The Playoff Roster

[a700hitter]

Let's get back the A Ball pitcher who had a 4.50 ERA over the full season, because he has a high season. Comparisons to Pedro were extreme puffery. Pedro never got cuffed around in the low minors like that. The trade is done. let's hope that Pomeranz stays healthy. He looks like he will fill out the bottom of the rotation nicely.

[sk7326]

My hope would be for the league to give the sox an extra sandwich round pick. It's the lowest cost, least disruptive way to address this I think commesurate to the offense.

[sk7326]

Let's get back the A Ball pitcher who had a 4.50 ERA over the full season, because he has a high season. Comparisons to Pedro were extreme puffery. Pedro never got cuffed around in the low minors like that. The trade is done. let's hope that Pomeranz stays healthy. He looks like he will fill out the bottom of the rotation nicely.

 

Pedro's Age 18 season was in a partial season league - and he had a WHIP then of 1.48. They actually track pretty closely with regards to Age 18 seasons. Espinoza just pitched more innings (100 vs 77) in a higher level of baseball (a full season league).

[a700hitter]

Pedro's Age 18 season was in a partial season league - and he had a WHIP then of 1.48. They actually track pretty closely with regards to Age 18 seasons. Espinoza just pitched more innings (100 vs 77) in a higher level of baseball (a full season league).

That is because he walked more hitters as he was trying to harnass his increasing velocity. All of his other numbers were better. And the following year, he tore through and dominated 3 levels of the minors.

[sk7326]

That is because he walked more hitters as he was trying to harnass his increasing velocity. All of his other numbers were better. And the following year, he tore through and dominated 3 levels of the minors.

 

so i guess we have to see what happens in the future ...

 

one thing you can guarantee is that Espinoza won't have the Age 19 season Pedro had - since Pedro pitched 177 innings that year, and that would never happen now.

 

Sometimes it's not magic - it's something that has been true even in high school for normal folks - the real stars aren't guys who crush JV, they are the freshmen who don't can hang (not even dominate, just be competent) at the varsity level. Certainly Espinoza's career has tracked there - the ability to handle guys in a league he's super young for. It's the same reason Devers star has not waned at all despite superficially unsexy stats.

[Maxbialystock]

Hill helped himself with the homer tonight. He may make the roster.

 

A very good point because it seems obvious that right now--the final six games of the season--are both games to win and tryouts for the postseason roster.

 

I think the "tryouts" might have an effect on the order of the rotation. Farrell has said he plans to start Price before Porcello, but last night had to give him pause. Assuming the Sox first postseason game is Thursday, Oct 6, we can posit that Porcello can pitch as late as Saturday and still be ready to pitch game 1 on Oct 6.

 

Games 1 and 2 of the ALDS are Oct 6 and 7, then games 3 and 4 are Oct 9 and 10. So whoever pitches this weekend, Oct 1 and 2, will have ample rest for those two games. However, neither Porcello nor Price (presumptive first two starters) will have enough rest to pitch game 3 or 4. Game 5 on Oct 12 will provide enough rest for either of the games 1 and 2 (on Oct 6 and 7) starters to pitch again. However, whoever pitches that game won't be ready for game 1 of the ALCS on October 14. or game 2 of the ALCS on Oct 15.

 

Back to the tryouts notion. If Moncada doesn't pinch run (or play) this week or this weekend, I don't see him on the playoffs roster. Same for any of the other position players who are on the bubble for the postseason--guys like Marrero. I think Young and Holt are shoo-ins. The second catcher is probably a toss-up among Vazquez, Hanigan, and Holaday, so look to see if they play this week/weekend.

[User Name]

It was posted days ago that Porcello was the starter for the Sox' first playoff game. Don't know where you came up with that one.

[Maxbialystock]

It was posted days ago that Porcello was the starter for the Sox' first playoff game. Don't know where you came up with that one.

 

Glad to hear it. I do know that not long ago--within a month--Farrell also said he would lead with Price. Last night only confirmed that Porcello is the right choice. If the ALDS goes 5 games, either one can pitch game 5.

[oldtimer]

A very good point because it seems obvious that right now--the final six games of the season--are both games to win and tryouts for the postseason roster.

 

I think the "tryouts" might have an effect on the order of the rotation. Farrell has said he plans to start Price before Porcello, but last night had to give him pause. Assuming the Sox first postseason game is Thursday, Oct 6, we can posit that Porcello can pitch as late as Saturday and still be ready to pitch game 1 on Oct 6.

 

Games 1 and 2 of the ALDS are Oct 6 and 7, then games 3 and 4 are Oct 9 and 10. So whoever pitches this weekend, Oct 1 and 2, will have ample rest for those two games. However, neither Porcello nor Price (presumptive first two starters) will have enough rest to pitch game 3 or 4. Game 5 on Oct 12 will provide enough rest for either of the games 1 and 2 (on Oct 6 and 7) starters to pitch again. However, whoever pitches that game won't be ready for game 1 of the ALCS on October 14. or game 2 of the ALCS on Oct 15.

 

Back to the tryouts notion. If Moncada doesn't pinch run (or play) this week or this weekend, I don't see him on the playoffs roster. Same for any of the other position players who are on the bubble for the postseason--guys like Marrero. I think Young and Holt are shoo-ins. The second catcher is probably a toss-up among Vazquez, Hanigan, and Holaday, so look to see if they play this week/weekend.

 

Hernandez pinch ran last night which may shed a little light on what JF is thinking. I believe Moncada will not make the playoff roster since he has no role beyond pinch runner.

[a700hitter]

Hernandez pinch ran last night which may shed a little light on what JF is thinking. I believe Moncada will not make the playoff roster since he has no role beyond pinch runner.

Moncada will have to watch the playoffs from the stands.

[bosoxmal]

I have zero faith in Kimbrel. None. Nada. Ninth inning in a playoff game? Heart attack on the way.

[a700hitter]

I have zero faith in Kimbrel. None. Nada. Ninth inning in a playoff game? Heart attack on the way.

The guy is a heart attack.

[cp176]

Moncada will have to watch the playoffs from the stands.

 

That is right where Moncada should be come playoff time. Who in their right mind would want a virtually untried prospect running the bases in a crucial situation? Who could that possibly be good for? This possibility has been mentioned before. It is a joke. There is believe it or not a learning curve for baselining in the major leagues. Being the fastest human on the planet would not necessarily make for a good baserunner. Of course Hernandez and almost everybody else except Wright would make better candidates for this job. I'm not sure why Moncada's name even keeps coming up.

[Nick]

He's headed to Arizona....

[illinoisredsox]

Glad to hear it. I do know that not long ago--within a month--Farrell also said he would lead with Price. Last night only confirmed that Porcello is the right choice. If the ALDS goes 5 games, either one can pitch game 5.

 

Price is slated to pitch Sunday on regular rest. He won't go deep in the game, 4-5 innings. They aren't going to skip him and have him pitch game 1 after 8 days off. Porcello will go Friday which sets him up for Game 1 on 5 days rest. ERod pitches Saturday.

 

Playoff rotation sets up as:

 

10/6 Porcello

10/7 Price

10/9 ERod or Buchholz

10/10 ERod or Buchholz

10/11 Porcello

 

Also, should the Sox have home field in the ALDS, Porcello has been virtually unbeatable at home, so having him in games 1 and 5 at home is a plus.

 

I would look for Buchholz to tag team with Price on Sunday to get him a little work. Again, otherwise he has 10-11 days between starts.

[cp176]

He's headed to Arizona....

 

I wish I was

[Maxbialystock]

Moncada to Arizona is the right move even though very recently I said I would keep him for his speed.

[oldtimer]

Trying to understand why JF makes certain moves, like giving away last night's game through putting a weakened lineup in, or who he chooses for the playoff roster is usually left up to our imagination. I have likened him to the Buddha in his impassive ways. We can learn some things from what he says but also there is information to be gleaned from cases where the expected doesn't occur. (Moncada doesn't run, Velazquez doesn't get in the game, etc.).

 

An example of that thinking comes from the story of Silver Blaze and the watchdog and Sherlock Holmes. I believe Sherlock explains to the inspector "The curious incident of the dog in the night time", to which the Scotland Yard inspector replies, "The dog did nothing in the night time" and Sherlock goes on "That was the curious incident".

[sk7326]

Trying to understand why JF makes certain moves, like giving away last night's game through putting a weakened lineup in, or who he chooses for the playoff roster is usually left up to our imagination. I have likened him to the Buddha in his impassive ways. We can learn some things from what he says but also there is information to be gleaned from cases where the expected doesn't occur. (Moncada doesn't run, Velazquez doesn't get in the game, etc.).

 

An example of that thinking comes from the story of Silver Blaze and the watchdog and Sherlock Holmes. I believe Sherlock explains to the inspector "The curious incident of the dog in the night time", to which the Scotland Yard inspector replies, "The dog did nothing in the night time" and Sherlock goes on "That was the curious incident".

 

he is managing rest and has no real interest in home field advantage (which in baseball largely doesn't exist) - that seems obvious

[mvp 78]

Trying to understand why JF makes certain moves, like giving away last night's game through putting a weakened lineup in, or who he chooses for the playoff roster is usually left up to our imagination. I have likened him to the Buddha in his impassive ways. We can learn some things from what he says but also there is information to be gleaned from cases where the expected doesn't occur. (Moncada doesn't run, Velazquez doesn't get in the game, etc.).

 

An example of that thinking comes from the story of Silver Blaze and the watchdog and Sherlock Holmes. I believe Sherlock explains to the inspector "The curious incident of the dog in the night time", to which the Scotland Yard inspector replies, "The dog did nothing in the night time" and Sherlock goes on "That was the curious incident".

 

Who?

[Maxbialystock]

Trying to understand why JF makes certain moves, like giving away last night's game through putting a weakened lineup in, or who he chooses for the playoff roster is usually left up to our imagination. I have likened him to the Buddha in his impassive ways. We can learn some things from what he says but also there is information to be gleaned from cases where the expected doesn't occur. (Moncada doesn't run, Velazquez doesn't get in the game, etc.).

 

An example of that thinking comes from the story of Silver Blaze and the watchdog and Sherlock Holmes. I believe Sherlock explains to the inspector "The curious incident of the dog in the night time", to which the Scotland Yard inspector replies, "The dog did nothing in the night time" and Sherlock goes on "That was the curious incident".

 

Interesting analogy, comparing a major league manager to a dog barking (or, in this case, not) barking in the night. Also interesting is that your chief complaint is that Farrell doesn't do enough, but in almost the same sentence you complain loudly that he made too many changes in the lineup for last night's game.

[a700hitter]

he is managing rest and has no real interest in home field advantage (which in baseball largely doesn't exist) - that seems obvious

It is not.

[Kimmi]

Trying to understand why JF makes certain moves, like giving away last night's game through putting a weakened lineup in, or who he chooses for the playoff roster is usually left up to our imagination. I have likened him to the Buddha in his impassive ways. We can learn some things from what he says but also there is information to be gleaned from cases where the expected doesn't occur. (Moncada doesn't run, Velazquez doesn't get in the game, etc.).

 

An example of that thinking comes from the story of Silver Blaze and the watchdog and Sherlock Holmes. I believe Sherlock explains to the inspector "The curious incident of the dog in the night time", to which the Scotland Yard inspector replies, "The dog did nothing in the night time" and Sherlock goes on "That was the curious incident".

 

I'm guessing that Farrell considered the last game against the Yankees pretty much meaningless. Even though the Yankees were technically still alive, that game really didn't have any playoff implications.

 

Farrell needs to maintain the integrity of this series against the Jays for the sake of the other teams trying to catch them. Also, the weather this weekend will be a factor.

 

Thursday was a good day to rest several players.

[oldtimer]

We are getting very close to the announcement of the initial series playoff roster. As it stands today, I expect the roster to look close to my list below. Most picks are obvious but a few will take some head scratching:

 

 

Pitchers: Porcello, Price, Rodriguez, Buchholz, Kimbrel, Uehara, Ross, Ziegler, Kelly, Tazawa, Scott

If they take 12 (between Pomeranz and Barnes)

 

Catchers: Leon, (between Holaday, Vazquez)

 

Infielders: Bogaerts, Pedroia, Rameriz, Hernandez, ( between Shaw, Hill)

 

Outfielders: Benintendi, Betts, Bradley, Young, Holt (infield/outfield utility)

 

DH: Ortiz

 

If 11 pitchers they could pick from the two remaining on list for the 14th field player. NO great choice there as none are hitting that well.

[Fan_since_Boggs]

25 man for the Guardians series.

 

SPs: Porcello, Price, Rodriguez, Buchholz

Bullpen: Kimbrel, Uehara, Ross, Ziegler, Kelly, Tazawa, Pomeranz, Hembree, Scott

(13 pitchers)

 

C: Leon, Vazquez

INF: Ramirez, Pedroia, Bogaerts, Holt, Hill

OF: Benintendi, Bradley Jr, Betts, Young

DH: Ortiz

(12 position players)

 

Question: I suppose I am taking too many relief pitchers and not enough position players? Why take T.Shaw? He hasn't been hitting and Farrell has lost confidence in him. He doesn't help as a pinch runner and can only play two positions. As such, it might make more sense to go with a 3 man bench and load up on the bullpen allowing the Red Sox to play matchups throughout the series. I wish the Red Sox had a stolen base threat on the bench, but they didn't address that area, believing that Moncada would fill the role.

 

In the bullpen, I'm taking Hembree over Barnes because Barnes' walk ratio is too high (over 4). I'm taking Tazawa--he has looked good in the month of September (albeit a small sample size). If Tazawa is rested, maybe the old Tazawa will show up in the playoffs.

[moonslav59]

If they really want Vaz over Holaday or Hanigan, why didn't they play him more towards the end, even if as a personal caddy catcher for someone.

 

I see no need for 13 pitchers. We'll have 3 days off before game and 2 games off within the 5 game series. Anyone who does not pitch more than 2 innings in any game should be available the next game, and the next game... We don't even need 12 pitchers!

 

I'd take Hernandez, but again, they hardly played him towards the end, so how sharp is he?

 

TShaw or Hill? Who cares- they both suck.

 

PR'er? Moncada (Hernandez)?

 

3rd catcher? So we can PH twice for them?

 

I'd go (in this order):

 

SP: Porcello, Price, Buchholz, ERod (LR if not starting game 4)

RP: Uehara (closer), Ziegler, Kimbrel, Tazawa, Kelly, Ross, Scott (sorry Abad).

 

DH: Ortiz

C: Leon, Holaday

1B: Ramirez

2B: Pedroia

3B: Holt (I'd have gone with Hernandez, but it's not going to happen)

SS: Bogaerts

LF: Benintendi v R, Young v L

CF: Bradley

RF: Betts

3B/1B: Shaw (he can play 1B, if needed- Hill cannot)

3B/SS/2B: Hernandez

25th man.....drum roll....

PR/PH: Moncada (but I seriously doubt it happens)

 

2nd choice: Vazquez (so, we can PH for Leon with Young or Shaw and then PH for Holaday later)

3rd choice: Hill (So, we can PH for Holt and Shaw)

4th choice: Abad (LOOGIE)

5th choice: Barnes (Pom? Wright?)

 

 

 

[oldtimer]

If they really want Vaz over Holaday or Hanigan, why didn't they play him more towards the end, even if as a personal caddy catcher for someone.

 

I see no need for 13 pitchers. We'll have 3 days off before game and 2 games off within the 5 game series. Anyone who does not pitch more than 2 innings in any game should be available the next game, and the next game... We don't even need 12 pitchers!

 

I'd take Hernandez, but again, they hardly played him towards the end, so how sharp is he?

 

TShaw or Hill? Who cares- they both suck.

 

PR'er? Moncada (Hernandez)?

 

3rd catcher? So we can PH twice for them?

 

I'd go (in this order):

 

SP: Porcello, Price, Buchholz, ERod (LR if not starting game 4)

RP: Uehara (closer), Ziegler, Kimbrel, Tazawa, Kelly, Ross, Scott (sorry Abad).

 

DH: Ortiz

C: Leon, Holaday

1B: Ramirez

2B: Pedroia

3B: Holt (I'd have gone with Hernandez, but it's not going to happen)

SS: Bogaerts

LF: Benintendi v R, Young v L

CF: Bradley

RF: Betts

3B/1B: Shaw (he can play 1B, if needed- Hill cannot)

3B/SS/2B: Hernandez

25th man.....drum roll....

PR/PH: Moncada (but I seriously doubt it happens)

 

2nd choice: Vazquez (so, we can PH for Leon with Young or Shaw and then PH for Holaday later)

3rd choice: Hill (So, we can PH for Holt and Shaw)

4th choice: Abad (LOOGIE)

5th choice: Barnes (Pom? Wright?)

 

 

 

I\

 

I agree that 11 pitchers are enough. If one is injured, another can be brought up. My first addition to the pitching list would be Pom, but I don't see who we would drop off the list so unless we go with `12 pitchers he may be out.

 

At Catcher, I think we are weak in the hitting department, with Leon in a slump and none of the others big hitters. They are the guys you pinch hit for, not use as pinch hitters. We really have no solid pinch hitters except for whichever of our left fielders doesn't start. Maybe Hernandez but as you point out, how sharp can he be? I think we are going with Leon and Holaday even though Vazquez is a really superior defensive presence.

 

Our outfield lineup is clearly Betts, Bradley and Beni/Young. I am a little concerned that Bradley is in a bit of a slump but he is our guy in center.

 

DH is Ortiz

 

It looks clear that Rameriz, Pedroia, Bogaerts and Holt will start in the infield as Holt has been consistently used by JF and since our options at 3rd base are not so good.

 

That leaves three players to select. Personally I am on board with you about Hernandez. He might be a better infielder than Holt but has not started at 3rd but offers backup as an infielder in general, can pinch run and can pinch hit. The final two are you pick them from the list of Shaw, Hill and Vazquez/Holaday. I don't think the idea of carrying 3 catchers is necessary since we really only have a single quality pinch hitter (Young or Beni) available on any given night. Hernandez might pinch hit but would he over much of an advantage over the guy he would replace.

 

Too bad we have no other big bat in reserve in the minors but who would that be? Sandoval? I doubt if he is in consideration and neither should Moncada be.

[moonslav59]

I think PH'ing beyond Young or Beni, meaning Hernandez or Shaw is a better option that letting Leon, Holaday or Vaz hit. It's not great, but depending on the pitcher, it's still an upgrade.

 

I had hoped they'd have let Moncada PH vs some righties to see if he had some offense in him.

 

The Hernandez snub really vexes me.

[oldtimer]

I think PH'ing beyond Young or Beni, meaning Hernandez or Shaw is a better option that letting Leon, Holaday or Vaz hit. It's not great, but depending on the pitcher, it's still an upgrade.

 

I had hoped they'd have let Moncada PH vs some righties to see if he had some offense in him.

 

The Hernandez snub really vexes me.

 

We must not have some information that the coaches are basing their selections on with regard to Hernandez. He a big strong kid and can field and has a good arm, otherwise, why would he be the logical sub for SS. He looks composed at the plate as well. He has also been used as a pinch runner so he has good speed and they trust his judgment enough to use him in that way. it is a mystery to me as well.

[moonslav59]

We must not have some information that the coaches are basing their selections on with regard to Hernandez. He a big strong kid and can field and has a good arm, otherwise, why would he be the logical sub for SS. He looks composed at the plate as well. He has also been used as a pinch runner so he has good speed and they trust his judgment enough to use him in that way. it is a mystery to me as well.

 

It looks that way. We certainly had several chances to give him a longer look at 3B. He could have even been given a chance to play SS in a couple late season games, so Bogey could get more rest. A game or two at 2B could have been squeezed in as well, after we clinched.