2014 Offseason Thread

[Spudboy]

And he should be in the minors with the other kids his age until he is big league ready.

 

The same can be said for XB. He should have been in Portland (AA) in 2014. His skills are too raw and unfinished to have been thrown into a starting role in Boston. I believe that this is what Fred sees.

 

I have no idea if he will be the all-world star he was touted to be. I just hope that he demonstrates improvement in all phases of his game in 2015 if he is still around.

[Elktonnick]

I certainly agree with your comments regarding XB. I haven't seen evidence that his head is in the game. He seems a bit overwhelmed by it all on the field.

[SoxFanForsyth]

The same can be said for XB. He should have been in Portland (AA) in 2014. His skills are too raw and unfinished to have been thrown into a starting role in Boston. I believe that this is what Fred sees.

 

I have no idea if he will be the all-world star he was touted to be. I just hope that he demonstrates improvement in all phases of his game in 2015 if he is still around.

 

With Bogaerts, here's what I see:

 

He hit .289/.369/.453 in AAA in 2013, then came up and played outstanding in the post season (.296/.412/.481), and helped the Sox win a WS.

 

He came into 2014 and really continued to play well, hitting .296/.389/.427 in his first 54 G.

 

In game 55, the Red Sox moved him off of SS and to 3B. Coinciding with this was that the pitchers now had an ample amount of data to make adjustments to him. Moving him off SS clearly affected his confidence and he took it to the plate with him. Combine that with pitchers finding some holes to exploit, and it turned into a very bad situation. It compounded on itself, and he never could get his head out of water. Over the next 45 games, he would play 3B in each one, and hit .182/.217/.300.

 

In Game 99, the Red Sox moved him back to SS. He still had an adjustment period to go through, but with the confidence of knowing that he was the everyday SS, he was able to relax, get back to his routine that he knew in the beginning of the season rather than having to focus on learning a new position, and find a bit more of a groove. In his final 45 games, Bogaerts hit .231/.262/.349.

 

What helped him most was when he hit the 7 day DL. The game certainly sped up on him and he couldn't catch his breath. Understandable, he's 21, learning a new position at the highest level, watching his team struggle, all while putting the teams struggles on his shoulders. During his DL stint, he was able to hit the reset button, take a breath, and find his stroke again, and played well in the final month, hitting .313/.317/.490, 4 HR, 16 RBI (28 HR, 108 RBI pace) which should help alleviate his "not clutch" narrative.

 

Did Bogaerts struggle? Absolutely. Horribly.

Can we see any kind of a correlation between his struggles and something else that occured around the same time? Absolutely. Is that an excuse? Absolutely not.

 

I think Bogaerts needed to stay up and out of AA or AAA because the reason he was struggling was because the book was out on him. The pitchers had made their adjustments and he needed to adjust to the pitchers. He can't do that in Pawtucket. He has to do that against the pitchers who have made the adjustments to him, which is at the MLB level. He'll be much, much better for it going forward.

[Bellhorn04]

With Bogaerts, here's what I see:

 

He hit .289/.369/.453 in AAA in 2013, then came up and played outstanding in the post season (.296/.412/.481), and helped the Sox win a WS.

 

He came into 2014 and really continued to play well, hitting .296/.389/.427 in his first 54 G.

 

In game 55, the Red Sox moved him off of SS and to 3B. Coinciding with this was that the pitchers now had an ample amount of data to make adjustments to him. Moving him off SS clearly affected his confidence and he took it to the plate with him. Combine that with pitchers finding some holes to exploit, and it turned into a very bad situation. It compounded on itself, and he never could get his head out of water. Over the next 45 games, he would play 3B in each one, and hit .182/.217/.300.

 

In Game 99, the Red Sox moved him back to SS. He still had an adjustment period to go through, but with the confidence of knowing that he was the everyday SS, he was able to relax, get back to his routine that he knew in the beginning of the season rather than having to focus on learning a new position, and find a bit more of a groove. In his final 45 games, Bogaerts hit .231/.262/.349.

 

What helped him most was when he hit the 7 day DL. The game certainly sped up on him and he couldn't catch his breath. Understandable, he's 21, learning a new position at the highest level, watching his team struggle, all while putting the teams struggles on his shoulders. During his DL stint, he was able to hit the reset button, take a breath, and find his stroke again, and played well in the final month, hitting .313/.317/.490, 4 HR, 16 RBI (28 HR, 108 RBI pace) which should help alleviate his "not clutch" narrative.

 

Did Bogaerts struggle? Absolutely. Horribly.

Can we see any kind of a correlation between his struggles and something else that occured around the same time? Absolutely. Is that an excuse? Absolutely not.

 

I think Bogaerts needed to stay up and out of AA or AAA because the reason he was struggling was because the book was out on him. The pitchers had made their adjustments and he needed to adjust to the pitchers. He can't do that in Pawtucket. He has to do that against the pitchers who have made the adjustments to him, which is at the MLB level. He'll be much, much better for it going forward.

 

I think you're right and I hope we're both right.

[BSN07]

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/mariners/2014/10/09/the-mariners-and-michael-saunders-a-relationship-gone-awry/

 

Might be someone that shouldn't cost a ton to get. He's LHH and has got some pop it seems. Sox could look to swap one of their many RH OF's for him.

[SoxFanForsyth]

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/mariners/2014/10/09/the-mariners-and-michael-saunders-a-relationship-gone-awry/

 

Might be someone that shouldn't cost a ton to get. He's LHH and has got some pop it seems. Sox could look to swap one of their many RH OF's for him.

 

Meh. I would rather just have Nava. They are basically the same player.

[Palodios]

Meh. I would rather just have Nava. They are basically the same player.

 

I was thinking the same thing. Mediocre corner outfield defenders, specialize against RHPs. Sure, he has a bit more pop, but Nava switch hits, and is significantly better at getting on base.

[Spudboy]

No thanks.

[seabeachfred]

With Bogaerts, here's what I see:

 

He hit .289/.369/.453 in AAA in 2013, then came up and played outstanding in the post season (.296/.412/.481), and helped the Sox win a WS.

 

He came into 2014 and really continued to play well, hitting .296/.389/.427 in his first 54 G.

 

In game 55, the Red Sox moved him off of SS and to 3B. Coinciding with this was that the pitchers now had an ample amount of data to make adjustments to him. Moving him off SS clearly affected his confidence and he took it to the plate with him. Combine that with pitchers finding some holes to exploit, and it turned into a very bad situation. It compounded on itself, and he never could get his head out of water. Over the next 45 games, he would play 3B in each one, and hit .182/.217/.300.

 

In Game 99, the Red Sox moved him back to SS. He still had an adjustment period to go through, but with the confidence of knowing that he was the everyday SS, he was able to relax, get back to his routine that he knew in the beginning of the season rather than having to focus on learning a new position, and find a bit more of a groove. In his final 45 games, Bogaerts hit .231/.262/.349.

 

What helped him most was when he hit the 7 day DL. The game certainly sped up on him and he couldn't catch his breath. Understandable, he's 21, learning a new position at the highest level, watching his team struggle, all while putting the teams struggles on his shoulders. During his DL stint, he was able to hit the reset button, take a breath, and find his stroke again, and played well in the final month, hitting .313/.317/.490, 4 HR, 16 RBI (28 HR, 108 RBI pace) which should help alleviate his "not clutch" narrative.

 

Did Bogaerts struggle? Absolutely. Horribly.

Can we see any kind of a correlation between his struggles and something else that occured around the same time? Absolutely. Is that an excuse? Absolutely not.

 

I think Bogaerts needed to stay up and out of AA or AAA because the reason he was struggling was because the book was out on him. The pitchers had made their adjustments and he needed to adjust to the pitchers. He can't do that in Pawtucket. He has to do that against the pitchers who have made the adjustments to him, which is at the MLB level. He'll be much, much better for it going forward.[/quote

 

For my money I still believe the Red Sox had better have a Plan B for shortstop next season just in case we see a similar Bogaerts in 2015. Remember, I didn't call him a choker while he was in that horrible slump for three months. I called him a "possible" choker after the very first week of the regular season. Then he was hitting with no runners on base and leaving a shitload of runners on when he came up with RISP. He hardly ever really improved in that category even when he started hitting in early September only to slump again at the end. To me that was the first red flag. When the the Red Sox signed Drew (which I predicted all along) Bogie went completely into the tank. He not only didn't hit, he didn't field and was a dumb ass often on the bases. Now can he recover? It is very possible. He is young and he does have raw talent. However, I still have very deep reservations about his ability to hit when it counts and how mentally tough he really is. I just hope the Red Sox don't get spooked about giving their young players a chance to break into the lineup because of the miserably rotten season Xander had, not to mention how worthless Jackie Bradley was all season and who should be traded as soon as we can find some sucker team ready to take him off our hands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pppp

[Behindenemylines]

If the right moves are made the Sox could be right back in the race again in 2015. I am kind of looking forward to the off season to begin and the making of the 2015 Sox. It is going to be a busy off season.

[St. Louis Carter]

Insiders report that the Dodgers have Puig on the trade block. Very believable as his LA stock has plummeted....even benched in the final NLDS game. The Cards are choked with outfielders, but how about Boston? You guys interested? Edited October 14, 2014 by St. Louis Carter

[BSN07]

Yes yes yes. He's worth the risk. It come down to what LAD wants for him. His price tag has dropped but it will still take a good package to get him. 2-4 top 25 guys or take on a big contract to lower the prospect cost.

 

Puig and Ethier(All of his contract goes to Boston, 3 yrs 55.5M) for Cepedes(or Vic), Craig, WMB(they need a 3B) and a prospect or 2 from the top 15 not named Betts, Swihart or Owens.

 

That gives LAD some ML talent for 2015 and financial flexibility. Yes I know Puig is a big talent but he is not Trout. Puig still has ?. I don't see any team emptying the farm for him. Ethier doesn't hit LHP well and is over paid but would be useful in Boston's RHH heavy line up.

[St. Louis Carter]

Yes yes yes. He's worth the risk. It come down to what LAD wants for him. His price tag has dropped but it will still take a good package to get him. 2-4 top 25 guys or take on a big contract to lower the prospect cost.

 

Puig and Ethier(All of his contract goes to Boston, 3 yrs 55.5M) for Cepedes(or Vic), Craig, WMB(they need a 3B) and a prospect or 2 from the top 15 not named Betts, Swihart or Owens.

 

That gives LAD some ML talent for 2015 and financial flexibility. Yes I know Puig is a big talent but he is not Trout. Puig still has ?. I don't see any team emptying the farm for him. Ethier doesn't hit LHP well and is over paid but would be useful in Boston's RHH heavy line up.

You would deal Cespedes? I thought he was tearing the cover off the ball.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Yes yes yes. He's worth the risk. It come down to what LAD wants for him. His price tag has dropped but it will still take a good package to get him. 2-4 top 25 guys or take on a big contract to lower the prospect cost.

 

Puig and Ethier(All of his contract goes to Boston, 3 yrs 55.5M) for Cepedes(or Vic), Craig, WMB(they need a 3B) and a prospect or 2 from the top 15 not named Betts, Swihart or Owens.

 

That gives LAD some ML talent for 2015 and financial flexibility. Yes I know Puig is a big talent but he is not Trout. Puig still has ?. I don't see any team emptying the farm for him. Ethier doesn't hit LHP well and is over paid but would be useful in Boston's RHH heavy line up.

 

To deal for Puig, the package would have to include Owens and either Swihart, Betts, or Bogaerts.

 

I would deal Betts for Puig, too, in a heartbeat. I would deal anyone for Puig.

[jacksonianmarch]

Puig isn't getting traded. He's the best player on that team and he's 23, not even in his prime yet. He's signed for 4 more yrs at ridiculously cheap money. You'd have to deal away so much to get him that it would set you back 5 yrs developmentally

[Bellhorn04]

Puig isn't getting traded. He's the best player on that team and he's 23, not even in his prime yet. He's signed for 4 more yrs at ridiculously cheap money. You'd have to deal away so much to get him that it would set you back 5 yrs developmentally

 

Puig must have some pretty serious attitude issues for Mattingly to bench him for an elimination game, and if the trade rumors are accurate. These things shouldn't be happening with a player that talented.

[Spitball]

Johnny Cueto is probably the second best pitcher in the National League, and a fun guy to watch pitch. The Reds need a left fielder with power, and they need young arms to restock their rotation (four of five will be free agents after 2015).

 

Cepedes is also a free agent after 2015, and the Red Sox have depth in the outfield. Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa would sweeten the pot for the talented Cueto, and they may be more suited for the national League.

 

I'd make the guy wear Luis Tiant's number 23 just for fun!

Tiant:

Cueto:

Edited October 17, 2014 by Spitball

[jacksonianmarch]

There is no f***ing way the Reds deal their ace who is under contract for 2015 for a guy with one yr of control and two sucky starters. No way.

[seabeachfred]

There is no f***ing way the Reds deal their ace who is under contract for 2015 for a guy with one yr of control and two sucky starters. No way.

 

Whatever might be the case in this regard, Cherington is going to have to make some good decisions this off season after disastrous ones after 2011 and 2013. Fans, the media and the press isn't going to stand for another shithole season of the likes of Bradley, Middlebrooks, Drew, Mujica and a host of other turds that brought us down to disgrace this past season. If he has to pay through the nose for Cueto, or Hamels or Lester or Shields, he's going to have to do just that. And Prune Face had better be ready to unload his strong box to make it happen as well as discard some of his pets like a couple I mentioned last sentence. None of us want to hear any Pollyanna ******** or excuses roaring out of the mouths of anyone in the team's hierarchy. Except for a few bootlickers and ball washers, most of who have fled the board, all Red Sox fans expect to get into the Playoffs next fall and that is exactly what our attitudes should be.

[Spudboy]

Whatever might be the case in this regard, Cherington is going to have to make some good decisions this off season after disastrous ones after 2011 and 2013. Fans, the media and the press isn't going to stand for another shithole season of the likes of Bradley, Middlebrooks, Drew, Mujica and a host of other turds that brought us down to disgrace this past season. If he has to pay through the nose for Cueto, or Hamels or Lester or Shields, he's going to have to do just that. And Prune Face had better be ready to unload his strong box to make it happen as well as discard some of his pets like a couple I mentioned last sentence. None of us want to hear any Pollyanna ******** or excuses roaring out of the mouths of anyone in the team's hierarchy. Except for a few bootlickers and ball washers, most of who have fled the board, all Red Sox fans expect to get into the Playoffs next fall and that is exactly what our attitudes should be.

 

Fred, while I agree with almost all of what you have said, I think Mujica had a decent season overall. He sucked pond water for a good portion of the early season but then seemed to turn it around and actually contribute later. I'm not sure he did enough to warrant bringing him back but he did not totally suck like the others mentioned.

[seabeachfred]

Fred, while I agree with almost all of what you have said, I think Mujica had a decent season overall. He sucked pond water for a good portion of the early season but then seemed to turn it around and actually contribute later. I'm not sure he did enough to warrant bringing him back but he did not totally suck like the others mentioned.

 

Well you're right on that score Spud----Mujica certainly got better the last part of the season, but, truth be told, I do not want to count on him as our closer next season. I saw him come apart with the Cardinals in 2013, so badly in fact that he was jettisoned from the roster for the playoffs, and, as you said, he sucked pond water for us most of the season. Let me be honest with you.....when I wrote that post last night I was a little pissed off with the thought that the Giants would be shooting for their third WS Title this century. To me this is our domain and I don't want to share dominance with any other team and I would hope you and my other friends on this board would think the same way. Anyway, GO ROYALS.

 

PS---heard a good one last night after the game. It is the first time I ever heard the work cockroaches used as a term of endearment. Someone referred to the Giants as a bunch of cockroaches because you just can't kill them off, and, you know what? That's true---like the real ones the Giants just seem to be able to die the way they keep coming back. And the Giants picked up on it and seemed to enjoy the comparison. Well, now I've heard of everything.

[Spudboy]

Well you're right on that score Spud----Mujica certainly got better the last part of the season, but, truth be told, I do not want to count on him as our closer next season. I saw him come apart with the Cardinals in 2013, so badly in fact that he was jettisoned from the roster for the playoffs, and, as you said, he sucked pond water for us most of the season. Let me be honest with you.....when I wrote that post last night I was a little pissed off with the thought that the Giants would be shooting for their third WS Title this century. To me this is our domain and I don't want to share dominance with any other team and I would hope you and my other friends on this board would think the same way. Anyway, GO ROYALS.

 

PS---heard a good one last night after the game. It is the first time I ever heard the work cockroaches used as a term of endearment. Someone referred to the Giants as a bunch of cockroaches because you just can't kill them off, and, you know what? That's true---like the real ones the Giants just seem to be able to die the way they keep coming back. And the Giants picked up on it and seemed to enjoy the comparison. Well, now I've heard of everything.

 

I kind of feel this way too. But I realize that some team will do it eventually. I'm just glad that the Cards were eliminated. While I believe that that organization seems to be able to field a very competitive team most years and I admire that, I also believe that they have a bunch of what you may call chokers on the team. It seems that whenever I watch them on tv one or more of their esteemed players boots a ball or otherwise makes a mistake on a routine play. I saw this last year during the World series and again while watching them this year up through the playoffs. For this reason I think that they are somewhat overrated by the media.

 

The real reason I am glad that they are on the outside looking in is that I can not stand the self-righteous, towel waving Stepford fans that are so devoted to them. They are about as bad as Jets fans as far as I am concerned. With the exception of our Carter, of course. He is nice, fair, and honest.

 

So............... GO ROYALS!!!11!!1!!

[Spitball]

There is no f***ing way the Reds deal their ace who is under contract for 2015 for a guy with one yr of control and two sucky starters. No way.

 

Well, this was only a half serious suggestion. I love Cueto's impersonation of one of my all-time favorites, Luis Tiant. That said, it is absolutely not a "no f***ing way" suggestion.

 

Between David Price (at one year plus two-plus months) and Jon Lester (at two-plus months), the market for aces may have been set. If so, the returns have changed. It is no longer about major league ready prospects, but about major league proven players.

 

Price particularly seemed to bring back a lower than expected return. Drew Smyley is a nice pitcher but will not likely be a top of the rotation pitcher. Nick Franklin is probably a marginal major leaguer. The prospect appears to be just okay.

 

Cepedes would fill the Reds' desperate need for more offense in their pitiful line-up and a power-bat in left field to bat between lefties Joey Votto and Jay Bruce. They really need more on-base skills than Cespedes would provide, but he might be the best player from a team with a need of what the Reds need to move.

 

Cueto has one year left on his current contract and Cespedes has one year left. That part is a wash. The thing that handicaps the Reds is they have four starters plus Arnoldis Chapman scheduled to be free agents after next season. They want to be competitive and move forward while rebuilding their rotation. Homer Bailey will be back. Alfredo Simon may be re-signable. Cueto, Mat Latos, and Mike Leake will probably be too expensive for the Reds. They will need pitchers capable of filling in their rotation. They have Tony Cingrani and Robert Stephenson in the wings, but they will need more starting pitching depth. Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa may be the most major league ready the Reds can acquire.

 

Mat Latos might be a more likely starter to substitute in this deal, but I don't think he is healthy. He has had surgery on his arm and has seen his velocity drop this season.

 

We never truly know what will happen, but my suggestion was not a "no f***ing way" suggestion.

Edited October 18, 2014 by Spitball

[vjcsmoke]

Insiders report that the Dodgers have Puig on the trade block. Very believable as his LA stock has plummeted....even benched in the final NLDS game. The Cards are choked with outfielders, but how about Boston? You guys interested?

 

Of course the Sox are interested. An OF of Cespedes, Castillo, and Puig would be one of the best offensively in the AL next year. The question is how much would it cost to put that all together. The package demanded would probably be huge.

[seabeachfred]

Of course the Sox are interested. An OF of Cespedes, Castillo, and Puig would be one of the best offensively in the AL next year. The question is how much would it cost to put that all together. The package demanded would probably be huge.

 

Can we just for a moment shitcan this talk about Puig, and other outfielders which we don't need? We need pitching, two good starting pitchers and that should be our only concern until we get that settled. We could get a whole slew of hitters but you can only play three in the OF at a time and it still leaves us short on the mound. As we've seen in the Playoffs pitching wins. We need starting pitching. Besides Puig can be a real *******.

[Bellhorn04]

Chili Davis has been hired as Red Sox new hitting coach per WEEI.

[sk7326]

Can we just for a moment shitcan this talk about Puig, and other outfielders which we don't need? We need pitching, two good starting pitchers and that should be our only concern until we get that settled. We could get a whole slew of hitters but you can only play three in the OF at a time and it still leaves us short on the mound. As we've seen in the Playoffs pitching wins. We need starting pitching. Besides Puig can be a real *******.

 

But this is one of the rare years where the starting pitching will just cost money - you can land 2 of the 3 best FA arms without surrendering a pick. Think of it this way (and this won't happen, but pure theory) they could sign Price, Lester and Scherzer for a 2nd round pick. So it's not an either/or thing - the money will be used to address the pitching.

 

Long term concerns about Puig's itch to get better are warranted, but the raw talent is undeniable. I'd kick the tires at least. That said, with Friedman in charge it won't be cheap.

[sk7326]

Chili Davis has been hired as Red Sox new hitting coach per WEEI.

 

The only guy to get a hit for the Yankees in this game

[SoxFanForsyth]

I have read a couple articles linking the Red Sox to Bryce Harper.

 

That would be an interesting move.

[a700hitter]

The only guy to get a hit for the Yankees in this game

 

I didn't look at the link. I am testing my memory. Was it Pedro's one-hitter with 17 k's against the Yankees -- probably the most dominating performance that I have seen.