Comments on: Why it’s not that crazy: a case for signing Josh Hamilton

By: Winter Meetings Preview | Fire Brand of the American League

Winter Meetings Preview | Fire Brand of the American League — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 12:00:55 +0000

[...] Jerry Owens in left field (unless the Red Sox go large and sign Josh Hamilton as a free agent, as Hunter Golden and yours truly have discussed). In right field (assuming the Sox do not re-sign Cody Ross), the [...]

By: Hunter Golden

Hunter Golden — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 23:39:37 +0000

I love Choo – to a point where I borderline covet him. I just have a hard time saying 'OK, let's risk dueling Scott Boras negotiations on two of our starting Outfielders.' I feel like that's what's holding them back. Not to mention prospect cost. Choo is one of the best RFers in baseball and his skill set would be especially suited here… with some nutty comparables historically… it's just the cost to get him and keep him – you figure it's roughly the same or slightly more than Hamilton as a FA. Don't get me wrong – depending on what happens with Hamilton, sure – he's gotta (and should) be on the table.

Hamilton I'd LIKE to stay around 4 if they can. I'd consider five, but the bump in pay wouldn't be substantial. Personally, I'd go four guaranteed right around $100 million… then load incentives over that duration to help get it to $110-$115 (All star appearances, plate appearences – heck, why not a sobriety incentive?) million… then a team option for a fifith at say – $15 million with incentives THAT year that could get him up to $20 million for that year…. so basically – provided he stays healthy and produces, it could be as big as 5 years, $135 million. Worst case, he gets $100 million. LIKELY case is he lands somewhere in between. I think that'd be fair. Anything more than that is a walk (as painful as it'd be). I don't think i'd be willing to go five guaranteed.

By: Gerry

Gerry — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 18:38:38 +0000

I do not enjoy reading Kirk Minihane, the compulsively vitriolic side of WEEI. He enjoys demeaning players in clever ways,'like a cat toying with a mouse before breaking its neck. That said, his piece on not signing Hamilton resonates as loudly as this excellent article. Weighing the two, I agree with you that he would be a game changer, but on short years. A lineup of Ells, PD, Hamilton, Ortiz, Napoli, WMB, Gomes/Nava, Lava/Ross would be unstoppable, and allow Iggy to make the pitching staff look a run better while his bat develops. But it must be a short deal or risk blocking our near-ready outfielders. To that end, 20/20 gold glover Choo on a one year deal may be a better choice depending on the trade.

By: Matt B

Matt B — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:49:43 +0000

Loved this article. I'm in.

By: Paul Salinas

Paul Salinas — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 01:28:21 +0000

You Sir, just convinced me.

By: Hunter Golden

Hunter Golden — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:17:34 +0000

I probably should've chosen my words better. I don't QUESTION him as much as I do have concern over the wrist and the usual sophomore slump stuff.

By: Freebo

Freebo — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:32:31 +0000

Very well reasoned piece. Why do you think there are question marks over Middlebrook though?

By: LaHart

LaHart — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:57:29 +0000

This was a great article. I am a huge red sox fan, but I also am a big fan of Josh Hamilton and his story….. Would love to see him sign with the red sox, if it's at a reasonable contract like you mention

By: Hunter Golden

Hunter Golden — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:48:32 +0000

That's another very good point – tweeted that out!

By: Jakehub

Jakehub — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:37:22 +0000

This makes perfect sense especially your point that red sox front office and nation seems to have become afraid to fail with any kind of decision.I hope Ben C. reads this and has the onions to quietly negotiate this contract.He needs to do something like this as well as move forward on obtaining a decent starting pitcher that he will also have to open the wallet to accomplish..