The Benintendi Thread

[sk7326]

Absolutely fair statement. I'll reserve judgment until we've had more time to see how this plays out.

 

That said, I was against bringing him up in the first place, unless our situation became dire, which it hasn't. I'm not saying that he can't handle it, just saying that I don't think it was necessary.

 

I was somewhat ambivalent - but I had a sense early this season that he might end the season as one of their 4 best outfielders. There has been some solid recent precedent for quickly moving effective college bats. And I do think there is some human element to a spark in the middle of a slog.

[moonslav59]

Since returning from his concussion Holt has a slash line of .284/.354/.446/.800 -- perfectly adequate. I'm not in a hurry to play Benintendi at the expense of Holt right now, the chance that he'll improve on a .800 OPS line at this stage in his career is substantially less than the chance of Holt continuing to play adequately.

 

The chance is Holt returns to his career norm or late season norm.

The chance is Beni should outhit Holt, at least as a platoon.

The known is, Beni is a better defensive LF'er and base runner than Holt and Brentz.

[moonslav59]

Benintendi is a good outfielder and is insurance should any of our outfielders need a rest or get hurt. In addition, he looked good enough hitting to be called up. Betts, Pedroia and Bogaerts all face right handed pitching, so why not get Benintendi regular reps against right and left handers unless and until he shows he can't handle it. He's only had 7 AB's in the majors and lots of guys are claiming it is a mistake to call him up. Have a little patience and give the kid a break.

 

I think the annoyance is more with Sox management for calling him up and/or not playing him more often.

 

I agree, if they aren't going to play him nearly every day, then they should have left him on the farm.

[Dojji]

The chance is Holt returns to his career norm or late season norm.

 

I agree with this, in theory, but there's no reason it can't go the other way. Holt is capable of going on a run.

 

The chance is Beni should outhit Holt, at least as a platoon.

 

With his extreme inexperience I doubt that that is the most likely outcome.

 

The known is, Beni is a better defensive LF'er and base runner than Holt and Brentz.

 

Because of all the vast amount of games Benintendi has spent in LF? Benintendi has spent 8 games in left field in his frigging life and only started there 6 times. It's a good way to lay the odds since he's athletic enough to be effective in centerfield, but calling that "known" is pure poppycock.

 

Now I'm not saying he sucks there, in fact I have no doubt that Benintendi can easily learn to play LF, as a CF in the minors it should be well within his capabilities, but to say he's already good there is just wrong. It's much like the whole Shaw being the everyday 3B thing, no reason he can't do it but until he demonstrates there, a little restraint in judgment is in order. As gifted as Benintendi is, there is some learning he will have to do in order to fully adjust to playing corner OF when he's used to center.

 

It's similar to Betts learning RF which took him some time and cost him some very bad routes on a few balls, and for very much the same reason. Learning any new position is a process, and the outfield positions, while more fluid than most infield transitions, are not an exception to this.

Edited August 6, 2016 by Dojji

[moonslav59]

I agree with this, in theory, but there's no reason it can't go the other way. Holt is capable of going on a run.

 

Of course he can, and has proven he can, but he has also proven he can disappear for long stretches, usually towards the end of the season.

 

It's about playing the odds (or hunches in Farrell's case).

 

 

 

With his extreme inexperience I doubt that that is the most likely outcome.

 

I don't. The most likely outcome, IMO, is Holt falls off the late season cliff, Beni stuggles a little, but ends up with an OPS higher than Holts.

 

 

Because of all the vast amount of games Benintendi has spent in LF? Benintendi has spent 8 games in left field in his frigging life and only started there 6 times. It's a good way to lay the odds since he's athletic enough to be effective in centerfield, but calling that "known" is pure poppycock.

 

I know Brentz and Holt suck in LF. Maybe saying it's a "known" Beni will be slightly below average at worst is more conjecture than fact, so you got me there.

 

Now I'm not saying he sucks there, in fact I have no doubt that Benintendi can easily learn to play LF, as a CF in the minors it should be well within his capabilities, but to say he's already good there is just wrong. It's much like the whole Shaw being the everyday 3B thing, no reason he can't do it but until he demonstrates there, a little restraint in judgment is in order. As gifted as Benintendi is, there is some learning he will have to do in order to fully adjust to playing corner OF when he's used to center.

 

True, but with the wall behind him to stop the ball from rolling, it may not be all that bad, even if he misjudges a few balls more than Holt and Brentz have lately, which I doubt will happen.

 

It's similar to Betts learning RF which took him some time and cost him some very bad routes on a few balls, and for very much the same reason. Learning any new position is a process, and the outfield positions, while more fluid than most infield transitions, are not an exception to this.

 

But, even from day one, Betts was a plus defensive RF'er despite some gaffs.

 

I'll still take Beni near FT over any platoon not involving a healthy Young.

[Kimmi]

I was somewhat ambivalent - but I had a sense early this season that he might end the season as one of their 4 best outfielders. There has been some solid recent precedent for quickly moving effective college bats. And I do think there is some human element to a spark in the middle of a slog.

 

I agree about Beni providing a possible spark.

 

Since he's up, I do hope they start playing him regularly. I'm not sure I get the "ease him into it" idea.

[Bellhorn04]

I agree about Beni providing a possible spark.

 

Since he's up, I do hope they start playing him regularly. I'm not sure I get the "ease him into it" idea.

 

Just trying to take some pressure off him, I think. Not only is he playing his first MLB games and making the jump from AA, but he's joining the media-glared Boston Red Sox in the thick of a tight playoff race.

[a700hitter]

We don't want him to suffer a setback like Bradley did by getting thrown into the full time role. There is no reason to throw him into the fire. He will learn an advance his development almost as quickly playing part time. Just being around guys like Ortiz and Pedroia will teach him how to prepare and approach the game. If he keeps his ears and eyes open, e will learn more from this part time experience thanhe would get from regular reps at AA or AAA.

[Bellhorn04]

We don't want him to suffer a setback like Bradley did by getting thrown into the full time role. There is no reason to throw him into the fire. He will learn an advance his development almost as quickly playing part time. Just being around guys like Ortiz and Pedroia will teach him how to prepare and approach the game. If he keeps his ears and eyes open, e will learn more from this part time experience thanhe would get from regular reps at AA or AAA.

 

I think so too.

[Kimmi]

Fair points Bell and a700. That makes sense.

 

I just hope the lack of consistent playing time doesn't hurt him.

 

I still think this being the case, they should have left him in AA until September.

[Wade Boggs]

Hi everyone I am new to this board, but love talking Red Sox. I live in the state of Massachusetts die hard Red Sox Fan. I am a BIGTIME Boston sports fan. Ok. Right to the point. I don't have a problem calling up Benintendi, but he's had around ten AB's this week. I know they are trying not to put to much pressure on him and split the time with Brentz, but I be playing him more until Young gets back. The Yankees and Dbacks have some RHP going this week, I'm sure AB will be in there a little more than he is.

[Bellhorn04]

We play 23 days in a row from Aug 9 to Aug 31. Even in a strict platoon he should get 15-16 starts. And of course they may also bring him into games he doesn't start.

[Wade Boggs]

That is true Bellhorn . They did that on Tuesday. I understand it. They have to keep everybody fresh. I also think XB could use a day off soon. I wouldn't be surprised if Holt is playing SS one game next week. Just to give XB some rest. He's dropped about 20-25 points in his batting average. I agree. They have to keep everybody fresh from here on in.

[southpaw777]

That is true Bellhorn . They did that on Tuesday. I understand it. They have to keep everybody fresh. I also think XB could use a day off soon. I wouldn't be surprised if Holt is playing SS one game next week. Just to give XB some rest. He's dropped about 20-25 points in his batting average. I agree. They have to keep everybody fresh from here on in.

 

Welcome to the forum WB...

I think he had a day not oo long ago....but i agree that sometime during this tough schedule, most guys should get a day. When your in a little minor slump like you said of Bogey, its not too bad since hes still at 310-320BA...

With Benintendi i dont mind the callup as long as he gets MOST of the reps in LF...no platoon. Hes batted well against BOTH R and LHP. If Farrell is going to go strict platoon then send the kid back to AAA...

[moonslav59]

Welcome to the forum WB...

I think he had a day not oo long ago....but i agree that sometime during this tough schedule, most guys should get a day. When your in a little minor slump like you said of Bogey, its not too bad since hes still at 310-320BA...

With Benintendi i dont mind the callup as long as he gets MOST of the reps in LF...no platoon. Hes batted well against BOTH R and LHP. If Farrell is going to go strict platoon then send the kid back to AAA...

 

Anybody know why we gave Pedey a day off yesterday, when we have Monday off?

[a700hitter]

Anybody know why we gave Pedey a day off yesterday, when we have Monday off?

Shinburger

[Nick]

Shinburger

 

I think he was hurting.....I'm laughing a little bit. He's a gamer but if it hurts too much, even Pedey needs to come out of the lineup. We still have several games to play. Baseball is a 10K race. Can't run a 5 minute pace all the way to the end.

[Wade Boggs]

Pedey had a minor shin injury. He had a bat in his hands yesterday to pinch hit if need be. I would think he's playing tonight. Just a hunch though.

[moonslav59]

RHP Brandon McCarthy goes tonight. He's struggled his last two starts, so maybe tonight is the game Beni busts out.

[sk7326]

I agree about Beni providing a possible spark.

 

Since he's up, I do hope they start playing him regularly. I'm not sure I get the "ease him into it" idea.

 

I think a kid could benefit from seeing the ball go through the hoop - so if you can massage matchups to give him some early success, there is nothing wrong with that. I am not saying play him once a week, but starting him as part of a job-share to maximize his chances to succeed early is not a bad idea.

[Kimmi]

I think a kid could benefit from seeing the ball go through the hoop - so if you can massage matchups to give him some early success, there is nothing wrong with that. I am not saying play him once a week, but starting him as part of a job-share to maximize his chances to succeed early is not a bad idea.

 

I can't really argue with that. He's had a lot of hype surrounding him which I'm sure can be overwhelming.

[Spudboy]

Anybody know why we gave Pedey a day off yesterday, when we have Monday off?

 

He hit a pitch off his ankle.

[cp176]

Hey - on a good note, hoping that this is the real deal with Benintendi. I say again - platooning him alone right now is a joke. Let the kid play. Let the kid hit.

[oldtimer]

The Sox brought Beni up because there was a weakness in left field and really no effective substitute should our CF or RF was injured. In addition, the Sox are slumping at the plate and could use another bat and some enthusiasm. Beni is a legitimate outfielder and management thought he could hit as well or better than others we have. So far his use has been spotty and mainly against righties. The kid is doing well with his second multi-hit game already plus two RBIs and a stolen base. Of course it is too early to form an opinion about his abilities, but so far they look promising. If he can morph into that early in the order guy with good bat control and speed for next year then we have found a gem and an answer to allow Mookie to hit down into a power spot.

[SoxnCycles]

RHP Brandon McCarthy goes tonight. He's struggled his last two starts, so maybe tonight is the game Beni busts out.

 

Well, Beni got it done against McCarthy.

The rest of the team, not so much.

[georom4]

Wise move bringing him up and playing him more regularly....now get Moncada reps at 3B and bring him up for the final month - we need all the talent we can get for the final months of this road schedule

[Nick]

Beni is a baseball player. Does not possess speed of Bradley but runs the bases well. He stole second and came around on a base hit that Bryce Brentz would have NEVER scored. He's a better outfielder than Holt defensively.

 

He was college player of the year. Maybe that doesn't translate all the time. But he has a sweet swing that translates well in the majors. Farrell is the only person that will stop his progress.

 

Will he have some rough patches? Sure...Xander is 4-28 in August. That follows .288 in July. Bradley is 5-25 in August. Ortiz is in midst of 6-44 slump. Even accomplished major leaguers go through rough patches.

 

He should benefit from teams not having a 'book' on him.

 

Quit playing games with this kid and let him play. HE WON'T BE THE REASON WE DON'T MAKE THE PLAYOFFS.

Edited August 8, 2016 by Nick

[Nick]

By the way, was that a joke that we had to pinch run for Ortiz with Wright? That's all we got?

[Kimmi]

By the way, was that a joke that we had to pinch run for Ortiz with Wright? That's all we got?

 

Yup, that was pretty much all that we had. Hanley and Leon were left on the bench, but you certainly don't want to 'waste' either of them as a pinch runner.

 

Wright looked funny as heck out there with a helmet on.

[Nick]

Yup, that was pretty much all that we had. Hanley and Leon were left on the bench, but you certainly don't want to 'waste' either of them as a pinch runner.

 

Wright looked funny as heck out there with a helmet on.

 

I cringed when he dove back to 2nd base...all we need is for him to get hurt while pinch running....that had to be wtf moment in major leagues this year....kind of funny..