Brandon Allen

[...]

The man is on a mission. In my opinion, KW made the wrong move by trading Allen, especially considering the return.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today...09/268591.html

[Craig Grebeck]

Such is the nature of the PCL. I wouldn't read too much into it. Just a timely streak.

[...]

Originally Posted by Craig Grebeck

Such is the nature of the PCL. I wouldn't read too much into it. Just a timely streak.

My opinion was based on this year in it's entirety however you still may be right.

[California Sox]

If you look at last year -- especially in a tough place to hit like Birmingham -- along with this year, Allen has put together a nice run. He may just be an average MLB offensive 1b, but when you add speed, decent defense, the fact he hits left-handed and three years of cheap control, that seems like an awful lot to give up for the fifth guy in your bullpen. Hope I'm wrong and Pena works his way into a seventh or eighth inning role, but I hated this trade.

[Craig Grebeck]

Originally Posted by California Sox

If you look at last year -- especially in a tough place to hit like Birmingham -- along with this year, Allen has put together a nice run. He may just be an average MLB offensive 1b, but when you add speed, decent defense, the fact he hits left-handed and three years of cheap control, that seems like an awful lot to give up for the fifth guy in your bullpen. Hope I'm wrong and Pena works his way into a seventh or eighth inning role, but I hated this trade.

If anything, I think Kenny wanted to move him before it became apparent that the Sox did not have a spot for Brandon. Given the performance of the core power hitters this year, they realized they may be around next year (both Dye and Thome).

[voodoochile]

Originally Posted by California Sox

If you look at last year -- especially in a tough place to hit like Birmingham -- along with this year, Allen has put together a nice run. He may just be an average MLB offensive 1b, but when you add speed, decent defense, the fact he hits left-handed and three years of cheap control, that seems like an awful lot to give up for the fifth guy in your bullpen. Hope I'm wrong and Pena works his way into a seventh or eighth inning role, but I hated this trade.

I'm sure that's what the Sox hope and expect and think he'll become a cheaper version of Dotel next year at the least. Freeing up that money to be spent elsewhere.

Originally Posted by Craig Grebeck

If anything, I think Kenny wanted to move him before it became apparent that the Sox did not have a spot for Brandon. Given the performance of the core power hitters this year, they realized they may be around next year (both Dye and Thome).

Exactly. The Sox are fine at power hitting 1B for the foreseeable future.

[Malgar 12]

Originally Posted by Craig Grebeck

If anything, I think Kenny wanted to move him before it became apparent that the Sox did not have a spot for Brandon. Given the performance of the core power hitters this year, they realized they may be around next year (both Dye and Thome).

Thome's gone after this year.

[Craig Grebeck]

Originally Posted by ...

My opinion was based on this year in it's entirety however you still may be right.

Of course. He was unbelievable last season, but has had trouble replicating his power (check out his ISO numbers). He may have just needed more time to figure it out, but there are questions abound with Allen.

[California Sox]

Originally Posted by Craig Grebeck

Of course. He was unbelievable last season, but has had trouble replicating his power (check out his ISO numbers). He may have just needed more time to figure it out, but there are questions abound with Allen.

Sure. Arizona took the side of the deal with risk and upside. The Sox have more of the sure thing now. The upside for the Sox is Tony Pena is somewhat better than Adam Russell would have been. And the way Russell's been throwing it lately, questions abound there too.