Sox need 3-team trade to move Youk for a Starter

With Youk’s value in free fall, only the clinically-diagnosable rabid Red Sox fan calling into sports talk radio still fantasizes about acquiring a #4 slot starter in a one-for-one trade.

But, there is a viable 3-team deal with the Sox, Dodgers, and Astros out there.

SOX NEED: #4 slot starter [preferably a proven LHP].
SOX’ CHIPS: Youkilis, Shoppach.[Punto]

DODGERS NEED: A real Third baseman, veteran hitter.
DODGERS’ CHIPS: Pitching prospects.

ASTROS NEED: Pitching prospects.
ASTROS’ CHIPS: #4 slot starter, proven LHP, Wandy Rodriguez.

TEAMS’ CURRENT CONTEXT

The Dodgers are in first place in the NL West, but realize they need a bit more offense, especially from 3b [EX: J. Uribe, J. Hairston, A. Kennedy, E. Herrera ] Less than two weeks ago they were held hitless by six  Seattle Mariners pitchers; Tuesday night, they squeaked out just two hits off Oakland pitchers.

Also, L.A. is very young behind the plate [A. Ellis, M. Treanor] and could use a veteran catcher, say, Shoppach.

The Sox need to send Bard back to the pen to set up for Aceves [later Bailey] and given that Beckett has become injury prone, Buchholz is still a work in progress and Doubrant [remember him?] is just establishing himself in the Majors, a proven #4 LHP seems prudent to make a serious run at the playoffs.

The Astros are at the “just cleared the lot”rebuilding stage and as desperate as the Red Sox to trade a veteran with a big contract, who is a misfit for their current needs.

The collective salaries of Carlos Lee, Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Brandon Lyons are $45 million in salary for 2012–roughly 75 percent of the entire team payroll, according to USA Today.

Considering the historical reputation of the Dodgers for developing quality pitching prospects, Houston would welcome trading Wandy Rod for two promising young arms.

THE DEAL

"DODGERS GET: Youkilis and Shoppach.ASTROS GET: Two Dodger pitching prospects; likely RHPs: Garrett Gould and  Zach Lee, both ETA 2014; other possibles are ETA 2013: RHPs: Allen Webster, Angel Sanchez, Chris Withrow, Ethan Martin, Shawn Tolleson OR LHP Chris Reed.SOX GET: Wandy Rodriguez [LHP]"

SMALL PRINT:

Astros will cover half of Rodriguez’ 2012 salary, about $5 million, pro-rated. The Sox are then on the hook for 2013 for $13 million and 2014 with a Team Option, $2.5M which may become guaranteed based on performance; option becomes player option with trade.

If the Dodgers take Shoppach, the pay remainder of Youk’s $12 million salary; in 2013: $13M Dodgers’ Team Option, $1M Buyout he then becomes a FA. Dodgers assume balance of Shoppach’s 2012 salary, $1.35 million.
If the Dodgers pass on Shoppach, the Red Sox pay half [$6 million] remainder of Youk’s $12 million salary; in 2013: $13M Dodgers’ Team Option, $1M Buyout he then becomes a FA.

[NOTE: Given their weakness at backups for 3b, SS, and 2b [EX: J. Uribe, J. Hairston, A. Kennedy, E. Herrera ] L.A. may prefer Nick Punto to Shoppach, although a veteran catcher, who can handle their pitchers may be more appealing.] Punto is due $1.5 million for 2012 and 2013.

If Shoppach goes to L.A., the Sox would call up MLB-ready Ryan Lavarnway; to wit: 32% CS, .306/.397/.481; June:.404/.474/.754, four of his seven homers, strikeouts just 15 percent of the time.

Ben, I know you are reading my posts; you can have all the credit for this idea; just get off your ass and do it.
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