Gordon Edes praises Theo Epstein and his master plan for keeping the Red Sox on top long term:
And the San Diego Padres are about to part ways with Gonzalez, their native son, beloved both for his play and his pedigree, because their bottom line was an impossible boundary to navigate.
This is the Darwinian reality of Major League Baseball, and the Red Sox, only slightly less than the New York Yankees, have become masters at exploiting the advantages that go to the strongest.
Still, it is a rare and remarkable event when a plan falls as perfectly into place as the one drawn up by Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein months ago, or even years ago. Gonzalez is the centerpiece of that plan, which gives the Red Sox certainty at virtually every position on the diamond for at least the next five years.
Edes notes that the Red Sox moves yield them five draft picks in the first 50 next June, meaning they should be able to replenish the prospects they lost in this trade. One can imagine Theo sitting in his office stroking a white cat while he issues directives to trade and draft players.
Gonzalez is seeking an eight year, $160 million contract extension. Given what Mark Teixeira received, that seems reasonable. However, Gonzalez is not a free agent, so no one is bidding against Boston. I also wonder if this deal was possible because Adrian was willing to sign an extension with the Red Sox. Certainly other teams might have matched Boston in terms of prospects, but teams would only make those trades if they could get Adrian long term.
“which gives the Red Sox certainty at virtually every position on the diamond for at least the next five years”
Not sure what Edes is talking about.
1B-Adrian (5+ years)
2B-Pedroia-2014 (option for 2015)
then
SS-Scutaro-2011 (option for 2012)
3B-Youkillis-2012 (option for 2013)
LF-Ellsbury-2013 (FA after 2013)
CF-Cameron -2011
RF-JD-2011
C-Salty (uncertain if he can keep job in 2011)
DH-Ortiz -2011
There are 4 positions where players could be in their last year. Only Pedroia is locked up for 5 years. Salty at C is hardly a certainty to even keep his job in 2011.
Prospects like Iglesias and Kalish are hardly a lock, and Iglesias is only under contract until 2013.
“I also wonder if this deal was possible because Adrian was willing to sign an extension with the Red Sox. Certainly other teams might have matched Boston in terms of prospects, but teams would only make those trades if they could get Adrian long term.”
How many teams had the prospects to deal AND could afford to sign Adrian beyond 2011 at Teixeira money AND needed a 1Bman. Kudos if you answered 1. If the Yankees or Phillies did not have Teixeira and Howard, then one of them could have competed for Adrian. The Red Sox were pretty much the Padres only option for a trade.
start with 7yrs 161 million 23/yr.It’s more then Texiera makes a year!Don’t worry Theo gets it done.You don’t give up that much and not sign Agon!Sign Crawford and a couple of guys for the bullpen!And we’re ready to roll!Nice job with trade Theo!Anthony Renaudo will help us forget Casey Kelly!