Who Will the Red Sox Target for 08/09 FA? Who Will They Trade?

[Cman]

blockbuster

will there be any relievers left for the rest of the league?

I like the move, revamping the bullpen is a key to any team's offseason. They've made a few quality additions so far and should have plenty of options during the season.

I've got no problem wih the move on it's surface, but with yet another RHH specialist aquisition I'm left wondering if they're setting up for a trade involving Masterson. He's not untouchable, but I just happen to have a strong aversion to dealing cheap, cost-controlled arms.

they could be slotting him in as the number 5 starter...(which I think is a mistake.)  He was better as a reliever then a starter. 

At this point, I think they are just trying to create as many options for themselves as possible.  Pitching is such a valuable commodity... I think it is wise to make the moves, small though they may be (I am thinking specifically of the Littleton deal here), becuase they could pay large dividends in the future.

[yall hate]

blockbuster

will there be any relievers left for the rest of the league?

I like the move, revamping the bullpen is a key to any team's offseason. They've made a few quality additions so far and should have plenty of options during the season.

I've got no problem wih the move on it's surface, but with yet another RHH specialist aquisition I'm left wondering if they're setting up for a trade involving Masterson. He's not untouchable, but I just happen to have a strong aversion to dealing cheap, cost-controlled arms.

they could be slotting him in as the number 5 starter...(which I think is a mistake.)  He was better as a reliever then a starter. 

At this point, I think they are just trying to create as many options for themselves as possible.  Pitching is such a valuable commodity... I think it is wise to make the moves, small though they may be (I am thinking specifically of the Littleton deal here), becuase they could pay large dividends in the future.

of course.

Although I wont be surprised if this guy doesnt even make the team.  He is out of options, and with the trade coming down to players to be named later, it is likely that this is one of those things where if he doesnt make the team, the sox give up nothing (just a bit of cash). 

In the past, he has been great against righties only...With Masterson being great against righties (and shaky against lefties) I find it hard to believe both will be in the pen to start the season. 

There are only so many gyus that can be in the pen.  Pap, Oki, MDC, Ramirez are locks (barring a trade).  javier Lopez likely grabs a spot.  Thats 5.  If Masterson remains in the pen, thats 6.  You then have one remaining spot.  Aardsma, Littleton, and whoever else can fight for the last spot.

Edit:  of the bullpen I listed above, none are capable of extended innings, so you likely need a guy who can be a long reliever...like Devern Hansack or something to that effect...

[Nerf DPOY]

Who here would extend Beckett another four years past his 2010 season (2011-14, for clarity) for something in the 60-70 mil range? On one hand, right now we have the luxury fo jumping ship as early as the end of '09. On the other, Beckett has been relatively healthy throughout his career and will only be 30 at the end of 2010, when he'd be a UFA.

This would all depend on his willingness, of course.

[yall hate]

Who here would extend Beckett another four years past his 2010 season (2011-14, for clarity) for something in the 60-70 mil range? On one hand, right now we have the luxury fo jumping ship as early as the end of '09. On the other, Beckett has been relatively healthy throughout his career and will only be 30 at the end of 2010, when he'd be a UFA.

This would all depend on his willingness, of course.

I dont think he would be willing to do that.  The Sox I am sure would.  But that would be an under market deal.

the sox have more pressing extensions anyway...Pedroia, Youk, Pap, Lester.

[Nerf DPOY]

Who here would extend Beckett another four years past his 2010 season (2011-14, for clarity) for something in the 60-70 mil range? On one hand, right now we have the luxury fo jumping ship as early as the end of '09. On the other, Beckett has been relatively healthy throughout his career and will only be 30 at the end of 2010, when he'd be a UFA.

This would all depend on his willingness, of course.

I dont think he would be willing to do that.  The Sox I am sure would.  But that would be an under market deal.

the sox have more pressing extensions anyway...Pedroia, Youk, Pap, Lester.

You're probably right. It was more just wishful thinking on my part. Though, 4 yrs/ 70 mil guaranteed regardless of future injury/massive decline has to be worth something to him.

I'd definitely be for locking up Lester, Pedroia, and Youk ( probably in that order ), but am not certain on Paps. No doubt he's elite, but I'm concerned about the long term health of his shoulder ever since they had to shut him down in '06. Obviously the Sox FO has a better handle on where his arms at, so we'll see.

[Tr1boy]

Looks like Tazwa is looked up. Brave of him to take this chance.

Also read in an article stating quote

"After Tazawa made clear his intention to bypass Japan's draft, Japan's professional baseball teams agreed to introduce a ban on players who return to the country after opting out of the amateur draft in order to play for overseas pro teams"

Does this mean the rule applies after tazawa's signing meaning even after 6 years he can still play in Japan?? (though i presume most japanese teams will boycott him)

[yall hate]

Looks like Tazwa is looked up. Brave of him to take this chance.

Especially since the deal is reportedly much less then other teams offered.  Also, the fact that he will be eligible for Arbitration in 3 years is good for the sox...if he hasnt shown much at that point, he will get the minimum (should they offer arb), if he shows a lot, then he gets paid appropriately.  Great job by the Sox building in protection for themselves if he busts, yet allowing for a reward should he be good.

Interesting to note that Tazawa has pointed to Matsuzaka as a main reason he picked the Sox...I guess that posting fee continues to pay dividends.

[Chris]

Looks like Tazwa is looked up. Brave of him to take this chance.

Especially since the deal is reportedly much less then other teams offered.  Also, the fact that he will be eligible for Arbitration in 3 years is good for the sox...if he hasnt shown much at that point, he will get the minimum (should they offer arb), if he shows a lot, then he gets paid appropriately.  Great job by the Sox building in protection for themselves if he busts, yet allowing for a reward should he be good.

Interesting to note that Tazawa has pointed to Matsuzaka as a main reason he picked the Sox...I guess that posting fee continues to pay dividends.

There's something I don't understand about this.  Supposedly he gets arbitration after 3 years of major league service time, and he has a 3 year contract.  But what happens if he is in the minors next year (as expected)?  Because he signed a major league contract, does he accrue service time, despite the fact that he isn't actually in the majors?

[Cman]

Interesting to note that Tazawa has pointed to Matsuzaka as a main reason he picked the Sox...I guess that posting fee continues to pay dividends.

Yep, good point. And here is to hoping the dividends continue to roll in.

[yall hate]

Looks like Tazwa is looked up. Brave of him to take this chance.

Especially since the deal is reportedly much less then other teams offered.  Also, the fact that he will be eligible for Arbitration in 3 years is good for the sox...if he hasnt shown much at that point, he will get the minimum (should they offer arb), if he shows a lot, then he gets paid appropriately.  Great job by the Sox building in protection for themselves if he busts, yet allowing for a reward should he be good.

Interesting to note that Tazawa has pointed to Matsuzaka as a main reason he picked the Sox...I guess that posting fee continues to pay dividends.

There's something I don't understand about this.  Supposedly he gets arbitration after 3 years of major league service time, and he has a 3 year contract.  But what happens if he is in the minors next year (as expected)?  Because he signed a major league contract, does he accrue service time, despite the fact that he isn't actually in the majors?

It is my belief that he does accrue the time since it is a ML contract. So it doesnt matter if he is in the majors or not, in 3 years he will be arb eligible (3 years of arb, then free agency)

[yall hate]

Sox reportedly add another Japanese starter:

.The Red Sox are adding two quality Japanese pitchers – 22-year-old Junichi Tazawa and 33-year-old Kenjin Kawakami

http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/sports/article/148823


Hasnt been reported any where else.  I guess take with a grain of salt.  couple guys at SOSH emailed the author, he says his MLB sources have confirmed it. 

Kawakami scouting report:
Kawakami isn’t overpowering; his fastball tops out in the low 90’s. His control is good, though not quite as awe-inspiring as Koji Uehara’s. And his windup isn’t deceptive, like many Japanese pitchers. Kawakami gets by purely on quality stuff.

Kawakami’s featured pitch is a cut fastball, which, according to Wikipedia, is known as Japan’s finest among visiting MLB All-Stars. He also has a slow curve, which he throws at 65-70 MPH. The rest of his arsenal is fairly typical: fastball, shuuto, fork. He changes speeds pretty well, particularly between his curve and harder stuff.


It would seem odd, especially since the Sox offered Byrd arbitration...I know you can never have enough starters, but this would give us, beckett, lester, matsuzake, wake, byrd, kawakami, plus buch/bowden...Something doesnt add up.  Especially since he reportedly got offered 4 years 20 million in Japan...

[Toine43]

It's staring to become comical how many Japanese pitchers we have on our roster. Japan is the new Dominican Republic!

[Cman]

Sox reportedly add another Japanese starter:

.The Red Sox are adding two quality Japanese pitchers – 22-year-old Junichi Tazawa and 33-year-old Kenjin Kawakami

http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/sports/article/148823


Hasnt been reported any where else.  I guess take with a grain of salt.  couple guys at SOSH emailed the author, he says his MLB sources have confirmed it. 

Kawakami scouting report:
Kawakami isn’t overpowering; his fastball tops out in the low 90’s. His control is good, though not quite as awe-inspiring as Koji Uehara’s. And his windup isn’t deceptive, like many Japanese pitchers. Kawakami gets by purely on quality stuff.

Kawakami’s featured pitch is a cut fastball, which, according to Wikipedia, is known as Japan’s finest among visiting MLB All-Stars. He also has a slow curve, which he throws at 65-70 MPH. The rest of his arsenal is fairly typical: fastball, shuuto, fork. He changes speeds pretty well, particularly between his curve and harder stuff.


It would seem odd, especially since the Sox offered Byrd arbitration...I know you can never have enough starters, but this would give us, beckett, lester, matsuzake, wake, byrd, kawakami, plus buch/bowden...Something doesnt add up.  Especially since he reportedly got offered 4 years 20 million in Japan...

Interesting, thanks for the link.  Anyone sniff a trade in the works?

Although, to be fair I only see three for sure starters: Beckett, Lester, Dice-K.  Byrd may or may not be back with the team, and even if he is, like Wake he is old and may not last a whole season. 

[yall hate]

Yea the rumor is that Byrd is going to decline arbitration (which is probably better for us, since he is type b, if he gets signed we will grab a sandwich pick)

And as I said, I would take this with a major grain of salt, because this is the only guy suggesting that he has signed.  every other site is saying either that he has no offers in the US yet, or that he simply has the 4 year 20 mill offer there.  It is relevant to note that in March he said Boston would be his preferred team if he were to come over.

[Tr1boy]

byrd wont be resigned by us if he declines arb. It might also not be good for him to stay with us because unless bucholz really sux, he won't hve a rotation spot.

I like the japanese - edit: I don't know if you were going for an abbreviation but let's shoot for somethng more PC redz righty reliever signing and the redsox are pretty much done with pitching help except maybe a lefty specialist and try to steal aj burnett if they can't land texeira. (then move wake to the bullpen or trade bucholz for something good)