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Oh Theo, Where Art Thou?
The Boston Red Sox were dealt a horrible blow this week as Johnny Damon was signed by the New York Yankees. Johnny was one of the faces and heroes of the 2004 Championship team and was a stable bat at the top of the Red Sox lineup, but the Red Sox failed to resign the icon.
It seems that immediately the Red Sox realized that they had screwed up as they held a press conference to discuss NOT signing Damon. This realization rubbed in as uber-agent Scott Boras noted, “The fact of the matter is the Yankees valued Johnny Damon at a much higher standard than the Red Sox did. That’s just something that was their choice.”[1]
Damon was the heart and sole of the Red Sox. Sure, Big Pappi ranks right up there, but Damon displayed more glitz and glitter the Sox fans loved.
Was is even more sickening is that rumors persist that the Red Sox are interested in Mariner centerfielder Jeremy Reed. Although he was one of the upper prospects in the White Sox farm system at one time, Reed struggled with the bat in the majors since being traded to Seattle.
The only way to recover at this point would be to trade for Torii Hunter’s power and Julio Lugo’s presence at the top of the lineup (.362 OBP was well higher than Carl Crawford’s). But how? After odd trades earlier in the off-season, there’s not much left in the cupboard to trade for such talent.
Supposedly the Red Sox gifted their box seat ticket holders this week with mousepads and coasters manufactured from the same leather used to make Rawlings baseball gloves. One box seat holder reportedly stated: “I would have rather they spent the money on keeping Johnny Damon.” [2]
[1] The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/22/sports/baseball/22yanks.html?pagewanted=2, December 22, 2005
[2] The Boston Herald. http://thetrack.bostonherald.com/moreTrack/view.bg?articleid=118154&format=text, December 22, 2005
Trade Extravaganza
The annual winter meetings are usually the center of where much of the trade hype becomes reality. This year it is expected to be true more than other years as the free agent market is thin and teams looking to make upgrades are forced to look at other teams for the type of talent they desire. Although some trades have already been completed, mostly due to the Marlins fire sale, many analysts believe trades will still take place the coming week.
Manny Ramirez
At the top of all trade speculation is the possibility of Manny Ramirez being traded. Manny is one of the best hitters on the planet and many teams would love to have his bat in their lineup, the list shortens considerably after you consider his salary though. The Mets, the Angels, and the Diamondbacks seem to be the source of most of the rumors, but most of them do not have enough to offer in return to spark enough interest from the Red Sox.
Mets – Although Lastings Milledge is a true talent, Omar’s other deals have devastated the farm system and there is little else at the major league level that they could lure the Red Sox with.
Angels – It is believed that the Angels would be Ramirez’s top choice, but Angels GM Bill Stoneman doesn’t seem that interested (for now). This team does have enough talent to entice though with major-league ready Casey Kotchman at first, import Kendry Morales at first or outfield, stud pitching prospect Ervin Santana, and two of the top middle infield prospects in Brandon Wood and Howie Kendrick. But it is doubtful that the Angels would part with much of all that top talent. If the Red Sox bite on Steve Finley’s salary on part of the package it just could happen.
Diamondbacks – It is odd that Arizona is mentioned so much in Ramirez rumors as they don’t look to be the right fit. Arizona has a few good prospects ready to move into their outfield cheaply for a team that needs to worry more about starting pitching. Also, aren’t they still paying off a lot of back loaded contracts?
In the end I believe that he will stay in Boston and continue to be an offensive duo with David Ortiz that will scare pitchers all year.
Javier Vazquez
Javier is another player that is no longer interested in playing with his current team. His desire to play on the east coast could land him in New York (Mets), Boston, Baltimore, Philly, or even Atlanta (Jon Schuerholz has worked out tougher money-dependant deals).
Juan Pierre
Interest for Pierre is rampant throughout baseball as teams drool over his abilities at the top of the order and his work ethic. It seems as half of baseball is looking to trade for this leadoff star.
Since the Cubs did not land Rafael Furcal, look for them to immediately grab Juan Pierre over the other suitors.
Lyle Overbay
It is time to end the Overbay rumors. Lyle has been rumored in many deals as Prince Fielder continues to proceed through the minors.
Boston – Chowdaville seems to be the most discussed location for Overbay, but the team may be hesitant to complete a deal after loosing a decent amount of pitching prospects in the Beckett/Lowell trade. An Overbay to Boston for Bronson Arroyo and a low minors pitching prospect could draw Brewer GM Doug Melvin to pull the trigger though.
Kevin Mench
It has been reported that the Blue Jays, Cardinals, Cubs, Nationals, Pirates, and even the Royals are interested in the power hitting right fielder. Honestly, it may just come down to the Blue Jays, Cardinals, or Cubs. Two instant thoughts:
Cardinals – If the Cards sign A.J. Burnett and are ready to bring up Anthony Reyes, they might take their surplus pitching to go after Mench. Jason Marquis and talented prospect Adam Wainwright could make this deal happen.
Cubs – Jeremy Burnitz wasn’t enough of a replacement in right field for Sammy Sosa. So an even crazier deal could include Corey Patterson, Jerome Williams, and oft injured, but high ceiling Angel Guzman could draw Texas’ interest. Patterson could use a change of scenery and the Rangers have soured some on Laynce Nix. Throw in a couple potentially good starters and Texas could have a decent return on Mench.
Alfonso Soriano
Not going anywhere with a projected post-arbitration salary of $10 million, somewhat porous defense at second, and unwillingness to move to the outfield.
Jonny Gomes
Yes, yes, he hasn’t been mentioned much in trades, but he is probably available. Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli are locked up long-term and there is a certain Baseball America minor league player of the year knocking on the door to the majors in Delmon Young. Although Jonny has never really been on the radar screen, he had 21 homers in only 348 at-bats last year and a .372 OBP. The Blue Jays, Cubs, Cardinals, Royals, Pirates and others would come immediately to mind as suitors.
Blue Jays – Ricciardi could dangle pitcher David Bush.
Cubs – Jim Hendry could offer pitchers Jerome Williams and prospect Ricky Nolasco.
Cardinals – Once again, either Marquis or Wainwright might entice the D-Rays.
Royals – Baird could try reliever talented Jeremy Affeldt and a minor league prospect.
Pirates – The Pirates have a surplus of starting pitching and may be able to afford to let loose of pitching prospect Paul Maholm (although they will try to push Kip Wells as much as possible).
