Red Sox Relief Pitching 2023

[mvp 78]

Ryan Brasier:
Average Exit Velo 34th Percentile
Hard Hit 14th Percentile
K% 28th Percentile
BB% 29th Percentile
Whiff% 7th Percentile

Brasier was only retained this year because he limited his walks. That is no longer the case. While his numbers are better if you ignore Opening Day, I think the writing is on the wall.

Kaleb Ort:
Average Exit Velo 33rd Percentile
Hard Hit 32nd Percentile
K% 57th Percentile
BB% 89th Percentile
Whiff% 5th Percentile

Ort is actually doing what the Sox kept Brasier around for: limiting walks. The results have been up and down, but it makes more sense to keep him around longer than Brasier.

Richard Bleier:
Average Exit Velo 44th Percentile
Hard Hit 81st Percentile
K% 26th Percentile
BB% 77th Percentile
Whiff% 9th Percentile

Bleier induces bad contact and the bad defense around him and bad luck contributes to a 12.46 ERA. His xERA sits at 3.40. Even when Joely gets back, he probably still has a role somewhere in the pen ahead of Ort or Brasier.

Aside from the 3 mentioned above, Jansen has been better than advertised, Martin has been fine, Winckowski has been fantastic and Schreiber has taken a slight step back from last year (expected). Kelly got injured, but I thought he was pitching like shit and should have been on the next bus to AAA IMO.

Guys on the 40 man in AAA:

Mata is still struggling with control. No chance he can help in the near term.
Chris Murphy was dreadful in his first start. Shouldn't be on the 40 man roster.
Brandon Walter is pitching ok, but probably won't be called up just to fill a relief role.

Guys in AAA that could potentially be added to the 40 man:

AJ Politi is currently the closer. Has a fastball/slider mix and could be passed through waivers again most likely.
Oddanier Mosqueda was a popular LH name thrown around before the roster was finalized. Average arm and nothing stands out.
Ryan Sherriff is an older left handed specialist that would only have value if Joely or Bleier were hurt for an extended period. High BB rate.
Taylor Broadway has a power arm and limits walks.

Other guys on the horizon:

Luis Guerrero (featured in today's Globe), Theo Denlinger (former teammate of Taylor Broadway and blacksmith), Ryan Fernandez (injured) and Ryan Zeferjahn (also injured).

[moonslav59]

We might think of moving Crawford to the pen, when Bello or Paxton are ready, but I doubt we do that.

If Sale keeps sucking, do they try him in the pen? (I know- blasphemy!)

[moonslav59]

Joely may be ready by early May.

[Bellhorn04]

Joely has a career fWAR of 1.2 in 146 IP. Not really a big difference-maker.

[moonslav59]

Joely has a career fWAR of 1.2 in 146 IP. Not really a big difference-maker.

Just looking at improving on Brasier/Ort/Kelly.

[mvp 78]

Joely has a career fWAR of 1.2 in 146 IP. Not really a big difference-maker.

Yeah, he's a middle reliever.

[Larry Cook]

Just looking at improving on Brasier/Ort/Kelly.

Any hole for Kelly to turn it around on his own?

[Jasonbay44]

Having an actual closer, with experience and that’s actually good has been amazing. Jansen has been lights out.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Having an actual closer, with experience and that’s actually good has been amazing. Jansen has been lights out.

The biggest worry for recent subpar Red Sox rotations is they lead to bullpen burnout. This year's rotation is already the worst in the majors, at least in longevity, since not one starting pitcher has recorded a single out past the 5th inning.

But for some reason, dependable ace closers like Jansen keep piling up the saves and seldom break down. Without going crazy on stats, here are 162-game career averages of games pitched by some notable relievers of the last 20 years (maybe they're just the survivors?):

Jansen 68
Kimbrel 68
Papelbon 68
Lidge 68
Hoffman 68
KRod 68
Chapman 68
Rodney 68
Barnes 68
Rivera 67

[Bellhorn04]

I'd say Jansen has a place in the pantheon of all-time best closers.

[Bellhorn04]

One of the most impressive things about Jansen is how readily he adapted to the pitch clock, because he was one of the slower-working guys before.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

One of the most impressive things about Jansen is how readily he adapted to the pitch clock, because he was one of the slower-working guys before.

He worked out all winter with a clock counting down the seconds. That's in contrast to most old-timers on forums, who intentionally avoid reminders of time running out.

[Bellhorn04]

He worked out all winter with a clock counting down the seconds. That's in contrast to most old-timers on forums, who intentionally avoid reminders of time running out.

That's why the man is a real pro.

[notin]

That's why the man is a real pro.

So where is your Reese McGuire Tin Foil Conspiracy hat? Why did the Dodgers and Braves give up on him to replace him with, well, anyone? I mean, it’s been two years and the Dodgers still don’t have a closer!

;)

[Bellhorn04]

So where is your Reese McGuire Tin Foil Conspiracy hat? Why did the Dodgers and Braves give up on him to replace him with, well, anyone? I mean, it’s been two years and the Dodgers still don’t have a closer!

;)

Jansen costs real money, unlike McGuire. So there. :D

[notin]

Jansen costs real money, unlike McGuire. So there. :D

Since when was that an obstacle for the Dodgers?

This team keeps giving more money to Clayton Kershaw to be a part time starting pitcher. I mean, do they sounds like real money matters to them when they keep shelling out $20mill each year to a SP who hasn’t thrown 130 IP in a year since 2019…

[sk7326]

Pen has been excellent - particularly considering how little help they are getting from the rotation and defense.

[Bellhorn04]

Pen has been excellent - particularly considering how little help they are getting from the rotation and defense.

Yep, the pen has been great so far.

[a700hitter]

Yep, the pen has been great so far.Ort still needs to go

[mvp 78]

Ort still needs to go

His metrics are better than Brasier's.

[a700hitter]

His metrics are better than Brasier's.I stand corrected. They both need to go.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

I stand corrected. They both need to go.

I mean someone has to go when Paxton/Mondesi/story come back.

But until then, who are you replacing them with?

[mvp 78]

I stand corrected. They both need to go.

This is the correct take. I'm not sure who to replace them with internally though.

[notin]

I mean someone has to go when Paxton/Mondesi/story come back.

But until then, who are you replacing them with?

Hopefully Crawford pushed both down a notch after yesterday. If so, maybe Ort is next man down?

Or Bello. Either way, if Houck returns to the bullpen, we’re talking about the 7th and 8th options at reliever. I’m not going to sweat the mop up guys when the starting 2b and SS are a bit of a mess…

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Hopefully Crawford pushed both down a notch after yesterday. If so, maybe Ort is next man down?

Or Bello. Either way, if Houck returns to the bullpen, we’re talking about the 7th and 8th options at reliever. I’m not going to sweat the mop up guys when the starting 2b and SS are a bit of a mess…

Crawford is already on the roster with a Kelly out he’s not replacing anyone.

[moonslav59]

We will never see everyone healthy at once, and who is in the rotation affects the pen, too, especially Houck.

It looks like Whitlock is in the rotation to stay. (Whitlock, Sale, Kluber, Pivetta and Bello/Paxton (piggyback for 2-3 rotations?)

A 100% healthy pen would then look like this:

7 man pen + Paxton/Bello= 8

Closer: Jansen

8th/9th short: Martin, Schreiber, Bleier (odd men out: Joely, Brasier, Ort, Kelly, Mills)
5th to 9th long: Houck, Winckowski, Crawford (odd men our: Mata, Walter)

[mvp 78]

Hopefully Crawford pushed both down a notch after yesterday. If so, maybe Ort is next man down?

Or Bello. Either way, if Houck returns to the bullpen, we’re talking about the 7th and 8th options at reliever. I’m not going to sweat the mop up guys when the starting 2b and SS are a bit of a mess…

Well, there is no plan for 2b and SS. At least there are RP options to talk about IN THE RELIEF PITCHING THREAD.

[moonslav59]

Well, there is no plan for 2b and SS. At least there are RP options to talk about IN THE RELIEF PITCHING THREAD.

Unless we call "waiting" a plan.

Does anyone even know what the plan is, when and if Mondesi is healthy enough to play nearly everyday?

Plus, there is no firm idea on when he is due back.

Hell, we may see Story back before Mondesi, at this rate.

[a700hitter]

I mean someone has to go when Paxton/Mondesi/story come back.

But until then, who are you replacing them with?I don’t want them to be around that long.

[notin]

Well, there is no plan for 2b and SS. At least there are RP options to talk about IN THE RELIEF PITCHING THREAD.


So other positions cannot be mentioned in passing?

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

I don’t want them to around that long.

This is confusing.

[a700hitter]

This is confusing.I edited my post.

[moonslav59]

Paxton should be called up, soon, and I can't see Crawford being sent down, so I'm thinking maybe Ort gets demoted.

When Martin or Joely return, maybe Brasier gets DFA'd or traded (as if!)

Of course, someone else will likely be sent to the IL before any of this happens.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

I edited my post.

Read it. Agreed. And you’ll get to say goodbye to 1-2 of them shortly.

Unless of course someone else on this team goes on the IL. Which would not surprise me at this point.

[notin]

I don’t want them to be around that long.

Paxton might be cleared by Thursday…

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Paxton might be cleared by Thursday…

It’s just feels like Braisers 99 lives are up.

[moonslav59]

It’s just feels like Braisers 99 lives are up.

Ort will go first, so he'll be at 100 lives.

Martin & Joely kindly went on the IL, so he could stick around longer.

[notin]

It’s just feels like Braisers 99 lives are up.

I e been anti-Brasier since 2019, but if he’s the 7th or 8th man on the bullpen depth chart, the bullpen fine

[mvp 78]

So other positions cannot be mentioned in passing?

You said "I'm not going to sweat the mop up guys" in the relief pitching thread. This is the place to sweat the mop up guys.

[mvp 78]

I e been anti-Brasier since 2019, but if he’s the 7th or 8th man on the bullpen depth chart, the bullpen fine

He's not though. He was closing out the game a few nights ago...

[moonslav59]

Brasier has 41 PAs Against.

3 have been high leverage (Opps are 0-3, here.)
8 medium leverage
30 low

However, 13 have been "Late & Close," where he has a .237 OPSA (best on the team as a RP'er.)

[notin]

You said "I'm not going to sweat the mop up guys" in the relief pitching thread. This is the place to sweat the mop up guys.

There is no place to sweat the mop up guys. Even in a thread titled “Sweating the Mop Up Guys”

Now if we get to a point where Ort is needed for meaningful innings, I’m on board with moving him out and getting a capable (or even an untried) replacement…

[notin]

He's not though. He was closing out the game a few nights ago...

Brasier really isn’t horrible. We’ve seen worse, and anyone we try to replace him with is more likely to be a step down than a step up…

[mvp 78]

Brasier really isn’t horrible. We’ve seen worse, and anyone we try to replace him with is more likely to be a step down than a step up…

The internal options right now aren't great, for sure. Mata's command has SUCKED. Politi doesn't look ready for MLB. Mosqueda and Sherriff are just replacements for Bleier. Maybe Wyatt Mills had the potential to be better, but that's not likely from his history. The better prospect relief options aren't quite ready.

[moonslav59]

The "internal options" will end up being Joely, Paxton and maybe Mills, someday.

[mvp 78]

@mlbtraderumors
Red Sox Outright Jake Faria

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

I’ll repeat my statement from several days ago.

Brazier is going to get DFAd before Ort.

[mvp 78]

I’ll repeat my statement from several days ago.

Brazier is going to get DFAd before Ort.

They don't have to DFA Ort. Can just option Ort to AAA.

[notin]

They don't have to DFA Ort. Can just option Ort to AAA.

Unless they want Ort’s 40 man roster spot…

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Unless they want Ort’s 40 man roster spot…

Eventually they will need a spot, a couple, and a Braisers 9 lives are up.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Paxton
Joely
Martin
Story
Duval
Mondesi

That’s 5 spots. Some roster maneuvering will be taking place.

Now, odds are 1-2 guys go onto the IL while those guys make their way back. Hopefully not much more nor anyone key.

[moonslav59]

Paxton
Joely
Martin
Story
Duval
Mondesi

That’s 5 spots. Some roster maneuvering will be taking place.

Now, odds are 1-2 guys go onto the IL while those guys make their way back. Hopefully not much more nor anyone key.


Paxton> Ort
Martin> Please be Brasier
Joely> Not sure (a SP'er to the IL?)
Mondesi> Chang
Story> Tapia
Duval> Duran

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Paxton> Ort
Martin> Please be Brasier
Joely> Not sure (a SP'er to the IL?)
Mondesi> Chang
Story> Tapia
Duval> Duran


I think you gotta switch Brasier and Ort. Brasier is next to go.

Also, there’s no way Duran is getting DFAd for Duval. He’s be traded first but the way he’s playing lately why would t we want to keep him? Especially if this is for real. Kike is gone after this year so you have a hole in CF, and Yoshida could be a bust. I don’t think he is and it’s way too early but it ain’t looking good. Duval is gone too but Duran has team control.

Unfortunately he has options (unfortunately for him) so he’s probably going to go back to and come back up again at least one more time this year. But if he keeps this up he’s going to be staying in the lineup

[moonslav59]

I think you gotta switch Brasier and Ort. Brasier is next to go.

Also, there’s no way Duran is getting DFAd for Duval. He’s be traded first but the way he’s playing lately why would t we want to keep him? Especially if this is for real. Kike is gone after this year so you have a hole in CF, and Yoshida could be a bust. I don’t think he is and it’s way too early but it ain’t looking good. Duval is gone too but Duran has team control.

Unfortunately he has options (unfortunately for him) so he’s probably going to go back to and come back up again at least one more time this year. But if he keeps this up he’s going to be staying in the lineup

Ort has an option. Ort goes to AAA, and Brasier ets his 100th life.

[moonslav59]

I think you gotta switch Brasier and Ort. Brasier is next to go.

Also, there’s no way Duran is getting DFAd for Duval. He’s be traded first but the way he’s playing lately why would t we want to keep him? Especially if this is for real. Kike is gone after this year so you have a hole in CF, and Yoshida could be a bust. I don’t think he is and it’s way too early but it ain’t looking good. Duval is gone too but Duran has team control.

Unfortunately he has options (unfortunately for him) so he’s probably going to go back to and come back up again at least one more time this year. But if he keeps this up he’s going to be staying in the lineup

Duran wont get DFA'd. He might get sent down, unless he's still doing well.

With Tapia and Chang already sent down, who is left but Duran?

[a700hitter]

Duran wont get DFA'd. He might get sent down, unless he's still doing well.

With Tapia and Chang already sent down, who is left but Duran?Did Chang get sent down after this afternoon’s game?

[notin]

I think you gotta switch Brasier and Ort. Brasier is next to go.

Also, there’s no way Duran is getting DFAd for Duval. He’s be traded first but the way he’s playing lately why would t we want to keep him? Especially if this is for real. Kike is gone after this year so you have a hole in CF, and Yoshida could be a bust. I don’t think he is and it’s way too early but it ain’t looking good. Duval is gone too but Duran has team control.

Unfortunately he has options (unfortunately for him) so he’s probably going to go back to and come back up again at least one more time this year. But if he keeps this up he’s going to be staying in the lineup

You’re confusing DFA with a demotion. DFA is Designating For Assignment and is done to remove a player from the 40 man roster, often preceding waivers and release. Duran (and Ort) have options left and can just be sent to Worcester for the cost of a bus ticket and there’s no reason to remove him from the 40 man just yet…

[notin]

Did Chang get sent down after this afternoon’s game?

No. He was just activated this afternoon.

His post was hypothetical about who gets demoted if EVERYONE was all healthy at once…

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

You’re confusing DFA with a demotion. DFA is Designating For Assignment and is done to remove a player from the 40 man roster, often preceding waivers and release. Duran (and Ort) have options left and can just be sent to Worcester for the cost of a bus ticket and there’s no reason to remove him from the 40 man just yet…

If a guy comes off the IL, does someone not have to be removed from the 40 man?

[moonslav59]

If a guy comes off the IL, does someone not have to be removed from the 40 man?

Only if they are on the 60 day (Story, Mondesi, Kelly & Mills.)

[moonslav59]

Did Chang get sent down after this afternoon’s game?

I doubt it. EValdez was only up while Chang was on Paternity Leave.

We need middle IF depth. (Some might call it debt.)

[Larry Cook]

Is there no better option anywhere in our system than brazier?????

[moonslav59]

Is there no better option anywhere in our system than brazier?????

The short answer: No.

The longer one:

Martin IL
Joely IL
Kelly & Mills 60 Day IL

Paxton needs more time, and even then... ???

Politi has sucked in AAA. (.961 OPS Against)
Mosqueda (.909), Sherriff (.810) or Broadway (.938)? LOL.

Our best hope may be a few weeks away:
.736 Mata
.678 Walter

We need Martin back.

[mvp 78]

If a guy comes off the IL, does someone not have to be removed from the 40 man?

The 60 day IL only.

[mvp 78]

Only if they are on the 60 day (Story, Mondesi, Kelly & Mills.)

Chang would probably be DFA'd for Mondesi and he'd probably be cleared through waivers too. By the time Story is ready to come back, Mondesi will be back on the 60 day.

[mvp 78]

Is there no better option anywhere in our system than brazier?????

In a strict relief role on the 40 man? Not really.

[mvp 78]

The short answer: No.

The longer one:

Martin IL
Joely IL
Kelly & Mills 60 Day IL

Paxton needs more time, and even then... ???

Politi has sucked in AAA. (.961 OPS Against)
Mosqueda (.909), Sherriff (.810) or Broadway (.938)? LOL.

Our best hope may be a few weeks away:
.736 Mata
.678 Walter

We need Martin back.

Mata has lots of command issues and they've still kept him in a starter's role. I would transition him to a relief profile though.

I would leave Walter as a starter though.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

The 60 day IL only.

Ah that is correct, I remember now. So it's only Mondesi, Mills, Story. So we don't have to DFA anyone. Braiser lives again!!!!! for a little while

[moonslav59]

Mata has lots of command issues and they've still kept him in a starter's role. I would transition him to a relief profile though.

I would leave Walter as a starter though.

Makes sense, although I doubt they switch roles, this year, with Mata.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Makes sense, although I doubt they switch roles, this year, with Mata.

I can see them doing it by the end of the year. He's been on the 40-man for over 3 years, and if he's still struggling with his control but could use 100 MPH out of the bullpen I can see him in that role.

[mvp 78]

Makes sense, although I doubt they switch roles, this year, with Mata.

They should. He has no more options after this year.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

They should. He has no more options after this year.

Another reason to get a look out of him at the very elast in a pen role at the end of the year.

[mvp 78]

Mata 2023:

12 Innings
12 BB
14 K
10 H

It's not just one bad start either.

[mvp 78]

Another reason to get a look out of him at the very elast in a pen role at the end of the year.

It would make no sense to have him figure out a career change at the MLB level next season. Mata isn't a guy you can sneak through waivers. I think the writing is on the wall.

[notin]

Mata 2023:

12 Innings
12 BB
14 K
10 H

It's not just one bad start either.

No but it is 12 bad innings.

Like Sale, Mata has thrown much over the last couple seasons. There’s a chance he shakes off some rust and improves, possibly substantially…

[notin]

Mata has lots of command issues and they've still kept him in a starter's role. I would transition him to a relief profile though.

I would leave Walter as a starter though.


Are they worried about Mata’s role just yet? They might just want him to rack up some IP. He’s only thrown 83IP in the last 3 years total, all of it last year…

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

No but it is 12 bad innings.

Like Sale, Mata has thrown much over the last couple seasons. There’s a chance he shakes off some rust and improves, possibly substantially…

Maybe he's just throwing to a bad catcher.

[notin]

Maybe he's just throwing to a bad catcher.

Alfaro is on that roster…

[mvp 78]

Are they worried about Mata’s role just yet? They might just want him to rack up some IP. He’s only thrown 83IP in the last 3 years total, all of it last year…

They only have one season to figure it out. Without an option available for next year, there is more urgency to decide what his long term role is. Unless they are just going to leave him as the 8th man in the pen and not care what happens in 2024?

[mvp 78]

Alfaro is on that roster…

Caleb Hamilton caught each of Mata's 3 starts when you check the box scores.

[notin]

Caleb Hamilton caught each of Mata's 3 starts when you check the box scores.

I didn’t check, so I made a safe, accurate statement that just happened to be 100% irrelevant…

[mvp 78]

I didn’t check, so I made a safe, accurate statement that just happened to be 100% irrelevant…

Here's who Caleb Hamilton has caught:
Mata - 3 times
Paxton - 2 times
Dermody
Walter

Alfaro has caught every other start, including Whitlock and Bello's good starts.

[Larry Cook]

Mata has lots of command issues and they've still kept him in a starter's role. I would transition him to a relief profile though.

I would leave Walter as a starter though.

Mata, winkleman and Perales are struggling to find the strike zone

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Mata, winkleman and Perales are struggling to find the strike zone

Winkleman and certainly Perales have more time to figure it out being 21 and 20, high a low a. Mata is 23 much closer to the majors. Time is running out.

[notin]

They only have one season to figure it out. Without an option available for next year, there is more urgency to decide what his long term role is. Unless they are just going to leave him as the 8th man in the pen and not care what happens in 2024?

All the more reason to just put him in a Bulk IP Role this year…

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

All the more reason to just put him in a Bulk IP Role this year…

I agree, I think they should keep him as a starter for now, but they should re-evaluate that late summer. Especially if they need a fresh arm or two down the stretch.

[Larry Cook]

Winkleman and certainly Perales have more time to figure it out being 21 and 20, high a low a. Mata is 23 much closer to the majors. Time is running out.

Makes me wonder if anybody is tracking balls and strikes at the minor league spring training facility

[mvp 78]

All the more reason to just put him in a Bulk IP Role this year…

Bulk innings in the pen. More frequent appearances with multiple innings.

[Maxbialystock]

Makes sense, although I doubt they switch roles, this year, with Mata.

Who the heck is Mata?

[mvp 78]

Who the heck is Mata?

https://www.milb.com/player/bryan-mata-667356

[moonslav59]

Who the heck is Mata?

Our #5 prospect that was supposed to be ML ready, this year.

He was ranked 3rd before his injury.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Makes me wonder if anybody is tracking balls and strikes at the minor league spring training facility

This is baseball. They track everything.

[mvp 78]

@alexspeier
Red Sox will have RHP Chris Martin make a rehab appearance Thursday in Worcester, with hopes that he’ll be activated this weekend. James Paxton will make another start for the WooSox on Sunday.

My guess is Bernardino would be sent down to WOO for Martin. Ort for Paxton when ready in early May?

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

@alexspeier
Red Sox will have RHP Chris Martin make a rehab appearance Thursday in Worcester, with hopes that he’ll be activated this weekend. James Paxton will make another start for the WooSox on Sunday.

My guess is Bernardino would be sent down to WOO for Martin. Ort for Paxton when ready in early May?

It's weird. Paxton gets all these starts but they threw Bello into the fire after one start and only 2 IP in spring training.

[mvp 78]

It's weird. Paxton gets all these starts but they threw Bello into the fire after one start and only 2 IP in spring training.

Bello looked great in his start. Paxton has looked pretty terrible.

[mvp 78]

Bello looked great in his start. Paxton has looked pretty terrible.

MiLB Stats:
Bello 1 G, 6 Inn, 4 K, 0 BB, 1.50 ERA, 0.67 WHIP
Paxton 4 G, 11.1 Inn, 14 K, 10 BB, 10.32 ERA, 2.12 WHIP

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

MiLB Stats:
Bello 1 G, 6 Inn, 4 K, 0 BB, 1.50 ERA, 0.67 WHIP
Paxton 4 G, 11.1 Inn, 14 K, 10 BB, 10.32 ERA, 2.12 WHIP

1 start in AAA after having 2 IP in spring training. One start against a good team? a bad team? good hitters bad hitters? doesn't matter. He didn't ramp up like everyone else. He should have been given more time.

[mvp 78]

1 start in AAA after having 2 IP in spring training. One start against a good team? a bad team? good hitters bad hitters? doesn't matter. He didn't ramp up like everyone else. He should have been given more time.

They thought he was ready? The rotation was in rough shape and needed his help. Now he's back in AAA for another 10 days before he can be called up again.

[moonslav59]

They thought he was ready? The rotation was in rough shape and needed his help. Now he's back in AAA for another 10 days before he can be called up again.

Maybe they see Crawford as the better option, if a start is needed in the next 10 days.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

They thought he was ready? The rotation was in rough shape and needed his help. Now he's back in AAA for another 10 days before he can be called up again.

I understand that, and perhaps they didn’t have a better move, I still think it was the wrong move.

He pitched two innings in spring training. So he effectively had none. And then they throw him out after one game? All the other Sox starters got about 4 starts. I’m not saying that completely explains away the poor results, but I don’t think you can rule it out either.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Also not sure how much “help” they needed rolling with a 6 man rotation.

[Nick]

I do want to see Bello as a starter BUT

I'm okay with Bello taking similar route as Whitlock.

That is, he can join Winckowski and Kutter as multiple inning guys, going as many as 3 or 4 innings.

If Bloom is indeed committed to Sale, Kluber and Paxton, there's no room for Bello.

It's about helping the big league team.

I really don't see him getting any better going up against AAA competition. And I believe he's better option than Brasier and Ort.

AND BELLO HAS SAID AS MUCH. HE THINKS HE BELONGS IN FENWAY. I AGREE.

It would be different had he had normal spring training work load and then pitched poorly. But he didn't get the normal workload. But despite that the team decided he was ready to pitch in the majors. Quit being freakin' cowards. Make a decision and stick to it and not tether every other day. Grow a pair, Bloom.

[moonslav59]

I do want to see Bello as a starter BUT

I'm okay with Bello taking similar route as Whitlock.

That is, he can join Winckowski and Kutter as multiple inning guys, going as many as 3 or 4 innings.

If Bloom is indeed committed to Sale, Kluber and Paxton, there's no room for Bello.

It's about helping the big league team.

I really don't see him getting any better going up against AAA competition. And I believe he's better option than Brasier and Ort.

AND BELLO HAS SAID AS MUCH. HE THINKS HE BELONGS IN FENWAY. I AGREE.

It would be different had he had normal spring training work load and then pitched poorly. But he didn't get the normal workload. But despite that the team decided he was ready to pitch in the majors. Quit being freakin' cowards. Make a decision and stick to it and not tether every other day. Grow a pair, Bloom.

I don't see more time in AAA as trying to get better by facing lesser batters, but as a sort of spring training he all but missed, totally.

There is no way our SP'ers will all stay healthy, and even if they do, my guess is one will continue sucking enough to be replaced by Bello.

Since Bello was never going to be allowed to pitch over 160 innings, anyway, what's the hurry? Let's find out which of the other starters doesn't belong or gets hurt, first.

[Old Red]

I’m not going to make any excuses for Bello. He looked the same as when he first come up last year. Kluber, and Sale sucked too coming out of ST, and they got plenty of work in, so you going to make excuses for them too. The only thing I agree with is going down to Worcester won’t make Bello any better in Boston. Also the innings add up just as much down there too.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

I’m not going to make any excuses for Bello. He looked the same as when he first come up last year. Kluber, and Sale sucked too coming out of ST, and they got plenty of work in, so you going to make excuses for them too. The only thing I agree with is going down to Worcester won’t make Bello any better in Boston. Also the innings add up just as much down there too.

There comes a point where teams have to show faith in young pitchers with good stuff by giving them regular turns through the rotation. Bello has nothing more to prove in AAA.

Chances are his development in the bigs will follow a similar trajectory as in the minors. He struggled a bit at a very young age in his first stints in A and AA, then dominated each level the following season. If Bello is allowed to work his way through the ups and downs of a full MLB campaign, soaking up the knowledge of the old pros on the staff, he may emerge as a future ace as early as '24. His arm is already better than the vets Boston is counting on in '23...

[notin]

The Sox, like most teams, will probably need 10 or so starting pitchers this year. They’re keeping Bello where he is for depth, which is the same reason Kluber has not been DFAd. This isn’t about Bello “needing to work” on anything; this is about demoting the guy with options so you can keep everyone…

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

The Sox, like most teams, will probably need 10 or so starting pitchers this year. They’re keeping Bello where he is for depth, which is the same reason Kluber has not been DFAd. This isn’t about Bello “needing to work” on anything; this is about demoting the guy with options so you can keep your everyone…

With one of the worst starting rotations in the majors, hopefully someone in payroll doesn't get to decide that the next option is to leave the Sox' best arm in the minors and instead call up the exoskeleton of Paxton.

[notin]

With one of the worst starting rotations in the majors, hopefully someone in payroll doesn't get to decide that the next option is to leave the Sox' best arm in the minors and instead call up the exoskeleton of Paxton.

So you think the Sox are going to pay Paxton $14mill since last year just to rehab and release him?

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

There comes a point where teams have to show faith in young pitchers with good stuff by giving them regular turns through the rotation. Bello has nothing more to prove in AAA.

Chances are his development in the bigs will follow a similar trajectory as in the minors. He struggled a bit at a very young age in his first stints in A and AA, then dominated each level the following season. If Bello is allowed to work his way through the ups and downs of a full MLB campaign, soaking up the knowledge of the old pros on the staff, he may emerge as a future ace as early as '24. His arm is already better than the vets Boston is counting on in '23...

This was my experience with Bello. I saw him pitch in AA in 2021 and 2022, three times, and BOY what a difference a year made once he got comfortable. I don't think anyone here is giving up on Bello right now, that's not the impression I get from any poster. Maybe a disagreement on where he should be pitching right now. You'd have to be an idiot to give up on that arm.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

So you think the Sox are going to pay Paxton $14mill since last year just to rehab and release him?

I heard after Paxtons first start his velocity was there so the team told him to throw mostly offspeed and breaking pitches afterward. THat was two starts ago, I don't know if they asked him to do that in his last start nor did I look at the pitches thrown but if that is the case....it explains a lot and leaves me less concerned.

[mvp 78]

The Sox, like most teams, will probably need 10 or so starting pitchers this year. They’re keeping Bello where he is for depth, which is the same reason Kluber has not been DFAd. This isn’t about Bello “needing to work” on anything; this is about demoting the guy with options so you can keep your everyone…

He had 2 below average starts. I don't think him being sent to AAA is the end of the world here. They are going to run Kluber out there every 5 days at least through the ASB unless he gets injured. I think they are stuck with Sale for the whole season. They aren't going to take Whitlock or Houck out of the rotation right now. Would they really move Pivetta out of the rotation if Bello can't go 5 innings?

It's Pivetta/Houck vs Bello. Pivetta provides innings and gives the overused bullpen a little break. Houck has been arguably the best Sox starter this season. Why take him out of the rotation for Bello? I'm not sure Bello would be better than what Houck is currently doing.

[mvp 78]

I heard after Paxtons first start his velocity was there so the team told him to throw mostly offspeed and breaking pitches afterward. THat was two starts ago, I don't know if they asked him to do that in his last start nor did I look at the pitches thrown but if that is the case....it explains a lot and leaves me less concerned.

Is he treating these appearances like Spring Training outings and just "working on stuff?"

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Is he treating these appearances like Spring Training outings and just "working on stuff?"

Thats what I heard about his second start, I have no ideal about his 3rd but you would think that is why the team would ask him to do that. Perhaps they think his other pitches are lagging behind the fastball. It sounds a little weird to me at this point, he should be up to speed by now after his 4th start.

[moonslav59]

I’m not going to make any excuses for Bello. He looked the same as when he first come up last year. Kluber, and Sale sucked too coming out of ST, and they got plenty of work in, so you going to make excuses for them too. The only thing I agree with is going down to Worcester won’t make Bello any better in Boston. Also the innings add up just as much down there too.

Bello pitched once in ST'ing. It wasn't about him and other "sucking" come out of ST'ing: it was about Bello having virtually no ST'ing at all.

[moonslav59]

There comes a point where teams have to show faith in young pitchers with good stuff by giving them regular turns through the rotation. Bello has nothing more to prove in AAA.

Chances are his development in the bigs will follow a similar trajectory as in the minors. He struggled a bit at a very young age in his first stints in A and AA, then dominated each level the following season. If Bello is allowed to work his way through the ups and downs of a full MLB campaign, soaking up the knowledge of the old pros on the staff, he may emerge as a future ace as early as '24. His arm is already better than the vets Boston is counting on in '23...

The minors are often used for other things than a "proving ground." It is also a place players go to rehab or get back into a groove, after missing time on the field.

[notin]

He had 2 below average starts. I don't think him being sent to AAA is the end of the world here. They are going to run Kluber out there every 5 days at least through the ASB unless he gets injured. I think they are stuck with Sale for the whole season. They aren't going to take Whitlock or Houck out of the rotation right now. Would they really move Pivetta out of the rotation if Bello can't go 5 innings?

It's Pivetta/Houck vs Bello. Pivetta provides innings and gives the overused bullpen a little break. Houck has been arguably the best Sox starter this season. Why take him out of the rotation for Bello? I'm not sure Bello would be better than what Houck is currently doing.


In the rare event everyone is healthy, Bello will be in Worcester. Not sure who goes to the bullpen, but I’m fine with sending anyone if it means demoting Ort…

[notin]

The minors are often used for other things than a "proving ground." It is also a place players go to rehab or get back into a groove, after missing time on the field.

AAA is also where many teams stash the 26-36 spots on their roster…

[moonslav59]

So you think the Sox are going to pay Paxton $14mill since last year just to rehab and release him?

Paxton made $6M in 2022 and will make $4M in 2023.

I'm sure the plan was never to rehab and release, but if he never shows he has regained his stuff, it could happen. (My guess is they give him a chance.)

[moonslav59]

AAA is also where many teams stash the 26-36 spots on their roster…

True, and maybe that's all Bello will amount to, but I see this as Spring Training II for Bello.

[Nick]

My argument is not Bello starting or not.

My argument is keeping Bello in AAA just as an emergency starter, to be available if a major league starter gets hurt. It has nothing to do with his performance apparently and Cora said so as much.

What logic is that? We are going to keep one of our 13 best pitchers on the farm? This is NOT the Rays team. We are in last place. And to think we have the LUXURY of keeping one of our top 13 pitchers RIGHT NOW on the farm?

So Bello is going to PAY THE PRICE because our current starters are bunch of pussies?

I'd fire our baseball people. I'm just getting tired of missteps. I'll say the same to Moon. It's idiotic to keep him 'stretched' IN CASE OF AN INJURY to someone else. We already have Kutter in that role.

[mvp 78]

Thats what I heard about his second start, I have no ideal about his 3rd but you would think that is why the team would ask him to do that. Perhaps they think his other pitches are lagging behind the fastball. It sounds a little weird to me at this point, he should be up to speed by now after his 4th start.

He didn't really have a Spring Training, so I'm fine with him taking his time. It's been a LOOOONG time since he's pitched competitively. I don't care if the WOOSox win or lose.

[mvp 78]

In the rare event everyone is healthy, Bello will be in Worcester. Not sure who goes to the bullpen, but I’m fine with sending anyone if it means demoting Ort…

I've learned not to get my hopes up.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

So you think the Sox are going to pay Paxton $14mill since last year just to rehab and release him?

Not yet, first they'll try him in the bullpen, like they did with Richards. They already tried it with Paxton in Worcester, and that didn't go so well, relieving in early innings...

[mvp 78]

Paxton made $6M in 2022 and will make $4M in 2023.

I'm sure the plan was never to rehab and release, but if he never shows he has regained his stuff, it could happen. (My guess is they give him a chance.)

Last year's cost is out the door. They didn't pick up the option for him this year, Paxton picked up a player option. If they don't like what they see at all, why keep him around? If they really want to win, wouldn't they rather have the best players available on the active roster?

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Last year's cost is out the door. They didn't pick up the option for him this year, Paxton picked up a player option. If they don't like what they see at all, why keep him around? If they really want to win, wouldn't they rather have the best players available on the active roster?

You sound like a teacher trying to reason with teenagers. How dare you put winning over payroll?

[Old Red]

Last year's cost is out the door. They didn't pick up the option for him this year, Paxton picked up a player option. If they don't like what they see at all, why keep him around? If they really want to win, wouldn't they rather have the best players available on the active roster?
If they get down to Paxton just for depth the Red Sox would be in a bad situation anyway. Bello, Kut Man, and Wink should be ahead of him anyways.

[mvp 78]

My argument is not Bello starting or not.

My argument is keeping Bello in AAA just as an emergency starter, to be available if a major league starter gets hurt. It has nothing to do with his performance apparently and Cora said so as much.

What logic is that? We are going to keep one of our 13 best pitchers on the farm? This is NOT the Rays team. We are in last place. And to think we have the LUXURY of keeping one of our top 13 pitchers RIGHT NOW on the farm?

So Bello is going to PAY THE PRICE because our current starters are bunch of pussies?

I'd fire our baseball people. I'm just getting tired of missteps. I'll say the same to Moon. It's idiotic to keep him 'stretched' IN CASE OF AN INJURY to someone else. We already have Kutter in that role.

I think it's more about the long term development of Bello. They want to keep him starting and give him the best chance to succeed. They also can't just DFA Kluber because it'll severely impact the Sox in the next FA class. Players aren't going to come here if they are just going to be DFA'd one month into the season.

The question is: how much value is there really to have an "innings eater" like Pivetta in the rotation? If the Sox want to win, they should have high ceiling guys, not the Pivettas of the world. They've also shot themselves in the dick over and over again by yo-yoing Whitlock and Houck in and out of the rotation and hindering their development. It just seems like their overall lack of the plan, or at least not sticking to one, has really impacted them whenever one thing goes wrong.

Their redundancies are injury prone players (Story, Arroyo, Mondesi, Paxton, Sale, Whitlock, etc.). That's not going to carry you through a season successfully.

[mvp 78]

If they get down to Paxton just for depth the Red Sox would be in a bad situation anyway. Bello, Kut Man, and Wink should be ahead of him anyways.

Two most likely scenarios IMO:

1. Stretch him out until he can go 6 innings. Let him get bombed a few turns in the rotation in BOS. DFA.
2. Stretch him out until he can go 6 innings. See if you can get him into the rotation. Anticipate a 60 Day IL somewhere along the way. No more than 5 GS for BOS?

[mvp 78]

You sound like a teacher trying to reason with teenagers. How dare you put winning over payroll?

It depends on how bad he's pitching, right? If he just straight up sucks, don't call him up.

[moonslav59]

Last year's cost is out the door. They didn't pick up the option for him this year, Paxton picked up a player option. If they don't like what they see at all, why keep him around? If they really want to win, wouldn't they rather have the best players available on the active roster?

True, but who is beating down the door to be added to the 40, so he can be called up to the bigs in the next month?

Not Drohan.

When Paxton's rehab is up, we'll have to decide, if he deserves a ML start or a DFA/trade.

Isn't there a time limit on rehabs for vets?

(I only mentioned the money to correct notin's $14M comment.)

[mvp 78]

True, but who is beating down the door to be added to the 40, so he can be called up to the bigs in the next month?

Not Drohan.

When Paxton's rehab is up, we'll have to decide, if he deserves a ML start or a DFA/trade.

Isn't there a time limit on rehabs for vets?

(I only mentioned the money to correct notin's $14M comment.)

He's got a 2.12 WHIP. It's not looking great right now. I'd rather have Ort pitching innings than the current version of Paxton.

[notin]

Last year's cost is out the door. They didn't pick up the option for him this year, Paxton picked up a player option. If they don't like what they see at all, why keep him around? If they really want to win, wouldn't they rather have the best players available on the active roster?

Why is last year’s cost out the door? They knew he was injured when they signed him, and if he wasn’t injured, in no way do they get him so cheap…

[mvp 78]

Why is last year’s cost out the door? They knew he was injured when they signed him, and if he wasn’t injured, in no way do they get him so cheap…

They were hopeful that he could pitch last season. Why didn't they pick up the club option? Were they happy to just let him go to FA after all that hard work rehabbing him last year?!??!?

[Nick]

I think it's more about the long term development of Bello. They want to keep him starting and give him the best chance to succeed. They also can't just DFA Kluber because it'll severely impact the Sox in the next FA class. Players aren't going to come here if they are just going to be DFA'd one month into the season.

The question is: how much value is there really to have an "innings eater" like Pivetta in the rotation? If the Sox want to win, they should have high ceiling guys, not the Pivettas of the world. They've also shot themselves in the dick over and over again by yo-yoing Whitlock and Houck in and out of the rotation and hindering their development. It just seems like their overall lack of the plan, or at least not sticking to one, has really impacted them whenever one thing goes wrong.

Their redundancies are injury prone players (Story, Arroyo, Mondesi, Paxton, Sale, Whitlock, etc.). That's not going to carry you through a season successfully.

Well said.....

[moonslav59]

He's got a 2.12 WHIP. It's not looking great right now. I'd rather have Ort pitching innings than the current version of Paxton.

Maybe. How much longer can Paxton rehab?

[mvp 78]

Maybe. How much longer can Paxton rehab?

Until Paxton complains about the IL stints. They kept Taylor rehabbing in AAA all last season.

[notin]

I think it's more about the long term development of Bello. They want to keep him starting and give him the best chance to succeed. They also can't just DFA Kluber because it'll severely impact the Sox in the next FA class. Players aren't going to come here if they are just going to be DFA'd one month into the season.

The question is: how much value is there really to have an "innings eater" like Pivetta in the rotation? If the Sox want to win, they should have high ceiling guys, not the Pivettas of the world. They've also shot themselves in the dick over and over again by yo-yoing Whitlock and Houck in and out of the rotation and hindering their development. It just seems like their overall lack of the plan, or at least not sticking to one, has really impacted them whenever one thing goes wrong.

Their redundancies are injury prone players (Story, Arroyo, Mondesi, Paxton, Sale, Whitlock, etc.). That's not going to carry you through a season successfully.

Yes the Sox will miss out on the entire class of aging veterans who can no longer reach 90 on the radar gun. I am pretty sure Shohei Ohtani isn’t going to factor in the brevity of Kluber’s Boston tenure when making career decisions.

They can’t DFA Kluber because, as awful as he has been, the Sox need enough SP to get through 136 more games. And even the occasional Kluber beat down might be oddly beneficial if he lasts at least 5 IP. Plus there is the hope that he can adjust and turn around this abysmal start using only his Veteran Craftiness. After all, he still only has a handful of (uninspiring) starts. But he also did a very good job against a Baltimore lineup that can absolutely hit…

[moonslav59]

Until Paxton complains about the IL stints. They kept Taylor rehabbing in AAA all last season.

It's hard to imagine Paxton trying to justify being ML ready, right now, but maybe after a couple good starts... (assuming that ever happens.)

[moonslav59]

Yes the Sox will miss out on the entire class of aging veterans who can no longer reach 90 on the radar gun. I am pretty sure Shohei Ohtani isn’t going to factor in the brevity of Kluber’s Boston tenure when making career decisions.

They can’t DFA Kluber because, as awful as he has been, the Sox need enough SP to get through 136 more games. And even the occasional Kluber beat down might be oddly beneficial if he lasts at least 5 IP. Plus there is the hope that he can adjust and turn around this abysmal start using only his Veteran Craftiness. After all, he still only has a handful of (uninspiring) starts. But he also did a very good job against a Baltimore lineup that can absolutely hit…

Kluber will still get paid and pitch somewhere.

Will the Bumgarner DFA mean AZ will never sign another big FA pitcher?

[Jasonbay44]

Fantastic news: Ort has been optioned to AAA. Hopefully a Brasier DFA is next

[moonslav59]

Fantastic news: Ort has been optioned to AAA. Hopefully a Brasier DFA is next

All I can say on Ort is, "What took it so long?"

One Brasier, "Please be soon!"

[notin]

Fantastic news: Ort has been optioned to AAA. Hopefully a Brasier DFA is next

If you’re lying I’m going to stay up all night sticking pins in a George Pickens doll…

[Jasonbay44]

If you’re lying I’m going to stay up all night sticking pins in a George Pickens doll…

https://twitter.com/tylermilliken_/status/1652474000826564608?s=46&t=1u34ht2lbHNEwSrA6jD0Qg

It’ll be official tomorrow once Martin is activated

[moonslav59]

According to CBSMLB, Joely Rodriguez may come off the IL on May 5th.

Paxton may be called up, if he begins pitching well, at some point.

Whitlock is unknown. (They say May 10th.)

Wyatt Mills is due around May 30th, but it's not clear he is a better than our number 13, anyway.

For everyday players....

June 1st Duvall (at the earliest)
June 1st Mondesi
June 10 Chang
July 14th Story

[mvp 78]

The next move to be made will be to waive Bernardino when Joely returns.

Then they'll option Crawford to make room for Paxton.

Brasier survives.

[Bellhorn04]

The next move to be made will be to waive Bernardino when Joely returns.

Then they'll option Crawford to make room for Paxton.

Brasier survives.

He's a cat.

[mvp 78]

He's a cat.

IDK, they really "value" the utility of having options and on a player. That's why guys like Ort stick around. Brasier stuck around because he had arb years and they liked his bb rate. He no longer has future years of control or any remaining options. He's a guy on a $2.5M-ish contract that probably should have just been nontendered this offseason as most of us correctly said prior to being tendered. They probably give him another month or so to figure it out or wait for the wheels to REALLY fall off.

[Old Red]

The next move to be made will be to waive Bernardino when Joely returns.

Then they'll option Crawford to make room for Paxton.

Brasier survives.
I can’t see the Kut Man being sent down. Him, and Wink have really solidified the front end of the pen.

[mvp 78]

I can’t see the Kut Man being sent down. Him, and Wink have really solidified the front end of the pen.

I can't see Brasier being DFA'd, since Chaim is the one making decisions.

[Old Red]

I can't see Brasier being DFA'd, since Chaim is the one making decisions.

Maybe, but to send the Kut Man down just, because he has options, and keeping Bra Man would not be a way to go for me.

[Bellhorn04]

Crawford has been phenomenal since his first game. No way should he be sent down.

[mvp 78]

Crawford has been phenomenal since his first game. No way should he be sent down.

I'm just saying. It's not the move I'd do!

[Bellhorn04]

Since that first start, in 20.1 IP, Crawford has a nifty K/BB of 18/0. Honestly didn't know he was capable of being that good.

[Nick]

Since that first start, in 20.1 IP, Crawford has a nifty K/BB of 18/0. Honestly didn't know he was capable of being that good.

And just 3 ER given up.

Maybe he should be starting instead of Pivetta.

Anyone here get excited when it's Pivetta's turn to pitch?

[Bellhorn04]

And just 3 ER given up.

Maybe he should be starting instead of Pivetta.

Anyone here get excited when it's Pivetta's turn to pitch?

If we are .500 in Pivetta's starts, that's a good thing. His record with the Sox is indeed 22-22.

[mvp 78]

And just 3 ER given up.

Maybe he should be starting instead of Pivetta.

Anyone here get excited when it's Pivetta's turn to pitch?

He's just supposed to be competent. He's a high floor, low ceiling guy. The bigger issue will be if Paxton shows up and just takes a dump on the mound. Pivetta has the second best Starter's ERA for BOS. Hard to just bounce him.

[mvp 78]

If we are .500 in Pivetta's starts, that's a good thing. His record with the Sox is indeed 22-22.

The greatest 5th starter who ever lived.

[Old Red]

And just 3 ER given up.

Maybe he should be starting instead of Pivetta.

Anyone here get excited when it's Pivetta's turn to pitch?

The Kut Man had a good stretch last year too in the rotation, but i wouldn’t make any change right now, and leave him in the pen.

[Old Red]

He's just supposed to be competent. He's a high floor, low ceiling guy. The bigger issue will be if Paxton shows up and just takes a dump on the mound. Pivetta has the second best Starter's ERA for BOS. Hard to just bounce him.

Plus Pivetta is the most reliable to show up for every turn.

[mvp 78]

Plus Pivetta is the most reliable to show up for every turn.

Here's his massive injury history:
2014: 7 Day DL (A-)
2016: 7 Day DL (AA)
2021: 10 Day IL May, 10 Day IL Sept (still started 30 games and appeared in 31)

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

If we are .500 in Pivetta's starts, that's a good thing. His record with the Sox is indeed 22-22.

Doesn't that make him the ace of this rotation? Like the medium... but not the kind that talks to ghosts (though if he has a connection, then wake up the damn Bambino; we can use another lefty)... or maybe the median, a safety guide rail between lanes going in opposite directions.

[notin]

Maybe, but to send the Kut Man down just, because he has options, and keeping Bra Man would not be a way to go for me.

It’s unfortunate, but that kind of thing happens all the time. They’re not going to DFA Brasier unless they need a 40 man roster spot, which they do not need in order to activate either Rodriguez or Paxton…

[Maxbialystock]

The really neat thing about a MLB season is all those freaking games broken into series, home and away. Cleveland, 2d in the AL Central, just left--

--and in comes the semi-juggernaut, the great Toronto Blue Jays for four big ones.

And Cora will be sending out Kluber, Houck, Pivetta, and Bello. Backing them up will be two pretty good long relievers, Winckowski and Crawford, and six others, including closer Jansen, for spot duty. My hope is that Cora won't commit Winckowski or Crawford to a game the Sox are unlikely to win.

With Paxton due back soon and Whitlock out for maybe 2 weeks, right now the pitching staff seems brimming with health compared to the lineup players, among whom Duvall, Story, and Chang (who was impressive at SS) are all out for longish periods.

But I like the Sox in this Jays series at the Fens.

[mvp 78]

The really neat thing about a MLB season is all those freaking games broken into series, home and away. Cleveland, 2d in the AL Central, just left--

--and in comes the semi-juggernaut, the great Toronto Blue Jays for four big ones.

And Cora will be sending out Kluber, Houck, Pivetta, and Bello. Backing them up will be two pretty good long relievers, Winckowski and Crawford, and six others, including closer Jansen, for spot duty. My hope is that Cora won't commit Winckowski or Crawford to a game the Sox are unlikely to win.

With Paxton due back soon and Whitlock out for maybe 2 weeks, right now the pitching staff seems brimming with health compared to the lineup players, among whom Duvall, Story, and Chang (who was impressive at SS) are all out for longish periods.

But I like the Sox in this Jays series at the Fens.

Sox sweep and they'll be in 3rd place on Thursday night.

[moonslav59]

And just 3 ER given up.

Maybe he should be starting instead of Pivetta.

Anyone here get excited when it's Pivetta's turn to pitch?

I always feel like we have a good chance to win, when Pivetta starts.

I feel better with him starting than Kluber.

[moonslav59]

The really neat thing about a MLB season is all those freaking games broken into series, home and away. Cleveland, 2d in the AL Central, just left--

--and in comes the semi-juggernaut, the great Toronto Blue Jays for four big ones.

And Cora will be sending out Kluber, Houck, Pivetta, and Bello. Backing them up will be two pretty good long relievers, Winckowski and Crawford, and six others, including closer Jansen, for spot duty. My hope is that Cora won't commit Winckowski or Crawford to a game the Sox are unlikely to win.

With Paxton due back soon and Whitlock out for maybe 2 weeks, right now the pitching staff seems brimming with health compared to the lineup players, among whom Duvall, Story, and Chang (who was impressive at SS) are all out for longish periods.

But I like the Sox in this Jays series at the Fens.

I do, too.

BTW, Mondesi is out, too. That makes 3 middle IF'er out, at the same time.

[moonslav59]

It’s unfortunate, but that kind of thing happens all the time. They’re not going to DFA Brasier unless they need a 40 man roster spot, which they do not need in order to activate either Rodriguez or Paxton…

Maybe when Story returns?

[notin]

Maybe when Story returns?

At that point, they might DFA Tapia…

[moonslav59]

At that point, they might DFA Tapia…

Hey, leave us a sliver of hope.

[Jasonbay44]

I always feel like we have a good chance to win, when Pivetta starts.

I feel better with him starting than Kluber.
I think I’d feel more confident with a random fan starting than Kluber

[Old Red]

I think I’d feel more confident with a random fan starting than Kluber

Kluber wasn’t sharp yesterday, but gutted out 5+ innings.

[moonslav59]

Kluber wasn’t sharp yesterday, but gutted out 5+ innings.

That he did. My confidence level did not move off from a very low point, but at least it didn't move down a notch.

[mvp 78]

Too many walks. If he can't get that fixed, he's toast.

[Bellhorn04]

Bernardino's straight numbers look pretty good so far...are there advanced ones that say otherwise?

[moonslav59]

Bernardino's straight numbers look pretty good so far...are there advanced ones that say otherwise?

Tiny sample size, but....

.545 OPS Against, despite a .353 BAbip.

22 PAs against
0 BB
5 Ks

1.63 FIP

1.059 WHIP

MVP can give you the "real" advanced stuff.

He got lit up in 6 IP with SEA's AAA team, earlier, this year.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Too many walks. If he can't get that fixed, he's toast.

I doubt the walks are because he's wild, but from just missing the black. He's smart enough to know the velo is gone, and the toast will be burnt sooner if he doesn't paint.

In other words, there may not be another game you want Kluber to pitch against a good offense.

[mvp 78]

92.7 EV
111.1 Max EV
410 xSLG
406 xWOBACON
4.14 xERA
0% Weak Contact

This is Ort/Brasier with better luck.

[mvp 78]

I doubt the walks are because he's wild, but from just missing the black. He's smart enough to know the velo is gone, and the toast will be burnt sooner if he doesn't paint.

In other words, there may not be another game you want Kluber to pitch against a good offense.

He can't be a 3 k/9 guy. He's got to be back around 1.5, which is close to what he was last year. He was effective last year with meager velo and walking guys is never a good thing.

[moonslav59]

He can't be a 3 k/9 guy. He's got to be back around 1.5, which is close to what he was last year. He was effective last year with meager velo and walking guys is never a good thing.

You mean 3BB/9 to 1.5?

[mvp 78]

You mean 3BB/9 to 1.5?

Yes, sorry.

[mvp 78]

White Sox: Jake Diekman and righty Franklin German were designated for assignment

[mvp 78]

German in AAA this year:
12.7% K
7.2% BB
7.15 ERA

Diekman in MLB this year:
8.74% K
10.32% BB
7.94 ERA

Theo Denlinger in AA (traded for German):
11.3% K
0.9% BB
0.87 ERA

[mvp 78]

@ChrisCotillo
Jansen probably unavailable for the Sox again today. Whitlock is undergoing more testing today.

[notin]

German in AAA this year:
12.7% K
7.2% BB
7.15 ERA

Diekman in MLB this year:
8.74% K
10.32% BB
7.94 ERA

Theo Denlinger in AA (traded for German):
11.3% K
0.9% BB
0.87 ERA

Denlinger also makes more horseshoes than German…

[mvp 78]

Denlinger also makes more horseshoes than German…

I believe he was more of a knife, axe, sword guy. His shop appears to be down now.

[notin]

I believe he was more of a knife, axe, sword guy. His shop appears to be down now.

So… you’re saying German’s horseshoes are better?

[mvp 78]

So… you’re saying German’s horseshoes are better?

German was doing something other than working on secondary pitches, that's one thing we know for sure.

[Nick]

Starters
Sale Kluber Bello Pivetta Paxton

Houck Whitlock Winckowski and Kutter long relievers

Martin Schriber Bernardino Bleier one inning guys

Jansen the closer

Not too bad especially if we can add a #1 starter in Juy

[notin]

German was doing something other than working on secondary pitches, that's one thing we know for sure.

Well played…

[mvp 78]

Well played…

Why isn't moon banging the drum to bring him back?

[mvp 78]

Starters
Sale Kluber Bello Pivetta Paxton

Houck Whitlock Winckowski and Kutter long relievers

Martin Schriber Bernardino Bleier one inning guys

Jansen the closer

Not too bad especially if we can add a #1 starter in Juy

Houck:
1st time through the order:
393 OPS, 2.84 FIP
2nd time through the order:
875 OPS, 3.96 FIP
3rd time through the order:
1037 OPS, 8.57 FIP

VS RHP:
540 OPS, 2.62
VS LHP:
870 OPS, 5.94

He's added some pitches this season, but we're still seeing the same problems. He can't turn the lineup over. He struggles with lefties. He's a bullpen arm that can spot start. Maybe a piggyback off an opener.

[moonslav59]

Houck:
1st time through the order:
393 OPS, 2.84 FIP
2nd time through the order:
875 OPS, 3.96 FIP
3rd time through the order:
1037 OPS, 8.57 FIP

VS RHP:
540 OPS, 2.62
VS LHP:
870 OPS, 5.94

He's added some pitches this season, but we're still seeing the same problems. He can't turn the lineup over. He struggles with lefties. He's a bullpen arm that can spot start. Maybe a piggyback off an opener.

His last start really widened the gaps between 1st and 3rd time through the line-up. He did pretty good the start before.

I totally agree, and have displayed these splits several times, before, but we should remember this:

Sample Size

234 PAs 1st time through
217 2nd time
59 3rd time.

59 PAs is just about 2 complete games allowing just 5 baserunners.

[mvp 78]

His last start really widened the gaps between 1st and 3rd time through the line-up. He did pretty good the start before.

I totally agree, and have displayed these splits several times, before, but we should remember this:

Sample Size

234 PAs 1st time through
217 2nd time
59 3rd time.

59 PAs is just about 2 complete games allowing just 5 baserunners.

The start before:
Houck sees 8 batters and gives up 3 runs in the 4th inning when he tries to turn the order over the third time. Or is that the SSS again?

He's always going to have a SSS on the third time through, because he sucks at doing it. Out of 6 starts, 2 have been above average (MN on 4/20 and DET on 4/8).

[moonslav59]

The start before:
Houck sees 8 batters and gives up 3 runs in the 4th inning when he tries to turn the order over the third time. Or is that the SSS again?

He's always going to have a SSS on the third time through, because he sucks at doing it. Out of 6 starts, 2 have been above average (MN on 4/20 and DET on 4/8).

Yes, my bad. It was 2 starts before he was okay, except for a solo shot.

[notin]

The start before:
Houck sees 8 batters and gives up 3 runs in the 4th inning when he tries to turn the order over the third time. Or is that the SSS again?

He's always going to have a SSS on the third time through, because he sucks at doing it. Out of 6 starts, 2 have been above average (MN on 4/20 and DET on 4/8).

Houck just isn’t a SP. Ditto Whitlock, for different reasons.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but the issue is they’re both more in the rotation by default. I am hoping the Sox move both to the bullpen and Paxton and Bello can take over the starting roles. I have my doubts Cora and Bloom see it that way, however…

[mvp 78]

Houck just isn’t a SP. Ditto Whitlock, for different reasons.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but the issue is they’re both more in the rotation by default. I am hoping the Sox move both to the bullpen and Paxton and Bello can take over the starting roles. I have my doubts Cora and Bloom see it that way, however…

There's been lots of waffling with Houck and Whitlock. I don't know if it's because their is internal disagreement about the players' future or if just because a lack of options at the upper levels.

[mvp 78]

Yes, it was 2 starts before he was okay.

Against the Twins
1st time through the order: 0 H, 1 BB, 5 K
2nd time through the order: 3 H, 0 BB, 1 K
3rd time through the order: 3 H, 0 BB, 1 K, 3 ER

I'm still seeing a drop in effectiveness after the first time through the order and then it getting worse as the lineup turns over a third time. The k rate falls off the table and he ends up giving up a big bomb. Even in his best start of the year!

[moonslav59]

Houck just isn’t a SP. Ditto Whitlock, for different reasons.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but the issue is they’re both more in the rotation by default. I am hoping the Sox move both to the bullpen and Paxton and Bello can take over the starting roles. I have my doubts Cora and Bloom see it that way, however…

I'm pretty convinced on Houck, but the sample size is still pretty small on the whole 3rd time through thingy.

I'm not so sure on Whitlock. The health argument may have merit, but maybe not. His SP'er sample size is even smaller, but both seem to do very well the first time through- suggesting a 2-3 IP role is best, although late inning 1 IP roles would work, too.

It would be interesting to see us try a pen with 4 guys that can go 2-4 IP: Houck, Whitlock, Wink and Crawford. We could use one every day with each pitching every 4 days.

For that to happen, we'd need 5 reliable SP'ers:

Sale
Bello
Kluber
Paxton
_____ (Mata, Walter, Murphy, Drohan? Or, trade for one?)

(Even the first 4 are a bit shaky.)

[moonslav59]

Against the Twins
1st time through the order: 0 H, 1 BB, 5 K
2nd time through the order: 3 H, 0 BB, 1 K
3rd time through the order: 3 H, 0 BB, 1 K, 3 ER

I'm still seeing a drop in effectiveness after the first time through the order and then it getting worse as the lineup turns over a third time. The k rate falls off the table and he ends up giving up a big bomb. Even in his best start of the year!

I guess I misremembered. He did retire 7 of the last 9, but one hit was a 2 run HR.

My bad.

[Bellhorn04]

There's been lots of waffling with Houck and Whitlock. I don't know if it's because their is internal disagreement about the players' future or if just because a lack of options at the upper levels.

I think with Houck it's lack of options. Whitlock they've really wanted to be a starter, but he keeps getting hurt.

[mvp 78]

I think with Houck it's lack of options. Whitlock they've really wanted to be a starter, but he keeps getting hurt.

He was damaged goods when they got him in Rule 5. He's still a valuable pitcher, he just is what he is.

[sk7326]

I think with Houck it's lack of options. Whitlock they've really wanted to be a starter, but he keeps getting hurt.

The deal with Houck is the deep splits - which is something you can mange in the pen. The thing that is tough about him is that he can be devastating - against righthanders. That delivery and armslot are just juicy looks for lefties.

Whitlock's virtue is that he pounds the strike zone - but I just don't know if there is an elite pitch as a starter. But the durability has mooted a lot of this.

[moonslav59]

The deal with Houck is the deep splits - which is something you can mange in the pen. The thing that is tough about him is that he can be devastating - against righthanders. That delivery and armslot are just juicy looks for lefties.

Whitlock's virtue is that he pounds the strike zone - but I just don't know if there is an elite pitch as a starter. But the durability has mooted a lot of this.

He's pretty good against lefties, too- just the first time facing them.

[mvp 78]

Whitlock is apparently back to throwing which is good news? We'll see if and when he gets back on the mound.

[Bellhorn04]

Whitlock is apparently back to throwing which is good news? We'll see if and when he gets back on the mound.

It would be very good news if we see him again soon.

[moonslav59]

Just don't rush him. We need a healthy Whitlock.

[mvp 78]

Just don't rush him. We need a healthy Whitlock.

He's not showing any nerve symptoms and is throwing. I don't know if they've put a timetable on him. They haven't said anything anyway. They said they weren't worried about TJS, but were just being cautious.

Paxton is pitching his last WOO start today. They'll need to make a decision soon.

Joely pitched last night at WOO, but his velo is way down, like 2 mph down. :eek:

[Bellhorn04]

Joely pitched last night at WOO, but his velo is way down, like 2 mph down. :eek:

That's exactly the attitude we've been talking about that ruins pitchers' arms. ;)

[mvp 78]

That's exactly the attitude we've been talking about that ruins pitchers' arms. ;)

LOL, I'm talking about getting him back to his normal 92 mph self that he has been for his career. If he can be effective at 90, fine. I just don't know if he can be.

[mvp 78]

@IanMBrowne
Kutter Crawford to the IL retroactive to May 4 with left hamstring strain. Kaleb Ort replaces him on roster.

[Old Red]

@IanMBrowne
Kutter Crawford to the IL retroactive to May 4 with left hamstring strain. Kaleb Ort replaces him on roster.

That’s an even swap. On another note is Dugy hurting? Not in the lineup again tonight.

[mvp 78]

That’s an even swap. On another note is Dugy hurting? Not in the lineup again tonight.

Just sick. He'll be back tomorrow most likely. Not an injury.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

That’s an even swap. On another note is Dugy hurting? Not in the lineup again tonight.

Crawford is even with Ort?

[mvp 78]

Crawford is even with Ort?

Actually, no. Kaleb Ort is 18th in the league in Stuff+. Crawford is tied at 93rd.

[moonslav59]

Actually, no. Kaleb Ort is 18th in the league in Stuff+. Crawford is tied at 93rd.

I'm not sure why having more stuff to pack to move from Woo to Boston should matter.

[mvp 78]

@kennlandry
Rangers Minor League trade: RHP Zack Littell is being sent to Boston for cash considerations.

Littell had a 2.25 ERA at Triple-A Round Rock this season.

WOO's bullpen is pretty bad, so expect more moves like this.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

@kennlandry
Rangers Minor League trade: RHP Zack Littell is being sent to Boston for cash considerations.

Littell had a 2.25 ERA at Triple-A Round Rock this season.

WOO's bullpen is pretty bad, so expect more moves like this.

No bullpen depth in AAA, this move makes me believe they’re not thinking about moving Mata/Johnson into a bullpen role anytime soon.

That could still change.

[vegasbob]

Matt Barnes . Just had to get him out of my system. Pitching for the Marlins, but not lighting up the NL. About what you would expect, 13 innings, 12 hits, 7 walks , 6 runs charged.

[Old Red]

Crawford is even with Ort?

I couldn’t find any green.

[moonslav59]

Matt Barnes . Just had to get him out of my system. Pitching for the Marlins, but not lighting up the NL. About what you would expect, 13 innings, 12 hits, 7 walks , 6 runs charged.

The guy we got back is almost identical:

13.2 IP
14 Hits
3 BBs
9 Runns

[mvp 78]

Lefty specialist Richard Bleier's 2023 splits:

LHB 1278 OPS (597 career), 4.95 xFIP
RHB 475 OPS (774 career), 3.91 xFIP

[mvp 78]

No bullpen depth in AAA, this move makes me believe they’re not thinking about moving Mata/Johnson into a bullpen role anytime soon.

That could still change.

I think Mata is still in line for a bullpen role. Most of the bullpen guys in WOO could be released at anytime and nothing of value would be lost.

[moonslav59]

I think Mata is still in line for a bullpen role. Most of the bullpen guys in WOO could be released at anytime and nothing of value would be lost.

Pick up a journeyman AAAA SP'er and move mata to the pen, now!

Or, move up Drohan.

[notin]

I think Mata is still in line for a bullpen role. Most of the bullpen guys in WOO could be released at anytime and nothing of value would be lost.

Most of the guys in the WOO bullpen have already been released by other teams at some point.

But I think that’s probably true of most AAA bullpens…

[mvp 78]

Pick up a journeyman AAAA SP'er and move mata to the pen, now!

Or, move up Drohan.

I wouldn't move Drohan just to get Mata into the pen. Those moves are independent to me.

[mvp 78]

Most of the guys in the WOO bullpen have already been released by other teams at some point.

But I think that’s probably true of most AAA bullpens…

The exceptions: Shugart, Thompson, Broadway and Mosqueda. None of them are great options. Shugart and Broadway may be ok at some point.

Sherriff (LHP) is pitching decently. Maybe they try giving him a call at some point.

[moonslav59]

I wouldn't move Drohan just to get Mata into the pen. Those moves are independent to me.

Agred. I wouldn't rush Drohan just for the Mata change, but it might end up working out that way.

[moonslav59]

The exceptions: Shugart, Thompson, Broadway and Mosqueda. None of them are great options. Shugart and Broadway may be ok at some point.

Sherriff (LHP) is pitching decently. Maybe they try giving him a call at some point.

At some point, Fernandez, Guerrero and or Denlinger might get called up to AAA. All are doing well out of the gate.

[notin]

Agred. I wouldn't rush Drohan just for the Mata change, but it might end up working out that way.

But you could promote Van Belle, who’s already 26 and doesn’t have the highest ceiling anyway…

[moonslav59]

But you could promote Van Belle, who’s already 26 and doesn’t have the highest ceiling anyway…

True nuff.

[Larry Cook]

And yet brasier is still on the team!!!!!

[moonslav59]

And yet brasier is still on the team!!!!!

Cause he has "nasty stuff!" LOL.

[Old Red]

Cause he has "nasty stuff!" LOL.

First the Rays picked up Streakman, and now they’ve picked up Littell.

[moonslav59]

First the Rays picked up Streakman, and now they’ve picked up Littell.

Trying to find their next Springs, I guess.

It does make you wonder why the Rays would want our scraps. It must mean they like players Bloom has acquired.

[moonslav59]

First the Rays picked up Streakman, and now they’ve picked up Littell.

They also beat us to Eflin, last winter.

[Bellhorn04]

They also beat us to Eflin, last winter.

And traded us for Springs.

[Maxbialystock]

Forget Brasier—for a moment—and focus on the disaster of the last two games. When Cora sent Jansen out for the 9th today, despite last nights absolutely awful outing, he was saying no other Sox reliever was capable of getting a save. That’s scary.

[notin]

Forget Brasier—for a moment—and focus on the disaster of the last two games. When Cora sent Jansen out for the 9th today, despite last nights absolutely awful outing, he was saying no other Sox reliever was capable of getting a save. That’s scary.

Or he was hoping Jansen would be ok after getting right back on the proverbial horse. The problem is, he flopped last night against the bottom of the lineup, and tonight he had the top…

[Maxbialystock]

Or he was hoping Jansen would be ok after getting right back on the proverbial horse. The problem is, he flopped last night against the bottom of the lineup, and tonight he had the top…

Hope is not a method. Cora and Cora alone is responsible for todays loss. He had plenty of better options than the guy who gave up 3 hits and a walk last night without getting a single out.

[notin]

Hope is not a method. Cora and Cora alone is responsible for todays loss. He had plenty of better options than the guy who gave up 3 hits and a walk last night without getting a single out.

I agree. As I said before, Schreiber has been watching for two days without getting the call…

[Yaz Fan Since '67]

So you go away from the guy who is 7th all time in saves and having a solid year for us after one bad outing? It obviously didn't work out but I have no problem with Cora's decision.

[Bellhorn04]

So you go away from the guy who is 7th all time in saves and having a solid year for us after one bad outing? It obviously didn't work out but I have no problem with Cora's decision.

I don't think it was an easy decision for Cora one way or the other.

[redsoxrules]

As much as I give Cora flack from time to time most managers would use their closer back in this situation. All closers have bad games and when they do the next save opportunity their manager will put them back in. This isn't a series of bad outings he was having. It WAS ONE BAD OUTING. You would all have a point if he had been bad for a for a while.

[moonslav59]

As much as I give Cora flack from time to time most managers would use their closer back in this situation. All closers have bad games and when they do the next save opportunity their manager will put them back in. This isn't a series of bad outings he was having. It WAS ONE BAD OUTING. You would all have a point if he had been bad for a for a while.

Indeed.

Fine to disagree, but certainly Cora had merit.

Now, on Brasier...

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Forget Brasier—for a moment—and focus on the disaster of the last two games. When Cora sent Jansen out for the 9th today, despite last nights absolutely awful outing, he was saying no other Sox reliever was capable of getting a save. That’s scary.

Fact KJ is a future hall of fame closer
Fact KJ was having an elite year before this series
Fact the best pitchers to ever play the game have blown leads/saves


Baseball is a mental game, sometimes the best thing you can do is get back out there and get back on your horse. What Cora did, was the same exact move ANY other good manager would have made.

There's a difference between rolling a guy out there who is failing day in and day out for a long period of time and then throwing your closer out there after ONE bad game. Should we bench Raffy if he goes 0-4 one game?

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

As much as I give Cora flack from time to time most managers would use their closer back in this situation. All closers have bad games and when they do the next save opportunity their manager will put them back in. This isn't a series of bad outings he was having. It WAS ONE BAD OUTING. You would all have a point if he had been bad for a for a while.

This is a good point. It would be a different situation if Jansen was having a bad stretch; weeks of bad play looking totally lost night after night then things would be different. No reasonable manager pulls their closer after one game. none.

[notin]

Fact KJ is a future hall of fame closer
Fact KJ was having an elite year before this series
Fact the best pitchers to ever play the game have blown leads/saves


Baseball is a mental game, sometimes the best thing you can do is get back out there and get back on your horse. What Cora did, was the same exact move ANY other good manager would have made.

There's a difference between rolling a guy out there who is failing day in and day out for a long period of time and then throwing your closer out there after ONE bad game. Should we bench Raffy if he goes 0-4 one game?

But at some point, where is Schreiber? He was good enough to close games last year. And good enough to be used in every insane critical matchup. Brasier has pitched 4 times since we last saw Schreiber.

If Schreiber is hurt or not feeling good, that’s one thing (and an obvious answer here). Or if he’s in Cora’s Disciplinary Doghouse, that’s another. But if he isn’t, what’s going on?

[Old Red]

But at some point, where is Schreiber? He was good enough to close games last year. And good enough to be used in every insane critical matchup. Brasier has pitched 4 times since we last saw Schreiber.

If Schreiber is hurt or not feeling good, that’s one thing (and an obvious answer here). Or if he’s in Cora’s Disciplinary Doghouse, that’s another. But if he isn’t, what’s going on?
Cora let Blier face the top of the order Friday night when that should have been Schreiber time.

[Old Red]

Oh no! Cora’s favorite pitcher Bernardino back to Worcester.

[Nick]

Oh no! Cora’s favorite pitcher Bernardino back to Worcester.

I thought Brasier was his favorite. Ort his second favorite.

Also Kike can do no wrong in Cora's eyes. $10M utility player.