In this edition of Thinking Logically we felt the need to remind Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein that standing pat over the winter will not be acceptable if winning a World Series is the goal for 2010. The Yankees, as much as we may hate them, proved this season they are head and shoulders over the rest of baseball at the moment, the Sox included. Here is a list for Theo: Jason Bay, Adrian Gonzalez, Roy Halladay, Felix Hernandez, Matt Holliday and Hanley Ramirez. If the Red Sox do not obtain (or retain in the case of J.Bay) at least 2 of these 6 players over the winter they will have no chance next season. While this means Boston may have to bid adieu to the likes of Lars Anderson, Michael Bowden, Clay Buchholz and/or Casey Kelly...well, that's a price that competing with the Yankees in a free market will cost. Do the Sox want to battle for the 2010 World Series title or retain their prospects in the hopes of competing for a long stretch down the road? We'll find out this winter.
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Notice I did not include Daniel Bard. I still think Jonathan Papelbon is destined to be Mariano Rivera's replacement in the Bronx when he's eligible for free agency, and Bard is a solid, affordable replacement when that time comes. Not to mention Paps himself could be used as trade bait prior to then.
The only "ace" on the free agent market is John Lackey, who I personally can't stand. But if we are unable to trade for another ace like Doc Halladay or King Felix he'd be worth kicking the tires on at least.
Also, and I don't want to get redundant, but if Jed Lowrie is our starting shortstop heading into 2010 I'll be very disappointed.
You really think Paps would go there under most circumstances, huh? I think it would take a helluva lot (which the Yankees prove time and time again they will offer, in the money-sense at least), but I think maybe just cause I like him I give him more credit. Wishful thinking perhaps
Gotta think any of the Sox that saw Damon leave, and saw how forgiving Sox fans are about such a move, would have to think twice (at least). Especially when seeing that even the Yankees will not embrace such a player. Or even view them as the 6th or 7th favorite player on the team.
Maybe that is just too logical, and money trumps everything. (Don't need a cynical retort to that one, there's plenty going around)
The NY Daily News today was talking about an imminent showdown between Jeter and the Yankees, about a contract. I find it really hard to believe.
Even if it wasn't almost totally clear he wants to be a lifetime Yankee, they can offer him the most money. So... a little confused.
Nice to see (if there is any truth to it) that they may be too busy to stockpile any MORE players this offseason.
However, I'll believe it when I see it.
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