A Realistic View at 2016

[cp176]

Everyone posting here can identify what looks like our biggest need - bullpen help. How to address the problem seems to be the issue. With a solid performance from a starting pitcher now being 7 innings, I think that the concept of how to deal with a bullpen has changed. These guys have to be able to get the job done. If you address the need by paying the big bucks, you wind not be addressing some of the other issues that you might want to. I think that DD will have to address the issue of prioritizing needs no matter what. Starting pitching - ? - if he thinks it is a top priority, a big trade maybe. By the way, I think that E-Rod will be exactly what he projected to be - a number 2. A bat to replace Papi - $$$. Relief pitching - trade/$$$. All tough decisions for sure but with relievers becoming more and more important, I don't think that you can necessarily just rely on pot luck unless you grow your own. Something the Sox haven't been particularly successful at.

[Nick]

Everyone posting here can identify what looks like our biggest need - bullpen help. How to address the problem seems to be the issue. With a solid performance from a starting pitcher now being 7 innings, I think that the concept of how to deal with a bullpen has changed. These guys have to be able to get the job done. If you address the need by paying the big bucks, you wind not be addressing some of the other issues that you might want to. I think that DD will have to address the issue of prioritizing needs no matter what. Starting pitching - ? - if he thinks it is a top priority, a big trade maybe. By the way, I think that E-Rod will be exactly what he projected to be - a number 2. A bat to replace Papi - $$$. Relief pitching - trade/$$$. All tough decisions for sure but with relievers becoming more and more important, I don't think that you can necessarily just rely on pot luck unless you grow your own. Something the Sox haven't been particularly successful at.

 

I would trade Shaw for someone like Carson Smith....our trading partner would be getting a great value. Shaw is a solid major league position player with some upside and team controlled. I would hate to give him up but let the Moncada era begin. He will have his ups and downs but his floor is Bradley Jr. And his upside is Betts.

[cp176]

I would trade Shaw for someone like Carson Smith....our trading partner would be getting a great value. Shaw is a solid major league position player with some upside and team controlled. I would hate to give him up but let the Moncada era begin. He will have his ups and downs but his floor is Bradley Jr. And his upside is Betts.

 

One thing that I would say here is that if Carson Smith had not been injured our bullpen status might look a lot different right now. I would hate to see Shaw traded but it wouldn't surprise me at all if he was a feature in a package to go after whatever they think that they need to go after.

[Nick]

One thing that I would say here is that if Carson Smith had not been injured our bullpen status might look a lot different right now. I would hate to see Shaw traded but it wouldn't surprise me at all if he was a feature in a package to go after whatever they think that they need to go after.

 

Talking out of both sides of my mouth, I could see Shaw being a viable option at 1B and moving Hanley to DH. Our line up could be set for at least three more years with Hanley, Sandy, Shaw, Pedey, Xander, Moncada, Benintendi, Bradley Jr and Betts. From financial flexibility, this maybe the most prudent approach. It will allow unencumbered funds to be spent elsewhere. Xander, Sandy and Hanley would become FA in 2020 (probably no interest in extending Hanley by then), Bradley and Betts in 2021.

 

It's exciting to think that this core group can stay together for several years.

 

At some point we need to work on extending Betts before FA. He's the big get.

Edited September 4, 2016 by Nick

[moonslav59]

What do you attribute these outstanding numbers to? Just great players? Fenway Park? A great hitting coach? A lineup stacked top to bottom? The grind down approach we use? All of the above?

 

Over .900 OPS is considered outstanding.

 

I never bought into the idea that our team was going to have numerous "black holes" in our line up this year. I thought maybe Vazquez might hover around .600 or .650, but with all the depth I figured the cream would rise to the top and we'd be a solid offensive team from top to bottom, kind of like we were last year, especially towards the end.

 

The park certainly makes a difference, but we are still have the best road OPS (.770) in the AL. It's not as dominating as our home OPS (.867), but we are still the best never the less.

 

What I feel really drives this line up is the balance. It drives me crazy when posters complain about the bottom of our line up, but the reality is other teams have horrible bottom of the orders--much much worse than ours, and it's the comparative production numbers that matter. For example, how can a 9th slot batter with a .600 OPS be killing us, if every other team has a .550 OPS ninth hitter?

 

Here's where our order slots rank in MLB:

Slot: OPS Rank

1st: .899 1st

2nd: 796 12th

3rd: .888 7th

4th: .952 1st

5th: .777 13th

6th: .821 3rd

7th: .778 3rd

8th: .653 20th

9th: .796 1st (next team is at .716)

 

If you look at the 6 through 9 slots, our bottom 4 are much better than any other team in MLB, despite the 8 slot.

 

OPS vs RHPs: .824 1st in MLB

OPS vs LHPs: .810 2nd in MLB to AZ

 

OPS 2nd half: .798 2nd to COL

OPS 1st half: .833 1st

 

Up and down, sideways to sideways, we are solid everywhere on offense. Even our bench has been amazing:

 

Leon .988

Moncada .929

Beni .850

Young .817

Hernandez .780

Shaw .759

Rutledge .733

Swihart .720

Holt .713

 

These 9 subs would be better than most team's in MLB on offense!

 

This is why we are number 1 on offense.

 

[moonslav59]

One thing that I would say here is that if Carson Smith had not been injured our bullpen status might look a lot different right now. I would hate to see Shaw traded but it wouldn't surprise me at all if he was a feature in a package to go after whatever they think that they need to go after.

 

Agreed. Just a healthy Smith next year would be like a major acquisition. If we can add another 2 solid pen arms, we could make major gains in our weakest link.

 

I have not been a big Shaw supporter, but I'm not sure we can afford to trade him, unless we sign a corner IF'er. To me, why not just sign a RP'er instead of trading Shaw.

 

Moncada is not sure bet at 3B, although I'm counting on him to be our FT'er next year.

 

HanRam is so up and down, I would not project as good year from him next year. he could be better: he could be much worse.

 

Pablo is the biggest question mark on the team next year.

 

Sam Travis is returning from serious injury and should not be counted on as anything more than system depth in 2017.

 

Holt is not a viable long term option at 3B or 1B.

 

I like Hernandez at 3B, but not as a FT solution, until we know more about him.

 

Swihart could learn to play 1B or could DH some next year.

 

I see Young as our DH vs LHPs next year, except for days he is covering for an injured or resting OF'er.

 

None of these guys give me a 100% solid feeling next year. Probably Moncada and HanRam and Young vs LHPs only come closest, but with the DH position open, there's still areas where Shaw could be a big asset to us.

 

I realize we need to give value to get value, but I think we could get more for Swihart than Shaw, and we wouldn't notice his departure as much as Shaw's, in 2017 anyway.

 

[cp176]

I tend to agree with you here. In defense of Shaw, he can get the job done defensively on both sides of the diamond. With respect to his hitting, I'm not ready to throw a guy with his power potential onto the heap of has beens at his age. I think that there is a lot of upside in him. I really think that this off season and next spring we could see some great competition just to be a part of this team going forward. Even though they have been injured, no one should doubt the talents of both Swihart and Travis. They both have great potential.

[moonslav59]

I tend to agree with you here. In defense of Shaw, he can get the job done defensively on both sides of the diamond. With respect to his hitting, I'm not ready to throw a guy with his power potential onto the heap of has beens at his age. I think that there is a lot of upside in him. I really think that this off season and next spring we could see some great competition just to be a part of this team going forward. Even though they have been injured, no one should doubt the talents of both Swihart and Travis. They both have great potential.

 

We really do have a lot of ML competition as well as guys like Sam Travis very close to pushing for a ML roster slot. We are very deep at infield utility. We may be a little short in OF depth. Assuming some players may try a new position to better their chances at making the 25 man roster, here is a look at the competition at our positions:

 

C: Leon, Vazquez, Swihart, Holaday, Hanigan (option probably turned down), Butler, Romanski

1B: HanRAm, Shaw, Swihart, Pablo, Holt, Travis (Craig)

2B: Pedroia, Moncada, Holt, Hernandez, Rutledge, Marrero

3B: Moncada, Shaw, Pablo, Hernandez, Rutledge, Holt, Marrero

SS: Bogearts, Hernandez, Holt, Rutledge, Marrero, Dubon 2018?

LF: Beninetndi, Young, Swihart, Holt, Brentz, (Castillo/Craig), Basabe 2018?

CF: JBJ, (Beni/Betts), Young, Holt (Castillo)

RF: Betts, (Beni), Young, Holt, Swihart (Castillo/Craig)

DH: Hanram, Young, Pablo, Swihart, Leon (C Marrero/J Witte)

 

I count 18-19 serious contenders for the 13-14 slots available on opening day.

 

[Dojji]

We are going to have a ridiculous bench next year if Moncada cracks the roster, which there's no reason he can't. If Shaw is sitting on the bench because there's no better place to put him, then our 4 man bench is probably one of Vazquez, Swihart or Leon, plus Holt or Hernandez, plus Young, plus Shaw.

 

Most likely as follows:

 

C: Leon (he's earned the right to at least start next year as the presumptive starter, whatever happens)

1B: HanRam (I'm satisfied with his performance, if he loses that job it will be to Shaw)

2B: Pedroia

3B: Moncada (I think he's ready, the question is, can Shaw make a case for making Moncada wait?)

SS: Bogaerts

RF: Betts

CF: JBJ

LF: Benintendi

DH: rotational, probably mostly Young and Shaw

 

Bench UT: Holt

Bench C: Vazquez (Swihart, with the higher offensive potential, gets his swings in in the minors until he's needed)

Bench IF: Shaw (if we crowd Shaw into the bench role with Moncada and Hanram starting, we'll have the best depth at the corners we've had since 05 when Kevin Youkilis was on the bench)

Bench OF: Young

 

If we don't make a big acquisition to play DH full time, then we have 2 opportunities that could both be worth our time

 

1: HanRam as full time DH. He's our biggest defensive liability, replacing him in the field with a defensive asset (Shaw) might be worth our time

2: Young/Shaw platoon at DH. If HanRam feels he needs to play defensively to be effective, and this is a stunt I feel he might pull, running a platoon of our best platoon hitters might be the best way to go. Neither Young or Shaw should be given the DH spot on their own, but a platoon of the two has potential to be highly effective

 

Of course all that fancy schmancy overthinking goes out of the window if Ortiz decides to play another year. I don't think he could have expected to play this well, I'd love to have him back if he's willing to come back.

Edited September 4, 2016 by Dojji

[Nick]

Brock Holt just sucks in left field......he has made so many no plays....

[moonslav59]

Brock Holt just sucks in left field......he has made so many no plays....

 

I hate to react to just one play or one game, or even one week or month, but I've been saying for years that Holt just is not that good on defense at most of the positions he plays. Yeah, versatility is nice, but only if you're capable.

 

To me, Holt is probably a plus at 2B, but he rarely gets to play there on this team. I'm not sure he's "plus" anywhere else, although his small sample size UXR/150s show he is here and there.

[Spudboy]

I hate to react to just one play or one game, or even one week or month, but I've been saying for years that Holt just is not that good on defense at most of the positions he plays. Yeah, versatility is nice, but only if you're capable.

 

To me, Holt is probably a plus at 2B, but he rarely gets to play there on this team. I'm not sure he's "plus" anywhere else, although his small sample size UXR/150s show he is here and there.

 

Brock Holt makes most plays at most positions. He rarely makes big f***-ups.

 

f*** UZR and UZR 150.

 

He is not a Gold glove anywhere but he is pretty serviceable.

[oldtimer]

I would trade Shaw for someone like Carson Smith....our trading partner would be getting a great value. Shaw is a solid major league position player with some upside and team controlled. I would hate to give him up but let the Moncada era begin. He will have his ups and downs but his floor is Bradley Jr. And his upside is Betts.

 

Before you give him up, think about who plays first next year. Unless we go after a DH, then Hanley is likely to take on that roll, leaving 1st base vacant and either Shaw or Holt to fill that role unless something else happens.

[Nick]

Before you give him up, think about who plays first next year. Unless we go after a DH, then Hanley is likely to take on that roll, leaving 1st base vacant and either Shaw or Holt to fill that role unless something else happens.

 

The whole premise was based on acquiring bullpen help. Are we going to sign three free agents in the pen? If yes, then name some names.

[moonslav59]

Brock Holt makes most plays at most positions. He rarely makes big f***-ups.

 

f*** UZR and UZR 150.

 

He is not a Gold glove anywhere but he is pretty serviceable.

 

Umm, I actually said UZR/150 shows him as a plus at some positions.

 

In my opiniuon, he's not an above average fielder anywhere, except maybe 2B.

 

Making most of the plays is something the worst fielder in MLB does easily, so that's not saying much.

 

I will agree on the term "serviceable", and I'm not ragging on Holt because of this game. I have said this before today on other sites.

 

When you have a DH only on your 25 man roster, a guy like Holt helps a lot. Even if he doesn't play, having him on the bench gives the manager flexibility to PH or sub others.

 

With Papi gone, Beni pushing Young to the 4th OF'er slot, and Moncada putting the squeeze on the corner IF slots next year, I don't see Holt's value as being as high as it has been. Since Moncada can play 2B, I don't see Holt's value there as high anymore.

 

I've always been high on Hernandez, so I'm not bashing Holt at SS as much as I'm propping up Marco.

 

Swihart is the real wild card when it comes to our utility slot. There are big advantages having him as the last everyday player. Having a guy who can be the 3rd catcher makes PH'ing and PR'ing for a catcher easier. If he can learn to play 1B and proves he can be "serviceable" in LF, he may squeeze out Holt. The presence of Hernandez and marrero with Dubon on the horizon makes the SS position deep enough.

 

I think one of Swihart or Holt gets traded.

 

 

 

[moonslav59]

Before you give him up, think about who plays first next year. Unless we go after a DH, then Hanley is likely to take on that roll, leaving 1st base vacant and either Shaw or Holt to fill that role unless something else happens.

 

HanRam at DH vs RHPs/Young vs LHPs.

 

HanRam at 1B vs LHPs.

 

Shaw at 1B vs RHPs.

 

Pablo as the wild card at DH or 1B.

 

Swihart probably has a better chance at playing 1B than Holt.

 

Sam Travis may not be ready by opening day.

Edited September 5, 2016 by moonslav59

[moonslav59]

The whole premise was based on acquiring bullpen help. Are we going to sign three free agents in the pen? If yes, then name some names.

 

We could trade for one, but here's the list of FAs:

 

John Axford

Joaquin Benoit

Jonathan Broxton

Buddy Carlyle

Brett Cecil

Santiago Casilla

Aroldis Chapman

Jesse Chavez

Tim Collins

Aaron Crow

Wade Davis *

Michael Dunn

Dana Eveland

Neftali Feliz

Jason Grilli *

Luke Hochevar

Greg Holland

J.P. Howell

Kenley Jansen

Casey Janssen

Kevin Jepsen

Brandon League

Boone Logan

Javier Lopez

Brian Matusz

Mark Melancon

Joe Nathan

Josh Outman

Yusmeiro Petit

Cesar Ramos

Francisco Rodriguez *

Sergio Romo

Marc Rzepczynski

Fernando Salas

Sergio Santos

Joe Smith

Craig Stammen

Drew Storen

Josh Tomlin

Jordan Walden *

Brad Ziegler

 

I'm no expert on other teams' RP'ers, b ut there are probably more good ones here than who I highlighted in bold.

[oldtimer]

Hanley has shown more offensive capability recently but Shaw is a better defensive first baseman. With his contract, Hanley is very likely going to remain in the lineup next season, we could do worse. Shaw seems to have unrealized potential offensively, with decent power. I would think he should consider winter ball to try to find himself and so he will make the team and be more productive next season. Young is a logical utility outfielder. Swihart is one of those good athletes who can hit and can play multiple positions (OF,C and possibly 1st). Like you, I believe Sam Travis starts next year in the minors. I do not believe Sandoval will make it back, but stranger things have happened.

 

A lot will depend upon which players the FO feels they need to use a trade bait to get additional relief pitching. I have been on the side of using a DH who can also play in the field if necessary. I am against bringing in an ageing star to fill the role of DH as such a move would no doubt result in another big contract with at least 4 years duration and would probably only have a marginal impact on production at best.

 

As an aside and not to disparage Sabermetics, horse racing is a sport that features perhaps the most information about past performances. The horses in todays races don't conform to past performances all that often. Ageing and a host of other influences get in the way. To pick an ageing player to come into an organization and make a positive impact one has to put rose colored glasses on and hope for the best.

[oldtimer]

Hanley has shown more offensive capability recently but Shaw is a better defensive first baseman. With his contract, Hanley is very likely going to remain in the lineup next season, we could do worse. Shaw seems to have unrealized potential offensively, with decent power. I would think he should consider winter ball to try to find himself and so he will make the team and be more productive next season. Young is a logical utility outfielder. Swihart is one of those good athletes who can hit and can play multiple positions (OF,C and possibly 1st). Like you, I believe Sam Travis starts next year in the minors. I do not believe Sandoval will make it back, but stranger things have happened.

 

A lot will depend upon which players the FO feels they need to use a trade bait to get additional relief pitching. I have been on the side of using a DH who can also play in the field if necessary. I am against bringing in an ageing star to fill the role of DH as such a move would no doubt result in another big contract with at least 4 years duration and would probably only have a marginal impact on production at best.

 

As an aside and not to disparage Sabermetics, horse racing is a sport that features perhaps the most information about past performances. The horses in todays races don't conform to past performances all that often. Ageing and a host of other influences get in the way. To pick an ageing player to come into an organization and make a positive impact one has to put rose colored glasses on and hope for the best.

 

I hit the wrong button so needed words to post

[Emp9]

HanRam at DH vs RHPs/Young vs LHPs.

 

HanRam at 1B vs LHPs.

 

Shaw at 1B vs RHPs.

 

Pablo as the wild card at DH or 1B.

 

Swihart probably has a better chance at playing 1B than Holt.

 

Sam Travis may not be ready by opening day.

 

I'd be real surprised if we see Sam Travis next season at all.

 

I cld see trading both Shaw & Holt for BP help. I'd like to keep Shaw over Holt if possible. Maybe we sign a FA RP & trade for one as well (along w/ the possibilty of re-signing one of Ziegler, Koji, or Taz).

 

Our rotation looks decent still, and I always envisioned that if we trade Swihart it wld be for a bigger get than a mere BP arm. There shouldn't be any rush making a trade involving Swihart now. We should let teams come to us about him, not the other way around.

[oldtimer]

I'd be real surprised if we see Sam Travis next season at all.

 

I cld see trading both Shaw & Holt for BP help. I'd like to keep Shaw over Holt if possible. Maybe we sign a FA RP & trade for one as well (along w/ the possibilty of re-signing one of Ziegler, Koji, or Taz).

 

Our rotation looks decent still, and I always envisioned that if we trade Swihart it wld be for a bigger get than a mere BP arm. There shouldn't be any rush making a trade involving Swihart now. We should let teams come to us about him, not the other way around.

 

While Koji has done an admirable job for us over the years, he is now old enough such that he probably cannot stand up to the rigors of a season or even a short period. I hope he retires for the sake of his own reputation as he will probably be ineffective. Tazawa has been overused and appears to have a tired arm late in the season. He still probably can be effective but if resigned should be used less frequently. Could we afford for one of our 7 relief pitches to be shielded in that way? Ziegler is still effective but he is a FA himself and is 38. I would hate to invest a lot in $ and years at his age.

 

Our 7 BP pitchers will include Kimbrel, Robbie Ross and probably Kelly and Abad. Beyond that, there are quite a few internal possibilities, but no givens that can be said to be locks. Moonslav put out a nice list of possibles. My guess is we go after at least two as upgrades to the staff, one being a long reliever. Buchholt is in the running for that and as a backup starter, but the FO needs to keep an open mind going forward.

 

I also would be reluctant to trade Swihart, instead, I would look for a home for him on the team.

[moonslav59]

Hanley has shown more offensive capability recently but Shaw is a better defensive first baseman. With his contract, Hanley is very likely going to remain in the lineup next season, we could do worse. Shaw seems to have unrealized potential offensively, with decent power. I would think he should consider winter ball to try to find himself and so he will make the team and be more productive next season. Young is a logical utility outfielder. Swihart is one of those good athletes who can hit and can play multiple positions (OF,C and possibly 1st). Like you, I believe Sam Travis starts next year in the minors. I do not believe Sandoval will make it back, but stranger things have happened.

 

A lot will depend upon which players the FO feels they need to use a trade bait to get additional relief pitching. I have been on the side of using a DH who can also play in the field if necessary. I am against bringing in an ageing star to fill the role of DH as such a move would no doubt result in another big contract with at least 4 years duration and would probably only have a marginal impact on production at best.

 

As an aside and not to disparage Sabermetics, horse racing is a sport that features perhaps the most information about past performances. The horses in todays races don't conform to past performances all that often. Ageing and a host of other influences get in the way. To pick an ageing player to come into an organization and make a positive impact one has to put rose colored glasses on and hope for the best.

 

Well said and nice analogy.

 

I doubt we trade a corner IF/er, until we find out who is going to stick. Besides, none have trade value high enough to get anything very special in return, except maybe Swihart and Sam Travis.

 

I have suggested trading Swihart many times, but this winter might not be the best time stock value-wise and because we don't really know if Leon is for real or if Vazquez will ever hit over .600 consistently.

 

I think we end up trading Holt and Owens for a good RP'er and then sign a very good RP'er.

 

[moonslav59]

I'd be real surprised if we see Sam Travis next season at all.

 

I cld see trading both Shaw & Holt for BP help. I'd like to keep Shaw over Holt if possible. Maybe we sign a FA RP & trade for one as well (along w/ the possibilty of re-signing one of Ziegler, Koji, or Taz).

 

Our rotation looks decent still, and I always envisioned that if we trade Swihart it wld be for a bigger get than a mere BP arm. There shouldn't be any rush making a trade involving Swihart now. We should let teams come to us about him, not the other way around.

 

If we trade Holt (and I think we should), we should keep Swihart & Shaw, since Swi can play LF and eventually 1B. His value as a 3rd catcher is also a big plus, especially, if we end up having to PH for Vazquez often.

 

Sam Travis may take a long time to get back on track, so I agree, we should not count on him at all for 2017. I'm not counting on Pablo either, but I'm not counting him out either.

 

I think the line-up I suggested keeps everyone playing enough to be happy and gets the best out of Shaw and Young by platooning them.

 

Young at DH vs LHPs. He can spell OF'ers when they need a rest vs RHPs (Betts & Beni) or LHPs (JBJ).

 

HanRam DHs vs RHPs and plays 1B vs LHPs.

 

Shaw plays 1B vs RHPs only. He may play 3B when Moncada needs a break.

 

Moncada plays 3B pretty much FT, but if he struggles vs LHPs, we could use Hernandez or Shaw, if he shows he can hit lefties again.

 

 

Pablo is the wild card, but even if he makes it, I see him basically playing only vs RHPs. With Pablo playing, it might look like this:

 

3B: Moncada (Pablo/Shaw/Hernandez in reserve)

 

1B: HanRam (Shaw playing some vs RHPs)

 

DH: Pablo vs RHPs/Young vs LHPs (HanRam playing some vs RHPs)

[moonslav59]

While Koji has done an admirable job for us over the years, he is now old enough such that he probably cannot stand up to the rigors of a season or even a short period. I hope he retires for the sake of his own reputation as he will probably be ineffective. Tazawa has been overused and appears to have a tired arm late in the season. He still probably can be effective but if resigned should be used less frequently. Could we afford for one of our 7 relief pitches to be shielded in that way? Ziegler is still effective but he is a FA himself and is 38. I would hate to invest a lot in $ and years at his age.

 

Our 7 BP pitchers will include Kimbrel, Robbie Ross and probably Kelly and Abad. Beyond that, there are quite a few internal possibilities, but no givens that can be said to be locks. Moonslav put out a nice list of possibles. My guess is we go after at least two as upgrades to the staff, one being a long reliever. Buchholt is in the running for that and as a backup starter, but the FO needs to keep an open mind going forward.

 

I also would be reluctant to trade Swihart, instead, I would look for a home for him on the team.

 

Ziegler is the only one I'd kick the tires on, but he probably wants to retire out west, and I'm not sure I'd out bid everyone for him either.

 

Let's start fresh next year. I respect what Koji and Taz have done for us, but it's time to move on.

 

I agree on the 4 you named, but you left out Carson Smith. That's 5, but I'm not sure Abad has a lock on a slot. I see it this way:

 

RP1: Kimbrel

RP2: _______

RP3: Smith

RP4: _______

RP5: Kelly

RP6: Ross

RP7: One from- Abad, Barnes, Hembree, Elias, Scott, Owens, Johnson

 

[Hugh2]

I agree on Koji, I'm hoping his time off and rehab will be enough to recharge him to finish off the season strong and help this team to a WS!!!! I also hope it doesn't fool the Sox into another contract. There are a few guys on the market this year I wouldn't mind picking up one of the more polished arms (including Chapman) and even keeping Zeigler. With Smith coming back the bullpen could look very strong.

 

A Kimbrel/Chapman/Smith bullpen would be pretty sick, and I expect the rotation to be stronger next year as well.

[Emp9]

I agree on Koji, I'm hoping his time off and rehab will be enough to recharge him to finish off the season strong and help this team to a WS!!!! I also hope it doesn't fool the Sox into another contract. There are a few guys on the market this year I wouldn't mind picking up one of the more polished arms (including Chapman) and even keeping Zeigler. With Smith coming back the bullpen could look very strong.

 

A Kimbrel/Chapman/Smith bullpen would be pretty sick, and I expect the rotation to be stronger next year as well.

 

Even w/ the risk of having somewhat of a Closer Controversy... I'd still like to go after a closer off the FA List. Injuries happen, decline happens... I'd be nice to have a set-up guy who's proven he can close out a game if needed

[Hugh2]

Even w/ the risk of having somewhat of a Closer Controversy... I'd still like to go after a closer off the FA List. Injuries happen, decline happens... I'd be nice to have a set-up guy who's proven he can close out a game if needed

 

I got no problem going after either Chapman or Jansen, then after the big name revert back to bring in a bunch of guys and see who sticks. I also would not be surprised to see a guy like Barnes take a step forward next year.

[Emp9]

Shaw for LF... interesting.

[moonslav59]

The problem with signing Jansen or Chapman is that they'd want to be assured of being the closer. I'd be happy doing that, but Kimbrel wouldn't. He'd demand a trade the next day.

[moonslav59]

Shaw for LF... interesting.

 

Huh?