The Benintendi Thread

[sk7326]

 

It was definitely a risk, but there was some merit to it. Sizemore had far more experience and was a very good player for years. Also, in hindsight, Sizemore had a better year in 2014 than Bradley, although they were both bad that year.

 

Sizemore's body was being held together by duct tape. He was the best player in the American league - in 2007. Bringing him as an extra guy made sense - to be an everyday CF in any form was not.

[greenwell]

 

Sizemore's body was being held together by duct tape. He was the best player in the American league - in 2007. Bringing him as an extra guy made sense - to be an everyday CF in any form was not.

 

I looked at it differently. They didn't sign him to be a fourth outfielder. It was a low money contract knowing that he could bust, but if he returned to form it would have been a huge signing. He played well enough in spring training and more importantly seemed healthy. Finding out from the start of the season what he could give them seemed like a good call to me. It turned out being a moot point due to the Victorino injury.

[Jack Flap]

In 2014-15, in a combined 677 PA's (about a full, healthy season's worth), Sizemore hit .242/.303/.366 with 36 2B, 4 3B, 11 HR, 60 RBI, and 9 SB... which is kind of remarkable, given his numerous major injuries and how long he had been out of action. Expecting him to recapture his pre-injury superstar form was always a fantasy, but I'm glad he got another chance to play, and I'm sure he is as well. Edited August 4, 2016 by Jack Flap

[Nick]

 

I looked at it differently. They didn't sign him to be a fourth outfielder. It was a low money contract knowing that he could bust, but if he returned to form it would have been a huge signing. He played well enough in spring training and more importantly seemed healthy. Finding out from the start of the season what he could give them seemed like a good call to me. It turned out being a moot point due to the Victorino injury.

 

My only issue at the time was that he was blocking someone from playing time......Sox always did this under Theo and Ben...looking for bargain and throwing away money....just go ask the Baltimore manager...Buck will tell you...he loves beating luxury tax teams.

[Bellhorn04]

 

My only issue at the time was that he was blocking someone from playing time......Sox always did this under Theo and Ben...looking for bargain and throwing away money....just go ask the Baltimore manager...Buck will tell you...he loves beating luxury tax teams.

 

All well and good but at least Theo and Ben have 3 rings combined...Buck hasn't even been to a World Series yet.

[SoxnCycles]

 

All well and good but at least Theo and Ben have 3 rings combined...Buck hasn't even been to a World Series yet.

 

That's because Buck is a giving sort of guy and gave up-and-coming teams to other managers so they could win.

 

He's all heart!

[Nick]

 

All well and good but at least Theo and Ben have 3 rings combined...Buck hasn't even been to a World Series yet.

 

His best moments are when he beats us or the Yankees.....he forgets the big picture....

[a700hitter]

 

His best moments are when he beats us or the Yankees.....he forgets the big picture....

That is his World Series. LOL!!!

[Jack Flap]

 

My only issue at the time was that he was blocking someone from playing time......Sox always did this under Theo and Ben...looking for bargain and throwing away money....just go ask the Baltimore manager...Buck will tell you...he loves beating luxury tax teams.

 

Sizemore wasn't blocking anyone better in 2014... I think maybe people are forgetting how bad that lineup was, particularly the outfield.

[Nick]

 

Sizemore wasn't blocking anyone better in 2014... I think maybe people are forgetting how bad that lineup was, particularly the outfield.

 

Hey don't bring up facts to counter my silly posts....lol

[moonslav59]

Here's something from MLBTRs....

 

By Steve Adams | August 4, 2016 at 9:15am CDT

 

Top Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada may not quite be ready to follow Andrew Benintendi to the majors, but GM Mike Hazen says he is playing his way into the team’s near-term plans, as Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald writes. Moncada’s big numbers at Double-A have prompted a move to third base, where he could play at the big league level in relatively short order. Hazen analogized the situation to that of Mookie Betts, who also shifted off of second base — in his case, to the outfield — because he was ready to play but was blocked by stalwart Dustin Pedroia. As for timing of a big league promotion, Hazen declined to offer an opinion, but did note that Moncada has had a very different path to this point than did Benintendi. Also, as Mastrodonato notes, he needs to polish his hitting approach and refine his mechanics from both sides of the plate

 

Seems like my suggestion was not as "silly" as some thought it was.

 

Sometimes "normal" protocol takes a back seat when a prospect nears ML readiness with the bat but is blocked in the field.

 

[southpaw777]

Here's something from MLBTRs....

 

By Steve Adams | August 4, 2016 at 9:15am CDT

 

Top Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada may not quite be ready to follow Andrew Benintendi to the majors, but GM Mike Hazen says he is playing his way into the team’s near-term plans, as Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald writes. Moncada’s big numbers at Double-A have prompted a move to third base, where he could play at the big league level in relatively short order. Hazen analogized the situation to that of Mookie Betts, who also shifted off of second base — in his case, to the outfield — because he was ready to play but was blocked by stalwart Dustin Pedroia. As for timing of a big league promotion, Hazen declined to offer an opinion, but did note that Moncada has had a very different path to this point than did Benintendi. Also, as Mastrodonato notes, he needs to polish his hitting approach and refine his mechanics from both sides of the plate

 

Seems like my suggestion was not as "silly" as some thought it was.

 

Sometimes "normal" protocol takes a back seat when a prospect nears ML readiness with the bat but is blocked in the field.

 

 

What was your suggestion? He may get a sept callup, MAYBE. We could def see him next year at some point if his D at 3b gets better and he cam clean up his approach at the plate a bit...hes still a bit raw, but certainly could be in Boston next year fulltime...just have to lose the fat man at 3b...

[User Name]

Everyone here has been in agreement that Benintendi (who got rushed) and Moncada may get a September callup. What exactly are you tooting your horn about moon?

[Nick]

Everyone here has been in agreement that Benintendi (who got rushed) and Moncada may get a September callup. What exactly are you tooting your horn about moon?

 

It remains to be seen if Benintendi was rushed. Management thought he's ready but this is the same bunch that thought Holt is a major league starting left fielder.

[User Name]

In fairness, it was by need rather than design.

[Bellhorn04]

It remains to be seen if Benintendi was rushed. Management thought he's ready but this is the same bunch that thought Holt is a major league starting left fielder.

 

Don't forget that they invested $73 million in Castillo, and he was supposed to be in the outfield. When he couldn't cut it they turned to a platoon of Holt and Young. Holt was certainly not Plan A nor was he intended to be the everyday guy.

[Nick]

In fairness, it was by need rather than design.

 

I agree....

[mvp 78]

In fairness, it was by need rather than design.

 

Such a need that they are having him sit on the bench.

[sk7326]

 

Sizemore wasn't blocking anyone better in 2014... I think maybe people are forgetting how bad that lineup was, particularly the outfield.

 

The guys he was blocking needed reps - and they gave him the job due to his performance in spring, which is basically nuts

[mvp 78]

The guys he was blocking needed reps - and they gave him the job due to his performance in spring, which is basically nuts

 

Who was Sizemore blocking?

[sk7326]

Who was Sizemore blocking?

 

As it turned out nobody - since Victorino got hurt.

 

Here is what I saw then - the org let Ellsbury walk because they thought Bradley was ready for a full time ride. Sizemore, a former MVP candidate whose body had been falling apart limb by limb was available for a test drive. He had a really good spring and suddenly he was the starting CF. Bradley had a pretty rough one. There was a lot of irrational exuberance over Sizemore. Organizationally, they did not necessarily display the strong hands you need while kids figure out their thing. Guys like Bradley and Bogaerts weren't going to learn anything more at AAA - the adjustments needed had to take place in the Show.

[oldtimer]

Maybe its time to morph this thread into is it time to call up Moncada. I'd start it but have no strong opinion or point to make. Last night showed that our lineup was weakened without Ortiz and Rameriz though, so maybe another bat to choose from would be welcome.

[User Name]

Such a need that they are having him sit on the bench.

 

You're talking about Benintendi, I was referring to Holt at the beginning of the season.

[sk7326]

Maybe its time to morph this thread into is it time to call up Moncada. I'd start it but have no strong opinion or point to make. Last night showed that our lineup was weakened without Ortiz and Rameriz though, so maybe another bat to choose from would be welcome.

 

I think it is somewhat moot. He will almost certainly be a September callup. And because of their guys on the DL (Sandoval, Smith, Rutledge) Moncada can be added to playoff roster without worrying about the August 31 deadline. Sox can take their time there.

[Nick]

We need a legit power bat in the line up. We can't muddle through AL East without one.....We do need to attempt to replace Ortiz (yeah, yeah, no one can replace him). Get someone as close to.

[mvp 78]

You're talking about Benintendi, I was referring to Holt at the beginning of the season.

 

Was Holt starting last night? Nope.

 

Check mate atheists...

[sk7326]

Well Benintendi and Brentz are the platoon until Young gets back ... which seems reasonable. Platoons at LF/3B best way forward for now until we know more about the Hanley thing.

[mvp 78]

Well Benintendi and Brentz are the platoon until Young gets back ... which seems reasonable. Platoons at LF/3B best way forward for now until we know more about the Hanley thing.

 

Why not just play Beni everyday? You could sit him against really tough lefties, but he does have a reverse split in the minors.

[illinoisredsox]

Maybe its time to morph this thread into is it time to call up Moncada. I'd start it but have no strong opinion or point to make. Last night showed that our lineup was weakened without Ortiz and Rameriz though, so maybe another bat to choose from would be welcome.

 

What weakened line-up? Ramirez couldn't play obviously, but Ortiz hit 3rd and went 1-5. You can discuss whether Brentz or Bebintendi should have started in left, but they went with Brentz, who went 1-2 before giving way to Holt (who drove home the game winner in the 11th). Shaw started at 1st in place of Hanley and had a homer and a couple hits.

[sk7326]

Why not just play Beni everyday? You could sit him against really tough lefties, but he does have a reverse split in the minors.

 

It's his third day on the job - I am okay with him being broken in gently - more to the point I am withholding judgment on these sorts of things for a little bit. If he is mothballed for the entire Dodgers series then eyebrows will be raised. I do agree with you - at least until Young returns (because Young is a proven lefty masher).