The Benintendi Thread

[southpaw777]

With all the injuries, and now Holt down with a bad ankle sprain that required a walking boot, should the Sox consider the LHH?

If Holt is going to be out for a bit, then I say go for it. If hes not, then Id still consider a fast track to Boston this year. Hes already batting almost 300 (288) after a small adustment period where he was struggling his first week.

Since june 1st hes batted 315 379. 557

Put him in AAA and fast track him like Betts. This kid is a ballplayer. Enough with the injured platoon players in LF. Benni should be our Lfer before the season is out.

Thoughts?

[Nick]

We have nothing to lose.

 

One poster mentioned using up one of his options. I just don't see that as a major problem. He's a high level player and if runs out up options then it simply means everyone was wrong about him. He was accomplished college player. He was born to hit.

 

Another mentioned we'd lose out on precious team control year. But the price we'd pay for that is much less than prospects we may need to give up in order to strengthen the team this year for pennant run. It's just money and we can afford it oppose to paying 'high' with prospects.

 

With everything I read about him he has the mental fortitude to withstand setbacks. If he falters, send him back down. He'll work his way back.

 

People on board talk about doing everything possible in Ortiz' final year to get us into the playoffs. Bringing up Benintendi? As Bluto said in Animal House, it don't cost nothin'!

[southpaw777]

We have nothing to lose.

 

One poster mentioned using up one of his options. I just don't see that as a major problem. He's a high level player and if runs out up options then it simply means everyone was wrong about him. He was accomplished college player. He was born to hit.

 

Another mentioned we'd lose out on precious team control year. But the price we'd pay for that is much less than prospects we may need to give up in order to strengthen the team this year for pennant run. It's just money and we can afford it oppose to paying 'high' with prospects.

 

With everything I read about him he has the mental fortitude to withstand setbacks. If he falters, send him back down. He'll work his way back.

 

People on board talk about doing everything possible in Ortiz' final year to get us into the playoffs. Bringing up Benintendi? As Bluto said in Animal House, it don't cost nothin'!

 

Depending on sevice time, he may not blow an option. Regardless, once the kid comes up hes probably not going back down so it really wouldnt matter.

Were not the Rays, so I agree about letting his MLB clock start. We can afford to pay these guys if need be.

The kid is a pure ballplayer and will be a perrenial all star IMHO. Bring up Benni!!!

[Kimmi]

As I just posted in another thread, I don't think he should be called up unless the situation becomes dire. We are not at that point.

 

He may very well be able to handle it, but there are valid reasons for not rushing him, all of which have been posted elsewhere.

[Emp9]

I can see him as a Sept Call-up. I think that would take any undue pressure off him and may help him in the long run to see what adjustments he may need to make.

[NativeBostonian]

It's not that dire yet. Don't rush him.

[Nick]

You guys don't think it's dire yet? Holt is hurt and he's injury prone. Go with Bryce with no back up?

 

You guys see a different team. We look awful thin to me even after the Hill acquisition. I guess we can put Shaw in LF.

[S5Dewey]

You guys don't think it's dire yet? Holt is hurt and he's injury prone. Go with Bryce with no back up?

 

You guys see a different team. We look awful thin to me even after the Hill acquisition. I guess we can put Shaw in LF.

 

I agree. We do look thin but it's only for a couple of days. Not bringing him up is a gamble I'm willing to take. But why is it all about Benny to fill that spot? There must be someone else in Pawtucket who can fill a spot in an emergency and catch fly balls, even if he's a dead spot in the order.

[Spudboy]

I agree. We do look thin but it's only for a couple of days. Not bringing him up is a gamble I'm willing to take. But why is it all about Benny to fill that spot? There must be someone else in Pawtucket who can fill a spot in an emergency and catch fly balls, even if he's a dead spot in the order.

 

Brentz is here and Chris Merrero is playing solid ball with pop. A AAAA type, but probably a serviceable sub for a short stint.

[a700hitter]

I'd love to see Benintendi come up. As a fan, I'd like to see it. I don't care about options and years of control. I just like to see talented players. I am curious to see what all the fuss is about this kid's bat. If he can cut it at the big league level, it would be great to see. If not, send him back down.

[Nick]

Don't we need to send someone down today? We have 26 players by my count. 27 if you bring up OF reinforcement.

[Emp9]

Don't we need to send someone down today? We have 26 players by my count. 27 if you bring up OF reinforcement.

 

They moved Swihart to the 60DL to make room

[Nick]

Everyone here makes a great point why Benintendi should not be brought up. And you guys are right of course.

 

The team is in a weird position. It's an imperfect team capable of getting into the plaoffs and doing some damage. If everyone was healthy you'd have have the super sub in Holt who'd be in the lineup everyday for someone in addition to LF duties. You also have Hill relieving Shaw at 3B. Maybe loading up with left handed bats with Holt, Swihart and Shaw at 1B, LF and 3B. Or Young, Hill and Ramirez against a lefty.

 

I suppose everyone just needs to get healthy and position depth looks pretty good and won't need Benintendi anytime soon.

 

Future looks pretty good.

Edited July 9, 2016 by Nick

[Nick]

They moved Swihart to the 60DL to make room

 

I'm actually talking about the 25 man and not the 40 man.

13 pitchers now...9 position starters plus Hill, Bryce, Hanigan and Hernadez....26 no?

[Emp9]

I'm actually talking about the 25 man and not the 40 man.

13 pitchers now...9 position starters plus Hill, Bryce, Hanigan and Hernadez....26 no?

 

Right. I'm thinking Holt then?

[jacksonianmarch]

Benintendi struggled upon promotion to AA and then got hot. He has one more level to conquer. And those not worried about burning an option yr need only look at your all star CFer. He's burned them all before he took at the big league level. Don't call the kid up until he's ready

[Nick]

Well I guess it's Kimbrel off the 25 man roster.......we really need Kelly to step up on his return.

[moonslav59]

Many teams have multiple injuries; here's the list of our guys currently on the DL:

Kimbrel

C Smith

Sandoval

Swihart

Young

Rutledge

Workman

 

Holt just got back. HanRam looked very hurt last night.

 

[Hugh2]

Whats the worst that could happen?

 

You completely screw up a guys development and screw with him for a year plus. This guy just got to AA, I don't care how well he's hitting there you don't take a guy who just got out of A ball and look at his slash line and immediately think he must be ready and should be called up to the big club. Thank god front offices don't think like that.

 

I placing my wagers right now that the only way we see Benintendi this year before September 1st is if he's really pushing it in the minors AND one of JBJ/Betts goes down.

[a700hitter]

I am a fan. I don't work for the FO, but if they brought him up, I would be interested in seeing him. I also would expect the FO to do its job and not bring him up until he was ready so he didn't get all screwed up. But then again after the unethical, borderline criminal activity engaged in by the FO in the DR, I guess you can't count on them to do the right thing.

[Hugh2]

I am a fan. I don't work for the FO, but if they brought him up, I would be interested in seeing him. I also would expect the FO to do its job and not bring him up until he was ready so he didn't get all screwed up. But then again after the unethical, borderline criminal activity engaged in by the FO in the DR, I guess you can't count on them to do the right thing.

 

In terms of player development, I still trust their judgment. As I said before the only way I see Benintendi this year is if he really continues to hit and forces the issue. If he's still mashing the ball they might be comfortable moving him up to Pawtucket some time around July 31st, and if someone goes down in August and he's hitting in AAA it could happen. At this point I think it's more likely than not we don't see him.

 

I too would be interesting to see how he does, great prospects struggle often when they come up and it doesn't mean they aren't going to be great players E.G. Bogaerts and JBJ and sometimes guys pretty much hit the ground running too E.G. Ellsbury and Betts.

[mvp 78]

Bring him up in September. No need to rush this guy.

[sk7326]

only they know if he is ready - depends on the kid. But best player in best college baseball conference - him lighting up Single A was not a surprise. He has made the adjustment in Portland.

 

Like Betts, he has conquered everything they've thrown at him. We'll see if he gets promoted to AAA - which is worth seeing an adjustment, although AAA is a taxi squad as much as anything.

 

The precedent is there for high achieving college bats to move quickly.

[Nick]

Article from Providence Journal

 

"These are nice moves that have allowed Dombrowski to cross off two of the three needs that populated his July shopping list. He declared his bullpen "pretty well set" after the addition of Ziegler — even accounting for the loss of Craig Kimbrel for three to six weeks due to a meniscus tear in his left knee.

 

He prefers his handful of internal options for left field — which include the injured Chris Young and Blake Swihart along with Brock Holt and prospect Andrew Benintendi — over the external ones, shooting down the idea of improving the team's offense there via trade."

 

It sure doesn't sound like a pipe dream for Benintendi to reach Fenway if everyone keeps getting hurt.

 

"Reading between the lines, it would be a surprise if Dombrowski were willing to move Benintendi or Yoan Moncada — the team's top prospects and the closest ones to making a major-league impact. Dombrowski mentioned Saturday his long-standing willingness to skip Triple-A with his best prospects, and Benintendi seems like a consideration for left field as soon as this season."

 

For those of you that think he needs AAA experience.....nope

Edited July 10, 2016 by Nick

[southpaw777]

Article from Providence Journal

 

"These are nice moves that have allowed Dombrowski to cross off two of the three needs that populated his July shopping list. He declared his bullpen "pretty well set" after the addition of Ziegler — even accounting for the loss of Craig Kimbrel for three to six weeks due to a meniscus tear in his left knee.

 

He prefers his handful of internal options for left field — which include the injured Chris Young and Blake Swihart along with Brock Holt and prospect Andrew Benintendi — over the external ones, shooting down the idea of improving the team's offense there via trade."

 

It sure doesn't sound like a pipe dream for Benintendi to reach Fenway if everyone keeps getting hurt.

 

"Reading between the lines, it would be a surprise if Dombrowski were willing to move Benintendi or Yoan Moncada — the team's top prospects and the closest ones to making a major-league impact. Dombrowski mentioned Saturday his long-standing willingness to skip Triple-A with his best prospects, and Benintendi seems like a consideration for left field as soon as this season."

 

For those of you that think he needs AAA experience.....nope

 

Exactly...AAA is a pit stop to Boston. For those that think he would be hurting his development, think again. This kid is the real deal. Hes mashing AA pitching at 21 and is on a fast track to MLB.

Hes a college stud and as expected, by me anyway, he wont be in the minors long...

Why wait? We NEED a solid full time LFer...enough with the platoon AAAA types. DD knows what he has and I wouldnt be surprised if we see him in August some time, if not sooner.

Swihart is done for a while Holt has a walking boot youngs injury will be a while...Im sure Benni will be fine. Not so sure why others feel they should wait. ...im sure he can, and wants to be on the big stage. Im also pretty sure he can handle the mental aspect as well...

[moonslav59]

I don't think a player needs time at AAA to be "ready" for MLB. I don't want to rush Benintendi, but I'm not sure I agree with the idea that rushing a player can mess them up for over a year either.

 

I trust Sox management to know when he's ready.

 

The good thing is, his glove seems ready already.

[southpaw777]

The bat and glove are ready. And from all reports, hes got the right mentality to succeed at the MLB level... People forget that he went to a highly rated college baseball program, and had success. so he was ahead of a lot of kids his age. Dont be surprised to see him up in Boston soon...

Not saying its going to happen, but it shouldnt be a long shot like some believe.

[oldtimer]

With Swihart and Young both on the DL and now Holt in a walking boot, we are left with 3 outfielders, one of whom is Brentz. Benentendi is a kid that could fill in at LF and if he handles it, could stick. He also could play CF our RF since he is know to have good speed. The Red Sox need insurance, should any of our currently healthy outfielders go down.

[Spudboy]

With Swihart and Young both on the DL and now Holt in a walking boot, we are left with 3 outfielders, one of whom is Brentz. Benentendi is a kid that could fill in at LF and if he handles it, could stick. He also could play CF our RF since he is know to have good speed. The Red Sox need insurance, should any of our currently healthy outfielders go down.

 

They have AAAA Chris Merrero in Pawtucket. He is an International League All Star and has 16 dingers.

 

He is next in line, I bet.

[Kimmi]

You guys don't think it's dire yet? Holt is hurt and he's injury prone. Go with Bryce with no back up?

 

You guys see a different team. We look awful thin to me even after the Hill acquisition. I guess we can put Shaw in LF.

 

No, I don't think our situation is dire. Yes, we look thin, but at the moment, our thinness is not hurting us. We are tied for the first wildcard spot and 2 games back for the division lead. The team has been on a nice little run in July. That is not dire.

 

I have no doubt that if Farrell and Dombrowski feel that we need Benintendi, he will be called up. We are not at that point.