Love Me Tender

With yesterday’s tender/non-tender deadline in the rearview mirror I thought it might be worth a quick look at some guys the Sox probably should be kicking the tires on.  I have to admit I was bummed to see Corey Knebel dealt to the Dodgers at the last minute.  That was such a great move by the Dodgers in my opinion (good organization makes good move, film at 11).  The Sox didn’t really do anything surprising in striking deals with Eduardo Rodriguez, Kevin Plawecki, Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier and tendering a contract to Rafael Devers.  It’s not a perfect measure but across the board the Sox deals with the four guys that signed were at or below the forecasts that FanGraphs had put out.  It is also mildly interesting that details of the offer to Devers were not released which suggests that maybe there is some kind of extension being discussed but that is wild speculation on my part.  Chris Hatfield of SoxProspects also suggested that the EdRod deal is actually a placeholder and the Sox may reach an agreement on a longer deal.

Anyway, a few guys the Sox might consider;

Hanser Alberto - IF - Alberto is a utility man though his experience is more second and third base than shortstop (just 22 games, none since 2018).  On a roster that seems to be crying out for someone a bit more experienced in that role he could fill a void.

Travis Shaw - IF - 2019 was a complete disaster for the Mayor of Ding Dong City (I love that nickname) but if he can still play second base with some regularity he’d fit there and his versatility would be a good fit for the Sox.

Adam Duvall - OF - Here is a guy who should be one of Chaim Bloom’s first phone calls.  Regardless of what move gets made to deal with center field the Sox are going to have a need for a fourth outfielder and that player being a righty slugger fits the bill really well.  Jonny Gomes, Chris Young, Steve Pearce, the successful Sox teams of recent vintage have had someone filling that role and Duvall would be perfect.

Eddie Rosario/Kyle Schwarber - OF - I’m putting these guys together because I think they are effectively the same player and one of them is plenty.  Both guys come with some flaws but a scenario where one of them is in left while Andrew Benintendi is in right is a scenario I don’t hate.  I’d rather the George Springer in center scenario but failing that this could work.  Adding Rosario and Duvall is kind of appealing to me.  You let them platoon in left and get Duvall some extra PT giving Alex Verdugo and Benny the occasional rest.

Nomar Mazara - OF - Here’s the deal, you sign Mazara, play half the season then trade him.  Statistically it is a FACT that EVERY SINGLE TIME THE RED SOX HAVE TRADED A PLAYER NAMED NOMAR THEY’VE WON THE WORLD SERIES THAT YEAR.  You can’t argue with facts.  Seriously though, he’s a name that a few friends were mentioning to me yesterday but I’m not keen on Mazara.  He’s over 2,000 PA in the Majors and really hasn’t done anything.  He’s been a consistent 95 OPS+/1 WAR player in four full big league seasons.  I won’t be shocked if at some point he puts it together (he’s only 26) but this isn’t a guy who hasn’t had the opportunities to play or has played in bad parks for his style.

Carlos Rodon - SP - Pitchers are weird creatures.  Rodon was highly touted but hasn’t quite put it together yet and injuries have been a problem.  Still, it’s not like the Sox are loaded with pitching so see if maybe the change of scenery (and that’s the phrase when it comes to Rodon) would pay off.

Jose Urena - SP/RP? - Dominican Joe Kelly.  Sign him, stick him in the bullpen and tell him to air out that high 90s fastball.

Archie Bradley - RP - As relievers go Bradley has been a pretty consistent performer.  He had a great year in 2017, throws strikes and has a spectacular beard.

Keynan Middleton - RP - It started well for Middleton in Anaheim but injuries have waylaid him.  Presumably the Angels know his medical situation better than most so it’s a bit troubling that they’ve decided a 27 year old reliever with a career 125 ERA+ isn’t worth what is presumably not a huge contract.  But hey, have you seen the Red Sox bullpen?  Pretty sure he’ll be better than Kyle Hart.

This is hardly a comprehensive list.  It seems like every year a bunch of guys find success after being non-tendered.  David Ortiz is the greatest success story of course (side note: despite my pessimism Mazara is the guy I’d say is most likely to go full Papi) but you can always find someone who can help and the Sox certainly need help.  The one bit of frustration here is the lack (in my opinion) of useful infielders.  Second base is wide open and a utility guy wouldn’t go amiss depending on how confident you are in Christian Arroyo and perhaps CJ Chatham or Jeter Downs contributing this year.

Anyway, I hope all Therapudians are well and safe and had as good a Thanksgiving as is possible in the current climate.