Lineup Discussions

[dustcover]

Bring him up tomorrow. Tell him, for better or worse, you are our new third baseman. You'll hit 5th behind Betts and Pape, and Good Luck!

I definitely like your attitude! Although I might consider hitting him lower in the order until he gets his feet wet.

[Kimmi]

He is not going to play LF. You don't put a kid in a position he has never played before professionally in a pennant race. He doesn't even have that much time at 3rd, but at least he's been playing infield.

 

If he comes up prior to September 1st, who do you jettison off the 25man roster to make room? Basically, the candidates are Shaw, Hill and I guess Hernandez (who I guess they could send down for a week).

 

Hill's not hitting, but I see some value in him as a defensive replacement for the stretch run. Shaw isn't going anywhere.

 

They just came off a 7-4 road trip folks. Have a decent homestand and bring the kid up on 9/1.

 

Solid post.

 

I can't see Moncada being called up before September. If they were going to do that, then why even call up Hernandez to begin with?

 

The road trip was actually quite successful. I think everyone here would have been happy with a 7-4 trip before the fact. It was very disappointing to not take ( ) at least 1 of the last 2 games from the Rays, so it feels much worse than it really was.

[oldtimer]

Solid post.

 

I can't see Moncada being called up before September. If they were going to do that, then why even call up Hernandez to begin with?

 

The road trip was actually quite successful. I think everyone here would have been happy with a 7-4 trip before the fact. It was very disappointing to not take ( ) at least 1 of the last 2 games from the Rays, so it feels much worse than it really was.

 

Holt is in a slump and has a minor injury which may be contributing to that slump. Bogaerts hasn't been able to shake out of his slump and may need a short rest. Hernandez is a SS replacement even though he may not be any better hitting than Bogaerts in his slump.

 

Moncada is primarily thought of as a third base prospect at this time. We certainly have not gotten production out of our starters at 3rd for some time. Hill and Shaw haven't produced although Shaw did make good contact twice last night. Shaw filled in at first with Hanley at DH.

[moonslav59]

Hernandez has been doing well in AAA, so maybe he can give us a plus at 3B, until Moncada is ready or September 1st arrives.

[oldtimer]

Hernandez has been doing well in AAA, so maybe he can give us a plus at 3B, until Moncada is ready or September 1st arrives.

 

Since Hill has a batting average of 202, Hernandez may well be an improvement there. Hill hasn't lived up to our expectations so an eventual replacement with Moncada looks probable. The problem will still be what to do about Shaw/Rameriz

[a700hitter]

Hill stinks, and he has stunk for a long time. He has had one good full season in the the las 7 years. Cut this guy now. He is useless. Marco can't hit worse. He fields just as well and he has more speed.

[mvp 78]

His BABIP is only .221. It will regress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Station 13]

Betts has 5 hits tonight, drove in 2 runs, and break the KC bullpen streak with 2 out hit the opposite field. He has only score a run in a week. How awful has Shaw/JBJ been behind him?

[moonslav59]

Platoon them at 1B.

 

At least play Hernandez instead of Hill.

 

How long are we going to stick with this guy?

[oldtimer]

Platoon them at 1B.

 

At least play Hernandez instead of Hill.

 

How long are we going to stick with this guy?

 

After Betts the bottom 5 guys went 2 for 21 with 10 strikeouts. If you give Leon a bye for an off night in an otherwise strong month, then the question is what to do with the others? Your suggestion is one thought. Hill is no threat, can Hernandez be worse? With Hanley and Shaw not doing much meaningful, platooning them might help a little, but our lefties weren't hitting their right handed pitching either. We need JBJ defensively but I think he can get back to hitting better if he ditches his uppercut swing. Small sample size on Young but he looked absolutely lost in his one at bat. Holt at least looked like a major leaguer. Even Ortiz is struggling in the clutch and he is so slow the double plays are hurting. Can't move him as he is likely to win the next one. It's too close to Sept 1st to bring someone up now, so JF's hands are tied and he needs to play Buddha until some viable options arrive.

[a700hitter]

Cut Hill. He stinks. We need another OFer.

[Wade Boggs]

Cut Hill. He stinks. We need another OFer.

 

The only way I can see Hill getting cut if they call up Moncada. I think other than that, he's here to stay for the rest of the season. Young/ Holt will platoon LF. The only other way to do it is call up Rusney Castillo. Which might happen.

[Bellhorn04]

Hill is going to do something good tonight, I'm calling it now.

[Spudboy]

Cut Hill. He stinks. We need another OFer.

 

I feel your pain. I liked the acquisition when it happened but now he just seems like a poorly hitting reserve player. I'd rather see Hernandez in there. What ever happened to Josh Rutledge? I see him on the bench. Is his season over? He plays average-ish D at third and can play 2nd. He is a good hitter when given the chance. Even Marrero could be used as his bat is no worse than Hill.

 

Hill is not THE problem with this team. Aside from Pedroia , Ortiz, and Betts, the Sox hitters are all slumping or "underperforming".

 

I don't see the Sox getting another outfielder from outside the org and I don't really care to see Castillo flail again. I think that Brentz is the guy followed possibly by Marrero's cousin who was raking in Pawtucket not long ago. Maybe we will see these guys in September.

 

It will be interesting to see Moncada in September. I don't expect that he will resolve any issues, though. He does not have Benintendi's hit tool from what I have seen ( very SSS ).

 

This whole team needs to suck it up. There is plenty of talent to make the playoffs and then advance. But not if they continue their offensive lethargy.

 

I think the BP will be okay. Not lights out, but okay.

 

I'm not sure about the roster status of some of the players I have mentioned. It's possible that I have my head firmly planted in my ass.

Edited August 27, 2016 by Spudboy

[Wade Boggs]

I feel your pain. I liked the acquisition when it happened but now he just seems like a poorly hitting reserve player. I'd rather see Hernandez in there. What ever happened to Josh Rutledge? I see him on the bench. Is his season over. He plays average-ish D at third and can play 2nd. He is a good hitter when given the chance. Even Marrero could be used as his bat is no worse than Hill.

 

Hill is not THE problem with this team. Aside from Pedroia , Ortiz, and Betts, the Sox hitters are all slumping or "underperforming".

 

I don't see the Sox getting another outfielder from outside the org and I don't really care to see Castillo flail again. I think that Brentz is the guy followed possibly bu Marrero's cousin who was raking in Pawtucket not long ago. Maybe we will see these guys in September.

 

It will be interesting to see Moncada in September. I don't expect that he will resolve any issues, though. He does not have Benintendi's hit tool from what I have seen ( very SSS ).

 

This whole team needs to suck it up. There is plenty of talent to make the playoffs and then advance. But not if they continue their offensive lethargy.

 

I think the BP will be okay. Not lights out, but okay.

 

Agree. They have enough to win the AL East or get the 4/5 seed to play in the one game playoff game. If you look at a team like the Yankees who have nothing and they are still in it. The WC "very long shot". If Joe Girardi has that NYY team playing hard for now and playing spoiler down the stretch , they can be NO reason why a Farrell led team can't make the playoffs. None what so ever.

[bosoxmal]

Coincident? Slumps happen, but not to 60-70% of the team at the same time. There are 9 guys playing more or less regularly and three or four more platooning, etc. Two thirds of them are playing like they have no idea what's going on. That includes Leon who suddenly looks, probably, like he did in 2015. Can't blame it on the road trip. It started long before that. We can look at the 30 day numbers, and see that they are mostly under .200. To think JBJ can bounce back like he did previously may be wishful thinking. Pitchers and pitching coaches aren't stupid. There have a million films from a million different angles, and computer data they may now know how to use.

 

Several other teams are tanking at the plate also. The strike zone will have to be addressed before too long. Strike are being called on guys on pitches that nearly brushes them off.

 

So, why are Pdroia and Betts the exception? They both have shown they can hit the high fast ball, and pitchers are not gibing either one of them that pitch very often. So, they are exceptional hitters, and will be content with singles unless the pitcher makes a mistake. Xander will catch on, too. But I wonder about the others.

 

I go with the bring up Moncada crowd.

Edited August 27, 2016 by bosoxmal

[oldtimer]

I feel your pain. I liked the acquisition when it happened but now he just seems like a poorly hitting reserve player. I'd rather see Hernandez in there. What ever happened to Josh Rutledge? I see him on the bench. Is his season over? He plays average-ish D at third and can play 2nd. He is a good hitter when given the chance. Even Marrero could be used as his bat is no worse than Hill.

 

Hill is not THE problem with this team. Aside from Pedroia , Ortiz, and Betts, the Sox hitters are all slumping or "underperforming".

 

I don't see the Sox getting another outfielder from outside the org and I don't really care to see Castillo flail again. I think that Brentz is the guy followed possibly by Marrero's cousin who was raking in Pawtucket not long ago. Maybe we will see these guys in September.

 

It will be interesting to see Moncada in September. I don't expect that he will resolve any issues, though. He does not have Benintendi's hit tool from what I have seen ( very SSS ).

 

This whole team needs to suck it up. There is plenty of talent to make the playoffs and then advance. But not if they continue their offensive lethargy.

 

I think the BP will be okay. Not lights out, but okay.

 

I'm not sure about the roster status of some of the players I have mentioned. It's possible that I have my head firmly planted in my ass.

 

I think Rutledge is still on the DL. I know he was awhile back.

[mvp 78]

Coincident? Slumps happen, but not to 60-70% of the team at the same time. There are 9 guys playing more or less regularly and three or four more platooning, etc. Two thirds of them are playing like they have no idea what's going on. That includes Leon who suddenly looks, probably, like he did in 2015. Can't blame it on the road trip. It started long before that. We can look at the 30 day numbers, and see that they are mostly under .200. To think JBJ can bounce back like he did previously may be wishful thinking. Pitchers and pitching coaches aren't stupid. There have a million films from a million different angles, and computer data they may now know how to use.

 

Several other teams are tanking at the plate also. The strike zone will have to be addressed before too long. Strike are being called on guys on pitches that nearly brushes them off.

 

So, why are Pdroia and Betts the exception? They both have shown they can hit the high fast ball, and pitchers are not gibing either one of them that pitch very often. So, they are exceptional hitters, and will be content with singles unless the pitcher makes a mistake. Xander will catch on, too. But I wonder about the others.

 

I go with the bring up Moncada crowd.

 

Leon last two weeks: obp 388

Leon last month: obp 391

[Bellhorn04]

Leon last two weeks: obp 388

Leon last month: obp 391

 

Leon last 3 games: BABIPPERY

[Maxbialystock]

Coincident? Slumps happen, but not to 60-70% of the team at the same time. There are 9 guys playing more or less regularly and three or four more platooning, etc. Two thirds of them are playing like they have no idea what's going on. That includes Leon who suddenly looks, probably, like he did in 2015. Can't blame it on the road trip. It started long before that. We can look at the 30 day numbers, and see that they are mostly under .200. To think JBJ can bounce back like he did previously may be wishful thinking. Pitchers and pitching coaches aren't stupid. There have a million films from a million different angles, and computer data they may now know how to use.

 

Several other teams are tanking at the plate also. The strike zone will have to be addressed before too long. Strike are being called on guys on pitches that nearly brushes them off.

 

So, why are Pdroia and Betts the exception? They both have shown they can hit the high fast ball, and pitchers are not gibing either one of them that pitch very often. So, they are exceptional hitters, and will be content with singles unless the pitcher makes a mistake. Xander will catch on, too. But I wonder about the others.

 

I go with the bring up Moncada crowd.

 

Fix the strike zone? Really? The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves that we are underlings.

 

Last night is a classic example. The Sox had 15 hits and so many guys on base KC was asking Boston's finest for the loan of a traffic cop. But Ortiz, Leon, and Bradley combined for 21 fresh Maine LOBsters to keep the Royals safely in the lead. The 9th inning was a classic. Pedroia and Bogaerts led off with singles. With Ortiz coming to bat, the pitcher suddenly had a big smile on his face, and Ortiz hit an easy GIDP, of course. Not so fast, said Betts and Ramirez, who both singled to bring the tying run to the plate. Too bad because Sandy Leon came to the plate. He actually made contact with the ball on an easy grounder to 2B and I think I saw a small fist pump as he made the final out.

[moonslav59]

Hill is going to do something good tonight, I'm calling it now.

 

I think the Sox will explode tonight...but not Hill.

[bosoxmal]

Fix the strike zone? Really? The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves that we are underlings.

 

Last night is a classic example. The Sox had 15 hits and so many guys on base KC was asking Boston's finest for the loan of a traffic cop. But Ortiz, Leon, and Bradley combined for 21 fresh Maine LOBsters to keep the Royals safely in the lead. The 9th inning was a classic. Pedroia and Bogaerts led off with singles. With Ortiz coming to bat, the pitcher suddenly had a big smile on his face, and Ortiz hit an easy GIDP, of course. Not so fast, said Betts and Ramirez, who both singled to bring the tying run to the plate. Too bad because Sandy Leon came to the plate. He actually made contact with the ball on an easy grounder to 2B and I think I saw a small fist pump as he made the final out.

 

Yes, we saw all that. Is it fixable?

[Palodios]

Cut Hill. He stinks. We need another OFer.

 

Rosters expand soon, no reason to get rid of depth yet.

[Maxbialystock]

Yes, we saw all that. Is it fixable?

 

a700hitter called last night an anomaly and I'm hoping he's right. Tune in tonight.

[Station 13]

Hill, Rutledge, Castillo, Marrero, Brentz gotta be the collection of garbage on this roster that clogs the drain. Shaw is in that territory soon enough.

[d-money]

It would be nice if this lineup hit good pitchers. They're getting one tonight in duffy.

[oldtimer]

It would be nice if this lineup hit good pitchers. They're getting one tonight in duffy.

What happens when our best hitters get cooled off by really good pitching> Stay tuned tonight.

[Wade Boggs]

I think the Sox will explode tonight...but not Hill.

 

Good call. But Hill almost came close to hitting one to the warning track as of 9:05 eastern time. But things change on a dime.

[moonslav59]

Good call. But Hill almost came close to hitting one to the warning track as of 9:05 eastern time. But things change on a dime.

 

We got Duffy's league leading ERA over 3.00 tonight.

 

I don't often call one game events, and when I do, I'm not right that often, but I had a feeling the home cooking was going to kick in tonight.

[oldtimer]

We got Duffy's league leading ERA over 3.00 tonight.

 

I don't often call one game events, and when I do, I'm not right that often, but I had a feeling the home cooking was going to kick in tonight.

 

Only innovation tonight was to move JBJ to the 9th spot. Pedey has been amazing, Bogaerts is starting to hit, Betts continues to hit and even Hanley showed some life tonight.

A much needed win.