RED SOX and PADRES DEAL

Red Sox Receive: Craig Kimbrel

Padres Receive: SS Javier Guerra, CF Manuel Margot, LHP Logan Allen, UT Carlos Asuaje

 

Kimbrel has saved at least 39 games each of the past five seasons. Five such years in a career is fifth all time (Mariano Rivera 10, Trevor Hoffman 9). He is the only one do have done it 5-straight years. Kimbrel has thrown 348.1 innings in his career. Here are his ranks, all-time, amongst hurlers that have thrown at least 325 innings: 1.63 ERA is first, 0.93 WHIP is second and his 14.55 K/9 is first. He is in the conversation for the most dominant hurler of all-time. There is no give in his game. Sure the K/9 rate is down, it was “only” 13.20 per nine last season, but the real issue was the home run in 2015. He allowed six big flies last season. He allowed six the two previous seasons. That number should come down in 2016 and with it, well you know who Kimbrel is and that is an oft overused word – he’s a “stud.” Kimbrel is in the mix, as always, to be the first closer off the board in fantasy.

Uehara will become one of the handful of setup man in baseball up for the title of the best at his role. Each of the last three seasons Koji has saved 21 or more games, and his career numbers are astounding: 2.42 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 10.57 K/9, 1.27 BB/9, 8.35 K/BB ratio (and yes, Uehara is first all-time in WHIP minimum 325 innings pitched). The only issue he has is that he will be 41 years old in April and he was able to throw just 40.1 innings last season as his body broke down. He should be an excellent setup man completely worthy of rostering in AL-only leagues.

 


Ray and Jeff break down the DFS situation in New York City. What does it mean for the industry? What are the motivations of those involved? The guys discuss.


 

Guerra was the #5 ranked Red Sox prospect. The Panamanian born shortstop is a borderline elite defender, and his bat has come along quicker than it was thought likely. Guerra hit 15 homers with a .279/.329/.449 slash line in ‘15, solid work for a 19 year old. A fluid athlete, he has the talent to be a 15-20 homer bat at the big league level, though his strikeout propensity, especially against lefties (34 percent), is a bit alarming. He has the ability to be an all-star caliber shortstop when fully developed (he has a mere 116 games of experience at Single-A and is a few years away). He wasn’t needed in Boston with the presence of Xander Bogaerts.

Margot was the 7th ranked prospect with the Red Sox. He began his 2015 campaign with 62 straight at-bats without a strikeout but he wore down physically, and dealt with some injuries as well. In the end he stole 39 bags in 110 games but hit only six homers with a .276/.324/.419 line. The 20 year old has plus bad speed and as noted should make solid contact. He is often too aggressive though because of that skill however, and it’s unclear if he will ever be more than a gap hitter. He could be an impact runner though as his steal total clearly suggesting. The Padres need young talent, and they certainly got a boost in their outfield with this add. 

Allen was ranked as the 12th best Red Sox prospect. He’s drawn plenty of comparisons to Jon Lester with a similar body and delivery. However, his stuff isn’t quite to that level. Still, the 18 year old sat at 92-93 mph last season, has shown an advanced curveball and is starting to mix in a changeup. He has the talent to be a #3 or #4 starter at the big league level but is obviously years away from contributing.

Asuaje was ranked as the 25th best Sox prospect entering the 2015 season. He spent time at Single-A in 2014 and had a great season (.310/.393/.533) despite a smallish frame. Last year he was pretty poor at Double-A .251/.334/.394 with eight homers over 110 games. He only struck out 15.8 percent of his plate appearances, but given his overall game he profiles as nothing more than a reserve player who can play a myriad of positions defensively.

 

Ray Flowers can be heard Monday through Thursday at 8 PM EDT and Friday at 10 PM EDT on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87). You can also hear Ray Sunday nights at 7 PM on the channel talking fantasy sports. Follow Ray’s work at Fantasy Alarm and on Twitter (@baseballguys).