Red Sox RP Michael Bowden
As the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline approaches, the Boston Red Sox have their share of needs to fill. What are those exact needs, and who are the players that could potentially fill these roles? As the Red Sox threaten to fade down the stretch, here are the problem areas that need to be addressed, as well as some possible solutions.
Leftfield
Synopsis: The Red Sox have been able to get by with what have been essentially Triple A players, but the holes in the lineup are starting to catch up with them, as evidenced by the last series at home vs. the Texas Rangers. Leftfield is traditionally a power position, and as of this moment, there is not much power being generated from this area.
Current Options: LF Daniel Nava, OF Darnell McDonald, OF/2B Bill Hall, OF/IF Eric Patterson.
Potential Internal Solutions: The Red Sox are waiting on Jacoby Ellsbury’s return; however Mike Cameron’s abdominal injuries may eventually force him to be sidelined for the year, thus moving Ellsbury back to his natural centerfield position. Jeremy Hermida could play LF once off the DL, but his defense has been atrocious at times. OF Josh Reddick could be called up from Pawtucket.
Trade Solutions: The big bat that is potentially available is Washington’s 1B/OF Adam Dunn. Dunn would give the Red Sox a huge power threat from the left side, however he could be costly, as he is a potential Type A free agent and wouldn’t come cheaply. Another solution is Kansas City OF David DeJesus who could come a lot cheaper, and is more likely to be dealt.
Bullpen
Synopsis: Outside of Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon, the bullpen has been shaky all season long. If the Red Sox are to go anywhere, they will need both a left handed and right handed bullpen arm to step up to shorten the game.
Current Options: Ramon Ramirez, Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen, Dustin Richardson
Potential Internal Solutions: Prospect Michael Bowden has been converted into a reliever and called up. Manny Delcarmen has come off the DL recently and the coaching staff likes what they see since his return. Dustin Richardson is the only other lefty besides Okajima and is really on the roster for that sole reason.
Trade Solutions: The Blue Jays are trying to peddle RHP’s Kevin Gregg and Jason Frasor as well as LHP Scott Downs. Downs is a potential Type A, so he’s probably too expensive. Indians RP Kerry Wood was available, but is now on the DL, however he could be waived after the deadline. Royals RHP Kyle Farnsworth is also available, and probably inexpensive.
Catcher
Synopsis: The Red Sox have been in quite a pinch behind the plate as Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek were injured days apart. They have struggled to find a viable replacement for either of them on the offensive side, which has created a hole in the bottom of the lineup.
Current Options: Kevin Cash, Dusty Brown
Potential Internal Solutions: Few and far between. There’s not a clear timetable on the return of both Martinez and Varitek, and the minor league catching cupboard is fairly barren.
Trade Solutions: Strangely, now that the Rangers have traded 1B Justin Smoak, they have a need for a right handed bat. Enter Mike Lowell who was traded to them in the offseason for C Max Ramirez, only to fail the physical to kill the deal. It is possible this deal could take place for a second time, as Ramirez has become expendable with the acquisition of Bengie Molina.
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nice post. thanks.