2010 / 2011 MLB Off Season Thread.

[Flickered Flame]

Boston is close to picking up Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego.
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb...ory?id=5882356

That is huge news for my A's as that would pretty much take the Sox out of Beltre's plans and hopefully get him to Oakland.

[Caged Great]

While it makes sense that they go after Gonzalez, really it wouldn't be much of an upgrade from what they already had. They still are likely not going to make the playoffs because they just aren't good enough in all areas.

I hope it really guts whatever is left of their prospect pool because I would like nothing more than the Red Sox to have nothing to replace their many older players.

[Flickered Flame]

Sounds like a 4 for 1 deal. Anthony Rizzo, Casey Kelly, Reymond Fuentes and a PTBNL. Boston hoping to sign Gonzalez to a 7 or 8 year extension as well.

[ricoFlame]

gonzalez is a bargain for next season. $6 mil for 2 gold gloves and power bat. good player.

[dustyanddaflames]

Finally, as much as I like the Friars, it is hard for me to watch Adrian continually get pitched around, and still put up huge numbers - so I give the stamp of approval to this. The guy's bat has so much potential, as with him being so strong to left field, the Green Monster is a welcome sight I am sure.

Petco really is a place that just swallows fly balls at night, I watched around 70 Friar games last year, and there were so many launched balls that would fall just short of the track. That and the people hitting around you at the start of last year were Will Venable and Chase Headley - Adrian is surely in a better place. All the best, and we will miss you in Padre-land Gonzo.

On a side note- does anyone know anything on the prospects heading back?

[Flickered Flame]

Originally Posted by ricoFlame

gonzalez is a bargain for next season. $6 mil for 2 gold gloves and power bat. good player.

And that power will be really good in Boston. If the Sox can land Werth or Crawford, I don't think they have a chance at Crawford but if they land Werth, their offence might be the best in the AL.

[Flickered Flame]

Originally Posted by dustyanddaflames

On a side note- does anyone know anything on the prospects heading back?

I believe Kelly is Boston's best prospect right now and ranked the #24 prospect in all of MLB, based on what I have read on twitter this morning, most experts are saying this is real good value for the Padres.

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by Flickered Flame

I believe Kelly is Boston's best prospect right now and ranked the #24 prospect in all of MLB, based on what I have read on twitter this morning, most experts are saying this is real good value for the Padres.

that last year of his contract and a year (not that they'll need it) to talk long term with him is worth unloading what prospect they have. Can't fault the Sox for doing what they have to to get him onboard long-term.

[dustyanddaflames]

Sounded like Gonzo was in Boston for a physical today, and I am sure long-term extension talks are also in the works.

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by dustyanddaflames

On a side note- does anyone know anything on the prospects heading back?

Kelly, Rizzo, Fuentes and PTBNL, 4-for-1 swap - Rosenthal Tweets

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

While it makes sense that they go after Gonzalez, really it wouldn't be much of an upgrade from what they already had. They still are likely not going to make the playoffs because they just aren't good enough in all areas.

I disagree with that. Gonzalez in Fenway with protection around him in the lineup could put up some pretty huge numbers. Youkilis will move over to third where he won't be as good defensively as Beltre but easily will outperform him on offence. Beltre had a huge bounce back year last year, but I wouldn't bank on him coming close to matching that again next year, especially if he's not playing in a hitters park.

In fact I'm surprised that the A's are looking at him considering that Safeco field was considered one fo the worst parks he could play in, and McAfee Coliseum is a worse hitters park than Safeco. Beltre put up big numbers last year largely because Fenway is the perfect park for him to hit in.

[Flickered Flame]

And the Coliseum is the main reason why Berkman signed with the Cards today rather than with the A's who have been after him since the offseason started. I still think Beltre will sign with the A's though.

[socalwingfan]

According to Jon Heyman, Gonzalez deal to the BoSox fell through - could not come to contract agreement

[dustyanddaflames]

Just heard on MLB radio the Nats are close to signing Jayson Werth.... Can't say I seen that one coming, especially being a Boras client. Shocking I would say.

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by dustyanddaflames

Just heard on MLB radio the Nats are close to signing Jayson Werth.... Can't say I seen that one coming, especially being a Boras client. Shocking I would say.

7 year $126 Mil

[Caged Great]

Well, I bet epstein feels dumb for not willing to do 8 years now on Gonzalez.

[CaramonLS]

Don't know how you can give this kind of contract to a guy who is going to be 32 at the start of next season.

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

Don't know how you can give this kind of contract to a guy who is going to be 32 at the start of next season.

yeah, it is shocking. i guess that the nats felt the need to make a splash and werth was one of the few guys listening.

[d_phaneuf]

that might be the worst contract I have ever seen

Carl Crawford and Cliff Lee are jumping for joy right now

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by ricoFlame

yeah, it is shocking. i guess that the nats felt the need to make a splash and werth was one of the few guys listening.

Which is the 100% wrong way to build a team. The only way you do this is if you think Werth is the guy who is going to put you over the top... but 126 million over 7? For a guy who has a career high of 95 RBIs and 36 HRs?