During this morning’s press conference to introduce Adrian Gonzalez as a member of the Boston Red Sox, Theo Epstein answered a few questions about his focus going forward. It became apparent that the Sox are looking to bolster the bullpen first and foremost, with everything else taking 2nd fiddle, including the outfield. Theo mentioned that if camp broke today, he would be happy with the group he’s got in the outfield. He also said that there is a chance they make a move, but given the tone of his comments, it appears Carl Crawford may no longer be in the picture. This evening in a meeting with several sports writers, Theo reiterated that point about his priorities going forward.
"Bullpen, bullpen, maybe integrate a right-handed bat into the mix if we can find the right one. … I feel like if we brought back the same (outfield) group, we’d be OK. …I think here is a possibility of us doing something in the outfield, it might be a more complementary-type move. If we don’t find something that makes sense, we are comfortable with the group that we have."
It certainly shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Sox are not interested in offering Crawford the 6+ year, $130+ million deal after bringing in A-Gon and agreeing on an extension likely worth $150+ million. Theo made an exception for A-Gon in giving him more than 5 years (assuming the deal goes through after opening day), but still holds the same line of not wanting to give players long-long term deals and huge money. Theo also believes in the strength of the organization and allowing the best players in the system grow and emerge in the big leagues. By bringing in a bunch of top tier free agents and signing them to massive deals, it doesn’t allow for the normal turnover and the emergence of fresh blood.
I’m not saying Crawford would not be an incredible addition in the Fenway outfield, but the large salary along with A-Gon’s deal will begin to handcuff the team and force them to make compromises in other areas of the club. The Sox now have more money to invest in the bullpen and on their bench, allowing for a more balanced team. A strong group of complementary players can make or break a top tier team, just ask the 2010 version of the Red Sox. The club won 89 games despite having most of their starting lineup injured because players like Bill Hall stepped up and had strong years to fill in for the starters. The bench isn’t going to be as good as your starters, for obvious reasons, but they can be critical down the stretch.
I have always had faith in Theo, although it faltered a bit on Saturday, and now is his time to shine. He loves to find value for his money and bring in underrated talent for less than market price. He will have to pay for some top tier bullpen help, but don’t be surprised to see Theo add a few low-risk, high potential reward pitchers and try them out in the Spring. As he did in 2010, Theo likes to have a basket-full of guys to choose from when camp breaks the end of March and then have a few guys sitting at AAA ready to jump to the majors at any time. If the Sox can add 1 more established reliever in the ‘pen for late game situations and then rely on a some small signings they will be in good shape next season.
It’s a great day to be a Red Sox fan and although no other major move is likely to occur this off-season, we can be satisfied with the 1 blockbuster that just went down. ‘Tis the season to be jolly alright.
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