Rob Bradford on the Ortiz signing and where the Sox offseason

Rob Bradford who always brings the pain always brings the substance. Joins me now as a go rob thanks for thanks for joining me on a Saturday. I -- -- same in the membrane. Let's Cyprus no reference. Excellent work by you there's always ways Renaissance man rob Bradford. Speaking a Renaissance man that David Ortiz. Two year 26 million dollar deal. Good move for the red size good move for David Ortiz probably admit in my mind it is what was your thoughts. -- -- -- All blog -- if it would be very very difficult to replace. What you bring and I think the red side that I think that reflects that. If -- alternatives. It or weren't that great if especially in the market in and and also saying all along but the fact is that this offseason would've been different last offseason because of the dark and of -- Power -- Libya after Josh Hamilton worked -- with the guy in that's exactly why attack -- was impressive they have been and I think there's that kind of put the Red -- along I think the Red Sox also were probably willing to maybe repair a little bit in their -- for the short term. In order to get -- two years instead of instead of doing along -- somebody else. This is in the case but do you think if they still had -- say still had some of these contract Gonzales Crawford -- -- at this would have happened. They might have been more reluctant might address Pedroia got a little bit more but. And a little bit more difficult with the artists but I think there probably -- they would have probably try to find a way it -- at the sacrifice. Something else on the roster. But a good question Doug this because it's your week week -- a doubt that we you forget that sometimes is that. We're it was say OK they should do this -- do that if they have those contract all the -- were talking about what we saw last year which who has. Trading your starting shortstop -- three million dollar deal. So yeah I think this makes sense and a number of areas and I I think you really nail it was the middle of the lord you can't just look at them well it's a DH. You've got to and did you also brought up before which I agree with that. It's not like he used to be I mean there's there's not that many middle of the order guys. I mean there's some out there there's some top ones out there like Miguel Cabrera we know the names but. It's not like it once was. It isn't you know -- have already heard some people drop the always but they're going to be responsible. Financially that would be well in my mind to this since being responsible financially because you talked about it to your deal. And it if -- -- if -- -- quite good responsible financially bet you do. Up or five a six year deal that's what you're talking about. Doing something that you -- and that's what you might have to get -- in most cases to get that kind of power that bet a power bat. The middle of the order bat and and it is there really aren't a lot of options to the debt that is so like yeah I hope. I don't have a problem -- the ball in and I think it was an important piece. You can puzzle to them. Do you think there's any concern that it -- injury. Moving forward. Well -- -- every victory is that there's some concern but by all accounts in the pocket David in in. And talk to other people I don't think is the concern right now I think he's worked out I think -- the last. Is the last thing he. He did was which is shockwave treatment right after this view was that we but the cautionary. He yeah I think that I -- think I don't buy into the Bobby Valentine -- that. A you know -- He was 75%. You wanted to play in. It was that it was no surprise so I think it that was still affected then. By the time off I think give it to the world duty. He took declare victory like if that -- shock -- treatment right after the you can this cautionary thing and as we see here right now I don't think the concern. It is that a concern that the Red -- have a negotiated a deal with Cody Ross and you surprised that they didn't -- of qualifying effort just kind of let him hit free agency. -- I could talk to Tony about an hour ago and in you week you surprise. How kind of methodical. The Red Sox negotiating has been. They have been negotiating have been negotiating since sort talking in July and and and there has been. The numbers exchange users change. -- -- and never get to the point -- agreement could be made in. I I do think that the qualifying offer wasn't play up until the end because the thinking there is okay. We're a long lines of Ortiz we're gonna pay you extra -- you maybe a little bit more what you -- you work with a short term. In order to not block anything ago like you would receive four years. So. So I figured that -- play at the end there but it is. Still now it's a whole different ballgame right on me now you have other teams involved you already gotten calls from multiple schemes. -- and it won't take too once you become and give him what -- looking for in and the Red Sox will be you know that you they responded are they ago. We're talking with a great rob Bradford of WEEI -- -- and foam on Twitter as well let Brad -- of Cody Ross this is at his age to rob and now 31 years old he's probably looking at this said. That is his bio may be my last chance possibly my last chance to really cash in here on a solid three year deal I'm sure. Yeah you know I think is the use this is certainly good opportunity for him because he's come off a pretty good year in and in but it did he could have been even if -- a team comes in and says there is two years but. -- is significant amount of money and they wouldn't be the worst thing in the world because you know you go as you and out. -- still managed always to get another contract but. The only -- that security you can't I think that that's probably what you put in force so yeah it's. If he he is not every time you get free -- coming off a good year but you had so I think that -- that this the other night that. That you've earned the right to do it so he's probably gonna take advantage. Yes you and it's just seems like a perfect fit though with a red sex and always a very streaky player he can be streaky but. Looking -- splits and how well he did at Fenway Park and in that swing suited for Fenway plus the Red Sox need of a right handed bat in that lineup. A lot of people bring up also -- you know Nick Swisher is a switch hitter and and to me. Somewhat similar players that they can be streaky but I see Ross -- more befitting here than swisher deal. Well yeah I mean I think everyone because seduced by the Nick Swisher -- activists and in everything else but it. Is that beyond a lot Nick Swisher is asking for. You know -- yeah and you're right and I think that with Cody rock you know what you're gonna get used I didn't think that they have to. I know they prioritize the the clubhouse stopped and them being able handle everything in Boston I know they've done that in the past but they've missed got a couple guys here. Who haven't been able to handle it felt. You know what you're having Cody Ross and does that mean that you. You want to overpay for my -- I guess I mean it may -- -- the short term long term thing the other thing you have to factor -- is there anybody he's going to be blocking. In terms of position by if you say hey you know like. You know Cody would we don't want side UTU. It long contract because you'll be blocking someone right now in my mind the only guy really bright Bryant's been. And I'll take what you haven't -- Iraq over what I've seen from bright Brent so far I mean maybe bright Brent. By the you to your next year in the minors and and become something and feel special but again you know being in in those other complementary guy you know on a good team. Like the Red Sox in Boston for Iraq to me advocate that. And brace -- you mention whatsoever happened I'd always been hurt so much but. Ryan -- which. Yeah I mean that's another guy that for you guys that you mention when it comes to what the Red Sox top season. That'll IBM (WSJ) sorry what threat does help you get a look like going forward. Is Brian. Kayla and Jackie Bradley junior there's an assumption -- rally to new probably will be ready -- in Salisbury if you leave and then you we talked about Bryant and his potential. And -- -- kind of a wild card is that you don't know what you gonna be able to do -- healthy because the last couple years you just haven't been healthy he showed a lot of promise. When you load helped the two years ago by you just can't you really. And back on that right now so I guess this goes back the rock I guess I mean you want some sort of certainty is that the say that you have Cody -- third or what he was in September. But audit team in the line up with other guys around them he did it seems like a really good fit for I'd put me far you know the next few years. Another potential fit that's been mentioned in this outfield before -- Jews seem the right size going out there and potentially signing. Torii Hunter -- there -- age 37 -- coming up Goodyear for maybe a one year deal with an option something like that. Also very very very good friends do -- yeah. You know should be -- as well. I think it it it comes down to where land and in terms of the years in the money and Paula that we certainly develop into one team. The blow it you know -- -- government territory -- here's a three year deal and I don't know the -- start to do that by. If if story about a really want to play inbox and wants to play with a -- because because it says and he you know our ultimate two year deal that whatever and they've viewed as a better options -- And what Cody rot in Burlington yeah I think it's. That's legitimate alternative -- I just don't know where Torii -- is gonna kind of fall. In the off season beat especially considering it looks like the Yankees might involve so. That's verbeek simple tricky but I like Torii Hunter as a player he had a good year this year so -- if you get them at reasonable rates signal. Yet text messages come and in a lawsuit against mrs. untoward you know name they'd ever owns fast there what's gonna happen with first base with a steam rob. In and a name that's been brought up he's not a free agent -- year after next -- Kendry Morales but on the spot there as some say would with the angels. And then the you've got the free agent's Adam LaRoche who pro beginning of payday consider this season he had. What do you think and and Mike Napoli constantly brought up what do you think happens that that first base while would Napoli slash catcher position. Well I think it is very likely captured this right now with the -- -- -- -- -- Saltalamacchia. You allowed to get blown away I think they can live with that situation so happily. Big factors in more first phase I know everyone -- Mike Napoli because what it does lead to -- different -- and a thermostat you've got to -- unbelievable Napoli has the best hope yet of any opposing player against the reds back in history. Second only to Babe -- So ought that's sort that three of everyone loves Mike Napoli. I always think of those two in the -- I got it the but the other part yet the fact very miserable Mike Napoli -- have -- -- -- this year. And though it's I'll say it again I mean it's you fault the yet have met reusable follows regional years I would say hey you know a lot put him at first base that would be fine. More -- might get a little too pricey because he's one of the few guys -- Who are had a decent year and played first base. And in the wildcard at this rate -- you quit. Could -- you could make a return but right now I don't think so but because he's still a decent player and and you know you never say never. But other than that it's. I didn't see it's it's all it's a wide open and I do think to a certain extent -- they probably have a list options there and it is in the cut the other things take so. Yet you know at the Youkilis thing if it really is -- and I don't think it happens you never rule anything out I don't think sports nowadays but. The I could see him rob I was saying on the -- the other night with some was as -- I could see him on a team like Tampa Bay eventually someone like that. You know on -- -- two year deal they need to punch right. -- who your daughter says he's gonna try -- -- must be without Mikey. -- Emerson who's gonna trial experts like you. Try out. Not a I don't have veteran free agent players trying out of tryouts up. Right is drying out the high school gym for the legion team at that now. Who put -- league they're out. That with the but he had no it's it's it yet. Try outs I would think I would be brilliant and a to try outs. -- that that. I -- -- I would agree with -- there seemed to be some bit for you -- and that is -- the contrasting to see how you view them because we talked about. Contract in and like Cody roughly how old he is in the in what his contract means to them going forward well. You know every you could see you say that say you want to do one year contract since February goes from there but he does after that -- 35 years old so. If he has the option yet and something along the lines of a four year deal he's he's got to grab and that's certainly I don't think -- in the red sort. I'll tell you -- your very popular is always on the new text board well people urgently. Names that have sprouted up. Jerry sands Justin -- Yes they've they've they've both -- baseball. They are they are well I know sands has some pop and his bad what is there. What are they looking that was him he was also part of the Dodgers trade. I don't think -- he had much program leave. It is that the pollution from that trade is that that we've got our web development. Those with a guy. And it's amazing that the beyond that they actually got those and that got those guys that trade but. They do we built together and I'm targets -- Stanton and they -- We have this five anywhere in the trade as well and they might contribute at some point. But really you look at those two pitchers and their game changes in the sense that if you wanted to make a trade in this Nazis and almost signed. You can leverage. -- -- -- Or one of those two guys whereas before you wanna do that because. All he had was bonds and so I think they've they've become important if you do want it if you identify got a trademark you really wanna go out. Right. And in terms of pitching and looking at his rotation. They've got to add another guy to the rotation you would think. You wonder if there read their creative through trade whether they sign a guy like Edwin Jackson it's been around bounced around to a one year deal they go that type route. -- or you know know what type of for instance Annabel Sanchez is out there Dan Haren disasters had some back issues. Really -- I guess they go a number difference on this. Yeah and in your character -- -- the other day he said that he lifted off the -- spots that are perceived to be taken. And they said you know we probably go outside the organization that pit spots will be along those lines are. On the great -- -- show -- at 7 o'clock. On Thursday nights from the Bradford men and spear. And they ego and got bored and venture -- world last week but -- Yeah I mean I think he he's he's got the piece of the puzzle that I think that they're looking to maybe get someone controllable in the trade. In a perfect world that's that's not an easy thing because we know that that's what most valuable things in baseball. Get a guy like that but I -- -- time and time again that they got an apartment in yet. Is what they thought being barred. Why is going to be -- could be. Which is controllable pitcher maybe bill rotation guys that potentially top of the rotation guy and -- is this time route they can't find someone like that they do get a one year solution. So they can get the web stupid dollar doses of the bond in the world and then back -- them and so. I didn't think that that picture that one pitcher in the rotation is going to be a priority with them when they hit the it elegant it's GM meeting next week -- and get the win means -- -- them. -- how far along is I know Webster was at double A -- -- pitched in the big leagues how far away of those two guys and I know that don't they think highly more highly or at least some people do anyway of the of Webster. Well I mean. It at all or you're a part -- I think -- wrote that a little bit of a wild card because he had the injury by you with a guy who was basically targeted for the may delete before that injury. On. He. Yeah this is the guy he is probably a little bit ahead of the curve but people really like web service they compare a harder throwing Derek -- and so forth so what we just don't know I mean he gets after it. Improved his command in that is biggest problem right now if it -- you know opportunity. You have that. -- precedent for him to be able to do that so. I think that there they -- high and all those guys and still high and Matt -- and it always an interesting another guy who is kind of interesting to me that stopped these men in -- -- -- with -- He would fit in or out or down in enough Puerto Rica. Actually pitch an exhibition game today. And it it beat out Williams -- to see if there's a lot becomes back because. This guy throwing 97 spring training last year and then by the end of -- before they get sent balance throwing night I think it was injury related. By it would be really really. Really got to watch I think if he kind of bounce back get back in the conversation at the prospect. I'll lastly rob I think it's gonna be really fascinating I -- you probably agree I would guess in -- -- the most fascinating freeagent as the top free agent out their Josh Hamilton for a number of different reasons. It could Jews seem. Potentially I guess you see anything but. The yankees getting involved. Making some sort of I've mentioned earlier in the show a potential panic move they'd they'd do hit a lot of home runs but there's some up its problems in the post season there. See them maybe night Cashman but the ownership or or maybe even the Dodgers who have played a money -- -- go -- out there in San all right -- take that risk will give them a four year deal for tons of money. Yeah I'm thinking probably more of the Dodgers and yankees for the reason that. The Yankees we we've talked a lot about the 189 million dollar threshold and become an up on they don't wanna go over. And they have so many of those big contract there aren't going anywhere so. Both -- spent some money by the Yankees get have been good. Have been really because of those big investments to the to a large agrees to beat because of the head on some other guys weathered that. That gardeners the -- -- big granderson that you know the guys who aren't paid like that this terrorist or idea or the east side of the cheers. You know I I -- I think that there -- very wary of that threshold though I don't know that's gonna happen. And we also I think we're probably in the same line of thinking that. If I'm not -- cut him open to anything more out and maybe these three year. It is just too many red flag. -- -- -- -- No red flags you rob always enjoyed. Well I would disagree -- I appreciate that anyway so. Have a great night another great show for -- Are you as well rob thanks -- rob Bradford WB EI dot com check yet.