Well, let's start with the big one. Boston acquired closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney from the A's the other day for Josh Reddick, Miles Head, and Raul Alcantara.
Bailey is the centerpiece and immediately becomes the best option for the closer position, joining the recently acquired Mark Melancon and holdovers Bobby Jenks, Franklin Morales, and Matt Albers in a much stronger-looking bullpen. Bailey has been a two time All Star and Rookie of the Year. Last year he was 0-4 with a 3.26 ERA and 24 saves. Sweeney is a possibility for a platoon in right field. He is very good defensively, but not a very potent bat, particularly against left-handers.
Boston gave up Reddick, who could be a solid major leaguer in time, but has no real eye at the plate, Head who has power but little else, and Alcantara who is a ways away.
NEWS AND NOTES
-Boston has signed minor league relievers Doug Mathis and Jesse Carlson and re-signed Rich Hill. Mathis last appeared in the Majors in 2010 with Texas. He had decent numbers in 2009 but has not been overly impressive. Carlson also last appeared in 2010 with Toronto and was a big part of the Blue Jays pen in 2009. Hill appeared to be a decent lefty specialist before going down with an injury for Boston last year.
-Erik Bedard signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. No real loss there.
-Brett Carroll signed as a minor league free agent with the Nationals. I had no idea he was even in the Red Sox system.
-Hideki Okajima joined the Yankees on a minor league contract. Okajima has been nowhere near the pitcher he was in the last few years, so this is basically meaningless.
Showing posts with label news and notes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news and notes. Show all posts
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Red Sox Acquire Mark Melancon, Sign Nick Punto, News and Notes
Link.
The Red Sox added a piece to their bullpen by acquiring Mark Melancon from the Houston Astros for Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland. Melancon was the closer for the latter part of the season for the Astros and will likely be given the same opportunity in 2012. Melancon came up through the Yankees system and was traded to Houston in the Lance Berkman trade. Last year, he was 8-4 with a 2.78 ERA and 20 saves. To get him, they gave up Lowrie who always showed potential but could never stay healthy and Weiland, who could become the pitcher Melancon is now.
The Red Sox also signed utility infielder Nick Punto as a free agent. Punto is a good glove man with a good eye at the plate. He will take over Lowrie's role.
RULE 5 RESULTS
Boston lost Cesar Cabral to the Royals, who turned around and traded him to the Yankees. They selected Marwin Gonzalez and promptly traded him for former Mexican Leaguer Marco Duarte. Basically a non-story. Boston also picked up minor league catcher Gerardo Olivares from the Rays.
The Red Sox added a piece to their bullpen by acquiring Mark Melancon from the Houston Astros for Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland. Melancon was the closer for the latter part of the season for the Astros and will likely be given the same opportunity in 2012. Melancon came up through the Yankees system and was traded to Houston in the Lance Berkman trade. Last year, he was 8-4 with a 2.78 ERA and 20 saves. To get him, they gave up Lowrie who always showed potential but could never stay healthy and Weiland, who could become the pitcher Melancon is now.
The Red Sox also signed utility infielder Nick Punto as a free agent. Punto is a good glove man with a good eye at the plate. He will take over Lowrie's role.
RULE 5 RESULTS
Boston lost Cesar Cabral to the Royals, who turned around and traded him to the Yankees. They selected Marwin Gonzalez and promptly traded him for former Mexican Leaguer Marco Duarte. Basically a non-story. Boston also picked up minor league catcher Gerardo Olivares from the Rays.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
News and Notes
I have been away for a little while, so let's get caught up on Red Sox news.
BOBBY VALENTINE NAMED MANAGER
This is the biggest news so far. I am kind of indifferent to managers most of the time, so I am not sure what to think.
DAVID ORTIZ ACCEPTS ARBITRATION
Ortiz will be back next year and the Red Sox will continue to negotiate on a two-year deal.
JACOBY ELLSBURY FINISHES SECOND IN A.L. M.V.P.
This was disappointing, but I saw it coming. I did not really think he had that great of a chance at the award with the way the season finished. A lot of people are upset that Justin Verlander won it due to his being a pitcher. I do not have a problem with pitchers winning the M.V.P., hell I think Pedro Martinez deserved it in 1999. So, it was a disappointment, but not surprising. Hopefully Boston will lock him up long-term now.
HALL OF FAME VETERAN'S COMMITTEE VOTE RESULTS
Ron Santo finally gets in after his unfortunate death. Luis Tiant only got three votes. I think he is a borderline case and would love to see him in, but it may never happen. He has a lot of ground to make up and several players in front of him, not to mention that his era only gets voted on once every few years.
MINOR SIGNINGS
The Red Sox have signed a number of players to minor league or split free agent contracts and have lost a few as well. The Red Sox have signed left-handed relievers Jesse Carlson and Justin Thomas, and right-handed relievers Will Inman and Khorye Spoone. They re-signed Tony Pena and Andrew Miller and Tommy Hottovy and Drew Sutton have signed elsewhere.
That's it. The offseason has been fairly stagnant for the Red Sox so far. The Marlins and Angels have both made big splashes, but Boston and the Yankees have been oddly silent.
BOBBY VALENTINE NAMED MANAGER
This is the biggest news so far. I am kind of indifferent to managers most of the time, so I am not sure what to think.
DAVID ORTIZ ACCEPTS ARBITRATION
Ortiz will be back next year and the Red Sox will continue to negotiate on a two-year deal.
JACOBY ELLSBURY FINISHES SECOND IN A.L. M.V.P.
This was disappointing, but I saw it coming. I did not really think he had that great of a chance at the award with the way the season finished. A lot of people are upset that Justin Verlander won it due to his being a pitcher. I do not have a problem with pitchers winning the M.V.P., hell I think Pedro Martinez deserved it in 1999. So, it was a disappointment, but not surprising. Hopefully Boston will lock him up long-term now.
HALL OF FAME VETERAN'S COMMITTEE VOTE RESULTS
Ron Santo finally gets in after his unfortunate death. Luis Tiant only got three votes. I think he is a borderline case and would love to see him in, but it may never happen. He has a lot of ground to make up and several players in front of him, not to mention that his era only gets voted on once every few years.
MINOR SIGNINGS
The Red Sox have signed a number of players to minor league or split free agent contracts and have lost a few as well. The Red Sox have signed left-handed relievers Jesse Carlson and Justin Thomas, and right-handed relievers Will Inman and Khorye Spoone. They re-signed Tony Pena and Andrew Miller and Tommy Hottovy and Drew Sutton have signed elsewhere.
That's it. The offseason has been fairly stagnant for the Red Sox so far. The Marlins and Angels have both made big splashes, but Boston and the Yankees have been oddly silent.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Some Quick Notes
I have been pretty bad about posting lately, and I meant to keep up with the news in the offseason. Anyway...
-Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals on their World Series win and to David Freese for being named MVP.
-Ben Cherington was officially named the Red Sox general manager. Now it is time to retool.
-Marco Scutaro's option was picked up so he will be back next year.
-The team declined the options on Dan Wheeler and Scott Atchison.
-Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals on their World Series win and to David Freese for being named MVP.
-Ben Cherington was officially named the Red Sox general manager. Now it is time to retool.
-Marco Scutaro's option was picked up so he will be back next year.
-The team declined the options on Dan Wheeler and Scott Atchison.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
News and Notes
Bullpen and catching edition.
-The Red Sox have been falling short in most of their attempts at big-name bullpen arms. Koji Uehara returned to Baltimore, Matt Guerrier went to the Dodgers, Jesse Crain looks like he's headed to the White Sox, and Pedro Feliciano might be a Yankee. Brian Fuentes is still out there and David Aardsma and Justin Masterson might be available via trade. Andrew Miller, Hideki Okajima, and Taylor Buchholz are all Red Sox non-tenders that could be brought back.
-Putting a bullpen together is difficult as relievers can be very inconsistent. Just look at Ramon Ramirez last year, who was great in 2009 but not good at all in 2010. So Boston should be taking a stance on not offering huge money for relievers. Nevertheless, they need to do something.
-The Red Sox did pick up a few potential bullpen arms, but no one of any real consequence. Jason Bergmann was recently picked up from Washington, but he only pitched eight games last year. Brandon Duckworth was signed, but he has not pitched in the Majors since 2008. The Red Sox signed a former Red Sox pitcher, Lenny DiNardo from the Athletics. He also has not pitched in the Majors since 2009.
-The Red Sox look to be close to signing Dan Wheeler and Matt Albers, who at least pitched last year. Wheeler has been pretty good for Tampa Bay the last few years, so this would be a decent pickup. They still need a decent left-hander though.
-As for catching, the Red Sox appear committed to going into the season with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek. Saltalamacchia is something of an unknown quantity, so fans are nervous about this catching situation. Russell Martin was pursued, but the Yankees ultimately got him because they promised him a starting catching role. I can't really see Boston putting up decent money for another option. It's time to see if Saltalamacchia is ready. He's spent enough time in the minor leagues.
EDIT: Two new pieces of news:
-The Red Sox sent Eric Patterson to the Padres to complete the Adrian Gonzalez trade. I liked Patterson, but he was expendable.
-Bobby Jenks may be headed to Boston to help the bullpen. This is a pretty decent signing. More when it becomes official.
2ND EDIT:
-The Red Sox officially signed Matt Albers to a minor league contract.
-The Red Sox retained Andrew Miller, also to a minor league contract.
-They signed former first round pick of the Cubs, Ryan Harvey, who is making the transition from outfielder to relief pitcher.
So with all those changes, Boston may have its bullpen put together: Jonathan Papelbon, Daniel Bard, Bobby Jenks, Felix Doubront, Andrew Miller, and Tim Wakefield. Brandon Duckworth, Jason Bergmann, Robert Coello, Robert Manuel, Michael Bowden, Matt Albers, and Ryan Harvey will all be available in the minors.
3RD EDIT:
-The Red Sox have also officially re-signed Rich Hill, a left-handed bullpen option, Randy Williams, and Clevelan Santeliz. Busy day, but barring a move for Brian Fuentes or Dan Wheeler, Boston appears to be done dealing with the bullpen.
-The Red Sox have been falling short in most of their attempts at big-name bullpen arms. Koji Uehara returned to Baltimore, Matt Guerrier went to the Dodgers, Jesse Crain looks like he's headed to the White Sox, and Pedro Feliciano might be a Yankee. Brian Fuentes is still out there and David Aardsma and Justin Masterson might be available via trade. Andrew Miller, Hideki Okajima, and Taylor Buchholz are all Red Sox non-tenders that could be brought back.
-Putting a bullpen together is difficult as relievers can be very inconsistent. Just look at Ramon Ramirez last year, who was great in 2009 but not good at all in 2010. So Boston should be taking a stance on not offering huge money for relievers. Nevertheless, they need to do something.
-The Red Sox did pick up a few potential bullpen arms, but no one of any real consequence. Jason Bergmann was recently picked up from Washington, but he only pitched eight games last year. Brandon Duckworth was signed, but he has not pitched in the Majors since 2008. The Red Sox signed a former Red Sox pitcher, Lenny DiNardo from the Athletics. He also has not pitched in the Majors since 2009.
-The Red Sox look to be close to signing Dan Wheeler and Matt Albers, who at least pitched last year. Wheeler has been pretty good for Tampa Bay the last few years, so this would be a decent pickup. They still need a decent left-hander though.
-As for catching, the Red Sox appear committed to going into the season with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek. Saltalamacchia is something of an unknown quantity, so fans are nervous about this catching situation. Russell Martin was pursued, but the Yankees ultimately got him because they promised him a starting catching role. I can't really see Boston putting up decent money for another option. It's time to see if Saltalamacchia is ready. He's spent enough time in the minor leagues.
EDIT: Two new pieces of news:
-The Red Sox sent Eric Patterson to the Padres to complete the Adrian Gonzalez trade. I liked Patterson, but he was expendable.
-Bobby Jenks may be headed to Boston to help the bullpen. This is a pretty decent signing. More when it becomes official.
2ND EDIT:
-The Red Sox officially signed Matt Albers to a minor league contract.
-The Red Sox retained Andrew Miller, also to a minor league contract.
-They signed former first round pick of the Cubs, Ryan Harvey, who is making the transition from outfielder to relief pitcher.
So with all those changes, Boston may have its bullpen put together: Jonathan Papelbon, Daniel Bard, Bobby Jenks, Felix Doubront, Andrew Miller, and Tim Wakefield. Brandon Duckworth, Jason Bergmann, Robert Coello, Robert Manuel, Michael Bowden, Matt Albers, and Ryan Harvey will all be available in the minors.
3RD EDIT:
-The Red Sox have also officially re-signed Rich Hill, a left-handed bullpen option, Randy Williams, and Clevelan Santeliz. Busy day, but barring a move for Brian Fuentes or Dan Wheeler, Boston appears to be done dealing with the bullpen.
Friday, December 3, 2010
News and Notes
1. The Red Sox picked up Brandon Duckworth, 34, a right-handed pitcher who last pitched in the Majors in 2008 with the Royals. This is probably just organizational depth. Not anything to be excited about.
2. The Red Sox non-tendered Hideki Okajima, Taylor Buchholz, and Andrew Miller. Presumably this is to free up space on the 40 man roster and then try to re-sign these players to lesser or even minor league contracts. Miller surprises me because they just traded for him. I really want to see Okajima back because I like him quite a bit, but I will not be disappointed if he leaves.
3. Other interesting players who were non-tendered: Russell Martin (C, Dodgers), Bobby Jenks (RP, White Sox), J.P. Howell (RP, Rays), Chien-Ming Wang (P, Nationals), George Sherrill (RP, Dodgers), Jack Cust (DH, Athletics).
4. I have been thinking about possible trade targets if the Red Sox cannot re-sign Adrian Beltre and I wonder if San Francisco is so down on Pablo Sandoval that they might consider moving him. If Boston could get him to be motivated to keep his weight in line, this could be a solid pickup.
5. Please Boston, sign Carl Crawford and move Ellsbury back to center.
6. It was rumored that Boston attempted to sign Mariano Rivera this week. I do not know if that is true, but it would not surprise me.
EDIT
7. The Red Sox signed Nate Spears, Santo Luis, and Jason Bergmann. Spears and Luis were both in the Red Sox minor league system last year, so this does not really qualify as particularly noteworthy. Bergmann has been in Washington's bullpen for the last six years and is potentially a name to watch for a bullpen slot next year.
2. The Red Sox non-tendered Hideki Okajima, Taylor Buchholz, and Andrew Miller. Presumably this is to free up space on the 40 man roster and then try to re-sign these players to lesser or even minor league contracts. Miller surprises me because they just traded for him. I really want to see Okajima back because I like him quite a bit, but I will not be disappointed if he leaves.
3. Other interesting players who were non-tendered: Russell Martin (C, Dodgers), Bobby Jenks (RP, White Sox), J.P. Howell (RP, Rays), Chien-Ming Wang (P, Nationals), George Sherrill (RP, Dodgers), Jack Cust (DH, Athletics).
4. I have been thinking about possible trade targets if the Red Sox cannot re-sign Adrian Beltre and I wonder if San Francisco is so down on Pablo Sandoval that they might consider moving him. If Boston could get him to be motivated to keep his weight in line, this could be a solid pickup.
5. Please Boston, sign Carl Crawford and move Ellsbury back to center.
6. It was rumored that Boston attempted to sign Mariano Rivera this week. I do not know if that is true, but it would not surprise me.
EDIT
7. The Red Sox signed Nate Spears, Santo Luis, and Jason Bergmann. Spears and Luis were both in the Red Sox minor league system last year, so this does not really qualify as particularly noteworthy. Bergmann has been in Washington's bullpen for the last six years and is potentially a name to watch for a bullpen slot next year.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
News and Notes
1. The awards season has ended with only one piece of hardware being taken home by a Red Sox player. Adrian Beltre won the Silver Slugger for third base. Beltre finished in ninth place in the AL MVP ballot. Jon Lester finished fourth in the AL Cy Young balloting with Clay Buchholz finishing sixth. Terry Francona finished fourth in the AL Manager of the Year race. So, no one was particularly close, which is not really surprising.
2. Some news has been made about the Red Sox being in the hunt to trade for Justin Upton. This seems highly unlikely as it would cost the Red Sox a ton of young talent.
3. Fabio Castro, who spent the entire season in the Red Sox minor league system, signed with the Mariners as a minor league free agent. His strikeout rate was impressive, but he had a bad ERA and his height (5'7") seems to be a factor against him.
4. As expected, the Red Sox offered arbitration to Victor Martinez, Adrian Beltre, and Felipe Lopez, but declined to offer to Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell. Martinez has already agreed to a contract with the Tigers, so the Red Sox will receive a high draft pick, unless of course Detroit signs someone rated higher than Martinez. Beltre is supposedly Boston's priority. There is a chance Lopez will accept and return to the Red Sox, at which point he will probably be traded. Lowell has already retired and I expect at this point that the Red Sox will bring Varitek back yet again.
5. Marco Scutaro is being shopped with the emergence of Jed Lowrie last year.
6. Jonathan Papelbon is also expected to be shopped, though Boston would have to pick up a sizable chunk of his salary to move him.
2. Some news has been made about the Red Sox being in the hunt to trade for Justin Upton. This seems highly unlikely as it would cost the Red Sox a ton of young talent.
3. Fabio Castro, who spent the entire season in the Red Sox minor league system, signed with the Mariners as a minor league free agent. His strikeout rate was impressive, but he had a bad ERA and his height (5'7") seems to be a factor against him.
4. As expected, the Red Sox offered arbitration to Victor Martinez, Adrian Beltre, and Felipe Lopez, but declined to offer to Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell. Martinez has already agreed to a contract with the Tigers, so the Red Sox will receive a high draft pick, unless of course Detroit signs someone rated higher than Martinez. Beltre is supposedly Boston's priority. There is a chance Lopez will accept and return to the Red Sox, at which point he will probably be traded. Lowell has already retired and I expect at this point that the Red Sox will bring Varitek back yet again.
5. Marco Scutaro is being shopped with the emergence of Jed Lowrie last year.
6. Jonathan Papelbon is also expected to be shopped, though Boston would have to pick up a sizable chunk of his salary to move him.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
News and Notes
Well the offseason is getting under way, and a few of my predictions have already started coming true, according to this. Admittedly, these were the kinds of predictions a near-sighted slow loris could have predicted, but still.
ADRIAN BELTRE: Beltre turned down his $10M option. If Boston is going to bring him back next year, they need to offer multiple years at a higher base salary.
DAVID ORTIZ: Boston picked up his $12.5M option, meaning he will be with the team next year. They delayed a decision about his long-term future until next year.
SCOTT ATCHISON: As predicted, Boston picked up his option bringing him back to the bullpen where he was somewhat solid, but mostly nondescript.
FELIPE LOPEZ: Boston turned down his option. His time with the Red Sox was quite brief.
BRENT DLUGACH: The 27 year-old minor league shortstop was acquired in a trade from Detroit for a player to be named later or cash. This is likely just to fill some space in AAA, a la Tug Hulett last year. If Boston is desperate for shortstop help at some point next year, then he might merit a call-up.
ADRIAN BELTRE: Beltre turned down his $10M option. If Boston is going to bring him back next year, they need to offer multiple years at a higher base salary.
DAVID ORTIZ: Boston picked up his $12.5M option, meaning he will be with the team next year. They delayed a decision about his long-term future until next year.
SCOTT ATCHISON: As predicted, Boston picked up his option bringing him back to the bullpen where he was somewhat solid, but mostly nondescript.
FELIPE LOPEZ: Boston turned down his option. His time with the Red Sox was quite brief.
BRENT DLUGACH: The 27 year-old minor league shortstop was acquired in a trade from Detroit for a player to be named later or cash. This is likely just to fill some space in AAA, a la Tug Hulett last year. If Boston is desperate for shortstop help at some point next year, then he might merit a call-up.
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