Results tagged ‘ MLB Trade Deadline ’
The Wrong Josh Fields
When I reported the Erik Bedard trade I mistook Josh Fields, the Mariners 2008 first round pick, for the utility player. I’m sorry if I confused anyone.
Deadline Review
I’m a bit puzzled by the Red Sox moves at the deadline. They acquired Mike Aviles, Erik Bedard, and Josh Fields. Bedard is the only one I see having any impact this year. He’ll start until Buchholz is healthy, and then I don’t know what the Sox will do with him then. He might keep his spot in the rotation if he pitches better than Tim Wakefield, but if that’s not the case there isn’t really much room for him on the roster except as a possible second lefty out of the bullpen.
Fields is said to be just a throw in so is impact, if any, will be minimal. He can play both corner outfield positions and both corner infield positions, so he may be of some value to the Sox.
Aviles is the most perplexing move. To give away too players with tremendous upside for a utility infielder seems a bit strange. The only possible move I see for Aviles with the Sox is potentially competing for the starting shortstops job next year with Jed Lowrie and possible Marco Scutaro. Aviles has proven he can be an effective starter at the big league level, so that may of been Theo’s thinking as he made that deal.
Red Sox Acquire Erik Bedard and Josh Fields
Today minutes before the deadline the Red Sox acquired Erik Bedard and Josh Fields. Bedard solves the pitching problem and Fields may help solve the outfield issue if the Sox decide to put him in the majors even though he wasn’t even on the Mariners 40-man roster. Hopefully they’ll both pan out and help keep the Sox in first.
Names to Watch For
With a little less than three hours left until the trade deadline here are some names to watch for as the Sox try to fill their needs.
Carlos Quentin: Quentin is a good fit for the Sox in right field. He brings a lot of power to the lineup and hit almost anywhere. The only issue is he isn’t the most consistent hitter, but an improvement never the less.
Josh Willingham: Willingham would also solve the issue in right, but doesn’t bring the same pop that Quentin does. Also he has trouble covering the spacious right in Fenway.
Ryan Spilborghs: He’s another outfielder that would help tremendously. His availability is unknown but he’d be a big lift.
Erik Bedard: He’s the only starter left in play for the Sox so I’m sure Theo will make a big push.
Harden Deal Off
A trade to acquire Rich Harden of the Oakland A’s has fallen through according to MLB.com’s Ian Brown. It’s unknown why the deal fell apart, but I will post updates as they come in.
UPDATE 10:55 Apparently the Sox saw something they didn’t like in Harden’s medical reports.
Kuroda Won’t Waive No Trade Clause
Hiroki Kuroda has decided not to waive his no trade clause and stay in Los Angeles with the Dodgers. Although I respect his decision to stay with his family it is very disappointing.
Push for Quentin and Thornton?
Carlos Quentin and Matt Thornton might have to switch dugouts for Sunday’s series finale. The Red Sox are rumored to be making a strong push to acquire the outfielder and lefty reliever from the White Sox. Quentin would solve the problem in right and Thornton would give the Red Sox a solid second lefty reliever out of the ‘pen. The White Sox have put a high price on Quentin, but it’s expected to come down as they try to work out a deal. The Red Sox would be able to hit him anywhere 3-7 and he’ll produce. He’s got really good power, but occasionally can go on power slumps. Thornton is a top notch lefty who the White Sox really liked going into the season but have “fallen out of love” with him. The Red Sox are also discussing a deal with Oakland for Rich Harden and Josh Willingham or Coco Crisp.
Sox Acquire Mike Aviles From Royals
Today the Red Sox sent Yamaico Navarro and minor league pitcher Kendal Volz to the Royals for utility infielder Mike Aviles. Aviles, 30, finished fourth in the 2008 rookie of the year voting, but has struggled with his utility role this year. He’ll add much needed depth to the Sox infield while Jed Lowrie is on the DL. Aviles is arbitration eligible at the end of the year and is under team control until 2014.
Sox Look For Starters
The Red Sox main focus for the upcoming trade deadline appears to be starting pitching. Their four biggest targets are Hiroki Kuroda, Ubaldo Jimenez, Rich Harden, and Erik Bedard, who is making his first off the DL tonight. The Red Sox are said to be “all over” Bedard. Personally I’d like to see Kuroda in Red Sox uniform. He’s not held together by band-aids, like Harden and Bedard, and he’s more consistent than Jimenez, whose only been able to win 10 games since 2010 All-Star break. Any of the four, if they can stay healthy, would be a huge lift to the rotation while Clay Buchholz’s back woes continue.
UPDATE 10:51: In Bedard’s start tonight he allowed 5 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks in an inning and a third. He never found any rhythm or groove and being his first start off the DL the Mariners didn’t want to risk his health at 57 pitches in the second inning. This should lower the price on Bedard, but it also shows the risk of adding Bedard.
Astros Close on Pence Deal
The Astros are apparently close to moving Hunter Pence to one of six teams. The Sox may or may not be in on him but regardless he’d be a great addition to any team. Phillies, Braves, Reds, and Red Sox are the most likely destination according to Buster Olney.
UPDATE 12:01: Last night Pence was planned to be pulled from the lineup due to a trade which likely fell apart. The deal was most likely to the Phillies. Also it appears that the Red Sox are out on Pence.
UPDATE 10:10: Pence has been acquired by the Phillies for Jarred Cosart, Jonathan Singleton, Josh Zeid, and one other unknown prospect. Dominic Brown was not part of the deal.
thebestsoxblog
Recent Comments