GrabSomeBench Boys 2019 Offseason Plan

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS

  • Jose Abreu, $16M     Tender
  • Avisail Garcia, $8M  Tender
  • Yolmer Sanchez, $4.7M Tender
  • Carlos Rodon, $3.7M       Tender
  • Matt Davidson, $2.4M     Tender (He’s a twofor now)
  • Leury Garcia, $1.9M          Non-Tender or trade
  • Danny Farquhar, $1.4M    Non-Tender (Thanks Rick)

CLUB OPTIONS

  • Nate Jones, $4.65 million/$1.25M buyout   No. cut a deal
  • James Shields, $16 million/$2M buyout  Buyout 

OTHER IMPENDING FREE AGENTS

  • Miguel Gonzalez (made $4.75 million in 2018)  Gone
  • Hector Santiago (made $2 million in 2018 — added) another easy two million for Hector. He can’t go because he’s like our old furniture. You just don’t want to throw it out.

FREE AGENTS

In general, with one exception, I want to target players who cannot receive qualifying offers ($17.9 mil) or who will not be offered one.

Target No. 1: Third Base (Neither option is restricted by the qualifying offer)

My first target for this position is Josh Donaldson.  Last year, Santana signed for 3 years at 60 million.  That is my limit. In my world Josh Donaldson is not getting 120 million for four years as suggested by others when JD Martinez only grabbed $110 mil for five years. If I’m wrong, I’ll move to target number 2.

Choice 1B is Mike Moustakas and he’s getting even less from me. My comparable for Moose is Jay Bruce who last year received a three-year deal for $39 million. If he wants an opt-out on the third year, that’s ok.

Target No. 2: Centerfield
My first choice is A.J. Pollock at four years for $64 million.  I’m assuming Pollock will not be given the qualifying offer in Arizona.  If he is, then we ‘pass’.  He sits in CF until Robert or someone else can push him out.

My 2 B choice is Adam Jones. Before everyone gets their panties in a bunch, the idea is based on flexibility.  He’s a better hitter than Adam Engel, but so are most major leaguers. He also brings experience to help Eloy and Avi.  The third point is that Engel could take Center as a defensive replacement and Jones can move to Left or right at that time. Jones currently makes 17 million but he’s also 33. I’m hoping last year was not the start of a steep decline since the previous six look awfully good. I’m going to pencil him in for two years at $20 million.

Target Number 3 is a starting pitcher.

The first choice is Hyn -Jim Ryu, who should be renamed as Hyn-Injury Bug. I’m going to gamble on this guy but it is a small wager. I don’t think the Dodgers give him the qualifying offer and I don’t think anyone goes long term contract. I’ll give him 2 years at 21 million and a third year with a mutual option of $20 million.

Choice 3B is Dallas Keuchel who I think can get Yu Darvish money, which was 6 years at 126 million.  He moves to the top of the staff but also will break my rule about taking players who receive qualifying offers. Of course, he’s getting an offer and even though compensation or loss of a pick is not a big deal, the Sox really can’t afford to lose picks.

TRADES

Castillo is traded for a bag of PEDs and a low level prospect…

I would explore trading Rodon if I could get a haul from the Yankers

SUMMARY

Lineup:

  1. J. Pollock
  2. Yoan Moncada 2B
  3.  Jose Abreu  1B
  4. Josh  Donaldson 3B
  5. Dan Palka   DH
  6. Avi Garcia  RF
  7. Tim Anderson SS
  8. Nicky Delmonico/ Eloy LF
  9. Smith C
    Bench Narvaez, Sanchez, Engel, Davidson

Starting Rotation: Rodon, Lopez, Ryu, Giolito, Covey

Covey gets the fifth starter position but both he and Giolito are on a giant bubble with Cease ready to go by July 1.

Bullpen
Set Up :Nate Jones
Closer: Ian Hamilton
Lost causes: Juan Minaya
7th:  Jace Fry
When Losing: Aaron Bummer
7,8,9 Ryan Burr
Only when losing – Matt Davidson
Hector:  Long relief/spot Starts, etc

PAYROLL: approximately $124 million, give or take, depending on who signs! The new players entertain the masses, put fannies in the seats and give us some leaders to help the helpless youngsters.

Are the Sox better? Yes.  Are they watchable? Yes. Will they win it all? Maybe in 2021.

 

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