Red Sox - Hot Stove - 2008/2009 (1 Viewer)

[The Ghost of Common]

Confirmed, Sox are out.Looks like Lowell is the man this season.I was really liking the fit of Teixeira in Boston.

You guys really are the Yankees now, you know that right?

That's the humor of it all. "How DARE he doesn't sign with us!"

I agree the Red Sox are the Yankees-Lite.However - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would have flown to Texas asked Teixeira to write in the amount of money he wanted, any special clauses/concessions he wanted and inked the deal. See: C.C. Sabbathia deal. If they want someone; they'll get him. Red Sox at least do a little better at sticking to their guns.I said a LITTLE better - they certainly are on the Yankee tier as far as the Free Agent market, but make no mistake - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would sign him yesterday.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Confirmed, Sox are out.Looks like Lowell is the man this season.I was really liking the fit of Teixeira in Boston.

You guys really are the Yankees now, you know that right?

This was settled a couple years ago.

 

[Tau837]

From SI.com:

SI.com's Jon Heyman reports that the Red Sox haven't given up on signing star free agent Mark Teixeira. Heyman says that Boston is just taking a break from the bidding. "A lot of people interpreted Red Sox owner John Henry's two-sentence email late Thursday night to mean the Red Sox were dropping out of the derby for the multitalented slugger," Heyman says. "But while Boston's chances to land Teixeira may have diminished slightly after the sides failed to make progress in their high-powered Texas meeting on Thursday night, at least a half-dozen baseball executives with some knowledge of the process suggest to SI.com that the Red Sox remain interested in Teixeira and are merely intent on sticking to their last proposal. Several of these executives suggested that Henry and G.M. Theo Epstein are merely engaging in a game of poker with agent Scott Boras."

 

[cobalt_27]

Confirmed, Sox are out.Looks like Lowell is the man this season.I was really liking the fit of Teixeira in Boston.

You guys really are the Yankees now, you know that right?

That's the humor of it all. "How DARE he doesn't sign with us!"

I agree the Red Sox are the Yankees-Lite.However - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would have flown to Texas asked Teixeira to write in the amount of money he wanted, any special clauses/concessions he wanted and inked the deal. See: C.C. Sabbathia deal. If they want someone; they'll get him. Red Sox at least do a little better at sticking to their guns.I said a LITTLE better - they certainly are on the Yankee tier as far as the Free Agent market, but make no mistake - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would sign him yesterday.

Further proof that it's a bunch of morons spending all that money. Unbelievable how stupid they are to not go after Tex, but instead resign Carl Pavano (only, this time, under the name "AJ Burnett").

 

[DropKick]

Confirmed, Sox are out.Looks like Lowell is the man this season.I was really liking the fit of Teixeira in Boston.

You guys really are the Yankees now, you know that right?

That's the humor of it all. "How DARE he doesn't sign with us!"

What are you referring to? I didn't see any commentary like that.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Confirmed, Sox are out.Looks like Lowell is the man this season.I was really liking the fit of Teixeira in Boston.

You guys really are the Yankees now, you know that right?

That's the humor of it all. "How DARE he doesn't sign with us!"

I agree the Red Sox are the Yankees-Lite.However - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would have flown to Texas asked Teixeira to write in the amount of money he wanted, any special clauses/concessions he wanted and inked the deal. See: C.C. Sabbathia deal. If they want someone; they'll get him. Red Sox at least do a little better at sticking to their guns.I said a LITTLE better - they certainly are on the Yankee tier as far as the Free Agent market, but make no mistake - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would sign him yesterday.

Further proof that it's a bunch of morons spending all that money. Unbelievable how stupid they are to not go after Tex, but instead resign Carl Pavano (only, this time, under the name "AJ Burnett").

I despise the Yankees, but you can't compare the two.55 MIL for Burnett185 MIL for Teixeira.

 

[cobalt_27]

Confirmed, Sox are out.Looks like Lowell is the man this season.I was really liking the fit of Teixeira in Boston.

You guys really are the Yankees now, you know that right?

That's the humor of it all. "How DARE he doesn't sign with us!"

I agree the Red Sox are the Yankees-Lite.However - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would have flown to Texas asked Teixeira to write in the amount of money he wanted, any special clauses/concessions he wanted and inked the deal. See: C.C. Sabbathia deal. If they want someone; they'll get him. Red Sox at least do a little better at sticking to their guns.I said a LITTLE better - they certainly are on the Yankee tier as far as the Free Agent market, but make no mistake - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would sign him yesterday.

Further proof that it's a bunch of morons spending all that money. Unbelievable how stupid they are to not go after Tex, but instead resign Carl Pavano (only, this time, under the name "AJ Burnett").

I despise the Yankees, but you can't compare the two.55 MIL for Burnett185 MIL for Teixeira.

Wasn't it $82.5 million contract for 5 years? Absolutely, we can make the comparison. Burnett: 16.5 million per year wasted.Teixeira: 23 million per year well spent.What's not to compare?

 

[Thunderlips]

Confirmed, Sox are out.Looks like Lowell is the man this season.I was really liking the fit of Teixeira in Boston.

You guys really are the Yankees now, you know that right?

That's the humor of it all. "How DARE he doesn't sign with us!"

I agree the Red Sox are the Yankees-Lite.However - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would have flown to Texas asked Teixeira to write in the amount of money he wanted, any special clauses/concessions he wanted and inked the deal. See: C.C. Sabbathia deal. If they want someone; they'll get him. Red Sox at least do a little better at sticking to their guns.I said a LITTLE better - they certainly are on the Yankee tier as far as the Free Agent market, but make no mistake - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would sign him yesterday.

Further proof that it's a bunch of morons spending all that money. Unbelievable how stupid they are to not go after Tex, but instead resign Carl Pavano (only, this time, under the name "AJ Burnett").

I despise the Yankees, but you can't compare the two.55 MIL for Burnett185 MIL for Teixeira.

Wasn't it $82.5 million contract for 5 years? Absolutely, we can make the comparison. Burnett: 16.5 million per year wasted.Teixeira: 23 million per year well spent.What's not to compare?

Who's going to win the Super Bowl this year?

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Confirmed, Sox are out.Looks like Lowell is the man this season.I was really liking the fit of Teixeira in Boston.

You guys really are the Yankees now, you know that right?

That's the humor of it all. "How DARE he doesn't sign with us!"

I agree the Red Sox are the Yankees-Lite.However - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would have flown to Texas asked Teixeira to write in the amount of money he wanted, any special clauses/concessions he wanted and inked the deal. See: C.C. Sabbathia deal. If they want someone; they'll get him. Red Sox at least do a little better at sticking to their guns.I said a LITTLE better - they certainly are on the Yankee tier as far as the Free Agent market, but make no mistake - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would sign him yesterday.

Further proof that it's a bunch of morons spending all that money. Unbelievable how stupid they are to not go after Tex, but instead resign Carl Pavano (only, this time, under the name "AJ Burnett").

I despise the Yankees, but you can't compare the two.55 MIL for Burnett185 MIL for Teixeira.

Wasn't it $82.5 million contract for 5 years? Absolutely, we can make the comparison. Burnett: 16.5 million per year wasted.Teixeira: 23 million per year well spent.What's not to compare?

7.5 MIL per year plus a huge hole on your starting pitching staff is the difference.I'm not a big Burnett fan at all, but the Yankees need starting pitching bigtime.What up with Ben Sheets these days ?

 

[Oof!]

Confirmed, Sox are out.Looks like Lowell is the man this season.I was really liking the fit of Teixeira in Boston.

You guys really are the Yankees now, you know that right?

That's the humor of it all. "How DARE he doesn't sign with us!"

I agree the Red Sox are the Yankees-Lite.However - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would have flown to Texas asked Teixeira to write in the amount of money he wanted, any special clauses/concessions he wanted and inked the deal. See: C.C. Sabbathia deal. If they want someone; they'll get him. Red Sox at least do a little better at sticking to their guns.I said a LITTLE better - they certainly are on the Yankee tier as far as the Free Agent market, but make no mistake - if the Yankees wanted Teixeira, they would sign him yesterday.

Further proof that it's a bunch of morons spending all that money. Unbelievable how stupid they are to not go after Tex, but instead resign Carl Pavano (only, this time, under the name "AJ Burnett").

I despise the Yankees, but you can't compare the two.55 MIL for Burnett185 MIL for Teixeira.

Wasn't it $82.5 million contract for 5 years? Absolutely, we can make the comparison. Burnett: 16.5 million per year wasted.Teixeira: 23 million per year well spent.What's not to compare?

7.5 MIL per year plus a huge hole on your starting pitching staff is the difference.I'm not a big Burnett fan at all, but the Yankees need starting pitching bigtime.

I suppose this is why Yankee fans don't like Burnett. Won't he just occupy a position on the DL for most of the year? Seems like a colossal waste of money to me.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Now its being reported that the Angels are out of the running for Texeira. I dont believe that the Yankees are in it. It appears that the Baltimore offer can not be significantly better than the Boston offer. That leaves Boston and Washington. Is Texeira really going to go play for the Nationals?

 

[FFMaster]

Now its being reported that the Angels are out of the running for Texeira. I dont believe that the Yankees are in it. It appears that the Baltimore offer can not be significantly better than the Boston offer. That leaves Boston and Washington. Is Texeira really going to go play for the Nationals?

No. He's not going to doom himself to baseball irrelevance for the rest of his career for another $2M a year.To the surprise of no one, I'm sure, Boras is trying to get NY interested so he has another legit. team to bid against Boston: http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yan...0,1053407.story

 

[PatsWillWin]

With the Yankees on the verge of signing Manny, I doubt that Boras can reasonably try and convince anyone that they are bidding on Teixiera.

 

[David Yudkin]

With the Yankees on the verge of signing Manny, I doubt that Boras can reasonably try and convince anyone that they are bidding on Teixiera.

From what I have seen, the Yanks are not on the verge of anything with Manny (at least not yet). From what I've seen, they have not made him an offer and anything they have done was described as "preliminary." Somewhere, someone got wind that the Yanks may make him a 3 year, $75M offer and that Manny expects to receive an offer soon, but I have yet to see where that is something actually in the works.

 

[Sea Bass]

Rotoworld is reporting that Tex may announce that he is signing with the Red Sox sometime today.

 

[David Yudkin]

Rotoworld is reporting that Tex may announce that he is signing with the Red Sox sometime today.

Report: Nationals increase offer for Teixeira According to MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network) Online's Roch Kubatko, the Nationals "have sweetened their proposal to Teixeira, offering him an eight-year deal worth $178-184m" according to multiple sources. Kubatko has been told Washington is willing to go nine years and there's been talk of a 10-year offer.

 

[Workhorse]

http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/lovey-l...uncement-today/

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Report: Teixeira announcement today

A major-league baseball source told the Washington Times that an announcement regarding the future of free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira is expected today. The Times suggests that there are "strong indications" that the Red Sox will be the team that signs the slugger. ESPN is reporting that a decision is imminent, but offers few indications about whether the first baseman might head to the Red Sox, Nationals, Orioles or Yankees. The Washington Post talked to a Nationals official who was unaware of any imminent announcement by his club. -- Alex Speier (Dec. 23, 11:53am)

 

[southeastjerome]

As the Mark Teixeira decision looms here's what the switch-hitting first baseman might be thinking about:

Major League sources indicate the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox appear to be the finalists pending a last-minute New York Yankee offer - always a possibility.

The Nationals are offering 9 years at $180 million.

The Red Sox have not appeared to change their offer of 8 years at around $170 million.

You can see the Nationals are willing to give Teixeira $10 million additional dollars, but the Red Sox' average annual value is about $1 million per year higher. This could obviously be changign by the minute, but that's where it appears to be at present.

Washington is closer to home. Boston is the better team.

We may have a decision by today.

So assuming the above is true the Sox offer has a higher AAV.http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/reds...me_the_mon.html

 

[Finless]

As the Mark Teixeira decision looms here's what the switch-hitting first baseman might be thinking about:

Major League sources indicate the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox appear to be the finalists pending a last-minute New York Yankee offer - always a possibility.

The Nationals are offering 9 years at $180 million.

The Red Sox have not appeared to change their offer of 8 years at around $170 million.

You can see the Nationals are willing to give Teixeira $10 million additional dollars, but the Red Sox' average annual value is about $1 million per year higher. This could obviously be changign by the minute, but that's where it appears to be at present.

Washington is closer to home. Boston is the better team.

We may have a decision by today.

So assuming the above is true the Sox offer has a higher AAV.http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/reds...me_the_mon.html

No, Boston gets players at a discount for being winnahs. That's how this thing works.

 

[Finless]

And all this talk about Boras clients and how they will sign with whichever organization gives them an extra nickel is ridiculous. It's his job to get his clients the best offers. That's what he does. He may talk in their ear but these guys aren't stupid. Ultimately they make a decision based on cash, family, and where they want to play. They don't just go for the money because they are Boras clients.

 

[Sea Bass]

And all this talk about Boras clients and how they will sign with whichever organization gives them an extra nickel is ridiculous. It's his job to get his clients the best offers. That's what he does. He may talk in their ear but these guys aren't stupid. Ultimately they make a decision based on cash, family, and where they want to play. They don't just go for the money because they are Boras clients.

If money is your bottom line wouldn't you seek out Scott Boras to be your agent? I believe that Tex is interested in the best deal regardless of location and situation.

 

[southeastjerome]

In the race to sign Mark Teixeira, the Yankees are turning up the heat.

The Yankees are in deep discussions with Teixeira, in what is now an attempt to beat out the rival Red Sox for Teixeira's services. The Teixeira sweepstakes is considered to be a three-team battle with the Nationals still involved. However, the Yankees' talks have turned serious in recent hours, as the team appears to be stepping up its attempts to lure the free-agent slugger to New York.

The Red Sox remain hopeful to sign Teixeira, who hit .308 with 33 home runs and 121 RBIs in 2008, as a middle-of-the order hitter to replace Manny Ramirez.

http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/hot_stov...-teixeira-talks

 

[PatsWillWin]

And all this talk about Boras clients and how they will sign with whichever organization gives them an extra nickel is ridiculous. It's his job to get his clients the best offers. That's what he does. He may talk in their ear but these guys aren't stupid. Ultimately they make a decision based on cash, family, and where they want to play. They don't just go for the money because they are Boras clients.

Oops, Yankees.

 

[Finless]

And all this talk about Boras clients and how they will sign with whichever organization gives them an extra nickel is ridiculous. It's his job to get his clients the best offers. That's what he does. He may talk in their ear but these guys aren't stupid. Ultimately they make a decision based on cash, family, and where they want to play. They don't just go for the money because they are Boras clients.

If money is your bottom line wouldn't you seek out Scott Boras to be your agent? I believe that Tex is interested in the best deal regardless of location and situation.

You really think he wouldn't choose the Red Sox, Angels or Yankees for the hext 8 years over the Nationals? I think he play at a discount at both Anaheim and Boston. The only reason he wouldn't accept one in NY is because Boras knows he can rake the Yanks over the coals. When you're making $24M a year I think its worth a 10M or so to play where you're going to contend. Of course he's got Boras to ensure he gets the best contract but money most certainly is not the only factor. These guys have wives and goals. In the long run if you're smart with your money there's not a big difference between $170M and $190M. I don't think most people would move to a company they didn't believe in for a 10%-12% raise. It's all relative.

 

[southeastjerome]

And all this talk about Boras clients and how they will sign with whichever organization gives them an extra nickel is ridiculous. It's his job to get his clients the best offers. That's what he does. He may talk in their ear but these guys aren't stupid. Ultimately they make a decision based on cash, family, and where they want to play. They don't just go for the money because they are Boras clients.

If money is your bottom line wouldn't you seek out Scott Boras to be your agent? I believe that Tex is interested in the best deal regardless of location and situation.

You really think he wouldn't choose the Red Sox, Angels or Yankees for the hext 8 years over the Nationals? I think he play at a discount at both Anaheim and Boston. The only reason he wouldn't accept one in NY is because Boras knows he can rake the Yanks over the coals. When you're making $24M a year I think its worth a 10M or so to play where you're going to contend. Of course he's got Boras to ensure he gets the best contract but money most certainly is not the only factor. These guys have wives and goals. In the long run if you're smart with your money there's not a big difference between $170M and $190M. I don't think most people would move to a company they didn't believe in for a 10%-12% raise. It's all relative.

 

[PatsWillWin]

And all this talk about Boras clients and how they will sign with whichever organization gives them an extra nickel is ridiculous. It's his job to get his clients the best offers. That's what he does. He may talk in their ear but these guys aren't stupid. Ultimately they make a decision based on cash, family, and where they want to play. They don't just go for the money because they are Boras clients.

If money is your bottom line wouldn't you seek out Scott Boras to be your agent? I believe that Tex is interested in the best deal regardless of location and situation.

You really think he wouldn't choose the Red Sox, Angels or Yankees for the hext 8 years over the Nationals? I think he play at a discount at both Anaheim and Boston. The only reason he wouldn't accept one in NY is because Boras knows he can rake the Yanks over the coals. When you're making $24M a year I think its worth a 10M or so to play where you're going to contend. Of course he's got Boras to ensure he gets the best contract but money most certainly is not the only factor. These guys have wives and goals. In the long run if you're smart with your money there's not a big difference between $170M and $190M. I don't think most people would move to a company they didn't believe in for a 10%-12% raise. It's all relative.

You might want to turn on WEEI, broseph.

 

[Sea Bass]

And all this talk about Boras clients and how they will sign with whichever organization gives them an extra nickel is ridiculous. It's his job to get his clients the best offers. That's what he does. He may talk in their ear but these guys aren't stupid. Ultimately they make a decision based on cash, family, and where they want to play. They don't just go for the money because they are Boras clients.

If money is your bottom line wouldn't you seek out Scott Boras to be your agent? I believe that Tex is interested in the best deal regardless of location and situation.

You really think he wouldn't choose the Red Sox, Angels or Yankees for the hext 8 years over the Nationals? I think he play at a discount at both Anaheim and Boston. The only reason he wouldn't accept one in NY is because Boras knows he can rake the Yanks over the coals. When you're making $24M a year I think its worth a 10M or so to play where you're going to contend. Of course he's got Boras to ensure he gets the best contract but money most certainly is not the only factor. These guys have wives and goals. In the long run if you're smart with your money there's not a big difference between $170M and $190M. I don't think most people would move to a company they didn't believe in for a 10%-12% raise. It's all relative.

Is this some garbage that Carmello and Billups discussed with you as you dined together last night?

 

[Sea Bass]

Would have liked to see Tex join the Sox, but I really would have hated losing Lowell. The thing that I enjoy most about Boston is that they seem to be a team of gym rats. I'm not sure that this move is that great of a loss.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I would still like to see the Sox go after Ben Sheets.

I'm surprised he has been flying under the radar up until now.

I guess the injuries are a concern.

 

[PatsWillWin]

I'm pretty much just speechless.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Jake Peavy ?

 

[Thunderlips]

As the Mark Teixeira decision looms here's what the switch-hitting first baseman might be thinking about:

Major League sources indicate the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox appear to be the finalists pending a last-minute New York Yankee offer - always a possibility.

The Nationals are offering 9 years at $180 million.

The Red Sox have not appeared to change their offer of 8 years at around $170 million.

You can see the Nationals are willing to give Teixeira $10 million additional dollars, but the Red Sox' average annual value is about $1 million per year higher. This could obviously be changign by the minute, but that's where it appears to be at present.

Washington is closer to home. Boston is the better team.

We may have a decision by today.

So assuming the above is true the Sox offer has a higher AAV.http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/reds...me_the_mon.html

No, Boston gets players at a discount for being winnahs. That's how this thing works.

Apparently this also happens for the Yanks....http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/teixeira-had-hi.html

 

[Finless]

As the Mark Teixeira decision looms here's what the switch-hitting first baseman might be thinking about:

Major League sources indicate the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox appear to be the finalists pending a last-minute New York Yankee offer - always a possibility.

The Nationals are offering 9 years at $180 million.

The Red Sox have not appeared to change their offer of 8 years at around $170 million.

You can see the Nationals are willing to give Teixeira $10 million additional dollars, but the Red Sox' average annual value is about $1 million per year higher. This could obviously be changign by the minute, but that's where it appears to be at present.

Washington is closer to home. Boston is the better team.

We may have a decision by today.

So assuming the above is true the Sox offer has a higher AAV.http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/reds...me_the_mon.html

No, Boston gets players at a discount for being winnahs. That's how this thing works.

Apparently this also happens for the Yanks....http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/teixeira-had-hi.html

Nats probably went $190M. I think the point I've been trying to make is it's not ALL about the money.

 

[Smeagol]

When you are already making $170+ million, does an extra $5-10 mill really #### matter?

 

[Oh Yes!]

When you are already making $170+ million, does an extra $5-10 really #### matter?

yes, to your great great great grandchildren

 

[Sea Bass]

Sox on verge of signing Penny and Bard?

 

[The Ref]

Wake me up when something happens.

 

[David Yudkin]

If the Sox end up signing Penny for $5M plus incentives, comparing him to Burnett:

Penny (30)

94-75 .556, 4.06, 1.337 WHIP, 106 ERA+

Burnett (31)

87-76 .534, 3.81, 1.284 WHIP, 111 ERA+

Granted, Penny is a big injury risk but could put up decent numbers (at least servicable numbers) if healthy.

 

[Bogart]

Bogart said all of this three days ago. Couple guys jumped all over him for it. I hope he goes to the Nats so we never have to hear from him again.

Yep, I still wish he was a National.

 

[David Yudkin]

Report: Sox tried to get Hanley Ramirez back

According to a report in SI.com, the Red Sox made an attempt to re-acquire Marlins star Hanley Ramirez, "but while the Marlins listened to Boston's overtures, Florida isn't anxious to trade its best player, and talks apparently have been aborted after no agreement could be reached." The Marlins were said to be most interested in a center fielder, and discussions apparently focused on outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, pitcher Clay Buchholz and others in a package for Ramirez, according to the story bylined by Tom Verducci and Jon Heyman. According to their report, it was originally believed that these recent discussions came after Boston lost out in the running for Mark Teixeira, who signed an eight-year, $180 million deal with the Yankees last week, but in fact, they were held a few weeks prior to that. In November 2005, Ramirez was dealt by the Red Sox to the Marlins along with three minor leaguers in exchange for Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota. Ramirez, 25, batted .301 with 33 home runs, 67 RBIs, 125 runs scored, and 35 stolen bases last season.

 

[Thunderlips]

Report: Sox tried to get Hanley Ramirez backAccording to a report in SI.com, the Red Sox made an attempt to re-acquire Marlins star Hanley Ramirez, "but while the Marlins listened to Boston's overtures, Florida isn't anxious to trade its best player, and talks apparently have been aborted after no agreement could be reached." The Marlins were said to be most interested in a center fielder, and discussions apparently focused on outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, pitcher Clay Buchholz and others in a package for Ramirez, according to the story bylined by Tom Verducci and Jon Heyman. According to their report, it was originally believed that these recent discussions came after Boston lost out in the running for Mark Teixeira, who signed an eight-year, $180 million deal with the Yankees last week, but in fact, they were held a few weeks prior to that. In November 2005, Ramirez was dealt by the Red Sox to the Marlins along with three minor leaguers in exchange for Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota. Ramirez, 25, batted .301 with 33 home runs, 67 RBIs, 125 runs scored, and 35 stolen bases last season.

Now that is something that really would have took the wind out of the Yanks sails.

 

[Finless]

Report: Sox tried to get Hanley Ramirez backAccording to a report in SI.com, the Red Sox made an attempt to re-acquire Marlins star Hanley Ramirez, "but while the Marlins listened to Boston's overtures, Florida isn't anxious to trade its best player, and talks apparently have been aborted after no agreement could be reached." The Marlins were said to be most interested in a center fielder, and discussions apparently focused on outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, pitcher Clay Buchholz and others in a package for Ramirez, according to the story bylined by Tom Verducci and Jon Heyman. According to their report, it was originally believed that these recent discussions came after Boston lost out in the running for Mark Teixeira, who signed an eight-year, $180 million deal with the Yankees last week, but in fact, they were held a few weeks prior to that. In November 2005, Ramirez was dealt by the Red Sox to the Marlins along with three minor leaguers in exchange for Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota. Ramirez, 25, batted .301 with 33 home runs, 67 RBIs, 125 runs scored, and 35 stolen bases last season.

Now that is something that really would have took the wind out of the Yanks sails.

I've been thinking about this since he left. They will get him back.

 

[Why Me?]

I'd give up Elsbury, Buchholz, Lowrie and possibly even another young pitching prospect not named Masterson or Bowden in a heartbeat to get Hanley.

 

[Thunderlips]

I'd give up Elsbury, Buchholz, Lowrie and possibly even another young pitching prospect not named Masterson or Bowden in a heartbeat to get Hanley.

Lowrie would be a definite....and I think Bucholz would be a good player for both teams. Ellsbury though? I think that decision would be easier if they still had Crisp.

 

[Sea Bass]

espn.com is reporting that the Red Sox are close to signing Rocco Baldelli.

 

[Capella]

I'd give up Elsbury, Buchholz, Lowrie and possibly even another young pitching prospect not named Masterson or Bowden in a heartbeat to get Hanley.

 

[David Yudkin]

espn.com is reporting that the Red Sox are close to signing Rocco Baldelli.

And Smoltz.

 

[Gr00vus]

So anyone got insight into what they're going to do with Masterson? I thought he has enough stuff to be a quality starter, but it seems like with the vet signings he's going to be a setup guy again. He's young yet, but I think if they're looking at him being a starter long term he'd need to be getting starter work experience. Then there's Buchholz and Bowden. I guess the sox are saying these guys aren't ready for the big league rotation this year?

 

[David Yudkin]

So anyone got insight into what they're going to do with Masterson? I thought he has enough stuff to be a quality starter, but it seems like with the vet signings he's going to be a setup guy again. He's young yet, but I think if they're looking at him being a starter long term he'd need to be getting starter work experience. Then there's Buchholz and Bowden. I guess the sox are saying these guys aren't ready for the big league rotation this year?

Someone could get traded still. Let's see who is on the squad as the regular season approaches. Sox still need a catcher.