Royal Rooters > Juan Gone signs with Red Sox

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Royal Rooters > WE'RE TALKIN' BASEBALL > RED SOX - ON THE FIELD

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MTSUDaff

Mar 19 2006, 05:28 PM

QUOTE

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Juan Gonzalez, limited to one at-bat last season, agreed to a minor-league contract with the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.

The Red Sox hope the 36-year-old, oft-injured outfielder can bounce back and show the form he displayed when he had three 140-RBI seasons.

LINK

Mods, feel free to put this wherever you want.

Walking Disaster

Mar 19 2006, 05:35 PM

Is this Trot's possible platoon partner?

GoGoGatorGreenwell

Mar 19 2006, 05:35 PM

QUOTE(MTSUDaff @ Mar 19 2006, 05:25 PM) [snapback]486193[/snapback]

LINK

Mods, feel free to put this wherever you want.

Hmmm, might do well in a spot where he can spell Trot.

But will Juan be ok with this limited role?

The Barhopper Bronxtonian

Mar 19 2006, 05:35 PM

Any details on how much they'll be paying him, no word in the link

I don't know if I like adding a player who has been injured more than healthy in the past five years as insurance in the event of another injured player, especially if we have to put him in Fenway's spacious right field.

I'd like to see some youth back us up before Gonzalez does.

Caspir

Mar 19 2006, 05:37 PM

QUOTE(GoGoGatorGreenwell @ Mar 19 2006, 05:32 PM) [snapback]486195[/snapback]

But will Juan be ok with this limited role?

I'm pretty sure he's aware of his role given tht he signed a minor league contract.

GreenBud

Mar 19 2006, 05:39 PM

So....the BIGGEST FOOL in sports history signs with our Sox.

I'm so impressed.

Curll

Mar 19 2006, 05:41 PM

No steroids and knee injuries make Juan Gone something something?

Go crazy?

Don't miiiind if I do!

Not bad, minor league deal and all. But, I'll be expecting a bigger contribution to the Red Sox from Kelly Shoppach, maybe he'll K at a big moment down the stretch or something.

czeckswing

Mar 19 2006, 05:42 PM

He gets a million bucks if he makes the Red Sox team.

MargoAdamsLoveChild

Mar 19 2006, 05:51 PM

This is a great deal for the Sox. No risk. And if Juan has anything left, he sucks way less than Dustan Mohr.

Walking Disaster

Mar 19 2006, 05:58 PM

If he makes the team does anyone see Juan Gone Dl'd for Stern's 18 days?

Caspir

Mar 19 2006, 06:32 PM

QUOTE(GreenBud @ Mar 19 2006, 05:36 PM) [snapback]486199[/snapback]

So....the BIGGEST FOOL in sports history signs with our Sox.

I'm so impressed.

How is Juan Gonzalez the biggest fool in sports history? Are you confusing him with Raffy or something?

MFLetou

Mar 19 2006, 06:53 PM

I think Juan Gone passed up on some big contract in order to get more, but didn't. Or something. It was when he ended up signing with Detroit.

Maybe that's what the OP is referring to.

Only thing that worries me is that this guy is supposed to be a guy you don't really want around. But, maybe he appreciates the opportunity to be a part of a championship caliber team and he'll be a decent guy to have around.

Other than that, I like it. There's a decent chance he could really contribute.

steveoh

Mar 19 2006, 07:34 PM

How is his defense, really? I have no idea. Is there anyone here who can offer something more than "I saw him play 3 games two years ago and he misplayed a fly ball once"? Maybe a recent pro scouting report?

If he has acceptable defense, he'd be a decent spare outfielder and DH, assuming he hasn't lost his bat skills. I wonder if they are possibly toying with the idea of teaching him 1B also to cut down on his injuries?

Whatever -- this is low risk, high reward.

buffs4444

Mar 19 2006, 07:38 PM

QUOTE(Walking Disaster @ Mar 19 2006, 03:54 PM) [snapback]486207[/snapback]

If he makes the team does anyone see Juan Gone Dl'd for Stern's 18 days?

It's a minor league deal so he can either stay in extended ST or warm up in AAA until Stern serves his 18 days.

It'll be very interesting to see what Juan Gone has left in the tank at this point of his career.

NJSoxFan

Mar 19 2006, 07:45 PM

Worth a shot I guess. I don't expect much, but, it would be nice if he could even turn into the player he was say 3 years ago ...

JayhawkBill

Mar 19 2006, 07:53 PM

QUOTE(MargoAdamsLoveChild @ Mar 19 2006, 05:47 PM) [snapback]486204[/snapback]

This is a great deal for the Sox. No risk.

Concur.

QUOTE

And if Juan has anything left, he sucks way less than Dustan Mohr.

Dustan Mohr has looked pretty good in Spring Training, and he can also do stuff like play right field pretty well. Juan Gonzalez's ZR in 2004 was .823, following seasons of .847 and .850. In 2005, of course, his ZR was 0.000 in an exceptionally small sample size.

Unless J Gonzalez can hit the way he did before he turned thirty, he's not better than Mohr as a platoon partner for Trot. As a DH, maybe...if he's actually willing to go to Pawtucket, I'm curious.

Wild concept: Youkilis at 3B, Papi at 1B, and Juan Gonzalez at DH if Lowell and Snow continue to struggle.

The Love Below

Mar 19 2006, 07:55 PM

Didn't even realize that he has over 400 HRs.

Still, he's barely worth the flier they're taking on him and I forsee a quiet retirement by him in a few weeks.

His defense in the past has been just above average (looking at less than exact stats, if someone with more advanced metrics wants to post something to the contrary, I'd love it). Those hoping that, at age 36, he becomes Trot's platoon partner, will probably be in for some disappointment. I just don't see how he'll have much in the tank and ever crack the roster. Weird move here.

Then again, maybe he does and I'm completely proven wrong.

CTLovesTheSox

Mar 19 2006, 07:56 PM

If he makes the team and can give Trot some rest here and there, then I'm all for it. I'm not expecting to see Juan Gone that tore it up with the Rangers, but if he's healthy and can make some contribution then it's a great deal.

GreenBud

Mar 19 2006, 08:59 PM

QUOTE(Caspir @ Mar 19 2006, 03:28 PM) [snapback]486215[/snapback]

How is Juan Gonzalez the biggest fool in sports history? Are you confusing him with Raffy or something?

I can think of 140 million reasons why he's a fool. Can't you?

Raffy's not a fool...he's just lying scum.

CTLovesTheSox

Mar 19 2006, 09:48 PM

FoxSports.com story

According to this article, in addition to the Juan Gone signing, we're looking at dealing Arroyo to the Reds for Wily Mo Pena.

NJSoxFan

Mar 19 2006, 09:50 PM

I like it. Despite his 500K's in 600AB's, and his lack of excellent defense, he is 24, has an immense amount of power, and still has time to learn plate discipline.

The Love Below

Mar 19 2006, 10:12 PM

QUOTE(CTLovesTheSox @ Mar 19 2006, 09:45 PM) [snapback]486264[/snapback]

FoxSports.com story

According to this article, in addition to the Juan Gone signing, we're looking at dealing Arroyo to the Reds for Wily Mo Pena.

CT, you just made my day.

And, fwiw, McAdams just said on UPN 38 that the Sox are looking into Kearns and are pursuing Craig Wilson from the Pirates. Kearns and Pena are supposedly being looked at as playing both 1B and OF, since Lowell's bat has slowed to a near stop.

TimlinIn8th

Mar 19 2006, 10:17 PM

QUOTE(The Love Below @ Mar 19 2006, 10:08 PM) [snapback]486269[/snapback]

...and are pursuing Craig Wilson from the Pirates.

The article CT posted mentions that as well.

Fiskian Pole Shot

Mar 19 2006, 10:28 PM

I don't think that the Sox will trade both Clement and Arroyo at the beginning of the season. It will be one or the other, but not both. I'd do the Pena deal. I like Wilson, but Pittsburgh wants the Sox to add money to the deal. It might be a significant number. The article about the Pena trade doesn't mention money, and the spread between Arroyo's salary and Pena's salary is much less than the spread between Clement and Wilson, thus even if the Reds wanted some offset money, it most likely won't be as much as Pittsburgh is demanding for Wilson. Plus, I think Pena has more upside than Wilson (and I do like Wilson quite a bit).

Chowdahhead210

Mar 19 2006, 10:29 PM

I think as soon as Juan Gone gets hurt, he's gonna call it quits. BDD recently posted something from Roto about the Sox trading Clement for Craig Wilson. The Sox are giving up on Clement too early if they make this deal. Anyone have Wilson's numbers from last year?

The Love Below

Mar 19 2006, 10:40 PM

QUOTE(Chowdahhead210 @ Mar 19 2006, 10:25 PM) [snapback]486275[/snapback]

He really didn't do much last year, as he only appeared in 59 games.

Craig Wilson

Zenit2k9

Mar 19 2006, 11:09 PM

Wilson was injured, yes, and he was injured for a chunk of the season prior, too. (I'm a Pirates fan as my NL team.) However, he's got solid OBP, good defense at both positions, power, average, he's Kevin Millar with no suckitude or attitude. He's a perfect Red Sox player. I was calling for his addition back in November to double-platoon with Nixon and Youkilis. That said, assuming Lowell is the 3B, Wilson won't be coming to straight-platoon with Nixon. He'd be vastly underutilized in that system.

And the Pirates don't really need Clement all that much either - they've got a pretty solid rotation (Perez, Duke, Maholm, Wells, Santos), with Santos being the only legitimate hole. (And before you start quoting stats against Wells, consider the offense he had to work with. He suffered greatly from the Houston-era Roger Clemens Syndrome.) Perez is back, Duke's got number one stuff, Maholm's not far behind him, and Santos is only a placeholder until Snell or Gorzelanny take the spot from him, and both have better stuff. The Pirates' rotation is pretty well-off, I don't see why they'd make this deal.

All I know about Wily Mo Pena is that he kicks ass on my MVP team, and that's no basis for a judgment.

buffs4444

Mar 19 2006, 11:24 PM

Gotta wonder if we still have to eat salary if a Pena/Arroyo deal were to happen. Pena only makes $1.25M, Arroyo makes about $2M more than that. Maybe they'd have a third catcher or someone of that ilk that we could take back to offset the salaries some?

McAdams comments about acquiring Pena or Kearns to platoon at RF and 1B were kinda curious in that neither of them as ever played 1B in the majors.

Hopefully Papi spent some time with Wily Mo in the WBC and can have some effect on Pena's ability to hit breaking balls. That power is pretty impressive though.....

Caspir

Mar 20 2006, 12:02 AM

QUOTE(GreenBud @ Mar 19 2006, 08:56 PM) [snapback]486252[/snapback]

I can think of 140 million reasons why he's a fool. Can't you?

Raffy's not a fool...he's just lying scum.

I forgot about the contract thing until someone else brought it up. D'oh.

As for Pena. I love him, but he was screwed the second the Yankees signed him to a major league contract, thus stunting his deveopment and forcing him into the pros before he was ready. I'd still trade Arroyo for him though.

vvac35

Mar 20 2006, 12:26 AM

As a big Arroyo fan, I'd be extremely hard pressed to not trade him for Willy Mo Pena. If, however, we're looking at him to possibly play 1B, what can we do with Lowell? It would appear that the motivation would be Lowell's overall sucktitude so far (I know it's only the spring, but it doesn't help any after last year). I can't see him sticking on the bench, and I seriously doubt anyone in the front office's willingness to bench him. Could he be traded for anything?

As for Juan-Gon: Low risk, high reward, I like it. Like everyone else said.

TommyK8

Mar 20 2006, 12:39 AM

A couple of thoughts here...Juan Gonzalez has been so injury-prone throughout his career and especially the last few years. He seems to have all kinds of chronic muscle pulls, calf strains, groin pulls, hammies, etc. In his entire major league career, he has driven in at least 100 runs everytime he played in at least 130 games. The problem is that the last time he did that was 2001. It is very unlikely that he can stay healthy to be of much value, but I guess it's worth a flyer.

As for Wily Mo Pena, the thing about this guy is he is only 24. He is the type of player that goes on a vicious tear for stretches at a time. The problem is, where would he play? If he will only see time as a platoon partner for Nixon, I would not be in favor of trading Arroyo. If we trade Arroyo, I would like to see more than a platoon player in return. We might not be able to get more, in which case, I would keep Arroyo.

buffs4444

Mar 20 2006, 12:41 AM

After reading thru the Cincy paper sites, it wouldn't surprise me if this thing actually happens. The papers talk a lot about Dunn going back to the OF (apparently he's been playing there a good deal already in ST) and Hatteberg/Aurilia sharing 1B. Oh, and their pitching is absolutely awful......even before they get back to the Great American launching pad.

As for Pena....to me it seems like an acquisition that would point to either this being Nixon's last year in Boston, or his eventually taking some reps at 1B. Who knows though, maybe Pena has some 1B skills that nobody has seen before. But this seems like the perfect environment for Pena to develop, working with Papa Jack to refine his hitting and (hopefully) having Big Papi as a mentor.

I'd hate to lose Arroyo's versatility, but Pena has so much potential......

Kid T

Mar 20 2006, 01:01 AM

QUOTE(Fiskian Pole Shot @ Mar 19 2006, 07:25 PM) [snapback]486274[/snapback]

I'd think (and this was in some of the Pittsburgh articles I've read previously) that any deal involving the Sox sending money would require an additional prospect coming from the Pirates. Since everyone seems to hold true to the dogmatic belief that pitching is more valuable than hitting (or at least more difficult to acquire), we should hold out for a prospect regardless.

MargoAdamsLoveChild

Mar 20 2006, 03:24 AM

One thought (that's my max in any one hour) ... could Wily Mo and his versatility between 1b and the outfield be not only a hedge against Lowell but also free the Sox to trade Manny to the Mets at the trading deadline? Personally, I think Trot in his later years is turning into a Yaz-esque Fenway left-field candidate (minus the HOF career, of course), and Pena could play right. Just a thought.

Love of Sox

Mar 20 2006, 03:29 AM

QUOTE(MargoAdamsLoveChild @ Mar 20 2006, 12:21 AM) [snapback]486315[/snapback]

Sounds good. Perhaps such a move would cut down on the injuries for Trot. Also, an Arroyo trade would end this era of over-adulation of a guy who's at best a middle of road pitcher with tons of personality.

johungde

Mar 20 2006, 05:50 AM

QUOTE(MargoAdamsLoveChild @ Mar 19 2006, 05:47 PM) [snapback]486204[/snapback]

This is a great deal for the Sox. No risk. And if Juan has anything left, he sucks way less than Dustan Mohr.

QUOTE(JayhawkBill @ Mar 19 2006, 07:49 PM) [snapback]486235[/snapback]

Dustan Mohr has looked pretty good in Spring Training, and he can also do stuff like play right field pretty well.

The fact that the Sox already have Mohr is the only reason why this signing puzzles me. Why bother signing Gonzo? Still, it can't do any harm to see what he has left.

QUOTE(CTLovesTheSox @ Mar 19 2006, 09:45 PM) [snapback]486264[/snapback]

FoxSports.com story

From that same Fox article:

QUOTE

The Red Sox, however, also are shopping right-hander Matt Clement ... they offered Clement to the Phillies and several other clubs last week...

I find this hard to believe. It makes Boston sound desperate, as if they're dying to get rid of Clement, which I don't see being the case.

"Hello, Phillies FO? How would you like to trade for Matt Clement? No? Oh, right then, goodbye... Hello, Rangers FO? We're offering Matt Clement and --not interested? No problem, talk to you later... Hello, Reds FO? Would you be interested in Matt Clem -- hello? Hello?"

Doc

Mar 20 2006, 10:32 AM

QUOTE(GoGoGatorGreenwell @ Mar 19 2006, 05:32 PM) [snapback]486195[/snapback]

Hmmm, might do well in a spot where he can spell Trot.

But will Juan be ok with this limited role?

I don't want him playing RF though, remember Pokey's inside the park job, Juan's Gone was a key part of that.

Archer1979

Mar 20 2006, 10:55 AM

My gut is telling me not to like this deal. It comes down to is he a better backup player now than either Adam Stern or Dustin Mohr? If he isn't, why bother? He's 35 years old, Manny Ramirez played almost as many games in 2005 as Gonzalez has played since 2001.

Worst case is he goes down to Pawtucket and makes some kid ride the pine that might have a chance at developing.

TimlinIn8th

Mar 20 2006, 01:10 PM

QUOTE(Archer1979 @ Mar 20 2006, 10:52 AM) [snapback]486399[/snapback]

Worst case is he goes down to Pawtucket and makes some kid ride the pine that might have a chance at developing.

I doubt Gonzalez accepts a full-year stint in Pawtucket. If he doesn't make the big league roster, I could see him retiring.

Ace From Space

Mar 21 2006, 01:42 AM

I think Wily Mo just splintered this wagon's axle.

johungde

Mar 21 2006, 05:04 AM

For teams that need a 4th OF or a stick off the bench, maybe Gonzalez will be a useful trading chip down the line.

Looks like Mohr now falls into that category, too.

Pede

Mar 21 2006, 09:49 AM

QUOTE(johungde @ Mar 21 2006, 05:00 AM) [snapback]486974[/snapback]

For teams that need a 4th OF or a stick off the bench, maybe Gonzalez will be a useful trading chip down the line.

Looks like Mohr now falls into that category, too.

For what? A 6-Piece of the new Burger King Chicken Fries?

carita

Mar 21 2006, 02:36 PM

Juan Gonzalez now chose Oakland.

Although his agent reached an agreement with the Red Sox, González finally rejected according to El Nuevo Día

Sox Sweep Again

Mar 21 2006, 02:44 PM

QUOTE(carita @ Mar 21 2006, 02:33 PM) [snapback]487218[/snapback]

Juan Gonzalez now chose Oakland.

Although his agent reached an agreement with the Red Sox, González finally rejected according to El Nuevo Día

Do you have a link? I can't find it here, yet:

El Nuevo Dia

I really like that we're "Los Medias Rojas de Boston." It rolls better than "Boston Red Sox," IMO:

FORT MYERS, Florida - Los Medias Rojas de Boston adquirieron ayer al guardabosque dominicano Wily Mo Peña tras un cambio con los Rojos de Cincinnati por el abridor derecho Bronson Arroyo.

mascho

Mar 21 2006, 02:46 PM

QUOTE(Pede @ Mar 21 2006, 09:46 AM) [snapback]487013[/snapback]

For what? A 6-Piece of the new Burger King Chicken Fries?

Big....buckin' chicken. You are big, and you are chicken.

Anyone verify this El Nuevo Dia report? I can't...

carita

Mar 21 2006, 02:48 PM

QUOTE(Sox Sweep Again @ Mar 21 2006, 03:41 PM) [snapback]487224[/snapback]

Do you have a link? I can't find it here, yet:[/b][/i]

ESPNDeportes (In spanish)

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/story?id=421034

Curll

Mar 21 2006, 03:00 PM

Carita is our inside source once again

Thanks, Carita. Or, should I say: Merci!

(Si, en broma)

poludamas

Mar 21 2006, 04:53 PM

I ran the Nuevo Dia report through the Babel Fish translator to get an "English" version; it's mostly comprehensible. Here are the high points and some funny bits for your amusement:

QUOTE

AFTER REJECTING a supply of the Red Averages of Boston, the jonronero boricua Juan 'Igor' González is now directed to be united to the Atléticos de Oakland.
....
Ç;'Igor' 'ready' is seen; and very well of health. Él is fighting and lució excellent. In evaluación 'Igor' bateó, fildeó and corrió the bases without ningún artificial problem although estábamos in grama. It had annoyances neither in the back nor in the legs and its arm was powerful like always. Veía with the same ability that has had in all his carrera”, it said Stairs yesterday to the New Día.
...
The space of designated batter shines open in elenco of the Atléticos. The toletero veteran Frank Thomas, también an ex- Valuable Más Player of American Liga, debutará this season with the Atléticos and cubrirá the initial.

The gardens estarán guarded by Mark Kotsay, Bobby Kielty and Nick Swisher. Oakland también contrató for this campaña to the veteran Milton Bradley. None of these players superó the 21 pushed home runs and the 82 in the 2005.
....
Nevertheless, González declinó to último moment for being united to the Red Averages, según knew, because it did not wish to play a time prolonged in smaller league. Nero aceptó that because 'spring training' está finalizing, the management of Boston it was evaluating to leave to González in the field of extended training or to send it by a month to Triple equipment A (Pawtucket) so that the player proved if he were in condición of game. Múltiples managements to obtain to one reacción of representing González or algún of the company/signature MCSG Sports, that represents the pelotero boricua, was unfruitful.

Interés of the Red Averages by González was to alternate it in the right forest with the left-handed batter Trot Nixon. However, the Bostonian novena adquirió to the quoted one I yesterday prospect Dominican Wily Mo Peña in an exchange with Rojos de Cincinnati by the right thrower Bronson the Stream. Peña, like González, is right and desempeña like forester and designated batter.
....

Bronson the Stream, and Trot Nixon the forester!!!

johungde

Mar 22 2006, 01:07 AM

QUOTE(Pede @ Mar 21 2006, 09:46 AM) [snapback]487013[/snapback]

For what? A 6-Piece of the new Burger King Chicken Fries?

If Juan tears up AAA then he might be worth a fair to middlin' prospect.

Looks like it's a moot point now.

Locklandworth

Mar 22 2006, 11:41 AM

FYI

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c...SPGJDHRSFA1.DTL

" Contrary to a report in a Puerto Rican newspaper, the A's have no interest in former MVP Juan Gonzalez, according to assistant general manager David Forst."

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