After a disappointing 3rd place finish in 2011 the Rochester Red Sox are stuck in a tough spot this coming season. While they have plenty of talent going into 2012 there are internal talks about how realistic a contender they can be. The 2012 draft class is deep but the real stud players most likely wont be around when the Red Sox pick in round 1.
2012 Contracted Players
5yr- Ryan Braun 5/12
3yr- Clayton Kershaw 3/13
3yr- Dan Haren 3/12
3yr- Brandon Phillips 3/12
2yr- Craig Kimbrel 2/12
2yr- John Axford 2/12
2yr- Carlos Gonzalez 2/11
2yr- Mike Morse 2/11
2yr- Mark Reynolds 2/12
2yr- Chone Figgins 2/12
Discussions on who to keep and who to possibly shop have taken place within the Red Sox organization. With two 3yr spots and four 2yr spots open they have plenty of space for contracts this year. But thoughts within the organization are that the team would rather fill 2 or 3 of those spots with quality over quantity.
Even though a lot of rumors are swirling there has only been talks of one name definetely on the trading block this offseason. Red Sox Owner/GM Richard Chase confirmed he is very likely to move Chone Figgins (2/12) to someone for very cheap. "If we had Chone Figgins from 3-4yrs ago we would be excited to have him on our roster. Fact is ever since he signed with Seattle he has become a complete slug. He doesn't even steal enough bases to be a reserve infielder for us." said Chase. Someone looking for Figgins to possibly rebound after a tough season could be interested. Keep in mind the Red Sox have been able to deal Mike Aviles and Everth Cabrera while under contract for peanuts.
An anonymous source within the organization has said the Red Sox may consider moving a big piece or two from the roster this offseason. Although the team will never confirm it in public, Ryan Braun, Brandon Phillips, Dan Haren and Mark Reynolds may all be available for the right price. Whats that price you may ask? Well sources say draft picks are Owner/GM Richard Chase's favorite commodity. We have to suspect players would also have to be involved in some manner as well. What would one year of Ryan Braun (5/12) be worth? How about two eligable years of Dan Haren and Brandon Phillips? Even Mark Reynolds big power numbers and 1B/3B could bring a lot of value to a team for two years.
With all the speculation going around with this team one thing is for certain. Owner/GM Richard Chase will not be quiet in the Winter Meetings. He is an aggressive owner who loves to make deals and is always looking to improve his roster. 3rd place and getting a payout may make some owners happy but for Chase; "It's a failure. If you ain't first your last."
No comments:
Post a Comment