A Major Makeover – The 2011 Boston Red Sox

This winter's “Hot Stove” season has produced some of most major dealings in many a year. As mentioned in my last post, Major League Baseball's Major Free Agent Signings, teams have positioned themselves for a run at the 2011 post season.

The Chicago White Sox brought in Adam Dunn and maintained Paul Konerko to have power in the lineup while the Atlanta Braves acquired Dan Uggla from the Florida Marlins to fill their 2nd base void. The New York Yankees shored up their catching by signing Russell Martin and the Philadelphia Phillies landed the top prize by signing pitcher Cliff Lee.

But no major league team has done more in an attempt to win the 2011 World Series than the Boston Red Sox.

Here's a rundown of the more significant acquisitions.

Boston's major trade was to gain the services of left-handed slugging 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres in exchange for three top prospects and Eric Patterson.

The Red Sox have been interested in Gonzalez for the past two seasons but haven't been able to satisfy the Padres needs until now. Yes, it took prize prospects in pitcher Casey Kelly and 1st sacker Anthony Rizzo to pull the deal off, but the Sox desperately needed another bomber in the lineup knowing they wouldn't re-sign 3rd baseman Adrian Beltre and having lost catcher Victor Martinez to the Detroit Tigers. With this move, Boston moves Kevin Youkilis to the hot corner and now have a lineup that rivals the New York Yankees.

On the heels of the Gonzalez trade, Boston stunned the baseball world by signing free agent left fielder Carl Crawford to a seven year, $142 million deal when it appeared that Crawford was going to sign with either the Yankees or the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

The signing of Crawford will improve the outfield defense in time (Crawford must learn to play the “Green Monster”)and will add speed and even more production to an already potent lineup. Manager Terry Francona has the pleasant problem of making a lineup card depending on the opposing pitcher and Crawford can bat anywhere from lead off to fifth in the batting order du jour.

In 2010, the bullpen was a major sore spot as there wasn't a reliable arm for innings six and seven to get to set up man Daniel Bard and closer Jonathan Papelbon. The Red Sox made three free agent signings this week to shore the bullpen up.

First, Bobby Jenks was added for two years worth $12 million. The former Chicago White Sox closer may have lost a little on his fastball, but is still quite capable of getting the important out in the later innings.

Then Boston signed former Tampa Bay Rays reliever Dan Wheeler for a couple of seasons. Red Sox fans should remember Wheeler as a innings eater from the pen that can pitch day after day as proven by being at or near the top of relief appearances yearly.

It was also announced that Matt Albers, formerly of the Baltimore Orioles, has been added to the Boston bullpen. Albers would be used if starting pitchers get yanked prior to inning six and can pitch multiple innings in a game.

These acquisitions may be only the beginning of more movement by Boston. As of now, there is no lefty relief pitcher for the bullpen, and there are six starting pitchers on the staff. It has been rumored that the Red Sox could trade Papelbon, starter Daisuke Matsuzaka, or even center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury for a catcher or an outfielder.

What about knuckleballer Tim Wakefield? He's signed on for one last season and now he has nowhere to go. Is Jarrod Saltalamacchia the answer behind the plate? I'm not sure about him back there.

Believe me, the Bostonians are far from done making deals this winter.

Dick

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Major League Baseball's Major Free Agent Signings

With Major League Baseball's “Hot Stove” season well under way, we have seen a number of free agent signings. Some signings are one year deals and some are multi-year dealings and two of those multi-year signings are above the $100 million dollar mark.

I will recap some of the more significant deals and offer opinions as to why or why not these transactions are for the good of the teams acquiring these players.

Scott Downs - Relief Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - $15 million for the three years, not including incentives.

The Angels certainly needed a set-up man in front of closer Fernando Rodney. With long time eighth inning reliever Scot Shields in rapid decline and former closer Brian Fuentes dealt to Minnesota late last season, Downs is the perfect man for the set-up role. Also, Downs has the ability to close games should Rodney falter, as he often does.

Dick says:

This is a good marriage for both Downs and the Angels and the investment is well worth it.

Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko - First Base/Designated Hitters, Chicago White Sox --- Dunn - four years at $56 million ; Konerko - three-year at $36 million.

The Pale Hose not only kept an aging but still very productive Paul Konerko, they garnered the services of left-handed slugging mammoth Adam Dunn to essentially split the first base and DH duties. Not only do these mashers have tremendous power and run producing abilities, they will spell each other in the field to stay fresh and still garner plenty of plate appearances. Also, opposing pitchers will have to decide which hitter to pitch around to get to the other bomber. Pick your poison!

Dick's Opinion:

Tremendous signings for the White Sox. I believe between the two, 70 to 80 homers and over 200 RBI is well within reach and the team should see a significant increase in runs scored.

Carlos Pena – First Base, Chicago Cubs - one-year, $10 million contract.

With essentially nobody to play first base, the Cubs are taking a chance that the left-handed power hitting Pena can find his stroke after hitting a paltry .196 albeit with 28 dingers. He will definitely be heavily counted on for major production.

Dick's Thoughts:

Although I have no problem with the signing of Pena, I feel the Cubs could have paid significantly less for his services --- maybe $6 million as opposed to $10 million.

Mariano Rivera – Closer and Derek Jeter – Shortstop, New York Yankees --- Rivera, two-year, $30 million and Jeter, $51 million over the three years.

These signings will insure that the two future Hall Of Famers will retire as members of the Yankees. Rivera, arguably the game's greatest closer, is still considered by many to be the best in the business and Jeter, although showing signs of decline both at the plate and in the field, is still a great influence for the clubhouse and typifies the the Yankee tradition of class. As usual, both will be critical to future Yankee success.

Dick Opines:

I'm split on these to dealings. I have no problem with Rivera getting his money. I firmly believe he's still the best closer in baseball.

While Jeter deserves to be a Yankee for life, paying a player an average of $17 million for three seasons is far too much for a player who may be declining at the plate and is certainly declining in the field with his lack of range. Argue fielding percentage if you like, he simply does not get to balls as he once did.

Jayson Werth – Outfield, Washington Nationals --- Seven-year deal worth a reported $126 million.

Washington obviously feels that Werth was the prime hitter in this year's free agent class. Werth hits for power, is productive, can run, and is a good defensive outfielder. Supposedly, he replaces Adam Dunn in the Nats lineup and will have to be all that Dunn was.

What Dick Has To Say:

Has Jim Bowden been re-hired as the Nationals General Manager? This is a ridiculous signing! While Werth is a good player, in no way is he an $18 million a season player. Heck, he's not even Washington's best player! That's reserved for third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Here's throwing away!

Carl Crawford – Left Field, Boston Red Sox --- Seven-year, $142 million deal.

Red Sox Nation feared the ownership group led by John Henry would not spend money because of the $500 million spent to buy a European soccer team.

Wrong!

The BoSox aggressively went to Crawford at his home in Houston and grilled him on what his goals were in baseball. Obviously, Boston was so impressed that they paved the way to sign their first ever $100 free agent in Crawford. Patrolling left field and batting anywhere from third to sixth in the batting order, Crawford will be more productive without having to steal oodles of bases. Along with the acquisition of left-handed strong man Adrian Gonzalez, Boston could be the big league's highest scoring team.

Red Sox Fan Dick Says:

This is a wonderful time to be a Red Sox fan! Crawford will add speed in the outfield, hit 15 to 20 homers and will drive in at least 80 runs while scoring more than 80 runs to boot. He won't have to steal as many bags which should keep him fresh throughout the regular season.

That's the more note worthy signings thus far this winter. Very active this off season of 2010-2011 and much more will transpire.

Cliff Lee signs with...?

Dick

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