Which deal would you have preferred?

[NorthSideSox72]

You decide.

 

[justBLAZE]

I was actually thinking about making a similar post.

 

Some of the guys over at Red Sox forum say that they will take Jenks on a two year deal (albeit they would prefer 1 year) instead all the MR (Crain, Guerrier) getting 3 year deals.

[Swingandalongonetoleft]

I don't know if I feel that much more confident about Crain than I would Jenks. The third year on Crain's deal is what I don't like. I think I'd rather see Jenks back for two. I'd feel a lot better either one of them if they were for a year less (and $$$ adjusted accordingly).

[balfanman]

I voted for Crain. Pitchers are always a great risk for injury, but I believe Crain has a better shot at fulfilling the contract, simply due to keeping himself in better shape.

 

Although I guess you could argue that round is a pretty good shape.

[Wanne]

I dunno...$6M a year for a setup man seems a bit ridiculous. I prefer the Crain deal. Now if the question was who would you rather have?...still Crain. Not sure who Bobby will fare in the setup roll.

[Balta1701]

After last year, I'd rather gamble on Crain for less money.

[NorthSideSox72]

I don't know if I feel that much more confident about Crain than I would Jenks. The third year on Crain's deal is what I don't like. I think I'd rather see Jenks back for two. I'd feel a lot better either one of them if they were for a year less (and $$$ adjusted accordingly).

If its the third year that makes the difference to you, then think of it this way - its $1M for that extra year.

 

[Harry Chappas]

There is a risk with both but I voted Crain as he seems to be headed in the right direction and is locked up longer for the same money.

 

Somehow I think Jenks comes in 40 pounds lighter and is a two pitch pitcher.

[iamshack]

If its the third year that makes the difference to you, then think of it this way - its $1M for that extra year.

Exactly.

 

I don't get the huge distinction in years as being a negative, since the cost of the two contracts is essentially the same.

[southsider2k5]

Jenks hasn't been on a pretty arc in his career.

[JorgeFabregas]

Jenks hasn't been on a pretty arc in his career.

Really? His peripherals were quite good last year. He just didn't strand many runners.

[dpd9189]

Really? His peripherals were quite good last year. He just didn't strand many runners.

 

Unless the pitcher is an elite closer or elite set up man with a history of sucess, I've never been a fan of multi year contracts to relief pitchers because they can be so inconsistent (Linebrink). The type of deals I like for relief pitchers are the 1 year deals like last year's deal with Putz. Therefore if they flame out or are not worth the money, you are off the hook the next season.

 

Sorry I got off topic but I like the Jenks deal a little more, 1 less year and Jenks has a better history of success then Crain. That being said, it doesn't mean that Crain will not be good for us.

[southsider2k5]

Really? His peripherals were quite good last year. He just didn't strand many runners.

 

His BB/9, H/9, and WHIP were all career highs, as was his era. His K numbers were higher last year, but not nearly enough to offset the increases else where.

[hogan873]

I didn't even have to think about this one, and it seems like the consensus it what I was thinking. Obviously being a Sox fan and watching the cover-your-eyes and cross-your-fingers show that was Bobby Jenks last season leaves me clicking to vote Crain over and over until my mouse broke. But, what would an outsider think? What would a Red Sox fan want? We saw Jenks struggle, and we threw things. And we saw Crain come in and handle our batters. So, for me (and seemingly many of you) it's an easy vote. But a lot of that vote is based on emotions.

[Springfield Soxfan]

Crain all the way. I love you Bobby Jenks!! However, what are the Red Sox up to? Jenks, Bard, Papelbon................. I wonder if Papelbon gets traded?

[JorgeFabregas]

His BB/9, H/9, and WHIP were all career highs, as was his era. His K numbers were higher last year, but not nearly enough to offset the increases else where.

Not true. He had a higher BB/9 in 2005 and 2006 and a higher WHIP in 2006. His BABIP accounted for much of the higher WHIP and the H/9. His increased line drive rate accounted for some of the increase BABIP, but there were also good signs like the lowest flyball percentage of his career.

 

He had the second-lowest FIP of his career. And the lowest xFIP.

Edited December 17, 2010 by JorgeFabregas

[southsider2k5]

Not true. He had a higher BB/9 in 2005 and 2006 and a higher WHIP in 2006. His BABIP accounted for much of the higher WHIP and the H/9. His increased line drive rate accounted for some of the increase BABIP, but there were also good signs like the lowest flyball percentage of his career.

 

He had the second-lowest FIP of his career. And the lowest xFIP.

 

2005 I didn't count as it wasn't a full season. You could argue 2006, except he had 10 intentional walks in 2006, and only 1 in 2010. Take out the intentional walks and his rate drops to 2.7 per 9 IP. If you do the same to 2010 it comes in at 2.9. That also makes his 2010 WHIP higher. The other really interesting trend is his IP have gone down every season since his first full season.

[nitetrain8601]

Crain just because Jenks drove me up the wall already. Change is good sometimes. I wish Jenks the best though. He was a good guy.

[Mr. Showtime]

I think the question is do you want Jenks back for 6 million as the closer for the Sox after last season? I certainly did not. The money is about the same, but I'd rather take my chances with Crain and having him not kill the team like Jenks would if he was the closer. We saw last year how much Ozzie didn't wanna remove him from that role. I don't want to take that roller coaster again.

 

[JorgeFabregas]

2005 I didn't count as it wasn't a full season. You could argue 2006, except he had 10 intentional walks in 2006, and only 1 in 2010. Take out the intentional walks and his rate drops to 2.7 per 9 IP. If you do the same to 2010 it comes in at 2.9. That also makes his 2010 WHIP higher. The other really interesting trend is his IP have gone down every season since his first full season.

Well, I think it's just fine to compare a season (2005) where he pitched 39 innings with a season (2010) where he pitched 52. I didn't mention that his K/BB was the second or third highest of his career depending on whether you count the IBBs in 2006.

[ScottyDo]

While Jenks' deal is pretty fair and Crain's was a little lucrative for my blood, I voted for Crain because it's time for a shakeup there, IMO. Plus, I just have a feeling Crain won't wet the bed v. the Twins, which is what finally soured me on Bobby a little.

 

I'll miss the hideousness of his bearded face, though. Is that a poll option?

[gatnom]

A three year contract is less than ideal for a reliever, but I voted for Crain because I want nothing to do with Bobby for $6 million a year. It will be interesting to see how well he does in a set up role, though, since that always seemed to be something he couldn't do here.

[Lemon_44]

In a vacuum, I'd rather have Jenks but his time here was over. It seemed like his relationship with Oz was detiororating and was probably good for both sides that he move on.

[soxrwhite]

Crain just because Jenks drove me up the wall already. Change is good sometimes. I wish Jenks the best though. He was a good guy.

 

 

This sums up how I feel. Grateful for the past, but just couldn't take another year of him. Hopeful on Crain but relieved on Bobby.