Monday Musings - Red Sox
UPDATE - 3/24 8:57 PM
Here's another reason for the Sox possibly deciding to hold on to Crisp courtesy of Boston Sports Buzz favorite Peter Gammons: "And the Red Sox are very wary of trading Crisp because of the leg problems that can hit speed guys like Jacoby Ellsbury." I think if the right deal came their way they'd be a little less wary, but there's no doubt that having Coco and Jacoby on the roster makes the team better, particularly in terms of depth and in the speed and defense departments.
ORIGINAL - 3/24 1:53 PM
Buster Olney reported and MLB Trade Rumors relayed some news regarding everyone's favorite fourth outfielder: "Rival teams are not entirely sure if the Red Sox are devoted to the idea of trading Coco Crisp."
Well, this would certainly be an interesting development if it were indeed true. If the Sox are truly now of this mindset (and it seems at least possible that they aren't because I'm sure they'd still love to get some quality young arms in a Coco Crisp trade), it would be for one of several reasons: 1) To generate even more trade buzz (the old reverse psychology route - other GMs may think they're missing out on something they don't know about or missed while scouting him if the Sox change course and decide to hold on to Crisp); 2) The Sox aren't entirely happy with the idea of having Jacoby Ellsbury as their everyday centerfielder just yet (a decent option considering the fact that Jacoby is still young and relatively inexperienced); 3) They think Coco's still deserving of an everyday role in their outfield (not the most likely option, I admit, but the relative lack of interest in Coco may be forcing the Sox into adopting this mindset); 4) Coco's resigned himself to being the fourth outfielder for the Sox, meaning the Sox will plan on carrying both throughout the season (also not likely considering Coco's belief he's worthy of being a starter and the fact that the Sox are carrying Bobby Kielty to fill the backup role); 5) Something else entirely that I haven't thought of (and I welcome you to send other possibilities if there's something I've left out that you feel is noteworthy). All that said, it appears that Ellsbury will be the starting CF on Opening Day, so we can speculate all we want but it seems we won't have a definitive answer until the Sox make a clear-cut, no BS statement regarding the centerfield situation... or trade Coco... or demote Ellsbury.
In other Sox news, Olney has some info on Mike Timlin's status and it's not great; there's speculation he will open the season on the DL. MLB Trade Rumors also reports that closer Jonathon Papelbon is still squawking about his salary and is looking forward to "fulfilling his duty" to the other relievers of the game by driving up the market for closers. Thanks for checking in Jonathon, but how about you worry about your duty to your team and fans for this upcoming season instead?
Also, Josh Beckett has been officially placed on the DL retroactive to March 19. No surprise there, just a formality. He'll be eligible to come off the DL on April 3, the off day between their first and second series of the year.
Here's another reason for the Sox possibly deciding to hold on to Crisp courtesy of Boston Sports Buzz favorite Peter Gammons: "And the Red Sox are very wary of trading Crisp because of the leg problems that can hit speed guys like Jacoby Ellsbury." I think if the right deal came their way they'd be a little less wary, but there's no doubt that having Coco and Jacoby on the roster makes the team better, particularly in terms of depth and in the speed and defense departments.
ORIGINAL - 3/24 1:53 PM
Buster Olney reported and MLB Trade Rumors relayed some news regarding everyone's favorite fourth outfielder: "Rival teams are not entirely sure if the Red Sox are devoted to the idea of trading Coco Crisp."
Well, this would certainly be an interesting development if it were indeed true. If the Sox are truly now of this mindset (and it seems at least possible that they aren't because I'm sure they'd still love to get some quality young arms in a Coco Crisp trade), it would be for one of several reasons: 1) To generate even more trade buzz (the old reverse psychology route - other GMs may think they're missing out on something they don't know about or missed while scouting him if the Sox change course and decide to hold on to Crisp); 2) The Sox aren't entirely happy with the idea of having Jacoby Ellsbury as their everyday centerfielder just yet (a decent option considering the fact that Jacoby is still young and relatively inexperienced); 3) They think Coco's still deserving of an everyday role in their outfield (not the most likely option, I admit, but the relative lack of interest in Coco may be forcing the Sox into adopting this mindset); 4) Coco's resigned himself to being the fourth outfielder for the Sox, meaning the Sox will plan on carrying both throughout the season (also not likely considering Coco's belief he's worthy of being a starter and the fact that the Sox are carrying Bobby Kielty to fill the backup role); 5) Something else entirely that I haven't thought of (and I welcome you to send other possibilities if there's something I've left out that you feel is noteworthy). All that said, it appears that Ellsbury will be the starting CF on Opening Day, so we can speculate all we want but it seems we won't have a definitive answer until the Sox make a clear-cut, no BS statement regarding the centerfield situation... or trade Coco... or demote Ellsbury.
In other Sox news, Olney has some info on Mike Timlin's status and it's not great; there's speculation he will open the season on the DL. MLB Trade Rumors also reports that closer Jonathon Papelbon is still squawking about his salary and is looking forward to "fulfilling his duty" to the other relievers of the game by driving up the market for closers. Thanks for checking in Jonathon, but how about you worry about your duty to your team and fans for this upcoming season instead?
Also, Josh Beckett has been officially placed on the DL retroactive to March 19. No surprise there, just a formality. He'll be eligible to come off the DL on April 3, the off day between their first and second series of the year.
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