I Could Do Without the Drama
Does every Red Sox move have to involve such drama? There was the Curt Schilling Thanksgiving dinner, the failed Mark Teixeira pursuit and now this. Seriously, think back to when Theo Epstein himself walked out on the Red Sox. Maybe it's his way of keeping things interesting.
Alas, it is now being reported that the Red Sox have gone ahead and traded for Adrian Gonzalez anyway, despite not inking him to an extension. My theory is that the Red Sox didn't really want to sign him immediately to an extension, rather they wanted to sign him once the 2011 started as any deal signed after the start of the season wouldn't be factored in for luxury tax purposes. You know, maybe the past 36 hours were designed to build the framework of a deal and intentionally table it until April.
Pretty smooth if so, and I'm sure against the rules of baseball and also risky because Adrian and co. could always have a change of heart. Just a guess on my part, but there have been plenty of writers pointing out the benefit if waiting until April.
Regardless, I'm glad it is done and he will be a more than welcome addition to the squad. I'm still chewing on just how I'd construct the line-up with the pieces they have now, but as we all know, the line-up isn't that important, but it is fun to talk about.
Comments
Didn't they do the exact same thing with Beckett's extension last year? (Not announcing it until the season starts)
And don't forget you could have been born a Pirates fan which would have assured you very little drama.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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December 5, 2010 09:13 PM
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Yes, they did with Beckett. I guess the only difference is they could have ongoing dialogue with his representation whereas with Gonzalez, they had limited time.
You are right, being a Red Sox fan ain't so bad.
Posted by: Andy![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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December 5, 2010 09:24 PM
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$180m, 8 done.
Now, who to play outfield and be the anchor once Drew comes off the books after 2011? Crawford will get too much for the Sox to pay (Angels?) and there are bargains out there. Maybe another trade with ...ummm, the cupboards are kinda bare now...Dice K (free, Sox pay for everything) to the Dodgers for something, anything?
Posted by: blmeanie![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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December 5, 2010 09:33 PM
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8/180 should get it done ala Teixeira. Michael Felger on CSNNE and 98.5 the Sportshub said tonight that if the Red Sox really offered only a 5 year deal, why?
Why insult everyone in the negotiating room with something like that especially knowing that some dumb team (Nationals) will throw crazy money at Gonzalez. I was stuck on that earlier today thinking the Red Sox just didn't get it when all of a sudden tonight it came together. They do have a deal and are just delaying it.
I see Matsuzaka and Ellsbury as two who are likely to be traded in the coming weeks. Ellsbury and the Red Sox aren't getting along and with Ryan Kalish, I believe the team thinks they have a better long-term option. As for Daisuke, he is just frustrating, but now that he is coming into his 5th MLB season, maybe he'll start thinking about his next contract and his legacy both here and in Japan. Both good motivators.
Posted by: Andy![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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December 5, 2010 10:20 PM
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