Red Sox and the Luxury Tax:Who Needs a Budget?

The Red Sox Luxury Tax: Much Ado About Nothing

The Shriekers of the Shortwave have been pounding out about how "disappointing" the Sox off season has been.  Many have just been raving that there is no difference between the Sox and the Yankees fortunes, and we should just start acting like Yankees part deux and get it over with.  I've also heard numerous references that the fans should be disgusted and give up their tickets.

 

I guess that makes sense - if you have the attention span of an insect.  Last off season, the Sox made two crazy amazing moves, that resulted in over $380 million (give or take) in contracts.  Surely, people don't think that's going to be an annual event? And if it was, would that be a good thing?  Let me recap:  Last two major free agent signings: Carl Crawford and John Lackey.  Last three legitimate Sox MVP candidates: Dustin Pedroia (winner 2008), Jacoby Ellsbury (second in 2011 and should have been first), and Kevin Youkilis (multiple years).  You know what those last three names all have in common?  They came out of the SYSTEM, not free agency.  If you really want the team to improve, it seems obvious you should spend more time watching the draft and the minors than the winter meetings.

 

The Yankees, one could argue, have fared little better this winter or on big signings in general.  Yes, CC has been a great free agent signing.  But A-rod and Texeria's contracts have looked bloated (especially A-rod's), and they aren't likely to look any better going forward. Jeter's contract is a problem.  There's been widespread speculation that Rivera won't be closing by the end of 2012, and they've done nothing to address that. Catcher remains an issue.  Despite the success of Colon and Garcia last year, the Yankees are in desperate need of pitching and have done nothing.

 

But that's the difference between a part-time Red Sox Blog and the radio - I don't need an endless stream of news to write commentary on the Sox, and they feel if there's nothing to talk about they need to complain as loud as they can the fans should be outraged.  The point that the facts are obviously not in their favor is not something they need to contend with.  But let's now focus on what has happened.

 

Big Predictions Look Good: 2 or 3 so far

I made 11 Green Monster Predictions in this post.  So far, I'm looking pretty good!  The notables:

1) Varitek won't be back.  It's all over but the crying folks.

2) Papelbon won't be back.

3) Bard is lined up to be a starter.  This will happen.

4) Closer by Committee returns.  At this point, all the Sox will say is that they have closing "options".  That sure sounds like a committee to me.

 

I'm not going to go 11 for 11 though - with Ortiz agreeing to Arbitration (a surprise), he essentially admitting that he can't get two years for 13 million - so he'll take one year for 11 or 12 million..  It certainly looks like the Sox are trying to get a "team friendly" two year deal - that will give them the flexibility to trade or release Ortiz if necessary in 2013.  Like Rivera, no one can play forever.  Signing Ortiz means there's no room for Lavarnway on the roster in the spring, so he'll have to keep working on his defense down in AAA.  Hence the welcome signing of Kelly Shoppach - a catcher with some nice upside to hold the fort until Lavarnway is ready.  He's cheap, competent and tradeable - the ideal fit for the Sox right now.

Red Sox Free Agent Signing for 2012

For those looking for the big free agent signing?  He's already signed folks.  His name is Carl Crawford.  If he comes back and returns to form, it will really change how this team performs on the field. You'll be replacing the WORST full-time player in MLB with one of the best. That's what I call an upgrade! You heard it here first.

 

 

 

Do Good Things Today!

Matt Heisler