Sources say Napoli signs with Sox.

[seabeachfred]

This very well could happen. If it does, it'll be upsetting. I really hope they didn't sit around all this time and do nothing else to rectify the problem. At this point they've had a ton of time to work on all of this. Ugh.

 

Lucienbel, you shouldn't be surprised as this miserable turn of events unless you happen to feel that Cherington is a competent GM and just missed on this one. If you are like me and some others on this board who seem him much differently you shoulnt be surprised one bit. Benny the Boob is a total incompetent who is in way over his head. It is no surprise to me that he has been with the Red Sox since before Epstein and while some of the FO personnel have gone onto better and higher prestige jobs, Cherington is still with the same organization, only this time showing just how pathetic he is in such a position.

 

This matter should have been resolved long ago and we should have another first baseman in tow by now, but if this keeps up and we get a platoon of Salty and Gomez you can just write the season off the moment it starts. The players on the team will see that the front office can't be serious about winning when they look over and see who is playing first, and they will know, if they don't already don't, that Cherington is one cheesey moron who should never been put in this position in the first place.

[Lucienbel]

Please Dojii, don't tell me you actually support such an idiotic Red Sox scenario at this. Bad enough we have some apologists and ball washers on this board who applaud on cue everything the front office does with nary an original idea of their own, but for the Red Sox to move a miserable fielding catcher to first base where he'd be even worse and then to add a worthless career minor leaguer to the platoon mix is enough to make one want to reatch up his breakfast.

 

The team will have surrendered any semblance of an improvement if they do something this stupid and idiotic. First of all Satalamacchia should be employed elsewhere by ST and Gomez should be given a one way ticket back to the DR, to Aruba, to Venezuela or even better to Zanzibar, but as far away from Fenway as can be managed.

 

I don't think that just because he sees the upside in two of the players means he thinks it's the greatest choice, or even a choice he wants them to make. I think he's simply playing out a scenario. Just because you don't hate something doesn't mean you like it.

[User Name]

I don't think that just because he sees the upside in two of the players means he thinks it's the greatest choice, or even a choice he wants them to make. I think he's simply playing out a scenario. Just because you don't hate something doesn't mean you like it.

 

Fred doesn't seem to understand simple concepts like this. He's too busy applying his flawed "all-or-nothing" mindset to other people's thought processes, like he actually knew what others are thinking.

[mvp 78]

Fred doesn't seem to understand simple concepts like this. He's too busy applying his flawed "all-or-nothing" mindset to other people's thought processes, like he actually knew what others are thinking.

 

"Flawed" is being too kind.

[VA Sox Fan]

Fred doesn't seem to understand simple concepts like this. He's too busy applying his flawed "all-or-nothing" mindset to other people's thought processes, like he actually knew what others are thinking.

 

"Flawed" is being too kind.

 

:thumbsup:

[seabeachfred]

Fred doesn't seem to understand simple concepts like this. He's too busy applying his flawed "all-or-nothing" mindset to other people's thought processes, like he actually knew what others are thinking.

 

All I know is that you think Mauro Gomez is our answer for first base this year. You have said nothing to the contrary and in fact have supported whatever the front office has done this off season, just as you supported everything they did last off season. When the team blew itself up by late Spring last year you conveniently fled the board. Yes, you were studying for finals; I'll take your word on it for that, but come off it---you mean you couldn't come back occasionally to defend your assinine support for a front office that screwed things up royally last season?

 

So, what is your position on first base? Take a leap and stand a stand. I' be shocked if it is anything different from what the front office is currently saying, but go ahead and shock me.

[BSN07]

All I know is that you think Mauro Gomez is our answer for first base this year. You have said nothing to the contrary and in fact have supported whatever the front office has done this off season, just as you supported everything they did last off season. When the team blew itself up by late Spring last year you conveniently fled the board. Yes, you were studying for finals; I'll take your word on it for that, but come off it---you mean you couldn't come back occasionally to defend your assinine support for a front office that screwed things up royally last season?

 

So, what is your position on first base? Take a leap and stand a stand. I' be shocked if it is anything different from what the front office is currently saying, but go ahead and shock me.

 

Pretty sure he's never said Gomez is the answer and the team should stop looking because of his greatness. All he has said is that Gomez is an option, one of probably many to get a look at 1B if no one else is brought in. In other words, a completely normal baseball situation. Believe it or not, other teams do enter the season without sure things at all positions. And just because your ok with a bunch of ? getting a look in ST does not make you a ball washer.

 

Fred your always going to end up in meaningless back and forths that get both parties nowhere if you can't come to terms with all things aren't black or white, especially with baseball. It's like trying to figure out a complex math equation using only + and -. It's never going to work because your not allowing for the variables.

[SoxSport]

My position on Gomez and other Red Sox AAA guys is they have to give them more chances to prove themselves at the major league level, and not block them by signing vets on the downside who eat up salary. As it is now, the team's success this year depends on their core players rebounding, and not on those FAs they signed that quickly ate up the cap advantage the Dodgers gifted to them--along with a couple of damn good pitching prospects. Those prospects need a fair look in ST--they could be better than what they have in their rotation--right now. On other teams, they get a shot at the rotation.

 

Another example is SS. I read where a scout was quoted as saying Iglesias has a chance to be the starting SS over Drew in ST. He would have to show some offense, but more importantly, he needs the opportunity to show it. More likely, he starts in Pawtucket. Kalish is another guy who needs a serious look--to see if he is finally back from his injury.

 

I'm not going to criticize their trade of Sands for Hanrahan, because H is one of the top 5 NL closers.

But if Sands turns into gold and H leaves for free agency, they'll be criticism of that deal.

 

I think the message about the youngsters is play them so you know what you are dealing with. Give them a chance to establish their confidence. Don't block them.

[Dojji]

I expect the team to give Bryce Brentz some reps at first as well actually. It seems like a no brainer. I'd hate to waste Brentz's arm, but if Brentz moved to first, he'd immediately be our best 1B prospect and have an easy path to the majors, so I can't see the team not trying him out there. Let him play first for a season or two then move to the outfield when a spot opens. They did the same thing with Brandon Moss years ago, and they had youk then.

[User Name]

Pretty sure he's never said Gomez is the answer and the team should stop looking because of his greatness. All he has said is that Gomez is an option, one of probably many to get a look at 1B if no one else is brought in. In other words, a completely normal baseball situation. Believe it or not, other teams do enter the season without sure things at all positions. And just because your ok with a bunch of ? getting a look in ST does not make you a ball washer.

 

Fred your always going to end up in meaningless back and forths that get both parties nowhere if you can't come to terms with all things aren't black or white, especially with baseball. It's like trying to figure out a complex math equation using only + and -. It's never going to work because your not allowing for the variables.

 

Also, reading comprehension. It's incredible how someone who toots their own horn so much about being so smart can not understand under any circumstances what he reads. Oh, and the whining. There's that too.

[seabeachfred]

Pretty sure he's never said Gomez is the answer and the team should stop looking because of his greatness. All he has said is that Gomez is an option, one of probably many to get a look at 1B if no one else is brought in. In other words, a completely normal baseball situation. Believe it or not, other teams do enter the season without sure things at all positions. And just because your ok with a bunch of ? getting a look in ST does not make you a ball washer.

 

Fred your always going to end up in meaningless back and forths that get both parties nowhere if you can't come to terms with all things aren't black or white, especially with baseball. It's like trying to figure out a complex math equation using only + and -. It's never going to work because your not allowing for the variables.

 

Good post BSN but not so accurate. If you read User carefully he said he would like to see Gomez at first base just to piss me off, and, seconly, we was getting used to the idea of having Gomez play first base this year. So your post, while to the point and food for thought for me to ponder, was not totally accurate----and I think things here are black and white for a number of reasons.

 

One we've pretty much spent all the money available for revamp the team and that means we have to go with the pitching we have and hope that messrs Lester, Buchholz, Lackey, Doubrant and Dempster rise to the occasion. We are also short an impact bat and we need a first baseman who could provide one since we don't have a real good hitting first baseman and none worth its salt in the farm system. Keep in mind that unless we want Ortiz to see maybe one or two good pitches a game, we need someone to both cover for him and to take some of the pressure off of second year Will Middlebrooks.

 

There certainly may be variables but I see it as no more money for starting pitching and a glaring need for something of an impact hitter at a position where we need one. Morse could hit between 30-35 homers for us playing half his games in Fenway Park, take some of the pressure off of Ortiz and Middlebrooks and not force Pedroia and Ellsbury to swing for the fences to make up for our power shortage. That has been my point all along, and while we most likely cannot trade for an impact pitcher certainly can for a power hitter and in my opinion it has to be done. Either that or get Napoli signed and sealed.

[seabeachfred]

I expect the team to give Bryce Brentz some reps at first as well actually. It seems like a no brainer. I'd hate to waste Brentz's arm, but if Brentz moved to first, he'd immediately be our best 1B prospect and have an easy path to the majors, so I can't see the team not trying him out there. Let him play first for a season or two then move to the outfield when a spot opens. They did the same thing with Brandon Moss years ago, and they had youk then.

 

It's a helluva idea Dojii and let me end it with that. When I gave reasons last night someone chirped in and completely mis-interpreted what I wrote. This ought to make it clear. WE NEED A GOOD YOUNG FIRST BASE PROSPECT WITH POWER; WE DON'T HAVE ONE ON THE ROSTER OR IN THE WHOLE DAMN FARM SYSTEM. Brentz could be the answer.

 

Now I have a question for you Dojii. Do you have it on any authority that the Red Sox plan on doing this with Brentz this ST?

[User Name]

Don't quite understand satire either, do ya Fred?

 

Also, no way Brentz is ready to contribute to start the season in his natural position, let alone first base.

[seabeachfred]

Don't quite understand satire either, do ya Fred?

 

Also, no way Brentz is ready to contribute to start the season in his natural position, let alone first base.

 

I undertand satire well enough to know that yours wasn't that. It was nasty and sarcastic and personal....again!!!!! As for Brentz, maybe you need to read more carefully yourself. The word used was PROSPECT. He could be moved to first base in ST and sent to the minors to work his way into that position for us in a year or two since, again, we DO NOT HAVE A CREDIBLE FIRST BASE PROSPECT IN OUR WHOLE FARM SYSTEM. Someone mentioned to me Travis Shaw but he is not even rated among our top 50 prospects the last time I looked.

 

As for this year and next I gave good reasons why Morse would be an excellent choice for us and, again, if you read my posts on the subject you would see for yourself that it makes some sense---and I repeat we cannot afford to have a weak power hitting man like Gomez playing first base for us when we need at least one more impact hitter to take the pressure off of Ortiz and Middlebrooks. I wonder if you would agree with that.

[User Name]

You kinda had it coming....and I think you don't know what satire is.

[seabeachfred]

You kinda had it coming....and I think you don't know what satire is.

 

And i think you had better trod very carefully from here on in when making comments to what I write. Criticism and disagreeing is one thing, personal attacks and nastiness is quite something else. This is the second or third time I've cautioned you on this and it is the last time. You get personal with me again and I will respond in kind and you will not like the way I play that game. I guarantee you will go crying to the moderators about something you brought on yourself. I think it would be best if you simply do not respond to anything I write anymore to avoid any trouble. Maybe a cooling off period is what you and I both need, you a lot more than me since I did not start with the personal attacks.

[Spitball]

Also, no way Brentz is ready to contribute to start the season in his natural position, let alone first base.

 

You are right. Brentz is not yet ready for the big leagues, and he has not played a single inning at first base in his professional career.

[a700hitter]

And i think you had better trod very carefully from here on in when making comments to what I write. Criticism and disagreeing is one thing, personal attacks and nastiness is quite something else. This is the second or third time I've cautioned you on this and it is the last time. You get personal with me again and I will respond in kind and you will not like the way I play that game. I guarantee you will go crying to the moderators about something you brought on yourself. I think it would be best if you simply do not respond to anything I write anymore to avoid any trouble. Maybe a cooling off period is what you and I both need, you a lot more than me since I did not start with the personal attacks.

UN has never been taken to Brooklyn.

[Dojji]

I still expect him to take reps at first base because the season doesn't end at the end of April. Too many things could result in badly needing a power hitter who might be able to come up from the minors and take over partway through the year for me to think it won't be tried.

[Dojji]

It's a helluva idea Dojii and let me end it with that. When I gave reasons last night someone chirped in and completely mis-interpreted what I wrote. This ought to make it clear. WE NEED A GOOD YOUNG FIRST BASE PROSPECT WITH POWER; WE DON'T HAVE ONE ON THE ROSTER OR IN THE WHOLE DAMN FARM SYSTEM. Brentz could be the answer.

 

Now I have a question for you Dojii. Do you have it on any authority that the Red Sox plan on doing this with Brentz this ST?

 

Who me? I'm some schlub in an armchair in Maine. Of course I don't. As I go over the internal options, though, that one makes sense. Again, the Millar comparison is off, but they did the same thing with Brandon Moss back in 2008 so it's hardly untried territory.

[User Name]

Ah, the victim card.....admirable, but mistaken.

 

Also, i've actually been to Brooklyn, and i absolutely despise NY.

 

As for Brentz, something went terribly wrong if he sees an inning at 1B for the Red Sox in 2013. Let's hope he doesn't.

[Dojji]

You're being too quick to dismiss the idea because it isn't perfect or because Brentz isn't ready to break camp with the Sox when I've already readily conceded both points.

 

It's still one move they can make to shore up their currently very horrendous depth at the first base position between now and draft day. And it absolutely could make a difference for the Sox in 2013. It just (and I've already bent over backwards acknowledging this) can NOT be plan A.

[User Name]

My real problem with it is what it could do to mess Brentz up. It's a very real possibility that combining an early callup with a position change could be a recipe for disaster and wreck the kid. But then again, that's just me.

[Dojji]

it's a possibility. But how much are we even counting on Bryce Brentz right now? Seems to me that the upside is worth the risk unless we have a 5 year option waiting in the wings somewhere.

[User Name]

Not as a player on the Sox, but certainly as very good trade bait IMO.

[Dojji]

Not convinced that adding versatility to Brentz damages his trade credibility.

[User Name]

Not in the Minors, yes in the Majors, which is the only reason we're having this conversation in the first place. If they're going to convert him to a 1B/OF without calling him up to the Majors, the chance of wrecking him mentally or damaging his stat sheet decreases dramatically.

[mvp 78]

UN has never been taken to Brooklyn.

 

Yes, there's nothing better than when a New Yorker complains about Boston being racist and all you have to say is Bensonhurst.

[mvp 78]

My real problem with it is what it could do to mess Brentz up. It's a very real possibility that combining an early callup with a position change could be a recipe for disaster and wreck the kid. But then again, that's just me.

 

While I don't agree. It's funny that certain posters complain about jerking Lavarnway around (because he's a special little snowflake), but aren't worried about doing the same to Brentz.

[a700hitter]

Yes, there's nothing better than when a New Yorker complains about Boston being racist and all you have to say is Bensonhurst.

 

You are such a jackass.