Red Sox Trade Deadline Quick Hits
Hanley Ramirez
The Marlins got Nate Eovaldi and a minor league pitcher for Hanley Ramirez and Randy Choate. I like Eovaldi – but the deal was not a big haul for Miami. Could the Red Sox have competed with the Dodgers in this deal? Maybe, maybe not. Who in the Red Sox organization matches up to Eovaldi – a young, talented, major league ready starting pitcher? Felix Doubront, yes. Possibly Franklin Morales. The issue: Boston has no one close to the majors who is currently starting pitching in Pawtucket or Portland. This weakness will hurt the Red Sox in other potential deals for a starter.
Starters on the Trade Market
Zack Greinke (Milwaukee) and Josh Johnson (Miami) along with Cubs pitchers Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza appear to be the big pitching prizes on the trade market. Boston will have a tough time competing with teams with deep farm systems like Texas and “true” contenders like the Dodgers who may be willing to go the extra distance – because they are in the playoff hunt, not trying to get in the hunt (like the Red Sox). As discussed in this blog, Boston should shop but – given this year’s situation – don’t go for a rental player like Greinke or Dempster.
Yes, Check out the Beckett Market
I have zero expectations the Red Sox can actually trade Josh Beckett. One, there are better pitchers on the market (see above). Two, the Red Sox will have to eat money (maybe, a lot of money) to move him. That said, the Red Sox should kick every tire to see if there are any Beckett takers. Boston needs a chemistry change on the team – and Beckett would be a great place to start.
Albie Jarvis
