Thursday, March 18, 2004
General manager Theo Epstein did not rule out a trade before the start of the season if he feels recent injury problems -- mainly Trot Nixon -- are long term.
The first thing that popped into my head was oh shit, Nixon must be really hurting. Then I saw who wrote the article, Nick Cafardo, not the usual Notes scribes, Edes and Hohler. Cafardo is not as bad as CHB but Theo was not quoted so I am taking this report lightly.
Anyway, the first two possible RF that came to mind were Richard Hidalgo and Jacques Jones. Both are on clubs with cheaper outfield options making them tradable. Hidalgo (contract numbers: $8 million cap, $12 cash, $2 buyout) – no need to go further Hidalgo is too expensive and the cheap Astros will not throw in enough, if any cash. Jones ($3.55 cap, $4.35 cash) – Jones doesn’t walk and is horrible vs. southpaws, but rips up righthanders and is great in the field. Jones is a mixed bag. The Twins are likely to want a top prospect in return. Since Jones is unlikely to be with the Sox beyond this season, it is doubtful that Theo would part with one of the few legit Sox prospects.
Then I thought about non-contending clubs. Craig Wilson of the Pirates ($1.15) seems like a good fit. Wilson has decent plate discipline and power. After three seasons, his career line is 272/363/496. Wilson has been mostly a part-time player never getting more than 425 plate appearances in a season. He could have a “breakout season” with more chances at the plate, but Wilson would likely be only adequate in right at Fenway. On the plus side, Wilson could also serve as Varitek’s backup. Littlefield is not going to give away a developing hitter making a little over a million. My guess is that an A-level or a couple of B-level prospects would be necessary to attain Wilson. But unlike Hidalgo and Jones, Wilson would be under Sox control for two arbitration eligible seasons giving the Sox more roster flexibility regarding backup catcher, outfield and first base positions. Hopefully, Nixon gets better and soon so no deals need to be explored.
And...
Are you joking? I do not know what to make of this.
The first thing that popped into my head was oh shit, Nixon must be really hurting. Then I saw who wrote the article, Nick Cafardo, not the usual Notes scribes, Edes and Hohler. Cafardo is not as bad as CHB but Theo was not quoted so I am taking this report lightly.
Anyway, the first two possible RF that came to mind were Richard Hidalgo and Jacques Jones. Both are on clubs with cheaper outfield options making them tradable. Hidalgo (contract numbers: $8 million cap, $12 cash, $2 buyout) – no need to go further Hidalgo is too expensive and the cheap Astros will not throw in enough, if any cash. Jones ($3.55 cap, $4.35 cash) – Jones doesn’t walk and is horrible vs. southpaws, but rips up righthanders and is great in the field. Jones is a mixed bag. The Twins are likely to want a top prospect in return. Since Jones is unlikely to be with the Sox beyond this season, it is doubtful that Theo would part with one of the few legit Sox prospects.
Then I thought about non-contending clubs. Craig Wilson of the Pirates ($1.15) seems like a good fit. Wilson has decent plate discipline and power. After three seasons, his career line is 272/363/496. Wilson has been mostly a part-time player never getting more than 425 plate appearances in a season. He could have a “breakout season” with more chances at the plate, but Wilson would likely be only adequate in right at Fenway. On the plus side, Wilson could also serve as Varitek’s backup. Littlefield is not going to give away a developing hitter making a little over a million. My guess is that an A-level or a couple of B-level prospects would be necessary to attain Wilson. But unlike Hidalgo and Jones, Wilson would be under Sox control for two arbitration eligible seasons giving the Sox more roster flexibility regarding backup catcher, outfield and first base positions. Hopefully, Nixon gets better and soon so no deals need to be explored.
And...
Are you joking? I do not know what to make of this.
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Thank you - Red Sox!
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