Post-2009: Potential free agents

The best way for me to get my mind off the fact that the Red Sox are no longer in the hunt while the Yankees are is to get thinking on the 2010 season before the corpse of 2009 gets too cold. It’s good to know that Epstein sees this team’s core as having one more year left to contend; could that mean we’ll have a bit more of a “win now” approach this offseason?

Bring ‘em back?

First we should address the expiring contracts. The Red Sox need to decide whether they want to re-sign these players or let them go to free agency. Then we can examine what to do about any holes.

9/28/2009: Looking ahead to the playoffs

As Dan Shaughnessey points out, getting swept by the Yankees in a series that doesn’t count for anything doesn’t really matter, because the Sox are doing what they do best – getting healthy and prepped for the postseason. It looks like it’s working:

Looking ahead at Joe Mauer

Joe Mauer is having a season for the ages as a catcher. It’s ridiculous how good he’s been – and if this analysis can be believed, he could be worth some $170M+ when he comes up for free agency at the end of next year. Would the Sox invest that kind of money in Mauer, even if he couldn’t remain a catcher for the whole length of the contract?

Penny released; Wakefield/Martinez, Wagner and more

Brad Penny saw that his season was going nowhere in Boston, asked for his unconditional release, and was given it yesterday. As bad as he has been lately, Penny provided plenty of value to the Sox, hurling 131.2 innings for them while the rotation suffered a massive mid-season meltdown. The 5.61 ERA ain’t pretty, but Fangraphs still has him as +2.1 wins above replacement. Don’t forget that he gave us some pretty good starts when our regulars began dropping like flies around the All-Star Break.

8/6/09 Injury update

Jason Bay re-injured his right hamstring, and it will likely take him out of at least two games; that leaves the limited Rocco Baldelli to play in LF, and Nick Green as the fourth OF. J.D. Drew has also missed a few games recently with a groin issue; I don’t have a lot of confidence that this outfield can stay intact for four straight games. With the Sox badly needing to gain some ground in this series with the Yankees, this couldn’t have come at a worse time. Uh, anyone have Josh Reddick’s number?

The rotation situation will work itself out

Here we sit on August 4th, one-half game out of first place. It was great that we got Victor Martinez at the trade deadline, but the infield corners are not the only place where it seems we have an overflow of players to deal with. The rotation also has a lot of dubious candidates and a lot of question marks; beyond our top two, who should be going out there every fifth day? Six guys, three rotation slots plus a backup starter role. Viewed positively, this is great depth. Negatively, we’re talking about six guys who all have their problems; in 16 starts since July 1, the back end of our rotation has posted a 5-6 record and a collective 6.32 ERA. There are a number of issues which need to be looked at for each one. Let’s think it out.

Masterson, Hagadone and Price swapped for V-Mart

Apparently, it’s a done deal. Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price will be joining the Cleveland organization, and the Red Sox will acquire 1B/C Victor Martinez. The 30-year old Martinez, a switch-hitter, brings a .284/.368/.464 line with him and the flexibility to play first base, DH and catch, which should ensure enough playing time for him. He also brings some postseason experience from 2007, which we know the Sox value.

Links: Smoltz, Bard, Bay and the resurgence of Aaron Bates

John Smoltz threw 74 pitches (51 strikes) in his June 6th start, stifling Triple-A hitting to the tune of one run on one hit in 6 IP. He struck out three and walked two. He’s got another start today for the Paw Sox. Bye bye, Brad Penny; it was nice knowing you.

Trade Preview Extravaganza 2009

Almost two months of the season have passed and people’s minds and thoughts inevitably turn towards what can be done to improve the team. I’ve heard some whoppers out there, like trading away our top 4 prospects to get Hanley Ramirez back. Uh, no. But here’s a more realistic look at what is brewing:

2009 Spring Training: Penny makes first start, Smoltz throws bullpen

Brad Penny threw three strong innings this week in his first Spring starting assignment, and was able to work at 100 percent without discomfort or fatigue. Penny touched 95 mph on the radar gun, and was able to break off some offspeed stuff without any issues. He ended up retiring 9 of the 10 men he faced, only walking Gary Sheffield in the first. This is really good news for the Sox.