2014 Offseason Thread

[cp176]

Swihart - Rodriguez - Owens

[seabeachfred]

Breslow and Layne - Layne deserves a shot based on the way he pitched last year. I don't think Boston saw Renaudo even in a starting role. Possibly in the bullpen. If that is the case, it could be a good move. Problem is that none of their young pitchers other than Rodriguez project to even being close to top of the rotation pitchers. Maybe the thought is Owens but he appears to be behind Rodriguez. I still expect a move to be made at some point in time.

 

You know CP, this is what sometimes pisses me off about the Red Sox front office. They get in their minds that guy or that guy is sterling and they ride him and build him up even to the point of collapse, and then with others like Tommy Layne they do everything under the sun to undermine him. Layne pitched very well for us last season and that is all I am going by, and Breslow was s*** warmed over all season. Are we getting Ross to push Breslow for that second spot in the left part of the bullpen or are they consigning Tommy back to the minors? From last year it would fair to feel that Layne is right now in and Breslow should be ticketed to Pawtucket. Of course, let me add an addendum to that. If Breslow pitches as he did in 2013 then we might have three good lefties in the pen if we needed them.

[seabeachfred]

I'm not driving to NYC for a meet up.

 

That's telling him mvp........Boston Si, New York NYET, No Mas, Nein, No!!!!!! I do however, plan a trip to New York this year though. Haven't been there since our collapse in 2011 and I'm due for a little rail fanning and site seeing in my native city. Maybe RSFFL and I can meet up if I get there when he does.

[seabeachfred]

Yes I do. No one can write what he writes and not be a mean spirited person. Rarely does he create. He seems to only to rebut. The opinion policeman I guess. I am an Owens fan trust me, I just don't think that he is as far along as people would like him to be. I think that Rodriguez is ahead of him. Just my opinion I guess.

 

CP---If Elk is giving you the word, take it to the bank. And what's more, we all should be allowed to have our opinions and not have to be attacked for it, but to be fair when User gives his he ought to be respected for it as well. Let's see if we try and lower the heat a little here. Putting someone on ignore is a last resort in most cases.

[Kimmi]

I like the article, but there's no denying that Ross' stuff just isn't that good.

 

 

His stuff may not be that good, but if our catchers can get more strike calls for him, allowing him to get ahead in the count more often, that could change the whole dynamic of the at bat. I'm not saying he's going to be the next Koji, but maybe there's more to him than his basic stats suggest.

 

The FO must see the potential in there somewhere.

[Kimmi]

Baseball Prospectus is a joke site for nerds.

 

 

Have I mentioned how much I love Baseball Prospectus?

[mvp 78]

CP---If Elk is giving you the word, take it to the bank. And what's more, we all should be allowed to have our opinions and not have to be attacked for it, but to be fair when User gives his he ought to be respected for it as well. Let's see if we try and lower the heat a little here. Putting someone on ignore is a last resort in most cases.

 

This X 1,000,000

[mvp 78]

Have I mentioned how much I love Baseball Prospectus?

 

I like how it says Pedroia is similar to Jose Vidro.

[a700hitter]

This X 1,000,000

 

I think you and Fred have gotten to the point where you can co- moderate the board.

[a700hitter]

Can you still get decent to tickets to Sox games in Fort Myers 700? I tried to sneak over there last year but everything was sold out. I am going to be in central Florida during some of spring training. I would like to see them play. I was out 5 times in 24 hours moving snow around up here. Tough place to be this time of year.

The tickets sell out almost immediately after they go on sale. Nevertheless, it is not that difficult to get into the games if you don't buy advanced tickets. One time I made an inquiry of the ticket office in Fort Myers. They told me that at a certain time each day the visiting team turns in their unused tickets for that day's game which will then go on sale. The official told me that there is no problem getting tickets if you are at the ticket window at that time. Before going, I would call to inquire when they expect to make the visiting team's tickets available. Also, there are tickets available from scalpers in the parking lot. Even though you will be paying a premium, they are still cheaper than Fenway tickets. Finally, starting a couple of days before the game you can get some good deals on game tickets on Stub hub. The best values can be found the day prior to the game. Let me know if you decide to make the trip.

[cp176]

The tickets sell out almost immediately after they go on sale. Nevertheless, it is not that difficult to get into the games if you don't buy advanced tickets. One time I made an inquiry of the ticket office in Fort Myers. They told me that at a certain time each day the visiting team turns in their unused tickets for that day's game which will then go on sale. The official told me that there is no problem getting tickets if you are at the ticket window at that time. Before going, I would call to inquire when they expect to make the visiting team's tickets available. Also, there are tickets available from scalpers in the parking lot. Even though you will be paying a premium, they are still cheaper than Fenway tickets. Finally, starting a couple of days before the game you can get some good deals on game tickets on Stub hub. The best values can be found the day prior to the game. Let me know if you decide to make the trip.

 

Thanks for the information. There is a good chance that my wife and I will make the trip over.

[Bellhorn04]

I think you and Fred have gotten to the point where you can co- moderate the board.

 

I like it.

[mvp 78]

I'd reinstate Muggah, Pumpsie and Suns. I'd also try to win back Jung and Soxsport. I'd also install a Zero f***s Friday where you can talk all the s*** you want, but it can only be on Fridays.

[User Name]

I'd reinstate Muggah, Pumpsie and Suns. I'd also try to win back Jung and Soxsport. I'd also install a Zero f***s Friday where you can talk all the s*** you want, but it can only be on Fridays.

 

1) Terrible idea. 2) Acceptable idea. 3) Best idea you've ever had. That needs to happen.

[iortiz]

Swihart - Rodriguez - Owens

 

Hopefully he becomes our next franchise catcher.

[mvp 78]

@alexspeier: .@keithlaw, in his always-outstanding top 100 prospects list, pegs Blake Swihart at 10, Henry Owens at 20, Eduardo Rodriguez at 29

[mvp 78]

1) Terrible idea. 2) Acceptable idea. 3) Best idea you've ever had. That needs to happen.

 

To be a fair moderstor, you have to play to both sides of the fence.

[Bellhorn04]

I'd reinstate Muggah, Pumpsie and Suns.

 

Pumpsie is now a moderator on the Globe's Sox forum.

[sk7326]

What is it with you changing my posts now?

 

That would be my order as well, mind you, but if given the choice to trade for a #1, i'd still rather trade Owens than Swihart.

 

Rodrguez is the stuff guy, Owens is the feel guy. Owens seems much more likely to have a good career, Rodriguez seems to have a higher peak. It is an interesting discussion. As far as trading? My tiers look like this

 

1. Never say never but: Betts, Bogaerts, Swihart ... need controllable Major League quality, and that might not even be enough

2. This better be good: Owens, Rodriguez ... has to facilitate a good return. Due to inherent injury risk, I'm always more willing to move pitchers than hitters in the farm. But raising pitching is the best way to get it.

3. Kids who will make me look bad: Margot, Devers, Chavis, Travis, Ball ... just so young, and for a team with the Red Sox timelines, it might not be worth it to wait 3 years when a proven 2015-2016 solution might be available. One of these guys could blossom for another team and break my heart, but it might be a price worth paying to complete a key deal.

4. Trade fodder: Johnson, Barnes, Cecchini, Coyle, Merrero, Escobar, Shaw ... upside limited, but all have fans among some of the player evaluation population. Star potential low enough (and they are close enough to AAA) that you deal them to make the big club better without worrying too much

[Bellhorn04]

@alexspeier: .@keithlaw, in his always-outstanding top 100 prospects list, pegs Blake Swihart at 10, Henry Owens at 20, Eduardo Rodriguez at 29

 

I found it a bit sobering/perplexing that SoxProspects sees Owens's CEILING as a #3.

[sk7326]

I found it a bit sobering/perplexing that SoxProspects sees Owens's CEILING as a #3.

 

I wouldn't worry that much. After all, usually (and this is always a source of argument on these boards) when prospect sites talk about a #1 upside - they are referring to likelihood to be a Top 10 sort of pitcher. Personally I think a #2 sort of ceiling (e.g. Top 30-40 pitchers in the majors) level is possible. Generally deception and feel guys are not at the top of list of true aces. That said. I think his consistent strikeout rates give me more optimism than SoxProspects has.

[mvp 78]

I found it a bit sobering/perplexing that SoxProspects sees Owens's CEILING as a #3.

 

Everything about Soxprospects is hokey. Just look at their older listings to see how wrong they are in both over and understating talent.

[mvp 78]

Pumpsie is now a moderator on the Globe's Sox forum.

 

That board is a nightmare.

[sk7326]

@alexspeier: .@keithlaw, in his always-outstanding top 100 prospects list, pegs Blake Swihart at 10, Henry Owens at 20, Eduardo Rodriguez at 29

 

Posted this separately - but will add here that Devers and Margot are in the Top 80. His process (to contrast with others):

 

When ranking players, I consider scouting reports on players -- usually my own, supplemented with conversations with other scouts and front-office executives as needed -- as well as performance, adjusted for age and context. I've made one adjustment in my ranking philosophy in recent years, favoring higher-upside prospects over lower-ceiling prospects who are closer to the majors. This better reflects how these players are valued now by front offices and scouting departments, and gives me a chance to deliver more information on prospects whose names or scouting reports might be new to you.

[User Name]

So i still haven't seen a reputable source rank Rodriguez higher than Owens.

[Spudboy]

Everything about Soxprospects is hokey. Just look at their older listings to see how wrong they are in both over and understating talent.

 

I've gotten the impression that their evaluations are not exactly spot on but hey, who's is?

 

I rarely go to that site but when I do I like that I can get a snapshot of the entire system all the way down to the Florida leagues. It's kind of cool to see who is on a roll in high A and such. It's a good place to start when curious about any young Sox player.

 

The message board over there is too dry for my tastes. It lacks color and personality. Two traits that Talksox has in spades.

 

Overall, in my opinion, the site is not totally without merit.

 

Again, just my opinion.

Edited January 29, 2015 by Spudboy

[Spudboy]

That board is a nightmare.

 

Yes it is. Mostly just flame throwing.

[Spudboy]

So i still haven't seen a reputable source rank Rodriguez higher than Owens.

 

Maybe I should drive the 12 miles and watch him pitch this year!!!!!

[a700hitter]

Yes it is. Mostly just flame throwing.

You people visit other Red Sox boards? Traitors! I shall report you to the authorities.

[Bellhorn04]

Yes it is. Mostly just flame throwing.

 

It's not that bad, really, once you get used to it. There is a group of smart posters and there are also some idiots. Pumpsie booted a few of the real trolls.