| 09 January 2009
Talks between Jason Varitek and the Red Sox remain ongoing, but if the two parties cannot agree on a deal for 2009, the Sox will likely have to bite the bullet and trade a prospect to ensure they have enough catching depth. The Sox have repeatedly stated that Clay Buchholz is not on the table, but Michael Bowden and Daniel Bard are.
So I ask you Red Sox Nation: Who would you be willing to give up to secure the likes of Jarrod Saltalmacchia, Taylor Teagraden or Miguel Montero?
UPDATE: Peter Gammons talked Sox at Boston.com today. He had this to say about this very topic we are dicussing (what are the odds!?):
"There's a difference between wish list and realistic wish list, but right now, they seem to be focused on Miguel Montero from Arizona, with Saltamacchia in Texas a possibility. Early in the fall, they tried to make a run at Russell Martin of the Dodgers and Mike Napoli of the Angels, but without success ... They can have Montero if they'll trade Michael Bowden but thus far the Red Sox have refused to trade him."
Clay Buchholz: We all know what Buccholz is capable of. Here's what one scout recently said after seeing him pitch in the Arizona Fall League:
"I think he's gained some of his swagger back. He lost some confidence during the year, but his velocity was back. He was throwing 91-95, and was free and easy. He had a dominant curveball and a plus change. He didn't need his slider. He looked focused on the mound. It looked to me like his arm slot was the same as it used to be, with a high three-quarters release, which adds to the depth of his breaking ball. This guy has three plus pitches and should be a front-of-the-rotation starter. His ceiling is very high."
And here's a look at the stats:
Michael Bowden - SoxProspects Scouting Report:
Bowden is a big righty starter with a top-of-the-rotation ceiling, presently projecting as a solid third starter at the major league level. He is an advanced pitcher for his age, but there's some room for improvement. He has an arsenal of three pitches that could be big-league caliber: a 90-93 mph four-seam fastball that tops out around 95 mph, a very good 12-6 hard breaking curve, and an excellent circle changeup with plus potential. His main pitch - the four-seamer - has a late, heavy sinking movement, and he generally keeps it down in the zone. Bowden can also work in a two-seamer that is a few mph off of his four-seamer, with a bit more movement. His deceptive changeup sits in the low 80s, about 10 mph off of his fastball, with action moving away from lefties. His mid-70s curve is pretty sharp and he keeps hitters at bay with it. However, he can telegraph his curve on occasion. Secondary stuff is really coming along in 2008. Overall, Bowden has an excellent command of the zone. One aspect that should come with more experience is improved pitchability against advanced hitters. His mechanics are somewhat unconventional in that his delivery is quite compact and he doesn't pull back with a lot of torque. Relies more on arm strength than leverage. But he's able to maintain consistent arm action throughout his outings, so the Sox haven't messed with it. Bowden is said to be a workaholic and just loves to pitch - another player who just lives and dies for baseball. Very athletic and competitive.
Daniel Bard - SoxProspects Scouting Report:
Live arm with a smooth delivery, although he needs to work on keeping a consistent release point. His fastball looks effortless, and consistently hits 97-98 with decent command but minimal movement. When he reaches back, he can apparently hit 101 mph on the gun. Two-seamer shows a bit more break and sits in the low-to-mid 90s. Secondary pitches are decent, but need a lot of refinement, including: (1) a high 80s cut fastball; (2) an 84 mph slider; and (3) a circle change with some downward movement. Previously Bard's breaking pitch was a high 70s slurve, but it was converted to a slider with more velocity in mid-2008. Needs some improvement on keeping all of his pitches down in the zone. Struggled through major control issues throughout the entire 2007 season, particularly with his slurve Has a strong frame and a mature demeanor, but has some confidence issues. Bard took well to a bullpen role in the Hawaii League in 2007, and was converted to a full time reliever in 2008. He changed his delivery by lowering his arm slot prior to the 2008 season, adding a little bit of life to his fastball.
And here are the stats for the three young catcherst he Red Sox seem most interested in:
So... Are you as hopefull about Buchholz as th Red Sox are, or would you swap him for Saltalamacchia? Would you be willing to sen Bard to the Rangers or D-Backs for a catcher? Maybe you'd prefer to hold onto all of these pitchers and try to re-sign Varitek? Or maybe you think Josh Bard, George Kottaras and/or Dusty Brown can get us through the 2009 season...
Bottom Line: Personally, I think we should make Varitek a reasonable offer and hold onto the kids. Wakefield and Smoltz are half way out the door, Penny still has a lot to prove and is here on a 1-year deal and Beckett, though they do have a 2010 option in place, is going to be looking for a serious raise when his contract is up...
Give us your plan in the comments section.
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