FanPost

KEVIN PITTMAN JR'S OFF SEASON PLAN

Arbitration-eligible (with projected salaries from MLBTR):

Write "tender" or "non-tender" after each of the following names (note: you can trade before or after tendering a contract):

Although Tyler Flower isn't a favorite of mine, nor a fan favorite, it's hard for a team to say bye to a guy that is raved about by your ace in Chris Sale. Flowers' bat is clearly below average, minus that one month where he decided to get glasses (glasses haven't helped since). Avisail has taken a lot of criticism from Sox fans over the last year, maybe rightfully so, maybe not. He's young, I personally still see a possible 4-5 tool player, but only time will tell- hes definitely on a short leash. All three bullpen arms are valuable. Jones and Putnam are great RHP to have come out of the pen. Jennings is a lefty option, which is hard to come by. I truly think that Jones could be our closer next year...relax David Robertson lovers...stirring up the hot stove rumors, though!

Contract options (pick up or buy out)

BUYOUT. NOW. Alexei continues to start slow year after year, and has lost so much pop in his bat and plays very lazy defense at times (which we cannot afford). It's time to pull up Tim Anderson and put these Sox draft picks to the test.

Impending free agents (re-sign, let go, or qualifying offer?):

Clearly everyone who has paid any attention the Sox knows that they will extend the QO to Shark, just to obtain the compensation pick(s). Matt Albers was a great bullpen guy this season, and needs to come back next season for sure. Thank you, Gordon for the Mothers Day and Fathers Day excitement...and that completes the excitement of your career with the Sox. Geo, although he drives Sox fans crazy by the way he throws the ball back to the pitcher, needs to come back. He put together solid AB's when in the lineup, and was an above average catcher.

Free agents

1. Jason Heyward (8 years/$210Million) *For the non-math majors our there, this comes out to $26.25Million/year

Yes, this is clearly a ton of money for not only the Sox, but any team to throw at one player, but I think if the Sox want to remain competitive this needs to be done. With many team-friendly contracts, I think that this could be possible, but I'm not math major either lol- (This not only should make you competitive, but also puts you in a good position future wise as well (Heyward is only 26). Heyward solves our corner OF issues, he hits, he can run, he can field...something the 2015 Sox could not do! What a concept, hit, run, field. This is clearly a long shot, and I don't think the Sox would realistically put this offer on the table, but Hahn is risky.

2. Ben Zobrist (1 year/ $4.5 Million)

Ugh. Even though the Sox should've signed him 5 years ago, I guess better late than never. I only like him in this situation, because it he can play 2B, 3B, and OF. The Sox need to grab him and insert him at 3B for one year, as a bridge player, until they sign, draft, or trade for a future 3B.

3. Justin Upton (5 years/$87.5 Million)

Another large contract, but another premier bat with speed. He's not the fielder that Heyward is, but he is clearly an upgrade over Melky and Avi in the OF. Again, I really like this large contract because he's only 28 years old. This contract is three years less than the one I want Heyward for, mainly because of the two-year age difference (which probably won't matter too much).

4. Trevor Cahill (2 years/$2 Million)

Cahill is an interesting pitcher. He was on his baseball death bed, and the Cubs brought him back to live, per say. He could serve as a bullpen guy, but could also be an option to be in the rotation if you want to give guys like Sale, Quintana, Rodon days off from a start.

Trades

1. Jose Quintana, Avisail Garcia, and starting pitcher Chris Beck (AAA) to the Dodgers for Yasiel Puig, catcher Austin Barnes (AAA), and 1B/OF Cody Bellinger A-Advanced)

I realize what you're possibly thinking..."You would give up three MLB players right now for one guy who is a loose cannon and two minor leaguers?" Yes. The Sox unfortunately need a loose cannon to come in and fire up the group. Puig is a true 5-tool player (6 tools if you include the attitude). Austin Barnes (top 12 Dodgers prospect), played a few games in the majors this season, and catcher is clearly a top priority for this Sox team going forward. Cody Bellinger only in A-Advanced ball, but is a Dodgers top 10 prospect. He hit .264 with 30HR and 103RBI. I think it's reasonable to ask for two of their top fifteen prospects for Quintana and a possible very good Avisail Garcia. Quintana's contract could be worth that trade alone!

2. A friendly South Side, North Side deal? David Robertson, Jose Quintana to the Cubs for Javy Baez, Dan Vogelbach, 1B/DH in AL (AA), and Albert Almora, OF (AA).

Any trade involving Cubs prospects has to be a good one, seeing as most of them are considered (and have proven to be) "can't miss" guys. The Cubs are clearly contenders already, and need a few pieces to put them over the hump. They need a few more bullpen arms, which then could move Rondon to the set up guy, and Robertson to his closing duties. They also could insert Quintana into the second or third SP role, which they desperately need. This trade would also help the Sox 2B/3B issues with the addition of the free swinging Javy Baez, who could be a tremendous talent. Dan Volgebach is a clear candidate trade to an AL team for the Cubs, as he cannot run or field, he will be the definition of a DH. This guy has some serious power, like Kyle Schwarber. He's only 22 years old, and is more than just a power hitter, as he hits to all areas of the field, and has very good plate discipline. The last guy may be tough to snag from the Cubbies, but I think that Almora has to be a must if you're going to give up Quintana and Robertson. Almora could potentially become a 15-20 HR hitter with a .280 average. These guys could really help boost the Sox lack-luster farm system.

Summary:

The Sox are in desperate need of a 3B/2B who can hit. Saladino, Micah Johnson, Carlos Sanchez, Mike Olt only can do so much, and it seems as if hitting isn't one of those things they can do. The trades are clearly not for sure, like everyone else's on here, so that's tough to predict...but I do say with some confidence that Jose Quintana will be playing for a different team next year. His contract makes him so attractive to other teams, and makes it a realistic option for us to deal because of the return he would give us. The Sox need to address OF, which then will move Melky to the DH role, and move LaRoche to the bench or the bottom of Lake Michigan. Heyward and Upton are longshots, but are worth taking a risk on. As we know Rick Hahn is a risk taker (if you didn't know, look back at the 2015 off season). Another pitcher that can come out of the bullpen and steal some starts to preserve Sale or keep young guys fresh would be ideal as well. Ben Zobrist is a good bridge guy until the Sox grab a 3B/2B in the draft or acquire via trade. Guys, we are stuck with Flowers as our catcher for at least another year...deal with it!

My predictions for the 2016 roster

Starting Pitching

1 Chris Sale

2 Carlos Rodon

3 Erik Johnson

4 Carson Fulmer

5 John Danks

6 (Insert Jose Quintana if he does not get dealt)

Bullpen

1. Matt Albers

2. Zach Putnam

3. Zach Duke

4. Jake Petricka

5. Dan Jennings

6. Frankie Montas

7. Nate Jones

Catcher

1. Tyler Flowers

2. Geovany Soto

First Base

1. Jose Abreu

2. Adam LaRoche

3. J.B Shuck

Second Base

1. Carlos Sanchez

2. Micah Johnson

Third Base

1. Javy Baez

2. Tyler Saladino

3. Mike Olt

Short- Stop

1. Tim Anderson

2. Tyler Saladino

Left Field

1. Avisail Garcia

2. Trayce Thompson

3. J.B. Shuck

Center Field

1. Adam Eaton

2. Trayce Thompson

3. J.B. Shuck

Right Field

1. JASON HEYWARD!!

2. Avisail Garcia

3. Trayce Thompson

4. J.B. Shuck

DH

1. Melky Cabrera

2. Jose Abreu

3. Trayce Thompson

4. Adam LaRoche

GO SOX! 2016 BASEBALL CANNOT COME SOON ENOUGH...Oh wait, we still have Robin. Mercy! You gotta be bleepin me!

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