| Kevin Davidson. 28th July, 2005 - 3:33 pm
 Mueller Still Key To Sox Deals
Even this journalist makes mistakes. A week ago today the Boston Red Sox were pacing the AL East and had quietly made two deals to better themselves for a playoff run. The reacquiring of Adam Hyzdu from San Diego and Tony Graffinino from Kansas City was just what the doctor ordered for more ?chemistry? in the Sox clubhouse. Now, one week later, they are clinging to the lead in the East and have been dealt two huge blows in the loss of Trot Nixon to the DL and possibly Matt Clement following in his footsteps.
With the July 31st deadline just around the corner, the Sox are now in need of pitching (starter and lefty reliever), as well as offense. Names such as A.J. Burnett, Sidney Ponson, Adam Dunn, Richard Hidalgo, Billy Wagner, and J.C. Romero have all been discussed as possible options, but at what cost to the future of the Red Sox.
Anybody can look at the Sox current situation and say, ?go get anyone and everyone to replace and mend the 2005 Red Sox for a stretch run.? In reality, this is where Prince Theo makes his money, and pulls off the impossible by piecing together a team that all of Red Sox Nation will proudly support as their own. But instead of sitting back and waiting on everything to pan out, here is one writer?s updated opinion on what the Sox will need to do in order to repeat in ?05:
1.) Trade 3B Bill Mueller to Minnesota for LHP J.C. Romero and prospect(s) - The rumors continue to swirl in both cities that something will go down before the deadline. The Sox immediately get their lefty reliever and get another prospect to spin off in a second deal. There is no doubt in my mind that Mueller was and is a great baseball player who gives it his all day in and day out. The only issue right now is his health and potential return value. Good news is, as of late he is playing better, increasing his trade value. With Romero, you get a young lefty with a lot of promise to help you finish off games.
2.) Bring up 3B Kevin Youkilis - It?s finally time to give this guy the chance to play everyday. He?s 26 and still hasn?t gotten the opportunity to be the everyday 3rd baseman. Besides being eight years younger than Mueller he has more power and is an on base machine, remember MoneyBall? It?s tough seeing his name floating between AAA and the Sox almost weekly, so what better time than now to plug him in when he still can get a few months at the hot corner before the Sox playoff run.
3.) Trade RHP Bronson Arroyo and prospect(s) to Florida for RHP A.J. Burnett - Bronson is struggling, Clement is out for a bit, and Schilling isn?t ready to crack the rotation yet. We are in need of starting pitching and fast. If we need to throw in a prospect to get it done, do it. Burnett will resign with the Sox after this year if they make a push for him. He?s young, talented, and full of promise, although injury-prone. Take a gamble and bring some excitement to the Sox staff, plus if the Sox get him, the Evil Empire does not. With recent rumors flying about NY attempting to move Pavano to Seattle and picking up Nomo on waivers from Tampa Bay they are definitely in need of some arms.
4.) Trade LHP Alan Embree to Arizona for OF Jose Cruz Jr. - Cruz was recently designated for assignment by Arizona, much like Embree with the Sox. With Trot out indefinitely, Cruz will be a useful piece in the outfield for the Red Sox in their run to another crown. He played very well for Toronto over five seasons, and has some pop left in his bat. He could very easily be our third outfielder, but personally would be more valuable in the reserve role.
5.) Call up OF Gabe Kapler once healthy - We all know he made a mistake by going to Japan, he?s the first to admit it. Although he isn?t eligible to come off the DL (lower back strain) until July 30th, it will be worth the wait. His ability to play all three outfield positions, give a much needed right handed bat off the bench and accept his role showed us the team player he truly is. After the Sox granted his wish to play everyday in Japan he quickly came to his senses and remembered how much fun winning was, and being a part of a team. Soon he will be back in playing shape and erase names like Adam Hyzdu from the Sox roster.
6.) Other Possibilities - Only if other deals fall through, or other needs arise.
Trade for Tampa Bay outfielder Aubrey Huff - He just ripped up on the Red Sox and is catching fire at the right time. Looks like he could be headed to Chicago (AL) in a whopper of a deal according to ESPN?s Jason Stark.
Trade for Philadelphia Phillies LHP Billy Wagner - Dominant and reliable arm out of the pen, can be a set-up man or a closer, in the end may be too pricey for the Sox to explore.
Trade for Seattle Mariners LHP Eddie Guardardo - See Billy Wagner
Trade for Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Darryl Ward - This guy is having an incredible year on a team that isn?t going to be going to the postseason. Give him a chance to play for a winner. Played well in limited action in Houston, now playing everyday and responding.
In the end, with the Sox making a playoff push towards October, the 25 man roster could look something like the following:
C- Jason Varitek 3B- Kevin Youkilis P- Matt Clement
C-Doug Mirabelli OF- Manny Ramirez P- A.J. Burnett
DH- David Ortiz OF- Johnny Damon P- Wade Miller
1B- John Olerud OF- Trot Nixon P- Tim Wakefield
1B- Kevin Millar OF- Jose Cruz Jr. P- David Wells
2B- Tony Graffinino UTIL- Alex Cora P- Mike Timlin
SS- Edgar Renteria UTIL - Gabe Kapler P- Curt Schilling
P- Chad Bradford P- Mike Myers P- J.C. Romero
P- Keith Foulke
In the end, it looks more and more likely that the Sox will have to make a move, purely to stay competitive with the rest of their division. Now it is up to the front office to earn their keep and make believers out of Red Sox Nation that ?05 will be another season to remember.
Questions/Comments: email me at kdogwalker8@hotmail.com |
