capn12
12-04-2002, 02:49 AM
Now, let me first say that it is VERY hard for me to say good trade, and associate it with KW. Let me also say that Keith Foulke was and always will be one of my favorite Sox players. I remember meeting him at the 2000 Picnic in the Park. His emotion on the mound, the fist pump after a save, I really think he was an integral part in the bullpen, and an all around great guy.
Now, as for Koch, I say that this is a borderline good/potentially great deal for a few reasons. We were gonna let Foulke walk after 2002 anyways, we should try to get something for him. Now, of course KW picked about the worst time he could value-wise for Koch vs. Foulke, but KW cant get everything right in a deal, thats too much to ask.
IF, and I mean IF, we can lock Koch up for 3 years that he is a Restr. FA, then it is a great deal. MJ was no Carlton Fisk behind the plate....heck, he wasnt even Carlton Banks back there. Josh Paul is no better, and probably couldnt throw me out trying to steal, but he has a little more offensive potential.
Valentine I'm not too sure of, I get a little leery of players 1 year of success. Not to say he might one day be the A's closer himself, but I'm not too worried about that part. There are plenty of decent to above average arms waiting in the wings, as well as lots of auditioning to be done in ST in 2003. Looks like the first PTBNL has Foulke-esque style and mechanics, but younger.
So, let me say that I am a huge fan of Foulke, and what he accomplished wearing the Southside colors, but I also know that under the wings of Coop, Koch could only get better.
We have flamethrowers in righty Koch and lefty Marte....setup guys in righty Osuna and maybe we'll see Barcelo again. Throw in one of the best lefty situational pitchers (when he is healthy and on his game) in Wunsch, fantastic long relief in Glover (as long as the Tinkerer doesnt do his thing with the Glove), friends I'd say our bullpen looks pretty solid.
Now, starting pitching behind Buehrle??? Thats a whole other can o' worms!!!
Now, as for Koch, I say that this is a borderline good/potentially great deal for a few reasons. We were gonna let Foulke walk after 2002 anyways, we should try to get something for him. Now, of course KW picked about the worst time he could value-wise for Koch vs. Foulke, but KW cant get everything right in a deal, thats too much to ask.
IF, and I mean IF, we can lock Koch up for 3 years that he is a Restr. FA, then it is a great deal. MJ was no Carlton Fisk behind the plate....heck, he wasnt even Carlton Banks back there. Josh Paul is no better, and probably couldnt throw me out trying to steal, but he has a little more offensive potential.
Valentine I'm not too sure of, I get a little leery of players 1 year of success. Not to say he might one day be the A's closer himself, but I'm not too worried about that part. There are plenty of decent to above average arms waiting in the wings, as well as lots of auditioning to be done in ST in 2003. Looks like the first PTBNL has Foulke-esque style and mechanics, but younger.
So, let me say that I am a huge fan of Foulke, and what he accomplished wearing the Southside colors, but I also know that under the wings of Coop, Koch could only get better.
We have flamethrowers in righty Koch and lefty Marte....setup guys in righty Osuna and maybe we'll see Barcelo again. Throw in one of the best lefty situational pitchers (when he is healthy and on his game) in Wunsch, fantastic long relief in Glover (as long as the Tinkerer doesnt do his thing with the Glove), friends I'd say our bullpen looks pretty solid.
Now, starting pitching behind Buehrle??? Thats a whole other can o' worms!!!