ARE YOU NUTS!? NAY! Think about it. When the Mets put him on the market this year they are probably going to field multiple offers of prospects (ie the Giants could offer Wheeler/Crawford/bla bla bla). Wouldn't the Mets be super stoked to nab Alexei? What Stephen!? You're an idiot! No, i'm not, I'm just not done yet... It is entirely possible that the Mets don't want a rebuilding phase, especially considering that theyre New Yorkers and the city would massacre them for not winning. If we dangled, say, Alexei and big contract wouldn't they have to bite? Now which contract you ask? Konerko and Dunn wouldn't be the best fits, we probably cant convince them to take Rios, but maybe a SP. Maybe Peavs.... Peavy, Addison Reed, another young arm and Alexei for Reyes with the caveat we sign him to an extension... The Mets WOULD do this as Alexei is a cheap replacement with immediate credentials and would bring the most sure return amongst any prospect package they could possibly get. Peavy could be another rotation piece for a staff that is sorely lacking and the money might be worth the short term risk. The Sox SHOULD do this, as I know the Alexei love runs deep (i'm amongst his biggest fans) but SS's like Reyes are few and far between. A benchmark for leadoff hitters, we could plant him up top and have him set the table for this team. We are already operating without Peavs and nobody is going to miss a couple young bullpen arms. Just my thoughts, it certainly is against the norm, but i think it makes a ton of sense for both sides. Let the flaming commence!

In a weird way, i think something like this makes sense. It has been mentioned before, but really I don't think we're actively pursueing a trade of one of our SPs, and by no means do I think we should and doing so to fix another weaknesses would be dumb. That said, if someone approaches us and says we REALLY want this guy I would have no problem with KW saying ok we want a sick package otherwise the answer is no. If you can get a Greinke ish type return (3 or 4 quality guys) for Danks wouldn't you have to consider it? I agree with the sentiment of trying to compete and Danks being at the forefront of that, but I also foresee his impending free agency and his lack of desire to sign an extension. If the Yankees don't get Pettite to return wouldnt you listen if they called offering a nice package? realistically i think KW could ask for 2 of Banuelos/Betances/Brackman, and Sanchez/Romine + another low A type. While most wouldnt love this I think you'd have to see the plausability of it all... another guy for the "catcher of the future" tag, 2 high upside pitchers who arent far away (each of them is AA ish give or take a tad). Nova isnt happening as i think they are already counting on him as part of their already thin rotation. The question then becomes one of a few: would the yankees gives more? is danks for a year and a draft pick or two more valuable? what's available in FA that year? I think one thng to consider is that the yankees havent pulled the trigger on some of the high prices out there. They could've easily outbid the Brewers for Greinke since they have better prospects but choose not to. At this point it is all speculation, and in reality they do have a rotation in place with CC, Burnett, Hughes, Nova, and possibly Pettite. This really only becomes a question if Pettite doesn't come back.

QUOTE (Kenny Hates Prospects @ Dec 8, 2010 -> 09:24 AM) Too much IMO. But CQ and Viciedo would be a haul I think. Or maybe they'd prefer one of those plus a Mitchell or THompson or something. They won't find a CQ-like bat on the market for around $5M or whatever he'll get in arb. Im just gonna come out and say this... why is everyone so bent of trading quentin... its assumed that we hardly have any money left to spend and what is left is likely to go towards the bullpen... who is going to play RF if Quentin is traded? Unless you want a Kotsay type back or Dunn playing RF this trading Quentin stuff needs to go away unless we move some salary... The Sox are unlikely to make a play for Garza considering we have 5 solid rotation guys unless theyre willing to move a SP as part of a 3 way deal of some sorts

Lots of potential here, and could be a good sigining for the bullpen/long man. Good type for a Coop fix... thoughts?

Adam Dunn

Just for fun... Move #1: Buerhle + Morel for Rasmus and Penny - Buerhle's contract is nulled by the fact that we take one of their worst contracts in Penny, and with Buerhle St Louis would still have 6 starters without penny (wainwright, carpenter, garcia, suppan, and lohse). Morel would have some value for the Cards as another potential young piece at 3b, letting him battle it out with Freese. This would give us a nice LH OF whom is young and talented. hefty price to pay but one that should be worth it. Move #2: Sign Danks long term - Give him 12$ mil a year over 5-6 years and call it good. i know he's taking it slow but locking him up ensure this staff has a rock solid piece at its front end for years to come. Move(s) #3: Re-sign Konerko, re-sign Garcia, offer AJ arbitration and see what happens - Almost a given, but letting Konerko go anywhere would almost immediately make us 10 wins worse. Between Penny and Garcia we should get good production out of the 5th rotation spot, as well as a good long man in Freddy. If AJ accepts arb then fine, if he doesnt we get draft picks and move on with Flowers/Castro. Chances are he'd accept unless hes convinced a multi=year deal awaits him, which i think he can find from someone like the Rangers, Rockies, Mets, etc. Move #4: Jenks + Lillibridge+Santeliz for Figgins - I think a lot of people would think this isnt possible because Jenks sucks and is expensive, but Seattle might consider itself in need of a different direction and Figgins is on the books for 3 more seasons at a bit of an overpay considering his production last year. If you think like a basketball fan, this is an "expiring contract" + some spare parts for a decent player with a somewhat bad long term deal. Figgins can play 3b extremely well and serve as either a #2 hitter, alternative leadoff guy to pierre, or a second leadoff hitter in the #9 hole, while fitting Ozzie's personality of speed and defense to a T. Move #5: Make Sale the closer: this is gross... i already know, but it worked for Texas with Feliz, and it can work for us. It stymies his growth for sure, but he can be dominant as a closer, and let's everyone else slide into place as far as bullpen roles. If we sign a couple MRs to fill the 6th innings or so we'll be fine. Overall payroll increases slightly (subtract Buerhle, Jenks, and fillers while adding increases for Paulie and AJ, plus the adds of Penny/Rasmus/Figgins) and talent improves overall IMO. LF Pierre 3b Figgins RF Rios 1b Konerko DH Quentin CF Rasmus 2b Beckham C AJP SS Alexei Bench: Visquel, Castro, Viciedo, De Aza, Teahan Staff: Danks, Peavy, Floyd, Edwin, Penny Long: Garcia Closer: Sale Setups: Thornton, Santos MRs: Nunez, Pena, + fillers

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Oct 27, 2010 -> 02:23 PM) Not a chance. The Sox don't go after really injury prone players, especially at the kind of prices that Johnson will get. I completely disagree. I can see us going cheap and signing him to be a middle of the order lefty DH. A minimum deal with incentives. Is it a good move? No... Might KW do it if he cannot find better options? Definitely... I know he cant stay healthy for the life of him, but he kinda is exactly what this team needs: a high OBP lefty. anywho not that i like him but i disagree wholeheartedly that we won't look at him. we signed Dye coming off injury, traded for Quentin and Peavy, etc.

i'm starting to be huge into the idea of colby rasmus. i know a lot of folk have talked danks + for him, anyone think they might take buerhle + morel + an arm or two for rasmus? then with the money saved we extend danks? good move for our future... anyone think it possible?

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Oct 15, 2010 -> 05:07 PM) If we still had Hudson, I'd no doubt do it. But I don't believe in creating a major hole in one spot to fill another. I hope KW proves me wrong. But he's really f***ed this organization up with his chronic obsession with "going for it" every year while continuously coming up short. Im not so sure this would create a "gaping" hole. For one, it would save us from having to spend on a RF/DH type. And there are some decent SP's out there.

QUOTE (typewritermender @ Oct 14, 2010 -> 04:59 PM) No I'm talking about moving Kelly to the outfield. i still dont like it. his bat is his best tool and those stats are simply ok for a RF. as a 2b hes really good, but you can get similar numbers from many out there. Plus having never played OF hes likely to be a liability in RF. no good IMO. Figure we probably have Pierre in LF, Rios in CF, and Quentin DH. There are plenty of quality guys our there who can produce better overall than Johnson can, especially considering what he'd cost. For example, Brad Hawpe, Luke Scott, Crawford if we spend the money, maybe even put Quentin in RF and sign Carlos Pena. We have options cheaper/better than Johnson playing out of position

QUOTE (typewritermender @ Oct 14, 2010 -> 02:56 PM) What do you guys think about Kelly Johnson? Young, lots of walks, good OBP, solid power numbers, bats lefty. Played some outfield his rookie season. Think he could convert to a RF? Think he could be had? I'm not really a fan of us going after a 2b. Beckham needs to be there for the long haul as his bat plays like an All Star there... moving Gordan back to 3b makes his bat play simply ok for his position. I'm still open to going after Luke Scott for a lefty run producer. He can play 1b/Of/DH. See if we can get Figgins for 3b (Dayan straight up?). Bat Figgins and Pierre #1-2. I know people dont like this idea but we've had bad #2 batters since Iguchi left and Figgins plays really good defense. Then we can use Morel as bait for some pitching help

if everyone is looking for a decent LH bat to add to our lineup, what about approaching the Orioles about Luke Scott? He would come much more cheaply than the Princes, Lind's, etc. of the world. and his splits against lefties aren't too bad. Can play OF and 1st. plus he destroys righties. I think he'd be a nice left handed addition that can be had for a few nice prospects (Morel, Santeliz, and an A ball type?). Also, we will probably offer AJP and Konerkos decent 2-3 year deals. I doubt we get as far as offering them arbitration. KW acknowledges what he has in both and how vital they are to us competing. Regardless of the state of our farm this would be the right move. KW wants to compete every year and risking either of them walking would be a setback. Personally I'd be a fan of getting giving Chone Figgins a go. Offer the Mariners a decent prospect (Flowers?) to take him off their hands and I bet they bite cuz of that contract and the state of their squad (they committed too much money... i know cuz its all they talk about here in the northwest...). Stick Figgy at 3rd where he plays great D and bat him and pierre 1-2. If Figgins struggles in the 2 hole move becks or alexei up to 2 and drop figgy to 9th where he can be a second leadoff. and expensive option yes, but one that certainly would yield better results than POS Teahan... Not to mention his speed would fit fantastically on this team Then, without having to make any big trades, we roll into next year with what looks like a nice lineup and staff: LF - Pierre 3b - Figgins CF - Rios 1b - Konerks RF - Scott DH - Quentin C AJP 2b Becks SS - Ramirez SPs - Buehrle, Floyd, Danks, Peavs, Edwin RP - Jenks, Santos, Thornton, Sale?, TBD? Maybe not better than the Twins, but one that certainly can compete in the Central

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Oct 6, 2010 -> 01:35 PM) Quentin for Adam Lind? Lind has shown that he cannot hit LHP to save his life. If you trade Quentin you need a better bat, a better asset. Quentin, to spite his struggles, is still a quality asset who can and probably go big if he stays healthy all year.

Baseball America had him #40 overall... hard throwing righty with a good curve, iffy change. i like it

Austin Wilson please!

i havent read the whole thread, but has anyone floated the idea of Russell Branyan? Looks like his options are dwindling and he was pretty dam good against righties last year. one or two year deal at $4 million per? Use Andruw against lefties, Branyan against righties? Sounds pretty hot to me!