Pablo Sandoval

[Behindenemylines]

Here is a scary thought for the post Papi years. FO says they need a big comeback by Sandoval in 2017.

[a700hitter]

Here is a scary thought for the post Papi years. FO says they need a big comeback by Sandoval in 2017.

JH must be taking hallucinogenics.

[S5Dewey]

No. What they need to do for 2017 is find some sucker/GM to take on his contract so the money can be spent on someone who's not an albatross to the team,

[moonslav59]

Here is a scary thought for the post Papi years. FO says they need a big comeback by Sandoval in 2017.

 

It's not out of the question, but we better not plan the roster around him being a FT anything.

[Wade Boggs]

It's not out of the question, but we better not plan the roster around him being a FT anything.

 

Just get ready for the talk he's in great shape. That stuff will come a month before spring training. I just can't see them moving that contract. But DD when he was in DET moved Prince so you never know.

[Slasher9]

Here is a scary thought for the post Papi years. FO says they need a big comeback by Sandoval in 2017.

 

he looks in better shape on his latest IG pix....

[oldtimer]

Here is a scary thought for the post Papi years. FO says they need a big comeback by Sandoval in 2017.

 

One thing it is certain to be is BIG.

[a700hitter]

Just get ready for the talk he's in great shape. That stuff will come a month before spring training. I just can't see them moving that contract. But DD when he was in DET moved Prince so you never know.

It is certain to be reported that he is in the best shape of his life.

[mvp 78]

It is certain to be reported that he is in the best shape of his life.

 

"Best" as in most perfectly round?

[cp176]

"Best" as in most perfectly round?

 

he is rounding into form.

[Kimmi]

No. What they need to do for 2017 is find some sucker/GM to take on his contract so the money can be spent on someone who's not an albatross to the team,

 

Pablo needs to prove that he is healthy and can play before any GM will take him without the Sox eating most of his contract. IMO, the best case scenario would be that Pablo reports to camp next year in good shape, and becomes our starting 3B. He mans the position effectively for 2-3 months and recoups some of his value, at the same time giving Moncada more time to learn 3B. Then he can be traded midseason.

[S5Dewey]

What a conundrum. If Sandoval comes back in shape (and assuming that he doesn't consider "round" to be a shape) and plays well next spring, do we trade him to try to free up some money and take the chance that Moncada is going to be our regular 3B, or do we go with the sure thing and let Sandoval play there all year?

[moonslav59]

Pablo needs to prove that he is healthy and can play before any GM will take him without the Sox eating most of his contract. IMO, the best case scenario would be that Pablo reports to camp next year in good shape, and becomes our starting 3B. He mans the position effectively for 2-3 months and recoups some of his value, at the same time giving Moncada more time to learn 3B. Then he can be traded midseason.

 

That's what I said about HanRam last winter.

 

[moonslav59]

This is what Jeff Todd wrote:

 

Henry also touched upon the status of injured and embattled Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval. The 30-year-old is an important part of the near future for Boston, Henry says. That’s self-evident to some extent, as Sandoval is owed $58MM over the next three seasons (including the buyout of a 2020 club option). But the Sox owner suggests that the organization has expectations that Sandoval can return to being the “supremely talented veteran and a proven winner” that the club signed up for in the first place. “This year and last were frustrating for him and frustrating for us,” Henry says of Sandoval. “We need him next year.”

 

Sandoval’s importance is heightened by the fact that David Ortiz is set to retire after the year, Henry suggests. Big Papi is in the midst of an all-time age-40 season — he currently leads the league with a 1.050 OPS — and that obviously represents a more-or-less irreplaceable source of offense, though the free agent market does promise to offer several big bats. Sandoval certainly doesn’t look like a direct substitute, but a typical pre-Boston season from the Panda would go a long way toward making up for the loss.

[Dojji]

We need to be assuming Sandoval can't play third. He's refused to play first base and pouted when forced to. He is not a good enough hitter to DH. How the hell is he "a big part of our future?"

 

I'd rather turn the DH position over to Blake Swihart than Pablo Sandoval right now. Or hell, turn it over to Leon and let Swihart and Vazquez battle for the catcher's job again. Or turn it over to Ramirez if Sam Travis looks ready to rock next Spring. There is just no actual spot for Sandoval anymore, thanks largely to the positive news from the development of our rookies.

 

As it is we have Moncada, Swihart and possibly Travis to figure out how to shoehorn into an already crowded lineup, our bench looks superb with Holt, Young, Hernandez (once Holt moves on), Shaw and Vazquez forming the core of a bench that should last us awhile with no need to make changes, and other talents like Mauricio Dubon who will also need chances to show their stuff.

 

There are much better investments of roster space on this team, right now, than Sandoval, and more good candidates than we have spots even without him.

 

I hope DD has the stones to stick to his guns like he did this year and say screw the money, let's build the best roster we can. That roster is absurdly unlikely to include Pablo "Goodyear" Sandoval.

[moonslav59]

We need to be assuming Sandoval can't play third. He's refused to play first base and pouted when forced to. He is not a good enough hitter to DH. How the hell is he "a big part of our future?"

 

What's Hnery going to say? "We don't see Pablo as being any help going forward."

 

That being said, I do think Sox management is holding out hope Pablo can come back and play well. I think he's going to be only 30 next year, so there's still time for a big year or two. I'm not projecting that, but hope remains.

 

 

I'd rather turn the DH position over to Blake Swihart than Pablo Sandoval right now. Or hell, turn it over to Leon and let Swihart and Vazquez battle for the catcher's job again. Or turn it over to Ramirez if Sam Travis looks ready to rock next Spring. There is just no actual spot for Sandoval anymore, thanks largely to the positive news from the development of our rookies.

 

If I had to guess what next year's starting line-up would be, I'd go with Moncada at 3B, Shaw at 1B and HanRam at DH. Pablo could get time at 3B, 1B and DH, if he's in shape and doing well.

 

Swihart or Vaz will start in AAA next year. The other will be Leon's back-up.

 

 

 

As it is we have Moncada, Swihart and possibly Travis to figure out how to shoehorn into an already crowded lineup, our bench looks superb with Holt, Young, Hernandez (once Holt moves on), Shaw and Vazquez forming the core of a bench that should last us awhile with no need to make changes, and other talents like Mauricio Dubon who will also need chances to show their stuff.

 

I agree. Our future and future depth looks very strong.

 

 

There are much better investments of roster space on this team, right now, than Sandoval, and more good candidates than we have spots even without him.

 

Agreed, but we won't cut him, and we can't trade him, until we see what we got next spring.

 

 

I hope DD has the stones to stick to his guns like he did this year and say screw the money, let's build the best roster we can. That roster is absurdly unlikely to include Pablo "Goodyear" Sandoval.

 

Unlikely, yes- impossible, no.

[illinoisredsox]

JH is just trying to give him some external motivation. If it works, great, the Sox maybe get a serviceable player out of. If not, it only cost some words.

[Slasher9]

Pablo needs to prove that he is healthy and can play before any GM will take him without the Sox eating most of his contract. IMO, the best case scenario would be that Pablo reports to camp next year in good shape, and becomes our starting 3B. He mans the position effectively for 2-3 months and recoups some of his value, at the same time giving Moncada more time to learn 3B. Then he can be traded midseason.

 

[Spudboy]

We need to be assuming Sandoval can't play third. He's refused to play first base and pouted when forced to. He is not a good enough hitter to DH. How the hell is he "a big part of our future?"

 

I'd rather turn the DH position over to Blake Swihart than Pablo Sandoval right now. Or hell, turn it over to Leon and let Swihart and Vazquez battle for the catcher's job again. Or turn it over to Ramirez if Sam Travis looks ready to rock next Spring. There is just no actual spot for Sandoval anymore, thanks largely to the positive news from the development of our rookies.

 

As it is we have Moncada, Swihart and possibly Travis to figure out how to shoehorn into an already crowded lineup, our bench looks superb with Holt, Young, Hernandez (once Holt moves on), Shaw and Vazquez forming the core of a bench that should last us awhile with no need to make changes, and other talents like Mauricio Dubon who will also need chances to show their stuff.

 

There are much better investments of roster space on this team, right now, than Sandoval, and more good candidates than we have spots even without him.

 

I hope DD has the stones to stick to his guns like he did this year and say screw the money, let's build the best roster we can. That roster is absurdly unlikely to include Pablo "Goodyear" Sandoval.

 

Dojji Post Of The Year.

[SoxnCycles]

We need to be assuming Sandoval can't play third. He's refused to play first base and pouted when forced to. He is not a good enough hitter to DH. How the hell is he "a big part of our future?"

 

I'd rather turn the DH position over to Blake Swihart than Pablo Sandoval right now. Or hell, turn it over to Leon and let Swihart and Vazquez battle for the catcher's job again. Or turn it over to Ramirez if Sam Travis looks ready to rock next Spring. There is just no actual spot for Sandoval anymore, thanks largely to the positive news from the development of our rookies.

 

As it is we have Moncada, Swihart and possibly Travis to figure out how to shoehorn into an already crowded lineup, our bench looks superb with Holt, Young, Hernandez (once Holt moves on), Shaw and Vazquez forming the core of a bench that should last us awhile with no need to make changes, and other talents like Mauricio Dubon who will also need chances to show their stuff.

 

There are much better investments of roster space on this team, right now, than Sandoval, and more good candidates than we have spots even without him.

 

I hope DD has the stones to stick to his guns like he did this year and say screw the money, let's build the best roster we can. That roster is absurdly unlikely to include Pablo "Goodyear" Sandoval.

 

We can assume that now, but a lot can change between now and next spring training. Injuries, trades,...

 

I doubt the sox FO is assuming anything of the kind.

[FredLynn]

We need to be assuming Sandoval can't play third. He's refused to play first base and pouted when forced to. He is not a good enough hitter to DH. How the hell is he "a big part of our future?"

 

I'd rather turn the DH position over to Blake Swihart than Pablo Sandoval right now. Or hell, turn it over to Leon and let Swihart and Vazquez battle for the catcher's job again. Or turn it over to Ramirez if Sam Travis looks ready to rock next Spring. There is just no actual spot for Sandoval anymore, thanks largely to the positive news from the development of our rookies.

 

As it is we have Moncada, Swihart and possibly Travis to figure out how to shoehorn into an already crowded lineup, our bench looks superb with Holt, Young, Hernandez (once Holt moves on), Shaw and Vazquez forming the core of a bench that should last us awhile with no need to make changes, and other talents like Mauricio Dubon who will also need chances to show their stuff.

 

There are much better investments of roster space on this team, right now, than Sandoval, and more good candidates than we have spots even without him.

 

I hope DD has the stones to stick to his guns like he did this year and say screw the money, let's build the best roster we can. That roster is absurdly unlikely to include Pablo "Goodyear" Sandoval.

 

Next year is a long way off. Although unlikely, its possible that in spring training Sandoval will tear the cover off the ball after showing up 30 pounds lighter. I am pretty sure the DD is not going to change: everyone on the opening day roster is going to earn their place there. With all the money he is due, Sandoval is going to get his chance to earn it too.

[Kimmi]

We can assume that now, but a lot can change between now and next spring training. Injuries, trades,...

 

I doubt the sox FO is assuming anything of the kind.

 

I understand people's frustration with Pablo, but IMO, it wouldn't make any sense to just write him off because we have other options.

 

I understand people's preference for Shaw or Moncada at 3B. Perhaps Shaw serves us better in some kind of trade. Perhaps he is moved to 1B and Hanley DHs. Perhaps Moncada won't be ready to be an everyday 3B to start next season. As you said, a lot can happen between now and next year.

 

Regardless of anyone's personal feelings about Pablo, the Sox will be better off if he can rebound to a 2.5 - 3 WAR player.

[mvp 78]

John Henry would be stupid to rip Pablo while he's still under contract. Ostensibly, he's just out injured. Why bag on the guy further?

 

The best you can do is hope he turns his career around and that they can trade him.

[bowman]

Why is everyone on Pablo, he's lost 3 lbs already.

[SoxnCycles]

Why is everyone on Pablo, he's lost 3 lbs already.

 

Actually, reports are that he's lost 22 lbs.

[Station 13]

Actually, reports are that he's lost 22 lbs.

 

We heard this every story every year.

[S5Dewey]

Actually, reports are that he's lost 22 lbs.

 

That's impressive. It'll be even more impressive if that weight plus more is still off come next March, but I'm skeptical.

[mvp 78]

https://twitter.com/brianmacp/status/768519148464988160

 

Still tubby, but not a complete embarrassment like in ST. He could play fine at this weight imo.

[oldtimer]

https://twitter.com/brianmacp/status/768519148464988160

 

Still tubby, but not a complete embarrassment like in ST. He could play fine at this weight imo.

 

Unless the picture is of his twin brother, the guy truly has taken major weight off. That said, he is working out 6 days a week for around 6 hours a day to take the weight off. What happens if he gets back playing day to day? I'm saying he is likely still eating a lot and he is prone to regain the weight. Kind of skeptical about his long term viability but he is owed a ton of money so they need to weight and see.

[Nick]

We have our starting pitching locked up for two more years when Pomeranz comes off the books. Price can opt out but I just don't see anyone else willing to pay north of $30M he's making now. Pomeranz can be extended if he continues his recent success.

 

I guess Clay can be a back up plan for 2017 and become a trade bait at mid year if our top 5 is healthy and pitching well. Johnson seems to be making progress from his anxiety disorder. Kopech could be a mid season call up in 2018.

 

At this point, we only upgrade our SP through a trade and that won't involve big payroll addition. Sox will get relief by dumping Buchholtz if there's a SP acquisition.

 

Killer B's (assuming Benintendi starts in 2017), Pedey and our core catching group appears to be set for next couple of years. We have numerous candidates for 3B, 1B and DH spots. If DD decides to go all in for Encarnacion, then our offense should be humming irregardless of who is on 1B/3B. (I'm rooting for Moncada and Hanley remains at 1B)). Our depth should be excellent with Young, Holt, Swihart and Shaw.

 

1 Pedroia 2B

2 Xander SS

3 Betts RF

4 Encarnacion DH

5 Hanley 1B

6 Bradley CF

7 Sandy C

8 Benintendi LF

9 Moncada 3B

 

 

Assuming we retain Buchholtz, we gain salary savings from Koji ($9M), Ortiz ($15M) and Tazawa ($3.3) and Hanigan ($3.7), total of $30M. Between Luxury Tax increase and $30M, do we have enough money to rebuild the bullpen and sign Encarnacion?

 

What do you think?

Edited August 25, 2016 by Nick