Comments on: Deadline Darlings: Bay vs. Martinez

By: jvwalt

jvwalt — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:11:19 +0000

So far, it’s a close call. The more time goes by, the bigger the V-Mart deal will be. Bay’s a fine player, but V-Mart is the second-best catcher in baseball (behind Mauer; am I missing anyone else?), stepping in at a time when Varitek’s usefulness was clearly at an end. And from what we’ve seen in Boston, his defense is a whole lot better than advertised.
Even aside from V-Mart’s value as a catcher, he’s also a middle-of-the-order switch-hitter with lots of patience. He’s still young enough to have several good years in front of him. Assuming the Sox sign him to an extension, he will be a cornerstone of this team for years to come. Bay, even if he sticks around, is a useful component of a winning team.
The V-Mart trade was a masterstroke by Theo, especially considering that he retained his best young pitchers. Sure, he misses sometimes — no general manager bats 1.000 — but there is absolutely no doubt that he’s one of the best GMs in the game. I know this: he’s way smarter about his job than any of us Firebranders would be.

By: Tom A.

Tom A. — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:41:21 +0000

Very tough question. From a purely statistical view I would have to go with VMart being the bigger acquisition since he was taking over an anemic catching position while Bay was basically just filling Manny’s numbers.
Of course 2008 was different too because, while Mannys numbers were still overall good, he was killing the team with his attitude and antics. The team turned around with Jason Bay on board more than just numbers will show.
Ultimately, I think its an interesting debate with no easy answer.

By: Gerry

Gerry — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:30:42 +0000

You pose an excellent question, and the numbers show J.Bay and Victory to be comparable acquisitions under the circumstances in which they came to Boston.
But beyond the stats it is impossible, IMO, to consider their accomplishments side by side because, although just a year apart, 2008 & 2009 are eons apart historically and anthropologically, and 2009 is simply a better team … and one which has also relied heavily on J.Bay’s bat and improved glove.
Not only does J.Bay’s influence extend to 2009, but is compounded by the returns of Papi, Lowell & JD; Ellsbury’s maturation; the emergence of Buchholz, Bard & Kottaras; the acquisitions of Saito, RRamirez, Wagner, Rocco, Green, Kotchman, Gathright and especially Alex Gonzales who has fully healed the festering wound at SS.
Both highly regarded teams were post-season bound but struggling due to injuries and ennui. Both players provided the necessary boost to turn things around and get into October. Both players resolved worsening issues. They did so by quietly mashing the ball, lengthening the lineup, and adding to the club house.
So, to keep it going, it is necessary for Theo to sign J.Bay, extend Victory and A.Gon; and hang on tight to Buchholz, Bard, Bowden, Saito, Rrami, Tazawa, Lowrie, Rocco, Gathright. That done, this will be an uneventful hot-stove season for the Sox.