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).

[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.

[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 Malgar 12

Thome's gone after this year.

Don't bet on it.

[California Sox]

So, the ability to replace Dotel's $5 mil frees up money for other areas, but the ability to replace Thome's $15 mil doesn't?

It's possible the Sox don't believe Allen is anything more than Daryl Ward, so they were getting out before he lost his value. They're good at self-scouting, so that's a possibility. But KW has a thing for other people's middle relievers (Vizcaino, Macdougal, Linebrink, Dotel, Aardsma, etc.). And he's always willing to overpay for veterans (see last year's Griffey trade -- is Masset any worse than Pena?). I think he fell in love with 2007 Tony Pena and paid top dollar for 2009 Tony Pena. Hope it works. Have my doubts.

[khan]

My concern with respect to trading away Allen was his status as a lefty power bat; I don't see any other near MLB-ready lefty power bats in the organization.

At the same time, I think KW knew that Allen didn't have a spot here next year, and were he not on the 40 man roster, he'd be Rule 5 eligibile this offseason. I think this may have played a part in KW's decision to move Allen at this time.

[Craig Grebeck]

Originally Posted by California Sox

So, the ability to replace Dotel's $5 mil frees up money for other areas, but the ability to replace Thome's $15 mil doesn't?

It's possible the Sox don't believe Allen is anything more than Daryl Ward, so they were getting out before he lost his value. They're good at self-scouting, so that's a possibility. But KW has a thing for other people's middle relievers (Vizcaino, Macdougal, Linebrink, Dotel, Aardsma, etc.). And he's always willing to overpay for veterans (see last year's Griffey trade -- is Masset any worse than Pena?). I think he fell in love with 2007 Tony Pena and paid top dollar for 2009 Tony Pena. Hope it works. Have my doubts.

If Brandon Allen could have put up a .392 wOBA next season he wouldn't have been dealt. The likelihood that Pena replaces Dotel's production is far, far more likely than Allen turning into even a run-down Jim Thome by 2010.

Is Masset worse than Pena? Uh, **** yes. Don't let 40 innings aided by a very lucky BABIP lead you to idiotic conclusions.

Originally Posted by khan

My concern with respect to trading away Allen was his status as a lefty power bat; I don't see any other near MLB-ready lefty power bats in the organization.

At the same time, I think KW knew that Allen didn't have a spot here next year, and were he not on the 40 man roster, he'd be Rule 5 eligibile this offseason. I think this may have played a part in KW's decision to move Allen at this time.

He wasn't MLB ready.

Do you really not see anyone KW could have cut loose to make room for Allen? He would have been put on the 40 man -- he just isn't worth all that much to this franchise. Is Pena worth more? Probably.

[khan]

Originally Posted by Craig Grebeck

He wasn't MLB ready.

I tend to agree with you on this point. I don't think his minor league numbers projected him to be on the big club in 2010. But again, he IS a lefty power bat.

Originally Posted by Craig Grebeck

Do you really not see anyone KW could have cut loose to make room for Allen? He would have been put on the 40 man -- he just isn't worth all that much to this franchise. Is Pena worth more? Probably.

Without considering who else would have to be protected, I can't make a definitive statement as to whether or not he'd be put in the 40 man. Especially when you consider how close Allen may or may not be to the bigs.

I also reserve judgement on Pena. I also thought of him as a potential Dotel replacement, at a lower price; Pena's contract enables KW to perhaps extend Jenks again.

So considering whether or not to keep Allen in the 40 man, PLUS the current status of the bullpen in light of potential budgetary constraints, Pena for Allen was the right move, IMO. I'd just feel better if there were another lefty bat in the organization that is anywhere near to being called up.

[UChicagoHP]

He was called up to the big show today. No denying he has been absolutely amazing since the trade. 12 HR's in a month...