OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - WIN AT ALL COSTS! The 2004 Boston Red Sox

AZTarHeel · 07-09-2004, 02:43 AM

Theo Epstein is standing pat with the roster the Red Sox have now. It's obviously a pretty good one, leading the Majors. (MLB.com)

Boston GM: 'We're done wheeling and dealing this season'

MLB.com * July 27

The Boston Red Sox won't be making any more trades before the July 31 deadline, GM Theo Epstein said.

The Sox reportedly had been "highly interested" in obtaining 2B Alfonso Soriano, put on the trading block by Texas a few weeks ago. But the asking price was too high.

They also thought of picking up CF Rocco Baldelli from Tampa Bay, but he moved across the state to the Marlins in a trade for AJ Burnett. P Matt Clement was another option but the Cubs hurler was traded to Texas along with SS Roger Yaquet (in exchange for P Francisco Cordero).

"We're done wheeling and dealing this season," Epstein said. "We really like the lineup we have now. Once we get Pedro back, we're going to be even that much better."

Boston did its major moves before anyone else -- obtaining pitchers Josh Beckett, Brad Penny and Armando Benitez from Florida in early July. So far, Beckett has struggled, Penny has gotten better and Benitez has been hit-or-miss.

"Once these guys get adjusted to the AL, they'll be fine," Epstein said.

Beckett reportedly has been "grumpy" with Boston leadership about re-signing with the club after this season. He's asking for more than $8 million a year. The Sox have about $20 million to sign a whole horde of free agents, so this could be a rent-a-pitcher scenario.

"In the long run, Brad Penny could be the biggest pickup of this trade," one opposing scout said. "Beckett, Schilling and Martinez could be too many egos in one bullpen..." Penny is signed through 2005

Other interesting trade-deadline moves:
* Houston sends P Andy Pettitte to Tampa Bay along with RF Faustino Peraza, getting P Jeremi Gonzalez in return...
* The Marlins deal CF Juan Pierre to Pittsburgh for LF Rob Mackowiak and 1B Jed Daniel.
* The Pirates also gets CF Andruw Jones from Atlanta in exchange for C Ryan Doumit, RF Bruce Whittington and P Kyle Peterson.
* The Yankees go young, trading P Gabe White for three minor leaguers: RF Clint King, 1B James Rake and CF Chris Young (none look that great by the way)...

07-09-2004, 02:43 AM	#225
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,732	Theo Epstein is standing pat with the roster the Red Sox have now. It's obviously a pretty good one, leading the Majors. (MLB.com) Boston GM: 'We're done wheeling and dealing this season' *MLB.com July 27** The Boston Red Sox won't be making any more trades before the July 31 deadline, GM Theo Epstein said. The Sox reportedly had been "highly interested" in obtaining 2B Alfonso Soriano, put on the trading block by Texas a few weeks ago. But the asking price was too high. They also thought of picking up CF Rocco Baldelli from Tampa Bay, but he moved across the state to the Marlins in a trade for AJ Burnett. P Matt Clement was another option but the Cubs hurler was traded to Texas along with SS Roger Yaquet (in exchange for P Francisco Cordero). "We're done wheeling and dealing this season," Epstein said. "We really like the lineup we have now. Once we get Pedro back, we're going to be even that much better." Boston did its major moves before anyone else -- obtaining pitchers Josh Beckett, Brad Penny and Armando Benitez from Florida in early July. So far, Beckett has struggled, Penny has gotten better and Benitez has been hit-or-miss. "Once these guys get adjusted to the AL, they'll be fine," Epstein said. Beckett reportedly has been "grumpy" with Boston leadership about re-signing with the club after this season. He's asking for more than $8 million a year. The Sox have about $20 million to sign a whole horde of free agents, so this could be a rent-a-pitcher scenario. "In the long run, Brad Penny could be the biggest pickup of this trade," one opposing scout said. "Beckett, Schilling and Martinez could be too many egos in one bullpen..." Penny is signed through 2005 Other interesting trade-deadline moves: * Houston sends P Andy Pettitte to Tampa Bay along with RF Faustino Peraza, getting P Jeremi Gonzalez in return... * The Marlins deal CF Juan Pierre to Pittsburgh for LF Rob Mackowiak and 1B Jed Daniel. * The Pirates also gets CF Andruw Jones from Atlanta in exchange for C Ryan Doumit, RF Bruce Whittington and P Kyle Peterson. * The Yankees go young, trading P Gabe White for three minor leaguers: RF Clint King, 1B James Rake and CF Chris Young (none look that great by the way)...