2014 Roster Projections

[Dojji]

Its a bad sign when tthe Sox really need a guy like Darnell McDonald or Ryan kalish

 

I'd take McD with the understanding that we're looking for a backup, rather than a platoon mate. Did well for himself in limited play last year.

 

I'd rather bring in a guy that we can slot into the starting lineup for a week at a time without feeling the need to resort to prayer, of course.

[User Name]

This is an interesting article about the new approach by the Oakland A's and their recent success. It is the most interesting read I have found since Money Ball. I hope you take the time to read it.

 

http://regressing.deadspin.com/a-decade-after-moneyball-have-the-as-found-a-new-mark-1489963694/@reubenfb

 

That's a very interesting read. Even more so because at first glance, it would seem that compiling a collection of FB hitters playing at the Coliseum for half their games would be a recipe for disaster, but Billy Beane knows what he's doing.

[Bellhorn04]

When Benny Boy is done this offseason, then we will know what the correct final moves were, because he will have made them.

[Dojji]

When Benny Boy is done this offseason, then we will know what the correct final moves were, because he will have made them.

 

Oh please. Even when a guy's won there's plenty of room to disagree with any single decision he made.

[Palodios]

Oh please. Even when a guy's won there's plenty of room to disagree with any single decision he made.

 

Blasphemy.

[a700hitter]

Oh please. Even when a guy's won there's plenty of room to disagree with any single decision he made.

Even winners make plenty of mistakes. For instance, Hanrahan and Bailey -- Two Fat Closers, were a huge mistake. Koji was meant to be a set up arm and ended up bailing out the closer mistakes with an all-time great season for a closer. All of these moves are up for debate. Benny will win some and lose some. Last year, he came out on the plus side in a big way. In 2012, his moves stunk. Each move and and each off season gets judged on its own.

[Bellhorn04]

Oh please. Even when a guy's won there's plenty of room to disagree with any single decision he made.

 

Sure. I think I'm entitled to an opinion too. I like the moves so far and I'm confident in the man's work.

[Dojji]

Sure. I think I'm entitled to an opinion too. I like the moves so far and I'm confident in the man's work.

 

I respect that, and mostly agree with it. Liking Cherington's CV doesn't forfeit me my right to think he needs to make a certain move.

[Bellhorn04]

I respect that, and mostly agree with it. Liking Cherington's CV doesn't forfeit me my right to think he needs to make a certain move.

 

My comment was partially tongue-in-cheek. I certainly realize he will be questioned.

[seabeachfred]

I'd take McD with the understanding that we're looking for a backup, rather than a platoon mate. Did well for himself in limited play last year.

 

I'd rather bring in a guy that we can slot into the starting lineup for a week at a time without feeling the need to resort to prayer, of course.

 

Darling Darnell again???? No thanks!!!!! I'd rather just go with what we have than go through with him again. By his third year with us he was more of a liability than an asset. The guy sucks.....and even the Cubs no longer want him.

[Spitball]

That's a very interesting read. Even more so because at first glance, it would seem that compiling a collection of FB hitters playing at the Coliseum for half their games would be a recipe for disaster, but Billy Beane knows what he's doing.

 

I agree. I was surprised by the concept and think Beane is a very innovative GM.

[SoxSport]

The Globe this morning is on the tweets trying to make a case to sign Drew, "to add depth."

 

I don't see that. Drew is a one position guy who wants to start. He isn't a role player. He blocks X or Middlebrooks, both of whom need a chance to break out. X, in particular, needs to play his native position, SS, at this point in his young career. Needs a chance. Foolish to move him around to different positions. They got burned once by that, moving Ells to LF.

 

They traded for this kid, Herrera, who hits some and can play 3 positions. That sounds like a role player to me.

 

I wonder if there is any tension between the FO and Farrell on Drew. Farrell did a nice job last year moving 3 or 4 guys between SS and 3B, but this is a year later and the younger guys are a year older. Hate to see Iggy the all-star SS with X sitting on the bench.

[Bellhorn04]

The Globe this morning is on the tweets trying to make a case to sign Drew, "to add depth."

 

I don't see that. Drew is a one position guy who wants to start. He isn't a role player. He blocks X or Middlebrooks, both of whom need a chance to break out. X, in particular, needs to play his native position, SS, at this point in his young career. Needs a chance. Foolish to move him around to different positions. They got burned once by that, moving Ells to LF.

 

If they do sign Drew, Middlebrooks is the depth guy.

[dupree]

I just wonder if this is a move by the Boras camp to get interest in Drew by going to the papers and getting his name in the media.

 

I hope he signs elsewhere. I think him resigning here will hurt the development of one of either X or WMB. Also i believe that will just be the case. I can see Boras swinging an incentive based contract back with Boston on a 1 year deal with a promise of not offering him a QO after next season. I have hoped and hoped that the Mets or Pirates would swing in a sign him to a multi year deal but it seems the lose of a draft pick is too much for a mid tier player. Maybe Boras will work his magic and get him a multi year deal somewhere, but if all routes are closed he will be back here for 1 year. I just hope Farrell can get X, WMB, and Drew their ABs. And not trade one of the young guns away thats my biggest fear.

[Palodios]

I don't understand the distaste for Drew on a cheap one-yearer. If he's cheap and talented, the whole team benefits. Worst case scenario, you salary dump him at the deadline for a bullpen arm or platoon outfielder.

 

Also, what is with the "Promise of no QO" silliness? Drew should have taken the QO this year, and if the Red Sox offer it next year, he should take it next year.

[Palodios]

I just wonder if this is a move by the Boras camp to get interest in Drew by going to the papers and getting his name in the media.

 

Doubtful. The only articles I read seem to say "Drew will go back to the Red Sox if he gets desperate and the Mets/Yanks don't want him"

[Dojji]

I'd take him back gladly. Whatever you think of Bogaerts, he's a couple years away from unleashing his true potential and I'm fully convinced that Drew has more than he showed us last year.

[SoxSport]

The problem with Drew is , you know he is going to start at SS. That means X and MBrooks have to fight it out at 3B. And that just sucks. Both these guys deserve an opportunity to realize their potential.

 

Drew is a Boras client who expects to be paid Boras dollars. That means he has to start. If he doesn't, he is overpaid.

[Palodios]

...and then one of them gets hurt and your season is over because you have a punto type stuck in your lineup. Pedroia will get hurt. Ortiz will get hurt. XB will struggle wmb will struggle. It happens. Why put your team in a position to fail ? Edited January 2, 2014 by Palodios

[Spudboy]

I will gladly go on record that I want Drew back. I can understand some fans being concerned that his presence at SS will inhibit the development and playing time of two promising young players. But I think that this concern is over played and over stated. The question is weather the Sox are a better team with Drew or without him. I believe that it is clear the Sox are better. SS is a premium position. The Sox in Drew, have the best SS that they have had since Nomar. He plays very solid D ( although his range and arm are not spectacular ) and he is a Major League hitter. You can not say that about either of the young guys just yet. They have big upside but the Sox need a proven SS NOW. I say sign him if possible and let the infield sort itself out during the season. I just wonder where a contract for Drew fits in the payroll unless they unload the stiff Peavey or even Dempster.

 

I wonder how everyone would feel about Drew if he had not been plunked in spring training? What kind of offensive numbers would he have put up? As things stand now, he was one of the better offensive SS in the AL in 2013.

[Dojji]

If those players are worth crap, having to beat Drew out to win their jobs will not "ruin" them.

[mvp 78]

I'd rather have Peavy and Dempster than Drew.

[User Name]

Peavy's a stiff? News to me. Otherwise spot on post Spudboy.

 

What SoxSport and some others seem to be conveniently forgetting and besides what Palodios just mentioned (which is very accurate mind you) is that this team just lost a lost of offensive talent. Bringing back Drew would help them maximize their offense, not the other way around. WMB would get enough AB's anyway. If he's hitting, he will fit into the lineup. In the meantime, by signing Drew, you increase your offensive depth and protect your team against injury.

 

SoxSport's position seems to be based a lot more on a dislike for Boras than what's logically beneficial for the team, and that's just not very smart.

[User Name]

I'd rather have Peavy and Dempster than Drew.

 

I'll take Peavy and Drew over Peavy and Dempster.

[Spudboy]

I just think Peavey is too costly and his cost far exceeds his value. I did not see very much good pitching from him after the trade. I imagine someone who takes the time to dig can shoot holes in my opinion. I don't care. The Sox gave up a big talent to get this guy and I don't think he had much to do with the W.S. title.

 

I agree about WM. He will have his at bats and he should put up big power numbers. I belive he gained a lot from the Pawtucket demotion last year. I expect he will be a top producer for the Sox in 2014.

[Spudboy]

Pretty true. And as Username has said, Drew gives the Sox offensive depth. Something that a lot of was lost in the off season so far.

[Palodios]

I just think Peavey is too costly and his cost far exceeds his value. I did not see very much good pitching from him after the trade. I imagine someone who takes the time to dig can shoot holes in my opinion. I don't care. The Sox gave up a big talent to get this guy and I don't think he had much to do with the W.S. title.

 

Peavy went 4-1 with the Red Sox in the regular season, averaging a 4.00 ERA, 1.16 and 6.40 IP per game. Picking him up moved Workman into the bullpen and freed a spot for Xander on the field. He's not an ace anymore, but he gave the Red Sox very good value that helped them take the AL East and hold onto homefield advantage. Without him, the Red Sox may have pitched Dempster or Doubront in the playoffs. Eesh.

[Palodios]

Red Sox have reportedly spoken to the Padres about Denorfia.

 

They gave the "We believe we're contenders" BS. Call us back midseason.

Edited January 3, 2014 by Palodios

[User Name]

Denorfia plays for the Padres.

[Palodios]

Denorfia plays for the Padres.

 

Looks like they updated the article. Hmm.