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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Trade Deadline Thread

Well, it’s that time of year again and the Red Sox are showing their usual midseason malaise. A very uninspring 61-47 record (2 games off their pythag) has them on pace for 91.5 wins, which is, pretty mediocre for a team of their resources. Today’s showing against the seemingly magical Angels did not do much to improve my view of them. Nor did losing 2 of 3 to the Yankees over the weekend.

But what do you do to improve the team at the trading deadline? The talent seems to be there at just about every position. Their pen could use one more good arm, but how much difference will that make over a 54 game stretch? And how likely are they, given their history, to actually pick up a good arm at a fair price at the deadline?

According to SI.com, the Phillies are frontrunners for Manny right now. I’m well beyond putting any stock in Manny rumors these days, and I don’t like the idea of doing a trade just to shake things up. But perhaps the front office doesn’t see things that way.  Maybe they think a change in chemistry could improve things. Or maybe they see a way to improve the team by replacing Manny in-season.

Should make for a couple interesting days. Of course, I’d be more interested in the team putting together a nice winning streak. 

Darren Posted: July 29, 2008 at 11:36 PM | 414 comment(s)
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   101. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: July 31, 2008 at 10:55 AM (#2883904)

I bet she didn't even take the bat off her shoulder.


She could move her legs in the ICU, which is one up already Joba's dad.
   102. LargeBill Posted: July 31, 2008 at 10:56 AM (#2883905)
"60. Marc Sully the Backstop Posted: July 31, 2008 at 09:04 AM (#2883722)
I blame Boras. Manny has never been this bad. It's all very weird. "

I hold Boras in as low regard as anyone, but I can't blame him for Manny being Manny. Before he ever got to Boston, Manny did and said odd stuff. He occasionally dogged it there as well. He once had a two month stretch of milking a sore hamstring. The guy can flat out hit, but otherwise there isn't much of his game you'd tell your kid to emulate.
   103. Nasty Nate Posted: July 31, 2008 at 10:57 AM (#2883907)
who is Poland?
   104. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:02 AM (#2883915)
"You forgot Poland!"

i know, weak effort, just wanted to close out the page. And I'm honestly drawing a blank on this mystery acquisition.
   105. Marc Sully's not booin'. He's Youkin'. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:05 AM (#2883923)
I hold Boras in as low regard as anyone, but I can't blame him for Manny being Manny. Before he ever got to Boston, Manny did and said odd stuff. He occasionally dogged it there as well. He once had a two month stretch of milking a sore hamstring. The guy can flat out hit, but otherwise there isn't much of his game you'd tell your kid to emulate.

He has never been so blatantly about money. Remember those stories about the uncashed checks in the glovebox, etc.?

He has always been odd, quirky and even frustrating. But he has never been so focused on the dough. That's where I believe Boras comes in.
   106. Mattbert Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:06 AM (#2883927)
You're all forgetting someone. I'll give you a hint: I can't believe you're forgetting him.

I give up.
   107. Darren Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:08 AM (#2883931)
I just did that to make you guys think of who it was. I actually don't know and was hoping you'd tell me.
   108. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:10 AM (#2883934)
He has always been odd, quirky and even frustrating. But he has never been so focused on the dough. That's where I believe Boras comes in.
I dunno. He's also just never been this ornery. Two violent incidents after a career completely free of such. It's hard to pin that all on his agent, though if Manny's frustrated about money, that could be a contributing factor.

I don't know what happened with Manny this year, I wonder if there's stuff going on with his personal life, maybe.
   109. Marc Sully's not booin'. He's Youkin'. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:14 AM (#2883943)
I don't know what happened with Manny this year, I wonder if there's stuff going on with his personal life, maybe.

Here's my out-of-left-field suspicion.

- Manny was happy this off-season as was.
- Boras asked Manny for a meeting.
- Boras told Manny his last crack at a big contract entails working hard in the off-season and getting out of his option at the end of 2008.
- Manny and Boras, ever since, have been figuring out how to make the latter happen.
- It changed Manny a lot. Some of it seemed pleasant at the outset. He was more outgoing with the media, etc and it was all kind of fun. But it also added stress (making him more prone to violence, etc).

So there you go...
   110. djy04 Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:14 AM (#2883944)
Two of the Duke's best were O'leary and Daubach, cheap aquistions that could contribute significantly. This was something he was good at. Problem is, he'd fall in love with them and resign them at rates that were not a value to the team.
   111. Darren Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:18 AM (#2883951)
Reggie Jefferson fit in that group as well.
   112. karlmagnus Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:18 AM (#2883952)
Manny made a commitment to Boston and to being a good citizen at the beginning of the season. In May, "Manny being Manny" meant that superb high-five double play.

Then the FO started leaking negative stuff (there probably always had been the occasional mild roughhouse, but it hadn't been leaked before -- the toilet paper story looks pure Lucchino.) They also did not pick up his option at the All-Star break, as he reasonably expected and they should have done. (Boras doubtless played that up to Manny, since Boras only makes $$$ if the options aren't picked up.) Now Manny feels he's been fooled, and is being prevented from playing his career out in Boston, as he had wanted.

Hence "they don't deserve me." He's right, they've behaved like the sleazy fast-buck artists they are. No superstar should ever play for Boston.

In case you haven't noticed, this mob took over a team with two, arguably 3 HOF players. Once Manny has left they will have none.
   113. SoSH U at work Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:19 AM (#2883953)
Two of the Duke's best were O'leary and Daubach, cheap aquistions that could contribute significantly. This was something he was good at. Problem is, he'd fall in love with them and resign them at rates that were not a value to the team.


If you're going with that kind of FA signing, then it's clearly Wake. That's got to be one of the better of those scrap heap pickups of the last 20 years, even if Teddy can't see it that way.
   114. kidpt Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:21 AM (#2883957)
Two of the Duke's best were O'leary and Daubach, cheap aquistions that could contribute significantly. This was something he was good at.


as for duquette, what about the lowe and varitek trade for slocumb
   115. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:21 AM (#2883958)
In case you haven't noticed, this mob took over a team with two, arguably 3 HOF players. Once Manny has left they will have none.
And nothing to show for it, either! Other than those two shiny things with all the little metal flags. Whaddya call'em again?
   116. Marc Sully's not booin'. He's Youkin'. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:23 AM (#2883959)
KM -

Why should Manny "reasonably" have expected his option to be picked up? And what do you make of Gammons' charge of asking out against Joba, King Felix, Verlander, etc? And what of the violent episode with McCormick? What's Boston's incentive to piss Manny off?

I was told first hand that they "would absolutely" pick up Manny's option at the beginning of the year. All Manny had to do was honor the terms of his contract, not say ridiculously inflammatory things about the club to the media, and not bully around team personnel over the age of 60.
   117. jmurph Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:24 AM (#2883962)
In case you haven't noticed, this mob took over a team with two, arguably 3 HOF players. Once Manny has left they will have none.


Sorry, but that's a completely ridiculous comment. Are you arguing that Manny is worth 20 million next year? Do you really think he's going to get that on the open market? And if you want to defend the Pedro contract, go right ahead. Who else? Nomar? Damon? And this:

Hence "they don't deserve me." He's right, they've behaved like the sleazy fast-buck artists they are. No superstar should ever play for Boston.


Hilarious. Do you live in some sort of strange world where the Sox don't have 2 World Series rings in the past 4 seasons?
   118. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:26 AM (#2883970)
Sorry, but that's a completely ridiculous comment. Are you arguing that Manny is worth 20 million next year? Do you really think he's going to get that on the open market?
No, because he's going to demand more than one season.

I would definitely rather have Manny at 1/20 than Dunn or Burrell at 6/100 or Teixeira at 7/150. Manny's option looked like easily the best option for the Red Sox until everything fell apart.

EDIT: while I stand by those projections, I'd also rather have Manny at 1/20 than the Manny clones at 5/75 or Tex at 6/100. (All moot, after the last week, but that was my thinking before this #### got real, and I stand by it.)
   119. Darren Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:26 AM (#2883969)
Well, Manny may have expected his option to be picked up a year early, as they did with Pedro. Luckily, Boston learned that lesson.
   120. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:27 AM (#2883973)
Well, Manny may have expected his option to be picked up a year early, as they did with Pedro. Luckily, Boston learned that lesson.
Huh? The 2004 season was awesome, they lost nothing from picking up the option.

EDIT: de-snarking by 25%
   121. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:29 AM (#2883979)
Teixeira at 7/150

Btw, Youkilis in LF for a whole year would be ugly.
   122. 1k5v3L Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:30 AM (#2883981)
Youks is just one ugly fella, no matter where you put him
   123. jmurph Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:32 AM (#2883988)
I would definitely rather have Manny at 1/20 than Dunn or Burrell at 6/100 or Teixeira at 7/150. Manny's option looked like easily the best option for the Red Sox until everything fell apart.


You've got to be kidding me with those numbers. You really think Tex is going to get over 20 a year for 7 years? Seriously?
   124. Darren Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:32 AM (#2883990)
The Red Sox still could have waited and picked up the option after 03. It would have eliminated a whole lot of risk. What the Red Sox learned was not to make such a move without getting something in return. Immediately after they picked up the option, Pedro was talking about how they shouldn't be expecting any kind of hometown discount or good will. It was a completely pointless, and potentially disastrous, move on the Red Sox part.

Feel free to bring full 100% snark, BTW. I've already been called a racist for daring to doubt a Kenny Williams trade. I can take your Beach Boys and Bible references. :)
   125. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:35 AM (#2884001)
You've got to be kidding me with those numbers. You really think Tex is going to get over 20 a year for 7 years? Seriously?
Definitely. The low end on Teixeira is 6/100, and I bet it goes well above that. He's the consensus best player on the market, and the last two best players on the market got 10/275 and 8/140. Teixeira should do better than Soriano, but not by a lot.
   126. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:39 AM (#2884006)
The Red Sox still could have waited and picked up the option after 03. It would have eliminated a whole lot of risk. What the Red Sox learned was not to make such a move without getting something in return. Immediately after they picked up the option, Pedro was talking about how they shouldn't be expecting any kind of hometown discount or good will. It was a completely pointless, and potentially disastrous, move on the Red Sox part.
It seems pretty clear, at this point, that carrying an option on an aging star creates massive uncertainty for said aging star that could metastasize into any number of problems. Given that Pedro for 1/17 would have been a complete genius move if he had been a free agent after 2003, the harm in picking up the option a little early was minor.

Manny at 1/20 is a lot less obvious than Pedro at 1/17, which is among the reasons I don't agree with km that the Sox wronged Manny by failing to exercise the option.

The other reason is that it is now obvious that Manny didn't want them to exercise the option, which seems relevant. Yeah, this is just km creating a new topic of debate, not something at all relevant to the Red Sox today.
   127. Darren Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:43 AM (#2884014)
I think you're assuming that not picking up the option would have negative effects without much evidence. You could just as easily say that it would light a fire under him to be in a potential walk year.
   128. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:47 AM (#2884021)
It adds uncertainty. If I've got the 2004 Red Sox roster, I want certainty.

Plus, the worst-case scenario is that Pedro decides he wants to be a free agent. If you can catch him before he realizes that 1/17 is a terrible contract for him, you make that move.

EDIT: To be clear, these are all marginal concerns. Picking up Pedro's option early costs you on the marginal risk of injury, balanced against the marginal risk of unhappiness / hoping to become an FA.
   129. karlmagnus Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:48 AM (#2884023)
There's a difference between picking up the option at the beginning of the season and picking it up at the All-Star break, which I recommended strongly at the time. Manny was happy to have his option picked up, whatever the cost to Boras, until it wasn't. He then said so. The FO have created their own disaster.

Most of the 2004 flag was with a Duquette team. Who knows, we might have got one in '03 as well -- Duquette didn't hire Grady Little.
   130. Darren Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:49 AM (#2884024)
The Red Sox shouldn't have sent that 64-year-old goon after him.
   131. SoSH U at work Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:52 AM (#2884027)
I can only imagine the howls of protest from km when the Sox announce their not re-upping the 50-year-old Wakefield. Boy that's going to spell doom for this franchise.
   132. Nasty Nate Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:55 AM (#2884029)
You could just as easily say that it would light a fire under him to be in a potential walk year.


pedro always had a fire lit under him. he's unequivocally someone who doesnt coast until his walk year.
   133. Nasty Nate Posted: July 31, 2008 at 11:56 AM (#2884033)
The FO have created their own disaster.


what disaster, exactly, is that?
   134. jmurph Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:02 PM (#2884037)
The FO have created their own disaster.

Most of the 2004 flag was with a Duquette team. Who knows, we might have got one in '03 as well -- Duquette didn't hire Grady Little.


Is this guy always this ridiculous?
   135. Darren Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:04 PM (#2884040)
pedro always had a fire lit under him. he's unequivocally someone who doesnt coast until his walk year.


Then there's no reason to worry about hurting his feelings by waiting to pick up his option.
   136. Darren Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:05 PM (#2884042)
It adds uncertainty. If I've got the 2004 Red Sox roster, I want certainty.

Plus, the worst-case scenario is that Pedro decides he wants to be a free agent. If you can catch him before he realizes that 1/17 is a terrible contract for him, you make that move.


No uncertainty is added. You still can have him if you want him. As far as what he wants, it doesn't really matter. He's under contract. The Sox hold the option.
   137. Nasty Nate Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:11 PM (#2884051)
Darren, I think everyone understands the downsides of picking up an option early. the only strange thing you said was that the sox learned their lesson about picking up an option early. that sounds ominous, as in oooooooh it really backfired so they'll never do it again. When we all know it didnt backfire, even if it was a mistake at the time. Mistakes that end up working out fine dont tend to teach lessons.
   138. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:11 PM (#2884052)
No uncertainty is added. You still can have him if you want him. As far as what he wants, it doesn't really matter. He's under contract. The Sox hold the option.
1) You just agreed with me about uncertainty in #127! That failing to pick up the option could either make him grumpy or light a fire.
2) I don't see how you can think that picking up the option on a player who would rather be a free agent is a move without risks. You go against a player's wishes, you can expect problems. That he doesn't have any legal recourse against your action is perhaps revelant ethically, but irrelevant in baseball terms.
3) Remember, we're talking about very marginal issues. I'm not saying any of these things are likely at all, but I think they outweigh the also-very-unlikely chance of Pedro not being worth 1/17 at the end of the '03 season.
   139. villageidiom Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:12 PM (#2884055)
I can only imagine the howls of protest from km when the Sox announce their not re-upping the 50-year-old Wakefield. Boy that's going to spell doom for this franchise.
If Wakefield is still pitching effectively enough to warrant still being employed at age 49, he might make the HoF... in which case the argument still stands.
   140. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:18 PM (#2884065)
If they were to pick up Manny's option for 2009, I'd expect the '09 season to be the same dramatic performance as '08, since it would be another potnetial final year with an option year, '10, looming.

Aggregate wins, Manny was the best, and that's the more important measure in my book, especially for a team that's hitting the luxury tax threshold every year.

IIRC, the Sox weren't hitting the lux tax threshold when they signed Manny, and they certainly wouldn't have been if they hadn't signed him.
   141. Darren Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:20 PM (#2884068)
Didn't mean to sound ominous. The lesson they learned, IMHO, was that you don't pick up an option early because the player will not give you anything in return. In that sense, the picking up of the option didn't work out. Any good will they thought that they had generated disappeared immediately.

2) I don't see how you can think that picking up the option on a player who would rather be a free agent is a move without risks. You go against a player's wishes, you can expect problems. That he doesn't have any legal recourse against your action is perhaps relevant ethically, but irrelevant in baseball terms.


I see for point 1 we were talking about a different kind of uncertainty. For point 2, you're really worrying about hurting player's feelings by picking up an option that benefits the team more than the player? Isn't that the whole point of having an option in the first place?
   142. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:21 PM (#2884074)
I'm gonig to bed folks.

I guarentee this will make the Gagne trade look good.
   143. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:27 PM (#2884084)
For point 2, you're really worrying about hurting player's feelings by picking up an option that benefits the team more than the player? Isn't that the whole point of having an option in the first place?
I'm worrying about it about as much as I'd worry about Pedro not being worth 1/17 in 2004. When a ballclub does something that is in its interest and not in the player's interest, there's always a risk of hurting the relationship. Options always bear that risk.

The extreme case is the insane Wakefield contract, which I think we both agreed was just asking for trouble in the future. That's the limit situation, not a comparable situation, to be clear.
   144. The Politics of Torre: How the HOF Really Works Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:28 PM (#2884085)
the toilet paper story looks pure Lucchino.

I thought that that was a reliever.

A Hit Cat reference. Wow. That brings back memories.
   145. Still Waiting on Pork Chops (John R.) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:48 PM (#2884143)
Definitely. The low end on Teixeira is 6/100, and I bet it goes well above that. He's the consensus best player on the market, and the last two best players on the market got 10/275 and 8/140. Teixeira should do better than Soriano, but not by a lot.


So which former Ranger infielder is going to be the consensus best player on the market in '09?
   146. Robert Machemer Posted: July 31, 2008 at 12:55 PM (#2884161)
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3512835&name=mlb_trade_deadline

Manny deal close to dead, according to someone somewhere and reported by ESPN.
   147. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:00 PM (#2884171)
Just Theo being Theo and plotting a megatrade that doesn't work.

Still, Manny for Kemp? I'll take that!
   148. Petunia Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:01 PM (#2884172)
Well, assuming they pick up his option for '09, Hank Blalock will hit the market BIG-TIME after next season.
   149. The Marksist Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:01 PM (#2884175)
Are trade negotiations as schizo as they seem from the outside? Do team's demands constantly change, or are we just seeing the wreckage of 30-rumor pileup on the information superhighway?
   150. jmurph Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:07 PM (#2884193)
Still, Manny for Kemp? I'll take that!


I posted this question on the other thread: that has to be BS, right, or Boston would have already pulled the trigger?
   151. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:08 PM (#2884196)
Whatever happened to Hank Blalock?
   152. Joey B. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:08 PM (#2884199)
It's being reported that Manny has given his approval for a trade to the Marlins, but the deal hasn't been completed yet.

It's hard for me to believe, but this really could happen.
   153. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:09 PM (#2884201)
Not necessarily, jmurph. Boston is looking for a big RH bat to hit behind Ortiz for this year and next year, and Kemp doesn't really fit the bill.
   154. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:12 PM (#2884206)
Kemp's a heckuva corner defensive player, though. I have no doubt they'd make that deal.

From the ESPN report (trade dead) - I apologize for cross-posting - Gammons says the Sox were giving up "two minor leaguers" in the deal. The Iron Law of Sox Transaction Rumors in effect.
   155. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:14 PM (#2884212)
Stark says the Blue Jays (?!?) are now in the mix for Bay, with the Rays apparently dropping out...does that make ANY sense to anyone?
   156. Sam M. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:15 PM (#2884219)
It's hard for me to believe, but this really could happen.

Not according to Gammons:

A source close to the three-way negotiations involving Manny Ramirez says the deal is close to dead. Florida has reportedly asked Boston for a cash outlay beyond the $7 million to cover Ramirez's contract, in addition to two prospects. That essentially would add up to the Red Sox trading Ramirez, $9 million and two prospects for Jason Bay.

Could just be the Fish posturing for a few extra $$$, and then they'll get reasonable and settle for the Red Sox covering Manny's contract to get the deal done. Who knows how many worms still have to turn???
   157. Mike Emeigh Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:15 PM (#2884220)
Kovacevic is reporting that the Pirates have agreed to the prospects to be included in the deal:

Link.

-- MWE
   158. Russ Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:17 PM (#2884222)
..does that make ANY sense to anyone?



Could the Blue Jays trade Bay to the Red Sox or Rays after the deadline without Bay having to clear waivers? Could be that JP is going to take a chance that he could recoup what the Pirates are getting + a little by waiting a few weeks.
   159. Lefty, Monty, And The Moose (Walewander) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:20 PM (#2884227)
Maybe the Jays intend to sign Bay longterm as the new Canuck face of the team. Dunno what would happen to Lind though.
Actually, they've been DHing Eckstein, so they can definitely still use him.
   160. Joey B. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:20 PM (#2884228)
Stark says the Blue Jays (?!?) are now in the mix for Bay, with the Rays apparently dropping out...does that make ANY sense to anyone?

Nothing that the Blue Jays do anymore makes much sense to me.
   161. The Marksist Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:20 PM (#2884229)
Could the Blue Jays trade Bay to the Red Sox or Rays after the deadline without Bay having to clear waivers?


Don't think so. They'd have to run him through waivers, and someone is bound to snag him (NYY) before the Sox could.
   162. Golfing Great Mitch Cumstein Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:22 PM (#2884234)
Bay would have to clear waivers regardless of which team his on after 4:00PM this afternoon. And he ain't going to get through/to the Red Sox because a lot of teams would try to pick him up for next year.
   163. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:24 PM (#2884238)
Now Gammons says Manny told the team to trade him or he won't play the rest of the season...?
   164. Joey B. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:26 PM (#2884240)
Now Gammons says Manny told the team to trade him or he won't play the rest of the season...?

That crosses the line to flat-out extortion.

I believe Manny is capable of a lot, but I have a hard time believing even he's capable of going that far.
   165. Swedish Chef Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:28 PM (#2884242)
Now Gammons says Manny told the team to trade him or he won't play the rest of the season...?

Bet they could make an interesting documentary about the Red Sox FO during the next 2.5 hours.

Hell, just put up a live webcam.
   166. Sam M. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:30 PM (#2884246)
Now Gammons says Manny told the team to trade him or he won't play the rest of the season...?

If he did say that -- and I certainly hope he didn't -- I sure as hell hope they have it on tape, because I'd love for them to call his bluff. And when he claims he can't play, pull out the tape, suspend his ass w/o pay, and dare the union to grieve it.

IF he said it.
   167. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:31 PM (#2884250)
Now Gammons says Manny told the team to trade him or he won't play the rest of the season...?

Or, Sox fans aren't going to like the return we are going to get, we better leak something drastic, get Gammons on the phone.
   168. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:31 PM (#2884251)
It was probably Gammons exaggerating via paraphrasing.
   169. TVerik fondly recalls Todd Palin's facial hair Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:31 PM (#2884252)
It's in Spanish. Inadmissable in any court of law.
   170. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:33 PM (#2884253)
If he did say that -- and I certainly hope he didn't -- I sure as hell hope they have it on tape, because I'd love for them to call his bluff. And when he claims he can't play, pull out the tape, suspend his ass w/o pay, and dare the union to grieve it.

IF he said it.
I'm not buying the story, either, but I certainly don't want the Red Sox to cut off their nose to spite their face. If the story is true, it'll hurt Ramirez enough, anyway. No reason to throw away wins in 2008 to prove a point.
   171. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:35 PM (#2884254)
I don't tihnk any of it is a case of throwing away wins in 2008. Bay is at least as good as Manny for 2008 if you include baserunning and defense. It's the future beyond that they'd be throwing away if they have to include Reddick, Anderson, etc.
   172. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:36 PM (#2884259)
I don't tihnk any of it is a case of throwing away wins in 2008. Bay is at least as good as Manny for 2008 if you include baserunning and defense. It's the future beyond that they'd be throwing away if they have to include Reddick, Anderson, etc.
Calling Ramirez's bluff would mean no trades. The Sox would suspend him without pay and call up Moss, presumably. Unless they made the Bay trade without the help of Florida prospects, I guess, but that would entail creating an entirely new trade with three hours to go - I doubt that's possible.
   173. The Piehole of David Wells Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:37 PM (#2884260)
manny approved a trade to florida. pittsburgh is no longer holding this thing up. it's all on florida now.
   174. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:39 PM (#2884265)
new Iron Law projection...

Bowden and Reddick. Sounds like Bay is still in this trade, and I still firmly believe the Sox have to make a move.
   175. Sam M. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:40 PM (#2884266)
I certainly don't want the Red Sox to cut off their nose to spite their face. If the story is true, it'll hurt Ramirez enough, anyway. No reason to throw away wins in 2008 to prove a point.

Well, that's because you're a Red Sox fan. That's understandable; you want them to act in the best interests of the team and try to win -- so trade him away and get Bay, if you can. Sure -- I'd feel that way, too.

But I'm not a Sox fan. I want to see a scenario in which there is a maximum price exacted on Ramirez IF he said/did what Gammons alleged. In your scenario, he pays no price at all: he gets exactly what he wants: a trade to a team that agrees in advance to make him a FA after this season (and happens to be in contention as a happy bonus), and nobody ever complains in any meaningful way about the fact that he threatened to stop playing (presumably with some faux "injury") if he wasn't traded.

Hence, my ideal world would be one in which they don't trade him, he follows through on his threat -- claiming to be maimed in some way and can't play -- and the Sox go public with a tape. Which, I agree, would hurt the Red Sox competitively . . . . but it would be sweet justice for Manny Ramirez.

Again . . . if he did it.
   176. Marc Sully's not booin'. He's Youkin'. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:40 PM (#2884269)
No chance Manny ends up staying here.
   177. Meatwad Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:41 PM (#2884270)
Yanks, Red Sox eyeing Eyre

Thursday, July 31, 2008 | Print Entry


Posted by Jayson Stark

That never-ending Yankees-Red Sox intrigue has found its way to Scott Eyre. Both clubs are in on the Cubs left-hander, who is expected to be moved for a very modest return. But both teams also have him as a back burner option as they search for more impactful bullpen help.
   178. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:41 PM (#2884272)
Posted by Jayson Stark

Yet another official with one of these three teams says the Manny-Bay deal is dead. In the aftermath, the teams involved seem unsure of what happened. The Pirates are blaming the Marlins. The Marlins are blaming the Pirates. And the Red Sox aren't too happy with either of them.
   179. The Marksist Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:43 PM (#2884278)
impactful

Can we strike this ####### word from the lexicon? Please?
   180. SoSH U at work Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:43 PM (#2884279)
Well, that's because you're a Red Sox fan. That's understandable; you want them to act in the best interests of the team and try to win -- so trade him away and get Bay, if you can. Sure -- I'd feel that way, too.

But I'm not a Sox fan. I want to see a scenario in which there is a maximum price exacted on Ramirez IF he said/did what Gammons alleged. In your scenario, he pays no price at all: he gets exactly what he wants: a trade to a team that agrees in advance to make him a FA after this season (and happens to be in contention as a happy bonus), and nobody ever complains in any meaningful way about the fact that he threatened to stop playing (presumably with some faux "injury") if he wasn't traded.

Hence, my ideal world would be one in which they don't trade him, he follows through on his threat -- claiming to be maimed in some way and can't play -- and the Sox go public with a tape. Which, I agree, would hurt the Red Sox competitively . . . . but it would be sweet justice for Manny Ramirez.

Again . . . if he did it.


If Manny followed through on what Gammons alleges, I think the price he'd pay is the HOF.
   181. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:43 PM (#2884280)
Yet another official with one of these three teams says the Manny-Bay deal is dead.
At some point, don't these reporters realize they're being used as stenographers? Some time around the fourth anonymous source to proclaim the deal dead again, I'd start to become a little suspicious.
   182. Russ Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:44 PM (#2884283)
In the aftermath, the teams involved seem unsure of what happened.


They all chickened out. Cashman is the king of GM's right now... he's the only one who is making moves first, worrying about the press later.
   183. Sam M. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:45 PM (#2884286)
And the Red Sox aren't too happy with either of them.

I can't imagine why, given the situation THEY are going to be left with if this thing really does fall through. Oh, what a tangled mess. The only fix that might work -- and even this is a longshot, given how much vitriol has been spilled -- is for them to give Manny what has really been his ultimate goal in all of this: 2009 free agency, and give it to him now. If you can't trade him, announce -- formally and once and for all -- that you are NOT going to exercise the 2009 option. Maybe (just maybe) that placates him enough to cool things down and get him to play for the rest of the season with something resembling a major-league level of giving-a-rat's-ass.
   184. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:45 PM (#2884288)
They all chickened out. Cashman is the king of GM's right now... he's the only one who is making moves first, worrying about the press later.


Indeed, Cashman drank all their milkshakes.
   185. Swedish Chef Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:45 PM (#2884290)
Can we strike this ####### word from the lexicon? Please?

You could always petition to put it on the BBTF nanny's wordlist.

I want to see a scenario in which there is a maximum price exacted on Ramirez IF he said/did what Gammons alleged.

Talent is the best defense against accountability.
   186. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:48 PM (#2884300)
Indeed, Cashman drank all their milkshakes.
Two hours, fifteen minutes... though even in a best-case Boston scenario, they don't get to touch Cash's milkshake. It's better than theirs.
   187. Sam M. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:48 PM (#2884301)
They all chickened out.

I can't imagine why on Earth the Fish would have chickened out. They get $7M worth of Manny Ramirez for free, and a massively enhanced shot at a pennant that they have very little shot at without him (at least IMHO). That has got to be worth the price in prospects they were being asked for. Who knows about the Pirates? They may think Bay is worth more than the prospects, but that's a more standard baseball decision. I'm not sure why they'd "chicken out" from it, though they might be indecisive or simply say no . . . .
   188. snapper Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:48 PM (#2884303)
I can't imagine why, given the situation THEY are going to be left with if this thing really does fall through.

I'm shocked the Red Sox don't just throw in extra propects to get the deal done. You've got to know when you're up a creek and act accordingly.
   189. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:48 PM (#2884307)
I kind of think that the "talks falling apart" thing is just a move by either Florida or Pittsburgh to try and turn the screws on Theo and get either more money or a bigger name prospect. But I could be wrong.
   190. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:49 PM (#2884309)
I kind of think that the "talks falling apart" thing is just a move by either Florida or Pittsburgh to try and turn the screws on Theo and get either more money or a bigger name prospect. But I could be wrong.
Right. The trade has been alternatively "dead" and "falling apart" every hour or two since 9 am this morning, and then new rumors have come out.
   191. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:50 PM (#2884312)
though even in a best-case Boston scenario, they don't get to touch Cash's milkshake. It's better than theirs.

Damn right.
   192. Softball-Playing Human Refuses to Be Walked Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:50 PM (#2884314)
I'm not sure why Florida doesn't just go and just offer those prospects for Bay themselves.
   193. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:51 PM (#2884316)
I'm not sure why Florida doesn't just go and just offer those prospects for Bay themselves.
Money, I assume. They want Ramirez for free.
   194. The Marksist Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:53 PM (#2884320)
Rotoworld:

"FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal has joined ESPN's Jayson Stark in saying that the three-team Manny Ramirez deal is "dead."

Rosenthal's source is an executive with one of the teams. The three-team trade had Manny Ramirez going to Florda, Jason Bay to Boston and Jeremy Hermida to Pittsburgh. John Grabow also likely would have changed hands somehow. It's unclear whether the Pirates' demands for prospects or the Marlins' quest for cash killed it. For what it's worth, Ramirez also denied that he had approved a trade to Florida."
   195. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:54 PM (#2884324)
The best one I've heard so far is Manny to Green Bay for Brett Favre.

Did Manny himself come up with that one?
   196. Darren Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:57 PM (#2884331)
At some point, don't these reporters realize they're being used as stenographers? Some time around the fourth anonymous source to proclaim the deal dead again, I'd start to become a little suspicious.


Are we still talking sports or have you shifted to politics?

And stop saying those awful things about Reddick and Bowden. I can't take it!

BTW, do you remember what the early reports of the Nomar trade were? That's where I recall the Iron Law starting.
   197. Larry Mahnken Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:57 PM (#2884334)
I honestly think that the trade got too complicated, possibly intentionally, so Theo could keep Manny but say "I tried!".

To me, Manny + cash to Florida, Stanton to Pittsburgh and Bay to Boston makes sense.
   198. Fat Al Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:57 PM (#2884335)
   199. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:58 PM (#2884338)
Except the Marlins don't want to give up Stanton. He was off the table, according to all reports.
   200. Sam M. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 01:59 PM (#2884341)
I kind of think that the "talks falling apart" thing is just a move by either Florida or Pittsburgh to try and turn the screws on Theo and get either more money or a bigger name prospect. But I could be wrong.

Perhaps -- but there's always the chance they could overplay that hand and get burned. If it's Florida, for example, that's trying to screw over the Red Sox, what do they do if Pittsburgh turns around and deals Bay elsewhere, pulling out the rug from under their little power play? Sometimes when you commit arson, you get burned.
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