OCD SS wrote:

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Drew wrote:

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I don't think the sox should sign anyone over 30 to more than a three year deal, especially either a pitcher or a position player who relies on speed/quickness. I think that in a few years we'll look back and see the lugo, drew, and lowell contracts as disasters.

I've said it elsewhere, but I think it really applies here: with the depth of the farm system allowing for more spots to be filled internally, I think the Sox will be more apt to use their financial advantage to get rid of players (by paying other teams to take them) rather than bringing in expensive new FA signings that will go for long $/yrs.

For those complaining about Lugo (or Drew for that matter), are you willing to give up last year's WS win? There were no better options on the market at the time, and none of the kids were ready.

That said, I'm fine with dumping Lugo now. Lowrie does not have Lugo's range, but he looks to be more sure handed, and I expect him to be better with the bat. At this point I'd be willing to follow the Yankee game plan: give some runs up on defense but still get better overall production from the position.

You're right...I think that says something about the state of baseball. Because of escalating contracts and payroll's brought on by the Yankees (then the Sox, too, followed suit to a lesser degree), teams are believing they have to sign bad longterm contracts in order to compete in the present. Some of those teams can't afford this because their farm systems aren't near what the Sox' is and that is why they will continue to flounder in mediocrity. It's kind of a shame, but because players are getting long deals in their thirties, how can you compete without getting some who are good on the front end of their deals. It makes the Orlando Cabrera non-re-signing look even worse though to see Lugo struggle as he is. That was a player who could've bridged the shortstop gap effectively for us in a good FA deal.