Great stuff on this page!
I don't understand the logic of a one-year stop-gap at first base of Hawpe and Morse. . . . what would a platoon of veterans playing out of position accomplish for the organization?
The goal at first base, especially since we've replaced (and diversified) a lot of Dunn's offense by adding Werth, is to have a solid left-handed hitter with some power who adequately plays the position. While I don't think Adam LaRoche is the answer to our prayers, he certainly fits that bill, and I'd have no problem signing him for 2 years.
I'm kind of more with RTR than you, Stras37, on this one. Once Dunn, V-Mart, and Konerko came off the market, I'm not sure there is a first baseman we want to go multiple years on. There is a glut of declining stars or mediocre starting first basemen out there - Lee, Overbay, LaRoche, and I'll throw in Hawpe here, too because we all agree he's the second coming of Dr. Strangeglove defensively in RF. There's no sense giving out multiple years to these guys when there is the chance that a prospect could develop internally within 2 years (Marrero) or we may have a better internal option on the roster right now (Morse or Willingham if he is not traded). The way the market is working, LaRoche is going to want 3 years because he is younger than Lee and Overbay and coming off a better year. Hawpe, OTOH, offers as much power, is a LHB and fits with the roster, would not command a multi-year contract (he'd rather establish his market value and go back on the market). LaRoche, at least by some metrics, is kind of up and down defensively, too, so he's a bit of a mystery as to what you are getting (compare his UZR/150, DRS, and TZ to Overbay, for example, for the last 3 - 5 seasons). A short term deal with Hawpe, where you could follow the old "pump and dump" strategy of establishing his credentials and dealing him mid-season (or cut your losses after a year if he does not pan out), would be consistent with improving the team beyond 2011. A commitment to LaRoche, coming off a high year, is more likely to be an albatross (cue houston-nat). Even if LaRoche works out, if he were signed to only 2 years, he'd leave a hole that'd have to be filled once we were good.
I'd like to see us sign LaRoche for a year, trade willingham to Boston for Lars Anderson, and give Morse a chance to be an everyday player in LF. If he puts up the kind of numbers he did last year, he's going to make some waves in 2011.
I don't think LaRoche is looking for a 1 year deal. I'm tempted to say to him, "how's it feel to want," but the market seems to be giving out extra years to guys who are "hot," and he's coming off a hot year. Also, keep in mind he produced his power by becoming swing happy and dropping his OBP.
Boston, having just acquired Crawford, would also trade for Willingham?
Boston's three biggest remaining needs are 2 -3 relievers, MLB catchign depth, and a RHB that can play corners. A 5th OF /1B / DH RHB would still fit. Anderson and Reddick seem to be blocked, unless they think Anderson will take over DH in 2012.
I think Anderson is an overrated prospect anyway.
You looked right in 2009, but the luster is back some after this year when he went form AA to MLB and did not look overmatched at any level. Because he's a bit more advanced than Marrero, you could give him a one year trial run, slot him 6th in the line-up, use him first in a platoon with Morse (if you sign a stop gap left fielder), and, if he does not work out, run Marrero out there. You are buying upside with Anderson. Reddick gives you a LHB who can play all three outfield positions. Jury is out on his bat, buthe had a good second half.
Alright you two... no fighting! At least not until you guys have been here a week!
I love it. Both Stras and RTR are firing well argued points. I don't know how other boards did in the offseason, but we made some great acquisitions.
