Trade deadline: A look at Teixeira & Co.
Jul 26th, 2007 by Bill Burt
This is it.
The Red Sox and Theo Epstein have surprised a few times at this point the last few seasons.
They’ve taken a huge risk (Nomar Garciaparra to the Cubs for Orlando Cabrera) and won a World Series and they’ve done absolutely nothing (2006) and fell off the map. I’m not saying either way is the right way, but the point is we’ve seen it all here in a short time.
What should the Red Sox do now?
Nothing? I don’t think that would sell well. The team still can’t hit. J..D. Drew is the primary reason. He has not been the run-producer everyone expected (especially me). A good No. 5 hitter and this lineup goes from good to very good.
Deal away Jon Lester, Kason Gabbard, Jacoby Ellsbury or fellow Pawtucket outfielders David Murphy or Brandon Moss (.307, 13 HRs, 64 RBI)? While it’s hard to do, the Sox might have to bite the bullet.
Anyway, it leaves for interesting barroom and water cooler talk.
Personally, I think Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira might be the right guy.
The positives: He is only 26. He’s versatile (he played 162 games in both 2005 and 2006). He gets on base (.409 OBP in 2007). And he’s a switch hitter.
Imagine him in the lineup for the next six years, hitting about 35 HRs and 125 RBI. He could be Manny’s replacement (although a poor man’s Manny).
The negatives: He looks about 250 pounds (media guide says 220). He would cost about $20 million per year, which is what the Sox have “overpaid” Manny the last seven seasons. He’s not having a great year (13 HRs, 49 RBI). And what would the Sox have to give up to get him?
The last part is the most intriguing. It might mean Coco Crisp, who would be affordable to a team like Texas, along with a Jon Lester and Brandon Moss. It might be too much.
The other issue is what about Kevin Youkilis at first? And then Mike Lowell at third?
Lowell’s having a better year with the bat (.304, 15 HRs, 71 RBI). And he has really picked up his defense after a shaky start at third base.
Maybe Teixeira isn’t a good fit because of all the angles (Youkilis and/or Lowell and giving away too much young talent), but he really seems like a guy that could flourish here short and long term.
Here are some others to consider:
Paul Konerko, White Sox, first base (.263, 22 HRs, 61 RBI)
Postive: This guy can hit. He’s a noted clutch hitter. Could definitely fill void the Drew has left open. Has a dirt dog way about him that would be embraced here.
Negative: The problem is he plays first base, like Texeira. He is a tad overpaid at $12 million a year.
Jermaine Dye, White Sox, outfield
Positive: His contract is up this year. He could play right field or anywhere. He’s got a very good arm. Despite not having a great year (.229), he has 17 HRs and 50 RBI. Could be the perfect guy to fill in for Drew for short or long term this year. Has playoff experienc and was big contributor on World Series champion in 2005. If he did well here, could be signed on as a free agent with Manny’s status always up in the air.
Negative: Not a patient hitter. Has very low on base percentage (.288). Has been a starter and might not accept the backup or platoon role.
Octavio Dotel, Kansas City, reliever
Postive: He’s Dominican and David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez did everything but kiss him before the opener of their series last week, which means he’d have friends in big places. He’s a closer kind of reliever, which would give them a right-handed version of Hideki Okajima. Could also close in a pinch.
Negative: The Royals don’t give anything away for nothing. It would take somebody in Pawtucket who will play in the major leagues. Has been underachiever throughout his career, including a bad season in 2006 with the Yankees (12 runs allowed in 10 innings). Hasn’t performed well over last few years in big games.
Eric Gagne, Texas, closer/setup guy
Postive: Would give Sox a legite closer in setup role, an ideal situation to have. Looks like Gagne of old, with fastball touching mid-90s at times.
Negative: He wants to be a closer and can nix a deal based on that. Other than that, he would be perfect here.
There are other “needs,” like backup catcher or an extra defensive outfielder (see Dave Roberts), which may be the only moves they make.
I’d be interested in your thoughts and at least one move you would make.
Let me know.
