Red Sox set to sign Pablo Sandoval, Sources say Ramirez numbers inaccurate

News broke late last night that the Boston Red Sox were set to bring in free agent Hanley Ramirez to finalize a deal worth $90 million over the next 5 years. New reports coming out of Boston say those numbers are in accurate, and that the deal will be reportedly worth $88 million over 4 years with a vesting option at $22 million for a 5th season pending a physical. Now it appears the Sox are also ready to acquire free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval. Dubbed the “Kung Fu Panda” by former Giants teammate Barry Zito, after eluding a tag at home plate back in 2008, A 3 time World Series champion with the San Francisco Giants; Sandoval,28, hit .279 with 16 homers and 73 RBI’s last season is a solid addition to a team that struggled on offense last year. In addition, he’s a pretty good defender as well. If the Sox do sign both free agents, many current Sox players will soon begin wondering if there days in Boston are numbered. The Red Sox currently already have second baseman Dustin Pedroia, whose name I only bring up as to eliminate the chance of Ramirez moving to second if he does sign. SS Xander Bogearts, who has been considered untouchable by the Sox organization in recent years; however, did struggle during the first half the season offensively and defensively before coming on late at the end, first baseman Mike Napoli, whom the Red Sox just resigned last season and third baseman Will Middlebrooks. I think the clear consensus now would be to either include Middlebrooks in a trade for starting pitching or see if he’s willing to start the season in Pawtucket.

The outfield may even be more crowed right now, with midseason acquisitions of Yoenis Cespedes, Rusney Castillo, and Allan Craig; as well as a healthy Shane Victorino coming back, and outfielder Daniel Nava. I think it’s safe to say the Sox would like to start prospects Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr in Pawtucket if they were to go into the 2015 season with this kind of log jam. However, that probably won’t be the case. If I gave you 90 seconds to name the Red Sox pitching rotation next season could you do it? Clay Buckholtz is about the only guarantee and he’s not a number one starter. Some may argue he isn’t even a number 2 on a championship team. Names like Rubby De La Rosa, Joe Kelly, Allen Webster, Brandon Workman, Anthony Ranaudo, and Matt Barnes may compete for two open slots in the rotation. Southpaw Henry Owens is widely considered the Sox best pitching prospect but should probably start the season on the farm and if needed, be brought up down the stretch run.

That still leaves at least two slots open in the rotation. The Red Sox are actively pursuing Jon Lester. If they can’t reach an agreement with Lester, look for them to turn their attention to free agent James Shields. Shields, who has pitched previously with the Rays and Royals may not be considered an “ace” but would be a solid number 2. This brings us back to the log jam of position players. I now expect GM Ben Cherrington to make a move to acquire pitching through a trade. Most will speculate Cespedes will be the one to go. You won’t get an ace back for Cespedes straight up; however, a package deal including any of the following, Middlebrooks, Victorino, Craig, Webster, Barnes, or Ranaudo and a prospect or two may be enough to land someone to pencil in at the top of the rotation. No matter what happens, it should be an interesting off season to watch for Red Sox fans at least.

ScottyD
@Dpo12s

Familiar face headed back to Boston. Hanley Ramirez to sign with Red Sox 5 years $90M

Life had never been better for Red Sox fans following the 2004 season. The Sox had just captured their 1st World Series in 86 years; the first of what would be three World Series championships in the next ten years. Flash forward a full year to the 2005 offseason. Theo Epstein had resigned as the General Manger at the end of October, following a power struggle with President of baseball operations Larry Lucchino; leaving the Sox with two relatively unknowns at the time in charge as interim General Managers. Those two “unknowns” were current Red Sox GM Ben Cherrington and now Chicago Cubs GM Jed Hoyer.

On November 24th 2005, The Red Sox and their co-GM’s finalized a deal with the then Florida Marlins, agreeing to send 4 prospects to Florida in exchange for Josh Becket, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota. One of those 4 prospects was Hanley Ramirez, who was rated by Baseball America as the #10 prospect in baseball prior to the 2005 season. 9 years later to the day, Hanley Ramirez will be flying into Boston instead of flying out this time, to finalize a deal with the Boston Red Sox worth a reported $90 million dollars over the next 5 seasons. Ramirez, 30, will turn 31 next month, hit .283 with 13 home runs and 71 RBIs in 128 regular season games last season with the L.A. Dodgers, before becoming a free agent this offseason after rejecting a $15.3 million qualifying offer earlier this month.

Multiple questions immediately come to mind following the news of Ramirez (no relation to Manny) heading to Boston. The first of which is, what position is he coming here to play? He came up through the Sox system as a shortstop but has played third base as well at times in the past. The Red Sox already have SS Xander Bogaerts, 22, under contract and secondly, what is going on with third base free agent Pablo Sandoval? Sandoval, 30, was also reportedly offered over $90 million for 5 years. Very similar to the deal Ramirez is about to sign with Boston. Did Cherrington believe Sandoval was not coming to Boston and instead of being left out in the cold with nothing, decided to settle for Ramirez before he signed elsewhere? Ramirez reportedly told teams inquiring, that he would be open to a position change. Does that mean third base? Or could it mean left field if the Sox are still in the running for Sandoval’s services? Those questions remain to be seen as of now.

Some skeptics to say he’s not the player he once was and that age may be catching up with him. Ramirez when healthy has been one of the most productive shortstops since arriving in the majors; however, he has been hampered with injuries the past few seasons playing in 128 games last season and only 86 during the 2013 season; yet he was still able to hit 20 homers while batting .345 in those 86 games. Only time will tell if he can bounce back offensively but you have to think the Sox feel confident he’ll be able to stay on the field if they’re going to offer him almost a hundred million dollars. David Ortiz isn’t getting any younger either so they could possibly move him to DH in the future if his body does start breaking down. This could also mean the end of the Will Middlebrooks era in Boston. The Sox are revamping their offense, which looked God awful last year; with outfielder Rusney Castillo, a healthy Dustin Pedroia, Yoenis Cespedes, Ortiz, Ramirez, and Bogaerts, who now has a year under his belt and the possibility of adding Sandoval as well, but they’re going to have to address their pitching situation at some point if they have any plans of playing in the post season next year. If Sandoval does sign with Boston this Ramirez deal may just be the beginning of things to come. Cole Hamels to Boston for Cespedes, Middlebrooks, and two prospects anyone?

ScottyD

@Dpo12s

Where will Jon Lester end up signing?

Multiple reports have said Jon Lester met with the Boston Red Sox this week.

Those reports say the Sox offered the 30 year-old southpaw who had a 2.46 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 220/48 K/BB ratio in 219 2/3 innings this season between Boston and Oakland. 6years for $110-$120 million. Let’s call it $120 because I happen to believe Lester will get more than $110 from someone. Late reports Wednesday have said that the Red Sox are willing to negotiate from their latest offer. In other words they know as well as I do that $120 probably isn’t going to get it done either .

Lester met with the Cubs and old friend Theo on Tuesday as we’ll as planning to meet with the Atlanta Braves Thursday. Lester already has a home in Atlanta but the Braves would have to shuffle around some money and players to probably make the contract work for them. As for the Cubs, right now I believe they may be the front runners. They’re probably willing to offer Lester the most money out of any teams currently “in the hunt” for his services. Lester was also drafted by Theo Epstein. As well the Cubs just made former Tampa Bay manager Joe Madden their manager, who has a spectacular track record at getting the most out of his pitchers.

New reports also have the St Louis Cardinals testing the waters about Lester. I actually believe the Cardinals may make a serious push at Lester. They saw first-hand what he could do in the 2013 World Series. Imagine a one two punch of Wainwright and Lester. In addition they just traded starting pitching to acquire Jason Heyward from the Braves and still do have a full rotation as of now. Two things to remember; you can never have enough starting pitching and you can always use pitching to acquire assets to improve your club.

The Toronto Blue Jays are reported to have interest in Lester as well. However I’m not buying it. I think if anything it may be more of a PR move to go back to their fan base and say “hey we tried.” Or to drive the price up for a division rival such as the Red Sox.

There hasn’t been much mention of the last team Lester actually pitched for, the Oakland A’s making a run at him; however, I wouldn’t put it past Billy Beane to throw out an offer even though I believe Lester is going to cost too much for their small market club.

Ranking as of now where Lester will end up

1. Cubs

2. Red Sox

3. Cardinals

4. Braves

5. Athletics

6. Blue Jays

Dark Horse: The Yankee’s. Never count them out. I could easily see Brian Cashman dialing up Lesters agent saying “ How’s 6 and $175M sound? Boom done.

ScottyD

@dpo12s

Red Sox Notes Heading Into the Trade Deadline

Koji Uehara pictured above

• What to do with Jon Lester is probably the question that’s been keeping Red Sox GM Ben Cherington and President Larry Lucchino up late at night recently. The Sox have butchered this from the start. Red Sox management (Luchino) clearly low balled Lester back in spring training with a offer reportedly in the range of 4years $70 million. I think it’s almost certain he tests the free agent waters. He’s made it this far trough the season, injury free and has a 2.39 era in his last 30 games started! I won’t be surprised to see a team go 6 years at $24-$26 million a year. A number the Red Sox won’t touch with a ten foot pole. I don’t see the sox going more than 5yr at $125 million. If they do, however, I don’t understand why they already haven’t. It’s clear they have a structure in place an are set in their ways. The Red Sox have statistical evidence that clearly state’s you may as we’ll go to Vegas and throw it all on black if your going to sign a pitcher over 30 to more than 5 years. The probability of that pitcher making it through his entire contract healthy and maintaining his value to the contract he signed his extremely low.
So what do they do now? Only Ben Cherington & Larry Lucchino know the answer to that question. Are they going to bend their rule for “one of theirs” (Lester was drafted and has played his entire professional career with the Sox). If they don’t plan on ponying up a 5th year they might as we’ll move on from Jon Lester at this point. However, I don’t think they actually move him. He probably will walk during FA, the Sox will take the draft pick compensation and move forward. With who at the top of your rotation is the bigger question.

• Sox – Dodgers talking about Matt Kemp? Personally, I don’t like it. Any deal involving Kemp .277 8 hr 40 RBI would most likely include Lester or Koji Uehara. Nearly $118 million remain on Kemp’s deal until 2019. He’s far from then he was in 2010, when he finished 2nd in the MVP voting. Since then he has had two shoulder surgeries and an ankle injury that has prevented him from returning to CF, instead playing mostly corner outfield. I’d much rather see the Sox, pay Lester, instead of taking on Kemp’s salary, and go get Mike Stanton from Miami, for prospects. Get Stanton to Boston then worry about what it will cost to keep him.

•Player most likely to be dealt Koji Uehara. He’s having another incredible season 1.51 era 21 saves 63 K’s 0.76 WHIP. He would help a team down the stretch and bring back a top 5 prospect in return. While you would get more back for him if they moved him by July 31st. Don’t rule out the Aug31st. Waiver deadline either.

– Scotty D

@Dpo12s
@undraft3d

Athletics and Cubs Complete First Blockbuster Trade of the MLB Season

The Athletics acquired starting pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel from the Cubs yesterday for pitcher Dan Straily, prospects Addison Russell and Billy McKinney, and a player to be named later. Samardzija has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, posting a 2.83 ERA and a WHIP of 1.20 despite a 2-7 record. Hammel is enjoying the best season of his career with a record of 8-5, 2.98 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.02. With the trade, the A’s now have 5 of the top 33 pitchers in ERA. Samardzija will certainly welcome the move with getting more run support and moving to a pitcher’s ballpark. This is a rare move by Oakland, stepping out of their moneyball philosophy. I like it and think it’s worth the risk. They strengthen their pitching and already have a strong lineup. The Athletics are also one of the best teams in baseball and won the AL West the past two seasons, but were knocked out of the ALDS both times. This deal means the A’s aren’t playing around and want to get over the hump to make it to the World Series for the first time since 1990. On the Cubs side of the deal, they get two of the Athletics best prospects in Addison Russell and Billy McKinney. Russell is one of baseball’s top prospect and was the top prospect for the A’s. The shortstop was a 1st round pick in 2012. Oakland was reluctant to give him up at first, but ended up parting with him to get they pitching they wanted. Russell has done really well so far this season in High Single-A and Double-A. McKinney, who’s an outfielder, was regarded as the Athletics second best prospect behind Russell and was a 1st round pick last year. The Cubs have now added some quality talent and have stocked up their farm system that was barren just a couple of years ago. They are loaded with young and talented bats. General manager Theo Epstein has done a good job and the Cubs future looks bright for the first time in a while. The other part of the trade, pitcher Dan Straily, will most likely take one of the two spots in the rotation that were vacated in the deal. I think both sides did well in the trade, but we will have to see how the A’s season plays out and how the prospects pan out for the Cubs. It will be interesting to see if this trade will open up things for other teams to start making some moves before the MLB’s trade deadline on July 31st.

– MPT

@mpt117

Latest on John Lackey’s Contract Situation

Back in 2010, John Lackey signed a 5 year $82.5 million dollar contract and there was a clause in that contract he signed that said if Lackey was to miss significant time due to his preexisting elbow injury, there would be a club option for the Boston Red Six to pay Lackey at the veteran minimum salary of $500,000 for one season. That decision will need to be made this offseason. Lackey has already threatened to retire if they don’t work out a new deal. Last week Cherington was asked if he envisioned any scenario that Lackey pitches for the Sox next year while earning the league minimum. Cherington basically said ” A contract is a contract.” He reiterated that Lackey is an outstanding competitor, a great teammate, and an excellent pitcher. Lackey also likes being around the guys in the clubhouse and he gives it his all every five days when he takes the mound. Cherington also said this is just a function of the times we live in and how much time there is to talk about these things. I don’t doubt something will get settled during the offseason. I’m just not sure which it will be. Will the Sox offer Lackey a contract extension possibly in the range of $10-12 million over two years? He’s 35 now and has been pitching in the Majors since 2002, when he helped lead the Angles to a World Series victory as a rookie. Lackey has had two major arm surgeries and there’s a lot of tread on those tires. Another option could be to trade him in the offseason. The Sox desperately need offensive help with little coming up through the farm system any time soon. However, they do have a few good pitchers in the system like Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster, Anthony Ranaudo, Matt Barnes, or Henry Owens that may be able to slide in. A third option would be to pull Lackey’s card and call his bluff, will he really retire? I doubt it and at this point, I think it’s more of a bargaining chip. The more he performs during the second half of the season and into the playoffs if they make it there could be all he needs to cash in and force the Sox hand (See Jon Lester). Again, only time will tell. Stay tuned to @Undraft3d for follow ups on all things concerning the 2014 Boston Red Sox.

– Scotty D

@Dpo12s

 

 

What should the Red Sox do with Jon Lester?

What should the Boston Red Sox do with Jon Lester? Last winter, Lester was willing to sit down and discuss a contract extension. To which  general manager Ben Cherington (or most likely Larry Luccino pulling the strings behind the scenes) offered in my opinion, a non-worthy contract within the range of $70-$80 million dollars over five years. Max Scherzer of the Detroit Tigers, who you could say has comparable numbers, turned down a contract offer in the range of $144 million dollars this same offseason. Now I’m not saying $75 million dollars is not a ton of money, the majority of us will never see that kind of money in our lifetime. However, if the 30-year-old Lester hits free agency after the season, he could see offers as long and high as 6-7 years $144 million, possibly even higher than that. Over the winter, Lester was quoted as saying he would take a hometown discount to stay in Boston. Either Larry Luccino or the Red Sox and Jon Lester have two extremely different views of a hometown discount. I believe the Sox have messed this up from the start. Lester’s stock was extremely high coming off a World Series victory, but he even reiterated his feeling months later in spring training: “I think I could go kind of like the touristy side of it. Just the city, we just enjoy kind of the small, big-city feel that Boston has. But at the same time, this has been my home for the last eight-plus, 12 years; eight years in Boston and 12 years with the organization,” he said. “It’s all I’ve really known. When I say that, it’s more so along the lines of the Red Sox side of it. This is where I want to be. You don’t see many guys that get drafted by a team and end up staying there their whole career. It’s just something I’ve always wanted to be a part of and wanted to do.” Lester said Sunday when appearing on the The Bradfo Show podcast.

I don’t see any reason for Lester to sign at this point. He’s costing the Red Sox a lot of by money pitching well this season, and may as well roll the dice in free agency to see what other teams view his value at. Many say Boston is a tough city to play in. When you don’t perform, I believe that to be true. Jon Lester has proven time and time again he has what it takes to not only pitch in this city, but also in big games, playoff games, and World Series games. Lester is a workhorse, one not seen in the Sox system since Roger Clemens. They would be foolish to let a talent like Lester go. He was brought up through this orginiazation from Theo Epstein and on to Cherington. Both have the same philosophy about pitchers and how to mange them to get the most out of their careers. I understand the Sox new approach is to not give out long term deals, but who is going to fill the void of the Red Sox ace next season if they let him go? You tell me because I certainly don’t have the asnwer to that question.

Jon Lester’s season stats as of June 30th: 9-7, 2.92 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 9.1 K’s per 9

Jon Lester’s career stats in the playoffs: 6-4, 2.11 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 8.0 K’s per 9 (2-0, 0.59 ERA, 0.65 WHIP, 8.8 K’s per 9 in 2013 World Series)

 

– Scotty D

@sdavenport12

 

Cape Cod Baseball League East Reigon Preview

Birds fly south for the winter, only to return back north when the weather gets warmer. Much like our avain friends, collegiate baseball players have found themselves in an annual migration with the hopes for a promising future ahead. For the last 130 summers, college prospects have flocked to Cape Cod to play in the CCBL. Some are unknown and looking for a chance to prove themselves, others are top draft picks, but during the summer months non of that matters beacause it’s all about the game itself. Baseball, in its purest form. No fancy cars in the players lot, there are no stadiums, just bleachers and lawn chairs. Personally, some of my favorite childhood memories were had down the Cape. From wiffleball in the sandy streets or at the beach, to a hot dog and an autographed baseball signed by the entire Harwich Mariners team (Thanks to Coach Englert). My brothers and I would chase after foul balls at Red Wilson Field, next to Yarmouth High and home of the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, pushing each other off the quickest point of A. to B. in hopes of one of us positioning ourselves a leg up to get to that ball first. Originally, I had planned to write this before the 130th season started, but better late than never right?

Red Sox Designate Grady Sizemore For Assignment and a Look at the Sox Top Prospects

Today, the Boston Redsox at 33-38 and 7.5 games back in the AL East, designated outfielder Grady Sizemore for assignment. Sizemore 31, played in 52 games this season, hitting a whopping 216/.288/.324 with 2 hr 14 RBI. Sadly, I have been saying this was a pipe dream from the start. Out of all people, I respect Grady Sizemore a lot. He missed two full seasons due to injury (microfracture surgery performed on his left knee), worked hard to get an invite to camp, and surprisingly made the team out of the gate. That’s where my problem lies however. Feel good story, yes, but if you’re not producing in the MLB, you’re out. Feel good stories don’t win games, they don’t get you into the playoffs, or the starting lineup for that matter, when you’re hitting .216. My biggest question is why did General Manager Ben Cherington go into this season thinking a platoon combination of Sizemore and Bradley Jr. was sufficient? I questioned it back in spring training when OF Nelson Cruz was available right up until the beginning of Spring Training. Brock Holt, .338/.378/.464 1 HR 15 RBI in 37 games, started the year as a 3rd basemen in Pawtucket, was called up to the Majors and has been producing ever since getting his opportunity to step in the outfield. That may have ultimately been the final straw for Sizemore.

R.I.P. Tony Gwynn

Earlier today, Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn passed away at the age of 54 after battling cancer. Gwynn was a 15-time All-Star, 8-time National League batting champion, and was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee in 2007. He was one of the best hitters the game has ever seen, recording 3,141 hits and a career average of .338. Both rank 19th and 18th all-time respectively. It’s insane that Gwynn only had one seasons where he didn’t bat over .300, and that was his rookie season where he batted .289. His best season came in 1994, where he flirted with becoming the first .400 since Ted Williams in 1941. In the strike-shortened season, Gwynn finished with a .394 average. Imagine what could have been if the rest of the season played out. What may be a more absurd stat is that Gwynn never struck out more than 40 times in a season over his 20 year career. I remember watching Gwynn play at the end of his career when I was growing up in the late 90s-early 2000s. He was a class act, well respected, and one of the best players and hitters of all time. R.I.P. Mr. Gwynn.