It has been mentioned in an article that Coco Crisp might be available out of Boston. But since they have no one to fill in for him after his departure, it can become very doubtful. Now here is the Article with the link.

 

 

 

Checking the shopping lists

Tigers finish up early; others just starting

 

By Nick Cafardo | November 19, 2006

 

There aren't many teams that can say their offseason pursuits have been concluded before Thanksgiving, but the Detroit Tigers are one.

 

"We're pretty well set," said Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski before leaving the GM meetings in Naples, Fla., Thursday.

 

The Tigers might have lost the World Series to the Cardinals in five games, but their pitching talent and their added offensive presence with Gary Sheffield already make them an early favorite to repeat as American League champions.

 

They tied up first baseman Sean Casey, one of the classiest players in baseball and a great clubhouse presence, with a one-year deal. That's after acquiring Sheffield for three young pitchers, adding a tremendous force to a lineup that needed a hitter whom pitchers fear.

 

"Basically, the way I look at it, since the All-Star break we were looking for a bat," said manager Jim Leyland. "Since then we added Sean Casey and Gary Sheffield. That's impressive."

 

The one loss they suffered was lefthander Jamie Walker, who had an integral role in the bullpen. The three-year, $12 million deal Walker got from the Orioles wasn't something Dombrowski would match. He'll make up for it by adding a Scott Schoeneweis, Alan Embree, Mike Stanton, or Ron Villone down the road.

 

The Tigers also have lefty starter Mike Maroth and outfielder Marcus Thames as trade bait if they should have a need to fill later. Lefthander Andrew Miller, their No. 1 pick out of North Carolina, could be in the rotation by the end of the year.

 

In short, the Tigers have done nothing to diminish their chances in the tough AL Central. The White Sox will likely get better by trading one of their starters for a hitter. The Twins will attempt to strike on a starting pitcher and another hitter later in the free agent process. Cleveland, which has already acquired second baseman Josh Barfield, desperately needs a closer and bullpen help.

 

A glance at the other divisions:

 

AL EAST: If the Red Sox sign Daisuke Matsuzaka, it'll be the biggest coup in the division, but they also must come up with a closer. Second-biggest move is the Blue Jays signing Frank Thomas and putting him in a lineup with Vernon Wells, Troy Glaus, and Lyle Overbay. The Jays are making a bid to retain Ted Lilly and may need to replace reliever Justin Speier. The Yankees have lost Sheffield, which isn't big, given their offensive punch. They've been able to replenish their young pitching with Humberto Sanchez coming over from Detroit; he might be switched to the bullpen, with Scott Proctor likely moving to the rotation. Baltimore has a lot of work to do and is trying. The Orioles got Walker and need a couple of bats.

 

AL WEST: Still haven't heard from the Angels, though the best is yet to come with possible overtures to Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Lee, and Manny Ram?rez. The A's must replace Thomas and possibly re-sign Jay Payton, and there's always that Barry Bonds buzz. They'll lose Barry Zito, but they've been able to replace big names. The Rangers, like the Orioles, try hard but have trouble luring players to play there. They have money to spend on a big hitter and at least one starter. The Mariners really want Jason Schmidt.

 

NL EAST: Mets GM Omar Minaya is confident Pedro Mart?nez is coming back, that the retirement talk was somehow lost in translation. He feels confident that he'll keep Tom Glavine and he knows he needs one more starter. It's not out of the realm of possibility that he makes a strong bid for Ram?rez, though it would take Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heilman. The Braves are staying the course, continuing to rely on their farm system for upgrades. The Phillies should be one of the more active teams, trying desperately to acquire Soriano and trade Pat Burrell. The Marlins are asking about Tampa Bay outfielder Rocco Baldelli, while the Nationals are still a couple of years away (when their new ballpark is built) from spending.

 

NL CENTRAL: The Cubs are into everything -- J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo, Lilly, Gil Meche, Jason Marquis, Gary Matthews Jr. The Astros need a power bat and a starting pitcher, not knowing whether Andy Pettitte or Roger Clemens will be back. The Cardinals will move Adam Wainwright to their rotation and may re-sign free agents Jeff Suppan and/or Jeff Weaver. They're also looking to upgrade their outfield. The Reds never sit still. They might move Adam Dunn for pitching.

 

NL WEST: The Dodgers want to go with their young guys but they want one more starting pitcher (Schmidt?). They are also in pursuit of Luis Gonzalez. The Padres need a bat and have been linked to Bonds. The Giants have been in talks for Soriano, Juan Pierre, and Matthews. Arizona GM Josh Byrnes is going with his young players, but there was talk at the meetings that he might take a chance on Carl Pavano if the Yankees eat some of the remaining two years of the deal.

 

Life in the bigger city

 

A few questions for Allard Baird, the Red Sox' new assistant to the general manager, who was extremely involved in trade talks at the GM meetings:

 

Q. How have you adjusted now from someone running your own team (Royals) to being an assistant under Theo Epstein?

 

AB: "It is different because most of the time as a GM you're locked into the room and you're in those meetings. This time, I was out working the lobby and contacting teams and scouts and getting information for Theo and looking up reports on players."

 

Q. Has it been enjoyable so far?

 

AB: "I did enjoy it. I haven't done this for probably seven or eight years when I was an assistant in Kansas City. The thing that makes it exciting in this role is that Theo's always thinking, always creative, always thinking outside the box and constantly, whether it be before the meetings or after the meetings, he always thinks very aggressive and thinks of ways of improving the club. It allows us to be creative and try to make something happen. If you're going to be laidback and just sit there, I wouldn't have been that interested in this situation.

 

Q. What's it been like going from a team that had virtually no money to the Red Sox?

 

AB: "The challenges in KC are different than the challenges in Boston. But the challenges in Boston are different than KC. With a big-market team, you're expected to be right. Maybe they have money to cover up if things don't work out, but if they're not right, they're probably not going to win. The expectation to win, especially in this market, is daily. That's the thing that really stands out. When you walk into the offseason and you walk into the GMs meetings and every single day the season is still going on for the Boston Red Sox, that is different than a lot of markets.

 

Q. How is your GM style different from Theo's?

 

AB: "I think we all have our individual ways of doing things and playing to our strengths and having people around us that may be assets to our limitations, but I think we're pretty consistent in the way we look at things. One thing I appreciate is that Theo is extremely competitive. And to be around people like that makes it a lot of fun."

 

Free agent Borowski looking to close a deal somewhere

 

Free agent Joe Borowski, who had 36 saves (seven blown saves) for the Marlins this past season, says, "I think of the 30 closers in the league, 99.5 percent of them have better stuff than I do. But my attitude, my heart, my desire, and my knowledge in how to get hitters out gets the job done. I'm not backing down to anything. I know I can do the job but I've never just pegged myself as a closer.

 

"We're getting offers and calls from teams looking for a set-up guy and closer. This is the first year I'm out there in free agency as a closer, and I'm ready for anything and to go anywhere. I'm excited by what's ahead."

 

Borowski, 35, who compared himself to Todd Jones, said Boston is one of the teams that has called, and he would be excited to play for the Sox.

 

"I'm from New Jersey, so I have ties to the East Coast," said Borowski. "Boston's a great place to play baseball. I've pitched there and I know it. I feel I could really help a team like that.

 

"Things really fell into place for me this year. I've got that confidence now that I can pitch at the end of games. I don't throw 100 miles an hour, but there's a lot more to being a closer than velocity."

 

Concerning a contract he said, "Look, I'm not looking to kill anybody. I'm just looking for a fair contract based on the success I had last year. I love pitching. I love taking the ball. I pitched in Tampa Bay and I thought I threw very well, and I had a chance to come to Florida and played for a talented young team, and it was fun last year to kind of beat the odds given the payroll we had.

 

"I had a lot of fun. I know the Marlins have a couple of arbitration guys in Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis and they're going to take up the majority of the payroll. I understand the situation there."

 

Other numbers from 2006: Borowski stranded 13 of 14 inherited runners, held opponents to a .235 batting average, threw 17.6 pitches per inning, gave up 7 home runs in 69 2/3 innings over 72 appearances, and allowed 98 fly balls and 67 grounders.

 

Etc.

 

Touching bases

Apropos of nothing: 1. Just as we were deprived of Javier Lopez throwing to Javier Lopez, it's too bad that Al Nipper won't be on the Red Sox major league staff. With the hiring of bullpen coach Gary Tuck, we would have had Nip and Tuck. 2. Lots of money being offered for Carlos Lee, whose weight is becoming a factor. Is he not a Mo Vaughn waiting to happen? 3. The first thing Tigers owner Mike Ilitch did before signing Gary Sheffield was give bonuses to all team employees. 4. Former Sox players Tony Muser, Reggie Jefferson, and Greg Blosser all played for the Seibu Lions, as did Medford native Mike Pagliarulo. 5. Unless he changes his mind, expect No. 18 on your Red Sox roster to be Daisuke Matsuzaka.

 

Cash him out

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi was once the principal owner of the Seibu Corporation, which owns the Seibu Lions, but he was fined 5 million yen after pleading guilty to security trading law violations in March 2005. Tsutsumi, who in 1990 was Forbes Magazine's richest man in the world, at one time probably had the $51.1 million the Red Sox will pay Seibu in his wallet on any given day.

 

Page 5 of 5 --

 

A handful for pitching coach

Think about the possible workload for new Sox pitching coach John Farrell: Job 1: Get Matsuzaka situated and on a pitching program, though the Sox might be hesitant to change anything that's not broken. Job 2: Convert Jonathan Papelbon from closer to starter. Job 3: Get the bullpen settled, possibly converting Kason Gabbard into a reliever, and developing Craig Hansen as a closer and Manny Delcarmen as the setup man.

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Opening in Oakland

The Oakland A's knew they were going only so far with Frank Thomas, and they weren't surprised when he left for Toronto for a two-year, $18 million deal. There will be some clamoring to fill the spot with Barry Bonds, and while he would spark an attendance boost, there's some question whether the A's would dish out $14 million or so when they wouldn't do it for Thomas. Billy Owens, the A's director of player personnel and Billy Beane's top talent evaluator, is looking through a list that includes Cliff Floyd and Nomar Garciaparra, who will likely re-sign with the Dodgers. Moises Alou, who was on the list, is close to signing a one-year deal with the Mets for $8 million to $9 million, the Associated Press said last night.

 

New field for Garciaparra?

The Dodgers are in one of those transition periods, as they're trying to commit to their young players, which are plentiful, and still win the West. The Dodgers are toying with the idea of moving Garciaparra to left field and moving Andre Ethier from left to right. They thought about an outfield switch for Garciaparra last year, but they had the need at first base and Garciaparra played very well. They'd be concerned about Garciaparra playing the bigger right field at Dodger Stadium.

 

Central issues

The Red Sox would have a market for Coco Crisp if they chose to trade him, with three or four teams, including the Marlins and Cubs, very interested. But with Jacoby Ellsbury a year away, it seems implausible. It doesn't appear the Sox would commit to Wily Mo Pe?a playing center -- which seems to be his best position -- for a year, though they could sign an older Kenny Lofton or Steve Finley. But Crisp could bring pitching help, mostly in the bullpen.

 

Managers' corner

The Cubs' Lou Piniella and the Phillies' Charlie Manuel were the only managers who attended the GM meetings, and even then it was mostly because Piniella lives in Clearwater and Manuel in Winter Haven (on the same street as Ralph Houk). When Piniella took the Chicago job, he was told the Cubs would commit to building a solid team. GM Jim Hendry is living up to the promise with a very aggressive approach. He has already landed utilityman Mark DeRosa and lefty specialist Neil Cotts, and signed Aramis Ramirez to a long-term deal (five years, $75 million). Before all is said and done, they might have a chance at Ted Lilly, Gil Meche, Alfonso Soriano, Julio Lugo, and J.D. Drew. Manuel, meanwhile, who could talk about hitting all day and night, wants a big thumper to protect Ryan Howard. He would love Manny Ram?rez, but can't convince Pat Gillick, who called Ram?rez "a headache."

 

Checking on cash

Red Sox executives Mike Dee and Sam Kennedy plan to visit Japan after the new year -- providing the Sox sign Matsuzaka -- to explore business options, though they may not be able to recoup $51.1 million. There aren't many who believe Scott Boras's claim that the Yankees net $21 million a year in profit from marketing related to Hideki Matsui -- certainly not the Yankee executives I spoke to -- but the Yankees do generate some income.

 

Arms dealer

White Sox GM Kenny Williams is taking a very patient stance with his pitching excess. He has six starters, but all he has to do is point to the Red Sox last offseason to know that six might be not be enough. Yet, he will listen to offers (the Rangers are eyeing Javier Vazquez), and if he can get a top outfielder, he might pull the trigger. Williams had one of the best lines of the GM meetings when he said, "Quite honestly, rather than trade one of them, I'd rather post 'em. If you can get that much for somebody who hasn't pitched here, what can you get for one of the guys in our rotation?"

 

Nick Cafardo can be reached at cafardo@globe.com; material from personal interviews, wire services, other beat writers, and league and team sources was used in this report.

? Copyright 2006 Globe Newspaper Company.

 

 

JUST A QUICK LITTLE MENTION, FOUND IT INTERESTING!

 

 

LINK SOURCE

Gee, no.

 

Forget the player for a minute, look at his contract. Three years at $15.5 million plus an $8 million club option for the fourth, all in exchange for relief pitching?

 

One has to wonder, is it better to have a virtually complete newspaper blackout of your team like this Sunday or have guys writing stuff like this fill the junkie habit of New England's readers for something, anything concerning the Red Sox? How much thought could the writer really have put into this to link the low budget Marlins to a bad contract like Crisp's?

 

Silly.

if the bosox picked up 80-90% of Coco's contract it could happen, but that's very unlikely. I doubt Loria will want to up the payroll any more than he's had to already, that cheap SOB.

if the bosox picked up 80-90% of Coco's contract it could happen, but that's very unlikely.

and if the queen had balls...

if the bosox picked up 80-90% of Coco's contract it could happen, but that's very unlikely.

and if the queen had balls...

:lol that's an interesting comparison, but true.

I don't care how much the Red Sox could theoretically eat off his contract, he is a soft hitting player with no on base ability. Pass.

He's got some amazing fielding skills. He'd be a major improvement on what they've got out there right now defensivly. But he'd cost way too much and you're right, he has no power at the plate.

 

No.

I don't care how much the Red Sox could theoretically eat off his contract, he is a soft hitting player with no on base ability. Pass.

He's got some amazing fielding skills. He'd be a major improvement on what they've got out there right now defensivly. But he'd cost way too much and you're right, he has no power at the plate.

 

No.

Before this season, he hit 15 and 16 homeruns in back to back season with 26 and 46 other extra base hits in those seasons

 

He has nice power for a CF

I don't care how much the Red Sox could theoretically eat off his contract, he is a soft hitting player with no on base ability. Pass.

He's got some amazing fielding skills. He'd be a major improvement on what they've got out there right now defensivly. But he'd cost way too much and you're right, he has no power at the plate.

 

No.

Before this season, he hit 15 and 16 homeruns in back to back season with 26 and 46 other extra base hits in those seasons

 

He has nice power for a CF

He did well with the Indians. But he played last year in Fenway and had his worst year at the plate in three years. However, he did play less games last season.

I think too many people place emphasis on minute samplings of previous performance when they should be focusing on how the player is LIKELY to perform. Crisp showed me nothing last season to lead me to think that he is the CF addition the Marlins are looking for.

 

The same goes for the Juan Pierres and Willy Taverases of the world.

Enlighten me with your wisdom.

be careful, I might blow you away.

Enlighten me with your wisdom.

 

 

:thumbup

I love Coco Crisp but...I hate his contract. Doesn't fit into the Marlin's payroll

Enlighten me with your wisdom.

be careful, I might blow you away.

and I might run a 4.3 40

I think too many people place emphasis on minute samplings of previous performance when they should be focusing on how the player is LIKELY to perform. Crisp showed me nothing last season to lead me to think that he is the CF addition the Marlins are looking for.

Not that I'm gung ho on Crisp, or even more than passingly interested, but I need to ask you some questions about your logic. When you say "too many people place emphasis on minute samplings of previous performance when they should focus on how the player is LIKELY to perform" do you include yourself in that group? Because in your very next statement you cite last season (a clear-cut example of sampling a previous performance if there ever was one) as evidence that Crisp didn't show you enough to pique your interest. Moreover, how is one to judge future production if not by past performance?

 

I'd be much obliged if you can clear these questions up for me.

According to your definition of previous, I guess there's some sense there. :thumbup

So you don't buy into the idea that a player can simply have a bad year?

 

Take Mike Lowell for example. Did his performance in 06 reflect what you would have assumed based on his 05 performance. There was some regression overall, but looking at 1 year as opposed to a career when they have a few years isn't going to be a better predictor IMO. Unless you have some major injury that really prevents a player from returning to their previous level.

 

I am not advocating for Coco coming here though, contract just doesn't fit.

So you don't buy into the idea that a player can simply have a bad year?

 

Take Mike Lowell for example. Did his performance in 06 reflect what you would have assumed based on his 05 performance. There was some regression overall, but looking at 1 year as opposed to a career when they have a few years isn't going to be a better predictor IMO. Unless you have some major injury that really prevents a player from returning to their previous level.

 

I am not advocating for Coco coming here though, contract just doesn't fit.

There were people who believe(d) that Mike Lowell juiced.

So you don't buy into the idea that a player can simply have a bad year?

 

Take Mike Lowell for example. Did his performance in 06 reflect what you would have assumed based on his 05 performance. There was some regression overall, but looking at 1 year as opposed to a career when they have a few years isn't going to be a better predictor IMO. Unless you have some major injury that really prevents a player from returning to their previous level.

 

I am not advocating for Coco coming here though, contract just doesn't fit.

There were people who believe(d) that Mike Lowell juiced.

juiced!...hush don't even think about it! Lowell say it ain't so!

I'd be cookoo for coco

 

he's a good player who would make a good impact here + defensive abilities are much needed

I don't care how much the Red Sox could theoretically eat off his contract, he is a soft hitting player with no on base ability. Pass.

 

Was he soft hitting when he smacked 42 doubles 2 years ago?

 

I think too many people place emphasis on minute samplings of previous performance when they should be focusing on how the player is LIKELY to perform. Crisp showed me nothing last season to lead me to think that he is the CF addition the Marlins are looking for.

 

The same goes for the Juan Pierres and Willy Taverases of the world.

 

He had his lowest amount of at bats last year since his rookie year, so that could be seen as a small sample size, one would think.

 

The guy is 27 years old, and he had one injury marred season. He's terrible.

 

He's no Rocco, but he's better than most of the options out there.

So you don't buy into the idea that a player can simply have a bad year?

 

Take Mike Lowell for example. Did his performance in 06 reflect what you would have assumed based on his 05 performance. There was some regression overall, but looking at 1 year as opposed to a career when they have a few years isn't going to be a better predictor IMO. Unless you have some major injury that really prevents a player from returning to their previous level.

 

I am not advocating for Coco coming here though, contract just doesn't fit.

There were people who believe(d) that Mike Lowell juiced.

 

Was he juicing again this year? Cause his avg went back into the 280s from like 236 in 05.

I don't care how much the Red Sox could theoretically eat off his contract, he is a soft hitting player with no on base ability. Pass.

He's got some amazing fielding skills. He'd be a major improvement on what they've got out there right now defensivly. But he'd cost way too much and you're right, he has no power at the plate.

 

No.

Before this season, he hit 15 and 16 homeruns in back to back season with 26 and 46 other extra base hits in those seasons

 

He has nice power for a CF

He did well with the Indians. But he played last year in Fenway and had his worst year at the plate in three years. However, he did play less games last season.

and if im not mistaken...fenway gave up the least amount of homers in baseball...yeah...really

What do you guys think of Juan Rivera of the Angels? Is he capable of playing centerfield? He might be a good fit for the Marlins, and he might be cheaper than the other options, at least in terms of players. Not sure what his contract status is. Any thoughts?