10/30/06
Exercised the 2007 club options on the contracts of LHP Mark Buehrle ($9.5 million), OF Jermaine Dye ($6 million) and 2B Tadahito Iguchi ($3.25 million); Declined the 2007 club option on RHP Dustin Hermanson.
Analysis: Somehow there's a little talk that Dustin may come back at a lesser price, but I'm hoping not due entirely to his injury risk.
11/3/06
Signed free agent outfielder Luis Terrero to a one-year contract.
Analysis: Anyone have the details of this one? Apparently he got $78,000 for his time in the minors. I like this move a lot. It's very low risk for a guy with potential that just hasn't shown it yet. Maybe the change will make a big difference. He's also solid defensively and has a good glove, making Brian Anderson even more expendable.
In the long term: Terrero it .231 (on par for his career), though he did show a bit more pop than ususal - 5 HRs in 117 ABs. His previous best was 4HRs in 161 ABs. In '07 the Sox could use all the outfield help they could get considering all of the injuries. He did well, committing one error in 87 total chances.
11/16/06 - Trade!
Sox get: RHP David Aardsma and LHP Carlos Vasquez
Cubs get: LHP Neal Cotts
Analysis: On paper this looks to favor the Sox. The general feeling is that a straight Cotts for Aardsma trade would've been even, but the Sox also got a lefty thrown in with Vasquez. It's tough to see Cotts go considering how great he was in '05, but his '06 was a major drop off to say the least (ERA jump from 1.94 to 5.17). In addition, the Cubs are now going to have to sign him and likely give him a raise over last year's horrid performance. The same is true of Aardsma and Vasquez and the Sox, however less MLB experience = less pay. Aardsma was 3-0 for the Cubs with a 4.08 ERA, which is more than respectable for a younger pitcher. He won't become an '05 Neal Cotts, but I'm looking/hoping for him to be a regular middle reliever with an ERA around 3.50.
In the long term:
11/20/06
Purchased the contracts of LHP Heath Phillips, LHP Carlos Vasquez and INF Andy Gonzalez from Triple-A Charlotte, RHP Oneli Perez from Double-A Birmingham and RHP Dewon Day from Class A Winston-Salem.
11/28/06
Signed INF Ross Gload to a one-year ($625,000) contract.
Analysis: What is it with guys like this? They always become fan favorites - Ross Gload, Tony Graffinino, Timo Perez. I think Paul Konerko would be love even more if he played less. Seriously, though, we're all happy to see Gload coming back - the man hit .327 last year in 156 ABs. Keeping him on board means when Konerko needs a rest Thome doesn't need to put on a glove, which makes everyone happy.
12/5/06
Signed INF/OF Pablo Ozuna to an $800,000 one-year contract.
Analysis: You could only be happy in seeing another year out of THE super-sub. Ozuna was always ready to grab a bat off the bench, hitting .328. However, stop putting him in the outfield. If we need another outfielder, call up Jerry Owens!
12/6/06 - Big Trade!
Sox get: RHP Gavin Floyd and a player to be named (LHP Gio Gonzalez)
Philadelphia gets: RHP Freddy Garcia
Analysis: Interesting. Really didn't see this one coming even though there was all sorts of Garcia-related rumors leading up to it. Garcia was one of the more dominant pitchers over the past several years and he's good friends with Ozzie. In return we get top-notch prospects, but not a major league ready position player as well. Granted, the prospects will be under team control for years and Garcia will be in the last year of his contract. I would think - let Garcia lead us into another post season. If the Sox are out of contention by the trade deadline KW could start a bidding war between several clubs competing against each other. Fortunately, we did get Gio back, which I am happy about.
In the long term: This is why I'm not a GM. Obviously there was more that the Sox front office knew than anyone else (can we say 'shoulder gate' revisited? I think we can.) Freddy only played a third of a season with Phillie and picked up a mere ONE win. For that one win Philadelphia paid him $10 million. Wow. Meanwhile, the Sox still have two solid minor league starting pitchers. Sox are the easy winners of this trade after all.
12/7/06
RULE 5 DRAFT
Sox Lost: LHP Jay Marshall to the Oakland A's
12/8/06
Signed RHP Mike MacDougal to a three-year $6.45 million contract with a $3.75 million club option for 2010.
Analysis: Here's how the structure breaks down: $1.5 million in '07, $1.95 million in '08 and $2.65 million in '09. There is also a $350,000 buyout if the Sox don't pick up the 2010 option. I like this overall except for the buyout. MacDougal should certainly be solid, but, if not, we can handle paying a guy under $2 million a year to be an average or slightly below average middle reliever. However, he will be hard to move after the '08 season. He was pretty outstanding in limited time with the Sox last year (1.80 era in 25 innings). Everyone is quick to point out that he is a former closer and could pick that up again if Jenks falters. I'm quick to point out that in MacDougal's best season as a closer, he posted a 4.08 ERA in a park that the more pitcher-friendly than the Cell.
In the long term:
12/16/06 - Trade!
Sox get: LHP Andrew Sisco
Kansas City gets: 1B/OF Ross Gload
Analysis: This is a solid trade through and through in my opinion. First off, great for Ross Gload who will now be able to see his potential as an everyday starter. Also, left handed relief help is a wonderful thing. KW seems to assembling a very solid bullpen that should be one of the best in the league. Sisco had a pretty poor year in '06, but it was only his second season, so his upside is still great. He may possibly end up a left-handed version of Matt Thornton. There will also be a savings of a couple hundred thousand dollars.
In the long term:
12/17/06
Agreed to two-year $3.65 million contract with a $2.25 million 2009 club option with C Toby Hall.
Analysis: I would've been fine reacquiring Olivo or even Josh Paul for less than half the money. Still, Hall makes a ton of sense. There are teams out there where he would be competing for the starting role, but here he's platooning with AJ, who couldn't hit left handed pitching to save his life last year. His power numbers are weaker than one would hope for and you can't expect him to hit .368 as he did in limited time with the Dodgers, but an average around .270 from the 8th spot in the lineup would be great
In the long term:
12/23/06 - Big Trade!
Sox get: LHP John Danks, RHP Nick Masset and RHP Jacob Rasner
Texas gets: RHP Brandon McCarthy and OF David Paisano
Analysis: Kenny Williams was once the man who could do no wrong. He's lost a lot of fans in the past couple weeks. The Sox have gone from a team with amazing pitching depth to one that doesn't know who their 5th starter is going to be next year. Perhaps he's acquiring young pitchers for a big trade with another team. At least I hope so. For years we've been hearing about Brandon McCarthy and how he's the only player on the Sox staff that might be considered 'untouchable.' And now he's gone. Like the Garcia trade, he's gone and we didn't receive any major leaguers in return. This just in: I just checked in at mlbtraderumors.com and Tim's got a different opinion that's putting me at ease a bit. Danks was the Rangers #1 prospect and Masset their #8. Danks could make an immediate impact as a starter and Masset in the bullpen very soon if not this year. This is definitely a wait-and-see trade.
In the long term:
Help a brotha out - click on a link above. I love you. --Frank
2007
1/12/07 - trade!
Sox get: RHP John Lujan
Texas gets: C Chris Stewart
Analysis: The assult on Texas' minor league pitching staff continues! Stewart was a AAA catcher for the Sox while Lujan is in high A-ball.
In the long term:
1/16/07
Agreed to terms on a one-year $4.94 million contract with 3B Joe Crede
Analysis: We'll see. A one-ear deal was definitely the way to go with Crede's back becoming more and more of a concern.
In the long term:
1/22/07
Extended non-roster invitations to Spring Training to RHPs Lance Broadway, Ryan Bukvich, Adam Russell and Eduardo Sierra and LHPs John Danks, Gio Gonzalez, Corwin Malone and Wes Whisler, Cs Cole Armstrong, Wiki Gonzalez, Donny Lucy and Gustavo Molina, INFs Kenny Perez and Robert Valido and OF Kenny Kelly.
1/25/07
Signed OF Darin Erstad to a one-year $1 million contract with a $3.5 million 2008 club option.
Analysis: If for no other reason than that it gives Brian Anderson less opportunity for playing time, I love the signing. Erstad is looking for a bounce back year, so the money is right on. If he proves his worth, the Sox could easily pick up a $3.5 million option. If not, his buyout is $250,000. In the end, a mediocre '07 from Erstad would still be worth $1.25 million.
In the long term: What a rough year that no one could've seen coming. Injury-pagued is an understatement when Erstad spends time on the DL, comes back and literally gets hurt (a different injury) in the first inning of his first game back for another stint on the DL. It's pretty amazing that Erstad did still end up with 300+ ABs. His OPS was just .645, but there was more than just that to justify not picking up this extension.
1/30/07
Agreed to terms with INF Junior Spivey on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
Analysis: This is a fun signing that will hopefully show a return right away. He hasn't played in the majors since '05, but has a career .270 average and provides a solid middle infield option. Remember, in '02 he was an All-Star and got some MVP votes. That year he hit over .300 and had 100+ runs scored.
In the long term: What happened? I couldn't find the info, but somehow he ended up with the Boston Red Sox by August of '07.
2/27/07
Signed RHPs David Aardsma, Dewon Day, Gavin Floyd, Charlie Haeger, Bobby Jenks, Sean Tracey, Nick Masset, and Oneli Perez, LHPs Heath Phillips, Boone Logan, Paulino Reynoso, Andrew Sisco, Matt Thornton, and Carlos Vasquez, INFs Josh Fields, Andy Gonzalez, Pedro Lopez and Casey Rogowski, OFs Brian Anderson, Jerry Owens and Ryan Sweeney to one-year contracts.
3/23/07
Javier Vazquez signs a three-year $34.5 million extension which starts next season
Analysis: Vazquez certainly had an off-year in '06 with his 4.84 ERA and 11-12 record. He still ate up over 200 innings and had some great games mixed in. He seems like a very solid #3 starter anywhere in the game. This, and he's taking a pay cut - from $12.5 million this year to $11.5 million per year 1008 to 2010. If he can get his ERA in the 3s, everyone will be happy.
In the long term:
3/23/07
Baltimore Orioles
Claimed RHP Sean Tracey off waivers
Analysis: It was too bad. Tracey seemed to have value, but he and Ozzie had a bit of a problem.
In the long term:
Opening Day Lineup |
| LF |
Pablo Ozuna |
| CF |
Darin Erstad |
| DH |
Jim Thome |
| 1B |
Paul Konerko |
| RF |
Jermine Dye |
| 3B |
Joe Crede |
| 2B |
Tadahito Iguchi |
| C |
AJ Pierzynski |
| SS |
Juan Uribe |
| P |
Jose Contreras |
Bold = Not in last year's opening day starting lineup
Opening day payroll: $108,671,833 ($5,921,166 more than last season), this works out to $1,509,331 spent per win |
5/21/07
Cincinnati Reds claimed INF Pedro Lopez off waivers
6/16/07 - Trade!
Sox get: 2B Danny Richar
Arizona gets: nonroster OF Aaron Cunningham
Analysis: Don't know enough to comment on these guys, so we'll see.
In the long term:
6/16/07
Signed LHP and this year's first round draft pick, Aaron Poreda. He recieved a $1.2 million signing bonus. Also signed this season was amateur Dominican free agent SS, Juan Silverio. He recieved a $600,000 signing bonus.
7/5/07
Signed two more draft picks: RHPs Nevin Griffith, who recieved a $382,500 signing bonus and John Ely, who recieved a $240,750 signing bonus.
7/8/07
Signed LHP Mark Buehrle to a four-year $56 million contract.
Analysis: He gets $14 million per year with a limited no-trade clause. If he does get traded, his salary jumps to $15 million per year and would add a fifth year. This is definitely a home team discount. With free agent signings going crazy as they have been recently, it wouldn't have shocked me for Mark to get the same money over three years instead of four (that would still be under $19 mil per year).
In the long term:
7/27/07 - trade!
Sox get: RHP Michael Dubee
Philadelphia gets: 2B Tadahito Iguchi
Analysis: What the hell? To a marginal extent this trade makes some sense - KW didn't have faith that they'd be able to retain Iguchi at the end of the season, so it's better to get something for him rather than nothing. The Sox also want to get an extended look at Danny Richar, who they traded for about a month ago. With a recent Chase Utley injury, they were suddenly interested. However, unbiased, Iguchi is one of the best second basemen in the league finishing in the top three in most offensive categories over the past three years. Here's the topper - Michael Dubee is only a reliever in low A ball. Again, what the hell? You couldn't at least get a AAA-er for Ozzie's MVP of the '05 season? The season is over for the Sox, but this also isn't a move toward building for the future and that's what I have the biggest problem with.
In the long term:
7/30/07
Baltimore Orioles
claimed C Gustavo Molina off waivers
Analysis: I had no problem waiving Molina. His last name was the only thing that was major league-ready. Don't mean to be harsh, but one hit in 19 plate appearances didn't impress me. What was worse is he didn't really show any signs of improving during his short time with the Sox.
7/31/07 - trade!
Sox get: RHP Jon Link
San Diego gets: INF/OF Rob Mackowiak
Analysis: At this point we're playing to avoid 90 losses and Mackowiak was probably our most consistent hitter (though Dye has really turned it on as of late). The Sox held a $3.25 club option for next year. For what he brings, I think that number is right on. However, I do see this outfield being crowded and the infield even more of a remote option for Mackowiak. This, more than anything, was likely avoiding the $300,000 buyout if the Sox didn't pick up the option. This is further evidenced that the Sox only gained an A baller in return. The positive is he's a pitcher and he's in high A ball.
In the long term:
8/18/07
Signed OF Jermaine Dye to a two-year $22 million contract extension through the 2009 season with a mutual option for $12 million in 2010 with a $1 million buyout.
Analysis: What a difference a great month can make! You can't even call it a great month. Dye's been tearing the cover off the ball since July 22nd, and almost not at all prior to that (his June average was .202). After exhausting a number of trade scenarios that didn't pan out KW went back to the drawing board. Hey, remember when Kenny said he wouldn't talk contracts until after the season ended? Then Vazquez, Buehrle and Dye happened. Is he a master of smoke and mirrors or just full of it? I do like Dye coming back because I think he is better than his current stats, however, a two-year $15 or $16 million contract seemed a bit more reasonable. Here's the breakdown: $9.5 million in '08, $11.5 million in '09 and the option for 2010 is a mutual option. There's a no trade clause in '08 and a limited clause in '09. I just took a look over at mlbtraderumors.com (I always write my own entry first, then take a look for a second opinion), Tim likes the signing, pointing out that you won't find any better free agent alternatives during this off season for that price. I guess I'm just being overly thrifty. Tim also notes that the Sox have about $92 million invested in '08 so far. There's not that much left over for the off season with free agents going for what they have been so far. Garland's fighting just to reach 10 wins, but he's young. Maybe some financial room will be freed up with a trade there.
In the long term: