Boston Red Sox offseason thread

[9&10]

Napoli has a 1 year deal for $5m per @bradfo!

That really has me worried. In my book Napoli (or rather my expectations regarding his offense) was a major part of the offseason. But that he now agreed to reduce the original 3/39 to 1/5 says a ton about his hip condition (Still not sure whether that represents the risk that his hip "breaks down" and he spends major time on the DL or that his hip is affecting his play even when he's playing). The Sox better find a serious backup option now!

Update: Incentives can boost deal up to $13m...

Good, I like incentive-laden contracts. I'm guessing the extra money he makes will hinge on his health and productivity, as it should be for anyone.

[Therwil Flyer]

Good, I like incentive-laden contracts. I'm guessing the extra money he makes will hinge on his health and productivity, as it should be for anyone.

I would assume the incentives are based on PAs (or days not spent on DL). Though that's just an assumption at this point. I like incentive-laden deals too. However, I expected Napoli to be a big part of the offense. Now that deal really has me worried that a) the injury might be bad enough that both his swing and his range will be affected and b) that he eventually inevitably will land on the DL. So I would really like them to have a good backup plan.

Of course, if Napoli turns out not to be too greatly affected by his hip and holds up for the entire season, this may turn out to be the steal of a century.

[filihok]

Of course, if Napoli turns out not to be too greatly affected by his hip and holds up for the entire season, this may turn out to be the steal of a century.

That'd have to be a century without a lot of great steals in it

[Therwil Flyer]

That'd have to be a century without a lot of great steals in it

Well, crime rates have been down...but in all seriousness, if you get .250 .350 .500 at $5m a year (3 WAR), that would be a pretty good deal, wouldn't it. Although if he puts that up over the entire season his contract would be worth $13m. Anyway, if Napoli turns out to be healthy for most of the season, this will be a great deal, if the hip affects his power, he will be a .250 hitter who won't get walked a lot with limited range.

[Dogdaze]

I would assume the incentives are based on PAs (or days not spent on DL). Though that's just an assumption at this point. I like incentive-laden deals too. However, I expected Napoli to be a big part of the offense. Now that deal really has me worried that a) the injury might be bad enough that both his swing and his range will be affected and b) that he eventually inevitably will land on the DL. So I would really like them to have a good backup plan.

Of course, if Napoli turns out not to be too greatly affected by his hip and holds up for the entire season, this may turn out to be the steal of a century.

I'm glad to see this contract finally get done and I also like incentive deals. Hopefully Napoli will be healthy and hit well. But I'm not too worried about it if Napoli goes on the DL, I think Gomez would be adequate and maybe even better. I'd be more concerned if I felt this team was a legitimate contender, but since I don't see the Red Sox as they are currently assembled making the playoffs, I'm fine with giving Gomez a chance if Napoli gets injured.

[TonyK]

That'd have to be a century without a lot of great steals in it

Or a century where you don't count the next 88 years.

[Therwil Flyer]

I am not a fan of Shaughnessy either. Werner's comment about looking to the future was the kind of diplomatic statement that smacks of a P.R. flack's contribution. Werner's best known contribution to baseball was having the crotch-scratching Roseanne Barr sing the National Anthem before a game in San Diego.

Henry's investment company is likely out of existence. Lucchino is referred to as the instigator of deals for which Epstein was blamed. They are all involved in a company which deals also with English football and auto racing.

I think it is likely that Francona is being truthful, and he points out that he has many positive things to say about the owners too.

Of course they hope to sell books, but what's to criticize about that? Perhaps waiting for the book to come out before evaluating it is in order. As I see it the Red Sox behavior in the deal market seems more understandable, and I note that most writers peg them for last or next to last in their division for 2013.

If there were any questions that the Shaughnessy twisted and turned any quote from anyone made so as to fit the narrative the Shaughnessy wanted, I guess it should be clear now: http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-s...medium=twitter

[Joe Barrie]

If there were any questions that the Shaughnessy twisted and turned any quote from anyone made so as to fit the narrative the Shaughnessy wanted, I guess it should be clear now: http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-s...medium=twitter

Assuming that Edes doesn't also have an agenda (who knows?), I find it interesting that Epstein seems to be so forthcoming and positive in this situation. Was this the case when Epstein disappeared from the scene several years ago, and was he so fond of ownership then?

[Therwil Flyer]

Assuming that Edes doesn't also have an agenda (who knows?), I find it interesting that Epstein seems to be so forthcoming and positive in this situation. Was this the case when Epstein disappeared from the scene several years ago, and was he so fond of ownership then?

Ownership, in the Sox' case, consists of three different persons. I bet Theo has very different feelings to these three persons, as I am sure he had back then.

[Boston Boxer]

so, i guess this is the team. Certainly not "sexy", but should be a watchable team. A lot of interesting story lines this year and i much rather be the underdog. I am interested in:
- how does Lackey look this year
- how does Bard bounce back
- how is Papi heel
- excited about a full season of Middlebrooks
- the young guys should get plenty of playing time to prove thier worth (Nava/Kalish)
- do Lester and Buchholz pull thier head out and pitch like they should
- would love to see de la Rosa in the rotation

[Joe Barrie]

so, i guess this is the team. Certainly not "sexy", but should be a watchable team. A lot of interesting story lines this year and i much rather be the underdog. I am interested in:
- how does Lackey look this year
- how does Bard bounce back
- how is Papi heal
- excited about a full season of Middlebrooks
- the young guys should get plenty of playing time to prove thier worth (Nava/Kalish)
- do Lester and Buchholz pull thier head out and pitch like they should
- would love to see de la Rosa in the rotation

Don't forget Ellsbury, who has just signed for about $1 million more than the Giants will pay Buster Posey.

[Blue387]

Terry Francona interviewed about his book on NPR:

http://www.npr.org/2013/01/19/169362122/former-sox-manager-reflects-on-turbulent-tenure

They also have an excerpt of the book.

[Therwil Flyer]

So, the secret is out, Mike Napoli has avascular necrosis in both hips. According to the reports he is asymptomatic which means he shouldn't be affected too much...until his hip collapses which could pretty much happen at any time. FRom what I understand avascular necrosis is essentially bone cells dying because the blood supply to those cells is disrupted (You can read more about it here).

[Boston Boxer]

So, the secret is out, Mike Napoli has avascular necrosis in both hips. According to the reports he is asymptomatic which means he shouldn't be affected too much...until his hip collapses which could pretty much happen at any time. FRom what I understand avascular necrosis is essentially bone cells dying because the blood supply to those cells is disrupted (You can read more about it here).

ya, the poor guy cant have much of a career left with that type thing going on in his hip. He probably will be fine this year but i doubt he gets any contract after that

[SDL]

So, the secret is out, Mike Napoli has avascular necrosis in both hips. According to the reports he is asymptomatic which means he shouldn't be affected too much...until his hip collapses which could pretty much happen at any time. FRom what I understand avascular necrosis is essentially bone cells dying because the blood supply to those cells is disrupted (You can read more about it here).

Bo Jackson.