As the Sox are getting geared up for a surely feisty series with the New York Yankees, the rumors are beginning to fly. There are many players that may make a nice fit for the Sox with hopefully not a huge price, including names like Carlos Delgado to platoon at 1st base with Mike Lowell and relievers David Aardsma, J.J. Putz and Matt Thornton. Theo will be wheeling and dealing soon if the Sox remain in the hunt, so let’s take a look at some of the possible players that have been rumored to be available and have caught the interest of the Sox. Enjoy!
1B Carlos Delgado
Carlos Delgado’s name has been linked to the Red Sox a few times this past week since Kevin Youkilis hurt his thumb. Mike Lowell is the current 1st baseman for the Sox, but there is a big unknown about his ability to play on a daily basis and if he can produce in the Sox lineup. Given the hip problems for Lowell, the Sox may opt to get a left-handed 1st baseman like Carlos Delgado to platoon against righties and give Lowell the appropriate rest he needs. Delgado is an interesting option, because he certainly brings more power to the Sox lineup, but has also been plagued with injuries the past few years, limiting him to just 26 games in 2009 and 0 thus far in 2010.
The positives on a trade for Delgado would be a low-asking price given his injury-filled track record and if he could play a few times a week, would be able to prevent injuries as much as possible. Delgado has 473 career home runs and has hit 30+ home runs 11 seasons, so he would be able to fill the power void left behind by Kevin Youkilis. Delgado is a career .280 hitter and has hit 399 of his 473 career home runs off of right-handed starting pitching, making him a valuable platoon guy. The biggest question is his health, but if the price is low enough, the deal may really benefit the Sox.
Updated: According the the New York Post, Carlos Delgado worked out for the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium before Friday night’s game against the Yankees. The confirms their interest and depending on if they liked what they saw, could result in a potential trade within the next few days, maybe even before the Yankees series ends.
RP David Aardsma
Oh here we go again with David Aardsma. Besides being the 1st player in alphabetical order in the major leagues, Aarsdma is a solid closer/late inning reliever who had a great year in 2009 with a 2.52 era and 38 saves in 42 opportunities, but has been unable to repeat the same success in 2010. Aardsma is 0-6 this yeah with a 4.46 era and have converted 19 of 23 save opportunities. He would certainly be a nice addition as a 7th inning reliever if the price is right and it appears the Seattle Mariners are willing to shop him around a bit at this point.
At this point, if the Sox can trade for an arm like Aardsma and not have to give up too much in return, it is a good investment with some potential for a high return. I don’t believe in Aardsma as being a real closer or a true late inning guy you can rely on, but could be a really solid 7th inning bridge pitcher.
RP Matt Thornton
An interesting name on the waiver list was All-Star Matt Thornton. Given the news about Hideki Okajima a few minutes ago, going after a solid lefty couldn’t hurt the Sox match-up options late in games. In 45 appearances this season, Thornton is 3-3 with a 2.36 era and has converted 5 of his 7 save opportunities. Given the fact that the Chicago White Sox are leading the AL Central however, I doubt he will be truly available without leveraging the farm or returning a major league player or two. It can’t hurt to dream though, because Thornton has been lights out all year long.
RP J.J. Putz
The final name on today’s rumor watch is former Seattle Mariners closer, J.J Putz. He is also a Chicago White Sox reliever, who has had great success in 2010, going 5-2 with a 1.79 era and converting 2 of 3 save chances. Putz has late game experience with 105 saves in 132 attempts and has an impressive .181 opponent batting average in 2010. Putz could add another strong arm in the Sox bullpen, may again, may be too costly at this point with the White Sox fighting for a playoff spot. It is interesting that the Sox placed both Thornton and Putz on the trade waivers list, because it means they are certainly willing to entertain an offer or two, even if the asking price is too rich for the Sox blood.
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These are just a few names the Sox may be looking into this next week or so. As more names pop up and more information comes to the surface, I will be sure to keep you all informed at BoSoxInjection.com.