The Benintendi Thread

[southpaw777]

I heard he had bad reads and angles, but was able to make up for it with his athleticism. Also, SMALL SAMPLE SIZE ALERT. He could be perfectly fine out there. Honestly, we won't know until we see it over the course of a month or so.

 

Same with Ells...had some bad reads when he first came up, but his speed and athletecism made up for it...he eventually adjusted and had better reads, which im guessing the same for Benni...

[southpaw777]

Can someone tell me the last prospect that did well for the sox coming up from double A?

 

Not sure, but it really doesnt matter in this situation? These moves are on a case by case basis.

My guess is they would put him in AAA if there wasnt a need and bring him up in sept. But since our LF is a mess theres no reason Benni shouldnt get a shot with the way hes moved through the minors, as a LOT of scouts predicted.

[S5Dewey]

And here's yet another wrinkle. He's played a total of 4 games in front of the LF wall in Portland.

 

I don't like this and here's why in a nutshell. Or at least as much of a nutshell as someone as verbose as I am can can put it.

 

This team is in the midst of a 3 team pennant race where the difference between making the playoffs and missing them could very well be one game.

 

I see him as having a "transitionary period" both offensively and defensively, during which he may very well be worse than the players we're currently running out there. (Sorry but it's true). In a best case scenario he could be better than the players he's replacing are by September 1, but I see a very real possibility that this experiment in August could very well cost us a playoff spot at the end of September.

[jonnylongfella]

He has certainly not "dominated" the minors as some have suggested. He's done a nice job of making adjustments and that's what you hope for.

 

Having seen him play in person, and I definitely hope I'm wrong about this, he just doesn't seem like an elite level/phenom type of player based on the eye test. Guess we will see. Now Moncada.....he has the look and feel of a superstar. He just separates himself from everyone else on the field when you see him. It's pretty amazing.

 

Look at the challenges Alex Bregman has had since being called up by the Astros. He's 1 for his first 28 with only 2 walks, but he was mashing at a much higher clip in the minors at both AA and AAA. Granted, every player is different, but they do have similar pedigrees.

Edited August 2, 2016 by jonnylongfella

[southpaw777]

I like that they try to bring the kids up on the road...sucks its the WC, but less pressure than Boston

[SoxnCycles]

I like that they try to bring the kids up on the road...sucks its the WC, but less pressure than Boston

 

Yup, it's probably not a coincidence.

[Spudboy]

Who are these "most scouts" you're talking about? Most guys I've talked to have said that every player is different and promotions need to be handled on a case-to-case basis. Pitch selection and quality in AA is still not the same as MLB. If a guy can't handle certain breaking stuff, it usually doesn't show in AA where it's still a very fastball-heavy league.

 

Stop with the actual knowledge already. You are killing all the fun!

[southpaw777]

And here's yet another wrinkle. He's played a total of 4 games in front of the LF wall in Portland.

 

I don't like this and here's why in a nutshell. Or at least as much of a nutshell as someone as verbose as I am can can put it.

 

This team is in the midst of a 3 team pennant race where the difference between making the playoffs and missing them could very well be one game.

 

I see him as having a "transitionary period" both offensively and defensively, during which he may very well be worse than the players we're currently running out there. (Sorry but it's true). In a best case scenario he could be better than the players he's replacing are by September 1, but I see a very real possibility that this experiment in August could very well cost us a playoff spot at the end of September.

 

And once again, with the lack of production and poor defense in LF what difference is a possible adjustment period going to make if much at all? We have one of the best offenses in the game and shoild be able to handle it....

Edited August 2, 2016 by southpaw777

[cp176]

He has certainly not "dominated" the minors as some have suggested. He's done a nice job of making adjustments and that's what you hope for.

 

Having seen him play in person, and I definitely hope I'm wrong about this, he just doesn't seem like an elite level/phenom type of player based on the eye test. Guess we will see. Now Moncada.....he has the look and feel of a superstar. He just separates himself from everyone else on the field when you see him. It's pretty amazing.

 

Look at the challenges Alex Bregman has had since being called up by the Astros. He's 1 for his first 28 with only 2 walks, but he was mashing at a much higher clip in the minors at both AA and AAA. Granted, every player is different, but they do have similar pedigrees.

 

You and I have seen and said the same things. I hope that we are wrong.

[southpaw777]

948

1.011

976

And since his small 5 game adjustment period in AA

920 OPS

 

Seems pretty dominant to me...

 

K/BB ratios are outstanding

Has great Mental makeup and baseball smarts

Ill stick with saying hes been dominant in the minors so far

Edited August 2, 2016 by southpaw777

[Jack Flap]

I'd say he has "dominated" AA since June 1st (.316/.382/.574) after struggling for about half a month upon his initial call-up. Whether that makes him ready for the majors is a different question...and one that no one here is really qualified to answer.

[Spudboy]

He has certainly not "dominated" the minors as some have suggested. He's done a nice job of making adjustments and that's what you hope for.

Having seen him play in person, and I definitely hope I'm wrong about this, he just doesn't seem like an elite level/phenom type of player based on the eye test. Guess we will see. Now Moncada.....he has the look and feel of a superstar. He just separates himself from everyone else on the field when you see him. It's pretty amazing.

 

Look at the challenges Alex Bregman has had since being called up by the Astros. He's 1 for his first 28 with only 2 walks, but he was mashing at a much higher clip in the minors at both AA and AAA. Granted, every player is different, but they do have similar pedigrees.

 

You are one of ONLY two people here that have seen him play live. I value your opinion.

[southpaw777]

I'd say he has "dominated" AA since June 1st (.316/.382/.574) after struggling for about half a month upon his initial call-up. Whether that makes him ready for the majors is a different question...and one that no one here is really qualified to answer.

 

Agree..i have no idea how he will do in Boston. Im going on what ive seen on the internet and live and things ive heard from the people that matter so far. Im expecting an adjustment period, but im also putting my money on the kid being successful and quite capable of making the needed adjustments.

Edited August 2, 2016 by southpaw777

[mvp 78]

I think it's more due to the fact that they didn't get a LF yesterday at the deadline.

[Jack Flap]

He has certainly not "dominated" the minors as some have suggested. He's done a nice job of making adjustments and that's what you hope for.

 

Having seen him play in person, and I definitely hope I'm wrong about this, he just doesn't seem like an elite level/phenom type of player based on the eye test. Guess we will see. Now Moncada.....he has the look and feel of a superstar. He just separates himself from everyone else on the field when you see him. It's pretty amazing.

 

Look at the challenges Alex Bregman has had since being called up by the Astros. He's 1 for his first 28 with only 2 walks, but he was mashing at a much higher clip in the minors at both AA and AAA. Granted, every player is different, but they do have similar pedigrees.

 

The link from Soxprospects that I posted earlier talks about how he lacks the elite upside of a Bogaerts, Betts, or Moncada and should be more of a solid starting player who could make some AS teams in his peak years. He doesn't have to be a superstar to be a really valuable player, so hopefully no one is expecting that (and definitely not right out of the gate).

[mvp 78]

You are one of ONLY two people here that have seen him play live. I value your opinion.

 

No, actually seeing a guy play doesn't matter anymore.

[southpaw777]

I think it's more due to the fact that they didn't get a LF yesterday at the deadline.

 

Probably a bit of both as they do usually try to do this on the road, but just happened that they didnt get someone at the dealine while on a roadtrip...

[mvp 78]

The link from Soxprospects that I posted earlier talks about how he lacks the elite upside of a Bogaerts, Betts, or Moncada and should be more of a solid starting player who could make some AS teams in his peak years. He doesn't have to be a superstar to be a really valuable player, so hopefully no one is expecting that (and definitely not right out of the gate).

 

I think people are expecting him to be an MVP guy though...

[jonnylongfella]

The link from Soxprospects that I posted earlier talks about how he lacks the elite upside of a Bogaerts, Betts, or Moncada and should be more of a solid starting player who could make some AS teams in his peak years. He doesn't have to be a superstar to be a really valuable player, so hopefully no one is expecting that (and definitely not right out of the gate).

 

I absolutely wouldn't complain about that one bit, and it seems reasonable. I was just trying to provide some objective insight and good old fashion intuition.

 

I just think people need to temper expectations. I get the excitement, but I just don't think he's going to be anything close to a MVP type talent.

[southpaw777]

I think people are expecting him to be an MVP guy though...

 

some may be, but they shouldnt count on it right away. They should expect a learning curve and adjustment period. It may not be much of one, but its still very possible....

I really like the kid and think he will shine. Maybe not right off the bat, but when all is said and done hes going to be a solid MLB ballplayer..

[a700hitter]

It was a far fetched thought. The move reeks of desperation and could backfire horribly like it did with Conforto. Hopefully that doesn't happen.

Conforto was a big contributor to the Mets 2015 World Series team. I wouldn't say that his promotion backfired. The kid came out smoking in his first season. This year he got bit by the Sophomore Slump -- pitchers adjusted to him, he didn't make adjustments and he fell into some bad habits. He went to the minors and is back.

[Jack Flap]

I think people are expecting him to be an MVP guy though...

 

Maybe some people are, but that's kind of silly.

 

Of course, no one ever thought Mookie would be an elite player in the major leagues until, suddenly, he was. Letting these kids play and finding out what they turn into is half the fun.

[jonnylongfella]

Now that I think about it (and I can't believe it didn't dawn on me before now), Benintendi reminds me very much of Mike Greenwell, both in stature and skillset.

 

If he turns out to be anything close to poor man's Greenwell, I will be pleased, as he was one heck of a player for us in the 80's and 90's.

[a700hitter]

Now that I think about it (and I can't believe it didn't dawn on me before now), Benintendi reminds me very much of Mike Greenwell, both in stature and skillset.

 

If he turns out to be anything close to poor man's Greenwell, I will be pleased, as he was one heck of a player for us in the 80's and 90's.

I think people will be surprised to see just how small Benintendi is.

 

I always can't remember why Greenwell's career ended so abruptly at age 32-33. He was still producing fairly well offensively.

[User Name]

Conforto was a big contributor to the Mets 2015 World Series team. I wouldn't say that his promotion backfired. The kid came out smoking in his first season. This year he got bit by the Sophomore Slump -- pitchers adjusted to him, he didn't make adjustments and he fell into some bad habits. He went to the minors and is back.

 

His lack of capacity to adjust to adversity is exactly what I'm talking about. Benintendi is not just going to be here for the rest of this year. They have six seasons of controls over him.

[Emp9]

In light of what Texas traded away for Beltran, Dillon Tate #4th overall 2015 draft (Benintendi went #7th btw), plus a few more prospects to the Yanks. Yikes. Then consider Beni's floor which shouldn't be too far away from what we've had most of the season in LF anyway, not to mention his potential ceiling. I'm not sure what to expect from Beni, but he's earned a cup of coffee. And I think it's the best option we have, no matter what the immediate outcome is.

[Foe-Jarmer]

I kinda like this move. A case could be made that they are rushing him. but what's the harm in letting him see MLB action? its not like he's taking time away from someone who is going to give us more production than him. At least not until our LF gets healthy. Worst case, he struggles and we send him back down but at least he's got that experience now. I'm sure there will be growing pains but at the same time they might be lessened by having other super young guys who flew through the system like Betts, Bogaerts and JBJ there with him since they all went through the same thing with varying degrees of success.

[d-money]

I saw a comparison to Kole Calhoun from the angels.

[mvp 78]

In light of what Texas traded away for Beltran, Dillon Tate #4th overall 2015 draft (Benintendi went #7th btw), plus a few more prospects to the Yanks. Yikes. Then consider Beni's floor which shouldn't be too far away from what we've had most of the season in LF anyway, not to mention his potential ceiling. I'm not sure what to expect from Beni, but he's earned a cup of coffee. And I think it's the best option we have, no matter what the immediate outcome is.

 

His floor is probably less than what Chris Young could provide upon return. He has a great chance to be better, but we just don't know.

[Emp9]

His floor is probably less than what Chris Young could provide upon return. He has a great chance to be better, but we just don't know.

 

Maybe. There's a possibility Young could also struggle when he returns.