Red Sox 2012 Spring Training Thread.

[Dojji]

Look at this SS Ciriaco. He hits a dinger to win the game the other night, and tonite gets the hit to beat the Yankees. You don't think he's made an impression?

 

You know who Ciriaco reminds me of?

 

This guy. Eddie Rogers had a heck of a Spring in 07, touched off 2 grand salamis that year IIRC. Didn't even crack the roster.

 

I think when you're talking about having a good spring, it's more important to note the underlying stuff -- hustle, work ethic, intangibles, skillset -- and leave the results more or less alone. Spring is the least stat-driven time in all of baseball.

 

I think the opportunity that's open to Pedro Ciriaco is the chance to fill in for Punto or Aviles if they go down and be in mind for Valentine to slip into the roster this September. So he does have something to fight for -- something important -- but there's no real way he breaks camp with the team.

[a700hitter]

You know who Ciriaco reminds me of?

 

This guy. Eddie Rogers had a heck of a Spring in 07, touched off 2 grand salamis that year IIRC. Didn't even crack the roster.

 

I think when you're talking about having a good spring, it's more important to note the underlying stuff -- hustle, work ethic, intangibles, skillset -- and leave the results more or less alone. Spring is the least stat-driven time in all of baseball.

 

I think the opportunity that's open to Pedro Ciriaco is the chance to fill in for Punto or Aviles if they go down and be in mind for Valentine to slip into the roster this September. So he does have something to fight for -- something important -- but there's no real way he breaks camp with the team.

The kid has a slick glove.

[Dojji]

The kid has a slick glove.

 

Rogers knew his way around defensively as well. There's no shortage of competent defensive AAAA shortstops.

 

If you want a guy who can defend multiple positions well, 1: that's why we have Punto, 2: Aviles is pretty good at that too.

 

If you want a pure SS, just promote Iglesias who is better.

 

Not trying to hate on Ciriaco, I can see how he could help us. I just think Iglesias does what he does better than he does it, and we already have 2 versatile infielders in Punto and Aviles. We have a glut of talent at his position so I can't see the point of promoting Ciriaco.

[redsoxfan3]

Rogers knew his way around defensively as well. There's no shortage of competent defensive AAAA shortstops.

 

If you want a guy who can defend multiple positions well, 1: that's why we have Punto, 2: Aviles is pretty good at that too.

 

If you want a pure SS, just promote Iglesias who is better.

 

Not trying to hate on Ciriaco, I can see how he could help us. I just think Iglesias does what he does better than he does it, and we already have 2 versatile infielders in Punto and Aviles. We have a glut of talent at his position so I can't see the point of promoting Ciriaco.

 

If it comes down to us needing a bench player, why not give Ciriaco a shot? If Iglesias is not going to win the starting SS job (which most likely he won't), then he is going to be in AAA so he can play every day. We have one bench position available until Crawford gets healthy. We have one backup OF, one backup IF, and one backup C. I don't see us carrying three catchers. We can most likely get by with the four OF's that we have until Crawford returns, and that means we could have a bench position open for a guy like Ciriaco. There are a couple OF's that could win it, but Ciriaco is the one that has impressed me the most so far. Kroeger, Repko, Lin, and Spears have not done as good as Ciriaco this spring. I do understand that Spring stats do not really have any value, but if he is working hard everyday and Valentine likes what he sees, the guy might have an actual shot at making the opening day roster until Crawford returns. However, I do not see Ciriaco actually being a player that stays in the majors for this team for very long, just until we get some guys back from injuries.

[User Name]

Just like Lin with the OF, with the glut of infielder possibilities the team currently has (Gonzales, Pedroia, Aviles, Punto, Youkilis, Iglesias, two catchers, carrying a full-time DHs Ciriaco simply has no spot on the roster.

[Elktonnick]

Just like Lin with the OF' date=' with the glut of infielder possibilities the team currently has (Gonzales, Pedroia, Aviles, Punto, Youkilis, Iglesias, two catchers, carrying a full-time DHs Ciriaco simply has no spot on the roster.[/quote']

 

It's early but if the kid continues to play at this level (which could be over his head) he'll get playing time in the bigs sometime during the coming year. I expect he'll be riding the Pawtucket/Boston shuttle a few times this year.

[User Name]

It's early but if the kid continues to play at this level (which could be over his head) he'll get playing time in the bigs sometime during the coming year. I expect he'll be riding the Pawtucket/Boston shuttle a few times this year.

 

Someone will go down and he'll get his chance. The problem is that he's not exactly young, so his performance up to date is obviously suspect.

[Elktonnick]

Someone will go down and he'll get his chance. The problem is that he's not exactly young' date=' so his performance up to date is obviously suspect.[/quote']

 

good point. His speed will help though

[User Name]

good point. His speed will help though

 

His speed rates a 70 on the 20-80 scale, with his defense and arm both rating a 60. He's basically your typical all-glove, no-hit bench guy.

[jung]

I have been lighting candles for Doubront, that he be the guy that breaks through for the 5 spot mainly because I think he has the talent and because the Sox are out of moves for him.

 

The other guy I have been lighting candles for is Iggy, that he come up because it is the right thing to do, not because the Sox feel like they are forced to bring him up.

[Elktonnick]

His speed rates a 70 on the 20-80 scale' date=' with his defense and arm both rating a 60. He's basically your typical all-glove, no-hit bench guy.[/quote']

 

Except he he is hitting right now. I guess it's the exception that proves the rule.

[User Name]

Except he he is hitting right now. I guess it's the exception that proves the rule.

 

I think that would be Brady Anderson and his 50-HR season.

[seabeachfred]

Ciriacco is opening a few eyes this ST and we should keep an eye on him. We've seen flashes of brilliance before from players who have hot Springs and then flame out and his career is not one to raise hopes too high, but still, we should see if this guy can continue to play the way he has. If he stays consistent and makes a contribution, even if he is assigned to Pawtucket he is only a phone call and bus ride away. I'm waiting to see how he performs the next two weeks, but right now my main overiding concern is that starting rotation......Will our "Big three" do the magnificent heavy lifting? Will Bard make the conversion to a solid No. starter? And will Doubrant finally live up to his promise? Or, for that matter, will Padilla or Cook be able to pinch hit for Doubie on the mound should be come up boxcars?

 

Really, I think that is where our focus should really be.

[a700hitter]

Except he he is hitting right now. I guess it's the exception that proves the rule.

Whereas Iglesias is still the typical all glove no hit SS.

[Elktonnick]

I think that would be Brady Anderson and his 50-HR season.

 

In Brady's case, it was magic in a pill.

[User Name]

In Brady's case' date=' it was magic in a pill.[/quote']

 

*needle.

 

Didn't work for Jorge Piedra. Anyone remember him?

[ipot]

Ciriacco is opening a few eyes this ST and we should keep an eye on him. We've seen flashes of brilliance before from players who have hot Springs and then flame out and his career is not one to raise hopes too high, but still, we should see if this guy can continue to play the way he has. If he stays consistent and makes a contribution, even if he is assigned to Pawtucket he is only a phone call and bus ride away. I'm waiting to see how he performs the next two weeks, but right now my main overiding concern is that starting rotation......Will our "Big three" do the magnificent heavy lifting? Will Bard make the conversion to a solid No. starter? And will Doubrant finally live up to his promise? Or, for that matter, will Padilla or Cook be able to pinch hit for Doubie on the mound should be come up boxcars?

 

Really, I think that is where our focus should really be.

 

The season boils down to this, imo. There's no downside with Ciriaco from any angle, really. I think he goes to Pawtucket, and if he continues this good stuff he is either:

 

a good bet to step up to the big club later.

OR

He could be valuable trade bait if our bag of retreads in the rotation flop.

[User Name]

The season boils down to this, imo. There's no downside with Ciriaco from any angle, really. I think he goes to Pawtucket, and if he continues this good stuff he is either:

 

a good bet to step up to the big club later.

OR

He could be valuable trade bait if our bag of retreads in the rotation flop.

 

How could he become valuable trade bait by performing at AAA? He'll be 26 during the season. Also, how are these two things connected?

[redsoxfan3]

Just like Lin with the OF' date=' with the glut of infielder possibilities the team currently has (Gonzales, Pedroia, Aviles, Punto, Youkilis, Iglesias, two catchers, carrying a full-time DHs Ciriaco simply has no spot on the roster.[/quote']

 

You have to remember that Iglesias will probably be starting the year in AAA. If that is the case then there is in fact a roster spot available for Ciriaco. If for some reason Iglesias wins the starting SS job and makes the major league roster, then by all means that is fine with me if Ciriaco does not make the roster. I want Iglesias to be our SS of the future. If Iglesias is not starting, then I don't want him to be a bench warmer, you might as well give that spot to someone else. Ciriaco is a good defensive SS, he is showing that he can hit so far this spring. All I am saying that if he keeps this up and it comes down to deciding between Repko, Kroeger, Lin, Spears, Ciriaco, etc. to make the finaly spot on the roster, then Ciriaco will at least deserve a shot. I could honestly care less who it is, because when Crawford comes back he will then replace that person on the roster.

[Dojji]

Even with Iggy in the minors, you still have one of Aviles and Punto starting, and the other backing up.

 

You're right that there may be an opportunity for Ciriaco, but there's no great need for him. We have more need of a good righthanded pinch hitting bat.

[redsoxfan3]

Even with Iggy in the minors, you still have one of Aviles and Punto starting, and the other backing up.

 

You're right that there may be an opportunity for Ciriaco, but there's no great need for him. We have more need of a good righthanded pinch hitting bat.

 

I agree. I am not saying that he would actually get any significant playing time. I am just saying that there may potentially be a roster spot for him. He would not even hold that roster spot for long because of Crawford. I would prefer if we could have Lavarnway as a bat off of the bench, but that would take away from his defensive development in AAA. I guess the point I am really trying to make is that I would prefer to have Ciriaco be a bench warmer in the majors over someone like Middlebrooks, Lavarnway, or Iglesias.

[User Name]

You have to remember that Iglesias will probably be starting the year in AAA. If that is the case then there is in fact a roster spot available for Ciriaco. If for some reason Iglesias wins the starting SS job and makes the major league roster' date=' then by all means that is fine with me if Ciriaco does not make the roster. I want Iglesias to be our SS of the future. If Iglesias is not starting, then I don't want him to be a bench warmer, you might as well give that spot to someone else. Ciriaco is a good defensive SS, he is showing that he can hit so far this spring. All I am saying that if he keeps this up and it comes down to deciding between Repko, Kroeger, Lin, Spears, Ciriaco, etc. to make the finaly spot on the roster, then Ciriaco will at least deserve a shot. I could honestly care less who it is, because when Crawford comes back he will then replace that person on the roster.[/quote']

 

The problem is that the Red Sox have enough IF options, what they would need is an extra OF.

[redsoxfan3]

The problem is that the Red Sox have enough IF options' date=' what they would need is an extra OF.[/quote']

 

This kid needs to learn to play in the OF, so he could be a good utility player. The only reason I mention Ciriaco is because I like him over the OF options that we have for a final roster spot. I am not big on Kroeger, Repko, or Lin. Their bats have not impressed me at all. Spears might not be a bad option. He is hitting decent in the Spring so far. We played him in LF one game this Spring. He is decent defensively. He does not provide speed like Ciriaco does, but if he can be a utility IF and also be an option in the OF, he might not be a bad option. Realistically I do not think any of this really matters, because once Crawford is healthy our bench will consist of Shoppach, Sweeney, McDonald, and Punto. Not to mention McDonald might be in trouble when Kalish returns. I don't know when he is expected to return, but I do know he will be out for a couple of months to start the season.

[The Boomer]

If anyone is going to be in Florida on 3/26 and wants to see the Sox play the Phillies in Clearwater, I have a line on 3 Berm tickets for a very good price. Send me a PM if you're interested and I can put you in touch with the seller.

[SoxSport]

The season boils down to this' date=' imo. There's no downside with Ciriaco from any angle, really. [b'] I think he goes to Pawtucket[/b], and if he continues this good stuff he is either:

 

a good bet to step up to the big club later.

OR

He could be valuable trade bait if our bag of retreads in the rotation flop.

 

Ciriaco in Pawtucket means Iggy in Boston? The C kid looks good.

[seabeachfred]

You have to remember that Iglesias will probably be starting the year in AAA. If that is the case then there is in fact a roster spot available for Ciriaco. If for some reason Iglesias wins the starting SS job and makes the major league roster' date=' then by all means that is fine with me if Ciriaco does not make the roster. I want Iglesias to be our SS of the future. If Iglesias is not starting, then I don't want him to be a bench warmer, you might as well give that spot to someone else. Ciriaco is a good defensive SS, he is showing that he can hit so far this spring. All I am saying that if he keeps this up and it comes down to deciding between Repko, Kroeger, Lin, Spears, Ciriaco, etc. to make the finaly spot on the roster, then Ciriaco will at least deserve a shot. I could honestly care less who it is, because when Crawford comes back he will then replace that person on the roster.[/quote']

 

One of the great things about Spring Training RSF3 is that there always seems to be some player who catches the fancy of the fans and this year is no different what with Ciriaco raising a bunch of eyebrows. Usually this doesn't lead to anything because many of those players were signed to fill up the additional rosters of Pawtucket and Portland. Darnell McDonald somehow slipped through a couple of years ago and saved a career that had been wallowing in the minor leagues. It doesn't happen very often and even now McDonald's days with the Red Sox could be numbered.

 

BTW, you said on a previous post that you were a moderator on another Red Sox Board. What board was it?

[SCM33]

Pedro Ciriaco has zero chance of making this team.

 

Zero.

[Dojji]

He could be valuable trade bait if our bag of retreads in the rotation flop.

 

OK think for a minute. Look at his history. This guy was released by the Pirates. He was a free agent. An MLFA to be exact. Any team could have had him on their big league roster and that inexpensively, and all of them passed, so the Sox signed him as cheap insurance (emphasis on "cheap") for their minor league roster.

 

On what team in this league,. on what planet in the universe, does that translate to becoming useful trade bait just because of one half decent Spring?

 

I'm not sure he'd even be an interesting makeweight in a deal.

[a700hitter]

Pedro Ciriaco has zero chance of making this team.

Zero.

There is no room for him or Iggy on the roster. However, if Ciriaco continues to hit in the Spring and in the minors and Iggy doesn't, Ciriaco could ne called up before Iggy if someone goes down with an injury.

[a700hitter]

OK think for a minute. Look at his history. This guy was released by the Pirates. He was a free agent. An MLFA to be exact. Any team could have had him on their big league roster and that inexpensively, and all of them passed, so the Sox signed him as cheap insurance (emphasis on "cheap") for their minor league roster.

 

On what team in this league,. on what planet in the universe, does that translate to becoming useful trade bait just because of one half decent Spring?

 

I'm not sure he'd even be an interesting makeweight in a deal.

He'd have to put together a very solid year in AAA before he would have any value as a throw in for a trade.