Sox, Pads exploring Crisp-for-Greene deal
The GM Meetings are upon us, and that means it's time for the rumors to start flying. Not unusually, the Sox are at the forefront of many discussions, and one of the more interesting to come out so far was from the Tacoma News Tribune (how was a Seattle paper the first to break this news???) which reports that the Sox and Padres are talking about a Coco Crisp-for-Khalil Green flip-flop.
Coco's set to make just over $5 million next season with an option for 2010. He proved his importance to the Sox - and any potential suitors - during the postseason, when he filled in admirably for a struggling Jacoby Ellsbury and came up huge with several clutch hits when called upon. Greene's got one more year on his deal at $6.5 million, and in spite of a pretty sub-par season last year when he battled injuries, is a pretty damn good shortstop. He's solid defensively, and two years ago he hit 27 homers and drove in 97 runs.
On paper, it seems like a fair enough swap. Greene would likely be a better defensive and offensive shortstop than we've had here in a while, but a lot of other stuff would have to happen to make it work out for the Sox. First, they'd have to figure out what to do with the Lowrie and Lugo. Lugo's most likely on his way out of Boston after a terrible couple of years, but not many teams will be willing to take a chance on him and the Sox will have to eat most if not all of his salary. Plus, Lowrie showed a lot of promise last year and is a good, cheap option at the position until they decide they want to commit to him full-time, or they're able to find a higher caliber player. Lowrie would net the Sox a good return, but I don't see why they'd want to deal him at this point in his career. Next, they'd have to find another capable fourth outfielder to take Coco's spot. Quite a tall order considering he can play any outfield position and bat at the top or bottom of the order.
Ultimately, it's an intriguing offer (if it is indeed being discussed as reported), but I'd rather they wait it out and see what else they can get for Coco. His trade stock's gotta be pretty high at this point, and while Greene is certainly a worthwhile trade target, shortstop isn't one of their biggest problem positions at this time with Lowrie holding it down. I'm giving it a pass... for now.
Coco's set to make just over $5 million next season with an option for 2010. He proved his importance to the Sox - and any potential suitors - during the postseason, when he filled in admirably for a struggling Jacoby Ellsbury and came up huge with several clutch hits when called upon. Greene's got one more year on his deal at $6.5 million, and in spite of a pretty sub-par season last year when he battled injuries, is a pretty damn good shortstop. He's solid defensively, and two years ago he hit 27 homers and drove in 97 runs.
On paper, it seems like a fair enough swap. Greene would likely be a better defensive and offensive shortstop than we've had here in a while, but a lot of other stuff would have to happen to make it work out for the Sox. First, they'd have to figure out what to do with the Lowrie and Lugo. Lugo's most likely on his way out of Boston after a terrible couple of years, but not many teams will be willing to take a chance on him and the Sox will have to eat most if not all of his salary. Plus, Lowrie showed a lot of promise last year and is a good, cheap option at the position until they decide they want to commit to him full-time, or they're able to find a higher caliber player. Lowrie would net the Sox a good return, but I don't see why they'd want to deal him at this point in his career. Next, they'd have to find another capable fourth outfielder to take Coco's spot. Quite a tall order considering he can play any outfield position and bat at the top or bottom of the order.
Ultimately, it's an intriguing offer (if it is indeed being discussed as reported), but I'd rather they wait it out and see what else they can get for Coco. His trade stock's gotta be pretty high at this point, and while Greene is certainly a worthwhile trade target, shortstop isn't one of their biggest problem positions at this time with Lowrie holding it down. I'm giving it a pass... for now.
Comments