Truth & Rumors > MLB

Would Red Sox dare to shop Big Papi?

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Theo Epstein is nothing if not logical, so we wouldn't be shocked to learn that the Red Sox' bloodless general manager is quietly shopping David Ortiz this off-season. We have no hard evidence to support this suspicion, mind you. It's just that, if certain things fall into place during the hot stove season, it makes more sense than some of us wish to admit. Consider: Should the Red Sox win the Mark Teixeira lottery -- and we're absolutely convinced that a lucrative-bordering-on-obscene offer will be forthcoming from Yawkey Way -- manager Terry Francona will be obligated to try to cram four high-quality everyday players (Ortiz, Teixeira, Kevin Youkilis, Mike Lowell) into three positions (third base, first base, designated hitter). Rather than dealing with that conundrum (not to mention the egos), it's more likely that the Sox would deal one of the quartet -- most likely Lowell, assuming he returns in good form after hip surgery. But it's no longer blasphemous to suggest that Epstein should at least gauge interest in the 33-year-old Ortiz as well.

Boston Globe

David Ortiz, Doug Pensinger/Getty Images David Ortiz, Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
November 21, 2008  05:01 AM ET

if they did acquire tex, its either papi or lowell...hmm that is pretty hard to decide. i say keep papi.

November 21, 2008  05:45 AM ET

If Epstein has a brain, which I'm sure he does, he'll call for a press conference by 11 am this morning televised live on NESN to call BS on this Boston Globe story. If it is true, what we have here is the Northeast version of the San Diego Padres.

November 21, 2008  05:49 AM ET

Well you have to be able to get it up and perform. If you cannot get up off the bench and play on a daily basis....then like ****? Why rely on tomatoes, when you can have katchup? Bring in the Tex-man and let's get the job done.

November 21, 2008  06:28 AM ET
QUOTE:

Boy, I'd have a hard time choosing between Mike Lowell and Big Papi. Of course I'm thinking with my heart, not my brain ... if I was thinking with my brain I think I'd say let Mikey go but I respect the hell out of both these guys. I wouldn't want to be the one making the decision.

Shoppy Papi?

November 21, 2008  06:44 AM ET
QUOTE:

Boy, I'd have a hard time choosing between Mike Lowell and Big Papi. Of course I'm thinking with my heart, not my brain ... if I was thinking with my brain I think I'd say let Mikey go but I respect the hell out of both these guys. I wouldn't want to be the one making the decision.

Not me, Cat. Keep Papi. Pro DH w/lefty bat. Lowell, who is a fav of mine, is RH with not as much power. If they're shopping Papi it means there is no market for Lowell.

November 21, 2008  07:01 AM ET

Morning, Ms. Cat.

November 21, 2008  07:27 AM ET

Why wouldn't they? they have a great track record of burning there past players who have been good to them. All they have to do is convince they're disciples (RSN) that it's for the greater good and they're on board. Would anybody really be surprised? Think about it? Only Ortiz and Varitek are left from the '04 team including starting pitchers. I predict they both leave this offseason. I mean it's Red Sox, their disciples (or sheep) will never question it.

November 21, 2008  07:47 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

Why rely on tomatoes, when you can have katchup?

Oh. My. God.

November 21, 2008  07:54 AM ET
QUOTE(#11):

Only Ortiz and Varitek are left from the '04 team including starting pitchers.

Which members from the '04 team are still playing productive baseball? Manny? Millar - maybe? Where are Bellhorn, Mueller, Damon, Kapler, Mirabelli, Nixon, Mientkiewicz, Pedro, Arroyo, Embree, Leskanic and Foulke? Which of them would you have suggested they'd kept to this point?

November 21, 2008  07:56 AM ET
QUOTE:

Xlinkey, you slay me homes! Great edit job on Bonds. :)

Morning, Kpimp. Glad you enjoyed. I just couldn't let the whole tomatoes or katchup thing slide -- what the hell does that mean?

I'm also glad that our pet, Roy, despite his best efforts, has failed to have us raized. <snicker>

November 21, 2008  07:58 AM ET

This is a tough one. Papi has been clutch for them, and barring last year, very healthy for them. Long term, it makes more sense to keep Lowell who can play third and first if needed, Tex (that is, if they are truly trying to sign him,) and Youk to either play first or DH depending on how they will use Tex. Loyalty factor, they would likely trade Lowell. I just think Lowell has more good years in him.
Of course, this is all on the assumption that we can get Tex. And that we want him. Because, it means sacrificing one of those three others to bring him in. Or at least that's the only scenario I can see.....

November 21, 2008  08:03 AM ET

Happy Friday fakers!

November 21, 2008  08:03 AM ET

Oh oh

November 21, 2008  08:03 AM ET

page 2

November 21, 2008  08:03 AM ET

Ha! I beat u kitty!

November 21, 2008  08:04 AM ET

Oh wait... Of course I did- I'm the only **** person here...

November 21, 2008  08:04 AM ET

Honestly, this is pretty severe speculation. Ortiz and Lowell are both due about $24M over the next two years. If the Red Sox opt to keep Lowell and get rid of Ortiz, I will chew my baseball-seam-tatooed tongue off.

November 21, 2008  08:05 AM ET

Morning, Fact. Gotta drive to the office. BBL.

November 21, 2008  08:06 AM ET
QUOTE(#25):

Morning, Fact. Gotta drive to the office. BBL.

Mornin brother!

 
November 21, 2008  08:08 AM ET
QUOTE(#24):

If the Red Sox opt to keep Lowell and get rid of Ortiz, I will chew my baseball-seam-tatooed tongue off.

I don't think that would be exactly a good idea my friend... However, it would get a bit quieter round here...

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