Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

MLB compensation system should be destroyed

The Epstein Compensation issue isn't over yet.  Yes, we get Chris Carpenter, who's not even a poor man's Chris Carpenter.  But there's still that ridiculous "player to be named later" stipulation to work out.  Because there just hasn't been enough time to work out ALL the details over the past 4 months.  Wouldn't surprise me if it takes another 4 months to bicker over which 32 year old career minor leaguer will complete the deal.

While the absurdity continues in the background, if we take a step back from the process, there are quite a few things we can learn about not only this specific situation, but MLB's compensation system in general.

First, and foremost, the Red Sox are morons.  When the initial Epstein-to-Cubs conversations were taking place, names like Starlin Castro and Matt Garza were being bandied about.  While most didn't think the Sox would get someone with quite their pedigree, it was apparent that the Cubs were going to have to part with someone that was going to cause them some pain.  All anyone had to do was look at what the Marlins had to give up to get Guillen from the White Sox.  The man being given the reigns to the Cubs franchise is surely on par with a manager, if not higher.  Fast forward a week or so, and the Sox decide to let Epstein go without any agreement in place.  Fast forward a little further, with Epstein fully entrenched in Chicago, and the Cubs are thumbing their noses at Boston refusing to give up anything.

And why should they?  They've already got what they wanted.  If the Red Sox were going to insist on getting a player back, they'd have to go through the commissioner's office.  And, they did.  And we all know how that turned out.  All the Sox had to do was hold onto Epstein until an agreement was made.  But, as they are in most areas, the Sox were too smart for that. 

But the bigger problem is the compensation system in general.  To put it simply: it needs to be nuked.  It doesn't need to be altered.  We don't need to tweak it.  It needs to be destroyed in such a way that it never returns.  And left in its wake will be: nothing.  No compensation system at all.

If Epstein is signed through the 2012 season and he wants to go to Chicago before his contract is up, he can ask the Sox to be released.  They can say "yes" or "no".  If they say yes, maybe he has to buy out the last year of his contract and Henry gets a few more dollars in his pocket.  If they say "no", he has to hang around Fenway for 12 more months, at which point he's free to sign anywhere he wants.  Same for managers.  If an Ozzie Guillen isn't working out with the White Sox and he'd rather head down to Florida, the White Sox have the option to let him go or make him stay.  And if they let him go, they get nothing in return.

There's no reason it shouldn't be this simple. These aren't players.  They're personnel.  Trading personnel is a) stupid and b) far too messy.  We've just had a front row seat to that.  Instead of trying to set "guidelines" around every conceivable personnel swapping scenario, as some are suggesting, the whole idea should be erased.

Because no franchise needs to be embarrassed in the way the Sox have been embarrassed over the past 4 months.  Except maybe the Orioles.  Those guys deserve everything they get.

Sox get Chris Carpenter from Cubs for Theo

It's finally over! Well, mostly. The Sox have received Chris Carpenter as compensation for Theo. The two teams will still have to exchange players to be named later to finish up the deal. Not sure why that is necessary, but it is.

This is not the 36-year-old Christopher John Carpenter of the Cardinals, this is 26-year-old Christoper John Carpenter with very limited work in the majors that will likely start in Pawtucket. Carpenter has pitched 9.2 major league innings in relief, giving up 12 hits, 3 ER, and striking out 8.

All the wait for this guy? I must be missing something.

Update:

I guess he has some potential.

Cubs' Garza takes a jab at Boston

There's definitely still some bad blood between former Ray Matt Garza and the Boston Red Sox.

For whatever reason, someone at Cubs camp decided to ask Matt Garza what he remembered about Theo's tenure as GM of the Sox.  And, well, the Globe's Amalie Benjamin is reporting that Garza provided this response:

"That I was able to kick the crap out of them every year, year in and year out, for the last three seasons. That's what I remember."

Touché, Matt.  That's pretty much what I remember too...

Despite the Sox knocking Garza around a bit in 2010 (5.14 ERA, .286 BAA), in 2009  Garza held the Sox to 13 runs over 42.2 innings with 38 K's.  Garza also beat the Sox twice in the 2008 ALCS, winning the crucial game 7.  Overall, he's 7-4 with a 3.63 ERA against Boston.  Which is why we couldn't have been happier to see him traded out of the AL East last offseason.

Other than the fact that it's fun to see a little passion in the early stages of Spring Training, this could come into play when if Selig ever decides on the proper compensation for Theo's departure.  While I seriously doubt that Garza is the guy the Cubs are going to have to part with, it's worth noting that they've just recently pulled him off the trading block. 

But if we do luck ourselves into Garza, a pitcher with not only some fire and a bit of an attitude, but some actual talent, may not be the worst thing to have in the clubhouse.  At least we'll have something to talk about other than fake and half-hearted apologies over something that happened half a year ago.

Epstein Saga: Day 2,867

 

Remember at the end of January when we thought the Epstein compensation issue would be resolved fairly quickly, as both the Sox and Cubs submitted written proposals to Selig?  And he was all, oh, I'll get this thing resolved "as expeditiously as possible"? 

Well, apparently Bud Selig is a dirty liar and those written proposals were just one step in this process.  NESN is reporting today that both sides have now submitted "written arguments" to Selig. That's right.  Two plus weeks ago both clubs submitted written proposals.  Now, written arguments.  

And in case you were wondering if Selig is putting a time frame around these shenanigans yet: BAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Last month I suggested that baseball hold a Judge Judy-style televised hearing to sort this out.  At the time, I was joking.  Not anymore.  I think we need to take my idea one step further and actually get Judge Judy to intervene and end this charade once and for all.  Selig clearly isn't up to the challenge.  Judge Judy will make her ruling within 30 minutes.  And, if you weren't aware, her rulings are final.

Your Morning Dump...Will Selig ever decide on compensation for Theo?

Every morning we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump...

So what is the status of the Theo Epstein compensation?

When you ask, you get, “I don’t know.’’

The matter is in the hands of the Commissioner’s Office, but there is no timetable on when Bud Selig is going to rule on it.

This is no small issue; it’s one that could have ramifications on future cases.

Red Sox officials seem to think they’ll know what they’ll be getting from the Cubs “before the official start of spring training.’’ But is that when pitchers and catchers report, or when the full squad shows up?...

Globe: You say you want a resolution?

I am getting tired of reading headlines about the Theo Epstein compensation from the Cubs. We know it is taking a long time, and we know Bud Selig is going to continue taking his sweet time resolving this matter.

We knew the Sox and Cubs were not going to get this matter resolved quickly when the Cubs turned down the idea to send Garza to Boston for Theo. That sounded like a good deal to me. Who knows what else was exchanged by the two teams and rejected.

the whole point of the Globe article is what we have all learned and realized from this transaction and not expect anything in the near future. The Sox are looking for compensation that may be the equivalent to trading a player like Jon Lester to the Cubs. The Cubs may see that player like Jon Lester and replace him with someone like, Darnell McDonald. The point is, these teams can't find common ground and Bud Selig has to get off of his ass and give the Sox something good. On a scale from one to ten, the Sox deserve a player that is at least a 7.

The rest of the links:

Herald: Spring training starts with sluggers in new places | Sox can point to wild cards | Globe: The Ortiz case, from both sides of the plate

Your Morning Dump... Where the Epstein drama is nearing its end

Every morning we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump...

The Cubs and Red Sox have submitted written proposals – thought to include names of players – to commissioner Bid Selif in hopes of settling their dispute over compensation for Theo Epstein switching allegiance.

“I’d like to get it done as expeditiously as possible,” commissioner Bud Selig said Friday evening at SoxFest.

“The clubs tried to settle it themselves. I have a lot of patience because everything controversial generally winds up on my desk,” he said. “In this case, I did give the clubs more latitude and hoped they could come to some conclusion. But they didn’t and now it’s my case.”

The Red Sox reportedly originally asked for starter Matt Garza as compensation for the Cubs hiring Epstein as their president. Names have gone back and forth, including former Cubs’ first-round pick Josh Vitters.

Chicago Tribune - Selig: No timeframe for solving Cubs-Red Sox compensation

I'm happy that Selig is going to get this resolved as "expeditiously as possible", but can he really not give himself a deadline?  Both the Sox and Cubs have provided their proposals for what they think is fair. How long should it honestly take for Selig to sit down and determine who the Sox should receive?  Two hours?  Three?  15 minutes? 

I understand there isn't a precendence for this, but that should almost make this process easier.  This decision is Selig's, and Selig's alone.  He's not bound by anything. 

And maybe once Selig does resolve this matter once and for all, we can stop trying to digest stories like this:

The Sox have signed right-hander John Maine to a minor league contract that does not include an invitation to spring training, according to a major league source.

Maine has not pitched since 2010 thanks to shoulder surgery. The 30-year-old is 41-36 lifetime with a 4.35 ERA over seven seasons with the Orioles and Mets.

Maine signed with the Rockies last season but never made it out of Triple A, going 1-3 with a 7.43 ERA in 11 starts for Colorado Springs.

Herald - Source: Sox sign RHP Maine

OK, maybe I'm being a little harsh here.  The Sox have absolutely nothing invested in John Maine.  It would be neat if he suddenly became a quality pitcher, but highly unlikely after getting lit up in AAA last year.  But the man doesn't even have an invite to Spring Training built into his contract, so you can probably expect this to be the last time you hear about Maine.

Unless he shocks the world.

Rest of the links:

Globe - Red Sox tickets go digital to foil scalping | Selig expects expanded playoffs to start this year | WEEI - It's official: Selig to decide Theo comp | CSNNE - Valentine positive about progress in clubhouse

Selig forced to resolve Theo compensation impasse

Something that should have decided within a few days months ago is finally ending up on the commissioner's desk.  Both the Red Sox and Cubs have asked Bud Selig to decide what the Sox should receive for Epstein's jump to Chicago.

However, exactly when and how Selig is going to resolve this is still up for debate.  Via the Chicago Sun-Times:

At issue is what constitutes the “valuable compensation” the Red Sox say they were promised, according to a source familiar with the team’s correspondence with the league.

It’s unclear how long Selig will take. Also unclear is whether the solution will involve ordering a specific player or players to the Red Sox or setting parameters. There appears to be no precedent for it.

Instead of having the commissioner decide this behind closed doors, I think the Cubs and Sox should have to battle this out on TV, Judge Judy style.  Lucchino fits the role of scumbag-lawyer perfectly.  I'm sure the Cubs have someone equally sleazy they can roll out there.  I see no downside in this.  It may not rival "The Decision", but don't tell me you wouldn't tune in for that.

While common sense tells us that the Red Sox were morons for letting Epstein sign with Chicago before agreeing on the compensation, according to the Sun-Times, the fact that the process was "backwards" weighs heavily in the Sox' favor.  Doesn't make sense to me, but I'll take it.  Even more intriguing is the thought that the Sox are still holding out for Matt Garza.  I seriously doubt the Sox get anything beyond a few mid-level prospects at this point, but it would be quite the coup and jolt to the pitching staff if they could get Garza. 

Former Sox agree on Rizzo deal to Cubs

More activity between former co-workers came today as Jed Hoyer convinced Josh Byrnes to trade Anthony Rizzo from the Padres to the Cubs for three prospects. That's a lot of former Red Sox employees. The Padres had acquired 1B prospect Yonder Alonso from Cincinnati in the Mat Latos deal, making Rizzo expendable.

Given the Cubs are run by Theo (who drafted Rizzo) and Hoyer (who acquired him from Theo for Adrian Gonzalez), the destination is not a surprise. What is a surprise: how all these former Sox are moving pieces around while the actual Sox have not received any compensation from the Cubs for the aforementioned Theo.

The popular story of their negotiations has been that the Cubs don't have much in the way of prospects, so they don't want to give up anyone significant. But somehow they have enough to trade away three to acquire Rizzo. I don't blame them -- no one's told them to halt their business or anything, and Rizzo seems like a talented young player. And hey, I wouldn't want to give up much in compensation for an executive who is already working for me anyway.

Ultimately, the blame for this lies with the Red Sox, who should never have let Theo out of his contract before compensation was decided. Why were we so quick to allow it? It's not like Cherington was going to turn down the position. This is getting out of hand, and the Sox' inability to get anyone is ridiculous. I'd complain that Selig should have stepped in by now, but it's not his fault that the Red Sox willingly let Theo out of his deal for no reason.

[Photo credit: Stephen Green]

Your Morning Dump... Where Sweeney may or may not thrive in Boston

Every morning we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

"Last year was probably the hardest year I ever had playing baseball, not from the standpoint of doing good or doing bad, but just mentally I don't wish going from a starter to a backup player on anybody," Sweeney said. "Playing once or twice a week or going in there and pinch-hitting against a closer or whatever, that's a tough thing to do and be successful. It was frustrating for me last year being an everyday player and only getting to play once or twice a week -- that was pretty tough."

"...I was just really excited to be able to play for the Red Sox. And they sounded like they were excited to have me and being the type of player -- how I hit, with the Monster and everything -- hopefully I can hit a lot of doubles off that wall."

Yes, Sweeney could very well emerge into one of those players who is more valuable to the Red Sox than other teams, both because of his hitting style -- a gap hitter who goes the other way -- and his fielding prowess. Fenway might be the toughest right field in all of baseball.

MLB.com - Gritty Sweeney excited to join Red Sox

Let's get the bad news out of the way first.  If Sweeney can't adapt to playing a couple days a week (and from his quote above, he can't) we should probably lower any expectations we had for this guy right now.  Unless he separates himself during Spring Training and outright wins the every day job (which is a possibility) more than likely Valentine is going to platoon Sweeney, McDonald and Aviles out there; ride the hot bat, play the matchups, etc., etc.

Not to mention the possibility that Cherington brings in a right-handed hitter to play right, although that seems less likely by the day.

Negatives out of the way, it's also very possible that Sweeney could thrive in Boston.  I still don't know a ton about the guy, but he was a pretty highly-touted prospect at one point.  And, as I stated yesterday, the Sox don't need another All-Star caliber playing patrolling right.  They just need someone who, first and foremost, can handle right field at Fenway -- and it appears that Sweeney has that ability -- and secondarily, someone that's not a guaranteed out at the plate.  Check and check.  Although third on the list is a right-handed bat, which Sweeney doesn't posses.

There haven't been too many positions up for grabs recently in Boston, so having some excitement and a little drama in right is a nice change from the Drew era.

On Page 2, you can cross Soriano off the potential right fielder list.

Your Morning Dump... Where Garza is still in play

Every morning we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

The Detroit Tigers have emerged as a suitor for Chicago Cubs starter Matt Garza.

Interest in Garza has picked up recently, major league sources say, and the Tigers are involved. Multiple teams are pursuing Garza aggressively, increasing the odds that the right-handed starter will be dealt before spring training.

The Boston Red Sox hope to add at least one starting pitcher and are fond of Garza, but they don’t have active trade talks with the Cubs right now, according to one source. It’s unclear if Boston has the prospects to swing a deal for Garza after using so much minor league depth to acquire relievers Andrew Bailey and Mark Melancon.

Fox Sports - Sources: Tigers join pursuit of Cubs’ Garza

It seems like everybody nowadays wants Garza, including everyone in the AL East; except his former team. 

In a fair and just world, the Cubs would have to move him to Boston for a couple spare parts.  You know, because they stole their President of Baseball Operations from us and have yet to give us anything in return.  At the minimum, Epstein should be worth a top-5 prospect or a couple top-10, which I'm sure the Cubs are trying to get for Garza (whether he's worth that is another discussion).  So the Red Sox shouldn't have to worry about having to part with one of the top few remaining prospects they have left.  Epstein should be the check in that box.

But it's not a fair world.  And the Cubs have been taking a huge dump on the Sox ever since they agreed to let Epstein move to Chicago.  It's apparent that once the Cubs get their team and farm system set for 2012, they'll figure out who doesn't fit into their long-term plans and flip them over to Boston.  We'll sit there and take it.  And to think, it wasn't that long ago people assumed the Cubs may have to part with Sterling Castro or Garza to bring Esptein onboard.  That the Sox ownership group was too strong and savvy for the Cubs.  Tom Ricketts is probably still laughing at that one.

So now we're left to watch the Cubs trade Garza back to the AL, where he'll surely dominate the Red Sox once again.  I just ask that they keep him out of the East.  If you can't give us anything for Epstein, you could at least do this small favor.

Rest of the links, or, Rich Hill links:

Herald - Mending Hill has high hopes for Sox bullpen | WEEI - Sources: Hill inks minor league deal with Sox | Globe - Red Sox sign Hill to minor league deal