Still no movement, but at least more info seems to be surfacing. Not quite a hot stove yet...
Center Field: There seems to be significant activity around backup plans for Damon. In a recent conversation, Damon hinted at Boston in past tense. The Yanks, O's and Dodgers are all rumored to be interested. The Sox are the only team who has made an actual offer. The others are balking at more than 4yrs for a 32 yr old, and the high pricetag. The Yanks are probably the only other viable suitor. Maybe the Sox are leaking activity in order to have more bargaining leverage. Here's a look at the backup plans:
Coco Crisp - Cleveland: Only 26, hit .300, 16HR, 69RBI, and scored 86 runs. Upside - still developing and will get better, inexpensive salary. Downside - Might not be seasoned enough to take over leadoff role, not sure how pressure in Boston will affect him. Sox would have to give up reliever Mota & newly acquired 3B prospect Marte. Not sure they can afford to give up relief with remaining questions in the pen. Pricetag seems a little high, and can't get past having an outfielder named after a cereal...
Jeremy Reed - Seattle: Only 24, rookie last season, hit .254, 3HR, 45RBI, and scored 61 runs. He has tons of upside, but has big shoes to fill. Might be too young to handle a leadoff role and high expectations. Sox would reportedly have to give up Clement or Arroyo. A solid starter for an unproven rookie is not a good tradeoff...
Pitching: ChiSox are reportedly shopping Jon Garland. He's only 26, went 18-10, 3.50 ERA last season. He has only 1 year left on his deal and has turned down extension offers to test the market next year. Sox should take a run at this guy. Chicago is reportedly looking for 2 pitching prospects, but Sox could offer Arroyo or Clement & another minor league pitcher (but not Lester)
Rudy Seanez: Former Sox reliever had solid 2005 but has been inconsistent in the past. The 37 year old has already received an offer from the Sox. There are also a number of NL teams in the mix for his services as well.
Octavio Dotel: Sox are amoung several teams with interest in former A's closer. He had Tommy John surgery last year and probably won't be availble until June.
Wells: Still no activity. Sox would prefer to have him back, but he may retire & they would get nothing in return except salary room.
Manny Gate: Negotiations are said to still be going on with the O's for Tejada, but asking price is still too high. Apparently Big Papi has been in contact trying to persuade him to stay. As more time goes by, this deal is less likely to go thru.
Shortstop: Alex Gonzalez may already have a suitor. Rich Aurilia remains an option - hit .282, 4HR, 68RBI, and only 10 errors. Would much prefer Aurilia...
First: Sox plan is to start Youkilis, who could be a .280, 15HR, 80RBI guy. He hasn't proven that he could do so, but we're not uncomfortable with that. Sox reportedly have had contact with JT Snow who would likely platoon. The 37 yr old hit .275, 4HR, and 40RBI. A full season of Youkie is looking better & better...
Other news: Ortiz has been contacted by the Sox to work on a contract extension, along with Terry Francona. Negotiations will start after Jan 1st...
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