Thursday, July 17, 2008
BLANTON TO PHILLY AND STREET TO BOSTON COULD BE NEXT
Since Blanton has sucked, it is surprising that Beane sold low on the pitcher. The move leads me to believe - the Phillies have no farm - that the A’s are done. The Duke and Street are going to be next. And the Sox should take a serious look at trading for Street.
Even though I’m bullish on the Sox second half pen prospects, Street is an elite reliever. He has struck out about a batter an inning with close to a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The A’s closer is also younger than Papelbon with more MLB experience. He is a stud that could pair with Paps to end October games after six innings for the next three postseasons - neither are strictly one inning relievers.
No longer would one of the front offices weaknesses - finding relievers - be such an issue. In 2004 and 2007, the Sox didn’t have a problem in the seventh/eighth innings and things went well in those years, right?
The acquisition of Street would not be just for 2008; it would be through 2010. With that in mind, the Sox should be willing to part with a number of assets a.k.a. prospects. Only Jed Lowrie should be off limits given Julio Lugo’s health status. One reason to build a strong farm is to make a deal.
Street and Papelbon at the end with Beckett at the start gives the Sox a high percentage chance of winning five games in October. And that gives the Olde Towne Team a big leg up in the postseason.
Since Blanton has sucked, it is surprising that Beane sold low on the pitcher. The move leads me to believe - the Phillies have no farm - that the A’s are done. The Duke and Street are going to be next. And the Sox should take a serious look at trading for Street.
Even though I’m bullish on the Sox second half pen prospects, Street is an elite reliever. He has struck out about a batter an inning with close to a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The A’s closer is also younger than Papelbon with more MLB experience. He is a stud that could pair with Paps to end October games after six innings for the next three postseasons - neither are strictly one inning relievers.
No longer would one of the front offices weaknesses - finding relievers - be such an issue. In 2004 and 2007, the Sox didn’t have a problem in the seventh/eighth innings and things went well in those years, right?
The acquisition of Street would not be just for 2008; it would be through 2010. With that in mind, the Sox should be willing to part with a number of assets a.k.a. prospects. Only Jed Lowrie should be off limits given Julio Lugo’s health status. One reason to build a strong farm is to make a deal.
Street and Papelbon at the end with Beckett at the start gives the Sox a high percentage chance of winning five games in October. And that gives the Olde Towne Team a big leg up in the postseason.
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Thank you - Red Sox!
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