Craig Hansen

[Sox Fan on Cape]

I'd prefer we tried to move Mirabelli. He's not expensive, and while he won't be as alluring as Shoppach, due to Shoppach's youth and potential, I think he'd fetch us some help where we need it. Namely, a corner outfielder (a RH one to platoon with Trot) or some BP help. We already have enough starters.

I'd rather trade Shoppach we might be able to get as much as we would for Belli maybe more. Its not going to be too much longer when the "youth /potential " thing won't be there. I definately agree that we could use some outfield help.

[ORS]

Consider the future. Tek is showing the signs of wear more and more each year. That is going to continue and only get worse at the end of his 4 year deal. When his contract is up, he'll be 36 going on 37, which for catchers is usually the end of their fielding days. We will need a replacement.

 

Shoppach will be 28 when Tek's contract ends, and if we bring him up now and throw him into the mix, he will be ready to grab the reigns.

 

I know Wake is more effective with Belli than with Tek right now. But you know what, things change. Most of that effectiveness is due to familiarity. The more Tek catches him, the better they will work together.

 

I think it would be unwise to get rid of something that you will need in the future.

[riverside sluggers]

then why did the sign mirabelli a contract last december to a 2 year contract with option for 3rd year when they had Shoppach who was tearing it up in the minor leagues??

[ORS]

I'm giving my opinion, not the FO's. They certainly appear to think differently than I do. I was just throwing my two cents in.

[26 to 6]

some teams carry 3 catchers, is that an option for the Sox?

 

They could have Shoppach catch a few here and there and maybe teach him some other positions in spring training so that he could maybe spell some guys in the outfield a day here and there or maybe play 1B once in a while. Or they can keep him in AAA next year and then bring him up the following year which would be Mirabelli's option year.

 

Just a thought.

[ClayBuchholzIsDaFuture]

I remember hearing that Theo turned down a Schoppach for Ryan Shealy swap, that was pretty dumb in Theos part ( if true ) ...

[Boogie]

If you guys are willing I'll take Shoppach. Anything is better than Posada at this point.

[26 to 6]

I would take Shoppach and groom him for the future, but I wouldnt play him over Jorge. I hate when Yankee fabs pull thatm tgus guy is a franchise player, he is homegrown and has been an integral part of our success. How about some loyalty here Yankee fans.

[Gambit]

this is something i've been thinking about lately. I dont know how I feel so I figured I would ask your opinions on it. Do you guys consider Craig Hansen to be homegrown? I would say yes because he has never pitched in another organization. but I say no because I dont feel like there has really been that much development of Hansen in the Sox system. I see his stint in the minors as an opprotunity to get some innings in as opposed to development. When he was drafted he was expected to be in the Majors at some point this season anyway based on his performance at St. Johns. So tell me what you guys think.

Of course he's homegrown. As long as he came up in the system (who cares how fast it was) and stays with the team, then ONE team has been in charge of his development. That's it. Homegrown.

 

Matt

[Boogie]

I would take Shoppach and groom him for the future, but I wouldnt play him over Jorge. I hate when Yankee fabs pull thatm tgus guy is a franchise player, he is homegrown and has been an integral part of our success. How about some loyalty here Yankee fans.

He is worthless. Who cares if he is home grown if pretty much all he can do is GIDP? His catching skills are mediocre, he calls a crappy game, and he his bat is on a precipitous decline. Plus he has never hit in the post-season, unless you consider a bloop double and a solo homer of Zito postseason success. I'm loyal to the Yankees just not this player. His whole career, he had sailed along holding onto Jeter and Mariano's coattails.

[stevece80]

Didn't get a chance to read through this thread, but I picked up on some key points. For whatever it's worth, Dave Wallace the Red Sox pitching coach taught Hansen a changeup the year prior to him being drafted. He was helped along in the system, and at the major league level. He certainly had talent coming out of St. Johns and dominated in college, but so didn't CJ Nitzkowski (however you spell his name). Even the best talents need guidance. I'd say he's technically homegrown, and to say he's a finished product would be incorrect.

 

Papelbon was drafted out of college, I'd say he's definitely homegrown considering the Red Sox taught him his split and change, and they converted him from a relief pitcher to a starter. Just because someone is drafted out of college in no way shape or form means they're polished enough from their training in college to play in the majors. They need to be taught in the minors and through the major league staffs just what it takes to play. It's still very rare that college players jump straight to the majors without a year or two or more of help at the minor league level.

 

For those who say they don't consider college players homegrown, please explain to me why the failure rate of players who dominated college baseball is so high.

[stevece80]

I remember hearing that Theo turned down a Schoppach for Ryan Shealy swap, that was pretty dumb in Theos part ( if true ) ...

 

Well it's not true, so it's all good.

[Goalstopper]

Not sure if this has been said but which league will hansen be in this year?

[jsinger121]

The International League

[yankeessuck013]

Will start the season in AAA but will def. see some time in Boston

[Goalstopper]

can't wait to see him play

[Sox Fan on Cape]

Another GKL ?

[example1]

I just don't see the Sox putting this guy in AAA. Just my opinion, but I bet they keep him up. What more does he need to do to prove that he can get guys out? Granted, he has some developing to do, but with his stuff and the sox continued need for dominant relief pitching, he should see time if not right away then very soon.

[a700hitter]

I just don't see the Sox putting this guy in AAA. Just my opinion, but I bet they keep him up. What more does he need to do to prove that he can get guys out? Granted, he has some developing to do, but with his stuff and the sox continued need for dominant relief pitching, he should see time if not right away then very soon.

He's had a very impressive spring training.

[riverside sluggers]

Id say they call him up when Adam Stern' s 17 days are up

 

I just cant see him making the opening day roster

 

Pitchers *(11)

Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, David Wells (held back until April 12), Matt Clement, Jonathan Papelbon, Rudy Seanez, David Riske, Julian Tavarez, Mike Timlin, Keith Foulke

 

Catchers (2)

Jason Varitek, Josh Bard

 

Infielders (7)

Kevin Youkilis, J.T. Snow, David Ortiz, Mark Loretta, Alex Gonzalez, Alex Cora, Mike Lowell

 

Outfielders (5)

Manny Ramirez, Coco Crisp, Trot Nixon, Wily Mo Pena, Adam Stern

[jsinger121]

He's had a very impressive spring training.

 

Hes pitched well but he should be striking more guys out and he really has not done that in spring training.

[a700hitter]

Hes pitched well but he should be striking more guys out and he really has not done that in spring training.

True, that he has not been striking out batters, but he has been impressive nonetheless.

[ksushi]

They want to put him in AAA and let him dominate. Get a feel for professional hitters before bringing him up. I think at some point, him and lester will need to be called up. Someone will be underperforming and those two will make strong cases. Hansen still has a 0.00 era. Thats a joke. He's amazing. I think he needs to be on the big stage soon. Lester has had his struggles but it will be the same thing with him. He'll adjust and eventually get called up and impress.

[riverside sluggers]

Hes pitched well but he should be striking more guys out and he really has not done that in spring training.

 

Him fanning 5 in 7.2 innings I'll still take, besides I think he's just bound to get better.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Anyone watch him pitch against the Yankees last night? I can tell you how excited I am about this guy. He's completely in control when he gets on the mound. The last batter he faced had a full count and I knew the slider was coming....sure enough slider on the outside corner....completely froze the batter. Great stuff to watch.

 

According to one of the YES announcer...he talked to Francona in which Tito said "they are not even thinking about Hansen" at this time. I agree and think thats a smart move. Let Hansen go to AAA and dominate...then bring him up when his arm strength peaks and his confidence is way up.

[HeadOfSoxNation]

Anyone watch him pitch against the Yankees last night? I can tell you how excited I am about this guy. He's completely in control when he gets on the mound. The last batter he faced had a full count and I knew the slider was coming....sure enough slider on the outside corner....completely froze the batter. Great stuff to watch.

 

According to one of the YES announcer...he talked to Francona in which Tito said "they are not even thinking about Hansen" at this time. I agree and think thats a smart move. Let Hansen go to AAA and dominate...then bring him up when his arm strength peaks and his confidence is way up.

 

I'm just as pumped as you are about Hansen...I really like him staying in AAA for a while though...so his arm can develop, but moreso so I can see him when he comes to Syracuse

[example1]

I just don't think its that weird of an idea for him to pitch in boston. What exactly are we hoping he develops in Pawtucket? He doesn't seem to be unnerved about playing against major league and professional competition. He already throws hard and has a great slider.

 

I say, give all of our veterans a chance and if they suck then IMMEDIATELY bring in Hansen. Its not like he's innordinatly young, at 22. There are pitchers who have thrown successfully at 19 before in the majors, so if the sox need him there is no reason they shouldn't use him. If used reasonably (i.e., NOT throwing more than 70 innings this year or so) he shouldn't have arm troubles or anything like that.

 

Maybe I'm just overanxious

[ksushi]

Well, him being called up isn't weird, its just that keeping him in AAA until we absolutely need him is such a luxury. He can hone his pitches, develop some cockiness, and learn what its like to have people hit against you who are being paid to beat you. Thats huge.

 

I think he will be so good in AAA eventually he will be called up. By eventually I mean soon. By soon, I mean june. By june, I mean moon. Sorry, thought I'd throw one more rhyme in there since i liked the first one.

[example1]

So do people think that he sailed through the minors, and all of spring training without giving up a run thanks to a fluke? I don't. I don't think it means that he's perfect, but certainly good enough to dominate AAA level hitters. I'm a believer in finding the highest level of play one can dominate, and then challenge yourself at the next level. I'm predicting a late April/early-May call up. If he looks mortal coming up then maybe he will be sent down, but the sox will take the chance that his numbers and stuff aren't a fluke.

[jsinger121]

So do people think that he sailed through the minors, and all of spring training without giving up a run thanks to a fluke? I don't. I don't think it means that he's perfect, but certainly good enough to dominate AAA level hitters. I'm a believer in finding the highest level of play one can dominate, and then challenge yourself at the next level. I'm predicting a late April/early-May call up. If he looks mortal coming up then maybe he will be sent down, but the sox will take the chance that his numbers and stuff aren't a fluke.

 

His numbers are not a fluke. Hes a very talented pitcher but hes going to start in pawtucket and if either riske or seanez sucks then he is the first guy up likely. I think with the spring training that both Riske and Seanez have had should mean a short leash for both of them.