MLB 2010-2011 Off Season Thread

[Jeritron]

Originally Posted by Big Vito 22 Just saying, paying $22 million a year for an outfielder who relies on speed or a pitcher who is pushing 40 might look bad down the line. I'm excited about the prospect of clearing off the Mets' bad contracts, but I don't expect Alderson to blow all $55 million next offseason. Especially since the free agent class next year is godawful outside of Pujols and Fielder. I think Alderson's actually gonna try and use the Red Sox' recent model of success, especially when it comes to having a farm system that is so stacked that it allows them to make a big trade when necessary. It all starts with the farm.

Crawford is a bit overpaid but not grossly. But it's also a price he was going to get given what Werth got from the Nats.
Contract amounts are always respective to what is going in at the time. That's just where the prices are at for a hot free agent. You can't compare it to contracts from the past.

It's also not like they're putting all their eggs in his basket. He's just one outfielder.

The Red Sox have a lot of money but they are usually pretty smart with it. It's a major, longterm acquisition.

Like you said, the free agent crop in the next few years looks bad. The Red Sox are in desperate need of reloading. These are more replacements than additions.
Manny is gone, which left a huge hole. So that's where A-Gon's bat comes in.
Varitek, Ortiz, JD Drew and others are on their way out.
Stocking up to make sure they have some major bats, an outfield, and a catcher is important.
It also keeps players away from other teams, namely the Yankees.
On the whole I think it's all great moves.

Also, since when was 32 years old "pushing 40"? I assume you're talking about Cliff Lee.
32 is a decent age for a pitcher, especially one that isn't reliant on flamethrowing. His best years are likely ahead of him. And a 7 year deal lands him at 39 years old when it's expired.