Tuesday, July 11, 2006
ADDRESSING THE ABREU RUMORS
Robo-Reporter Rosenthal discusses why Bobby Abreu to the Sox is logical, but a subsequent trade for a starter would be the major motivation behind the acquiring the on-base machine from the Phillies. Bringing in Abreu makes Wily Mo Pena expendable – Abreu doesn’t need a platoon mate like Trot. As we know, Pena is a rapidly developing slugger and average centerfielder. A number of clubs would have interest, including the Braves, Marlins and Cubs.
Of course, the Sox would want the D-Train or Maddux in a trade involving Pena and prospects, but I think the Olde Towne Team would pass on both. Control pitchers don’t do well in the AL East and I believe the Sox are “on - off the record” as to questioning Willis ability to sustain his funky mechanics over the long haul.
Theo would make the move to acquire John Smoltz. Smoltz is a power pitcher that can succeed against the MFY, Jays, Other Sox, and other power-patient lineups. He would be the Sox co - #1 this year and next at a below market rate of $8 million per season. The Sox need two #1's, a stopper in the pen to go along with a top offense to be a championship contender like in 2004. They are just missing that co #1 starter.
The alternative is that Theo will need to venture into a weak starting pitching market this winter that consists of Barry Zito and possibly a Japanese import. The Olde Towne Team would likely overpay for middling production or worse (i.e. Matt Clement). $39 million for Smoltz in 2007 and two full seasons of Abreu may look like a bargain this time next year.
The Braves make the deal because they will need to pay all of Mike Hampton’s $14.5M salary next season, which could necessitate them trading Andruw Jones a year before he moves on as a free agent. That of course would open a spot in centerfield for Wily Mo Pena. The Braves love for high school pitchers and Mike Bowden’s remarkable success at a young age in A-ball seems like a logical choice to move on with Pena. Throw in a projectable arm or an Abe Alvarez type and the Sox-Braves should have another deal done, but I don’t think it happens. It is too complicated to pull off mid-season, the Braves still have thoughts of competing in 2007 and Stand Pat Gillick is running the show in Philly. Time will tell.
Robo-Reporter Rosenthal discusses why Bobby Abreu to the Sox is logical, but a subsequent trade for a starter would be the major motivation behind the acquiring the on-base machine from the Phillies. Bringing in Abreu makes Wily Mo Pena expendable – Abreu doesn’t need a platoon mate like Trot. As we know, Pena is a rapidly developing slugger and average centerfielder. A number of clubs would have interest, including the Braves, Marlins and Cubs.
Of course, the Sox would want the D-Train or Maddux in a trade involving Pena and prospects, but I think the Olde Towne Team would pass on both. Control pitchers don’t do well in the AL East and I believe the Sox are “on - off the record” as to questioning Willis ability to sustain his funky mechanics over the long haul.
Theo would make the move to acquire John Smoltz. Smoltz is a power pitcher that can succeed against the MFY, Jays, Other Sox, and other power-patient lineups. He would be the Sox co - #1 this year and next at a below market rate of $8 million per season. The Sox need two #1's, a stopper in the pen to go along with a top offense to be a championship contender like in 2004. They are just missing that co #1 starter.
The alternative is that Theo will need to venture into a weak starting pitching market this winter that consists of Barry Zito and possibly a Japanese import. The Olde Towne Team would likely overpay for middling production or worse (i.e. Matt Clement). $39 million for Smoltz in 2007 and two full seasons of Abreu may look like a bargain this time next year.
The Braves make the deal because they will need to pay all of Mike Hampton’s $14.5M salary next season, which could necessitate them trading Andruw Jones a year before he moves on as a free agent. That of course would open a spot in centerfield for Wily Mo Pena. The Braves love for high school pitchers and Mike Bowden’s remarkable success at a young age in A-ball seems like a logical choice to move on with Pena. Throw in a projectable arm or an Abe Alvarez type and the Sox-Braves should have another deal done, but I don’t think it happens. It is too complicated to pull off mid-season, the Braves still have thoughts of competing in 2007 and Stand Pat Gillick is running the show in Philly. Time will tell.
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