Based on our current roster and Cherington's track record since assuming the post of GM, I think we have a legitimate shot not just for last place in the AL East but for last place in the entire AL. The only consolation is that Cherington will be out after back-to-back last place finishes. One would hope.
I think the people they signed give them a foundation of quality ball players and clubhouse good guys. They, however, will need everyone to have a good year to make the playoffs. There is still time to add a body or two.
Cherington has done nothing in his tenure as GM that make you stand back and say great job Ben --- granted , his hands are probably tied to sign the big priced FA - and I agree that they should stay away from the Crawford type contracts of the world - but that does not mean you have to overpay for every second tier player out there - just so you can field a major league roster . Get creative - make a trade or two !!
I have to agree with you, Dan, which is unusual. The big issue is pitching and that has not been addressed. Ryan Dempster is underwhelming at best. But if all these guys are great "clubhouse" guys, as we keep hearing, it should be the most jovial last place team in the league. So we got that going for us..........
1. It was reported today that the Angels' Kendrys Morales is on the block for an "innings eater". The Sox should nix the Napoli deal, then trade Lackey for Morales. Morales becomes their everyday first basemen. Or, trade for Oakland's Chris Carter (high OBP guy with plenty of power).
2. Trade Ellsbury or Lester and whatever else it takes (short of Middlebrooks, Bogaerts and Bradley Jr.) for Justin Upton. It's about time they made a move for an exciting young player. It would also be nice to have another African American on the team, since I'm quite sure the Sox finished last in that category for the 50th straight season.
3. If Lester is traded, sign Edwin Jackson to a short, incentive laden contract (for instance, throw him an extra ten-grand for every game he does not walk more than 3 batters). Or, give Rubby a shot at the rotation.
A few things Cherington will make happen: none of the three things above.
Lackey's a proven second starter when he's healthy so paying him for a year and a half of rehab and then trading him for an every day first baseman is just moronic. Every day first basemen are a dime a dozen. Starting pitching is a precious commodity always in short supply.
In the first paragraph you say you're not 'piling on,' Mr. Shaughnessy. And that's as far as I have to read (which is farther than I usually do when I see your byline). No, you're not piling on. You're leading the charge, as usual. Can't you even wait until maybe February to spread your good cheer?
The trade with the Dodger's didn't really erase the consequence of their bad decisions. The talent hole will take years to fill and right now the best they can do is spackle a roster of character guys that won't gripe too much about being transition guys on a losing team.
I really don't care if the Red Sox come in 1st place or last place.I don't care if they never play in a World Series. I am a 77 year old man who can't afford to even go to Fenway Park to watch a game.All I want from the Red Sox is a team that works hard to win every game they play. I spend my money on cable tv and I get a lot of pleasure from watching all the games. If they loose a game, I enjoy watching the other team win. Baseball is not life or death for me, it is just a game to be enjoyed. I have been a baseball player and fan for my entire life, WIN OR LOSE! PLAY BALL!
The strategy of buying time while rebuilding through scouting and the draft makes a lot more sense than what the team has been doing since 2007 but the truth is that the Sox haven't scouted or drafted particularly well for a long time and that needs to change. Figure out what the Rays are doing with scouting, drafting and player development and do the same. The idea that the team needs to be a contender every year is just stupid.
Comments
Your time as a sports writer could be better spent. This is an article that does not need to be written. It means nothing.
Hopefully the 2013 version of the famous Shaughnessy "David Ortiz is a big sack of you-know-what" article from 2003.
Mr. Positive, as always.
Based on our current roster and Cherington's track record since assuming the post of GM, I think we have a legitimate shot not just for last place in the AL East but for last place in the entire AL. The only consolation is that Cherington will be out after back-to-back last place finishes. One would hope.
This comment has been removed.
My sentiments exactly. Never has so money been spent on so much mediocrity. Why bother? Why not cut ticket prices?
I think the people they signed give them a foundation of quality ball players and clubhouse good guys. They, however, will need everyone to have a good year to make the playoffs. There is still time to add a body or two.
Cherington has done nothing in his tenure as GM that make you stand back and say great job Ben --- granted , his hands are probably tied to sign the big priced FA - and I agree that they should stay away from the Crawford type contracts of the world - but that does not mean you have to overpay for every second tier player out there - just so you can field a major league roster . Get creative - make a trade or two !!
Why, why, why?
Cheer up, Dan. If you stay away from Fenway they should be fine.
I have to agree with you, Dan, which is unusual. The big issue is pitching and that has not been addressed. Ryan Dempster is underwhelming at best. But if all these guys are great "clubhouse" guys, as we keep hearing, it should be the most jovial last place team in the league. So we got that going for us..........
"I hate to pile on..." Yeah, Dan, sure you do.
A few things Cherington should make happen:
1. It was reported today that the Angels' Kendrys Morales is on the block for an "innings eater". The Sox should nix the Napoli deal, then trade Lackey for Morales. Morales becomes their everyday first basemen. Or, trade for Oakland's Chris Carter (high OBP guy with plenty of power).
2. Trade Ellsbury or Lester and whatever else it takes (short of Middlebrooks, Bogaerts and Bradley Jr.) for Justin Upton. It's about time they made a move for an exciting young player. It would also be nice to have another African American on the team, since I'm quite sure the Sox finished last in that category for the 50th straight season.
3. If Lester is traded, sign Edwin Jackson to a short, incentive laden contract (for instance, throw him an extra ten-grand for every game he does not walk more than 3 batters). Or, give Rubby a shot at the rotation.
A few things Cherington will make happen: none of the three things above.
Lackey's a proven second starter when he's healthy so paying him for a year and a half of rehab and then trading him for an every day first baseman is just moronic. Every day first basemen are a dime a dozen. Starting pitching is a precious commodity always in short supply.
In the first paragraph you say you're not 'piling on,' Mr. Shaughnessy. And that's as far as I have to read (which is farther than I usually do when I see your byline). No, you're not piling on. You're leading the charge, as usual. Can't you even wait until maybe February to spread your good cheer?
The trade with the Dodger's didn't really erase the consequence of their bad decisions. The talent hole will take years to fill and right now the best they can do is spackle a roster of character guys that won't gripe too much about being transition guys on a losing team.
I really don't care if the Red Sox come in 1st place or last place.I don't care if they never play in a World Series. I am a 77 year old man who can't afford to even go to Fenway Park to watch a game.All I want from the Red Sox is a team that works hard to win every game they play. I spend my money on cable tv and I get a lot of pleasure from watching all the games. If they loose a game, I enjoy watching the other team win. Baseball is not life or death for me, it is just a game to be enjoyed. I have been a baseball player and fan for my entire life, WIN OR LOSE! PLAY BALL!
The strategy of buying time while rebuilding through scouting and the draft makes a lot more sense than what the team has been doing since 2007 but the truth is that the Sox haven't scouted or drafted particularly well for a long time and that needs to change. Figure out what the Rays are doing with scouting, drafting and player development and do the same. The idea that the team needs to be a contender every year is just stupid.