Sunday, November 18, 2012

Moneyball: 2013. Now with 1500% more real money!

How much should a team invest in the 3-4-5 hitters to get the combined production potential of 80-90 HR and 280-310 RBI?  In about an actual dollar value for a second, and then consider what that production would do for a team.

Done thinking?  Good.  You should also know that the Detroit Tigers got 92 homers and 321 RBI from their 3-4-5 hitters last season, and that production cost them $50.75 million.  Does knowing this make to rethink some of your original thoughts? 

What would be a good deal for 80-90 HR and 280-310 RBI?  Since we just determined that production from the middle of the order hitters can help launch a team into the World Series, that's one question Red Sox fans should be asking. 

David Ortiz gave the team a hometown discount, signing for a maximum of $15 million a year, that's 35-40 HR and 110-120 RBI right there.  If the front office stops sitting on its hands with Cody Ross, they could sign him for a little under $10 million a year.  Ross would provide 20-24 HR and 75-85 RBI potential from the 5 hole.  That's $32-35 million for 55-64 HR and 185-205 RBI, now Red Sox just need to find a clean up hitter for $15 million a year or under so this all makes sense. 

Adam LaRoche had 30 HR and 100 RBI last year, how much will he cost per season? 

Having a 3-4-5 combination of hitters that can deliver the Red Sox similar production that the Tigers got from Cabrera-Fielder-Young last year, for a similar price tag, is within this organization's reach.  All they have to do is spend the money.  The Tigers spent it and got themselves into the World Series.  Through the acquisitions the Blue Jays made this past week, they're opening their wallet and dumping its contents. 

Things look bleak, but the chance for putting together a 2013 that can at least compete isn't lost.  All the Red Sox have to do is pay to play.

This is Moneyball: 2013.  Except this time, it's being played with real money. 

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