SS Gonzalez not fairing to well in ST

[TheKingofKings]

Newly signed SS Alex Gonzalez isn't doing well in Spring Training holding a .130 Batting AVG.
I hope the Sox will resolve this problem by either calling up SS/3b Dustin Pedroia or acquiring a SS for either Clement or Wells . What do you guys think ???

[RedSoxVT92]

Its still early and only spring training but that is not a good sign. I think they will still stick with him. Kind of ironic though because our top short stop prospect hanley ramirez is gone. I think we should still have Edgar Renteria. He was a much better SS than Alex Gonzalez. The Red Sox should have given Edgar more of a chance because he most likley would have been more comfortable in boston this year and probably would have performed better. But whats done is done. Hopefully Alex Gonzalez will settle down because we do not have a whole lot of options at short.

[TheKingofKings]

Its still early and only spring training But that is not a good sign. I think they will still stick with him. Kind of ironic though because our top short stop prospect hanley ramirez is gone. I think we should still have Edgar Renteria. He was a much better SS than Alex Gonzalez. The Red Sox should have given Edgar more of a chance because he most likley would have been more comfortable in boston this year and probably would have performed better. But whats done is done. Hopefully Alex Gonzalez will settle down because we do not have a whole lot of options at short.

What do you mean , there are only 2 weeks left before opening day and it is a big concern since he is batting against minor league pitchers who are trying to make it to the major league squad and he can only fair a .130 BA% , man what a bad idea to get rid of Renteria but we had to do it to get Coco.

[RedSoxVT92]

What do you mean , there are only 2 weeks left before opening day and it is a big concern since he is batting against minor league pitchers who are trying to make it to the major league squad and he can only fair a .130 BA% , man what a bad idea to get rid of Renteria but we had to do it to get Coco.

Well spring training stats dont always count for alot. The average is dismal but I still think that he will still be the short stop this year. I think when it gets to the regular season he will settle down and perform well. If he doesnt and plays horrible during the season then we have a big concern at short. But there is always Alex Cora or Tony Graffino that can fill in for Gonzalez if he bats in the .100's during the up coming season.

[TheKingofKings]

Well spring training stats dont always count for alot. The average is dismal but I still think that he will still be the short stop this year. I think when it gets to the regular season he will settle down and perform well. If he doesnt and plays horrible during the season then we have a big concern at short. But there is always Alex Cora or Tony Graffino that can fill in for Gonzalez if he bats .130 during the up coming season.

Yah even Ron Callaway is batting over .200 , i think he should be a concern even though he is sure to start up until the Trade Deadline where there , the Sox will try to get a better SS for Clement or Wells

[Boston Boxer]

there should be not concern...do not expect anything from him offensively. He is there for his glove and the run he saves will make up for the batting.

[DoubleX]

Pedroia hasn't really had many ABs this spring, so that's not a good sign at all for him making the team out of Spring Training. In fact, he's only had 1 AB, it's a safe bet that he won't be making the Opening Day Roster.

Alex Cora has only had 4 ABs, was he injured? If he gets significant work over the next few weeks and shows that he's ready, he could move into the starting SS spot, but I'd say he's a longshot right now, and probably a longshot to even make the roster.

Graffanino has played some SS in his career, and he might be a good temporary option out there. Graffanino is great to have on the bench, but I wouldn't want him starting for an entire season.

That leaves Alejandro Machado? Why aren't Sox fans talking more about him? He's 24, he leads the Sox in ABs this spring, and he's hitting .303. The only downside is that he hasn't flashed much power this spring with only 2 extra base hits. Still, the fact that he has had the most ABs this spring shows that the Sox are probably seriously considering him, though I'd still say the smart money is on the veteran Gonzalez. Gonzalez will likely be an albatross at the bottom of the Sox lineup, if he hits more than .260 and 10 homeruns for the season the Sox should consider themselves lucky. If he is the Opening Day SS, I don't expect him to be come September, as I think Pedroia or Machado or some trade will have supplanted him.

As for Edgar Renteria, I think he would have improved in his second season with the Sox as his comfort level would have increased. I thought he was extremely overrated before he came to the Sox, but he is a good all-around SS and is miles better than Alex Gonzalez. But I suppose Sox fans can essentially consider trading Renteria for Coco Crisp, and I think Crisp will work out very nicely for the Sox.

[RedSoxVT92]

Pedroia hasn't really had many ABs this spring, so that's not a good sign at all for him making the team out of Spring Training. In fact, he's only had 1 AB, it's a safe bet that he won't be making the Opening Day Roster.

Alex Cora has only had 4 ABs, was he injured? If he gets significant work over the next few weeks and shows that he's ready, he could move into the starting SS spot, but I'd say he's a longshot right now, and probably a longshot to even make the roster.

Both Pedroia and Cora were injured at the World Baseball Classic. The bad thing about the WBC.

[DoubleX]

Both Pedroia and Cora were injured at the World Baseball Classic. The bad thing about the WBC.

Just goes to show you how important the WBC is to players of other nationalities. Guys like Pedroia and Cora needed to be in Spring Training to really have a chance to compete for a roster spot, but being at the WBC has really hurt their chances. I'm sure they realized the risks heading into the WBC and decided to put country first.

[Mike D.]

I think any worry about Gonzalez is jumping the gun a bit...sure opening day is in two weeks (yippee!), but it's only spring training...he's a great defensive shortstop who does hit that much. Saying that Renteria is a much better shortstop, I don't buy it...Renteria is a much better hitter for average, Gonzalez is miles ahead defensively (especially compared to Renteria in 2005), and I imagine their power numbers will be similar in Fenway.

I mean, if spring training stats are something to really worry about, shouldn't Arroyo be in the minors, Machado batting cleanup, and Franconia fired (the teams record is lousy)?

Next time Gonzalez goes 0-4 and plays flawless defense, think about whether it's any worse than when Renteria went 1-4 with an error.

[Evangelion]

When was Gonzalez brought in for offense? If you're going to worry, then worry if Gonzalez is making a lot of errors this Spring Training, not about his bat.

As for Edgar, didn't seem like he wanted to stay. As soon as he was dealt, he complain about Fenway being a good reason why he made so many errors. Granted, Edgar must have not notice he made 15 errors at Fenway and 15 errors on the road. Probably behide scenes, Edgar was telling management he wanted out. We don't know everything going on with players, unless it becomes public. When you really look at it, we really dealt Edgar to get Coco.

[ESPNFan]

Is there anyone esle here that feels Cora or Pedroia will end up taking the majority of playing time if this offensive trend continues?

[TheKingofKings]

Is there anyone esle here that feels Cora or Pedroia will end up taking the majority of playing time if this offensive trend continues?

I do not think so because i think the Sox will try to acquire a Starting SS . Cora is not ment to be a starter he is either a UTIL or a BN player but not a starter and Pedroia will come up next year , not this one , he has to mature a little bit before entering the BIG Leagues.

[Ordway]

I think that the sox are going to stick with Gonzalez simply because even though he has not been doing well at the plate he is on fire in the field and that is primarily why the Sox picked him up. Hopefully though It will not come to having to just accept this low output at the plate and Pappa Jack can wrestle a few more points out of his average.

[TheKingofKings]

I think that the sox are going to stick with Gonzalez simply because even though he has not been doing well at the plate he is on fire in the field and that is primarily why the Sox picked him up. Hopefully though It will not come to having to just accept this low output at the plate and Pappa Jack can wrestle a few more points out of his average.

They signed him for the same reason as Rebteria and look what happened to him , he failed expectations and was shipped to Atlanta .:confused:

[FlashGordon]

They signed him for the same reason as Renteria and look what happened to him , he failed expectations and was shipped to Atlanta .:confused:Had Renteria played better in the field, I think he would have been kept around a little longer. The Sox knew they might get less offensive production than his norm, but he was well below his usual productivity on offense and defense. I'm still a little dismayed that the Sox have jettisoned him so quickly; one might think that Steinbrenner were calling the shots. I have a feeling, however, that Renteria wanted out as much as Theo (and whoever was keeping his chair warm when the move was made) was keen to move him.

[Evangelion]

Renteria's offensive production could have risen at Fenway, but of course it did not and he was disaster on the field. Such a shame, I honestly was not against him return, but since we badly need a lead-off hitter and CF, I'm not too bummed he was dealt for Marte, who in turn was dealt to bring Coco to Boston.

I agree, Flash. I think Renteria wanted out of Boston. After he left, he tried blaming Fenway Park for his error issues, which was funny since he made 15 errors at Fenway and 15 on the road. In the end, I think he was venting, nothing too serious, but since he was venting, I was pretty sure he wanted out Boston like you said, Flash.

With that said, Renteria was brought in for his glove and also his offense. Though, do not forget that Renteria was also expensive, unlike Gonzo, who's pretty damn cheap for the Sox. Gonzo being brought in for his defense alone.

Pedroia might be starting this season, depend on what happen. If the Sox are dead, then Pedroia will mostly be brought up to get MLB expereince instead of being brought up next season at the start. If he's brought up during mid-season, he'll at least get some experience under his belt.

[Mariano_Rivera]

1st I believe the trade for Coco was neccesary but trading away Wells or Clement for a SS is downwright stupid think about it this way they had 7 SP but they traded away Arroyl leaving them with 6 not to mention that if Foulke doesn`t pull through Papelbon might be the closer or reliever leaving them with 5 if they trade clement or wells they only have 4 and while they can live with that by bringing up a starter from the minors it would be unreliableand if their was a serious injury they have 3 experienced Veteran SP plus Shilling's health is questionable. Even though their Starting Pitching looked fantastic in the beginning of Spring Training it is now quite vulnerable they won`t hurt it even more for thhe sake of increasing their offense.

[YOUgodofwalks]

Rickey Henderson, the starting pitching went from fantastic with Arroyo to "quite vulnerable" without him? He wasn't even going to be in the rotation to start the season. I realize depth is very important especially when you have pitchers who coud go on the DL like the Red Sox do, but they have the typical setup. 5 man rotation, with a long man/spot starter in the bullpen if needed (Papelbon) and beyond that you have to dig into the minors. This is what most teams do, they don't usually carry 7 potential starters.

[Boston Boxer]

1st I believe the trade for Coco was neccesary but trading away Wells or Clement for a SS is downwright stupid think about it this way they had 7 SP but they traded away Arroyl leaving them with 6 not to mention that if Foulke doesn`t pull through Papelbon might be the closer or reliever leaving them with 5 if they trade clement or wells they only have 4 and while they can live with that by bringing up a starter from the minors it would be unreliableand if their was a serious injury they have 3 experienced Veteran SP plus Shilling's health is questionable. Even though their Starting Pitching looked fantastic in the beginning of Spring Training it is now quite vulnerable they won`t hurt it even more for thhe sake of increasing their offense.

what are you talking about? Papelbon is not a starter this year. You are getting confusing. The only pitcher we lost was Arroyo, and he was slated for the pen. They are not talking about trading Clement or Wells anymore...that was like 4 month ago. get it together son.

[VTSoxFan]

Rickey Henderson, the starting pitching went from fantastic with Arroyo to "quite vulnerable" without him? He wasn't even going to be in the rotation to start the season. I realize depth is very important especially when you have pitchers who coud go on the DL like the Red Sox do, but they have the typical setup. 5 man rotation, with a long man/spot starter in the bullpen if needed (Papelbon) and beyond that you have to dig into the minors. This is what most teams do, they don't usually carry 7 potential starters.

But I also feel that the starting situation is chancy. The Sox are one bad back, dodgy ankle, bruised heel, torn fingernail, persistent blister or tweaked elbow away from having a really drastically thinned rotation. So what happens if/when Wells back goes out, Beckett's elbow starts to get a ping in it, maybe Schilling's ankle acts up, and Papelbon is put into the rotation? That doesn't do the rotation any harm, but it leaves the 'pen short. So would they call up Hansen, or start trading away prospects for chancy middle-relievers?

Are we really better off having a backup outfielder with a horrifying strikeout ratio than having yet another proven pitcher at our disposal?

[Mike D.]

But I also feel that the starting situation is chancy. The Sox are one bad back, dodgy ankle, bruised heel, torn fingernail, persistent blister or tweaked elbow away from having a really drastically thinned rotation. So what happens if/when Wells back goes out, Beckett's elbow starts to get a ping in it, maybe Schilling's ankle acts up, and Papelbon is put into the rotation? That doesn't do the rotation any harm, but it leaves the 'pen short. So would they call up Hansen, or start trading away prospects for chancy middle-relievers?


Are you suggesting the team should carry seven starters, just in case someone gets hurt? Teams just don't DO that. Not Boston, not anyone!


Are we really better off having a backup outfielder with a horrifying strikeout ratio than having yet another proven pitcher at our disposal?

If Arroyo has peaked (likely) and Pena lives up to even some of his potential, then yes, probably. They traded depth to fill a spot they were thin at.

[VTSoxFan]

Are you suggesting the team should carry seven starters, just in case someone gets hurt? Teams just don't DO that. Not Boston, not anyone!



If Arroyo has peaked (likely) and Pena lives up to even some of his potential, then yes, probably. They traded depth to fill a spot they were thin at.

Here's a theoretical question: Suppose the Sox were carrying a spare outfielder who can hit the ball hard on the rare occasions when he happens to make contact, but is a decent fielder. You had a chance to trade him for a decent pitcher who could either fill a bullpen spot or slip neatly into the rotation, and he comes cheap. Not only is he cheap, but he loves your city and wants to play on your team. Three of your starters are almost old enough to qualify for senior discounts, one is coming off an injury-shortened season, and the remaining starter has a long history of late-season declines. What would you do? Would you find a way to work the trade, to have that insurance?

[Mike D.]

Here's a theoretical question: Suppose the Sox were carrying a spare outfielder who can hit the ball hard on the rare occasions when he happens to make contact, but is a decent fielder. You had a chance to trade him for a decent pitcher who could either fill a bullpen spot or slip neatly into the rotation, and he comes cheap. Not only is he cheap, but he loves your city and wants to play on your team. Three of your starters are almost old enough to qualify for senior discounts, one is coming off an injury-shortened season, and the remaining starter has a long history of late-season declines. What would you do? Would you find a way to work the trade, to have that insurance?

Not if:

1) I already have a younger, better, cheaper starter who's in my pen.

2) Your starting right fielder is injury prone, 32, and in a walk year.

3) Nobody wants two of your other starters despite your repeated attempts to move them.

I think you're looking at this deal from the persepective of just 2006. The Sox are taking a longer term view. The days of selling the future for the present in Boston are over. Welcome to the days of building for now and the future.

You're seeing a backup outfielder who strikes out a lot, Boston is seeing the replacement for Nixon when he leaves as a free agent after this year. They also look at their aging rotation, and see Papelbon and Lester ready to replace Wells and either Schilling or Clement in 2007. Also, between not paying Wells, Nixon, and Arroyo in 2007, and instead paying the cheaper Papelbon, Lester, and Pena, they have some cash in case they need to go out and pick up another arm on the free agent market.

[TheKingofKings]

1st I believe the trade for Coco was neccesary but trading away Wells or Clement for a SS is downwright stupid think about it this way they had 7 SP but they traded away Arroyl leaving them with 6 not to mention that if Foulke doesn`t pull through Papelbon might be the closer or reliever leaving them with 5 if they trade clement or wells they only have 4 and while they can live with that by bringing up a starter from the minors it would be unreliableand if their was a serious injury they have 3 experienced Veteran SP plus Shilling's health is questionable. Even though their Starting Pitching looked fantastic in the beginning of Spring Training it is now quite vulnerable they won`t hurt it even more for thhe sake of increasing their offense.

Im talkimg about Trading for a SS and an OK Starter SP

[TheKingofKings]

Here's a theoretical question: Suppose the Sox were carrying a spare outfielder who can hit the ball hard on the rare occasions when he happens to make contact, but is a decent fielder. You had a chance to trade him for a decent pitcher who could either fill a bullpen spot or slip neatly into the rotation, and he comes cheap. Not only is he cheap, but he loves your city and wants to play on your team. Three of your starters are almost old enough to qualify for senior discounts, one is coming off an injury-shortened season, and the remaining starter has a long history of late-season declines. What would you do? Would you find a way to work the trade, to have that insurance?

Its funny , now the Spx are possibly willing to trade Nixon for and INF or a SP since they acquired Pena last week , this is kind of a similar situation like the one you have just written .

[Boston Boxer]

But I also feel that the starting situation is chancy. The Sox are one bad back, dodgy ankle, bruised heel, torn fingernail, persistent blister or tweaked elbow away from having a really drastically thinned rotation. So what happens if/when Wells back goes out, Beckett's elbow starts to get a ping in it, maybe Schilling's ankle acts up, and Papelbon is put into the rotation? That doesn't do the rotation any harm, but it leaves the 'pen short. So would they call up Hansen, or start trading away prospects for chancy middle-relievers?

Are we really better off having a backup outfielder with a horrifying strikeout ratio than having yet another proven pitcher at our disposal?

Annie, what has happened to you??? You were the only one i could count on last year to be positive when I, and others were in a panic. Why are you so down on the Sox? Come on, we want the other Annie back:D

[Mike D.]

Its funny , now the Spx are possibly willing to trade Nixon for and INF or a SP since they acquired Pena last week , this is kind of a similar situation like the one you have just written .

Where have you heard word of them trading Nixon? I haven't seen anything about that. I see Nixon and Pena platooning this year, and Nixon probably not being resigned.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Giving up arroyo just got me thinking a lot about all the potential problems or basically the worst case scenario

[Mariano_Rivera]

But I also feel that the starting situation is chancy. The Sox are one bad back, dodgy ankle, bruised heel, torn fingernail, persistent blister or tweaked elbow away from having a really drastically thinned rotation. So what happens if/when Wells back goes out, Beckett's elbow starts to get a ping in it, maybe Schilling's ankle acts up, and Papelbon is put into the rotation? That doesn't do the rotation any harm, but it leaves the 'pen short. So would they call up Hansen, or start trading away prospects for chancy middle-relievers?

Are we really better off having a backup outfielder with a horrifying strikeout ratio than having yet another proven pitcher at our disposal?

Excactly what I was thinking in a shorter and better informed way

[Evangelion]

1) I already have a younger, better, cheaper starter who's in my pen.
Beckett's blister and shoulder.

Schilling's ankle.

Wells' knees.

Three injury question marks. One start can't cover the spot of three.

Better based on limited time he played last year? Do we keep forgetting Arroyo led the Sox in quality starts last season?

2) Your starting right fielder is injury prone, 32, and in a walk year.
Our offense was still great without Nixon the majority of the time. Plug in an Adam Stern or Willie Harris would be perfectly fine. Nixon does not bring that much offense to the team. Remember he not here during 04 run. It was Kapler most of the season. Sox seem fine without Nixon that year.

In the end, I'm up in the air with the deal at the moment. If Beckett and Schilling on are the DL. I think a lot of you wish we had Arroyo here. It's not being negative, but Schilling is old and his ankle still a question mark until he goes out and proves otherwise. Beckett has had blister problems and has never pitched more than 200 innings a season. Wells is coming off minor surgery on his knee, but keep in mind how old he is.

[Mike D.]

Beckett's blister and shoulder.

Schilling's ankle.

Wells' knees.

Three injury question marks. One start can't cover the spot of three.


In your worst case senerio, they'd still be a starter short. If all three of the above go down, stick a fork into the Sox, they're done for 2006, whether Arroyo is back or not.


Better based on limited time he played last year? Do we keep forgetting Arroyo led the Sox in quality starts last season?


Better on the estimation of pretty much EVERY baseball expert in the country. Papelbon has a chance to be a special pitcher....Arroyo was a 3-5 starter.


Our offense was still great without Nixon the majority of the time. Plug in an Adam Stern or Willie Harris would be perfectly fine. Nixon does not bring that much offense to the team. Remember he not here during 04 run. It was Kapler most of the season. Sox seem fine without Nixon that year.

If Nixon's not that good, why not trade for a suitable replacement for him from our starting pitching depth. The 2006 and 2004 Red Sox are very different teams...with less offense from SS and potentially 3b and 1b, they'll need a right fielder who can hit.

In 2006, Nixon and Pena will platoon, and after that, Pena takes over. I'm amazed how few of my fellow Red Sox fans will look past 2006 to the long-term health of the team.


In the end, I'm up in the air with the deal at the moment. If Beckett and Schilling on are the DL. I think a lot of you wish we had Arroyo here. It's not being negative, but Schilling is old and his ankle still a question mark until he goes out and proves otherwise. Beckett has had blister problems and has never pitched more than 200 innings a season. Wells is coming off minor surgery on his knee, but keep in mind how old he is.

And we could have some injuries and need a starter...but as a GM, do you not make moves to improve your team because someone might get hurt? Or do you make your team the best all-around team you can make it, with solid dpeth, and adjust from there? Hindsight is 20-20, but you gotta make the smart moves when you can, and hope for the best.

[SoxSon]

Here's a theoretical question: Suppose the Sox were carrying a spare outfielder who can hit the ball hard on the rare occasions when he happens to make contact, but is a decent fielder. You had a chance to trade him for a decent pitcher who could either fill a bullpen spot or slip neatly into the rotation, and he comes cheap. Not only is he cheap, but he loves your city and wants to play on your team. Three of your starters are almost old enough to qualify for senior discounts, one is coming off an injury-shortened season, and the remaining starter has a long history of late-season declines. What would you do? Would you find a way to work the trade, to have that insurance?

I like this, Annie. You and I both enjoy hiding "between the lines" at times. Plus, you make your point. :D

[Mariano_Rivera]

actually I believe trading away nixon for a SP is a real possibility I believe Barry Zito could be a possible player on the market because of the last year of his contract of course it would have to include someone other than Nixon though this is pretty far fetched

[Evangelion]

In worst case senerio, they're two starters shot and a closer shot. Are you just assume Schilling, Beckett and Foulke are just going to be perfectly ok heading into this series? With their history, you're sure thinking these three will be perfectly ok. I did not even think of Wells during this situation.

"Chance". Exactly the point. He has a chance. Arroyo had 20 quality starts last season and he also has the chance to become a very solid starting pitcher. Again, a "chance". Baseball experts? Papelbon comes into the rotation and becomes a stud pitcher. Ok...?

Because, we had people like Kapler replace Nixon. Consider Nixon's contract up this season, why not let Nixon play this season out and pick up a free agent that's probably better than anything you can trade for, which you have to give a player up for. 04? Cabrera was at SS and he was not an offensive SS, unless you consider a SS that hit around 260.-270. an offensive SS. Millar's production can be replaced by Snow and Youkillis. 3B is the only case you got since Mueller was a very solid overall 3B while Lowell coming off a disaster season in 05.

I'm up in the air on the deal, because Pena a 250. hitter, who strikes out 100 plus times a year and walks 20 plus times. Don't we remember how good he looked in RF last year during his series at Fenway. Still, Pena does hit left handers quite well, is young and if he doesn't totally stink this year, will probably be our starting RF next season when Nixon probably does walk out.

Depth doesn't work since Arroyo had depth to pen, which I won't be sold on until they, new guys, prove they can pitch at Fenway. Arroyo has manage himself well and proved himself as dependable back-up starter and decent starter when he does start. I like pitching depth oppose to outfield depth, where we could have just use Stern to back-up Nixon.

Don't try justify this move as smart to reinforce your liking of this deal. Red Sox lose a solid long relief, spot starter and decent starter to pitch up a platoon, but young OF. Get one thing and give up another. That's how I see the deal at the moment. Not going to go bonkers over Pena, who's yet to prove much outside swing the bat and striking out and hitting a home run when he does contact.

Zito for Nixon? Lol, no. Mets wanted him and couldn't get him. The A's would not give up Zito for a decent to medicore level OF with injury problems, who's also in his final year of his contract. It's extremely far fetched.

[Boston Boxer]

actually I believe trading away nixon for a SP is a real possibility I believe Barry Zito could be a possible player on the market because of the last year of his contract of course it would have to include someone other than Nixon though this is pretty far fetched

are you serious or just trying to be funny? your posts do not make any sense

[SoxSon]

are you serious or just trying to be funny? your posts do not make any sense


Well, he does say it would have to include another player...:ughh

[Mike D.]

In worst case senerio, they're two starters shot and a closer shot. Are you just assume Schilling, Beckett and Foulke are just going to be perfectly ok heading into this series? With their history, you're sure thinking these three will be perfectly ok. I did not even think of Wells during this situation.


I've given my reasoning for liking the deal, despite the injury risks to the current starters, including why you can't keep 14 pitchers on the roster. I don't know how to say it any better, so I guess we'll just sit here and worry about injuries.


"Chance". Exactly the point. He has a chance. Arroyo had 20 quality starts last season and he also has the chance to become a very solid starting pitcher. Again, a "chance". Baseball experts? Papelbon comes into the rotation and becomes a stud pitcher. Ok...?


Are you suggesting we should never move a veteren out because we have a more talented rookie in the wings?


Because, we had people like Kapler replace Nixon. Consider Nixon's contract up this season, why not let Nixon play this season out and pick up a free agent that's probably better than anything you can trade for, which you have to give a player up for.


Kapler? He's a part time player at best. So he's not a viable replacement for Nixon.

And signing a free agent is great...assuming someone is out there after 2006 that they can get for a reasonable price. And of course, if they spend big bucks on a free agent outfield, something else has got to go. They don't have unlimited money.


04? Cabrera was at SS and he was not an offensive SS, unless you consider a SS that hit around 260.-270. an offensive SS. Millar's production can be replaced by Snow and Youkillis. 3B is the only case you got since Mueller was a very solid overall 3B while Lowell coming off a disaster season in 05.


Umm...Cabrera was the shortstop in '04. For two months. Before that, it was Nomar, and before Nomar, Pokey as a fill in. But that team was originally built with Nomar at short, a plus offensive player.

And hey, maybe Youk and Snow will replace the .297 batting average, 18 HR, and 36 doubles Millar had in 2004. I guess they have a CHANCE to do that, but that's not guarentee, is it? :D


I'm up in the air on the deal, because Pena a 250. hitter, who strikes out 100 plus times a year and walks 20 plus times. Don't we remember how good he looked in RF last year during his series at Fenway. Still, Pena does hit left handers quite well, is young and if he doesn't totally stink this year, will probably be our starting RF next season when Nixon probably does walk out.


But Pena is 24, and has a shot at getting better. Arroyo is 29, Nixon 31...they've probably had their best years. The team is taking a calculated risk on the future (Pena and Papelbon). It's the only way to get better.

That's why I like the deal.


Depth doesn't work since Arroyo had depth to pen, which I won't be sold on until they, new guys, prove they can pitch at Fenway. Arroyo has manage himself well and proved himself as dependable back-up starter and decent starter when he does start. I like pitching depth oppose to outfield depth, where we could have just use Stern to back-up Nixon.


They can only carry so many pitchers. Arroyo was the odd man out. If they could have gotten something for Wells, should they not have moved him, you know, so they could have depth?


Don't try justify this move as smart to reinforce your liking of this deal.


I have no idea what the above means.


Red Sox lose a solid long relief, spot starter and decent starter to pitch up a platoon, but young OF. Get one thing and give up another. That's how I see the deal at the moment. Not going to go bonkers over Pena, who's yet to prove much outside swing the bat and striking out and hitting a home run when he does contact.


Agreed. The Sox traded from a position of strength, starting pitching, to get something they didn't have...a power hitting young outfielder. Will it work out? Who knows. Does the deal make sense. I think it does. I'm more than willing to agree to disagree, though...we all have our opinions.


Zito for Nixon? Lol, no. Mets wanted him and couldn't get him. The A's would not give up Zito for a decent to medicore level OF with injury problems, who's also in his final year of his contract. It's extremely far fetched.

I agree...never happen.

[Mariano_Rivera]

are you serious or just trying to be funny? your posts do not make any sense

Wasn`t thinking just looked at the numbers I reallly just picked a name out of a hat I have a complicatd and far fetched idea. They try to trade Nixon and use Pena as the regular Right-fielder and midseason they trade Nixon and a prospect to a team with a surplus of SP but weak offense (Brewers for example) I known this is far fetched and it would only happen if the worst case scenario or something similar happens just speculation