Ted's Army: The Voice of Red Sox fans

Your Morning Dump...Where Ross gets what the Sox didn't want to give him

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.

Cody Ross signed a three-year, $26 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks in a deal that came together Tuesday when the D-Backs brass got together and decided to target the Scottsdale, Az. resident.

Ross said he never got back to the Red Sox or any of them teams interested once the Diamondbacks put together their offer.

On the Red Sox he said, “I don’t know what happened but we could never agree on terms. They thought I’d come back no matter what because they thought I loved playing there. And I did. Who wouldn’t love playing at Fenway Park? I just wanted a fair deal. I told them what I wanted. I wasn’t trying to break the bank. They weren’t willing to do it.”

Major League sources indicate that the Red Sox were trying to re-sign Ross for two years, but Ross was seeking a three-year deal at between $21-$31 million the figures that comparables Josh Willingham and Michael Cuddyer signed with the Twins and Rockies respectively last offseason.

Globe: Ross on Sox: We could never agree on terms

I was surprised that Cody Ross signed a 3-year, $26 million deal with the Diamondbacks. Since the Red Sox were actively trying to sign Ross and the process had taken so long, I assumed he was looking for something in the range of $15 million+. Just over $8 million over 3 years doesn't seem like something the Red Sox would pass up on. Just look at the other contracts brought in by Cherington and the Sox.

I wish I knew the terms that the two sides couldn't agree on. I would assume the Red Sox didn't want to give him 3 years due to his age and possible injury concerns. Ross seemed fine when he came off the DL in 2012 when he fractured a bone in his left foot, but there could be something lingering. Whatever it may have been, the Sox couldn't sign him and we have to look elsewhere for that vacant right field position. He is going to tear it up in Arizona, which is one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the majors.

On Page 2, What is the deal with Napoli's hips?

Your Morning Dump... where Cody Ross is still kinda sorta an option

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.

Cody Ross is still in free agent limbo, awaiting a team to sign him to the three-year deal he’s been seeking.

The Red Sox say they’re still in it, but with Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino added to the outfield mix and Gomes being righthanded, it seems tough to figure where Ross fits. Ross, who had a strong season on a one-year, $3 million deal, told the Red Sox from the outset his comparisons were Josh Willingham and Michael Cuddyer.

Willingham received a three-year, $21 million deal from the Twins after they let Cuddyer sign a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Rockies last winter. The Red Sox gave Victorino a three-year, $39 million deal, but Ross wasn’t signed for what seemed to be a lesser salary demand, and he excelled at Fenway.

Willingham signed with Minnesota after hitting .246 with 29 homers, 98 RBIs, and an .810 OPS for the A’s in 2011. Cuddyer hit .284 with 20 homers, 70 RBIs, and an .805 OPS with the Twins in 2011 before signing with Colorado. Ross hit .267 with 22, homers, 81 RBIs, and an .807 OPS with the Red Sox in 2012.

Globe: Sox still in on Cody Ross

With who is still on market right now, it feels like Cody is the best player to sign for our outfield, it's just a matter of how long we sign him for. If the Sox are able to re-sign Jacoby Ellsbury next season, he'll keep his position in center, which means Jackie Bradley Jr. could be used as a corner outfielder come 2013.

This means that either Victorino, or whoever is playing RF is on the bench. If they sign Ross to something similar to Victorino or Michael Cuddyer's deal, that means a $10 million dollar player is stiting on the bench.

While I see Victorino as a Plan B for centerfield with they do trade or fail to re-sign Jacoby, they have already committed to him financially and with the AL East contiuing to stockpile high quality players, is it worth signing Cody Ross to a three year deal if you're planning on bringing JB Jr. up next season? The best case scenario would be a one year, $13 million deal. Yeah they overpay a little but at least they get to keep their options open.

Rest of the Links: Globe: Rate the new guys | | Herald: J.D.'s brother holds Drew to form | CSNNE:  The waiting game | Will Iglesias ever be Sox regular SS? | WEEI: Why Drew is a gamble worth taking

Your Morning Dump...The market is heating up for Cody Ross

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 Red Sox signed Shane Victorino to man right field next season, but Cody Ross still out there on the free agent market.

His market is reportedly starting to heat up.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Phillies are "intensifying" their efforts to bring the former Red Sox outfielder to Philadelphia.  He has also been courted by Seattle this offseason.

CSNNE: Report: Phillies 'intensify' pursuit of Cody Ross

I am surprised more teams are not actively pursuing Cody Ross. Sure, money is the reason why more teams are not, but he's not looking for Hamilton money. It again raises the question of, why don't the Red Sox just sign him? I wish I knew the answer. Is there a lingering injury that they are concerned about? Are they testing out the market to see what other teams are willing to offer him? Or, do they not want to pay him more than double of what they paid him last season? Probably the latter.

Cody Ross will probably sign elsewhere by the end of the week and we'll move on.

On Page 2, Kevin Youkilis doesn't care about the reaction of Red Sox fans

Your Morning Dump...where the Sox want all the free agents

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 Red Sox's positional plan is starting to emerge, and it includes the trio of catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli and outfielders Nick Swisher and Cody Ross.

The Red Sox are in contact with all three players, and all are considered in play. The Red Sox seek a first baseman and two outfielders, and it appears this is their top triumvirate.

Napoli is also talking to the Mariners and Rangers, but one rival exec said he sees the Red Sox as the favorite. Napoli has been a natural from the start, with his 1.107 career OPS at Fenway Park.

CBSSports | Red Sox are targeting a trio: Napoli, Swisher, and Cody Ross

I know, none of these names are exactly new to the Red Sox rumor mill. But to this point it has seemed like a choice: The Sox would sign Swisher or Ross for right field. Or the Sox would sign Swisher or Napoli for first base. Two of the three seemed plausible, although the David Ross and Jonny Gomes signings cut into potential platoons.

But all three? In a poor free agent market, where players are likely to be more overpaid than usual in both years and dollars? When the team is not a contender? 

It's perplexing. It would lead to, obviously, a stronger on-field product. Let's say for a minute the Sox do sign all three (though I would say that's very unlikely). The outfield would be Ellsbury surrounded by some combination of Swisher, Ross, and Gomes depending on the opposing pitcher. The infield would be Middlebrooks, Iglesias (until we hear otherwise), Pedroia, and Swisher or Napoli. The catcher would be Salty, Lavarnway, Ross, Napoli, Rich Gedman, Jason Varitek's wife, and whatever other catchers they have on the 40-man.

It would give them flexibility, certainly. And the lineup would be pretty strong -- a lot of high on-base guys, a good combination of lefties and righties, and enough balance that no one hitter can be pitched around.

The problems? Well, for one, all three are going to be overpaid. You're probably looking at three or four years of $13+ mil a year for Napoli, four or five years for at least that for Swisher, and three years and $10-12 mil annually for Ross. The team would be investing somewhere between $100-$150 million on three players who, on a good team, should all hit sixth or later in the lineup. And all three top out as average defenders. 

And the kicker: This team would still probably finish 4th in the division.

I'd rather us be selective -- pick the best of the bunch (in my opinion, Napoli), give Kalish a full-time gig, and save the money for a better opportunity, whether it's a trade for someone another team has tired of, or free agency in a more potent year.

Herald | Trade Jon Lester now, Ben Cherington | Shopping Sox want Mike Napoli first | Globe | Mike Napoli's value peaks as he hits free agent market | ESPNBoston | Team source shoots down Lester rumor | Why Red Sox should target Mauer

Your Morning Dump... Where we talk about Cody Ross

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.

Even though free-agent outfielder Cody Ross is reportedly seeking a three-year contract, if the Boston Red Sox were to offer him slightly less -- say, in the range of two years and $16 million -- it could be a deal that works best for both sides.

Ross, 31, proved to be a quality asset to the Red Sox both on and off the field in 2012. He has said he would like to return to Boston. Red Sox GM Ben Cherington has admitted as much and both sides have been talking since the end of last season.

If he wants to re-sign with Boston, then now is the time. With the core group the Red Sox have in place, including a new manager in John Farrell, Boston could be positioned to compete in the AL East in 2013 and beyond.

ESPN - Sox should sign Cody Ross

There's no news, or really anything of value in Joe McDonald's article above.  It's more or less a plea to Boston and Ross, stating that the two should just put this silly offseason behind them and come to terms.

And I tend to agree with McDonald.  Ross was clearly a good fit with this team, and this city.  While he's no Ted Williams, he had more than a few shining moments and the fanbase thoroughly got behind him.  It was a smart signing for both Cody and the club.  Everybody benefited.  I see no reason we need to terminate this relationship.

But there's one part of McDonald's argument I completely disagree with.  I would be astonished if Cody Ross signed somewhere for $16 million over two years.  Not on the heels of the Torii Hunter signing.  As Scott pointed out, Hunter's deal knocked Cody's pricetag two or three levels higher.  You can argue whether Hunter, at 37, is a better player than Cody.  But he's certainly not $10 million better. 

If you want to bridge that gap without writing a blank check, you're going to need to add at least one more year onto that deal.  Then you have to ask yourself whether you want to be locked in for three more years of Cody Ross.  The answer to that, for the Red Sox, probably depends on the Ellsbury situation.  

It's times like this when I start to realize just how complex Cherington's job can be. 

Rest of the links:

WEEI - Sox didn't pursue Melky Cabrera | Sox plan more hitting coach interviews | Globe - Another black mark on the 2012 Red Sox | CSNNE - Peter Guber talks Boston, sports ownership & failure

Torii Hunter signs with the Tigers

What's that sound you're hearing?

It's a rumbling...

Something's about to happen...

Oh, I recognize that. That's Cody Ross' asking price skyrocketing.

And you're hearing it because 37-year old outfielder Torii Hunter has agreed to a two-year, $26 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. It's not actually a bad deal for Detroit, despite Torii's advanced age. While he's fallen off in the field (already an issue with much of that team), Torii hit well last year, batting .313 with an .817 OPS. He's still got a little pop. And he's notoriously a great clubhouse guy, if that's something that matters to you.

Some Red Sox fans (like our own Ben Fountain) were supportive of Torii coming to Boston, but I think most of us are comfortable staying out at that price. Detroit's championship window is like, right this second, so to splurge a little for an extra piece like Hunter is fine. The Red Sox have a ways to go, and while Hunter might have been the difference between, say, 80 and 82 wins next year, that's not really worth spending $26 million.

Meanwhile, as I indicated with my brilliant introduction to this piece, Cody Ross is somewhere smiling. Cody is turning 32 next month -- that's five years younger than Hunter -- and put up an .807 OPS last year. He doesn't have the track record of Hunter, of course, but his agent can certainly make the argument that for the next two or three years, he'll be as good or better. Anyone hoping we'd get Cody for two years, $12 million or some similar pipe dream can now forget that. I think we're looking at a three-year, $36 million minimum for Ross now.

To which I say, hey, Ryan Kalish, enjoy right field.

Your Morning Dump...where we may have seen the last of Cody Ross

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.

“When I first talked to Cody about coming here, the goal obviously was to do well as a team, but part of the goal was to put him in a better position,” Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said yesterday. “I felt it could put him in a better position by coming here and performing in this ballpark. The good news is that it did. That’s to his credit. He’s in a good position now. It makes it tougher to sign him.”

The Red Sox could have made Ross a one-year, $13.3 million qualifying offer to assure draft-pick compensation if he leaves. But there also was a chance he would accept, and while the Sox are interested in re-signing him, they don’t believe he’s worth $13.3 million.

“We’ll keep the door open, and we’ll continue to talk,” Cherington said. “But once we’re in free agency, he’s got opportunities to talk to other teams, and we fully expect him to do that.”

Herald | Cody Ross may cash in elsewhere

Meanwhile, Ross is looking for three years, $25 million, not quite the Josh Willingham contract people pegged him for, but not far off either.

Will Boston go that far? I'm tempted to say no, but it's worth remembering that they have very little on the books. The answer might come in tandem with the team's plans for Jacoby Ellsbury. If the Sox are planning trading Ellsbury, or merely letting him walk after this year, they might be more willing to devote some extra resources to locking in a guy who likes Boston, even on a deal that's probably not going to pay off.

If they're re-signing Ells? Then it gets harder to justify $8 million a year on a guy who may or may not be a glorified fourth outfielder.

Of course, both of these ideas could be wrong. They could bring back both, or they could exile both. In a lot of ways, it depends on the organization's philosophy. Do they continue to be the baseball version of the Patriots, digging their heels in on a certain value and telling the player to find a better deal elsewhere (as they did with Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and even David Ortiz for a number of years)? Or, is Ortiz's latest contract a sign that they're willing to overpay a bit just to make sure they bring in (or keep) the right type of player?

If I had to guess, I say Ross is gone. I think the Papi deal will prove to be the exception, not the rule, and they'll be happy for Ross' one-year rental and his subsequent deal elsewhere, as they were with Adrian Beltre.

Herald | Papi's powerful enough to link past greatness to future success | Cherington goes all-in on Ortiz two-year deal | David Ortiz defends vs. Bobby Valentine | Globe | Sox and Ortiz are together | CSNNE | Cherington on Ross: 'Door will remain open' | Red Sox still trying to piece together coaching staff | Cherington eyes upcoming general manager meetings | Red Sox, Ortiz happy to move forward with two-year deal | ESPNBoston | David Ortiz: I didn't shut it down | David Ortiz could earn up to $30 million | Sources: Ross still waiting for three-year offer | Source: Boston set on pitching coach | Red Sox to add medical director

Your Morning Dump...Where the Sox haven't put much effort into signing Ross

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.

Speaking by phone Saturday afternoon, free agent Cody Ross said that he and the Red Sox never closed in on a potential deal leading up to the end of the period allowing the Sox exclusive negotiating rights.

“It hasn’t been really what I would say close,” said Ross.

Ross said his agent, Mike Milchin, received calls from “multiple teams” after the midnight deadline expired Friday night expressing interest in the 31 year-old. It’s a dynamic that has altered Ross’ mindset heading into the rest of the offseason.

“Yeah, definitely, because now it’s going to be more complex with other teams involved. It’s not just [the Red Sox],” he explained when asked if his thinking had changed post-deadline. “They had a ton of opportunities. We talked about this back in July and we couldn’t work anything out up until the deadline. Now it only makes sense to listen to other teams. But obviously we’re going to talk [with the Red Sox."

Still, when asked if he had an inkling as to what was about to transpire, Ross admitted, "To be 100 percent honest with you, no, not one bit."

One possibility that seemingly was in play leading up to Friday was that of the Red Sox offering the one-year, $13.3 million qualifying offer to Ross. If the Sox did choose that route, it would have been presumably to prioritizing keeping any commitment short-term while paying more annually that would be earned in a multi-year deal.

WEEI: Cody Ross: Red Sox 'had a ton of opportunities' to get deal done

Cody Ross was a pleasant surprise for the Red Sox in 2012, aside from all the strikeouts. Ross provided a couple of walk-off's, some late-inning heroics, big home runs, all to result in a last place finish. The finish isn't the point, it is more of the bargain that the Red Sox got for his production. Cody's $3 million contract was obviously well short of his value to the team, but the Sox sure don't think that a $10 million raise is a reasonable offer.

The stats prove that Fenway Park is a perfect place for Cody's bat. At Fenway, Cody Ross had a .298 average, a .921 OPS, 74 hits, 25 doubles, 1 triple. 13 homers, 49 RBI, and 59 strikeouts. On the road, Cody batted .232, with a .684 OPS, 53 hits, 9 double, 0 triples, 9 homers, 32 RBI, and 70 strikeouts. Overall, he had his best season since 2009, and the second best of his career. If the Sox played at Fenway for 162 games, I would be all for the $13.3 million.

Cody Ross is more of a 6-8, maybe 9 million dollar man, and it all depends on where he plays. Detroit would likely be a horrible place for Cody. Safeco Field in Seattle would probably be another place that doesn't suit his bat. There are others, but I'll let you do the research on the sizes of the rest of the parks in the league.

I would love to see Cody Ross come back to Boston for 2013 and possibly beyond, but I am not sure if the Sox are willing to bring him back for anything above the double-digit mark. Some team in the league is probably going to throw him a contract that will far outweigh the financial positives of one that the Red Sox will throw at him, and he will bite. Who knows if Cody will ever have an opportunity like this again, where his value is at it's peak for possibly the last time.

It will be interesting to see what he is offered by other teams.

(Photo: Jim Rogash, Getty Images)

On page 2, is trading Ellsbury the Sox' best option for this off-season?

Your Morning Dump...where Sandy blew away Red Sox news

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.

Willingham received a three-year, $21 million free agent deal from the Twins. Ross, meanwhile, took a one-year, $3 million deal with the Red Sox, opting to pass on two-year offers that would have given him more than $3 million per year (but less than $5 million per year) in hopes of going to a favorable hitting environment (a departure from Florida and San Francisco, both of whom play in parks and divisions that tend to be hostile to big power numbers) where he could boost his numbers in anticipation of another run at free agency following the 2012 season.

The strategy paid off, as Ross slammed 22 homers in 130 games while hitting .267 with a .326 OBP, .481 slugging mark and .807 OPS, with his OBP and OPS both ranking as career-best marks for any season in which he had at least 200 plate appearances. That line closely resembled the one that Willingham delivered with the A’s (albeit in more challenging hitting environment) prior to getting his three-year deal from Minnesota.

“I felt like this was a perfect spot for me to get my value back up and basically I rolled the dice on a one-year deal,” Ross said of Boston. “Hopefully it pays off.”

WEEI | Cody Ross and the pursuit of a Josh Willingham deal

OK, maybe it isn't Sandy, maybe it's just the time of year. But there is not much going on out there about the Olde Towne Team. 

Which leads us back to Cody Ross speculation. I feared/expected this is what he would want. As usual with free agency, it's a tough higher than I'd like to pay for a guy with a low OBP, but we might not have much choice. Sure, it's better to get Cody for two years, maybe $10-12 million, but what if it's 3/21 or let him go?

I think I would still bring him back. We've found that it's important that the Sox have a few gamers on the roster, and Cody Ross is a gamer. I know it's a hacky bit of analysis, but I think it's necessary in Boston. He won't be fazed if things start to go bad -- but things won't go as badly as they did the last 13 months. I think he's part of the solution.

It also might keep them from making a bigger mistake -- read, Josh Hamilton. A quick signing of Ross (not to mention Ortiz), might help keep the fan base from freaking out, and I don't trust the ownership to react properly if the fan base does.

Herald | Among best in their field | Series manager-GM relationships a blueprint | WEEI | Pedroia, Gonzalez AL Gold Glove finalists

Cody Ross open to re-signing before free agency

One of the few unequivocally good parts of this season has been the play of Cody Ross. For a one-year, $3 million deal, the Red Sox have gotten a lot of power (21 HR, .500 SLG), reasonable defense, and a good personality in the clubhouse.

With his deal coming to an end, Rob Bradford of WEEI spoke to him about his options. Surprisingly, he's OK with bypassing free agency.

“I’m absolutely open to talking and trying to get something done before the end of the year and before the exclusive period (where the Red Sox have sole negotiating rights until five days after the World Series),” Ross said, “but if I hit the free agent market I have to start listening.”

[...]

“Last year I wrote that down when my agent said, ‘Out of four or five things, what are the most important?’ It was role, No. 1. No. 2 was winning organization,” Ross remembered. “Three was AAV (annual average value) as far as the term and money. Location was another. For me No. 1 was the role. But No. 1 this season is probably going to be winning. I’m to that point where I want to win."

Interesting comments when you take them in tandem. If he's willing to bypass free agency for the right money to stay in Boston, and no. 1 is winning, not role, he must have confidence that the Red Sox can win next year -- and that's without even seeing the upgrades that will undoubtedly come in during the offseason. 

We have a number of roles to fill: First base, short stop, left field, right field, and two starting pitcher spots after Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, and John Lackey. That's a lot to do. If Cody takes up one of those spots, he must have confidence that the organization will make some pretty big moves -- or we'll see significant improvement from the young guys.

That said, I don't expect Ross to follow through on this -- I think he's just saying he likes it here and is open to staying. It's not common for players to bypass free agency when they get the chance.

It remains to be seen what kind of deal Ross could get. Many are speculating he'll be in the Michael Cuddyer/Josh Willingham range (three years, $24-30 million), but Ross doesn't really have the same track record as those guys. He's only hit more than 20 homers in a year twice before this year, his age 27 and 28 seasons in 2008 and 2009. He pretty much only hits fastballs (which begs the question: Why do pitchers ever throw them to him?). He's not a great defender. In fact, if you trust advanced defensive stats, his oWAR and dWAR combine to be 1.2, according to Baseball-Reference. The last few years in free agency it's been said that players are worth roughly $5-6 million (depending on which source you believe) per WAR, so by that measure Cody seems a stretch for a $30 million contract.

But he does keep things lose and doesn't seem fazed by bad circumstances. He seems like the kind of guy, personality-wise, who can thrive here. The last time we had a similar situation it was Adrian Beltre, and many regret not pulling the trigger on that deal. So, might he be worth more to Boston than he is to other teams?