A700's Spring Training Thoughts and Observations

[BSN07]

Hey, if theyre too sensitive to take criticism, warranted or not, imagine what itll be like up in Boston.

 

Having said that, Im rooting for both but think Bradley should be given the benefit of the doubt because if Sizemore's comeback hits a snag it might put a bad taste in Bradley's mouth if they say, "hey buddy we need ya now". More than anything though Bradley needs to do better. He did have a great two run hit today on what was his weakness last year, the inside pitch.

 

I realize what the article says about there being no room for both but is that true because I can see a three way sharing of RF and CF with Sizemore, Bradley, and Victorino.

 

If that's the kind of player Bradley is I've got no interest in him. He's not a veteran, if he can't beat out the talented but injury plagued Sizemore tough s***. Go play in the minors get your work in until you are needed in Boston.

[sk7326]

Well, "show something" is an interesting criteria. If his amazing spring of 2013 was not proof of anything, then a slow spring in 2014 isn't either. If the Red Sox send Bradley down for a made-of-straw Grady Sizemore on the basis of a few dozen at-bats in March, they are stupider than we thought.

 

Don't get caught with looking at the boxscores - spring stats mean zippo, unless there is some real underlying scouting flaws that go with it (a drop in bat speed, velo problems). Bradley is learning on the job - and if he defends at a high level, his track record is worth standing behind.

 

I think there is zero chance Sizemore wins the CF job short of suddenly turning into the "best player in the AL" level he was in 2007.

[jacksonianmarch]

Showing something in March is usually a fruitless endeavor. Remember, Enrique Wilson won a job in ST and then went on to suck goat testicles except for when facing Pedro. Good players will end up performing over a full season. Sizemore was a good player. We have no idea if he still is, especially after missing the last 2 seasons and having had his knee worked on tirelessly. We also don't know what JBJ can do at the big league level. If Sizemore is healthy to start the season, then I don't know how you could possibly carry JBJ. You have Nava and Gomes platooning in LF, Victorino in RF now batting exclusively RH, so having Carp around makes sense as well. I would say CF is between Grady and JBJ with the loser of that comp being off the team come April (JBJ in Pawtucket, Grady on the street). There continues to be talk of dealing Carp, but doing so will limit some of the flexibility your team has, as well as remove a guy who may have tapped some of his potential. That being said, carrying 5 outfielders especially when your 6th offers more defensively than the other ones makes little sense.

[seabeachfred]

Showing something in March is usually a fruitless endeavor. Remember, Enrique Wilson won a job in ST and then went on to suck goat testicles except for when facing Pedro. Good players will end up performing over a full season. Sizemore was a good player. We have no idea if he still is, especially after missing the last 2 seasons and having had his knee worked on tirelessly. We also don't know what JBJ can do at the big league level. If Sizemore is healthy to start the season, then I don't know how you could possibly carry JBJ. You have Nava and Gomes platooning in LF, Victorino in RF now batting exclusively RH, so having Carp around makes sense as well. I would say CF is between Grady and JBJ with the loser of that comp being off the team come April (JBJ in Pawtucket, Grady on the street). There continues to be talk of dealing Carp, but doing so will limit some of the flexibility your team has, as well as remove a guy who may have tapped some of his potential. That being said, carrying 5 outfielders especially when your 6th offers more defensively than the other ones makes little sense.

 

For a Yankee fan Jacko, you have a pretty good picture of what the Red Sox have to face as Spring Training races on. The battle is between Jackie and Grady and that is that!!!!!! Unless Shane's back really acts up on him he's in RF---the best RFer in the league last season and a better hitter right handed and that is the way I want to see him bat. Left field was a very decent platoon last season between Nava and Gomes--24 homers and I believe over 100 RBI's from that duo, though Daniel did play some RF along the way. Why mess with success? Therefore, it does come down to a battle for CF. For Jackie, remember, he tore up ST last season and flopped during the regular season. He has gotten off to a slow start this ST but he could suddenly catch fire when the season opens in a complete reversal of last year. As for Sizemore, health is a big issue. Farrell has to see clearly just how recovered he is from those two years of injuries, operations and inaction. If Sizemore wins the battle, no sure thing, we have a CF and no more real worries about a leadoff hitter since that is what he batted for much of the time during his salad years in Cleveland---that is, if Farrell goes along with that idea.

[Wasatch]

Lester is looking really good today.

[Wasatch]

Ortiz just drilled one out. No sound from the boothes for about the last inning.

[SoxSport]

Well, the regulars finally showed up to play, and guess what happened. They won. They are still the team to beat--the defending champs.

[sk7326]

For a Yankee fan Jacko, you have a pretty good picture of what the Red Sox have to face as Spring Training races on. The battle is between Jackie and Grady and that is that!!!!!! Unless Shane's back really acts up on him he's in RF---the best RFer in the league last season and a better hitter right handed and that is the way I want to see him bat. Left field was a very decent platoon last season between Nava and Gomes--24 homers and I believe over 100 RBI's from that duo, though Daniel did play some RF along the way. Why mess with success? Therefore, it does come down to a battle for CF. For Jackie, remember, he tore up ST last season and flopped during the regular season. He has gotten off to a slow start this ST but he could suddenly catch fire when the season opens in a complete reversal of last year. As for Sizemore, health is a big issue. Farrell has to see clearly just how recovered he is from those two years of injuries, operations and inaction. If Sizemore wins the battle, no sure thing, we have a CF and no more real worries about a leadoff hitter since that is what he batted for much of the time during his salad years in Cleveland---that is, if Farrell goes along with that idea.

 

Lots of small sample size alerts at work here. First of all, the Red Sox did not jettison the best centerfielder in the AL without a fish in his name to bring in a reclamation project who has not been a replacement level player since 2010. I think the competition between Sizemore and Bradley is not nearly as close as it seems - not when the former cannot be counted on for 400 PAs. It would be a phenomenal story, but I think any Sizemore emergence is far more likely to impact LF than CF. Putting a guy with the knees of a 57 year old man in a very challenging CF is a recipe for disaster. Bradley can give the Red Sox near equivalent defense to Ellsbury, and that is still incredibly valuable. With Ellsbury and Victorino in CF and RF, the Red Sox were able to basically put potted plants out in LF and still be a good defensive outfield. You don't want to give that up without getting some serious pop in return - short of Sizemore being the MVP level guy he was eons ago, that tradeoff does not seem likely here. I think the org is going to have strong hands with Bradley here - have to count on your scouting and the development curve of a 23 year old who has delivered at every level of baseball he has been challenged at (aside from being overpromoted last season to the bigs).

[SoxSport]

I agree the FO is standing fast with X and JBJ. There is nothing like a World Championship to buy a little patience!

The same goes at 3B with Middlebrooks, and they have some depth there with Cecchini. With his patience and Will's power, you have an all-star.

[seabeachfred]

Lots of small sample size alerts at work here. First of all, the Red Sox did not jettison the best centerfielder in the AL without a fish in his name to bring in a reclamation project who has not been a replacement level player since 2010. I think the competition between Sizemore and Bradley is not nearly as close as it seems - not when the former cannot be counted on for 400 PAs. It would be a phenomenal story, but I think any Sizemore emergence is far more likely to impact LF than CF. Putting a guy with the knees of a 57 year old man in a very challenging CF is a recipe for disaster. Bradley can give the Red Sox near equivalent defense to Ellsbury, and that is still incredibly valuable. With Ellsbury and Victorino in CF and RF, the Red Sox were able to basically put potted plants out in LF and still be a good defensive outfield. You don't want to give that up without getting some serious pop in return - short of Sizemore being the MVP level guy he was eons ago, that tradeoff does not seem likely here. I think the org is going to have strong hands with Bradley here - have to count on your scouting and the development curve of a 23 year old who has delivered at every level of baseball he has been challenged at (aside from being overpromoted last season to the bigs).

 

True SK---but if Bradley doesn't hit he is not going to be in the lineup. I think he has the tools to be a solid player but he has to show it on the field. I would like nothing better than to see Bogaerts, Middlebrooks and Bradley all clear hurdles this year and have solid seasons on all ends of the spectrum but the Red Sox do not carry players in the lineup who cannot hit with some authority. If JBjr starts to hit with some consistency he is our CF; if he doesn't he may not be. There is still time before John Farrell has to make a decision and still plenty of time to see if Sizemore's comeback is a sunrise and a green light instead of a false alarm and a canard.

[SoxSport]

Is Brentz a sleeper here? This guy is having a very good ST, hitting-wise. They are devoid of RHd power in the OF, except for Gomes.

You just never know how things will develop. Carp is hitting very well, too. He seems to be a key part of their depth. Nava, too.You figure they are looking at a backup for Vic in RF, who is out frequently with his back, etc. Could Brentz be the one?

 

So they got Nava, Gomes. Carp, Vic, JBJ, Sizemore and Brentz. Carp doubles at 1b. Tough call at this point.

[seabeachfred]

I care.

 

Hey Bellhorn, you're going to have to tell me who you are on the message board. I have what they call a pop-up blocker, whatever the hell that is, so I could not get your reply.

[reYoukilis]

I agree the FO is standing fast with X and JBJ. There is nothing like a World Championship to buy a little patience!

The same goes at 3B with Middlebrooks, and they have some depth there with Cecchini. With his patience and Will's power, you have an all-star.

They should give Bradley a bigger shot than just ST. Give him a good two months of regular season at least. At the same time we're seeing what Sizemore can do in the minors.

[SoxSport]

Well, "show something" is an interesting criteria. If his amazing spring of 2013 was not proof of anything, then a slow spring in 2014 isn't either. If the Red Sox send Bradley down for a made-of-straw Grady Sizemore on the basis of a few dozen at-bats in March, they are stupider than we thought.

 

Don't get caught with looking at the boxscores - spring stats mean zippo, unless there is some real underlying scouting flaws that go with it (a drop in bat speed, velo problems). Bradley is learning on the job - and if he defends at a high level, his track record is worth standing behind.

 

I think there is zero chance Sizemore wins the CF job short of suddenly turning into the "best player in the AL" level he was in 2007.

 

Have to agree. Media is giving too much play to Sizemore--and Drew. X and JBJ have shown enough so far to start at SS and CF. Especially X, off his play in the playoffs last year.

 

Sizemore is at best a backup at this point. And fitting him into the OF is going to be a problem unless they deal Carp and cut into their depth.

[Bellhorn04]

Hey Bellhorn, you're going to have to tell me who you are on the message board. I have what they call a pop-up blocker, whatever the hell that is, so I could not get your reply.

 

I'm hfxsoxnut on BDC. I was hfxbob on Sawxheads. So I think you know me pretty well.

[seabeachfred]

I'm hfxsoxnut on BDC. I was hfxbob on Sawxheads. So I think you know me pretty well.

 

Got it Bellhorn........and I do know you pretty well. Thanks.

[sk7326]

Is Brentz a sleeper here? This guy is having a very good ST, hitting-wise. They are devoid of RHd power in the OF, except for Gomes.

You just never know how things will develop. Carp is hitting very well, too. He seems to be a key part of their depth. Nava, too.You figure they are looking at a backup for Vic in RF, who is out frequently with his back, etc. Could Brentz be the one?

 

So they got Nava, Gomes. Carp, Vic, JBJ, Sizemore and Brentz. Carp doubles at 1b. Tough call at this point.

 

Brentz was the easy call here just because he has options and other guys don't. Once again, spring training was not going to decide anything here. Heck, even last year with Bradley's amazing spring, he would not have made the club in April if Drew was not on the DL. Nice thing is that Brentz showed some indications that he can help the team if they need him.

[Behindenemylines]

Sizemore and Victorino's health is an issue the Sox may have to deal with. I think you will see both Bradley and Brentz at some point during the season.

[Spudboy]

Not sure where to post this and did not want to start a new thread just to say something.

 

I can't wait for the Sox regular season to start!!!!!! I'm bored to death with spring training. Normally I am not bored because something usually becomes a story. This year has been kind of dull. I even miss Manny showing up late!!!!

 

I look forward to having a game almost everyday ( except those night games from the left coast! ) to watch and/or look forward to. I have been warning my friends that when the season starts that they should not be looking for me to do anything with them when the Sox are on TV.

 

Of course I can think of one or two women friends that I may make an exception for.

 

I'm jonesing for baseball big time and I need a fix soon!

[mvp 78]

Only a few more days!!!

[seabeachfred]

Not sure where to post this and did not want to start a new thread just to say something.

 

I can't wait for the Sox regular season to start!!!!!! I'm bored to death with spring training. Normally I am not bored because something usually becomes a story. This year has been kind of dull. I even miss Manny showing up late!!!!

 

I look forward to having a game almost everyday ( except those night games from the left coast! ) to watch and/or look forward to. I have been warning my friends that when the season starts that they should not be looking for me to do anything with them when the Sox are on TV.

 

Of course I can think of one or two women friends that I may make an exception for.

 

I'm jonesing for baseball big time and I need a fix soon!

 

Women friends? I thought you were going to get married or had just tied the not. If you have I don't want to hear any s*** about other women friends. You stay in line:D:o:eek:

[Behindenemylines]

The Sox will come north pretty healthy. A lot of things went well for them last year. Hopefully, Sizemore is another one of those BC master signings like last season. If he gets hurt then the Sox have JBJ waiting in the wings. Not a lot of talk about Pierzykski this spring. I'm not worried about his bat, but his handling of the pitching staff.

[seabeachfred]

The Sox will come north pretty healthy. A lot of things went well for them last year. Hopefully, Sizemore is another one of those BC master signings like last season. If he gets hurt then the Sox have JBJ waiting in the wings. Not a lot of talk about Pierzykski this spring. I'm not worried about his bat, but his handling of the pitching staff.

 

I don't want to sound any alarms but I do have some concerns heading into the season. I've got a feeling that we might not be totally ready to take on all comers and base it on a few things.

 

1. Spring batting stats I'm told don't mean anything. Those who say it, I hope they are right but I have real worries about Papi getting off to a miserable start as he did in 2009 and 2010. He really hasn't it lick this Spring and there is no doubt we need him in our lineup.....BADLY!!!!

 

2. The Lester contract situation is kissed off by some as nothing to worry about but I say it could be a real distraction this season unless settled. The pressure of performing for a big contract could hurt Lester and if the opposite is true and he is cleaning house it is going to cost more money to sign him---and apparently for whatever reason Cherington just could not close the deal this Spring.

 

3. Shane Victorino has been hobbling with assorted injuries all Spring after being operated on in the winter. He still hasn't fully recovered and he got off to a late start in the lineup and now has hamstring problems---and we know how long those things can hobble a player. Vic is a key player and a gamer and we need him in the lineup and now he might be for awhile.

 

4. This was supposed to be Jackie Bradley's coming out party and I was one who insisted he be put in CF and kept there. My bad---thank God no one was listening. His performance has cast a pall on our young bevy of talent.

 

Now we have some good things going for us to be sure. Pedroia's fully healthy, Bogaerts looks like he has found his stroke, Middlebrooks seems to be making amends for last season, Peavy seems to be pitching well as it Buchholz and now Lackey finally. Nap seems ready and our bullpen looks strong. I have a tendency to worry anyway but I think we do have some concerns and I want to go to Fenway next Friday and not see us with an 0-3 record or even 1-2. I would like us humming from the start. That division of ours looks to be a ball buster this season. I'd like to hear how some of your angles on it.

[SoxSport]

Sizemore and Victorino's health is an issue the Sox may have to deal with. I think you will see both Bradley and Brentz at some point during the season.

 

Maybe sooner than you think. Vic tweaked his hammy swinging (!) , and is in Boston getting an MRI.