2014 Offseason Thread

[Kimmi]

Well, my approach would be different. I would make my own analisys (whatever that means for anyone) including those opinions and betting information and then trying to get the best line, although I do not expect those change drastically from one place to other. I think I concur at some extent with the betting sites and these articles. I see our team somewhere between 6-10.

 

 

I see us as closer to the 6 end of that spectrum than the 10, but either way, doesn't that make the Sox a playoff contender?

[mvp 78]

6 in the AL or 6 overall?

 

I think they don't make the playoffs so they aren't top 10.

[Kimmi]

6 in the AL or 6 overall?

 

I think they don't make the playoffs so they aren't top 10.

 

 

I think they are about 6 overall.

 

And I'm basing that off of what I have read and the projections that I have seen, which are not the "betting" projection systems. Again, I know that the games still have to be played, but the models like the Sox based on what is on paper.

[sk7326]

I think they are about 6 overall.

 

And I'm basing that off of what I have read and the projections that I have seen, which are not the "betting" projection systems. Again, I know that the games still have to be played, but the models like the Sox based on what is on paper.

 

Well, starting with the AL, I'd look at rankings like this:

 

1. Angels

2. Tigers

 

By 3 it starts to get hazy already. I guess you put the AL favorite at #3, but that could be one of three teams (and I'd put the Yankees and Rays a half sniff behind Boston, Baltimore and Toronto but any of the five could win the division without it being a meaningful surprise). I guess you say the Nats, Cards and Dodgers are definitely better than the Sox and that gets you to #6 without thinking too hard about it.

 

What is notable though is how fragile all of these teams are. Even in the AL rankings, I have noted how little it would take for the Tigers to dive-bomb into 75 win land. The Angels need some things to go right. It's a lot easier for me to identify bad teams (see: Minnesota and Houston) than good ones.

[mvp 78]

AL East

Yanks

O's WC

Sox

Jays

Rays

[User Name]

I would be very surprised if the Yanks win the division with that fragile pitching and aging offense. I personally see the Jays as more of a threat.

[Elktonnick]

AL East

Yanks

O's WC

Sox

Jays

Rays

Yanks are too old and slow. The Jays traditionally look and start better than they finish. The Rays have lost too much. The O's have done virtually nothing to improve their club. I am going out on a limb and say the Sox O's Jays Yanks and Rays in that order. In truth any one of the top four could take the ALE. depending on what deals they make before the trade deadline.

 

The AL central is also going to be tight, I am picking the White Sox to surprise. The West I pick the Angels but either the A's or Seattle could sneak in. All in all, I think the American league is going top be a lot closer then most think. I don't see any one running away with it in any division.

Edited February 14, 2015 by Elktonnick

[Kimmi]

Well, starting with the AL, I'd look at rankings like this:

 

1. Angels

2. Tigers

 

By 3 it starts to get hazy already. I guess you put the AL favorite at #3, but that could be one of three teams (and I'd put the Yankees and Rays a half sniff behind Boston, Baltimore and Toronto but any of the five could win the division without it being a meaningful surprise). I guess you say the Nats, Cards and Dodgers are definitely better than the Sox and that gets you to #6 without thinking too hard about it.

 

What is notable though is how fragile all of these teams are. Even in the AL rankings, I have noted how little it would take for the Tigers to dive-bomb into 75 win land. The Angels need some things to go right. It's a lot easier for me to identify bad teams (see: Minnesota and Houston) than good ones.

 

 

That's about the way I see it. I agree about the Tigers, and I might even put the Sox ahead of them at #5.

 

My prediction for the division is for Boston to win it and the Rays to finish last. The other 3 teams are pretty much a toss up. That said, it's going to be a tight race. Any team getting a couple of good breaks can win it.

[Kimmi]

I would be very surprised if the Yanks win the division with that fragile pitching and aging offense. I personally see the Jays as more of a threat.

 

 

I don't see the Yanks winning the division either, but you have to remember that they are the luckiest team I've ever seen.

[User Name]

While i think the Sox are well-equipped to take the division, I find Toronto particularly scary because they have a potent lineup, some very good innings eaters (Buerhle, Dickey) and a potential game-changing ace in Stroman. And Sanchez' potential in the rotation is also tantalizing. That said, the AL East is a "pick the order and pray for rain" type of scenario.

[SoxnCycles]

I don't see any team running away with the AL East.

 

The Yankees need a healthy rotation. The Sox simply need production.

[seabeachfred]

Yanks are too old and slow. The Jays traditionally look and start better than they finish. The Rays have lost too much. The O's have done virtually nothing to improve their club. I am going out on a limb and say the Sox O's Jays Yanks and Rays in that order. In truth any one of the top four could take the ALE. depending on what deals they make before the trade deadline.

 

The AL central is also going to be tight, I am picking the White Sox to surprise. The West I pick the Angels but either the A's or Seattle could sneak in. All in all, I think the American league is going top be a lot closer then most think. I don't see any one running away with it in any division.

 

Good for you Elk and once more you beat me to the punch. I'm now out on a limb myself and predicting the Red Sox will the AL East, something I've been mulling over the past two weeks, but apparently lacked a little courage of my convictions and needed someone to lead the charge. This prediction will shock the hell out of Kimmi, befuddle mvp, made User scream, make 700 hitter desert me as a friend and make iortiz call me a traitor. But there you have it.....The Red Sox go 89-73 and win the East by two games.

[jacksonianmarch]

I would be very surprised if the Yanks win the division with that fragile pitching and aging offense. I personally see the Jays as more of a threat.

 

If our pitching stays healthy, we will at the very least be a wild card. We could win the division...

 

My divisional picks provided good health

 

1. Orioles

2. Yankees (WC1)

3. Jays

4. Red Sox

5. Rays

 

My predictions if Tanaka and Pineda do not start at least 55 games...

1. Orioles

2. Jays (WC)

3. Red Sox

4. Yankees

5. Rays

[sk7326]

Funny thing about the Yankees is last year, their pitching was the only reason they won 84 games - the offense was every bit as putrid as the Red Sox. Now the theory that replacing Derek Jeter with a potted plant or that a number of old players will cease to be old is a bit dicey - and that is what the offensive projection is based on. The Yankees had a good offseason improving the bullpen and pitching staff. But offensively it's still really really dicey. My own assertion that making the changes to the lineup they made a year ago while cheeping out on Cano amounted to rearranging deck chairs, and there is not much evidence to change that.

[jacksonianmarch]

sk, how can you talk about the lineup being "old" when we have exactly 2/3 in their prime or younger? We aren't the Yankees of yesteryear where a 34 year old Jeter was one of the youngest guys on the team. We have 6 players in the opening day lineup 31 or younger. That's a major improvement over season's past

[Kimmi]

I don't see any team running away with the AL East.

 

The Yankees need a healthy rotation. The Sox simply need production.

 

 

Hi SoxnCycles. If the Yankees rotation is healthy, their pitching could be scary good. I still think they lack the offense though.

[Kimmi]

Good for you Elk and once more you beat me to the punch. I'm now out on a limb myself and predicting the Red Sox will the AL East, something I've been mulling over the past two weeks, but apparently lacked a little courage of my convictions and needed someone to lead the charge. This prediction will shock the hell out of Kimmi, befuddle mvp, made User scream, make 700 hitter desert me as a friend and make iortiz call me a traitor. But there you have it.....The Red Sox go 89-73 and win the East by two games.

 

 

I am shocked Fred! Shocked, I tell you!

 

But good for you. A little optimism never hurt anybody.

[Spudboy]

I don't see any team running away with the AL East.

 

The Yankees need a healthy rotation. The Sox simply need production.

 

Good first post!

 

Welcome to Talksox.

[Elktonnick]

I am shocked Fred! Shocked, I tell you!

 

But good for you. A little optimism never hurt anybody.

The reason that I think the Sox are slight favorites to win the division isn't because they are that good but rather because the division is that weak. Toronto and Boston are the two teams that improved substantially their clubs over last year. Toronto for some reason always fades as the season wears on, so that leaves Boston. BTW I do believe that the FO will improve its rotation by the trade deadline if they are still in it. This pitching staff is unlikely to take them far if they do reach the playoffs.

[seabeachfred]

I am shocked Fred! Shocked, I tell you!

 

But good for you. A little optimism never hurt anybody.

 

Well that means I can't bitch and moan now that I've made that prediction. I wanted to be the first one to do it but just couldn't bring myself to do it, so my pal Elk set the tone. And if they go South, I've changed my mind.....I won't bitch and moan........just tell everyone how disappointed I am. Then we'll all be. Now get over your shock.

[a700hitter]

Good for you Elk and once more you beat me to the punch. I'm now out on a limb myself and predicting the Red Sox will the AL East, something I've been mulling over the past two weeks, but apparently lacked a little courage of my convictions and needed someone to lead the charge. This prediction will shock the hell out of Kimmi, befuddle mvp, made User scream, make 700 hitter desert me as a friend and make iortiz call me a traitor. But there you have it.....The Red Sox go 89-73 and win the East by two games.

 

Fred, I always respect by our baseball opinions.

[jacksonianmarch]

Beware of "first posts" as a lot of new posters are actually older posters coming back from the dead. Take it from a guy who's been there, lol

[Kimmi]

The reason that I think the Sox are slight favorites to win the division isn't because they are that good but rather because the division is that weak. Toronto and Boston are the two teams that improved substantially their clubs over last year. Toronto for some reason always fades as the season wears on, so that leaves Boston. BTW I do believe that the FO will improve its rotation by the trade deadline if they are still in it. This pitching staff is unlikely to take them far if they do reach the playoffs.

 

 

I don't really disagree with the idea that the rest of the division is weak. OTOH, the Sox are projected to be about the 6th best team in baseball. So while they may not be that good, I think they are good enough to win the division based on their own merit, not just on the fact that the rest of the division is weak. I agree that the FO will add another pitcher by the deadline.

 

As far as the playoffs go, the key is to get there first, which the Sox have a good chance of doing. Once there, anything can happen.

[Kimmi]

Well that means I can't bitch and moan now that I've made that prediction. I wanted to be the first one to do it but just couldn't bring myself to do it, so my pal Elk set the tone. And if they go South, I've changed my mind.....I won't bitch and moan........just tell everyone how disappointed I am. Then we'll all be. Now get over your shock.

 

 

I am going to hold you to that Fred. LOL

[SoxnCycles]

Hi SoxnCycles. If the Yankees rotation is healthy, their pitching could be scary good. I still think they lack the offense though.

 

Yup, Tanaka is the real deal, as long as his elbow holds up.

 

The Yankees seem to have as many question marks with their offense as the Sox do with the rotation.

Should be an interesting spring.

[Kimmi]

Yup, Tanaka is the real deal, as long as his elbow holds up.

 

The Yankees seem to have as many question marks with their offense as the Sox do with the rotation.

Should be an interesting spring.

 

 

I also think they have question marks in their rotation. If everything breaks right for them, the rotation will be great. But as with the Sox rotation, the chances of everything breaking right are not good. Someone is likely to be injured or not perform up to expectations. Overall, I have to give them the edge in pitching, but I still think it's their lack of offense that will hold them back. Either way, it will be an interesting spring. I can't wait to get this show started!

[SoxnCycles]

Good first post!

 

Welcome to Talksox.

 

Thanks.

I'm more of a reader than a poster.

[Kimmi]

Thanks.

I'm more of a reader than a poster.

 

 

The real question is, are you an older poster who has returned from the dead? LOL

[SoxnCycles]

Beware of "first posts" as a lot of new posters are actually older posters coming back from the dead. Take it from a guy who's been there, lol

 

If this was directed at me, I'm no Lazarus.

I've posted on the RedSox.com in the past, but don't care for the format they've switched to.

 

If you believe I'm someone else, I hope they were, at least, interesting.

[a700hitter]

If the Red Sox are to trade for an ace starting pitcher, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald opines Jordan Zimmermann is a better fit than Cole Hamels. Silverman also believes the Red Sox will be better off by parting ways with Edward Mujica and Allen Craig since both are expensive and superfluous.

I could live with this. This would be fantastic.