New Red Sox Signings

2010 Offseason


The Sox recently added Beltre, Cameron, Lackey, Hall, Boonser, and Scutaro.



Here are my thoughts:

Beltre

-All I keep hearing about is how spectacular his defense is. How reliable are these defensive metrics that I've read so much about? I need to check into that. But as for now I believe he is definately a step up from Lowell only because of his hip and other injuries. Also, I do believe that he will have an offensive resurgence just like Lowell had when he came to the Sox after a down turn. I'm really not exactly sure how Epstein got Beltre to commit to only a single year with an option, but for a one year deal he is a STEAL.

Cameron

-Not sure why the Sox gave up 8 million a year to sign him, but I guess his defensive metrics say he is an upgrade over Ellsbury in center. To me it would have been smarter to push harder for Holliday even if it means more money and a longer contract. The one thing missing from the Sox is a middle of the order guy which they did not get with Cameron.

Lackey

-Absolutely love this signing by Theo. This guy is a winner and just the kind of guy you want out there every 5th day. He has the stuff to be a number one but give the Sox the best number 3 starter in baseball. Ill take Lackey over Burnett ANY day of the week. Say what you will about shoulder injuries, but Theo protected himself against it. Plus this is the type of player who wants the ball and wants to be out there every single day. Can't say enough about this signing. After watching him beat the Sox in the playoffs last year I couldn't help but hate him and yet still wish he was on our side.

Hall

-Again not sure how Theo managed to swing this, but this saves money and allows for an offensive upgrade from Kotchman. It also allows the Sox to keep Lowell if they can't find a suitor. If all of you don't remember, Hall hit 35 hrs one year and could be an absolute monster off the bench for Boston. GREAT trade.

Boonser

-He will compete for the last spot in the Sox bullpen and could end up being another good pickup. He has had some injuries in the past few years, and when healthy he was very productive. I think he is definately a good pickup to compete for that spot in the bullpen and could be valuable as a spot starter and insurance incase someone gets hurt.

Scutaro

-This is the one pick up this offseason that I really question. I understand that the SS position has not been very solid the past few years since Nomar was traded, but I am not sold on Marco. He is coming off a career year and still committed 10 errors with most of his games played on a turf field. For those of you who have ever played SS you know that you get true hops on turf and it is much harder to play on natural grass and dirt. I am not convinced either that last year wasn't an anomaly at the plate rather than a steady increase in production. Not to mention Boston had to give up a first round draft pick. They really could have stacked their farm system with these picks, and with Theo's philosophy with building the farm system, I don't quite understand it. I cannot help but believe this was a mistake. However, as with every free agent signing and trade and draft pick, only time will tell whether it was a good move.



Summary- Theo did a wonderful job this offseason by putting together a team when there was not a lot out on the free agent market. I believe that Beltre will end up being a better signing than people may think and I also believe that Lackey was a move that people will look back on as ingenious and ultimately a bargain. I also think that Theo saying that he is focusing on run prevention is complete bullshit that is just a tactic to keep the focus off of a lackluster offense. That being said, I also think he did the best he could with the talent that was out there and in the end, he pulled off some moves that have high upside for little cost. I'm very curious to see what they do with Lowell and in the draft this year.



This is definately a bridge year. To what?? I'm not as confident in the farm system as Theo is. To me, the farm system is unproven and untested. But again... Time will tell.


Prediction- Sox haven't won 100 games since 1946!! This won't be the year that changes either.


89-73 Second in AL East. Second in Wild Card.