Baseball Musings: Let's Make a Deal

February 27, 2006

Let's Make a Deal

There's a rumor of a potential Red Sox/Nationals trade:

The Washington Nationals are believed to be eyeing the Red Sox for a potential deal for a starting pitcher after losing right-hander Brian Lawrence until at least August with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Matt Clement, who is owed $9.5 million each of the next two seasons, is probably out of Washington’s price range, but Bronson Arroyo, who inked a three-year deal worth $10.5 million in January, certainly would be appealing. To acquire Arroyo, the Nationals may have to part with a package including first baseman Nick Johnson or outfielder Ryan Church.

Seems to me the obvious deal is Clement for Soriano, although I don't see much difference between Soriano and Loretta at this point. The Sox would need to decide if they need more on-base or power as a team.

Posted by David Pinto at 07:48 AM | Trades | TrackBack (0)

Comments

NOOOOO! I don't want Alfonso in Boston. Ugh

Posted by: Marc Normandin at February 27, 2006 09:27 AM

Soriano at 2B in Boston would undo any defensive gains the Sox have made this offseason.

Posted by: Dave S. at February 27, 2006 09:36 AM

I'm a Yankee fan and I'm DYING to see Soriano on the Red Sox! Make the trade!!!

Posted by: sabernar at February 27, 2006 10:00 AM

Clement for Nick Johnson.

Posted by: ICallMasICM at February 27, 2006 10:25 AM

Please please please let Soriano end up in Boston.

Posted by: Benjamin Kabak at February 27, 2006 10:34 AM

There's no way that Soriano is coming to Boston - Theo isn't that stupid. Soriano's total inability to draw a walk runs counter to the Sox' current OBP-based batting philosophy. Now Nick Johnson on the other hand...

Posted by: BosoxBob at February 27, 2006 11:42 AM

If we give up Nick Johnson for anyone, I'm going to commit seppuku. I still can't believe Jim Bowden gave up Brad Wilkerson for the malcontent Soriano. Ugh, this offseason has been hateful for Nats fans. Please - sell the damn team, for chrissakes.

It's a nightmare that won't end.

Posted by: Jeff B. at February 27, 2006 11:54 AM

As a Yankee fan I'd love to see Soriano with the Red Sox. I would loath seeing Nic Johnson put on a dirty pine tarred helmet.

Posted by: Jason at February 27, 2006 01:57 PM

Anyone think there is a possiblity of Jose Guillen getting dealt for Kyle Lohse (MIN) and a B-level prospect??

As a Twins fan I would love that deal. It would somewhat hinge on whether they could get Soriano to move to the outfield. Thoughts??

Posted by: Andy at February 27, 2006 02:07 PM

I really think soriano is moving to short stop for the nationals and will set a modern day record for errors for a season and hit 20-25 bombs.

Posted by: Colin at February 27, 2006 03:33 PM

No way would Boston do this deal. Taking Lowell with Beckett is a no-brainer, but taking Soriano with Johnson for Clement is idiotic. We already had a middle infielder that's capable of dozens of errors and we got rid of him. Why add another?

Posted by: Jon at February 27, 2006 03:35 PM

Btw, the difference between Soriano and Loretta is approximately 40 career errors at 2B and counting. And, Loretta has played five years longer.

Posted by: Jon at February 27, 2006 03:40 PM

You forget also that Mark Loretta is the better hitter. Soriano can't hit and can't field. I don't know why he's getting paid ten million dollars. Oh yeah, I guess it's all those pennants he led the Rangers to.

Posted by: david at February 27, 2006 04:33 PM

Why is everyone so down on Sori? Yes, he makes a lot of errors, but in terms of speed and power, he's one of the top players in the game. If he continues to average 35 HRs a season for another 6 or 7 years, he could finish his career with 350 - 400, a huge total for a 2nd baseman. Add in his steals and he is close to a HOF player.

Posted by: David at February 27, 2006 06:21 PM

You should check out Sori's road numbers from last year. Away from Texas, which is like Coors field in terms of what it does to hitting stats, Soriano was, well, let's just say that calling him below-average would be kind. His numbers on the road last year - .224 BA, 265 OBP and 374 Slugging percentage - wouldn't keep him in a job if he fielded like Bill Mazeroski. Last year Soriano drove in 105 runs, and 31 of them came on the road. In 326 at-bats. His strikeout to walk ratio has always been embarassing, and last year it was 125/33 - pretty much the same as it's been every year of his career. Which means he's not improving. Even with the Texas boost his OBP last year was an unacceptable 309. And he's 30 years old and moving to one of the best pitchers parks in baseball. If he hits 35 homers a year there then we'll talk. But right now he looks like Dante Bichette recast as a lousy infielder. Remember when Bichette kept putting up monster numbers as a Colorado Rockie, but he wasn't really any good at all? At least Bichette could field. Sorry, but I just think that unless Soriano gets traded to another hitters park, he's going to be revealed this year for the sub-par talent he is.

Posted by: david at February 27, 2006 08:42 PM

'Add in his steals and he is close to a HOF player.'

You've just desecrated the HOF, even the guys who don't really belong there.

Posted by: ICallMasICM at February 28, 2006 08:56 AM