Adrian Gonzalez Traded to Red Sox

[TITAN126]

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=5882356
The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a deal in principle to acquire slugging first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Saturday morning.

The Red Sox have received permission from Major League Baseball to negotiate with Gonzalez on a new contract, the sources said, and Gonzalez's physical examination, one of the last hurdles to the deal, could happen Saturday, as Gonzalez was in Boston after being flown in by the team.

The Padres would not receive any established major league players in the trade, but it's likely the Red Sox would include their top pitching prospect, Casey Kelly, sources have said. Red Sox prospects Anthony Rizzo and Ryan Kalish also have been brought up as possible pieces, sources said.

Sources told Olney it's very possible the Gonzalez deal would mean the end of Adrian Beltre's time with the Red Sox, because although Kevin Youkilis could move to left field, Boston's preference probably would be to shift Youkilis to third base.

Gonzalez is the Padres' most popular player with great crossover appeal to the team's Mexican-American market, a native son who carried San Diego to within a game of a playoff spot in 2010.

He is signed through 2011 at $6.3 million. The Padres exercised his 2011 option Nov. 1. His contract called for a $5.5 million salary, but performance bonuses pushed the figure above $6 million.

Acquiring Gonzalez, while signing one of two free-agent outfielders, Carl Crawford or Jayson Werth, would give the Red Sox their most potent offensive lineup since the Manny Ramirez trade to the Dodgers in 2008 and make clear why they were willing to lose free agents Victor Martinez and potentially Beltre.

The Red Sox have long coveted the 28-year-old Gonzalez. As far back as the 2009 trading deadline, the Red Sox made a pitch for Gonzalez, a three-time All-Star who last season finished fourth in balloting for the National League's Most Valuable Player.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound left-handed hitter batted .298 with 31 home runs and 101 RBIs for the Padres last season. He finished fifth in the National League in on-base percentage (.393), ninth in slugging (.511) and led the league in hitting with runners in scoring position (.407).

Opposing pitchers issued 35 intentional walks to Gonzalez last season, a number exceeded only by Albert Pujols.

In addition to his offensive prowess, Gonzalez is a gifted defender, having won two Gold Gloves in five full seasons.
Epic. :toast:

[mikiemo83]

great another Lefty in the Order



:D

[TheBostonJay]

:dbanana: :dbanana:

Great news to come back to while making my way through three term paper projects (ugh).

[imapig]

fakin a baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now all we need is Cliff Lee,Carl Crawford,Jason Worth and rid that broke dick right fielder of ours..:coffee:

[imapig]

Heres a thought why not sign Beltre and move Youk out to left field? I'm thinking we can get Beltre cheaper than Werth,and then sign Crawford. Put Crawford in Center and Ells in Right. Trade or bench JD...........

EDIT if we also stole Lee and did the above we would win multiple WS... just sayin..:coffee:

[mikiemo83]

look for Drew to have a Contract year this season

[tehrick67]

This is the kind of move this team needs to make...The Sox are one of the big boys, act like one of the big boys..

[cadmonkey]

fakin a baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now all we need is Cliff Lee,Carl Crawford,Jason Worth and rid that broke dick right fielder of ours..:coffee:

i want nothing to do with Jason Werth. He's one season away from being terrible.

[imapig]

i want nothing to do with Jason Werth. He's one season away from being terrible.Ok :coffee:

[jaychamp]

i want nothing to do with Jason Werth. He's one season away from being terrible.
What does that even mean?

I think he's had trouble with injuries in the past but he's been healthy the last 2+ and made the most of it and he's great defensively. The ability has always been there

[cadmonkey]

What does that even mean?

I think he's had trouble with injuries in the past but he's been healthy the last 2+ and made the most of it and he's great defensively. The ability has always been there

it seems like a lot of players have these seasons where they look unreal, then one season they look so-so, then they blow.

JD Drew comes to mind. I see Werth being the next JD Drew.

[jaychamp]

Heres a thought why not sign Beltre and move Youk out to left field? I'm thinking we can get Beltre cheaper than Werth,and then sign Crawford. Put Crawford in Center and Ells in Right. Trade or bench JD...........

EDIT if we also stole Lee and did the above we would win multiple WS... just sayin..:coffee:

I think the picks they're getting for losing Beltre are more important to them if this trade goes through.

[cadmonkey]

i also think Werth's stats are a little inflated due to the small philly field

[imapig]

I think the picks they're getting for losing Beltre are more important to them if this trade goes through.
I want World Series not picks...Picks are good for poor teams mostly...WE have the money to buy high priced players... Granted it doesn't always get you one,but your always in the mix..IE Yankmees...

[jaychamp]

I want World Series not picks...Picks are good for poor teams mostly...WE have the money to buy high priced players... Granted it doesn't always get you one,but your always in the mix..IE Yankmees...
They were able to get Agon because of their farm system and their money(if it goes through). They have to replenish the farm system, not sign Beltre because they can and shove a GG infielder into the outfield for the sake of offense. That's what I mean. The Sox are in much better shape for the short and long term than the Yankees are. Not to mention this is a very deep draft this year so picks are more valuable than most other years.

[The Gr8est]

Per posters on SOSH, the Red Sox are giving the Padres SP Casey Kelly, 1B Anthony Rizzo, and CF Reymond Fuentes plus a player to be named later who is not thought to be consequential.

This looks like a good deal for the Sox as they got SP Armando Reynaudo in the last draft which should replace Kelly, Rizzo is now blocked by Gonzalez and they have several other CF prospects, and I was never comfortable with Fuentes' lack of reported arm strength when he was drafted. With Beltre now looking to be leaving they will recoup a couple of high picks as well as jilting Scott Boras.

I'm not thrilled at moving Youkilis back to 3B since we'll have to see how good his defense is since he is older and not played the position for a while, but this will be a huge boost to the offense.

I'd love to see them add Carl Crawford as a FA too, and that is still quite possible.

Another benefit to consider is that the Sox were looking at some tough decisions regarding the 40-man roster and this buys them a bit of room to keep from losing someone else they would prefer not to.

[TheBostonJay]

If that's the final package then I love the deal. The only prospect that makes me wince slightly is Kelly, but to get AGon.. can't complain about that.

[ProvidenceColts]

Sweet, now go get Crawford and this'll be a damn good team.

C: Salty
DH: Papi
1B: Gonzo
2B: Pedroia
SS: Lowrie/Scutarro
3B: Youk
LF: Crawford
CF: Cameron/Ellsbury
RF: Drew/Ellsbury

Yeah, I'm down.

SS could still be addressed, JJ Hardy would probably be an upgrade and supposedly the Twins are concerned about rising payroll and might be willing to let him go for a little.

If JD Drew could have another contract year and Papi could continue what he had going, this'll be a damn scary team.

[BostonTim]

I'm not thrilled at moving Youkilis back to 3B since we'll have to see how good his defense is since he is older and not played the position for a while...

I'm pretty comfortable with it. In some ways 3r is very comparable to1st as a favorable place for old folks to hang out. In general, speed goes well before quickness and 3rd is ALL about quickness. In fact, you gotta cover more ground at 1st at times. Lowell was still pretty good at 35 (justok last year at 36. Brooks was still quiick as a cat at 40. Lots of good 3rd base guys have played at high levels well into their 30's.

I think it rocks actually.

But we'll need to see, won' we?

Cheers

[jaychamp]

SS could still be addressed, JJ Hardy would probably be an upgrade and supposedly the Twins are concerned about rising payroll and might be willing to let him go for a little.

I wouldn't count on anything happening at SS. The plan looks like Scutaro through 2011 then Iglesias will be ready to take over. I'm fine with Scut anyway, he's smart, tough and gives everything he has every game. I wasn't that thrilled when they got him but he's grown on me.

[ProvidenceColts]

I wouldn't count on anything happening at SS. The plan looks like Scutaro through 2011 then Iglesias will be ready to take over. I'm fine with Scut anyway, he's smart, tough and gives everything he has every game. I wasn't that thrilled when they got him but he's grown on me.

He is a scrappy player. Everyone loves hustle and grit. Still, if you get the chance to upgrade, you gotta do it and I doubt Scutarro would pout over being a role player.

Still, I agree that SS will probably be left untouched.

[imapig]

They were able to get Agon because of their farm system and their money(if it goes through). They have to replenish the farm system, not sign Beltre because they can and shove a GG infielder into the outfield for the sake of offense. That's what I mean. The Sox are in much better shape for the short and long term than the Yankees are. Not to mention this is a very deep draft this year so picks are more valuable than most other years.
I knew you were going to say that,but they could have had Texeira and the farm...:coffee:

Actually no matter how much the Sox offered Tex the Yankees had the edge on that front...

[ProvidenceColts]

Actually no matter how much the Sox offered Tex the Yankees had the edge on that front...

I was thinking about this the other day...when was the last time the Yankees were in an active bidding war and didn't land the player? Ever?

[mikiemo83]

Kelly is Frankie Rodrigez all over again, While it is a loss he is blocked in Boston as was the Rizzo by the aquisition of Gonzalez leaving on Beltre's cousin and he blocked by Elsbury

What getting rid of the blocked players does is allow you to re-tool for when the openings happen without having a MLB ready type player pissed to in the minors if they make it that far

I am glad the Sox kept Inglesas and Kalish while only giving up 3 prospects and not the 5 reportedly wanted by AZ for Upton

[jaychamp]

I knew you were going to say that,but they could have had Texeira and the farm...:coffee:


They would had to have given up their top draft pick, so yes it would indeed have hurt their farm system

[imapig]

They would had to have given up their top draft pick, so yes it would indeed have hurt their farm system
true

[3 Point Stan]

You want to throw up in your mouth a little? Go look at Werth's numbers with RISP last season.

That being said, they HAD to make this trade. I 100% believe they thought they had him all sewn up last off-season and by the time nothing could be worked out, they were kind of screwed on the FA front. Hence the "bridge year" comments by Theo. They likely also thought they could acquire him at the AS break but SD ended up in contention.

This also softens the blow of letting Martinez go as you've not got two premier-hitting corner infielders that can potentially DH for you down the road.

Now if you'll pardon me, must. go. fap.

[mikiemo83]

so who is the Free agent Catcher that get



I think Salty gets a Pawtucket ticket for the 1st month for an extra BP help and the catcher from the Dodgers,v Russell Martin, comes here to catch/DH/1st base (if he can) help

[TITAN126]

Just heard on the radio that the Red Sox and Gonzalez and close to finalizing an extension for ~$20 million a year...not sure how many years though

[imapig]

...............




http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman/status/11505519348940800

fvck

[imapig]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/12/05/gonzalez.redsox.deal.off/index.html?eref=sihp

The Red Sox (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/teams/red_sox) were unable to complete a deal for Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/7054), SI.com has learned.
The Padres and Red Sox had previously reached an agreement on a trade that would have sent the All-Star to Boston for four minor league prospects. The Red Sox had a deadline until 2.p.m. ET today to sign Gonzlaez to a contract extension.
Gonzalez, who has one year to go on his contract with San Diego for about $6 million, is seeking a contract similiar to the one Mark Teixeira (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/6788) received with the Yankees after the 2008 season, $180 million over eight years. Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/7437), another comparable player, recently signed a five-year, $125 million contract.
The Red Sox and Padres had been discussing Gonzalez for more than a year. The Padres' front office is very familiar with Boston's prospects, as GM Jed Hoyer, assistant GM Jason McLeod and new top executive Josh Byrnes all once worked for Boston.
Gonzalez, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2000 draft, has spent the past five years in San Diego, his hometown, and in the past four seasons has had at least 30 home runs and 99 RBIs.


Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/12/05/gonzalez.redsox.deal.off/index.html#ixzz17GjPwMKb

[Fully Tilted]

I will say this now. If the RS do not make this trade happen and negotiate once he is in a Red Sox uniform, they are 100% completely dead to me. There are three other organizations in this town that seem to be making moves to put together successful teams on the playing field, court or ice. I have no patience as a fan of any team whose owners let their business goals get in the way of acquiring the necessary talent to compete.

I'll follow them.

[The Gr8est]

I can't say I'll be that disappointed if it falls through. Gonzalez has a suspect shoulder and doesn't play a premium defensive position. Youks is already an A+ defender at 1B and hasn't played 3B regularly for years.

Gonzalez is also just 1 year from being a FA, and the compensation picks for losing him are unlikely to be as good prospects as the players we are trading. They have already had success in the minors.

Justin Upton also has a bum shoulder so I hope we don't switch gears and go for him at an even higher price.

I'd rather we go for a guy at a premium position without injury concerns....kind of like someone like Hanley Ramirez when we traded him.

[Fully Tilted]

I can't say I'll be that disappointed if it falls through. Gonzalez has a suspect shoulder and doesn't play a premium defensive position. Youks is already an A+ defender at 1B and hasn't played 3B regularly for years.

Gonzalez is also just 1 year from being a FA, and the compensation picks for losing him are unlikely to be as good prospects as the players we are trading. They have already had success in the minors.

Justin Upton also has a bum shoulder so I hope we don't switch gears and go for him at an even higher price.

I'd rather we go for a guy at a premium position without injury concerns....kind of like someone like Hanley Ramirez when we traded him.

Adrian Gonzalez is a 35-40 HR guy and plays gold glove-caliber defense at 1st base. I have the utmost faith that Youk can still pick up exactly where he left off at 3rd and that was A defense if his defense at 1st was "A+".

In dealing for him the goal was to never let him get to FA and get picks in return. We're doing that this year with Martinez and Beltre. The point was to lock up one of the top 10 baseball players in the game, in his prime, long-term. The point was to restore a premium bat to the lineup after losing Martinez and eventually Beltre.

Hanley Ramirez is a horrible SS. He'll be moved to the OF later on in his career. So there's goes your idea of getting a premium player at a premium defensive position. Plus, this kid Iglesias is supposed to take over after Scutaro.

But no, the RS would rather pinch pennies all while driving up the price of tickets.


Let's be clear about this, we can trash the NYY organization all we want but the simple fact of the matter is they would never have let this happen.


Fantastic, we're the Boston Twins.

[Whaler53]

Wow. I'm getting sick of this team completely screwing the pooch when it comes to getting star players.

If this falls through, I'm gonna be enforcing my own personal boycott of the team this year. If they aren't serious about putting a contending team together, I'm not going to support them with my hard earned dollars.

[The Gr8est]

I think I'd be more on board with the trade if we knew more about the condition of Gonzalez' shoulder. I'd hate to invest so much in players and contract in a player who may lose effectiveness due to injury.

That said, I don't think this necessarily means the deal is dead over all, it may return with different parameters, i.e. a lesser package of players without an extension in place.

[The Gr8est]

Gonzalez Deal Off For Now

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101205&content_id=16258248&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

"Neither team has commented since the deal apparently fell through.

Boston was poised to give up three highly rated prospects (pitcher Casey Kelly, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and outfielder Reymond Fuentes) and a player to be named, but only under the condition they solidified Gonzalez not just for 2011, but also for a few years down the road.

According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Red Sox and Padres could still rekindle trade talks, perhaps changing the combination of packages that Boston would send.

Under that scenario, the Red Sox would probably get the 28-year-old Gonzalez without a contract extension, perhaps hoping they can reach one before he becomes a free agent. Gonzalez is due to make $6.2 million in 2011.

It remains to be seen if the Padres -- who have already said they won't be able to sign Gonzalez once he becomes a free agent -- will keep talking to the Red Sox or other teams or table any trade talks until July. "

[O.Z.O.]

fakin a baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now all we need is a healthy Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia at the top of the lineup

fixed

[imapig]

fixed
:suicide:

[TITAN126]

Are you f*ckin' kidding me? :suicide:

[The Gr8est]

OK, I don't have a link, but now posters on SOSH are reporting that the trade is official and the Red Sox will be having a press conference tomorrow. The speculation is that there will be an extension done in spring training for a 7 year extension as the parameters are mostly done.

For Luxury Tax considerations the Red Sox did not want to do an extension before spring training as it would hamper their current team building efforts.

[sprocketboy]

OK, I don't have a link, but now posters on SOSH are reporting that the trade is official and the Red Sox will be having a press conference tomorrow. The speculation is that there will be an extension done in spring training for a 7 year extension as the parameters are mostly done.

For Luxury Tax considerations the Red Sox did not want to do an extension before spring training as it would hamper their current team building efforts.

Here's a link (http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/05/red-sox-to-get-adrian-gonzalez-after-all/).

[Fully Tilted]

Thank you.





Thank you.

[TITAN126]

Phew! Glad it's done...

[imapig]

Thank the Lord...Maybe the ownership heard the Nations outrage and change their mind on the years...From what I was hearing the Sox wanted a five year deal and went as far as 6,but no more,but now I just read a 8 year 167 mil deal,which is a bargain still...(yes compare to Tex its a bahgin)

[Whaler53]

done deal

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101205&content_id=16258248&vkey=news_bos&c_id=bos&partnerId=rss_bos

[TheBostonJay]

8 years 167 isn't bad.. but damn 8 years..

[The Gr8est]

Let's just hope the shoulder is a non-issue.

[Fully Tilted]

8 years 167 isn't bad.. but damn 8 years..

He's 28. :shrug:


Remember those two championships while being stuck with a 6-year, $120 million dollar contract for Manny? They don't happen without his bat. Now we have a comparable bat again.



Oh but this time he plays defense. :coffee:

[TheBostonJay]

I just don't like 8 year contracts. I won't complain about 20 mil a year.

The #Nationals offer on Werth was so far above everyone else that Boras didn't even ask other interested teams if they wanted to match it. - Stark tweet

Especially after the Werth deal. 7/126? w.t.f.

NATSTOWN

[imapig]

He's 28. :shrug:


Remember those two championships while being stuck with a 6-year, $120 million dollar contract for Manny? They don't happen without his bat. Now we have a comparable bat again.



Oh but this time he plays defense. :coffee:Fvcking this baby...:coffee:

[cadmonkey]

I just don't like 8 year contracts. I won't complain about 20 mil a year.

The #Nationals offer on Werth was so far above everyone else that Boras didn't even ask other interested teams if they wanted to match it. - Stark tweet

Especially after the Werth deal. 7/126? w.t.f.

NATSTOWN

the nationals will regret that deal. he'll never earn that money. i'm so glad the Sox didn't get him.

[imapig]

the nationals will regret that deal. he'll never earn that money. i'm so glad the Sox didn't get him.I agree IMO he was a 4 year 56 mil type of player not that ridiculous contract....

[TheBostonJay]

At most, I thought Werth would get 5/80.

[imapig]

I'm making my services available at one year 20 mil... Come on Nats there's little risk here... :coffee:

[jaychamp]

the nationals will regret that deal. he'll never earn that money. i'm so glad the Sox didn't get him.
I wanted Werth, but for that kind of money I'm on your side

[jaychamp]

So if Werth is worth 18 per over 7, what's someone like Pujols gong to be worth? 10 years 500 million?

[imapig]

So if Werth is worth 18 per over 7, what's someone like Pujols gong to be worth? 10 years 500 million?The Nats are idiots,and this deal will make it very difficult for any team to sign Crawford... I now see Crawford getting 8 years 168,which is dumb.........

[3 Point Stan]

done deal

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101205&content_id=16258248&vkey=news_bos&c_id=bos&partnerId=rss_bos

I think everyone thought you were talking about the Werth signing :-P

Red Sox, Padres complete Gonzalez deal
Contract extension talks on hold after five-player trade
By Corey Brock / MLB.com | 12/05/10 11:13 PM EST


LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. -- The on-again, off-again trade of Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox is on again and it appears it will stay that way.

Multiple sources told MLB.com on Sunday that the Red Sox deal for the three-time All-Star is essentially done. The Red Sox have scheduled a news conference Monday morning at Fenway Park where they are expected to formally announce the deal.

The trade remains the same as first reported Saturday. The Red Sox get Gonzalez for a package of three well-regarded Minor League prospects -- right-handed pitcher Casey Kelly, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, outfielder Reymond Fuentes -- and a player to be named.

:clap::Redsox::clap::Redsox::clap::Redsox:

[TITAN126]

I was horrified that I might have jinxed the trade with the premature thread title I made...thankfully that wasn't the case. :thumb:

[tehrick67]

The Nationals must be on crack to give JD Drew Junior that kind of cash.

Gonzalez is worth it...John Henry might not be able to buy a soccer team, race car team or another young bride for a few months though..

[cadmonkey]

So if Werth is worth 18 per over 7, what's someone like Pujols gong to be worth? 10 years 500 million?

500 mil per year is more like it. and he's worth every penny.

[O.Z.O.]

:suicide:

not sure I understand this.

Are you saying that having a guy who led the majors in stolen bases 2 years ago and a former league MVP at the top of the lineup are a bad thing?

[imapig]

not sure I understand this.

Are you saying that having a guy who led the majors in stolen bases 2 years ago and a former league MVP at the top of the lineup are a bad thing?
I'm not a fan of Jacoby Ellsbury hitting ability,and I feel he will continue to struggle at the lead off spot...I seriously hope I'm wrong,but I have a feeling he may end up being a headcase...

I love Pedy though...


Edit: I still feel Ells will have a great career,but he be better off out of the AL East IMO...
I would prefer Crawford at the lead off spot and trade Ellsbury towards someone like Upton...

[O.Z.O.]

I'm not a fan of Jacoby Ellsbury hitting ability,and I feel he will continue to struggle at the lead off spot...I seriously hope I'm wrong,but I have a feeling he may end up being a headcase...

I love Pedy though...


Edit: I still feel Ells will have a great career,but he be better off out of the AL East IMO...
I would prefer Crawford at the lead off spot and trade Ellsbury towards someone like Upton...

he hit .305 and stole 70 bases hitting in the leadoff spot everyday in '09. Kind of hard to duplicate that when you only play 18 games the following year, and half of those are with broken ribs.

And you can like Crawford in that leadoff spot all you want, but it isn't going to happen. He doesn't want to hit there and won't sign with a team that wants him to, so that point is mute.

[ProvidenceColts]

I'll echo the sentiments that Carl Crawford wouldn't be the leadoff hitter if he came here. There's a reason why Joe Maddon kept trotting out guys like BJ Upton to the leadoff spot (besides Joe Maddon being a moron, which he is, but that's beside the point).

Still, put Crawford's great defense and his ability on the basepaths and couple that with AGon and the Sox would suddenly have a very dynamic offense.

[tehrick67]

It will be interesting to see what Jacoby's attitude is like..I never liked bringing Cameron in and moving him to left...it turned into a disaster.

[3 Point Stan]

Crawford is not an ideal leadoff man. He'd make a good 2 or 5 hitter (spot 3 hitter at times). He strikes out too much to fit the leadoff mold and he's got some ability to drive in runs (75+ per year).

As the Sox currently stand, assuming Ellsbury is healthy, they are best suited with him batting leadoff, and Scutaro batting 9th.

I'm a fan of the Ellsbury-type of player. I know they're of diminished value these days but I love the stolen base. But I look at Ellsbury 70-steal season and there is one thing that stands out at me:

How in the HELL do you steal 70 bags and NOT score 100 runs? Seems impossible.

[O.Z.O.]

Crawford is not an ideal leadoff man. He'd make a good 2 or 5 hitter (spot 3 hitter at times). He strikes out too much to fit the leadoff mold and he's got some ability to drive in runs (75+ per year).

As the Sox currently stand, assuming Ellsbury is healthy, they are best suited with him batting leadoff, and Scutaro batting 9th.

I'm a fan of the Ellsbury-type of player. I know they're of diminished value these days but I love the stolen base. But I look at Ellsbury 70-steal season and there is one thing that stands out at me:

How in the HELL do you steal 70 bags and NOT score 100 runs? Seems impossible.


this was the original intent with the Scutaro singing, and it was and will be a great move. Scutaro is a solid veteran hitter who doesn't strike out a lot. What killed them in '09 was having that black hole at the bottom of the lineup.

I think part of the issue with Ellsbury not scoring 100 runs in '09 was the extended siestas taken by both Bay and Ortiz over the course of the season, especially Papi's 3 monther to start the season. Don't see that being an issue next year though.

The stolen base/running game is very much back as an effective offensive weapon. You need to look no further then the Rangers this past season for evidence of that.

[3 Point Stan]

The stolen base/running game is very much back as an effective offensive weapon. You need to look no further then the Rangers this past season for evidence of that.
It's an effective weapon when you've got a lineup that consistently gets on base. It's not nearly as effective when you've got a mixture of "fast" mediocre OBP guys - which is what the Rangers had. Two great OPB guys, a few decent guys, and a few God-awful guys. You can't steal first base against good pitching. Rangers ran into a buzz-saw there.

I think it's a great weapon but I feel the majority of FO's in baseball view it more as a "nice to have" and would sacrifice overall speed (or even any speed) for consistency in getting on base. I can't dispute that sentiment and I am very, very VERY happy to root for a team that gets on base :)