Pedroia to the 15 day DL

[cp176]

I think putting either Fatboy or Hanley at first will end in disaster. Neither has the mobility to cover that position. Throws would end up near the tarp every day.

 

I still say moving Swihart to 1st if Nap is dumped is worth investigating. He will not be a catcher for his entire career anyway if his offense is legit.

 

Get rid of Fatboy somehow and move Hanley to 3rd until he is DH.

 

 

Go with Vasquez and Hannigan behind the plate for 2016.

 

Obviously there are no guarantees that this would work out. Like everything else the dopes in the FO have tried.

 

Getting those two "big bats" and locking them up for 4-5 years was a real boob maneuver. It handcuffs the roster unless the Sox decide to eat large chunks of mullah.

 

 

I think that it might come down to tying to find another place for the biggest boy. Japan, Cuba, Alaska?

[Kimmi]

I think that when you have a top defender at short, it is a good idea to leave him there. Sandoval+Ramirez- All the possible solutions still don't seem to make any sense. ramirez is dh who won't be dhing for a while. Sandoval at third and Ramirez at first might make our infield defense about as weak as it could get. same goes for Ramirez at third and sandoval at first. glad I don't have to solve those problems.

 

Bogaerts has shown significant improvement and has done an admirable job at SS. He showed the willingness to work hard last offseason and it paid off. He should not be moved off of that position. He didn't do well last year when he was moved to 3rd. Don't mess with a good thing.

 

I really don't think Sandoval is going to continue being as bad defensively as he was this year. I understand that as he ages and with his weight, his range is not likely going to improve, but he is having a horrendous season defensively, which is uncharacteristic for him.

[Kimmi]

I think putting either Fatboy or Hanley at first will end in disaster. Neither has the mobility to cover that position. Throws would end up near the tarp every day.

 

I still say moving Swihart to 1st if Nap is dumped is worth investigating. He will not be a catcher for his entire career anyway if his offense is legit.

 

Get rid of Fatboy somehow and move Hanley to 3rd until he is DH.

 

Go with Vasquez and Hannigan behind the plate for 2016.

 

Obviously there are no guarantees that this would work out. Like everything else the dopes in the FO have tried.

 

Getting those two "big bats" and locking them up for 4-5 years was a real boob maneuver. It handcuffs the roster unless the Sox decide to eat large chunks of mullah.

 

This is a reasonable suggestion, outside of moving Panda which I don't think will happen, but trying Swihart at first base is something worth invesigating. If he works out there, it's a very inexpensive option, leaving more money for other areas of need, namely pitching.

 

I really like that Vazquez/Hanigan catching tandem, and Swihart could always catch in a pinch.

 

I know you disagree, but I think Panda will show improvement defensively next year. And with a year of experience under his belt and some more work at it, Hanley could even show some improvement in LF, at least to the point where he's not a liability.

[Kimmi]

I think that it might come down to tying to find another place for the biggest boy. Japan, Cuba, Alaska?

 

You do have to question what is going on with the conditioning coaches. I know that the FO's plan was to let Panda be fat, and not require any kind of strict diet from him. However, there should be some degree of moderation to that. From what I've heard (speculation), there have been problems in the past with lack of conditioning. Beckett comes to mind.

 

I understand not wanting to force these guys to eat a diet of tofu and bean sprouts (not the worst thing in the world, BTW), but if Panda has indeed gained as much weight as what people are saying, then something needs to be done with the diet and conditioning program.

[cp176]

You do have to question what is going on with the conditioning coaches. I know that the FO's plan was to let Panda be fat, and not require any kind of strict diet from him. However, there should be some degree of moderation to that. From what I've heard (speculation), there have been problems in the past with lack of conditioning. Beckett comes to mind.

 

I understand not wanting to force these guys to eat a diet of tofu and bean sprouts (not the worst thing in the world, BTW), but if Panda has indeed gained as much weight as what people are saying, then something needs to be done with the diet and conditioning program.

 

The majority of professional athletes take it as a matter of personal pride to work on their physical fitness. He doesn't seem to. that bothers me as much as anything. That's is not saying that he might be better than he is now. It is just troubling. A lot of money should lead to a little more in return.

[a700hitter]

You do have to question what is going on with the conditioning coaches. I know that the FO's plan was to let Panda be fat, and not require any kind of strict diet from him. However, there should be some degree of moderation to that. From what I've heard (speculation), there have been problems in the past with lack of conditioning. Beckett comes to mind.

 

I understand not wanting to force these guys to eat a diet of tofu and bean sprouts (not the worst thing in the world, BTW), but if Panda has indeed gained as much weight as what people are saying, then something needs to be done with the diet and conditioning program.

Do you think the coaching staff is holding him down and force feeding him nachos, pizza and beer. He is the only fat slob on the roster that I can see, so why wouldn't that be his fault? What about personal responsibility?

[a700hitter]

The majority of professional athletes take it as a matter of personal pride to work on their physical fitness. He doesn't seem to. that bothers me as much as anything. That's is not saying that he might be better than he is now. It is just troubling. A lot of money should lead to a little more in return.

It's the damn snack chip and soft drink commercials. They should be outlawed as they encourage obese professional athletes. Edited July 27, 2015 by a700hitter

[Spudboy]

I would be on board with this strategy, but I would be shocked if they dump Panda.

 

By the way, at the rate that he is gaining weight, we may see Panda sporting a Mama Cass Muu Muu in September. Our marketing department would view it as an opportunity and sell the hell out of it.

 

At least Cass Elliot could sing really, really well. This lump of lard is not good at anything right now and is not likely to improve. Unfortunately, as you have said, it is not likely that fatso gets moved this year.

[User Name]

I think putting either Fatboy or Hanley at first will end in disaster. Neither has the mobility to cover that position. Throws would end up near the tarp every day.

 

I still say moving Swihart to 1st if Nap is dumped is worth investigating. He will not be a catcher for his entire career anyway if his offense is legit.

 

Get rid of Fatboy somehow and move Hanley to 3rd until he is DH.

 

Go with Vasquez and Hannigan behind the plate for 2016.

 

Obviously there are no guarantees that this would work out. Like everything else the dopes in the FO have tried.

 

Getting those two "big bats" and locking them up for 4-5 years was a real boob maneuver. It handcuffs the roster unless the Sox decide to eat large chunks of mullah.

 

Hanley doesn't have the mobility to play 1B? He was a below-average SS and competent 3B just a season ago. I get that you don't like Hanley, but come on.

[a700hitter]

At least Cass Elliot could sing really, really well. This lump of lard is not good at anything right now and is not likely to improve. Unfortunately, as you have said, it is not likely that fatso gets moved this year.

LOL!! We really don't know whether or not he is a good singer. It is a safe bet that he isn't a very good dancer. Edited July 27, 2015 by a700hitter

[Kimmi]

The majority of professional athletes take it as a matter of personal pride to work on their physical fitness. He doesn't seem to. that bothers me as much as anything. That's is not saying that he might be better than he is now. It is just troubling. A lot of money should lead to a little more in return.

 

I wholeheartedly agree. It should be on the players to be able to exhibit some self-control and discipline. Pablo apparently does not have such self-control. Hence, the reason why he is big to begin with. Are the conditioning coaches working with him, or just letting him do what he pleases?

[Spudboy]

This is a reasonable suggestion, outside of moving Panda which I don't think will happen, but trying Swihart at first base is something worth invesigating. If he works out there, it's a very inexpensive option, leaving more money for other areas of need, namely pitching.

 

I really like that Vazquez/Hanigan catching tandem, and Swihart could always catch in a pinch.

 

I know you disagree, but I think Panda will show improvement defensively next year. And with a year of experience under his belt and some more work at it, Hanley could even show some improvement in LF, at least to the point where he's not a liability.

 

Obviously Swihart is nowhere near a finished product AT the plate. He was brought up too soon because of need. Ideally he could return to AAA for some further work on his hitting. But now I am willing to concede that he will flail sometimes at the plate while with the big boys. Might as well keep him up here to learn how to hit real MLB pitching. His game behind the plate is obviously nowhere near as advanced as many here believed it to be. The kid was an infielder and he is very athletic. I say bite the bullet and put him at 1st. He should be able to play reasonably well. Brock Holt did it. Is Holt a better athlete?

 

Fatboy is not likely to be moved, sadly.

[Kimmi]

Hanley doesn't have the mobility to play 1B? He was a below-average SS and competent 3B just a season ago. I get that you don't like Hanley, but come on.

 

With Hanley, I almost think it's more mental than anything else. He looks so lackadaisical out there sometimes, which gives off the impression that he doesn't care or that he doesn't try hard, but I really sometimes think that he's just a flake. He would probably have the physical ability to play first. I'm not sure that he would have the mental ability. Either way, that idea scares me.

[User Name]

Adrian Gonzalez said it best: He's a natural infielder.

[Behindenemylines]

Obviously Swihart is nowhere near a finished product AT the plate. He was brought up too soon because of need. Ideally he could return to AAA for some further work on his hitting. But now I am willing to concede that he will flail sometimes at the plate while with the big boys. Might as well keep him up here to learn how to hit real MLB pitching. His game behind the plate is obviously nowhere near as advanced as many here believed it to be. The kid was an infielder and he is very athletic. I say bite the bullet and put him at 1st. He should be able to play reasonably well. Brock Holt did it. Is Holt a better athlete?

 

Play HanRam at first the rest of the season to see if he can. LF isn't working, and we know about DH.

[mvp 78]

A lot of Swihart's value is having his offensive ceiling at a normally weak offensive position like C. I would rather him rotate 1b and C rather than him play 1b fulltime.

[Spudboy]

A lot of Swihart's value is having his offensive ceiling at a normally weak offensive position like C. I would rather him rotate 1b and C rather than him play 1b fulltime.

 

I understand all that "conventional wisdom" and all the conservatism that goes with it.

 

However, as desirable a hitting catcher may be, a lighter hitting catcher can be covered in a strong lineup. I think that Vasquez should be able to hit about .240 or above and I think that should be good enough when coupled with his clearly superior defensive skills. The ones that Swihard needs much move development on.

 

I also see that Swihart has lots of potential for big time offensive numbers. We have no 1st baseman going forward. Move him now and save his body and his brain from the damage that will be done while catching.

 

My idea is not what I would call a no brainer. It's just an idea that has a good chance of being good.

[sk7326]

A lot of Swihart's value is having his offensive ceiling at a normally weak offensive position like C. I would rather him rotate 1b and C rather than him play 1b fulltime.

 

Plus that he should be good defensively too - an actual fast guy and whatnot. Rotating makes sense to get his bat in the lineup an extra 15-20 starts ... but he seems to be a legit C. Good problem to have for sure.

[BigPapi]

I understand all that "conventional wisdom" and all the conservatism that goes with it.

 

However, as desirable a hitting catcher may be, a lighter hitting catcher can be covered in a strong lineup. I think that Vasquez should be able to hit about .240 or above and I think that should be good enough when coupled with his clearly superior defensive skills. The ones that Swihard needs much move development on.

 

I also see that Swihart has lots of potential for big time offensive numbers. We have no 1st baseman going forward. Move him now and save his body and his brain from the damage that will be done while catching.

 

My idea is not what I would call a no brainer. It's just an idea that has a good chance of being good.

 

 

Vasquez should be the catcher. Blake's offense is overrated. I'm not saying that based on his mlb numbers this year because he never should have been up here this year. Just look at his prior minor league numbers. His was solid in the minors with an .840 ops his best year, but never dominated like a Kris Bryant or Joey Gallo or Kyle Schwarber. We have heard the buster posey comparisons, but Buster was a much more dominant hitter in the minors. I think blake can be a good hitter for a catcher, but that doesn't say much. If the sox could have gotten a good return for him, I would have traded him.

Edited July 31, 2015 by BigPapi

[Behindenemylines]

A lot of Swihart's value is having his offensive ceiling at a normally weak offensive position like C. I would rather him rotate 1b and C rather than him play 1b fulltime.

 

You do that and how does that effect a young catcher and his working with a shakey staff?

[mvp 78]

It worked out ok for Buster Posey.

[BigPapi]

It worked out ok for Buster Posey.

 

I would have no problem putting blake at first, but his value goes down since he's not a masher.

[Spudboy]

There is no legitimate reason to compare Swihart with Posey. One look at their numbers and career paths tells you that.

[mvp 78]

There is no legitimate reason to compare Swihart with Posey. One look at their numbers and career paths tells you that.

 

I'm all ears...

[Spudboy]

I'm all ears...

 

My point is that the comparisons are not close to valid.

 

I have not looked at their numbers in a while but I seem to remember that Posey came into pro ball and absolutely raked in two levels in about one year and was brought up.

 

That guy was much more of a finished product ( at least offensively ).

 

Swihart is younger with much less experience, I believe from what I can recall.

 

His athleticism is enticing. But he was brought up out of drastic need. Not because he was anywhere near ready to be a full time catcher.

 

Comparing him to Posey just created hype. Hype that has yet to be fulfilled.

[mvp 78]

All I was saying was that splitting time at 1b and C was a viable option, not that Swihart is Posey 2.0.

[cp176]

I really think that if he is not going to catch, he should be traded. Doesn't look like he is going to be a big power guy anytime soon. He would be a small upgrade at first base over Portland's Sam Travis. He would be worth much more as a potential trade candidate.

[Spudboy]

All I was saying was that splitting time at 1b and C was a viable option, not that Swihart is Posey 2.0.

 

Oh. I'm down with that too.

[Spudboy]

I really think that if he is not going to catch, he should be traded. Doesn't look like he is going to be a big power guy anytime soon. He would be a small upgrade at first base over Portland's Sam Travis. He would be worth much more as a potential trade candidate.

 

Kind of early to give up on any aspect of his game. He is not exactly Boog Powell, I get it.

 

Still, with his speed and apparent skills at the plate he could become another Manny Sanguillian.

 

Or just a catcher that can hit.

[sk7326]

Vasquez should be the catcher. Blake's offense is overrated. I'm not saying that based on his mlb numbers this year because he never should have been up here this year. Just look at his prior minor league numbers. His was solid in the minors with an .840 ops his best year, but never dominated like a Kris Bryant or Joey Gallo or Kyle Schwarber. We have heard the buster posey comparisons, but Buster was a much more dominant hitter in the minors. I think blake can be a good hitter for a catcher, but that doesn't say much. If the sox could have gotten a good return for him, I would have traded him.

 

He's 23. Posey is a better player - he is better than just about every catcher. And Swihart is not going to have as big a bat as elite corner infield prospects, wonderful. He was overpromoted, but the ceiling is obvious. Vasquez is going to play for a long time in the league - only question is whether he will be a good starter or an elite backup.