Comments on: Top 10 Offseason Moves With the Biggest Fantasy Impact

By: howard

howard — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:48:53 +0000

I’m not really sure of where I referred to Baldelli as a “veteran”, but if you want to hold me to it, then yes. (Oh wait…I see it just above…Francona putting in a vet. You got me.) His first full season was back in 2003 where he amassed 637 AB…518 in his second year. He has been in and out with injuries from then on, but a guy who’s been in the bigs for 5+ seasons and has over 1700 career at bats could definitely be called a veteran.

Thanks for reading!

By: David

David — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:40:07 +0000

Baldelli is a veteran?

By: howard

howard — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:16:02 +0000

Wes –

Thanks for the input. I can totally see the Sox sticking with Ellsbury, so long as he doesn’t fall into any prolonged slumps like he did last season. The signing of Baldelli, in my opinion, was primarily for insurance for the oft-injured Drew. However, Francona definitely showed last year that he has no problem throwing in a veteran if his youngsters are struggling, so the onus will be on Ellsbury to not only play up to a certain level, but to maintain it throughout the season. Call it a hunch, but Baldelli will be the only Red Sox player on this Yankees fan’s roster.

Thanks for reading!

By: Wes

Wes — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:26:32 +0000

Nice job on the article although I disagree slightly on number 7. Ellsbury has loads of potential and should retain his starting CF job throughout. Remember, Ellsbury comes with more even more hype than Pedroia or Youkilis did and the Sox stuck with both of them, including a horrendous 2007 start by Pedroia, through thick and thin. I think Rocco has a chance for 350-450 at bats with Drew out there in RF and one of the lefties getting a rest against the tougher lefthanded pitchers. But remember Rocco hasn’t had more than 400 AB’s since 2004! Even with his chronic fatigue syndrome properly diagnosed it still may be a bit “optimistic” to think he can give us a breakout 450-500 AB’s season.

Alternatively, I can see the Sox sticking with Jacoby through the tough patches because of the high ceiling he holds. Theo seems to be a big defense first type guy and again their history with Pedroia and Youks would lead us to believe that we will stick with the youth movement at CF and SS with a veteran mix as the occasional change of pace.

Just a biased Red Sox fan’s opinion though. LOL..

By: Ken Donohue

Ken Donohue — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:01:35 +0000

Howard couldn’t agree more about Sabathia. He’s a good pitcher no matter the league but he’s a dominant NL pitcher. He should have stayed in the NL. I would have suggested the Cardinals. And the best pickup of the offseason was Teixiera. That lineup is going to be frightening.