1602 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

Fire Brand of the American League: http://firebrandal.c...t-make-it-rain/

Commentary from ESPN's Red Sox SweetSpot blog, on how Boston's spending is being impacted by the luxury tax.

[BSLChrisStoner]

NBC Sports Hardball Talk / Aaron Gleeman: http://hardballtalk....d-kyle-weiland/

Interesting trade between Boston and Houston today. I've always liked Lowrie. Did the Red Sox spend too much to get Melancon?

[Don Olsen]

Melancon eat's right handed bats with an effective FB/CB combo. I told a Red Sox's writer that if he were on another highly exposed team other than Houston, people would be thinking differently.

I see him being a more effective situation right hander or the 7th/8th inning type arm, but if his curve works as it did these past two season the Sox's made a useful trade.

Lowrie is a fine player, but where does he exactly fit with that current roster? He was considered an "expendable" piece, even if it was a guy with everyday potential. The pitcher Wieland has solid stuff and should be a useful starter for Houston in a season or two.

Remember the Sox's can win now and buy their mistakes. I do not knock a move for a contending team that has an MVP caliber 2nd baseman with a good deal of time left in the tank. If his arm can fill the role and help add the extra win or two in value, it was a risk worth taking.

[BaseballReflections]

I agree with Don & I'll add my own 2 cents, too.

They saved some money, too. With the percentage they'll owe to the Luxury tax going forward, it made sense to reduce salary & in this case they received a player who will be under control for a while before he hits free agency (after the 2016 or 2017 season I believe). And if he isn't the closer, that will make him an even better commodity as his salary won't go up so much either. Either Bard, Jenks or an acquisition can still wind up as the main closer for 2012 & beyond. He may just the the next 8th inning guy that replaces Bard that they were looking for!

[BSLChrisStoner]

FanGraphs: http://www.fangraphs...boston-red-sox/

[BSLChrisStoner]

WEEI: http://fullcount.wee...ield-situation/

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baseball America: Red Sox Top 10
http://www.baseballa...12/2612769.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baseball Musings: http://baseballmusings.com/?p=78509

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baseball Analytics: Sox turn to scrap heap for Starters
http://www.baseballa...r-starters.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

FanGraphs: Red Sox need OF help
http://www.fangraphs...-outfield-help/

[BaseballReflections]

Let's see where this takes us...

I say that if Jose Igesias hits well & shows some patience in Spring Training, then he should get a shot at the everyday job when the team heads north.

Your thoughts?

Peter @ Baseball Reflections

[DJ MC]

I don't know. He's only 22, and he didn't hit AT ALL in Pawtucket last season. I mean, as much as I would love to see the Red Sox fans get excited about his spring training, then absolutely crush him when he puts up a sub-.500 OPS in April, I don't think he should be judged ready based on a hot March.

While the options ahead of him aren't great, Aviles is a competent offensive player and Punto can field. Combine the two and you can come up with a decent shortstop until either Iglesias is ready or another option is available.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baseball Analytics: Can Jacoby Ellsbury Keep Slugging?
http://www.baseballa...p-slugging.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

Fire Brand of the AL: Where should Ellsbury bat in the lineup?
http://firebrandal.c...-in-the-lineup/

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baseball Musings: Crawford Cuts
http://baseballmusings.com/?p=80236

After going through all of last year, and having the off-season to think things over; I've expected Crawford to rebound this year as he acclimated to playing in Boston. However, as Mr. Pinto says here, a wrist injury is pretty much as bad as it gets for a hitter.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Mass Live: Schilling says Red Sox growing tired of Valentine
http://www.masslive....ox_are_gro.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baseball Analytics: Mike Aviles Wins the Shortstop Battle
http://www.baseballa...top-battle.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

Fire Brand of the AL: Bold Predictions for 2012
http://firebrandal.c...tions-for-2012/

[BSLChrisStoner]

NBC Sports / Hardball Talk: Red Sox's new closer is Alfredo Aceves
http://hardballtalk....red-sox-closer/

[SportsGuy]

Big loss for them but they knew what they were getting with Bailey...A lot of talent but has had some health issues.