Monday, July 24, 2006
AS THE TRADING DEADLINE APPROACHES
At this point with so many teams still in the playoff hunt (Bud's recurring wet dream) and Jim Bowden fleecing the Reds, it is truly a seller's market so don't expect Theo to make an impact deal. They will not sell the farm and jeopardize the long-term future of the organization for this season.
Translation: it is highly unlikely that even an above average starting pitcher like Paul Byrd, Jon Leiber, or Tomo Ohka will be acquired, and to a lesser extent, it applies to the pen as well. (Although Brian Moehler, who should be coming off the DL for the Marlins, could be a cheap option for the rotation or as a long-man out of the pen. Moehler value is his weird ability to control Jason Giambi - the MFY‘s best hitter. Giambi is hitting only 261/280/304 in 23 at-bats. Let’s not forget that the Olde Towne Team has nine games remaining with the Spankees in August and September.) For the most part, the Sox will continue with the status quo on the pitching front. The market for pitching is heading in the wrong direction for the Sox, but they could pull off smaller deals to sure up less glaring weaknesses.
The release of Steamin' Willie Beamin' Harris eliminates the late inning speedster pinch runner from Tito's arsenal. Theo may look to net a burner for the right price. Probably a minor leaguer that can be stuffed in Rhode Island until September. The Sox could also use a left-handed back up first baseman/corner outfielder/pinch hitter. John Marby, Russell Branyan, or Todd Walker would work. The Sox could use him as backup for Youk and a pinch hitter for Wily Mo Pena, Alex Cora or AGone in the later innings.
It appears that the Sox will be content with going with a lesser version of the late 90's Indians teams - a nonstop lineup, a power pen and mostly mediocre starters - down the stretch. Theo and company will continue to hope for Wells, Wake and Clement to return, and see what $hit, if any, sticks to the Wall out in left. The Sox will not move their most prized prospects. They are looking to dominate in the later third of this decade and will not deviate from that goal. As John Henry said on NECN, this is a “transition year.”
At this point with so many teams still in the playoff hunt (Bud's recurring wet dream) and Jim Bowden fleecing the Reds, it is truly a seller's market so don't expect Theo to make an impact deal. They will not sell the farm and jeopardize the long-term future of the organization for this season.
Translation: it is highly unlikely that even an above average starting pitcher like Paul Byrd, Jon Leiber, or Tomo Ohka will be acquired, and to a lesser extent, it applies to the pen as well. (Although Brian Moehler, who should be coming off the DL for the Marlins, could be a cheap option for the rotation or as a long-man out of the pen. Moehler value is his weird ability to control Jason Giambi - the MFY‘s best hitter. Giambi is hitting only 261/280/304 in 23 at-bats. Let’s not forget that the Olde Towne Team has nine games remaining with the Spankees in August and September.) For the most part, the Sox will continue with the status quo on the pitching front. The market for pitching is heading in the wrong direction for the Sox, but they could pull off smaller deals to sure up less glaring weaknesses.
The release of Steamin' Willie Beamin' Harris eliminates the late inning speedster pinch runner from Tito's arsenal. Theo may look to net a burner for the right price. Probably a minor leaguer that can be stuffed in Rhode Island until September. The Sox could also use a left-handed back up first baseman/corner outfielder/pinch hitter. John Marby, Russell Branyan, or Todd Walker would work. The Sox could use him as backup for Youk and a pinch hitter for Wily Mo Pena, Alex Cora or AGone in the later innings.
It appears that the Sox will be content with going with a lesser version of the late 90's Indians teams - a nonstop lineup, a power pen and mostly mediocre starters - down the stretch. Theo and company will continue to hope for Wells, Wake and Clement to return, and see what $hit, if any, sticks to the Wall out in left. The Sox will not move their most prized prospects. They are looking to dominate in the later third of this decade and will not deviate from that goal. As John Henry said on NECN, this is a “transition year.”
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