Quote Originally Posted by ToasterOven View Post
Red Sox in gamble mode. Sandoval's slugging and on base have gone down for 4 straight years. Hanley is pretty fragile and is probably going to learn a new position.
It is the proper year for them to gamble. Their #7 1st round pick is protected, so they can't lose it. The top-10 protected system really benefits the big-market/highly desirable franchises to have an off year every now and again.

It makes little sense that Boston can get a free pass this season signing any "rejected qualifying offer" free agents, yet the Marlins and Padres (the 11th and 12th worst teams last year), if they could even convince/want someone to sign with them, would forfeit their pick.

Granted Boston will still lose their 2nd and 3rd rd. picks with these signings, and SF and LAD will get compensatory picks.