Sunday, November 27, 2005
MORE WITH MOTA
Even though Beckett will be moving into the DH league, out of his pitcher friendly park and into our baseball hotbed, his health is still the biggest question mark as he enters his prime performance years at age 26. The addition of Mota for a single-A RP only increases my concern over Beckett's health. This is a big moment for Dr. Gill.
As for Mota, he had his own health issues this past season after throwing nearly 100 relief innings in back-to-back years. Plus, RP are “like a box of chocolates…you never know what you are going to get.” But another swing and miss pitcher in the pen is always welcome. With the free agent market going bananas for relievers (Ryan – 5 years/$47 million, Eyre - 3/11, and the former Sox Bobby Howry - 3/12), Mota was a hot commodity. So is it Beckett’s shoulder, recurring blister problems, or a new mystery injury? The addition of Mota was not a good sign. The Sox should be weary of moving multiple starters.
In contrast to the market for relievers, top defensive centerfielders with average bats appear to be netting questionable returns. First, Mike Cameron is dealt for the bland Nady. And now, Aaron Rowand and young arms for Jim Thome and a boat load of cash that “only” puts the Other Sox on the hook for about $21 million over three campaigns. It seems odd that the teams with depth in center did not wait for better deals. Demand is high, which included many wealthy clubs (MFY, Cubs, Dodgers, Philly, Sox, LAA), with low supply usually equals a sellers market. It all bodes well for the Sox. The movement of CF should decrease the number of suitors for Damon and also increase the Sox possible trade partners - Dave Roberts in S.D and Jason Michaels in Philly as I have mentioned before. The Sox are now in a better position to fill their vacancy in center.
Even though Beckett will be moving into the DH league, out of his pitcher friendly park and into our baseball hotbed, his health is still the biggest question mark as he enters his prime performance years at age 26. The addition of Mota for a single-A RP only increases my concern over Beckett's health. This is a big moment for Dr. Gill.
As for Mota, he had his own health issues this past season after throwing nearly 100 relief innings in back-to-back years. Plus, RP are “like a box of chocolates…you never know what you are going to get.” But another swing and miss pitcher in the pen is always welcome. With the free agent market going bananas for relievers (Ryan – 5 years/$47 million, Eyre - 3/11, and the former Sox Bobby Howry - 3/12), Mota was a hot commodity. So is it Beckett’s shoulder, recurring blister problems, or a new mystery injury? The addition of Mota was not a good sign. The Sox should be weary of moving multiple starters.
In contrast to the market for relievers, top defensive centerfielders with average bats appear to be netting questionable returns. First, Mike Cameron is dealt for the bland Nady. And now, Aaron Rowand and young arms for Jim Thome and a boat load of cash that “only” puts the Other Sox on the hook for about $21 million over three campaigns. It seems odd that the teams with depth in center did not wait for better deals. Demand is high, which included many wealthy clubs (MFY, Cubs, Dodgers, Philly, Sox, LAA), with low supply usually equals a sellers market. It all bodes well for the Sox. The movement of CF should decrease the number of suitors for Damon and also increase the Sox possible trade partners - Dave Roberts in S.D and Jason Michaels in Philly as I have mentioned before. The Sox are now in a better position to fill their vacancy in center.
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Thank you - Red Sox!
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