Sean McAdam joined us earlier today to chat about the Red Sox offseason as the baseball hot stove heats up. What's the deal with Jon Lester? Is Michael Morse a new first base option for Boston? McAdam has the answers to these questions and more!
Hi folks! Thanks for joining us today. We'll get to your questions in just a minute.
by Sean McAdam 3 hours ago
Alrighty, thanks for hanging out Sean. Exciting times in baseball right now... let's get right into it!
by csnne 3 hours ago
Do you have any confidence in Lester returning to 2008-10 form? If not, shouldn't they deal him for Myers?
by john 3 hours ago
Thanks for taking my question Sean..I love the idea of trading Lester for Myers...with him, Brentz, and Bradley, it would appear to be one of the best young outfields in the game. yes, I know none have played an MLB game yet. I think Ben could still get a couple pitchers by trade or FA..thoughts?
by RI Red 3 hours ago
On Lester: yes, I think he can bounce back. I talked to a former teammate of Lester's in September, who told me: "John Farrell will get Lester fixed in about 15 minutes.'' Lester's still only 28 and hasn't had health issues. I think he can go back to being a 15-17 game-winner with 200 innings. As for the KC trade, I don't see it happening. As well thought of as Myers is, if I were the Sox, I'd be more interested in getting a top pitching prospect back. And by trading Lester for an OF, the Sox would be subtracting from the one area where they need the most improvement -- the rotation.
by Sean McAdam 3 hours ago
Sean, why isn't Dwight Evans more involved with the Sox, or is he?? I would have thought he would have been a heck of a manager
by RI Red 3 hours ago
Evans does some work in spring training, working with young hitters and outfielders. But after spending some brief time as a major league hitting coach, I think he decided he didn't want to make that kind of commitment. I think he's happy with a more reduced role, which gives him plenty of free time with his family.
by Sean McAdam 3 hours ago
Boston Red Sox
If the Sox decide Napoli'sof years are restrictive (3 or more) - and LaRoche re-signs with Nats - Are Mike More (via Trade) or Mark Reynolds (possible non-tender) potential 1B options for Red Sox?
by mikeineaston 3 hours ago
who's playing 1b for sox on opening day? RF?
by das booch 3 hours ago
I could see them having interest in Morse if Napolli falls through and LaRoche goes back to Washington. I think it's more likely, however, that they sign one of those two -- with Napoli the clear favorite. There are still plenty of options at 1B and RF -- LaRoche, Napoli, Swisher, Cody Ross and all the trade options. It's early yet.
by Sean McAdam 3 hours ago
Sean.... The MLB network last night has Ripken and Leiter discussing FA's and said Hamilton and LaRoche are "likely" to end up in Boston. What are your thoughts? They also mentioned rumors that they've heard Jon Lester for Troy Tulowitzki. Seems unlikely given the length of Tulo's contract.
by bill 3 hours ago
Hey Sean, What is the word on the Sox and players like troy tulowitski and joe mauer? are they interested? will there team trade them?
by jimmy 3 hours ago
Peter Gammons tweeted earlier this week that the Sox have called the Twins three times since September on Mauer, only to be told he's not available. As for Tulowitzki, I'm not sure the Rockies would move him. And if they did, do the Sox REALLY want to get back into one of those nine-figure deals on a player into his late 30s? Wasn't the whole reason for the trade with the Dodgers to unburden themselves from those contracts?
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
If the Sox sign Napoli, do they go on sale immediately Salty or Lavarnway? I think Salty is not so good in defence and they need to trade him.
by alen 3 hours ago
On Hamilton, same reasoning. I know people are connecting the dots and thinking, 'well the Red Sox have a lot of money...'' But unless Hamilton is willng to take a much shorter deal -- 3-4 years -- I just don't see it happening.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Hi Sean - What odds would you place on the Sox signing Napoli? What about Ross?
by brian 3 hours ago
I think the odds are pretty good that the Sox sign both Napoli and Ross. Been told that Napoli is their top FA priority and obviously, it's a good ballpark for him. With Ross, he said he wanted to come back and it may take some time, but eventually, I think he'll return. And if they sign NApoli, I would think it's all but certain that Saltalmacchia gets traded. He has value because of his power and there's a decent market out there for catching.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Is there a top 3 rotation guy out there that the Sox are considering dealing for?
by bayite 3 hours ago
The Red Sox obviously need at least one starting pitcher to help their rotation. Are they more likely to address this via free agent or trade, and which pitchers do you believe they covet for the upcoming season(s)? Where do you expect the Sox add a starter through a trade or free agency?
by mike-bangor, me 2 hours ago
Pitching is obviously a priority, but this isn't a great free agent class. I don't see them in on Greinke because of what he'll be looking for. I could see them interested in Anibal Sanchez, as Cherington has a history with him. I think it's more likely they get a No. 4-type guy in FA (maybe someone like Marcum) and then add some depth guys beyond that. Unless they're willing to trade Ellsbury -- and it doesn't seem like they are -- it's tough to envision them making a trade for an impact pitcher. THat would cost either an All Star regular (Ellsbury) or multiple top prospects and the Sox don't want to do that, either.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Is Ben right for the job in Boston? Seems like a better small market team GM to me
by RI Red 3 hours ago
When will the Sox contend? Do you trust Ben and the higher ups?
by RI Red 3 hours ago
I think people are judging Cherington was too quickly. He's been on the job 13 months, and overseen one draft. Admittedly, some trades (Reddick, most obviously) don't look good for the time being. But that first year would have been tough for anybody, especially having someone else's choice for manager shoved down your throat. Give him some time. He's very well respected in the game as a person and evaluator. As for how quickly they can contend, I think a realistic goal is to be above .500 in 2013 and be a playoff contender in 2014.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
SEAN - likelihood we see bradley,brentz, boggerts, de la rosa, webster at some point called up to boston red sox in 2013?
by bgbosboy 3 hours ago
what young player in the minors are you looking forward to watching most when he gets to Boston?
by RI Red 2 hours ago
I think Bogaerts is the player everyone wants to see. He's probably the most talented player to come through the system since Garciaparra. As for 2013, I would guess you see Brentz and De la Rosa by the All-Star break and the others either as September call-ups or early in 2014.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Sean, do you get the sense that the Sox have resigned themselves to the fact that they won't be able to get a decent return on an Ellsbury trade and the best they can hope for at this point is a first round pick from whoever ends up signing him?
by dl in nyc 2 hours ago
Why are the Sox down on trading Ellsbury when it seems unlikely they will sign him long term?
by mike-bangor, me 2 hours ago
If Brentz and Bradley aren't that far away, why sign Ross? Do you think they will trade Jacoby?
by RI Red 2 hours ago
On Ellsbury: they believe that he will have a big bounce-back year heading into free agency and they want to be the beneficiary of that. I disagree with this. If it's going to be difficultimpossible to re-sign him and you're not going to win this year, trade him NOW and get something for him. As I've said all along, I would move Ellsbury for Elvis Andrus and solve your SS problem until Bogaerts is ready. They could still deal Ellsbury next July of course, but because the acquiring team won't get a draft pick for him should he sign elsewhere, his value won't be as great as it is today.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Sean: Can you give one name that we haven't heard yet that could be a surprise addition to the roster?
by dl in nyc 2 hours ago
What about the Sox signing a player more money for shorter contract?
by jimmy 2 hours ago
The Sox have the advantage of having a lot of cash on hand, thanks to the money they saved on the Dodgers deal. If a top player -- say, Hamilton -- can't get the lengthy commitment he's seeking, then the Sox could swoop in and offer three years, 75 million and see if he would take it, knowing that he'd still be young enough when the deal is up to go back onto the market for one more contract. As for a surprise name: I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
OK folks, great questions. Keep them coming! Lots of Michael Morse chatter... Here we go!
by csnne 2 hours ago
With the possibility of the Nationals resigning Laroche and having an overhaul at that position. Do you think the Red Sox could look to make a trade with Washington for Michael Morse and have him man 1B at Fenway?
by graywacz 2 hours ago
@Sean_McAdam Nats shopping Morse. Good power. Numbers indicate good 1B range. Will make 6.8 in his final yr. Think Sox will kick tires?
by @VinceEgan 2 hours ago via Twitter
Hi Sean. What do you think the Sox would have to give up to trade for the Nationals Mike Morse?
by nate 2 hours ago
One way or another, the Sox will be watching what the Nationals do. And if they re-sign LaRoche, then Morse is clearly available. The money is reasonable and he might be a nice short-term fix at 1B. The one problem is, if they deal Salty and re-sign Ross, this team would be very righthanded all of a sudden -- Pedroia, Middlebrooks, Ross, Morse, Lavarnway....
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
As for what the Nats would want on Morse, not sure, to be honest.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Hi Sean, Please give me a GOOD reason why the Sox can't pursue Hamilton? Demons aside, he's the BEST power hitting outfielder in baseball! Would 5 @25 do it?
by marcus 3 hours ago
Hamilton..2 yrs, 60 Mil which one likes the deal more? Would you do it if you were Ben?
by RI Red 2 hours ago
I've said it before: I think Hamilton would be a bad signing here, especially a long-term signing. Beyond the "demons'' there's the matter of his durability. Just two seasons of more than 138 games played in the last six. Also, he doesn't strike me as the type of player who would thrive in this market. Seems pretty sensitive to criticism. He's had some very public spats -- on the field -- with Rangers coaches in the last couple of years. And he's been very, very streaky. (check out the second-half numbers from last year). Lastly, at a time when the Sox are trying to get back to a more patient approach, nobody in baseball 1) swung at more first pitches or
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
...swung at more pitches out of the strike zone than Hamilton did last year.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
I know he is coming back from an injury but is there any chance the Red Sox are able to move Lackey? If they are keeping Lester, Lackey's influence will not be good.
by tony c 2 hours ago
Lackey has to prove he's healthy before he can be traded. At the very least, the Sox believe he can be good for close to 200 innings. As for his influence on Lester, here's the disconnect between fans and teammates: Lackey's teammates absolutely love him and believe he's a positive influence.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Sean, as a follow up to your answer earlier. You mentioned there is a decent market for catchers. Does that worry you that Napoli might seek a C job instead of a probable 1B job with the Sox. I think he is on record for saying he'd prefer to catch. Also, 1 through 10, how surprised are you that Bobby V was listed a top 15 least influential person in 2012.?
by brian 2 hours ago
Good question on Napoli, Brian. I think he's actually said he would do either (catch of play 1B) -- which is the smart thing for him to say, to expand his options. There's no denying that he's worth more as a catcher than a 1B, but the team that wants him to catch the most (Seattle) is also the least appetizing for him, in terms of competitiveness etc. The fact that he's versatile enough to also catch makes him valuable anywhere. Re: the Bobby V thing you mentioned, not familiar with it. Safe to say, we've seen the last of him in a dugout.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
The Red Sox won in 2004 by purchasing their best players over several years rather than "rebuilding" with stiffs and rookies. Why are you so dead set against the only method proven to be successful here? Sox problem wasn't spending to much. It was picking the wrong players!
by recdna 2 hours ago
They won in 2004 because of 1) starting pitching 2) the duo of Ramirez-Ortiz and the lesser-priced supporting cast (Mueller, Millar, Timlin, etc.). They won in 07 because of Ramirez-Ortiz and the influx of home-grown talent. Name me a franchise in the last 10 years that has won because of FA. The best ones have won because of consistently strong player development. That's the only way to contend year after year. Let me put the challenge to you: name five big free agent contracts that worked out for their team?
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Lester for Myers makes too much sense. The Sox could put Aceves in the rotation and sign a SP. Have there been any more rumblings re this?
by lloydbraun 2 hours ago
I am willing to wait until 2014 for the Sox to contend. Do you like the Lester to KC trade that was rummored earlier this week?
by adam 2 hours ago
Yes, they COULD put Aceves into the rotation. But here's a question. Know how many games Alfredo Aceves has won in the big leagues as a starter? Two. So he's not exactly a known commodity. As for signing a FA who could replace Lester, the only person who fits that profile on the current market is Greinke. Do you want to give him 130 million for six years? See the problem? Look, Myers is a great prospect and Lester is coming off a really bad season. But if they make that deal, how do they field an improved rotation?
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Any remote chance that Stanton could be a possible target? He's clearly not happy with the situation in Miami
by bbastian15 3 hours ago
Taking just a couple more questions folks! Get them in!
by csnne 2 hours ago
You're right, he's clearly not. But I don't think the Marlins would move him. The few fans that still care about the Marlins in Miami would riot. And with the commissioner making his feeling known about the trade with Toronto, the Marlins will be watched very closely. And remember, Stanton doesn't make a lot of money (yet), so there's no need to unload him.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Will 1 of the 4 bullpen lefties be dealt? What is the interest fr other teams in Bailey? I assume they see Tazawa or a Brian Wilson type as the closer.
by lloydbraun 2 hours ago
Nope, they see Bailey as the closer. Tough to judge him on an admittedly bad month of September. Remember, this guy had been a pretty good closer for Oakland for 3 years. Tazawa could be the closer in a year or two, but I see him as the principal set-up man for 2013. As for Wilson, they'll look at him if he's non-tendered tonight, but there are lots of teams who need closers and it's no guarantee they could sign him. As for the lefties, it's an area of depth -- once they get these tendered.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Where do you ultimately see Bogaerts playing? I can't imagine him sticking at SS, and obviously 3B is taken up by Middlebrooks for the forseeable future. I imagine him eventually being the LF in a Manny Ramirez mold (with less headache and more athletic ability, albeit unfair to project the same historic projection of Manny).
by mccahhhty 2 hours ago
The Red Sox won in 2004 by purchasing their best players over several years rather than "rebuilding" with stiffs and rookies. Why are you so dead set against the only method proven to be successful here? Sox problem wasn't spending to much. It was picking the wrong players!
by recdna 2 hours ago
They won in 2004 because of 1) starting pitching 2) the duo of Ramirez-Ortiz and the lesser-priced supporting cast (Mueller, Millar, Timlin, etc.). They won in 07 because of Ramirez-Ortiz and the influx of home-grown talent. Name me a franchise in the last 10 years that has won because of FA. The best ones have won because of consistently strong player development. That's the only way to contend year after year. Let me put the challenge to you: name five big free agent contracts that worked out for their team?
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Lester for Myers makes too much sense. The Sox could put Aceves in the rotation and sign a SP. Have there been any more rumblings re this?
by lloydbraun 2 hours ago
I am willing to wait until 2014 for the Sox to contend. Do you like the Lester to KC trade that was rummored earlier this week?
by adam 2 hours ago
Yes, they COULD put Aceves into the rotation. But here's a question. Know how many games Alfredo Aceves has won in the big leagues as a starter? Two. So he's not exactly a known commodity. As for signing a FA who could replace Lester, the only person who fits that profile on the current market is Greinke. Do you want to give him 130 million for six years? See the problem? Look, Myers is a great prospect and Lester is coming off a really bad season. But if they make that deal, how do they field an improved rotation?
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Any remote chance that Stanton could be a possible target? He's clearly not happy with the situation in Miami
by bbastian15 3 hours ago
Taking just a couple more questions folks! Get them in!
by csnne 2 hours ago
You're right, he's clearly not. But I don't think the Marlins would move him. The few fans that still care about the Marlins in Miami would riot. And with the commissioner making his feeling known about the trade with Toronto, the Marlins will be watched very closely. And remember, Stanton doesn't make a lot of money (yet), so there's no need to unload him.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Will 1 of the 4 bullpen lefties be dealt? What is the interest fr other teams in Bailey? I assume they see Tazawa or a Brian Wilson type as the closer.
by lloydbraun 2 hours ago
Nope, they see Bailey as the closer. Tough to judge him on an admittedly bad month of September. Remember, this guy had been a pretty good closer for Oakland for 3 years. Tazawa could be the closer in a year or two, but I see him as the principal set-up man for 2013. As for Wilson, they'll look at him if he's non-tendered tonight, but there are lots of teams who need closers and it's no guarantee they could sign him. As for the lefties, it's an area of depth -- once they get these tendered.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Where do you ultimately see Bogaerts playing? I can't imagine him sticking at SS, and obviously 3B is taken up by Middlebrooks for the forseeable future. I imagine him eventually being the LF in a Manny Ramirez mold (with less headache and more athletic ability, albeit unfair to project the same historic projection of Manny).
by mccahhhty 2 hours ago
Good question. There had been some concern about Bogaerts outgrowing the position, but several people in the organization believe he can play SS in the big leagues without a problem -- at least for his first few years. Eventually, you're right -- he might have to be moved to the OF. But not anytime soon.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Sean, Who do you feel has the higher trade value - Salty or Lavarnway, and what do you think the potential return for either would be?
by oaks 2 hours ago
Hi Sean, Why the big rush to trade Salty? What is he lacking besides making regular contact?
by hank 2 hours ago
I think Salty probably has more upside now, if only because he's had some success at the big league level and Lavarnway hasn't. The big attraction with Salty is his power, which is getting rare for catchers. The problem: he strikes out a lot, is streaky at the plate and has problably reached his ceiling defensively.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
How bout Middlebrooks at 1b and trying to sign or trade for a third baseman? I think Will would do a great job there. Just my opinion
by RI Red 2 hours ago
Not sure I see the logic there. It's much easier to find a 1B than it is a 3B. And it's too early in Middlebrooks' career to move him off 3B. I think he'll be better than he was a year ago.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago
Just want to thank you for taking these questions from us Sean. For us Sox fans, having someone like you to BS with is a lot of fun
by RI Red 2 hours ago
Sean, thanks for chatting with us, and thanks to all of you for hanging out! There WILL be a Baseball Show Hot Stove Edition airing at 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, so be sure to tune in!
by csnne 2 hours ago
Thanks to everyone for participating. And a reminder: we'll be doing these chats every day from the Winter Meetings Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, at noon Eastern. Thanks again, everyone.
by Sean McAdam 2 hours ago