Am I crazy? (I don't want Foulke on the Sox)

[Transmogrifier]

Alright, I know you're sick of BoSox talk, but I was trying to find an audience for my line of thinking over my Turkey Day vacation, and few agreed with me.

I think the Sox are silly to sign Foulke. That is, assuming he's getting somewhere near 3-4 years at around $8 million.

My reasoning:

1) Anyone read MoneyBall and Beane's tendency to bring up the value of closers? See Izzy, Koch, Foulke. A relief ace is important, but Foulke worries me. Remember, he was used a ton this year--a la Koch--and he was injured at the end of the ALDS.

2) Change up artist with the wall.

3) $8 mill is a lot; why not sign Latroy Hawkins and another player for a little more (total) and make Williamson the closer?

Opinions?

[MikeeDee]

Williamson could be good enough, but Foulke is a stud.

[Transmogrifier]

but Foulke is a stud.

Based on?

[pkarr5000]

based on him making sure the yankees had home field advantage in the world series and him being the most affective closer in the a.l.

[Transmogrifier]

based on him making sure the yankees had home field advantage in the world series and him being the most affective closer in the a.l.

It's "effective", by the way. And it's one year. One year. A stud isn't made in one year. Why else would Billy be so willing to rid himself of closers every year. He increases the value...

[MikeeDee]

Check this out:
year ERA whip sv k's
Foulke 2001 2.33 0.98 42 75
2002 2.90 1.00 11 58
2003 2.08 0.89 43 88
Williamson2000 3.29 1.49 6 136
2001 threw less than an inning
2002 2.92 1.11 8 84
2003 4.16 1.41 21 74

[Transmogrifier]

Check this out:
year ERA whip sv k's
Foulke 2001 2.33 0.98 42 75
2002 2.90 1.00 11 58
2003 2.08 0.89 43 88
Williamson2000 3.29 1.49 6 136
2001 threw less than an inning
2002 2.92 1.11 8 84
2003 4.16 1.41 21 74

Alright. I think everyone is missing my point. I don't think Foulke is bad. I just think that he's not worth 8 million over three or four years. Not when we can get someone like Latroy Hawkins and somone else for that amount of cash. I think the Sox are going for name recognition over value.

[pkarr5000]

if you really dont want him, write a letter to theo and tell him to back off.

[BigLebowski]

I don't necessarily think that Foulke is a "bad" idea, but I've had the same thoughts. I'm not totally sold on Foulke.

Williamson, when not injured, (that's a big "when") has been a servicable closer. If the Sox stick with him and don't try to go commitee if he blows a save or two, should be alright.

I would save that money, for flexiblity during the season after they see how things are going. Is money an issue? I don't know, but I as an outsider(d'backs fan) I see that the Schilling signing is much more important than the Sheffield signing. I would rank the RedSox as the favorite to win the AL East right now. I do think that the middle relief help would be a great value.

Just a humble NL fan opinion.

[kentx12]

Foulke will be a top 5 closer where ever he goes. IMO.