Sean McAdam: Good afternoon, folks. Now that the excitement of the Rule 5 Draft is behind us, let's get right to your questions, live from Nashville.
Rob: Sean, How would you rate Josh Fields as a prospect? Was this a significant loss for Sox?
Ordinarily, it's hard to classify anyone in the Rule 5 as a "significant loss.'' There's a reason these guys aren't protected and available. That said, Fields looks like a guy who could be a late bloomer. He fniished strong last year and some thought he might have competed for a bullpen spot in Boston next spring. We'll see.
Ryan: Cherington said that he has progressed on a transaction. Bob Nightengale reported last night the White Sox were working on trading Gavin Floyd. Floyd for Saltalamacchia is happening, right?
Forsyth: "We spent last night working on a couple of of things but nothing we're ready to announce," Cherington said. "We made progress on one thing but its not quite teed up yet." Any speculation on this??
John: Any idea what move Ben Cherington was working on last night that he said didn't involve NapoliVictorino?
Ryan: Cherington said that he has progressed on a transaction. Bob Nightengale reported last night the White Sox were working on trading Gavin Floyd. Floyd for Saltalamacchia is happening, right?
It sounded as if that was something smaller -- perhaps an extra outfielder or a lefty bat for first. They would be interested in talking about Floyd and you would think that Saltalamacchia would make some sense for the White Sox who are losing Pierzynski. That could take some time, however.
SahdBostonSports: What are the most likely starting pitchers the Sox willhave targeted?
On trade front, Floyd qualifies. On FA front: McCarthy, Liriano, Lohse, Dempster.
Doc: Anything new on Cody Ross?
Nope. There's been little dialogue recently. I know Cherington keeps saying he won't rule out Ross, but it's hard to see how he comes back unless Ellsbury is moved. And it doesn't look like that's going to happen, either.
Jordan: Who are the Red Sox interested in for bullpen help? Rafael Soriano, Mike Adams & Brian Wilson (1 Year Deal Maybe like Ryan Madson) would be a great additions for bullpen last year that was inconsistent. I believe the next best to have if you don't have an ace is to to have strong and deep bullpen.
I don't get the sense that they're going to do anything dramatic in the bullpen. They're pretty happy with Bailey, Tazawa, Bard, Miller, Breslow -- and perhaps Hill and Atchison return on minor league deals. Soriano is completely out. Wilson is a longshot.
Rob91312: It seems like everyone is over paying in free agency. Is that a result of having a weak free agency class this year?
Lots of reasons, I suppose. But the biggest is the amount of money available to teams. The new national TV deal is doubled. Starting next year, each team will go from 26 million annually to 52 million. Add to that a lot of regional TV rights deals and the game is awash in case. The fact that there's labor peace and an agreement for the long term helps, too.
Should be "awash in cash.''
Boston Red Sox
Sean - has anyone with the sox made any comments on how the ticket sales went over the weekend? I would have to think it had to be the worse opening weekend they've had as owners and wish they would admit it.
I heard there was a decent turnout at Fenway, but sales on-line were slow. If, as it would seem, they're off the ticket-selling pace from past years, there would be no reason to advertise that by talking about it. Believe me, though: the owners know they're in for a tough sell.
NeilDomass: What's the story on Youk's health? can he be an everyday third baseman for the Yankees?
I can't see him holding up for the long-term. Then again, the Yankees are probably only worried about him staying healthy for the first half of the season. As a short-term fill-in, he could be OK. But between his injury history and body type, anything more would be a gamble. And if reports are true that the Yankees are offering 12 million, then Joe Bick should get Agent of the Year. I think that's an enormous overpay.
Petey: Are the odds better for the sox landing a top of the line starter or back end of the roation guy?
I'd say middle- to back-end guy. There's very little on the FA market that qualifies as front-end: Greinke and maybe Sanchez. And, obviously, getting a front-end guy in a trade isn't easy, either.
Jon M: If texas lands greinke and thus out of the hamilton stakes, would the sox still consider him maybe to a 3 or 4 year deal -- then trade Jacoby? I just don't see a guy, who wants to win, going to Seattle.
Mike87: Sean if Texas gets Upton and Greinke could you see a scenario where Sox would sign Hamilton for 4 years......I mean is he really going to Seattle?What for?4 year deal is not a short deal but it's not that much of a risk......I fear our lineup is still weak...Thoughts?
I've said all along I don't see Hamilton in Boston. Seattle is apparently being very aggressive on Hamilton. The Mariners are more desperate than the Red Sox and may be willing to go longer and offer higher AAV.
Doc 5: How close are the Killer B's Bogaerts, Bradley & Barnes to the majors. Any chance of one or more of them making the squad?
Expectation is that both Bagaerts and Bradley will be ready by 2014. It's conceivable they could be promoted later in 2013 -- perhaps as Sept. callups to expose them to the big league atmosphere. They're still pretty young, remember. Bogaerts is just 20. Pitching is a little harder to project in a timetable, but keep in mind that Barnes hasn't pitched above Single A yet. Perhaps ready by A-S break in 2014?
Sox fan: Anything more on the shortstop front?
Rob91312: Sean any hope of getting Drew? I think he would make the lineup so much better if they could get him to do a one or two year deal. I don't think they ahve a srtong enough lineup right now to carry Inglesias's weak bat.
Don't get the sense that Drew is a real priority. There are questions about his health and range. The fact that they were interested in trading for Yunel Escobar should tell you they don't think Drew is the answer.
SahdBostonSports: Just saw Trevor MayVance Worley for Ben Revere. If Revere gets that kind of haul (May a top pitching prospect) couldn't Ellsbury get a lot more? And now the Phils have traded Worley looks like any Lee deal is moot.
Never saw Lee as a real option here, anyway. And remember, Revere will be under Phils' control for five more years while Ellsbury is a year away from FA. That's a key thing in this -- Ellsbury's value isn't as high as you might think because of injury history and just one year of control.
Reggie Dunlop: I have heard a whole lot of chatter about the Victorino deal a "bad one." How do feel about the deal? Do you think he can prove people wrong?
From a money standpoint, I think they overpaid, but not greatly. I like the fact they limited it to three years. He's 32 and still pretty athletic, but you wouldn't want to go much longer on a guy who relies on his legs. Still a good OF, but I worry about his difficulty hitting RHP. Overall, fairly positive move.
Mike N: Sean any thoughts on Justin Upton possibly being moved
It seemed inevitable, didn't it? Remember, Kevin Towers was talking about dealing Upton two winters ago and talked to the Red Sox. I think there's a lot of upside there -- still in his mid-20s -- and the money remaining isn't at all outrageous (three years, 38 million). Someone could get a very talented player. And if Texas somehow gets him AND signs Greinke, that makes them the team to beat in the AL.
Did Cherrington make a play for Giancarlo Stanton?
I'm guessing that he at least inquired, but was told the same thing everyone else was: not available. The Marlins love to move salary, but right now, because of service time, Stanton is still pretty affordable. In a year or two, when the arbitration number starts to climb, he'll probably be shopped and I would bet the Red Sox would be in on him. He's a terrific talent, obviously.
Tim: Can you tell us a little bit about Jerry Sands, looking at his numbers he should be considered a top prospect. Why isn't he talked about more? If he were lefthanded, and plays multiple positions, wouldn't he be a lock for Fenway?
Here's what I know about Sands: pretty good raw power, average defensively in both the outfield and first base. One thing to kepe in mind about his minor league stats: offensive numbers are greatly inflated in the PCL and especially at Albuquerque, which REALLY distorts power numbers. Still, he could help off the bench and will be given a chance in spring training.
Frank: Sean - Is there a legitimate belief from the front office that Mike Napoli can play even a respectable first base defensively? Is the ultimate end game to find a LH hitting platoon partner for 1B, that can play semi-regularly, allowing Napoli to also catch?
Crazy Carl: In your eyes, is Mike Napoli an everyday first baseman? Or are the Red Sox taking a big risk by handing the position over to him?
Some breaking news: The Dallas Morning News is reporting that the Sox have signed Koji Uehara to a one-year deal. Attempting to confirm.
On Napoli: they see him mostly as a first baseman, who could catch 20-30 games. He'll be adequate at first -- no more, no less. The reason he's here is he offers RH pull power, fits well in Fenway, grinds ABs and can help out a little behind the plate.
Mike87: so who is a backup 1B?
They haven't figured that out yet. Sands would be a candidate, as would Mauro Gomez. Both are righthanded though and they would prefer a LH bat. In a perfect world, that person would also be someone who could play another position. It's a back burner move for now.
Crazy Carl: What does Uehara offer the Sox?
Another righthanded late-inning relief option. He's always had great control, with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of almost 8-to-1 in his career. Might be seen as a sign that they have doubts about Bard returning to form.
Fisk44: Sean if Ellsbury has a big year, do you see a scenario where they re-sign him and move Bradley Jr. to a corner outfield position ? Or do you think if Ellsbury starts hot they try to move him at the deadline ?
I think a lot depends on where the Sox are in the race come July. If they're in it, they may hold onto Ellsbury and try to win. If they're out -- or about to drift out -- I believe he'l be traded. I don't envision a scenario where they re-sign him. I think it's very hard to determine his real worth and he's going to looking for a lot of money over a long-term deal. A lot of risk there.
Joed: Sean: With all the talk being about Bryce Brentz and Jackie Bradley being the future in the OF, does this mean the Red Sox are now valuing Ryan Kalish less? Could he be moved in a deal?
Hard to get a good read on Kalish because he hasn't been healthy the last two years. They still believe in him, but this is a big year for him. He'll get a chance to play LF and play against righties and needs to make the most of it if he's going to establish himself as part of the future in Boston.
Crazy Carl: The Sox lineup has a ton of righties. Any chance the Sox get a lefthanded bat to come off the bench? Any suggestions on who would fit?
Funny how this works. Remember a year ago, they were too LEFTHANDED? For now, they do lean pretty right and Cherington has said he would like to add another LH bat. Not sure who they're targeting.
Matt W.: What are the chances of the Red Sox getting a starting pitcher? Typically like a 3rd starter?
Decent, I'd say. They know they need to add one more starter. Names mentioned: McCarthy, Liriano, Lohse...
Crazy Carl: Do you think Iglesias will be able to step into the starting role this year? I say you give the kid a shot even if he struggles early. But do they have a fall back plan if things don't work out?
I think the better the lineup gets, with the addition of Napoli, Victorino, the better the chances are of "carrying'' Iglesias at short. There's no doubt he can play defensively and be very good. He just has has to hit a little bit.
That's going to do it for today folks. Thanks for all of those who took part this week. We'll look to do another chat soon!