Dan Roche's Red Sox Wish List
By Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
BOSTON (CBS) -- It seems like an eternity since the Red Sox ended their season, but a new season is about to begin.
The Hot Stove season is upon us and it's time to focus in on Boston's first offseason under new President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski and new GM Mike Hazen.
And with that, I've been asked by the powers-that-be here at CBSBoston.com and WBZ-TV to give my wish list/look at what the Red Sox roster could look like in 2016.
Let me begin by apologizing. Yes, I said on our Inside Baseball segment with Tony Massarotti that I would be open to the possibility of trading Mookie Betts if -- and I emphasized if -- I could do it in return for a certified ace pitcher, like a Chris Sale or a Sonny Gray. However, after watching Kansas City win the World Series I respectfully take back my statement. The Royals' patience with Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas paid off handsomely and I want Dave Dombrowski to show that same patience with Betts and Xander Bogaerts. So, I now consider those two players untouchable.
With all that being said, let's dive into the wish list.
Find An Ace
Dombrowski hasn't been shy about acquiring an ace pitcher. He wants that clear-cut, top-of-the-line No. 1 guy, which makes sense. I still think the ownership group's biggest mistake was letting Jon Lester go; if they had Lester, they could do so many different things without having to pay a fortune in either money or players to go get that front-line guy.
The quest for an ace begins with David Price. Dombrowski acquired the lefty from Tampa Bay during his days with the Tigers, so that in itself tells you he likes him. I would also think that Price would have a good feeling about Dombrowski after he went out and got him. At 30, Price probably has 3-5 quality seasons ahead of him based on his age and innings workload so far in his illustrious big league career. I don't worry about the postseason numbers (2-7, 5.12 ERA in 14 games, 8 starts) as much as others because I think that can be year-to-year, meaning I think the next time he pitches in the playoffs he has a chance to be brilliant.
I would be nervous about signing Zack Greinke due to past issues and how it might affect him adversely in a market like Boston. Beyond that, Johnny Cueto may not be the true ace that the Sox are looking for.
I do like Jordan Zimmerman and have for a while. Zimmerman, who will turn 30 in May, hasn't thrown the amount of innings that many other free agent starters have. He also had a bit of a down year in 2015, so perhaps Boston could get him at a cheaper price. He's got the mentality that looks like a fit for Fenway too.
It appears the best chance the Sox may have to acquire an ace is via a trade. The question is how much is Dombrowski willing to give up? Chris Sale and Sonny Gray would demand a huge price (Betts, Swihart) as part of a package and you wonder if Dombrowski would pull the trigger.
I do think there are some intriguing alternatives though: Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner, Stephen Strasburg, Matt Harvey, Carlos Carasco, and Danny Salazar are possibilities if their teams are willing to deal. Or, how about James Shields as a perfect No. 2 guy? Maybe a blockbuster trade with San Diego?
Rebuilding The Pen
If finding an ace isn't hard enough, Dombrowski is also tasked with rebuilding the Boston bullpen. I would like to see Koji Uehara return in some capacity because when healthy, he can be elite. Beyond that, I have no idea what Dombrowski and Hazen will do. We know they want power arms. Do they clean house, or do they mix and match? Do they go young with Matt Barnes, Edwin Escobar? Do they bring power arm Joe Kelly into the mix? There's the Junichi Tazawa, Robbie Ross Jr. route too, so there is a lot on intrigue here.
An Extra Veteran For The Outfield
As for the positional players, I'm not sure what the Sox can do or really need to do.
We know Dombrowski seems to like the idea of Rusney Castillo-Jackie Bradley Jr.-Betts as their starting outfield. I would love to see the Sox add a veteran presence like a Torii Hunter-type of player too. Alex Gordon seems too pricey, but would be a perfect fit if you could get him on a short-term, big money deal. I like what colleague Rob Bradford wrote in possibly adding a Ryan Raburn and/or Rajai Davis. How about a Franklin Gutierrez type? It seems like they need capable veterans that can be role players and handle all that is Boston.
Stay Away From Hanley At First
I think the Hanley Ramirez experiment at first base is something this team simply doesn't need. Travis Shaw deserves a shot and I would bring in a veteran too. However, there aren't many good free agent options unless you take the power plunge and sign Chris Davis to a big deal. Maybe they can acquire a Justin Smoak? I'd add David Ortiz to this mix too, as you hope that he can continue doing what he does best next season.
As for the rest of the infield, I'm keeping Bogaerts and Dustin Pedroia up the middle. They're a perfect pair because of their ability and makeup. I also think Pablo Sandoval has the ability to be a comeback-player-of-the-year type; I just see him having too much pride after being a huge part of those World Series winners in San Francisco. I also don't think Boston would be able to move him.
Make A Decision On Swihart
The catching position is interesting. The health question needs to be answered with Christian Vazquez; if he's healthy and throwing free and easy then he has to be your work horse.
Ryan Hanigan is the perfect back-up with all that he brings, which leads us to Blake Swihart. What do you do with him? Make him your first baseman? Hold on to him as insurance for Vazquez? Pair him with Vazquez? Or, do you make him your primary trade chip in trying to acquire a young ace pitcher?
I'm looking forward to watching Dombrowski and Hazen get to work. There is a lot of young talent and this team that has a chance to be good in 2016.
Now, let's have some fun with the lineup and rotation.
Lineup
Betts, RF
Pedroia, 2B
Bogaerts, SS
Ortiz, DH
Sandoval, 3B
Shaw/???, 1B
Castillo, LF
Vazquez, C
Bradley Jr., CF
Rotation
Gray/Zimmermann
Shields/Cashner/Ross
Eduardo Rodriguez
Rick Porcello/Wade Miley
Joe Kelly/Clay Buchholz/Henry Owens
Let's hope for a few huge splashes this winter. Is that just me dreaming? Sure. But that's what the offseason is all about, right?
Follow WBZ-TV's Dan Roche on Twitter @RochieWBZ.