trades/signing this off season (Matt Holliday)

[HoustonGM]

Regarding the seamless transition...the point is that if anyone can do it, one would think Youk would have a good a chance as any seeing his ability to field at a high level wherever moved to in the past.

I don't think that really matters....catcher is TREMENDOUSLY different than any other position.

I'm not saying it wouldn't work, though. I'm just saying...nothing we know would give us any indication one way or the other. Yeah, he used to be a catcher....but he's far removed from that. There's a counter to every point in favor of it.

[BINGLEBOP]

The argument he's a gold glove 1B is moot to all those talking about moving him to 3rd and bringing Tex in (who's also a gold glove caliber).

Regarding the seamless transition...the point is that if anyone can do it, one would think Youk would have a good a chance as any seeing his ability to field at a high level wherever moved to in the past.

I was going to mention his ability at third base as well, but didn't list it there since he hasn't won a Gold Glove at third yet.

[dickay]

I don't think that really matters....catcher is TREMENDOUSLY different than any other position.

Agreed, though it is one which he's played before.

I'm not saying it wouldn't work, though. I'm just saying...nothing we know would give us any indication one way or the other. Yeah, he used to be a catcher....but he's far removed from that. There's a counter to every point in favor of it.

Whether he'd be a quality catcher was never the question...the question was basically, is this an intriguing idea to attempt based upon the facts given (prior experience, solid defender, only way to unequivocally improve offense at catcher, etc.) if they do in fact acquire Tex? Would you consider it, and/or do you think the Sox would?

[HoustonGM]

I might consider it, but I don't think Boston would.

[koolzach1]

I'd love to see Youk as the catcher for the 2009 Boston Red Sox.

[dickay]

I'd love to see Youk as the catcher for the 2009 Boston Red Sox.

I believe you're a Yankee fan so...seeing that prior to 2008 season Cashman said without delay that if he could take anyone off the Red Sox team he'd take Varitek off, I'm not surprised.

[KowboyKoop]

If the Red Sox were coming off a 65 win season..sure, experiment with Youk at catcher if you want...but to do that coming off a 95 win year or whatever..that'd be pretty damn silly if you ask me. Why can't Youk just play 3B?? Lowell is coming off of injury, getting old..and coming off of an okay year last year..but certainly Youk is a huge upgrade over him.

[Jeffy25]

This thread has turned from possible suitors for holiday to a red sox debate over youk and drew

[HoustonGM]

This thread has turned from possible suitors for holiday to a red sox debate over youk and drew

It's been about all 3. There's considerably more Holliday talk, though.

[dickay]

If the Red Sox were coming off a 65 win season..sure, experiment with Youk at catcher if you want...but to do that coming off a 95 win year or whatever..that'd be pretty damn silly if you ask me. Why can't Youk just play 3B?? Lowell is coming off of injury, getting old..and coming off of an okay year last year..but certainly Youk is a huge upgrade over him.

I don't think Youk is a 'huge' upgrade over Lowell...a healthy Lowell and the two are pretty interchangable. I'll give Youk a slight advantage...however, how else do you propose improving catcher? A 95 win team with a rookie catcher who's not proved himself yet (salty, Kottaras, Teagarden) or bringing back Tek who was a huge liability at the plate. If Tex comes in, Youk is the best bet of all of them at catcher to improve your offense. Its pretty cut & dry....if he's able to perform it I think its an option that has to be on the table.

[KowboyKoop]

I don't think Youk is a 'huge' upgrade over Lowell...a healthy Lowell and the two are pretty interchangable. I'll give Youk a slight advantage...however, how else do you propose improving catcher? A 95 win team with a rookie catcher who's not proved himself yet (salty, Kottaras, Teagarden) or bringing back Tek who was a huge liability at the plate. If Tex comes in, Youk is the best bet of all of them at catcher to improve your offense. Its pretty cut & dry....if he's able to perform it I think its an option that has to be on the table.

There may not be much difference between Youk and Lowell in Lowell's prime..but Lowell isn't in his prime, he'll be 35 next year and coming off of a fairly significant injury. Going into next year, Youkilis is far and away the better player than Lowell....Youk's OPS was 160 points higher than Lowell's last year...and Lowell is probably only going to get worse at his age.


You can't just tell Youk to go buy a catcher's mitt and go play catcher now. Youk at catcher in 2009 is not an option. They'll find another option, probably a FA.

[dickay]

You can't just tell Youk to go buy a catcher's mitt and go play catcher now. Youk at catcher in 2009 is not an option. They'll find another option, probably a FA.

Here are your options. Good luck with them....i'd try to sign Tex, and if I land him I'd bring in someone like Valentin and experiment with moving Youk to the position. Have a three way battle between Youk, Kottaras, and (Valentin/experienced vet) for the job and if it doesn't work out...you got Youk playing third spelled by Lowell.

Catchers
Brad Ausmus (40)
Paul Bako (37)
Rod Barajas (33) - $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Josh Bard (31)
Michael Barrett (32)
Henry Blanco (37) - $3MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Johnny Estrada (33)
Toby Hall (33) - $2.25MM club option for '09 with a $0.15MM buyout
Jason LaRue (35)
Paul Lo Duca (37)
Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Ivan Rodriguez (37)
David Ross (32)
Javier Valentin (33)
Jason Varitek (37)
Gregg Zaun (38)

[HoustonGM]

dickay, where'd you get the list of FA's?

[dickay]

dickay, where'd you get the list of FA's?

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/1...lb-free-a.html

wow...I didn't realize it was a list put out last december for 2009 FA's. Some of them were probably signed, doubt it's entirely accurate.

[KowboyKoop]

Here are your options. Good luck with them....i'd try to sign Tex, and if I land him I'd bring in someone like Valentin and experiment with moving Youk to the position. Have a three way battle between Youk, Kottaras, and (Valentin/experienced vet) for the job and if it doesn't work out...you got Youk playing third spelled by Lowell.

Catchers
Brad Ausmus (40)
Paul Bako (37)
Rod Barajas (33) - $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Josh Bard (31)
Michael Barrett (32)
Henry Blanco (37) - $3MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Johnny Estrada (33)
Toby Hall (33) - $2.25MM club option for '09 with a $0.15MM buyout
Jason LaRue (35)
Paul Lo Duca (37)
Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Ivan Rodriguez (37)
David Ross (32)
Javier Valentin (33)
Jason Varitek (37)
Gregg Zaun (38)

Looks like plenty of fine options to me. You aren't just going to magically acquire a catcher who is going to put up a .900 OPS with 30 HRs......