@OverTheMonster
Craig Breslow Vows to Pick a Lane at Trade Deadline
In each of the past two seasons, the Red Sox approached the trade deadline with records that were more or less right around .500. This led to some confusing moves by former chief Chaim Bloom, who seemed to struggle with the choice to either push for the postseason or build for the future. This year, the Sox will likely again be right around .500, but new chief Craig Breslow hopes to avoid the muddy path that Bloom took, saying that, while they haven’t yet decided on what path they’ll take, the Sox plan to “pick a lane” this time.
And with the 12th pick in the 2024 HOBO draft the the Boston Red Sox where anyone would want to be according to Sam select Brez for Prez.
Chaim Bloom wasn't the right guy, but I'm not sure anyone could fit into the procrustean bed created by John Henry's reaction to the 2019 season.
And we still don't know what he's thinking. What we do know right now is that Craig Breslow made his own stupid deals of bringing in Giolito, who will be paid $38M for one season, provided he can actually pitch next season, giving up Sale to the Braves while also paying $17M of his salary while he is now the ace on their staff, getting Grissom, who so far is gruesome, etc.
Nevertheless, I think Breslow was smart to take the job because right now I think he and the Sox are in a very good position.
Yes, way too much of the $182M payroll has been wasted on weak or non-performers: Story, Giolito, Sale (pitching for Atlanta), Yoshida, Whitlock, Turner, et al.
But the relatively new and extremely low cost guys like Duran, Abreu, Wong, Hamilton, Rafaela, Casas (well, except for the injury), Houck, Crawford, Bernardino, and Slaten have made it possible for the Sox to look downright competitive--and even more so when Abreu and Casas get off the IL, hopefully in the next 2 weeks. Plus more talent--we hope they are MLB talent--is waiting in the wings.
Right now there is the very real possibility the Sox will want to compete this season. Better still, the team as is ain't that bad, except for the defense. And, frankly, as bad as it has been, I don't care that much as long as those same guys are getting hits and scoring freaking runs. Taking 4 out of 6 games against the 2 best won-lost records in MLB ain't too shabby, nosiree.
Assuming the Sox are still in the hunt a month from now, Breslow can make a deal to improve their chances, but he doesn't necessarily have to. He should only make a deal that is smart.