The MeatSo Covelli "Coco" Crisp has been traded for a middle reliever. Now, as some of you may or may not be aware, I am generally of the mindset that middle relief is the bottom of the barrel when it comes to trade returns. Middle relievers are a dime a dozen, and in any given year, your 8th inning guy can go to waivers, and a journeyman can become shut down. That's the problem when you only have a small sample set and so much depends on routine, and confidence.
But I like this trade. Part of me thinks I shouldn't, because of what Crisp brings to the table game in and game out, but I think this is a good move. The logic is a little winding and a little long, but try and follow a long. By bolstering the bullpen, we are giving Justin Masterson the chance to go into the starting rotation. I have said from the beginning that I like him in the rotation better than in the 'pen. Now, by moving him there, our rotation becomes: Beckett, Dice-K, Lester, Masterson, and Wakefield. The Sox are also in the market for starters Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett. We also have Clay Buchholz in the minors, along with prospect Michael Bowden, knuckleballer Charlie Zink, and a slew of other arms both in the bullpen and the rotation.
Now, we have extra arms, as well as an unneeded shortstop in Julio Lugo, and a package can be thrown together for Texas in order to acquire one of their catchers. Once Varitek's price comes down to reality (2-3 years ~$8 M/yr), we have our captain back as well as an heir apparent to him for when he is hurt, not hitting, or too old to play. I cast my vote for Jarrod "Salty" Saltalamacchia. Now I know Texas doesn't need a shortstop but there are plenty of teams that do, and they'd probably be willing to give the Rangers a pitcher or two for him (though the Sox might have to bite some salary).
A Little DessertThe Sox are now in need of three players: starting catcher, utility infielder, and fourth outfielder. Well, let me dream about Salty, and 'Tek, and let's focus on the fourth outfielder and backup infielder. I would love to say: bring in the hometown Rocco Baldelli! However, we'll need an everyday guy when J.D. Drew takes his yearly trip to the DL, and with Rocco's well published metochondrial disease, he's not our guy. Jim Edmonds would be a nice fit, but might come with a big price tag given his performance in limited action last year. Bringing back Mark Kotsay makes a lot of sense, especially since he plays a solid first base, too. If not these guys, I (like all the women in Red Sox Nation) would love to see the Sox bring back Mr. Gabe Kapler.
For an infielder, Willie Bloomquist is on the market, but his lifetime OPS+ is 75, OBP .322 and that's not a guy I want (for an explanation of the OPS+ stat, feel free to contact Kyle Baxter). Again, I'd love to bring back an old Red Sox player in Mark Loretta - nice OBP if not a great OPS guy. Bringing back Alex Cora would be great, but I think an upgrade is in order this offseason, and with the economy we might be able to find one at a discount. I think trying to bring back one Nomar Garciaparra would be ok, but we know how he is in the clubhouse, so maybe not. Juan Uribe, Pablo Ozuna, and Nick Punto might be other options in this case, but I won't pretend to know what the hell they're going to do.
The weather is growing cold, and the stove is heating up - stay tuned into VendorBall for all the updates and expert analysis*.
*Yes we are.
Various sources are reporting that the Red Sox have indeed made a contract offer to free agent 1B Mark Teixeira.
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