When the Red Sox took two out of three from the Yankees,
things were looking better for the Sox. Then they followed up with being
swept by the Chicago Cubs, along with going 1-5 on this current home stand. Now it
cannot look any bleaker. With a record of 39-49 and sitting in last place, the
Red Sox probably will not be playing October baseball this year.
So, other than October baseball, July brings another one of
my favorite times- the trade deadline. I love the wheeling and dealing, moving
prospects out of desperation and seeing teams make a push for the missing
pieces as they attempt to make a run at the playoffs. It’s where teams
show their true identities and make gambles. I love it.
With the trade deadline on my mind, I have devised a couple
of thoughts about how the Red Sox’s deadline should look like for this Red Sox
Rant:
At the Deadline, Red
Sox need to trade Catcher A.J. Pierzynski and call up Christian Vazquez
A.J. Pierzynski has no impact on this Red Sox team. With or
without Pierzynski, the Red Sox have the same chances at a playoff run. And, if
they ultimately decide they are not in contention, Red Sox Nation will not
blame it on a Pierzynski trade.
At first, I thought the Sox should bring up Dan Butler. Butler is 27 years old and has more service time in the minors than Vazquez, who is only 23. But
then I looked up Butler's struggles at triple A and how he is not really considered a
prospect, so I elected to decide to call up Vazquez. Vazquez is considered as the
Red Sox’s ninth best prospect. Bringing up Vazquez falls in line with the
Mookie Betts call up and the awarded playing time to Bogaerts and Bradley Jr.
in attempt to let the youth play. They should give Vazquez a small taste of the
big leagues before he earns full time catching duties. Now is the best time
to do so.
Dealing closer Koji
Uehara is a must at the deadline.
At 39 years old, many will consider Uehara as the current best
closer in the game. Until last week. The untouchable closer was hit hard twice,
giving up three runs and four hits in three innings. Uehara was granted the
loss in one of those games. At 39, all pitchers have one leg out the door and I
think Uehara is finally showing signs. This makes it the perfect time to deal
him away. With the Red Sox struggling, they should maximize their future gains
through Uehara by getting a good prospect in return. The best closer in the
game will not make a difference on this team.
If the Red Sox trade
Uehara, Andrew Miller should become the new closer
Back in 2012 when Andrew Bailey went down to a thumb injury,
my top two picks (in order) to take over closing situations were Andrew Miller
and Alfredo Aceves. In a failed experiment, unfortunately the Red Sox granted Aceves
the role. But still, Miller has a good frame (6’7”) and has the stats to back
him up. In 33.2 innings, Miller has a 2.41 ERA with 22 hits and 55 strikeouts.
If Uehara is not closing, Miller is the best candidate. I would give Miller the
chance, and then the team could always fall back on Junichi Tazawa.
With the Red Sox sitting at nine games out of a wild card
spot, the Red Sox probably will not be buyers at this year’s deadline. But in a
perfect world, the Red Sox would be the best team in baseball. If it were so, I
have a couple moves that would fit the team. They would solidify the right side
of their infield and acquire someone in the outfield who is actually good. I
would have them acquiring third baseman Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres
and left fielder Josh Willingham of the Minnesota Twins. With Headley rather
down this season, he wouldn’t cost a huge prospect. The same goes for
Willingham who is coming off injury.
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