Who would you promote from Pawtucket today?

[Spudboy]

I'm certainly not throwing in the towel either, not yet anyway.

 

The entire Sox outfield is not producing offensively. The are no viable internal replacements. The Sox need to acquire at least one corner outfielder and maybe a center fielder as well so Bradley can go down to Pawtucket to get his act together at the plate.

 

Something needs to be done at third base as well. I don't know what external candidates are available. At the very least I say bring Drew back and slide X to 3rd. Drew is not an offensive juggernaut but he will play excellent defense ( something we have not seen nor are we likely to see anytime soon from X ) and he is a proven major league hitter. Even if he hits only .230 something he would be worth the move. 2-3 years at 8-11 mil should get it done. I don't care about potential blockage of minor league talent. The game is played to be won - NOW.

 

Buchholtz better get it fixed very soon or bring up Workman for a shot. Peavy is inconsistent but can do the job for now. If not, make another move for a right handed arm. Doubrant is maddening to watch but he is pitching well enough NOW to justify his spot.

 

I think that everyone here is over estimating the ability of our minor league stars now. None of them are ready for a full time gig in Boston. The Sox are not the Marlins or another "poor" team that can and will accept a lot of loosing. The Sox need to make some moves by the trade deadline so they can be in the hunt for a playoff birth THIS YEAR.

 

I was in favor of Bradley starting the year in Center and hopeful that his bat would be somewhat productive. That has not happened. Boston is not a player development franchise. This city will not accept a year where many rookies come up and flounder while learning the game at the major league level. Anyone who accepts a steady died of loosing in this town and market is a looser and does not belong here.

[GomesBeard]

Well, I'll disagree with the 'Boston is not a player development franchise' statement, to a certain extent - we HAVE developed plenty of players - Pedroia, Lester, Buchholz, Doubront, Ellsbury, Papelbon, etc. Lots more. But just not so many at once on the MLB roster. With Drew coming back, I think they can afford to keep JBJr starting and see what happens. He hit in the minors, and Pedroia, in his rookie year, started to hit around this time after a LOT of heat on Francona to sit him down.

 

I have to admit that I thought I would be a lot more patient than I have been, to this point. I'm sick of the losing, although happy that no one else in the division has run away with it. But I think with the left-side infield stabilized assuming they move XB to third) things will get better. Drew isn't going to hit the cover of the ball, but he was a pretty good situational hitter and solid defender. I agree re: Workman but suspect they would dump Doubront before Buchholz.

[Palodios]

Drew is back. One solid corner outfielder, and the team can get to a very competitive place.

[Spudboy]

Well, I'll disagree with the 'Boston is not a player development franchise' statement, to a certain extent - we HAVE developed plenty of players - Pedroia, Lester, Buchholz, Doubront, Ellsbury, Papelbon, etc. Lots more. But just not so many at once on the MLB roster. With Drew coming back, I think they can afford to keep JBJr starting and see what happens. He hit in the minors, and Pedroia, in his rookie year, started to hit around this time after a LOT of heat on Francona to sit him down.

 

I have to admit that I thought I would be a lot more patient than I have been, to this point. I'm sick of the losing, although happy that no one else in the division has run away with it. But I think with the left-side infield stabilized assuming they move XB to third) things will get better. Drew isn't going to hit the cover of the ball, but he was a pretty good situational hitter and solid defender. I agree re: Workman but suspect they would dump Doubront before Buchholz.

 

I meant that Boston is a major league city. Not a minor league city. In OTHER words, players don't come up to the big league team to LEARN the game and to DEVELOP.

[a700hitter]

Drew is back. One solid corner outfielder, and the team can get to a very competitive place.

Yep, half of the plan has been implemented.

[Spudboy]

It would be cool if Ben dropped Stanton on us now!

[seabeachfred]

Well, I'll disagree with the 'Boston is not a player development franchise' statement, to a certain extent - we HAVE developed plenty of players - Pedroia, Lester, Buchholz, Doubront, Ellsbury, Papelbon, etc. Lots more. But just not so many at once on the MLB roster. With Drew coming back, I think they can afford to keep JBJr starting and see what happens. He hit in the minors, and Pedroia, in his rookie year, started to hit around this time after a LOT of heat on Francona to sit him down.

 

I have to admit that I thought I would be a lot more patient than I have been, to this point. I'm sick of the losing, although happy that no one else in the division has run away with it. But I think with the left-side infield stabilized assuming they move XB to third) things will get better. Drew isn't going to hit the cover of the ball, but he was a pretty good situational hitter and solid defender. I agree re: Workman but suspect they would dump Doubront before Buchholz.

 

Gomes-Spud Boy, please!!!!! Workman is getting worked over at Pawtucket. They are hitting the s*** out of him. He is not an answer for our rotation at the present time. He seems to be regressing.

[mvp 78]

Gomes-Spud Boy, please!!!!! Workman is getting worked over at Pawtucket. They are hitting the s*** out of him. He is not an answer for our rotation at the present time. He seems to be regressing.

 

Yup, bring up Rubby!

[GomesBeard]

Gomes-Spud Boy, please!!!!! Workman is getting worked over at Pawtucket. They are hitting the s*** out of him. He is not an answer for our rotation at the present time. He seems to be regressing.

 

Maybe Webster or Ranaudo ought to come up as well..... http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=533&stn=true&sid=t533

[a700hitter]

I think that the FO must be working on resolving the team problems. After all, they want to keep the money coming in.

 

If this team keeps playing this way much longer, the Sox will play to many more empty seats and loose out on a ton of money that they could have made. They must at least appear to be competitive to sustain fan interest.

Exactly, and the Drew signing bears out your theory.

[a700hitter]

Drew is back. One solid corner outfielder, and the team can get to a very competitive place.

Sign J.D. And we are set!

[Spudboy]

If JD DRew were healthy and in shape I bet he could be more productive than what we have out there now!!!!

 

Seriously, BC must be talking to other teams at this point. He knows that the Sox do not have a viable choice for the outfield in house.

 

Doesn't he?

[a700hitter]

If JD DRew were healthy and in shape I bet he could be more productive than what we have out there now!!!!

 

Seriously, BC must be talking to other teams at this point. He knows that the Sox do not have a viable choice for the outfield in house.

 

Doesn't he?

Brentz would be the only option.

[a700hitter]

What are David Ross's numbers since he has been with the Red Sox? Last season, he deserved some slack due to the concussion issue and we were producing runs like crazy so we didn't need him to hit. This season he continues to look like an old softball player trying to hit MLB pitching. He looks like he is washed up. Why not bring up Vasquez who looks like the best defensive catcher that the Red Sox have had since Tony Pena. There is nothing to lose. He couldn't hit much worse than Ross who hasn't been off the Interstate since we got him. If Vasquez completely bombs, give someone else a chance. Ross has set the bar very low.

[mvp 78]

I'd like to see Vasquez as well. He's good enough with the bat that he's hitting 5th for the PawSox. He couldn't be any worse than Ross and is much better defensively.

 

I hope Brentz gets an honest shot too.

[Spudboy]

Brentz would be the only option.

 

I like Brentz but he is not hitting in Pawtucket.

[Spudboy]

I want Vasquez up too. But he has had only about 120 AB at AAA.

 

He would probably get exposed pretty quickly.

 

I hope he starts in Boston in 2015.

[GomesBeard]

What are David Ross's numbers since he has been with the Red Sox? Last season, he deserved some slack due to the concussion issue and we were producing runs like crazy so we didn't need him to hit. This season he continues to look like an old softball player trying to hit MLB pitching. He looks like he is washed up. Why not bring up Vasquez who looks like the best defensive catcher that the Red Sox have had since Tony Pena. There is nothing to lose. He couldn't hit much worse than Ross who hasn't been off the Interstate since we got him. If Vasquez completely bombs, give someone else a chance. Ross has set the bar very low.

 

Well, now that Ross is Lester's personal catcher, this ain't happening.

[SCM33]

Workman.

 

If JBJ, Sizemore, Carp and Gomes are allowed to look like little leaguers, Nava has absolutely zero shot of ever appearing in another MLB game with the Sox.

 

Much to dojji's dismay, law of averages caught up to Nava. When a below average MLB offensive player can't get on base (the only thing he could do), run, field, throw, or have a defensive position...well, then....time to find a new profession.

Edited May 23, 2014 by SCM33

[seabeachfred]

I like Brentz but he is not hitting in Pawtucket.

 

I was leaning towards Garin Cecchini but with Drew's signing that's not going to happen now. Maybe it's better he stays at Pawtucket this season where he is hitting well and works on his fielding which I head needs some work.

[Behindenemylines]

The production from the outfield is a major problem. The only power is Gomes and he only plays against lefties. We have gotten little to nothing from Bradley, Sizemore, Nava and Victorino. I don't see anything in the system that will help. A power bat that plays the outfield is a major need, but what is available?

[gojohn99]

The PawSox had also lost 7 in a row until yesterday, so things are not so great on the farm either. There's not much other than Cecchini for bats but he only has 1 HR with his .716 OPS

[sk7326]

The production from the outfield is a major problem. The only power is Gomes and he only plays against lefties. We have gotten little to nothing from Bradley, Sizemore, Nava and Victorino. I don't see anything in the system that will help. A power bat that plays the outfield is a major need, but what is available?

 

Could be Mookie Betts, but more data collection is needed. Right now the current guys have struggled, but Bradley and Victorino clearly have the nods from here since the gloves still work (and in Victorino's case that is dependent on the hammies working)

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

Much to dojji's dismay, law of averages caught up to Nava.

Dojji was actually pretty down on Nava this offseason IIRC.

[Bellhorn04]

Nava contributed by drawing a big walk yesterday.

[sk7326]

Keith Law updated Top 25. At #22:

 

22. Mookie Betts | 2B/CF | Boston Red Sox (age 21)

Current level: Double-A (Portland)

Preseason ranking: 61

 

Betts has cooled down after putting up hallucination-inducing stats in April, hitting "just" .299/.425/.454 in May, while stealing 12 bases in 12 attempts. Everyone knew he was a great athlete, and those are generally the players you might bet on to take a sudden step forward like this, but this is way beyond any reasonable expectations.

 

He's second in the league in walks behind a 29-year-old who's in his 10th year in pro ball, and seventh in slugging behind six players all at least 18 months older than he is. The really interesting part is that Betts, a natural middle infielder, has made seven of his past 10 non-DH starts in center field, a position he's fast and athletic enough to handle -- and where the Red Sox may have a need.

 

Not suggesting it - but if it gets to June-July and outfield is really this bad, his success so far has been too wild to ignore.

[Andyk_94]

Not suggesting it - but if it gets to June-July and outfield is really this bad, his success so far has been too wild to ignore.

 

Very much depends on how he does at AAA where I think he can expect to be by the end of the month if he keeps going even close to how he has been.

[Dojji]

I meant that Boston is a major league city. Not a minor league city. In OTHER words, players don't come up to the big league team to LEARN the game and to DEVELOP.

 

I'd honestly like to know what else you expect these rookies to be doing. you can't learn to be a big league player in AAA.

 

When you commit to playing a rookie at a position you commit to all the foibles and mistakes that rookie will fall victim to.

[Dojji]

keep an eye on Mookie Betts down in Portland. He's off to a very nice start, and he could earn himself a callup if the team gets desperate.

[mvp 78]

keep an eye on Mookie Betts down in Portland. He's off to a very nice start, and he could earn himself a callup if the team gets desperate.

 

Who?