I wonder if that's significant for a Hot Stove talk...
I think it's time to talk a little Red Sox. I have no problem disposing of Coco Crisp for a relief pitcher because he really isn't needed and pitching always is.
The signing of Rocco Baldelli is an interesting one. I think, though am not really sure, he'll be able to play all the outfield positions where as they only used Crisp for center. (I was pretty sure Crisp played more positions for the Indians but maybe I made this up because he didn't for the Sox...) If this is true we can give all three positions days off including Jason Bay who hardly ever got one. If the Sox are able to resign Mark Kotsay, who can play first as well, things may be more complicated.
The return of Josh Bard in some ways is an even more interesting development. Bard stunk catching Wakefield meaning he ain't doing that again. At least that's my thought... Not having convinced Jason Varitek to retire and take a coaching position, you basically have a figurehead because he really is too old. One of the minor league guys, George Kottaras I think it was, did a pretty good job catching Wakefield. Some teams, such as the Angels of the past have had extra catchers, but you run into the problem of playing time or lack thereof.
Brad Penny is, in my opinion, a younger Bartolo Colon. He'll probably pitch well enough but also may not be willing to go to the bullpen should that be an issue.
The signing of John Smoltz means to me that Wakefield is out of the rotation, as thats how he wants to go out as opposed to the bullpen, meaning my arguments above about catching the knuckleballer may be totally moot. My problem, and I could just be over reacting, is replacing Wake with a guy who's more of a star on paper but is also over 40 a good thing? The health incentives in his contract is somewhat comforting but greed isn't a band-aid or Viagra if you understand my meaning...
Of all the options, with the exception of Clay Buccholtz I'm sure, Timmy is probably the most willing starter to go down to the bullpen. Having a "late inning catcher" I suppose would work but there has got to be better options...
I'm curious how things will unfold...
I think it's time to talk a little Red Sox. I have no problem disposing of Coco Crisp for a relief pitcher because he really isn't needed and pitching always is.
The signing of Rocco Baldelli is an interesting one. I think, though am not really sure, he'll be able to play all the outfield positions where as they only used Crisp for center. (I was pretty sure Crisp played more positions for the Indians but maybe I made this up because he didn't for the Sox...) If this is true we can give all three positions days off including Jason Bay who hardly ever got one. If the Sox are able to resign Mark Kotsay, who can play first as well, things may be more complicated.
The return of Josh Bard in some ways is an even more interesting development. Bard stunk catching Wakefield meaning he ain't doing that again. At least that's my thought... Not having convinced Jason Varitek to retire and take a coaching position, you basically have a figurehead because he really is too old. One of the minor league guys, George Kottaras I think it was, did a pretty good job catching Wakefield. Some teams, such as the Angels of the past have had extra catchers, but you run into the problem of playing time or lack thereof.
Brad Penny is, in my opinion, a younger Bartolo Colon. He'll probably pitch well enough but also may not be willing to go to the bullpen should that be an issue.
The signing of John Smoltz means to me that Wakefield is out of the rotation, as thats how he wants to go out as opposed to the bullpen, meaning my arguments above about catching the knuckleballer may be totally moot. My problem, and I could just be over reacting, is replacing Wake with a guy who's more of a star on paper but is also over 40 a good thing? The health incentives in his contract is somewhat comforting but greed isn't a band-aid or Viagra if you understand my meaning...
Of all the options, with the exception of Clay Buccholtz I'm sure, Timmy is probably the most willing starter to go down to the bullpen. Having a "late inning catcher" I suppose would work but there has got to be better options...
I'm curious how things will unfold...
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