Red Sox Trade Deadline Review 2007
First off, I realize taking a vacation only to miss the MLB non-waiver trade deadline is just a terrible thing. Secondly, sticking you with Peter the Yankee fan is really akin to saying "I don't like you." So, sorry for both.
But something nice sure did happen while I was away (btw, the place I go is literally like stepping back in time with only dial-up, limited cell coverage, no cable or satellite TV. It's like being on an island...wait, I was on an island). The Red Sox acquired Eric Gagne. Gagne is not the pitcher he was from 2002-2004, but since coming back from major arm issues, he has put together a great 2007 thus far. What makes Gagne different since coming back from injuries? Namely his strikeout rate. Gagne struck out 114 in 82.1 IP in 2002, 137 in 82.1 IP in 2003 and 114 in 82.1 IP in 2004 (yes, he pitched 82.1 IP 3 straight seasons). Those K rates are off the charts good. So far in 2007 he has struck out 31 in 34.1 IP. Still good, but not nearly as impressive as before. Having said all that, Gagne's addition is welcome and it is nice to see Boston making a major move prior to the deadline.
What the Red Sox didn't do was acquire offense. So get used to the starting 9 and the bench as I don't think the free agent pool nor the waiver trade deadline will yield much help. Jermaine Dye was one possible target (he has hit 2 HR's since the deadline), but apparently the White Sox didn't like what the Red Sox had to offer and are now trying to re-sign Dye to a long-term deal themselves.
So moving on, the Red Sox as they are currently constituted are likely to be the guys on the field come playoff time (let's make the playoffs first of course). That's not such a bad thing. With an 8.0 game lead, an added arm to the bullpen and the return of Curt Schilling to the rotation, the Red Sox have no excuses.
As for who the Red Sox gave up to get Gagne: Kason Gabbard, David Murphy and and pre-pubescent Engel Beltre. We know a fair amount about Gabbard and Murphy, but Beltre was a big question mark. He is only 17 years old and was signed at 16 (is that legal?). Per SoxProspects.com, Beltre is "Five-tool left-handed hitter with excellent power potential. Strong arm and good range in centerfield. Highly touted signing out of the Dominican Republic, signed for $575,000. Hustles at every step . Very projectable as a power hitter once he grows into his body."
Others said he had potential to be a Ken Griffey type hitter. A stretch to be sure, but he certainly was a decent prospect. So give Boston credit, they took an end of the rotation starter, a roll/bench player and a 17 year old prospect and turned that into Gagne. Sure, they also had to deal with $ issues like guaranteeing Gagne's incentives, but with 2 months left (1/3 of the season) it costs the Red Sox about about $4.6m total. Not terrible. I calculate that based on a $6m base salary and $3m in incentives that were guaranteed of which Texas paid $400k and the Red Sox $2.6m.
It is nice having Delcarmen, Gagne, Okajima and Papelbon in the pen right now.
Other news, Brendan Donnelly is going to have Tommy John Surgery. Not sure if he figures into their plays in 2008 as it is not likely he'd be ready to pitch until mid-late 2008 if he is lucky. Also, Curt Schilling is set to start Monday night in Anaheim. Keep an eye on Bobby Kielty. He was recently waived and can be had by the Red Sox. Not sure if he is an upgrade to Wily Mo Pena though. I say stick with Wily Mo.
