2015 Red Sox In-Season Thread

[Bellhorn04]

He's good, but not worth the extension. No point is signing people ahead of time when they haven't shown jack yet.

 

I think the Porcello extension makes more sense if you look at it as a free agent signing.

[mvp 78]

But they weren't bidding against any Boras mystery teams. It was a straight overpay for no reason.

[Bellhorn04]

But they weren't bidding against any Boras mystery teams. It was a straight overpay for no reason.

 

Overpaid on the salary in return for a cut on the years. If he had a good year he would've gotten 6 years in FA.

 

It was a bet, really. So far a losing one.

[cp176]

I think the offense as constituted has a better chance to get worse than get better. We've got a lot of over-30 talent in our lineup, and our best offensive player is definitely on the back 9. We're tied into a couple bad contracts that the team nade to try to contend with this offense now and that has turned out to be another terrible idea. We would clearly be in a better position to do what we need to do now as a franchise without Panda and probably without Hanley too but that's water under the bridge. At the end of the day I don't see huge offensive upside here.

 

I see the team able to manage an average offense, but an average offense that results in several defensive compromises won't help the pitching. Basically the lineup is in a holding pattern until and unless Bogaerts and Betts start to seriously break out. Once that happens the team can consider bringing in a free agent of some sort, preferably at first, and the offense will probably work out as top third in the league. But that depends on severa things going right for the team and I'm not sure I'm willing to outright predict any of them.

 

This team needs a fundamental overhaul. It needs to get younger at most of its positions, and especially first, third, right and DH. Nothing's going to happen for this team in the next 2-3 years so it's time to ask some serious questions, especially about some people who we don't like to think about moving on from, especially the aging Ortiz and the increasingly fragile Pedroia. Guys we hate to lose who aren't likely to be effective the next time it matters. Thing is if we can't make some tough calls here it's going to push our next contending window out several more years. We need to bringn the players who WILL be effective in thoe positions the next time it matters and start getting them experience. That's the move right now and I can't possibly see the Red Sox FO actually going for any of this, which is one of the big reasons I don't see us contending in the near future.

 

Pretty much telling it like it is. An overhaul is going to include trading some prospects as well as getting people into positions that they can help the team out in. We do have some signs of potential talent in the current system but they all can't play second base and centerfield.

[mvp 78]

Overpaid on the salary in return for a cut on the years. If he had a good year he would've gotten 6 years in FA.

 

It was a bet, really. So far a losing one.

 

"If he had a good year." That's the mistake: automatic assumption of a goid year.

[a700hitter]

Overpaid on the salary in return for a cut on the years. If he had a good year he would've gotten 6 years in FA.

 

It was a bet, really. So far a losing one.

And there is zero evidence, not even any innuendo from good sources that Porcello's approach has been tinkered with by the Red Sox. His suck is all on him. Blaming the Red Sox is a pure fabrication. Maybe he been trying to step up his game to earn his money and it just hasn't worked out. He might start playing within himself and go back to being a reliable #4 pitcher which is what he is. Even if he rights himself to his career norms, he is still overpaid.

[Bellhorn04]

"If he had a good year." That's the mistake: automatic assumption of a goid year.

 

I don't think there was an automatic assumption. A strong hope, yes.

 

It's like the Lester situation. Most people figure we could have signed him for 6 years, 110-120 million before the 2014 season started. He had a good year and ended up with 155 million.

[Bellhorn04]

The Royals are getting Cueto.

[a700hitter]

The Royals are getting Cueto.

That addresses a big need for their team.

[dupree]

Overpaid on the salary in return for a cut on the years. If he had a good year he would've gotten 6 years in FA.

 

It was a bet, really. So far a losing one.

I think if two Ace caliber pitchers are brought in and Porcello can be in the #3 or #4 slot in the rotation I think he can come around. We have all said and I agree that we need two pitchers to top the front end but what does that do with Rodriguez? And what if Johnson starts pitching good from now to the end of the season? Also what about Henry Ownes? I'm assuming he will come up in September and we finally see what he's got. Bucholtz option will be picked up, and then you have Miley and Porcello so there's 3 with one of the young kids atleast being the 6th option if anyone gets hurt. You can never have enough pitching so who do most of you think the 2 front of the rotation starters are gonna be?

 

I'm still saying Hamels now at the deadline and I think some how they swing another trade in the offseason for a younger Ace like Sonny Gray and stay away from the free agent class next offseason. Even when Billy Bean says a player is not available he is still available if you have the right prospects. No one is safe in Oakland.

[cp176]

I think if two Ace caliber pitchers are brought in and Porcello can be in the #3 or #4 slot in the rotation I think he can come around. We have all said and I agree that we need two pitchers to top the front end but what does that do with Rodriguez? And what if Johnson starts pitching good from now to the end of the season? Also what about Henry Ownes? I'm assuming he will come up in September and we finally see what he's got. Bucholtz option will be picked up, and then you have Miley and Porcello so there's 3 with one of the young kids atleast being the 6th option if anyone gets hurt. You can never have enough pitching so who do most of you think the 2 front of the rotation starters are gonna be?

 

I'm still saying Hamels now at the deadline and I think some how they swing another trade in the offseason for a younger Ace like Sonny Gray and stay away from the free agent class next offseason. Even when Billy Bean says a player is not available he is still available if you have the right prospects. No one is safe in Oakland.

 

It is conceivable that any bullpen issues they have could be solved from within. The 5 best start. best = what they have currently done and not what someone thinks that they could do. The rest get moved one way or the other. bullpen or trade.

[User Name]

I think if two Ace caliber pitchers are brought in and Porcello can be in the #3 or #4 slot in the rotation I think he can come around. We have all said and I agree that we need two pitchers to top the front end but what does that do with Rodriguez? And what if Johnson starts pitching good from now to the end of the season? Also what about Henry Ownes? I'm assuming he will come up in September and we finally see what he's got. Bucholtz option will be picked up, and then you have Miley and Porcello so there's 3 with one of the young kids atleast being the 6th option if anyone gets hurt. You can never have enough pitching so who do most of you think the 2 front of the rotation starters are gonna be?

 

I'm still saying Hamels now at the deadline and I think some how they swing another trade in the offseason for a younger Ace like Sonny Gray and stay away from the free agent class next offseason. Even when Billy Bean says a player is not available he is still available if you have the right prospects. No one is safe in Oakland.

 

Hamels is a terrible idea, for umpteenth time. He'd cost significant prospects AND money, and he's been terrible against the AL over a significant sample.

[dupree]

Hamels is a terrible idea, for umpteenth time. He'd cost significant prospects AND money, and he's been terrible against the AL over a significant sample.

I understand that User and I think if the Sox were to move a haul of propects it should be for a controlable pitchers like blow the Guardians away for their former CY young winner. He would be worth the prospects instead of Hamels. But I think the FO want Hamels and they will move on him. The Rangers are said to be in hard talks but I'd think Boston has more appeal to Cole than Texas.

[User Name]

I'd indeed much rather pay out the nose for one of Kluber/Carrasco than going for Hamels. Hamels is a terrible fit for this team and would be a truly boneheaded decision from an FO that needs to settle on a sustainable course of action.

[dupree]

I would think the Dodgers would be the team most aggressive with going after Hamels. They let Greinke walk and have Cole who will be cheaper. That's just my thinking.

[dupree]

I'd indeed much rather pay out the nose for one of Kluber/Carrasco than going for Hamels. Hamels is a terrible fit for this team and would be a truly boneheaded decision from an FO that needs to settle on a sustainable course of action.

Id say either Kluber or Carrasco would cost about the same amount in terms of prospects. I'd rather have Carrasco than Kluber myself. And I've seen that the Red Sox have inquired on Guardians pitchers. How many and who do you think it would take to get the deal done for either or if I deal were to be made with the Guardians User?

[a700hitter]

Id say either Kluber or Carrasco would cost about the same amount in terms of prospects. I'd rather have Carrasco than Kluber myself. And I've seen that the Red Sox have inquired on Guardians pitchers. How many and who do you think it would take to get the deal done for either or if I deal were to be made with the Guardians User?

They would cost a haul. Say goodbye to Betts and Swihart for either of them. I can't see why Cleveland would have any interest in trading of them at this juncture. It ain't going to happen, and I don't think we have the pieces to get it done.

[User Name]

Id say either Kluber or Carrasco would cost about the same amount in terms of prospects. I'd rather have Carrasco than Kluber myself. And I've seen that the Red Sox have inquired on Guardians pitchers. How many and who do you think it would take to get the deal done for either or if I deal were to be made with the Guardians User?

 

Swihart would have to headline any deal. One of Owens/Rodriguez and a mid-level prospect. You could lessen the haul by acquirig one of the Guardians' many bad contracts IMO.

[dupree]

They would cost a haul. Say goodbye to Betts and Swihart for either of them. I can't see why Cleveland would have any interest in trading of them at this juncture. It ain't going to happen, and I don't think we have the pieces to get it done.

I disagree totally that we don't have the pieces to get a deal for one of those pitchers. I'd have a package headlined with Pedoria and a couple other prospects and get it done.

[a700hitter]

I disagree totally that we don't have the pieces to get a deal for one of those pitchers. I'd have a package headlined with Pedoria and a couple other prospects and get it done.

They have Kipnis. Why would they need Pedroia?

[User Name]

With his contract, Pedroia's not going to be a part of any deal for young pitching.

[Spudboy]

They have Kipnis. Why would they need Pedroia?

 

So Tito could have his Bridge partner back?

[dupree]

So Tito could have his Bridge partner back?

Yes I think that if Tito could spin a trade for Pedoria he could persuade the FO to make that trade with the Red Sox.

[Northern Star]

So lost season, where's Rusney? You know, the 27 year old being paid $11mil for a sub-800 OPS at AAA.

[Northern Star]

So lost season, where's Rusney? You know, the 27 year old being paid $11mil for a sub-800 OPS at AAA.

 

Guess I got my answer....

[iortiz]

So lost season, where's Rusney? You know, the 27 year old being paid $11mil for a sub-800 OPS at AAA.

Another Ben's mistake.

[Spudboy]

Another Ben's mistake.

 

So far, yes.

 

But remember, there are many ways to build an outfield!!!!!!!

[sk7326]

They would cost a haul. Say goodbye to Betts and Swihart for either of them. I can't see why Cleveland would have any interest in trading of them at this juncture. It ain't going to happen, and I don't think we have the pieces to get it done.

 

Red Sox have the pieces to make many deals - just a matter of whether its worth it. For Kluber, it is a lot more justifiable than for others. I noted in the past that I would have called the Mariners after 2013 to see what it would have taken for King Felix, but clearly there are a lot of job pressures there preventing that.

 

Now, as far as guys to give up. I'd consider Betts and Bogaerts - if not untouchable, at least touchable for a lot. If the org is convinced that Vasquez' TJ surgery did its job, then Swihart is somebody who can be dealt in the right trade, and probably would have to be. Margot is tradeable and should garner quite a bit because of his high floor. Devers and Moncada are tradeable because both are far from Boston - but both (Devers particularly) gives the sense of the sort of guy who will embarass the GM who trades him.

 

Every pitcher in the org is tradeable save for Rodriguez. The org's lack of top end pitching has been essentially a result of not being in the position to draft it - as well as yes, not having the sort of organizational core competency the Cardinals seem to show there (or the Marlins) developmentwise. But it's more the drafting than anything else - have chosen more college pitchers with mid-rotation ceilings. Clearly the org has had hesitation with drafting prep arms in the draft positions they have enjoyed - and those are the guys often who have the star sort of upside.

 

Rodriguez clearly has #1 sort of things ... this season the rawness as well as the "one bad inning" thing have reared their heads, but he is young enough to work through that stuff. Trading him would be a bad idea in general. (not that there is not a trade where it would make sense, I have trouble thinking of ones that would be plausible though)

[cp176]

Red Sox have the pieces to make many deals - just a matter of whether its worth it. For Kluber, it is a lot more justifiable than for others. I noted in the past that I would have called the Mariners after 2013 to see what it would have taken for King Felix, but clearly there are a lot of job pressures there preventing that.

 

Now, as far as guys to give up. I'd consider Betts and Bogaerts - if not untouchable, at least touchable for a lot. If the org is convinced that Vasquez' TJ surgery did its job, then Swihart is somebody who can be dealt in the right trade, and probably would have to be. Margot is tradeable and should garner quite a bit because of his high floor. Devers and Moncada are tradeable because both are far from Boston - but both (Devers particularly) gives the sense of the sort of guy who will embarass the GM who trades him.

 

Every pitcher in the org is tradeable save for Rodriguez. The org's lack of top end pitching has been essentially a result of not being in the position to draft it - as well as yes, not having the sort of organizational core competency the Cardinals seem to show there (or the Marlins) developmentwise. But it's more the drafting than anything else - have chosen more college pitchers with mid-rotation ceilings. Clearly the org has had hesitation with drafting prep arms in the draft positions they have enjoyed - and those are the guys often who have the star sort of upside.

 

Rodriguez clearly has #1 sort of things ... this season the rawness as well as the "one bad inning" thing have reared their heads, but he is young enough to work through that stuff. Trading him would be a bad idea in general. (not that there is not a trade where it would make sense, I have trouble thinking of ones that would be plausible though)

 

I agree with you about Rodriguez for sure SK. He is just 22. Long term if he stays healthy and matures mentally, I don't think that it will be a stretch for him to be a number 1 at the least a solid number 2. His name should be eliminated from any trade discussion. His rawness and the occasional one bad inning have not kept him from being atop our food chain of starting pitchers.

[a700hitter]

Red Sox have the pieces to make many deals - just a matter of whether its worth it. For Kluber, it is a lot more justifiable than for others. I noted in the past that I would have called the Mariners after 2013 to see what it would have taken for King Felix, but clearly there are a lot of job pressures there preventing that.

 

Now, as far as guys to give up. I'd consider Betts and Bogaerts - if not untouchable, at least touchable for a lot. If the org is convinced that Vasquez' TJ surgery did its job, then Swihart is somebody who can be dealt in the right trade, and probably would have to be. Margot is tradeable and should garner quite a bit because of his high floor. Devers and Moncada are tradeable because both are far from Boston - but both (Devers particularly) gives the sense of the sort of guy who will embarass the GM who trades him.

 

Every pitcher in the org is tradeable save for Rodriguez. The org's lack of top end pitching has been essentially a result of not being in the position to draft it - as well as yes, not having the sort of organizational core competency the Cardinals seem to show there (or the Marlins) developmentwise. But it's more the drafting than anything else - have chosen more college pitchers with mid-rotation ceilings. Clearly the org has had hesitation with drafting prep arms in the draft positions they have enjoyed - and those are the guys often who have the star sort of upside.

 

Rodriguez clearly has #1 sort of things ... this season the rawness as well as the "one bad inning" thing have reared their heads, but he is young enough to work through that stuff. Trading him would be a bad idea in general. (not that there is not a trade where it would make sense, I have trouble thinking of ones that would be plausible though)

Clearly, they have the pieces if they are willing to part with Betts and Bogaerts. I think Bogaerts is untouchable at this point and Betts would only go in a blockbuster. I don't think we would part with him for Kluber. Just my opinion. If they will not part with Betts or Bogaerts, I don't think we have the pieces in our organization to pry away a Kluber.