To answer the question in this post's subject, yes. This makes perfect sense. Todd Helton is an ideal fit for the Boston Red Sox. He fits the mold as far as the Red Sox philosophies go when it comes to OBP and plate patience. On top of that the guy has a career .333 BA, and a career .430 OBP. Helton would be a double machine in Fenway Park (much like Lowell last year) and his power numbers, inserted in the Red Sox potent lineup, would rise from the slip he's seen the past two seasons.
If all this takes is Lowell, Tavarez, and Hansen then I say we go for it. "Giving up" on younger pitchers is a tough thing to do, but here's where this deal just makes sense to me. Craig Hansen may help the Red Sox get to the postseason and win, Todd Helton will help the Red Sox get to the postseason and win. Hansen has a lot of potential, but would you rather have a potential or proven ballplayer?
The deal he currently has is a lot of money, $90.1 million over 5 years, but if Colorado picks up 1/2 of this then it's looking a lot better for the Red Sox. The last few years may not be the best investment, but if he can help get us another ring in the next three then I think again the Sox should go for this.
Either way we're in the position of power here, and we don't need this, I do like a cherry on top of my sundaes though, and think Helton would look mighty good inserted into our lineup.
I just dont see what Helton offers that Lowell doesnt....and didnt we get Lowell on the cheap ?
Posted by: Drew5766 | January 29, 2007 at 05:28 PM
The only way the Marlins make that trade last year is if we (Red Sox) absorbed Lowell's two years and $18 million that was left on his contract. He's in the final year of that now, but he's certainly not cheap at $9 million.
I find myself swaying a little bit on the whole Helton thing, but in the end my gut says the Sox would be a better team for the next few years if we had him.
Posted by: Derek Hixon | January 29, 2007 at 07:37 PM