Should the Red Sox tank some games for a higher draft pick?

[Bellhorn04]

Should the Red Sox tank some games for a higher draft pick? Yes or no.

[sk7326]

I voted no, but it is complicated. Sox have the 10th worst record right now - and 10/11 is the difference between surrending a 1st to sign someone big and not doing so. It would be beneficial to not pass the Orioles.

 

At the same time, if you tanked, how would you do it and not burn options needlessly? You'd do it by playing Jackie Bradley all the time, and by playing Travis Shaw at 1B. You'd run Henry Owens and Matt Barnes out there from time to time. The problem is that the kids the Sox have turned to are not awful ...

 

Go figure, Ben could not assemble a group of young players who could lose frequently enough. So he stunk at tanking too.

[Jasonbay44]

If this was NFL or NBA, sure. There is a way more likely chance of getting a franchise changer like Andrew Luck or Anthony Davis in the top 5, while there is way more likely chance of getting a Blaine Gabbert, Christian Ponder, EJ Manuel or Alec Burks, Austin Rivers,Tyler Hansbrough type players in outside the top 5. I can say as a Wizards fan that the Wizards tanking for a few years in a row to get John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter completely changed the franchise around. It was a clear tank too, half the guys the Wizards were starting aren't in the NBA anymore. Another perfect example would be the Colts, they definitely tanked that season to get Luck, there would be no other reason to start Curtis Painter that long otherwise and it worked out for them.

 

In the MLB, it just seems there is a ridiculously high bust chance for guys. Sure every once in a while there is a can't miss prospect, but the next Bryce Harper could also be the next Drew Stubbs or Tim Beckham.

 

The Sox are already loaded with young talent and have an extremely deep farm system. I would rather continue seeing this team play well and have these young guys continue to develop and gain confidence for next season than have these guys tank to potentially get a good draft pick that may or may not pan out. This team has actually been enjoyable to watch the past month or so.

[a700hitter]

No.

[cp176]

No - of course not. Allowing Napoli to remain in the lineup for as long as they did and by playing Ramirez it did look a little suspicious.

[a700hitter]

The game has to have integrity. A losing atmosphere is not something that a team wants to carry into the offseason. A good draft pick next season will not help reverse the losing in 2016.

[sk7326]

The game has to have integrity. A losing atmosphere is not something that a team wants to carry into the offseason. A good draft pick next season will not help reverse the losing in 2016.

 

Absolutely - and the funny thing is, if you wanted them to tank what would they be doing? Rolling out kid heavy lineups, right? Go figger.

[mvp 78]

Of course they should tank.

[Dojji]

NFW. Unless you get one of the top 5 picks or so (and we won't) it's just not likely to gain you anything considering how undependable draft picks are in MLB. Far better to make the rest of the season as entertaining as you can.

[Spudboy]

NFW. Unless you get one of the top 5 picks or so (and we won't) it's just not likely to gain you anything considering how undependable draft picks are in MLB. Far better to make the rest of the season as entertaining as you can.

 

NO. For the above stated reasons and what Ted said.

 

Dumb f***ing idea. The object of the game is to win and to entertain.

[sk7326]

Another thing ... and I'm not saying to even put it on the radar, because clearly the odds are basically nil ... BUT

 

16-9 gets the Sox to .500

20-5 gets the Sox to 85 wins

 

stranger things have happened.

 

But whatever - sit back and enjoy that they are a fun team to watch finally.

[Thunder]

[Youk Of The Nation]

No. Not because of draft reasons, but because intentionally losing games is a terrible, terrible idea regardless of the intent behind it.

 

Though I have to say, knowing that yesterday's win helped the Yankees does suck.

[Thunder]

No. Not because of draft reasons, but because intentionally losing games is a terrible, terrible idea regardless of the intent behind it.

 

Though I have to say, knowing that yesterday's win helped the Yankees does suck.

 

Relax. It's only for two more days. The Jays have owned the Yanks H2H, so they'll find a way to win the East, even if it takes a 163rd game.

[Kimmi]

No. Not because of draft reasons, but because intentionally losing games is a terrible, terrible idea regardless of the intent behind it.

 

Though I have to say, knowing that yesterday's win helped the Yankees does suck.

 

UGH. I hate the idea of helping out the Yankees. That said, just say no to tanking!

[Kimmi]

Hmmm. I wonder who voted yes.....

[mvp 78]

I don't mind being on an island. Having an unpopular opinion doesn't hurt my argument.

[Kimmi]

I don't mind being on an island. Having an unpopular opinion doesn't hurt my argument.

 

More power to you. I'm often on an island with my opinions. I don't mind it one bit.

[Youk Of The Nation]

I like being on an island with my opinions as well, as long as my island is heavily fortified and stocked with an arsenal capable of obliterating the islands of others.

[Behindenemylines]

No. Trying to build a winning culture with the young Sox. Plus their successes the last few months will allow them to gain confidence that will carry over to 2016. Play hard and the right way.

[Kimmi]

No. Trying to build a winning culture with the young Sox. Plus their successes the last few months will allow them to gain confidence that will carry over to 2016. Play hard and the right way.

 

IMO, a team should always play hard and play the right way. Do not disrespect the integrity of the game.

 

Besides, the Sox are now on that all important mission to finish in 3rd place!

 

As SoxHop says, third place or bust!