Watch CBS News

Red Sox Offseason: Trade Josh Beckett?

BOSTON (CBS) - Throughout this crucial Red Sox offseason, I plan to provide my personal input regarding moves that could make sense for the 2012 team. This is purely my own speculation.

I can assure you that you won't be seeing the following:

(Spoken in the "Sully Massarotti" voice, for you Felger and Mazz fans)

"Yea, I think the Sox should trade Lackey to the Dodger for Clayton Kershaw…the Dodgers would totally go for that in a hahtbeat. "

This blog will be a logical approach to what possibly could happen this offseason. Who knows? Maybe I might be in an interview for the void of Red Sox GM (kidding, calm down).

Move #1: Trade Josh Beckett

Rumors circulated towards the end of the season that Beckett added twenty-pounds during the 2011 season. In addition, a report surfaced that some Red Sox pitchers were drinking, eating chicken and playing video games during games on their off days.

Clearly, the evidence stacks up against Beckett.

Even though there are some personal characteristics that teams may question, Beckett does indeed have trade value. After all, he did have a productive 2011 season, posting a 2.89 ERA with 175 strikeouts and a low 1.03 WHIP. He's more than qualified to serve as a solid number-two starter in any rotation.

That being said, a change of scenery may be best for both the Red Sox and Beckett.

Here's my proposed deal:

The Boston Red Sox send P Josh Beckett to the Texas Rangers in exchange for 3B/DH Michael Young.

This deal could work simply because both players could benefit from a change of scenery. Young already voiced his strong displeasure during Spring Training, as he was forced serve as the Rangers DH for the majority of the 2011 season. He wants to play third-base and the Red Sox could fulfill that request for him.

Read: Tucker Silva's Sports Blog

Plus, Young had an effective 2011 season, batting .338 with 11 HR's and 106 RBI's. The 34-year-old is a career .304 hitter and can be counted to play over 150 games per season.

Current Red Sox 3B Kevin Youkilis is a factor in this deal. The soon to be 33-year-old is clearly starting to break down like an old Volkswagen bus. Acquiring Young would leave the Red Sox with two options.

1.) Trade Youkilis
2.) Split Youkilis and Young's time between third-base and DH

I would lean more towards the second option, as this would give the Sox a productive right-handed bat in addition to Youkilis. Of course, this would signal the end of David Ortiz's era in Boston (currently a free agent).

The lineup could perhaps look something like this:

Ellsbury
Crawford
Pedroia
Gonzalez
Young
Youkilis
Reddick (or other)
Saltalamacchia
Scutaro (or other)

In addition, both Beckett and Young's contracts are quite similar. Young's contract, which pays him $16-million per year, expires after the 2013 season. Beckett's contract extends through the end of the 2014 season, paying him $15.75-million per year.

Read: Ellsbury Wins Comeback Player of the Year

The only issue in this deal is that the Red Sox would be sacrificing a quality arm in an already weak pitching rotation. However, the likes of Ortiz and JD Drew would be off the books, which could propel the Sox to chase top free agent pitcher CJ Wilson. Also, Yankees ace CC Sabathia is rumored to be leaning towards opting out of his current deal, thus making him a free agent.

This move would be a positive step towards improving the Red Sox poor clubhouse culture. It would also open the doors to signing a top free agent pitcher and it would quickly solve their heavy left-handed lineup.

Read: Dan Roche's Sports Blog

Again, this is my own speculation. But you can bet I would explore this deal if I were in the GM's driver seat.

You can follow 98.5 The Sports Hub's Tucker Silva on twitter @TuckSilva.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.