Ben Zobrist or Adam Lind? Per Phil Rogers 12/27/12

[Brian26]

Phil Rogers hints in the Trib this morning (in his column about AJ leaving) that the Sox may try to acquire Ben Zobrist or Adam Lind.

In typical Phil Rogers' style, it's not mentioned whether this is an actual substantiated rumor from someone connected with the Sox or just something he made up because it sounds interesting.

[Brian26]

Zobrist is 31 and a switch hitter. Lind is 29 and a LH hitter.

Zobrist can pretty much play anywhere on the field, but you have to wonder if he could replace Beckham at 2B or Rios in RF.

Lind is primarily 1B/DH and maybe LF (hasn't played out there since 2010 though). Seems a little redundant with Dunn and PK signed, unless Viciedo is shipped out.

Both guys are interesting thoughts.

[DonnieDarko]

Getting Lind doesn't make sense: the Sox already got enough players at 1B. However, I'd have no problem with Zobrist as a utility player, I guess.

[LITTLE NELL]

Originally Posted by DonnieDarko

Getting Lind doesn't make sense: the Sox already got enough players at 1B. However, I'd have no problem with Zobrist as a utility player, I guess.

If we get Zobrist I doubt that it would be in a utility role. He has averaged 19 HRs and 83 RBIs the last 4 years while hitting .268.
I watch most of the Rays games and always liked him and always hoped he would wind up on the Southside. He was also born and raised in Eureka Illinois.

[PalehosePlanet]

Not sure why Rogers believes the Rays would make Zobrist available. They just lost BJ Upton to free agency which leaves them with Zobrist, Jennings, and Joyce (coming off a bad year) in the outfield. If they trade Zobrist, they would start...who, Sam Fuld? I don't think so.

Besides, Tampa is hard to deal with in trades it seems. They've made other teams overpay mightily in recent years. I don't see this happening.

[Domeshot17]

Zobrist makes a ton of sense!

Zobrist at 2b, Keppinger at 3b, Gordon off the bench in a utility role where he would be better suited, that would be hugggeeeee

[kittle42]

Thrilling. The offseason race for third place continues.

[johnnyg83]

I love Zobrist, but if it's Zobrist for Floyd, I'd defer.

[SoxSpeed22]

Zobrist would be awesome, but I also don't understand why Tampa would make him available.

[Frater Perdurabo]

Would the Rays want a presumably cheaper OF in return, such as Viciedo or DeAza? Or would they want prospects?

[DSpivack]

Originally Posted by johnnyg83

I love Zobrist, but if it's Zobrist for Floyd, I'd defer.

Rays are deep at SP and wouldn't need to add one, let alone a mediocre one making just shy of $10 million.

[SI1020]

Originally Posted by LITTLE NELL

If we get Zobrist I doubt that it would be in a utility role. He has averaged 19 HRs and 83 RBIs the last 4 years while hitting .268.
I watch most of the Rays games and always liked him and always hoped he would wind up on the Southside. He was also born and raised in Eureka Illinois.

I like him too. He's versatile and productive.

[dickallen15]

Ben Zobrist would cost a ton. If you are into advanced metrics, he is one of the most valuable players in baseball. If he is available, the Sox would be wise to inquire. I just think he is going to coast a lot more than what is posted here.

[dickallen15]

Originally Posted by johnnyg83

I love Zobrist, but if it's Zobrist for Floyd, I'd defer.

If Gavin Floyd could get you Zobrist, you make the deal before the drugs wear off the Tampa people.

[johnnyg83]

Originally Posted by dickallen15

If Gavin Floyd could get you Zobrist, you make the deal before the drugs wear off the Tampa people.

Whoa, my bad, especially if you go by WAR -- even massive amounts of drugs may not be enough.

I was thinking Gavin's a relatively inexpensive starter who averages 29+ starts and may give them a 3 or 4 with some experience.