Since this era started, 'Sox have been frequently shopped at the free agent market, with mixed results. In '76, they signed Reliever Bill Campbell. I can think of numerous "bust" signings of players beyond their prime: Andre Dawson and Jack Clark come quickly to mind. They have struck out with free agent pitchers, too: Danny Dawin; Matt Young; Mark Portugal; Matt Clement; David Wells; Pat Rapp; many more.
True "busts" include: Edgar Renteria; Matt Clement
Good signings include: Manny Ramirez; Kevin Millar; Bill Mueller.
One of Theo's glaring failings has been free agent signings. I have always looked upon free agent signings with great skepticsm. Often, you lose a draft pick; have to outbid other teams; lock-up big time money, and divert resources away from the farm system and player development,
When I see what the 'Sox farm system has developed since John Henry took over, I say to the 'Sox brain trust and ownership: focus your money, time, and effort on player scouting and development. Go to the free agent market only as a last resort.
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Agreed. Free agency has been Theo's bug-a-boo (there are several more, but we all know what those are!) I agree that teams get into bidding wars with the free agent and jack his value up way beyond what the guy's actually worth. Live ebay.
ReplyDeleteThe Sox will have some decisions to make at the end of this season. Beltre was only a one year sign; Tek is up; Lowell is up, but will probably be gone before season's end. The catching situation will be the position to watch. Do they let Beltre go, move Youk to third, put Vic at first and try to get a catcher? They wanted Vic for his bat not his catching skills. With the running game being a big problem, they might be looking for a quality catcher. It will be interesting to see who's around next season, especially if this so-called bridge year collapses (which we hope is NOT the case!)
Very good points about free agency after 2010 and the "bridge year" concept. So long as this does not turn out to be "a bridge too far" then 'Sox fans will be a little patient with Theo.
ReplyDeleteI'd say bring 'Tek back for another year to stablize the rotation. V-Mart to 1B and Youk back to 3rd sounds good. A "bridge" catcher may work until some of the prospects develop.
Trading Mikey Lowell at the deading deadline for a solid prospect may be in the works. However, if 'Sox are in contention then he would be great to have around.
Whatever 'Sox will do with Mikey, they will have to eat the majority of contract. So, I'd say keep and find a way to use him.