Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

[rsox]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

I would much rather see the Sox strengthen their bullpen than go after another starter, as was mentioned Embree and Mantei have struggled and they are going to wear out Mike Timlin. I wouldn't mind seeing them try to get Mike Gonzalez from Pittsburgh or David Riske from Cleveland. With a healthy Schilling the Sox have a good rotation, Matt Clement has been outstanding, David Wells has pitched well his last couple of starts, Wade Miller is still a work-in-progress and Arroyo and Wakefield have pitched better of late.
Theo needs to focuss on the bullpen.

[CWood2]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

By the time Schilling gets back, the rotation should be all set. Sure, we could get younger, but that can be done in the offseason. What the Sox need most by July 31st is a solid middle reliever. Timlin has been outstanding as the setup man, and Foulke has been pitching like Foulke lately, but Embree and Mantei just aren't getting it done. Myers does a great job as a lefty specialist, but we need a reliable guy that can consistently pitch the 7th, or even the 8th to give Timlin a break.

Agreed. Outside of Wickman, there's not a ton of guys out there but we need help desperately. Malaska and DiNardo are of no help, and Cla is too young as is Delcarmen down at Portland.

For the rotation, I'm definitely thinking long term...as in who I should go after in my MVP dynasty also, haha. I guy like Schmidt might be available as a free agent, so I'm glad they're not dangling Hanley like they did with AJ Burnett last year...again according to Gammons.

[Stu]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

I agree on going after middle relief. I think when/if Schilling comes back and is healthy it solves part of your problem because somebody has to go to the bullpen, probably Arroyo.

If this is the case I think they need to go after a left hander that can face righties as well. Embree has been just awful this year and hasn't really shown signs of improvement. I would like to see them go after Mike Gonzalez of Pittsburgh, like rsox said, or Ron Villone of Seattle.

[Stu]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

I DON'T want to see Hanley go, and even a guy like Papelbon seems foolish to let go of.

I think at this point Hanley and Papelbon are untouchable. I think both will be on our ML team next year. They will do with Papelbon what they did with Arroyo, start him in the bullpen and see how he responds. I have no clue what they plan on doing with the 3B, 2B, CF mess next year, but if everything they say about Hanley is true, he'll be part of the mix. I wouldn't be surprised if he was on the ML team at the end of this year, if he gets healthy. Ramon Vazquez has been completely ineffective and can't run due his leg injury, rendering him pretty much useless. Hanley could have a shot at taking the utility IF role since he can provide defense and speed.

[CWood2]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

I think at this point Hanley and Papelbon are untouchable. I think both will be on our ML team next year. They will do with Papelbon what they did with Arroyo, start him in the bullpen and see how he responds. I have no clue what they plan on doing with the 3B, 2B, CF mess next year, but if everything they say about Hanley is true, he'll be part of the mix. I wouldn't be surprised if he was on the ML team at the end of this year, if he gets healthy. Ramon Vazquez has been completely ineffective and can't run due his leg injury, rendering him pretty much useless. Hanley could have a shot at taking the utility IF role since he can provide defense and speed.

The way Pedroia is playing for us in Portland I wouldn't be surprised at all if he was starting at second for us next year. My best friend has played with Marc Deschenes, a great reliever for the Sea Dogs, and he thinks that he'll be called up in September at the latest. Hanley can basically play anywhere, including third or center, so it should be interesting based on who's out there for FAs.

But it's real nice to start looking at Red Sox prospects as potential cornerstones at key positions. We have the budget to go out and get big name players, but if you're going to have the consistency of the Atlanta Braves, you need a deep system and that's where we're headed. The two first rounders we got in Ellsbury and Hansen a few weeks ago are top tier guys who should progress very quickly.

[Stu]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

The way Pedroia is playing for us in Portland I wouldn't be surprised at all if he was starting at second for us next year. My best friend has played with Marc Deschenes, a great reliever for the Sea Dogs, and he thinks that he'll be called up in September at the latest. Hanley can basically play anywhere, including third or center, so it should be interesting based on who's out there for FAs.

But it's real nice to start looking at Red Sox prospects as potential cornerstones at key positions. We have the budget to go out and get big name players, but if you're going to have the consistency of the Atlanta Braves, you need a deep system and that's where we're headed. The two first rounders we got in Ellsbury and Hansen a few weeks ago are top tier guys who should progress very quickly.

Based on arm strength, Hanley makes a lot more sense in the OF and Pedroia at 2B. I think at least one of them will be ready to play a major role on next year's team. I think Youkilis will be the full-time 3B so maybe Hanley in CF, as much as I'd hate to see Damon and Bill Mueller go. It should be interesting. It's amazing what the new ownership has done with a once decimated farm system in just a few years.

[CWood2]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

Based on arm strength, Hanley makes a lot more sense in the OF and Pedroia at 2B. I think at least one of them will be ready to play a major role on next year's team. I think Youkilis will be the full-time 3B so maybe Hanley in CF, as much as I'd hate to see Damon and Bill Mueller go. It should be interesting. It's amazing what the new ownership has done with a once decimated farm system in just a few years.

Those are my projections also. The minor league transformation is without question what impresses me most, especially in the timespan. This year's draft was phenominal according to anyone in the know, so there's no reason to believe we didn't step leaps and bounds ahead with all those extra picks.

[Karlos05]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

I would like to see them go after Mike Gonzalez of Pittsburgh, like rsox said, or Ron Villone of Seattle.

While it's been said that no one on the Pirates is untradable, it would take a lot to get Mike Gonzalez. The organization is extremely high on him, and like all his stuff. But more importantly, he's the closer of the future. Either sometime this year or next (Depending on how Mesa does or if he's traded) he's going to fill the role. The front office doesn't want to move him, and it would take a lot of prospects to pry him away.

The Pirates have two other lefties that are much more tradable, Grabow and Johnston. Both are young, good and much more likely to be traded than Gonzalez.

[Thrasha]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

Off trade topic:

It's nice seeing John Valentin on the NESN Pregame Report

[Stu]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

Off trade topic:

It's nice seeing John Valentin on the NESN Pregame Report

Damn, I missed him. What's with Gary DiSarcina being on there? He never even played for the Sox.

[Beantown]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

Those are my projections also. The minor league transformation is without question what impresses me most, especially in the timespan. This year's draft was phenominal according to anyone in the know, so there's no reason to believe we didn't step leaps and bounds ahead with all those extra picks.

I can't do anything but agree with you. It's amazing to see the Sox actually have prospects, as well as a big budget. Hansen could be in the bigs by September and I expect Hanley and Ellsbury to be playing in 4 years at the most(once Edgar's contract runs out...Ellsbury at CF, Hanley and SS)

[CWood2]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

I can't do anything but agree with you. It's amazing to see the Sox actually have prospects, as well as a big budget. Hansen could be in the bigs by September and I expect Hanley and Ellsbury to be playing in 4 years at the most(once Edgar's contract runs out...Ellsbury at CF, Hanley and SS)

And what a combination those two will be in a few years at two of the most important positions! I just watched Ellsbury today in the CWS and the kid is one amazing ballplayer. Hansen already has Brad Lidge-like stuff, the slider tops at 90 mph! After I researched the two on draft day I was dancing in my room when you combine them with a great second sacker in Pedroia, a potential ace in Papelbon, and a stud like Hanley. I posted it elsewhere but Jacoby Ellsbury is very similar to Damon in projectability...I'd be shocked if we gave Johnny his 10 million to regain his services unless something big changes.

One trade we've yet to address that I feel is imminent...an upgrade at first. I feel very strongly that Kevin Millar could get traded before the deadline. Anyone heard anything on this? I know Theo is looking for arms for the pen, but I'm sure he's keeping an eye out for his future first baseman too if it presents itself. Not an urgent issue, but I'd be curious to see what Theo offers for a top prospect at 1B (someone blocked like Adrian Gonzalez in Texas or Ryan Howard in Philly) or a guy like Sean Casey or Paul Konerko if they're available.

(I like playing GM this time of year, my apologies )

[Stu]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

LOL at Orsillio. He was in mid-sentence talking about how Manny hasn't hit lefties well this year and Manny jacks a 3-run shot off Sabathia.

[Stu]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

I disagree on us not keeping Damon. We have some good prospects but they can't come close to replacing what Damon brings. He's the second best leadoff hitter behind Ichiro in the AL, if not in baseball. I would have no problem with the Sox giving him 40 mil over 4 years. However, early indications are that Boras wants 72 over 6, which is just insane. I don't think he will be in Boston next year, and I don't think we will do well without him.

I'm not sure about Millar. He's heating up so its tough to get rid of him right now, especially since Olerud is clearly not an everyday player. I think they'd love to get a young 1B like Adrian Gonzalez which could work because, from what I understand, Texas needs a catcher, making Shoppach a perfect fit.

[CWood2]

Re: Official Boston Red Sox 2005 Thread

I disagree on us not keeping Damon. We have some good prospects but they can't come close to replacing what Damon brings. He's the second best leadoff hitter behind Ichiro in the AL, if not in baseball. I would have no problem with the Sox giving him 40 mil over 4 years. However, early indications are that Boras wants 72 over 6, which is just insane. I don't think he will be in Boston next year, and I don't think we will do well without him.

I'm not sure about Millar. He's heating up so its tough to get rid of him right now, especially since Olerud is clearly not an everyday player. I think they'd love to get a young 1B like Adrian Gonzalez which could work because, from what I understand, Texas needs a catcher, making Shoppach a perfect fit.

That'd be interesting, especially since Shoppach is expendable with Tek in town for 4 more.

You're probably right about Damon too, I just feel more comfortable moving on with him if we have to since Boras usually gets his way and we have options down the road. We did draft his client in Craig Hansen though, but a lead off hitter of Damon's caliber is obviously more than enough leverage for a guy like Scott Boras.