What Does the Acquisition of Rusney Castillo mean for Bradley?

[a700hitter]

Oh, industrywide I am not sure it is quite that low. After all, the man has a major league skill, and one he does better than just about any person alive. That alone along with his age (not as young as you'd like but still not peak) should have him on many big league radars.

But other teams will not offer enough to be worth trading him, when the Red Sox can let him play everyday in Pawtucket while trying to learn to hit. His value is low right now. I don't see them selling low on him while he has options.

[Dojji]

I agree. Worst case scenario maybe he can learn to hit enough to be solid off the bench. I see a potential situation devloping with Pedroia's career that could sidetrack the outfield plans we have right now which involve Mookie Betts heavily.

 

What I'm afraid of is that while he probably still has several good years as a decently productive regular with a great glove, Pedey's days as an elite player are behind him, and that has implications when a player who has the potential to produce the way Mookie potentially could, could play the same position. It's uncomfortable, but a time may come up in the future when we need both Castillo and JBJ to shore up our outfield depth as Betts is needed at his original position.

 

Besides, Vic's on his last year IIRC, and he was not effective last year, not sure what we can count on him for. Point being, JBJ occupies a spot on the depth chart that it's important to have a warm body in, if we didn't have him we'd need to sign an MLFA of about the same quality, so I can't see a trade.

Edited November 29, 2014 by Dojji

[sk7326]

I agree. Worst case scenario maybe he can learn to hit enough to be solid off the bench. I see a potential situation devloping with Pedroia's career that could sidetrack the outfield plans we have right now which involve Mookie Betts heavily.

 

What I'm afraid of is that while he probably still has several good years as a decently productive regular with a great glove, Pedey's days as an elite player are behind him, and that has implications when a player who has the potential to produce the way Mookie potentially could, could play the same position. It's uncomfortable, but a time may come up in the future when we need both Castillo and JBJ to shore up our outfield depth as Betts is needed at his original position.

 

Besides, Vic's on his last year IIRC, and he was not effective last year, not sure what we can count on him for. Point being, JBJ occupies a spot on the depth chart that it's important to have a warm body in, if we didn't have him we'd need to sign an MLFA of about the same quality, so I can't see a trade.

 

This makes sense in theory - if we were the only franchise out there. After all, there is only a finite amount of time with a finite amount of resources. This is not college where you redshirt Bradley, especially when there are other teams which would give him a starting gig. That is a poor use of resources. I think we had a version of this discussion with the catcher business. It is nice to want to have double redundancy depth at every position and big league ready prospects waiting for a job position which may or may not actually be opened.

 

Prospects are future regulars - but they are also currency. If you don't see Bradley cracking the rotation in the next year and change (and I don't) ... then his value shifts to currency. Can he be part of a trade to get a regular we do need? Absolutely - although he will not fetch the same fortune he did before (hitting like a pitcher will do that).

[Spudboy]

Bump.

 

Could not find a better thread for this topic so I am posting it here.

 

http://www.bluejaysplus.com/josh-donaldson-swing-adjustment-brett-lawrie/#sthash.d2qxxmJx.mP1kgxhV.dpbs

 

I stumbled upon this Blog concerning Josh Donaldson's batting adjustments and thought it was interesting.

 

It was painful to watch JBJ bat in 2014 and it was very discouraging to hear that he was for some reason reluctant to take some advise concerning his plate performance.

 

At roughly the same age as Bradley, Donaldson made some big adjustments and became a more productive hitter. While I have not looked at his before and after numbers, it's still clear that he went from a poor to above average hitter after a total revamp of his hitting mechanics.

 

I don't buy into the idea that JBJ "will never hit". The kid is very talented in other phases of the game. I think that he should make the effort that Donaldson made to become a better hitter. He certainly has little to loose!!!

 

It would be great to see the kid become a complete player. His Defense is so good.

[a700hitter]

Bump.

 

Could not find a better thread for this topic so I am posting it here.

 

http://www.bluejaysplus.com/josh-donaldson-swing-adjustment-brett-lawrie/#sthash.d2qxxmJx.mP1kgxhV.dpbs

 

I stumbled upon this Blog concerning Josh Donaldson's batting adjustments and thought it was interesting.

 

It was painful to watch JBJ bat in 2014 and it was very discouraging to hear that he was for some reason reluctant to take some advise concerning his plate performance.

 

At roughly the same age as Bradley, Donaldson made some big adjustments and became a more productive hitter. While I have not looked at his before and after numbers, it's still clear that he went from a poor to above average hitter after a total revamp of his hitting mechanics.

 

I don't buy into the idea that JBJ "will never hit". The kid is very talented in other phases of the game. I think that he should make the effort that Donaldson made to become a better hitter. He certainly has little to loose!!!

 

It would be great to see the kid become a complete player. His Defense is so good.

Three points. First, Donaldson did not suffer through such a prolonged period of futility as Bradley has suffered through. Second, at 6'0" 220 lbs, Donaldson packs a lot more power than the smallish Bradley. Third, with Castillo, Ramirez, Craig, Victorino, Betts, Holt and Nava still with the team there is zero room for Bradley unless 2 or 3 guys leave or get hurt.

[Elktonnick]

Bump.

 

Could not find a better thread for this topic so I am posting it here.

 

http://www.bluejaysplus.com/josh-donaldson-swing-adjustment-brett-lawrie/#sthash.d2qxxmJx.mP1kgxhV.dpbs

 

I stumbled upon this Blog concerning Josh Donaldson's batting adjustments and thought it was interesting.

 

It was painful to watch JBJ bat in 2014 and it was very discouraging to hear that he was for some reason reluctant to take some advise concerning his plate performance.

 

At roughly the same age as Bradley, Donaldson made some big adjustments and became a more productive hitter. While I have not looked at his before and after numbers, it's still clear that he went from a poor to above average hitter after a total revamp of his hitting mechanics

 

I don't buy into the idea that JBJ "will never hit". The kid is very talented in other phases of the game. I think that he should make the effort that Donaldson made to become a better hitter. He certainly has little to loose!!!

 

It would be great to see the kid become a complete player. His Defense is so good.

 

It's not that Bradley "can't" hit. It is he won't hit unless he adjusts his hitting approach. By his own admission he believes he can be another Willie Mays. Well he won't hit like Willie Mays unless he adjusts his mechanics to swing like Willie Mays. Mays stepped into the ball. Bradley has does this funky toe tap thing and ends up swinging flat footed. Bradley loops his bat and has a long swing. I question whether he is really picking up the ball and can recognize what is being thrown.

I am just guessing but I suspect that he thinks his quick feet in the field translates into a quick bat hence his reluctance to change.

[jacksonianmarch]

He isn't gonna hit like Mays unless he gets on the Bonds/Anderson regimen. He said it himself, he relies on his instincts and isn't a student of the game. Guys who really learn how to hit have to know the pitcher inside and out. Scouting isn't just for managers. You have to know what each pitcher goes to in each count so you can make an informed decision at the plate. If he continues to think he can just react up there, then he's never going to improve.

[Elktonnick]

He isn't gonna hit like Mays unless he gets on the Bonds/Anderson regimen. He said it himself, he relies on his instincts and isn't a student of the game. Guys who really learn how to hit have to know the pitcher inside and out. Scouting isn't just for managers. You have to know what each pitcher goes to in each count so you can make an informed decision at the plate. If he continues to think he can just react up there, then he's never going to improve.

 

I hadn't heard that bit of Bradley saying yjat he "relied on his instincts and isn't a student of the game" That cinches for me. He now succeeds WMB as the dumbest ballplayer on the Red Sox.

[seabeachfred]

He isn't gonna hit like Mays unless he gets on the Bonds/Anderson regimen. He said it himself, he relies on his instincts and isn't a student of the game. Guys who really learn how to hit have to know the pitcher inside and out. Scouting isn't just for managers. You have to know what each pitcher goes to in each count so you can make an informed decision at the plate. If he continues to think he can just react up there, then he's never going to improve.

 

There are times the Red Sox hold on for dear life to some of their prospects until they fold so badly they have no value left. Bradley cannot hit ML pitching and before he becomes totally useless except as a late inning replacement the team should try like hell to trade him as quickly as possible. If you take his short stay in 2013, his disastrous ST in 2014 and his futile season last year the composite is an average under 200, little power and little speed to steal bases. He is an offensive disaster. Time to punch his ticket out of town IMHO.

[Kimmi]

There are times the Red Sox hold on for dear life to some of their prospects until they fold so badly they have no value left. Bradley cannot hit ML pitching and before he becomes totally useless except as a late inning replacement the team should try like hell to trade him as quickly as possible. If you take his short stay in 2013, his disastrous ST in 2014 and his futile season last year the composite is an average under 200, little power and little speed to steal bases. He is an offensive disaster. Time to punch his ticket out of town IMHO.

 

 

Is this the same Bradley who just had to be on the 2013 Opening Day roster after his stellar ST?

 

He may or may not ever be able to hit ML pitching, but I certainly hope the Sox don't give up on him yet.

[Elktonnick]

If Bradley can't or won't make adjustments at the plate. then he is making himself quite expendable. Look at the top centerfielders in baseball. They all hit. If Bradley fails he has no one to blame but himself

[Spudboy]

I posted this blog because I thought that it was interesting how Donaldson revamped his batting and became more productive.

 

I see no reason why Bradley can not or will not be able to do the same. Of course if he is an obstinate little d bag and refuses to try then at that point you say bye bye.

 

He is a very athletic and talented baseball player with one giant flaw. I say stick with him IF and only IF he make an effort to fix his bat.

 

The idea that Bradley is slow is absurd. He is not Ricky Henderson or Lou Brock. Is Pedroia fast?

 

You pretty much have to get on base consistently to steal bases.

 

I was not comparing Donaldson and Bradley as physical specimens.

 

Although with proper mechanics allowing his hips and torso to be used to advantage, Bradley could conceivably become a more "powerful" hitter. That is just physics.

 

I just want to see the guy hit. Hopefully in Boston but if elsewhere so be it.

[a700hitter]

I posted this blog because I thought that it was interesting how Donaldson revamped his batting and became more productive.

 

I see no reason why Bradley can not or will not be able to do the same. Of course if he is an obstinate little d bag and refuses to try then at that point you say bye bye.

 

He is a very athletic and talented baseball player with one giant flaw. I say stick with him IF and only IF he make an effort to fix his bat.

 

The idea that Bradley is slow is absurd. He is not Ricky Henderson or Lou Brock. Is Pedroia fast?

 

You pretty much have to get on base consistently to steal bases.

 

I was not comparing Donaldson and Bradley as physical specimens.

 

Although with proper mechanics allowing his hips and torso to be used to advantage, Bradley could conceivably become a more "powerful" hitter. That is just physics.

 

I just want to see the guy hit. Hopefully in Boston but if elsewhere so be it.

 

The guy is not a basestealer. He has good speed, but he is neither a burner or base stealer. Pete, being a great fielder doesn't mean that you have the talent to have a good stick. The list of great fielders with no bat is a long one in the history of baseball. I was baffled when I was a kid that fielding geniuses like Mark Belanger and Buddy Harrelson could never hit.

 

You are also overlooking that this kid is very small. He would need to raise his OBP 60 points to be serviceable with the bat, because there is no power coming with that bat. Finally, the Red Sox have given up on him. The Roster is full of outfielders. He would need a plne crash to get back to Fenway.

[seabeachfred]

Is this the same Bradley who just had to be on the 2013 Opening Day roster after his stellar ST?

 

He may or may not ever be able to hit ML pitching, but I certainly hope the Sox don't give up on him yet.

 

Maybe in your opinion Kimmi, but by the end of ST last year there were at least a half-dozen posters here who insisted that this guy was not going to hit and should be sent down----and when they finally threw in the towel and did send him down he didn't hit worth a damn at Pawtucket either.....204. Punch hit ticket out of town.

[a700hitter]

Maybe in your opinion Kimmi, but by the end of ST last year there were at least a half-dozen posters here who insisted that this guy was not going to hit and should be sent down----and when they finally threw in the towel and did send him down he didn't hit worth a damn at Pawtucket either.....204. Punch hit ticket out of town.

If I had to bet, I'd say that it is more likely that he will be out of baseball than starting for the Red Sox.

[mvp 78]

Maybe in your opinion Kimmi, but by the end of ST last year there were at least a half-dozen posters here who insisted that this guy was not going to hit and should be sent down----and when they finally threw in the towel and did send him down he didn't hit worth a damn at Pawtucket either.....204. Punch hit ticket out of town.

 

And at the end of 2011, there were even more people on here enamored with Lavarnway. Sometimes you have to let things play out before you come to sweeping conclusions.

[Elktonnick]

The guy is not a basestealer. He has good speed, but he is neither a burner or base stealer. Pete, being a great fielder doesn't mean that you have the talent to have a good stick. The list of great fielders with no bat is a long one in the history of baseball. I was baffled when I was a kid that fielding geniuses like Mark Belanger and Buddy Harrelson could never hit.

 

You are also overlooking that this kid is very small. He would need to raise his OBP 60 points to be serviceable with the bat, because there is no power coming with that bat. Finally, the Red Sox have given up on him. The Roster is full of outfielders. He would need a plne crash to get back to Fenway.

 

Bradley has the speed to steal bases but he isn't on base enough to learn the art of base stealing. If he doesn't have the patience to study pitchers as a hitter he certainly doesn't have the patience to learn stealing.

 

One gets the feeling that he is pigheaded.

[Bellhorn04]

We'll find out a lot about Bradley this year. Surely last year was a humbling experience.

[Kimmi]

Maybe in your opinion Kimmi, but by the end of ST last year there were at least a half-dozen posters here who insisted that this guy was not going to hit and should be sent down----and when they finally threw in the towel and did send him down he didn't hit worth a damn at Pawtucket either.....204. Punch hit ticket out of town.

 

 

No, not in my opinion Fred. I get as excited about our youngsters as anyone, but I am not one to annoint someone the next best thing based on small sample sizes. I was wondering if you were insisting that he be on the roster to open 2013, rather than being sent down.

[mvp 78]

No, not in my opinion Fred. I get as excited about our youngsters as anyone, but I am not one to annoint someone the next best thing based on small sample sizes. I was wondering if you were insisting that he be on the roster to open 2013, rather than being sent down.

 

That was the height of Fred's anti-Victorino madness. I'm willing to bet his house that he wanted JBJ around.

[Kimmi]

If Bradley can't or won't make adjustments at the plate. then he is making himself quite expendable. Look at the top centerfielders in baseball. They all hit. If Bradley fails he has no one to blame but himself

 

 

If Bradley indeed isn't willing to make adjustments, then he is punching his own ticket out of town, kind of like Middlebrooks refusing to play winter ball. After two partial seasons of hitting below .200, he has to know that his way isn't working. I liked what I read about this kid last offseason - how he came to camp early and seemed like he would do whatever it takes to win and keep the CF job. Hopefully, he still has that kind of attitude.

[Elktonnick]

We'll find out a lot about Bradley this year. Surely last year was a humbling experience.

 

I certainly hope he learns from it. I am looking forward to see how he handles the adversity. Don't get me wrong, I love to see mature into a sold centerfielder. He has an up hill battle now. He simply has got to revamp his approach at the plate.

[Kimmi]

That was the height of Fred's anti-Victorino madness. I'm willing to bet his house that he wanted JBJ around.

 

 

LOL I'll give Fred the benefit of the doubt on this one since I honestly don't know if he was clamoring for JBJ or not. I know that Fred likes offense. So it wouldn't surprise me if he insisted that JBJ be around when he was swinging a hot bat.

[mvp 78]

http://www.talksox.com/forum/threads/16254-Why-not-keep-Ellsbury-and-Bradley-together-for-years-to-come/page6

 

Fred calls JBJ the real deal here. I'll give him credit that he thought a JBJ/Ells/Vic outfield would be great defensively and for wanting Gomes to get at bats.

[a700hitter]

LOL I'll give Fred the benefit of the doubt on this one since I honestly don't know if he was clamoring for JBJ or not. I know that Fred likes offense. So it wouldn't surprise me if he insisted that JBJ be around when he was swinging a hot bat.

When I saw him in Spring Training 2013, I liked his aggressiveness at the plate and thought that he would be okay offensively, but he blew his chance in a major way. He will need a metamorphosis offensively to get another chance. It didn't happen with WMB and he has the element of big power that Bradley doesn't have.

[cp176]

When I saw him in Spring Training 2013, I liked his aggressiveness at the plate and thought that he would be okay offensively, but he blew his chance in a major way. He will need a metamorphosis offensively to get another chance. It didn't happen with WMB and he has the element of big power that Bradley doesn't have.

 

Watching JBJ in Portland, anyone would have been remiss not to have hit him with the old can't miss stick. It was a no-brainer. Made me realize what a tremendous step up it is from double to triple A. Moving from the minors to the bigs is a step that has to be huge. I wish him well but I don't think the Sox have great hopes for him. Pretty sure that the moves they have made have sent a message to him. I thought that he was going to be more of a contact hitter. His struggles at the plate have really surprised me.

[jacksonianmarch]

Bradley said he doesn't study tape. He said he relies on his hands and his eyes to read the pitch and hit. He said it before a Sox Yankee game last yr. That is foolish

[Kimmi]

http://www.talksox.com/forum/threads/16254-Why-not-keep-Ellsbury-and-Bradley-together-for-years-to-come/page6

 

Fred calls JBJ the real deal here. I'll give him credit that he thought a JBJ/Ells/Vic outfield would be great defensively and for wanting Gomes to get at bats.

 

 

You can't really blame anyone for getting excited about JBJ after his hot ST. I know it's sometimes hard, but it would be nice if fans could temper their emotions some, and not make rash judgments, good or bad, based on a few weeks.

[Kimmi]

When I saw him in Spring Training 2013, I liked his aggressiveness at the plate and thought that he would be okay offensively, but he blew his chance in a major way. He will need a metamorphosis offensively to get another chance. It didn't happen with WMB and he has the element of big power that Bradley doesn't have.

 

 

I'm not a hitting coach, nor do I know a lot about the mechanics, but it seems like if it were something in his mechanics, it could be fixed easily enough. If it's in his pitch recognition and he's unwilling to "do his homework", then I don't suppose there's a lot that can be done to help him. To me, he doesn't seem like the stubborn type. I've always taken him to be someone who is willing to do what it takes.

[Kimmi]

Watching JBJ in Portland, anyone would have been remiss not to have hit him with the old can't miss stick. It was a no-brainer. Made me realize what a tremendous step up it is from double to triple A. Moving from the minors to the bigs is a step that has to be huge. I wish him well but I don't think the Sox have great hopes for him. Pretty sure that the moves they have made have sent a message to him. I thought that he was going to be more of a contact hitter. His struggles at the plate have really surprised me.

 

 

The moves certainly don't bode well for him. However, he still has options so I don't see any rush in trying to move him. If nothing else, perhaps he can at least raise his value by improving his offense some.