2015 Red Sox In-Season Thread

[cp176]

Over the course of the winter discussions we had it driven in to us that players performing at this level are the best the world has to offer. I believe that as well. We also heard from some that they don't choke nor do they perform in "clutch" situations any differently than they would under normal circumstances. I don't believe that one. I believe that coaches still can make a difference but to blame this debacle on the backs of this coaching staff I'm not buying. I'm not a big Farrell guy - don't get me wrong - but I don't think that Francona was any better. The people responsible for assembling this team as a whole are the ones who should be sharing the pain with the players here I think. I'm reasonably sure that Farrell would have at least had some involvement when determining who stayed and who went. Players at this level can still be helped by good coaching for sure but no way am I blaming a coach for someone getting picked off base in an important situation or for some moron forgetting how many goddam outs there are in an inning. I think that a coach has a right to expect some degree of intelligence from his athletes. This group is a product of questionable signings without a major consideration for the type of player (as in character) that was being brought in. In 2013, I always wondered about the talent level but I never questioned the mental toughness of the group that was assembled. You always learn more about a person when they are losing as opposed to when they are winning. We are going to learn a lot about this group over the next few weeks. When dealing with rich, spoiled, over rated athletes, I'm not sure that anybody will do a better job than Farrell. This isn't all about baseball issues. Character and mental makeup do in fact count. We have been down this path before with this franchise.

[sk7326]

Over the course of the winter discussions we had it driven in to us that players performing at this level are the best the world has to offer. I believe that as well. We also heard from some that they don't choke nor do they perform in "clutch" situations any differently than they would under normal circumstances. I don't believe that one. I believe that coaches still can make a difference but to blame this debacle on the backs of this coaching staff I'm not buying. I'm not a big Farrell guy - don't get me wrong - but I don't think that Francona was any better. The people responsible for assembling this team as a whole are the ones who should be sharing the pain with the players here I think. I'm reasonably sure that Farrell would have at least had some involvement when determining who stayed and who went. Players at this level can still be helped by good coaching for sure but no way am I blaming a coach for someone getting picked off base in an important situation or for some moron forgetting how many goddam outs there are in an inning. I think that a coach has a right to expect some degree of intelligence from his athletes. This group is a product of questionable signings without a major consideration for the type of player (as in character) that was being brought in. In 2013, I always wondered about the talent level but I never questioned the mental toughness of the group that was assembled. You always learn more about a person when they are losing as opposed to when they are winning. We are going to learn a lot about this group over the next few weeks. When dealing with rich, spoiled, over rated athletes, I'm not sure that anybody will do a better job than Farrell. This isn't all about baseball issues. Character and mental makeup do in fact count. We have been down this path before with this franchise.

 

The "character" and "leadership" of their best players have won titles. Unless you think Pedroia, Bogaerts, Ortiz, Uehara and Napoli took stupid pills there are some flaws here. Or if you think that guys who were integral to the 2013 title turn to jello at the site of Hanley Ramirez and 3-time World Series champion Pablo Sandoval.

[SoxnCycles]

The "character" and "leadership" of their best players have won titles. Unless you think Pedroia, Bogaerts, Ortiz, Uehara and Napoli took stupid pills there are some flaws here. Or if you think that guys who were integral to the 2013 title turn to jello at the site of Hanley Ramirez and 3-time World Series champion Pablo Sandoval.

 

Yeah, I'm trying to figure out who all these bad character signings are.

[cp176]

The "character" and "leadership" of their best players have won titles. Unless you think Pedroia, Bogaerts, Ortiz, Uehara and Napoli took stupid pills there are some flaws here. Or if you think that guys who were integral to the 2013 title turn to jello at the site of Hanley Ramirez and 3-time World Series champion Pablo Sandoval.

 

I think that Pedroia offers leadership as well as Ortiz and probably Napoli. Not so much bad character as players with no leadership skills. I knew that I would get pounded for this one but you have to understand I am one of the old guys who still believe that RBI production is an important stat.

[pruneface]

Greetings fellow baseball fanatics.

 

It has come to my attention that the St. Louis Cardinals are under suspicion of certain illegal activities that the NSA engages in on a regular basis. Such activities are illegal only for those who don’t write the rules. No longer! While it is too early to speculate on whether the Cards were involved with personal computers, decryption software, photos of player’s wives, and vaseline, it is not too early to begin considering measures to improve baseball’s cutting edge (sponsored by Gillette) spirit of innovation and competitiveness. The following implementations will enhance baseball’s peerless entertainment value.

 

Henceforth, all hacking activities will be openly encouraged and considered a creative means of advantage. They will foster more open discussion between parties and improve 'listening' skills. Corollaries such as blackmail and coercion will enlarge the tools teams have at their disposal.

 

Winning at all costs is honest and drive-directed; once acknowledged, the opportunities for hypocrisy and dishonesty diminish. For this reason, all teams will be required to have their own substance enhancing facilities complete with shady street dealers and injection booths next to the shower stalls or whirlpool.

 

Pitchers may sport an accessory belt for convenient retrieval of sandpaper, vaseline, tar or whatever their imagination can come up with.

 

MLB is pleased to introduce the latest award because there aren’t enough of them already. The team owner, player, or manager with the most bet winnings in the regular season will be honored with the Pete Rose Bettor Extraordinaire Award, to be handed out at the World Series. Pete Rose will be available all season long to offer tips and guidance on how to maximize one’s gains. We thank him for taking the time to teach the ‘younguns’ how it’s done.

 

Other measures include:

 

Honoring the free market: Teams may also rent a player in a trade to be returned to the original club after the conclusion of the World Series. These players must continue to wear their original uniform while playing for their ‘foster’ team.

 

Speeding up the game: Umpires will be required to carry US Army issue Beretta 9mm pistols and army fatigues. Arguing balls and strikes are now more entertaining than ever. Players may also use their bats as nature intended. The only replays being deployed now will be on shots fired.

 

Speeding up the game part II: Sub-par players will only be afforded 2 strikes. Really s***** players (ref: Sandy Leon) will be designated as automatically out. This decision is borne out by rigorous statistical testing.

 

MLB is still considering whether to replace maple bats with nerf foam. In the interim, MLB advises all fans who are concerned about flying bats to bring a bigger baseball glove with them to the ballpark.

 

Teams may kidnap opposing team players and a) hold them for ransom or force them to play for their team for as long as they can hold onto them. Trades of kidnapped players are permissible. Kidnapped players will play at league minimum during their period of capture, which will elicit much sympathy from the fans.

 

Beheadings/executions: Any death sentences for poor on-field performance should be carried out during pre-game ceremonies. Ground crews need time to erect a gallows, for example. If the method is fast (firing squad), the team may avail themselves of the 7th inning stretch.

 

We trust these measures will meet with the approval of the depraved American public.

 

Now, more than ever, MLB plays by its OWN rules.

 

Rob Manfred.

Edited June 17, 2015 by pruneface

[mvp 78]

The Cards: hacking other FO's the right way.

 

Wake up Ben!

[a700hitter]

If the Cards are so good at getting information from teams, why didn't they get Donaldson... Huh?

[jacksonianmarch]

The sox are now the worst team in the AL

[cp176]

I think that Pedroia offers leadership as well as Ortiz and probably Napoli. Not so much bad character as players with no leadership skills. I knew that I would get pounded for this one but you have to understand I am one of the old guys who still believe that RBI production is an important stat.

 

I actually believe this now more than ever. It has nothing to do with someone's personal character being good or bad but does have something to do with leading and helping younger players develop. I don't think that Sandoval or Ramirez are offering one iota of leadership to the group. I would have more fun watching this team play with young players who work hard day in and day out. Guys who have not signed the fat contracts so far. Pedroia is a gutsy gritty do it the right way leader. Ortiz is fine when things are going well not so much when they aren't and they are not. Once some of the deadwood is gone, this younger core will be ready to go. I can't wait for that time to come.

[SoxnCycles]

I actually believe this now more than ever. It has nothing to do with someone's personal character being good or bad but does have something to do with leading and helping younger players develop. I don't think that Sandoval or Ramirez are offering one iota of leadership to the group. I would have more fun watching this team play with young players who work hard day in and day out. Guys who have not signed the fat contracts so far. Pedroia is a gutsy gritty do it the right way leader. Ortiz is fine when things are going well not so much when they aren't and they are not. Once some of the deadwood is gone, this younger core will be ready to go. I can't wait for that time to come.

 

I always chuckle when fans think they know what's going on in the clubhouse.

[Kimmi]

I always chuckle when fans think they know what's going on in the clubhouse.

 

Losing is always difficult, but I'm not sure there is any discord or deadwood in the clubhouse.

[cp176]

I always chuckle when fans think they know what's going on in the clubhouse.

 

I'm guessing we are all guilty of that from time to time . I don't think I know what is going on at all. Glad I could add some humor to your day.

[cp176]

Losing is always difficult, but I'm not sure there is any discord or deadwood in the clubhouse.

 

 

Me either really.

[TedWilliams101]

Just an observation: The Red Sox have over $110 MILLION of their roster contributing to -2.8 WAR. Holt and Mookie ($1 mil combined) have been far and away the best two players; Hanley, Craig, and Castillo ($37 mil combined) have been far and away the worst.

[Palodios]

Hanley, Craig, and Castillo ($37 mil combined) have been far and away the worst.

 

Meanwhile, Hanley cranks #15. The Sox really need to find this guy a position...

[Bellhorn04]

Buchholz's numbers with Leon catching him are outstanding. 11 games - 74 innings - 2.80 ERA. Leon may have won a job for this alone - a David Ross caddy position.

[RedSoxNC84]

Buchholz's numbers with Leon catching him are outstanding. 11 games - 74 innings - 2.80 ERA. Leon may have won a job for this alone - a David Ross caddy position.

 

I'm fine with that, whatever to keep Buch pitching well.

[Kimmi]

Buchholz's numbers with Leon catching him are outstanding. 11 games - 74 innings - 2.80 ERA. Leon may have won a job for this alone - a David Ross caddy position.

 

I just posted this in another thread before I saw your post. On top of that, his other defensive skills are very good as well. What do you suppose will happen when Hanigan returns? Do you think they'll send Swihart back down?

[sk7326]

I just posted this in another thread before I saw your post. On top of that, his other defensive skills are very good as well. What do you suppose will happen when Hanigan returns? Do you think they'll send Swihart back down?

 

Probably - although Swihart has been finding his legs recently ... he was overpromoted clearly, but there has also been pretty good evidence what the fuss is all about

[sk7326]

Who leads AL SSs in fWAR?

[Spudboy]

I just posted this in another thread before I saw your post. On top of that, his other defensive skills are very good as well. What do you suppose will happen when Hanigan returns? Do you think they'll send Swihart back down?

 

That is a sticky question. Does Leone have options? I think it will depend on how Swilhart hits when the decision comes down.

 

The Sox have a ton of catchers in AAA now.

[cp176]

I just posted this in another thread before I saw your post. On top of that, his other defensive skills are very good as well. What do you suppose will happen when Hanigan returns? Do you think they'll send Swihart back down?

 

 

I really hope not. Swihart is starting to hit - he has a power arm - and is learning on the job. No one knows what will become of Vasquez. With that in mind, I see it as Swihart's job with Hannigan backing him up.

[Station 13]

Hannigan was always intended as the backup.

[Spudboy]

Hannigan was always intended as the backup.

 

Yeah. AS much as I have enjoyed Leone he is likely the odd man out.

[jacksonianmarch]

It depends on when he returns and what the sox think they're doing. If the sox think they're in it, you're gonna see Swihart in the minors and Hanigan starting. If the sox see themselves as preparing for next year, then Hanigan will back up Swihart. Blake will not be anyone's backup this yr. Either he's starting in AAA or the bigs

[Northern Star]

JBJ up again to build on his sparkling .000 average.

[Northern Star]

Yeah. AS much as I have enjoyed Leone he is likely the odd man out.

 

As much as you can enjoy the prototypical no-hit backup catcher.

[Spudboy]

As much as you can enjoy the prototypical no-hit backup catcher.

 

Not exactly.

 

I can't comment on his game calling as I don't know how to asses that. And while I do understand pitch framing I am not an expert on that either. What I do see is someone with near gold glove ability blocking pitches and runners and of course an accurate cannon of an arm.

 

Ad to that the fact that he has good AB and can move a runner along when a sacrifice is called for.

 

I see the sum of all these attributes as being much better than an average back-up catcher.

 

Once again, Kimmi was right.

 

I don't have one word of blame for Leone. Anyone who does probably is not watching too closely.

[Spudboy]

JBJ up again to build on his sparkling .000 average.

 

Did you watch the game? He had solid AB, two singles and a giant assist throwing a runner out at the plate.

 

But go ahead and hate on him. He so deserves it!

[Bellhorn04]

Did you watch the game? He had solid AB, two singles and a giant assist throwing a runner out at the plate.

 

But go ahead and hate on him. He so deserves it!

 

Good for JBJ, seriously. If he could get an offensive game going that would be a big plus for the team.