Expectations for Saltalamacchia?

[seabeachfred]

They still have Aviles' date=' right?[/quote']

 

Aviles will hit Thunder; if he can make the routine play and field consistently we can get by fine......we have a good fielder named Punto for defensive purposes in the late innings if necessary. If Iglesias can start improving his hitting at Pawtucket, we could have as many as four players ready to crash into the starting lineup within the next year or so......Iglesias, Middlebrooks, Kalish and Lavarnway. Maybe two one year and two the next.

 

We really need to start plugging in some of our young talent and not let them waste away in the minors. Unlike Anderson and Reddick, I think these four have real good upsides, but that is my opinion.

[Emmz]

The only thing laughable is that you haven't a clue about raw talent when you see it. I coached baseball for over 30 years and also did some scouting (for scouts by the way) and I know talent when I see it. In Lavarnway 's case, the ball explodes off his bat and that is a rarity with young hitters. He also has a very strong arm. He needs only to sharpen his receiving and he will be a solid player. As I said take that to the bank.

 

Now I'll put a new color in your paintbox. Remember the name Swihart; he was a top draft choice for the Red Sox last June. He is also a catcher, but they will have to make room for him too. Either Ryan or this kid will play another position because he is an outstanding young hitter. His swing is gold. Now you're in on the ground floor.

 

Just for the record, I predicted as soon as Pedroia was drafted that he would become a solid and standout player. Oh yes, you say, easy job. ********!!!!!! There was many many many people and scouts who said he was too small and too weak to become a full time player. Ellsbury? When he was drafted out of Oregon State, I predicted that in three years he would be a 300 hitter with the Red Sox.

 

Just for the record, there are things that I am totally inept at, but I know talent when I see it, and both Lavarnway and Swihart will be exactly that---outstanding young players if they stay healthy and develop as they should.

Well Freddy, I read the first paragraph and called ********. No one takes your proclaimed scouting knowledge seriously. If you really want to be taken seriously, you'll drop the elitist knowledge crap, because no one believes any of it, and stop saying guys with minimal major league experience are proven.

 

Him becoming a 30 HR hitter is not a sure thing. Your whole argument is based on minor league stats dude. I think he's got a 30 HR potential as well, but at this point predicting that belongs in the fearless predictions thread.

[Emmz]

Anyways. You should try reading a Cracked article on why bragging on the internet is a bad idea. Whats so funny is the first time I read it, I thought of several internet people I've encountered in my life, and one of them is you.

[Emmz]

http://www.cracked.com/blog/5-reasons-you-should-never-brag-internet/

 

Here, for you Fred.

[Bellhorn04]

Fred's been touting Lavarnway for a couple of years now, since before too much was known about him, so if Lavarnway does turn out to be the real deal I'll have to give him props on that one.

[mvp 78]

Just for the record, I predicted as soon as Pedroia was drafted that he would become a solid and standout player. Oh yes, you say, easy job. ********!!!!!! There was many many many people and scouts who said he was too small and too weak to become a full time player. Ellsbury? When he was drafted out of Oregon State, I predicted that in three years he would be a 300 hitter with the Red Sox.

 

Just for the record, there are things that I am totally inept at, but I know talent when I see it, and both Lavarnway and Swihart will be exactly that---outstanding young players if they stay healthy and develop as they should.

 

That's nothing. I have predicted the win loss totals for the Sox for 6 out of the last 7 years. In 1978, I told my dad Bucky Dent would hit a HR, I was not yet 2. In 1986, I told my parents that the Sox were going to beat the Angels and we needed to get back home (we had run out after Hendu knocked a ball off his glove and over the wall). During the 99 playoffs, I had a dream where Pedro pitched a no no out of the bullpen and Troy O'Leary hit a grandslam. In 03, when Grady Little didn't take Pedro out, I knew the game was over so I turned the tv off and said wait til next year. I used a Ouija board to tell me about the Nomar trade and saw the Dave Roberts steal in some tea leaves. In 2007, I perdicted the outcome and score for each playoff game. Last year, I saw with my third eye the coming of our lord and savior Lavarnway and of his glorious 2 homeruns.

 

In fact, I know exactly what will happen this year, but don't want to ruin the surprise for all of you.

[mvp 78]

Fred's been touting Lavarnway for a couple of years now' date=' since before too much was known about him, so if Lavarnway does turn out to be the real deal I'll have to give him props on that one.[/quote']

 

Never saw Wake and Tek in unis at ST though...

[Bellhorn04]

Never saw Wake and Tek in unis at ST though...

 

Correct. My props are limited to his evaluations of prospects...I do like it when somebody gets out ahead of the crowd on one of our prospects and turns out to be right. Fred also mentioned Swihart, I have heard good things about him and also Bogearts...this franchise could really use some young stars coming up.

[Emmz]

Fred's been touting Lavarnway for a couple of years now' date=' since before too much was known about him, so if Lavarnway does turn out to be the real deal I'll have to give him props on that one.[/quote']

 

Except for setting school records and being the best hitter at every class he's been at essetially. All the other examples are obvious. How many times do you think Fred's been wrong? Probably a lot more than he's been right.

[Emmz]

Correct. My props are limited to his evaluations of prospects...I do like it when somebody gets out ahead of the crowd on one of our prospects and turns out to be right. Fred also mentioned Swihart' date=' I have heard good things about him and also Bogearts...this franchise could really use some young stars coming up.[/quote']

 

All you have to do is read scouting reports to claim responsibility for anybody coming up. Fred's not ahead of anybody on Lavs, he was a monster in college. Same with everyone else on this list, hes the same as anyone who looks at scouting reports.

[Emmz]

That's nothing. I have predicted the win loss totals for the Sox for 6 out of the last 7 years. In 1978, I told my dad Bucky Dent would hit a HR, I was not yet 2. In 1986, I told my parents that the Sox were going to beat the Angels and we needed to get back home (we had run out after Hendu knocked a ball off his glove and over the wall). During the 99 playoffs, I had a dream where Pedro pitched a no no out of the bullpen and Troy O'Leary hit a grandslam. In 03, when Grady Little didn't take Pedro out, I knew the game was over so I turned the tv off and said wait til next year. I used a Ouija board to tell me about the Nomar trade and saw the Dave Roberts steal in some tea leaves. In 2007, I perdicted the outcome and score for each playoff game. Last year, I saw with my third eye the coming of our lord and savior Lavarnway and of his glorious 2 homeruns.

 

In fact, I know exactly what will happen this year, but don't want to ruin the surprise for all of you.

 

Exactly. And no one's going to believe you. From a completely objective POV, you'd even have to say you're full of s***. Just like everything Fred's bragging about.

[a700hitter]

I like to read Fred's scouing reports. He has obviously taken the time to follow and watch many of these guys. People beat him up for the nicknames and he stopped most of that. Now, he is being ridiculed for his scouting reports. You people need to grow up. If you disagree with what he says, post your reasons. The ridicule is childish.

[a700hitter]

The only thing laughable is that you haven't a clue about raw talent when you see it. I coached baseball for over 30 years and also did some scouting (for scouts by the way) and I know talent when I see it. In Lavarnway 's case, the ball explodes off his bat and that is a rarity with young hitters. He also has a very strong arm. He needs only to sharpen his receiving and he will be a solid player. As I said take that to the bank.

 

Now I'll put a new color in your paintbox. Remember the name Swihart; he was a top draft choice for the Red Sox last June. He is also a catcher, but they will have to make room for him too. Either Ryan or this kid will play another position because he is an outstanding young hitter. His swing is gold. Now you're in on the ground floor.

 

Just for the record, I predicted as soon as Pedroia was drafted that he would become a solid and standout player. Oh yes, you say, easy job. ********!!!!!! There was many many many people and scouts who said he was too small and too weak to become a full time player. Ellsbury? When he was drafted out of Oregon State, I predicted that in three years he would be a 300 hitter with the Red Sox.

 

Just for the record, there are things that I am totally inept at, but I know talent when I see it, and both Lavarnway and Swihart will be exactly that---outstanding young players if they stay healthy and develop as they should.

Fred, you must have followed Pedroia pretty closely, because a lot of people missed the mark with him, including me. When I saw him at Spring Training in 2006/2007, I thought his skills were very average across the board. I saw no plus skill from him. Also, he was a little guy with a big swing and what I thought was warning track power. I was completely wrong. He' s the type of guy that you have to see a lot of to realize how special he is. Ellsbury's skill set can be easily observed from seeing him play just a few games, but not Pedroia. The ball does seem to really jump off Lavarnway's bat and he seems to have a strong arm, at least compared to our catchers last season. Right now his path seems to be blocked for 2012. They may send him to Pawtucket hoping that he tears up the pitching and increases his market value. Maybe he eventually sticks wit the Sox or maybe they think Swihart is the future catcher and La?arnway is going to be a nice trading chip. It is certainly something to follow.

[Dojji]

I wanted Pedroia at SS.

 

But then, I always think a player should play at the top position on the spectrum that they can conceivably play and move down from there if necessary.

[mvp 78]

I like to read Fred's scouing reports. He has obviously taken the time to follow and watch many of these guys. People beat him up for the nicknames and he stopped most of that. Now' date=' he is being ridiculed for his scouting reports. You people need to grow up. If you disagree with what he says, post your reasons. The ridicule is childish.[/quote']

 

No one has a problem with scouting reports. Just don't be the guy "well I always knew player X would rake and player Y would suck." No one likes a braggard, especially when the recent history is mixed at best.

 

I have no problem with Fred. He has a great baseball iq. However, resorting to a "well I was a scout for 30 years" isn't going to win arguments or friends. A scouting report is one thing, constantly patting yourself on the back for unverifiable predictions is childish.

[a700hitter]

No one has a problem with scouting reports. Just don't be the guy "well I always knew player X would rake and player Y would suck." No one likes a braggard, especially when the recent history is mixed at best.

 

I have no problem with Fred. He has a great baseball iq. However, resorting to a "well I was a scout for 30 years" isn't going to win arguments or friends. A scouting report is one thing, constantly patting yourself on the back for unverifiable predictions is childish.

And you and others have anointed yourselves to take him down a peg with ridicule. People have been trying to take me down a peg for years because I like to tweak people with statements such as "I am almost never wrong", "I am right 99.6 % of the time." My custom user title used to be "The Ballpark Pontiff" and now I have dubbed myself the "King of TalkSox". I do it all in fun, tongue in cheek, but people lose their minds over it, adding to my enjoyment. Many have made it their mission to take me down a peg or destroy my credibility etc. It's so laughable. At one point a certain poster said that he was waiting for the day when iortiz would come to his senses and repudiate me, because he couldn't stand that iortiz agreed with me on many issues. Well, how well have the efforts to take me down worked? I am still here and still speaking my mind, and it still annoys some people. If people want to take a run at me to prove me wrong and "take me down a peg", they are welcome to go ahead. I like a lively debate, but ridiculing someone because you think they are bragging is childish schoolyard stuff and less funny and entertaining to read than Fred's corniest nicknames. The internet is full of blowhards. Anyone who has been on this forum for an extended period who doesn't think that he/she is a blowhard is just kidding themselves. If you eliminated the blowhards from discussion forums, there would be no internet discussion forums.

[a700hitter]

No one has a problem with scouting reports. Just don't be the guy "well I always knew player X would rake and player Y would suck." No one likes a braggard, especially when the recent history is mixed at best.

 

I have no problem with Fred. He has a great baseball iq. However, resorting to a "well I was a scout for 30 years" isn't going to win arguments or friends. A scouting report is one thing, constantly patting yourself on the back for unverifiable predictions is childish.

I know that I can be a jackhole prick at times. I have had my moments over the years, so I am not preaching to you. I just don't want this to go down an ugly path. People have been banned recently and the forum has calmed down a fair bit, so I don't want to see the whole thing spiral out of control again.

[mvp 78]

I'm not looking to take anyone down a peg. I'm just offering advice that Fred will get along better with others if he limits the I told you so's and I was a scout blah blah blah.

[seabeachfred]

No one has a problem with scouting reports. Just don't be the guy "well I always knew player X would rake and player Y would suck." No one likes a braggard, especially when the recent history is mixed at best.

 

I have no problem with Fred. He has a great baseball iq. However, resorting to a "well I was a scout for 30 years" isn't going to win arguments or friends. A scouting report is one thing, constantly patting yourself on the back for unverifiable predictions is childish.

 

Sorry if you took it as bragging; it was not that at all in my opinion. It is just when you have a long background of experience coaching baseball, working with high school and college players and doing some volunteering scouting for professional scouts who respect your opinion on things, you do have a tendency to develop an eye for certain types that might be above the garden variety of players. There are a large number MVP who project high with talent but most never make it, some fail miserably. The talent is still there but someting is lacking. They either lack the relentlessness that is needed, t he learning curve that is deficient, or an attitude that is alien to success in a very tough business.

 

Pedroia was mentioned and there were a few that didn't think he could make it, too small, not fast enough, arm average. But he made it big because he was smart, determined and willing to pay the price. I saw that out here when he played at Arizona State when they came to California to play UCLA and SC. Ellsbury? An ability to just get better with each season, a body that could grow and develop from the time he left college, not to mention blinding speed and ability to get the bat on the ball. In other words, this basically singles and doubles hitter could mature into a stronger hitter. I never believed he was a 30 homer man, but he looked capable of developing into a 15-20 homer man combined with his speed to hit 300 in the Bigs and play a good CF. Some of that you can see when you've been around the game as long as I have. It is NOT bragging, just trying to share my background to help things along. I don't expect Boxxi to get it because aside f rom a very dirty and filthy mouth, her kn owledge of the game will remain mediocre because rather than try and learn a thing or two from someone who might know more than she does, she would rather curse the guy out and tell him he doesn't know what he's talking about. In that she is a very sad case I'm afraid to say.

 

Anyway, we move on.

[Emmz]

And you and others have anointed yourselves to take him down a peg with ridicule. People have been trying to take me down a peg for years because I like to tweak people with statements such as "I am almost never wrong"' date=' "I am right 99.6 % of the time." My custom user title used to be "The Ballpark Pontiff" and now I have dubbed myself the "King of TalkSox". I do it all in fun, tongue in cheek, but people lose their minds over it, adding to my enjoyment. Many have made it their mission to take me down a peg or destroy my credibility etc. It's so laughable. At one point a certain poster said that he was waiting for the day when iortiz would come to his senses and repudiate me, because he couldn't stand that iortiz agreed with me on many issues. Well, how well have the efforts to take me down worked? I am still here and still speaking my mind, and it still annoys some people. If people want to take a run at me to prove me wrong and "take me down a peg", they are welcome to go ahead. I like a lively debate, but ridiculing someone because you think they are bragging is childish schoolyard stuff and less funny and entertaining to read than Fred's corniest nicknames. The internet is full of blowhards. Anyone who has been on this forum for an extended period who doesn't think that he/she is a blowhard is just kidding themselves. If you eliminated the blowhards from discussion forums, there would be no internet discussion forums.[/quote']

 

Difference is in the name of fun. Fred just constantly thinks he's really more knowledgeable. He's just some guy who brags a lot and nobody believes him.

[a700hitter]

Difference is in the name of fun. Fred just constantly thinks he's really more knowledgeable. He's just some guy who brags a lot and nobody believes him.

You guys need to find some common ground. You are both sick sports fans and strong personalities. Cut each other some slack. He can brag and be emotional and you can be dismissive and nasty, but you are both good sports people.

[Emmz]

Sorry if you took it as bragging; it was not that at all in my opinion. It is just when you have a long background of experience coaching baseball, working with high school and college players and doing some volunteering scouting for professional scouts who respect your opinion on things, you do have a tendency to develop an eye for certain types that might be above the garden variety of players. There are a large number MVP who project high with talent but most never make it, some fail miserably. The talent is still there but someting is lacking. They either lack the relentlessness that is needed, t he learning curve that is deficient, or an attitude that is alien to success in a very tough business.

 

Pedroia was mentioned and there were a few that didn't think he could make it, too small, not fast enough, arm average. But he made it big because he was smart, determined and willing to pay the price. I saw that out here when he played at Arizona State when they came to California to play UCLA and SC. Ellsbury? An ability to just get better with each season, a body that could grow and develop from the time he left college, not to mention blinding speed and ability to get the bat on the ball. In other words, this basically singles and doubles hitter could mature into a stronger hitter. I never believed he was a 30 homer man, but he looked capable of developing into a 15-20 homer man combined with his speed to hit 300 in the Bigs and play a good CF. Some of that you can see when you've been around the game as long as I have. It is NOT bragging, just trying to share my background to help things along. I don't expect Boxxi to get it because aside f rom a very dirty and filthy mouth, her kn owledge of the game will remain mediocre because rather than try and learn a thing or two from someone who might know more than she does, she would rather curse the guy out and tell him he doesn't know what he's talking about. In that she is a very sad case I'm afraid to say.

 

Anyway, we move on.

 

You say you're sorry for bragging only to continue bragging. You're just another old relic who puts his knowledge above all others'. I'd say my knowledge of baseball, as well as human relations beyond the mid-20th century, are a great deal better than yours gramps.

[a700hitter]

Oye! Here we go.

[Emmz]

You guys need to find some common ground. You are both sick sports fans and strong personalities. Cut each other some slack. He can brag and be emotional and you can be dismissive and nasty' date=' but you are both good sports people.[/quote']

 

He's decided to be a passive aggressor for a while, and I've been as nice as possible. He's getting his chops. He's old enough to handle himself, until he gets put into a home.

[Emmz]

Anyways, I think everbody completely missed the point, which is that you should never try to substantiate your argument with a supposed superior understanding, especially when your argument is that unsound. If he said I used to do some scouting work, I think he could be a 30 HR hitter, and this is why, thats one thing. But that's not what happened l at all. It was a display of bragging that cant even be verified. It was excessive. End of story.

[jacksonianmarch]

I wanted Pedroia at SS.

 

But then, I always think a player should play at the top position on the spectrum that they can conceivably play and move down from there if necessary.

 

I want him to play SS too. He doesnt have the arm to man SS, IMO.

[The Boomer]

For your edification EMMZ' date=' Ryan started the last two games of the season and hit two homers. I think that's a pretty good indication he might be able to hit ML pitching. He just took one into outer space today in his first at-bat. As far as Salty is concerned he was crapola early in the year when we were in a funk or even crappier at the end when we choked record level big time. He also has trouble throwing out batters and blocking pitchers---or have you missed that up there in Minnesottahhh?. We'll just disagree on this one but I will simply inform you from my experience in scouting.....Lavarnway, if not misused, is going to be a terrific ballplayer for the Red Sox---a solid 30 homer, 100 RBI man. Take that to the bank.[/quote']

 

So if he flops, it was because he was misused, not that you were be wrong. OK.

[The Boomer]

The only thing laughable is that you haven't a clue about raw talent when you see it. I coached baseball for over 30 years and also did some scouting (for scouts by the way) and I know talent when I see it. In Lavarnway 's case, the ball explodes off his bat and that is a rarity with young hitters. He also has a very strong arm. He needs only to sharpen his receiving and he will be a solid player. As I said take that to the bank.

 

Now I'll put a new color in your paintbox. Remember the name Swihart; he was a top draft choice for the Red Sox last June. He is also a catcher, but they will have to make room for him too. Either Ryan or this kid will play another position because he is an outstanding young hitter. His swing is gold. Now you're in on the ground floor.

 

Just for the record, I predicted as soon as Pedroia was drafted that he would become a solid and standout player. Oh yes, you say, easy job. ********!!!!!! There was many many many people and scouts who said he was too small and too weak to become a full time player. Ellsbury? When he was drafted out of Oregon State, I predicted that in three years he would be a 300 hitter with the Red Sox.

 

Just for the record, there are things that I am totally inept at, but I know talent when I see it, and both Lavarnway and Swihart will be exactly that---outstanding young players if they stay healthy and develop as they should.

 

Well, saying someone who is playing at AAA has talent and will be good if they stay healthy and develop applies to, oh, about 70% of MiLB.

[mvp 78]

Back on topic, I don't see Salty being moved midseason. My guess is he'll be the starter through September, Lavs will spend the entire season in Pawtucket hitting bombs and working on his D, in 2013 the starter is Lavs with Shoppach as the backup.

[Dojji]

I don't get this fascination with moving Salty at all. He's flawed, but he's an average catcher or better by every measurement I've seen. You move him you risk having a hole. Not good logic there.