Looking ahead to 2017

[mvp 78]

Agreed, but 69 IP is very nice.

 

Oh sure. He's a fantastic pitcher and probably the best reliever on the market. I just don't believe he's a multiple inning guy like the ones we saw this postseason.

 

I'd rather have Jansen than our current closer, but I'm not sure Dombrowski sees it that way.

[Bellhorn04]

For Jansen's career: 409 games, 408.2 innings.

 

I'm not convinced his a multiple inning guy. In 2016, he pitched 1+ innings only 6 times. He hasn't pitched 2 full innings since 2013.

 

He did do it 3 times this postseason though, including a 3 inning stint.

[moonslav59]

Oh sure. He's a fantastic pitcher and probably the best reliever on the market. I just don't believe he's a multiple inning guy like the ones we saw this postseason.

 

I'd rather have Jansen than our current closer, but I'm not sure Dombrowski sees it that way.

 

I'd rather have Jansen too.

[Spudboy]

I'd rather DD concentrate on "rounding out" the pen by seeking guys like Badenhop.

 

A good pen can be built without spending so much money.

 

I mean a Badenhop type, not the man himself.

[Eddy Ballgame]

I'd rather DD concentrate on "rounding out" the pen by seeking guys like Badenhop.

 

A good pen can be built without spending so much money.

 

I mean a Badenhop type, not the man himself.

 

I agree. Unless they trade Kimbrel, I don't see them in the market for Chapman or Jansen. They won't be in on Melancon regardless.

 

There are plenty of guys with lots of upside out there who will cost a lot less. They'll definitely address the pen this winter and probably again next summer. They have some guys who could emerge as good relievers as well.

Edited November 16, 2016 by Eddy Ballgame

[Nick]

How about Kyle Schwarber for Rick Porcello straight up and signing Hill. Wouldn't that be selling high and clearing up some money? Schwarber can play some left field. Edited November 17, 2016 by Nick

[moonslav59]

How about Kyle Schwarber for Rick Porcello straight up and signing Hill. Wouldn't that be selling high and clearing up some money? Schwarber can play some left field.

 

5 years of control for Schwarber is awfully tempting, but 3 years of a Cy Young pitcher, in his prime, for "just" $21M a year is too much to give up.

[Nick]

5 years of control for Schwarber is awfully tempting, but 3 years of a Cy Young pitcher, in his prime, for "just" $21M a year is too much to give up.

 

I'm a bit biased.....I'm an Indiana University grad. I would never have believed that Schwarber's college bat would translate to mlb this quickly and this good.

[mvp 78]

The Sox need pitching, not another bat. We saw in the postseason that you can't win relying solely on offensive output.

[sk7326]

Porcello is a keeper right now. Now - nobody is untradeable. The Angels offered Mike Trout for Rick Porcello, that's a no-brainer. But - obviously failing something like that.

 

The funny thing to consider is that it's a reasonable possibility that the Cy Young award winner might end up the team's #3 pitcher by the end of next season. (same applies for Price)

[mvp 78]

If you listen to Speier on the latest Soxprospects podcast, scouts aren't as high on Moncada as they once were. Maybe they should move him before he falls off further?

[sk7326]

If you listen to Speier on the latest Soxprospects podcast, scouts aren't as high on Moncada as they once were. Maybe they should move him before he falls off further?

 

His ability to make contact has been an issue - and there is a legitimate argument that the org sees Devers as the 3B future. There is clearly a lot of craft which needs to catch up - although the physical talent is remarkable. His body has always made more sense for an outfield corner.

[mvp 78]

His ability to make contact has been an issue - and there is a legitimate argument that the org sees Devers as the 3B future. There is clearly a lot of craft which needs to catch up - although the physical talent is remarkable. His body has always made more sense for an outfield corner.

 

I feel that he would be better off if he dropped switch hitting and moved to LF.

[sk7326]

I feel that he would be better off if he dropped switch hitting and moved to LF.

 

That is very reasonable. I've always thought that his future was RF (because of having a shortstop's arm) - while allowing the Sox to use Bradley to fill some other gaps. (because he is a bit lower ceiling of their outfielders, and it's not like they don't have star caliber replacements in house)

[moonslav59]

I feel that he would be better off if he dropped switch hitting and moved to LF.

 

I think Moncada will be a fine MLB hitter, even if he never brings down the Ks very much.

 

His glove is what bothers me the most.

 

I do think LF might be his final landing spot, and the longer we take grooming him for 3B then 3B and then LF, the longer it might take for him to make the 25 man roster.

 

Our hole at 3B dictates letting him get a chance to improve his defense there, but I'm just not sure how long is long enough.

[sk7326]

I think Moncada will be a fine MLB hitter, even if he never brings down the Ks very much.

 

His glove is what bothers me the most.

 

I do think LF might be his final landing spot, and the longer we take grooming him for 3B then 3B and then LF, the longer it might take for him to make the 25 man roster.

 

Our hole at 3B dictates letting him get a chance to improve his defense there, but I'm just not sure how long is long enough.

 

The K-rate problem at AA came with him, and was there at the AFL cameo also ... the field bit - he needs reps, no matter where. Describing the position choice as a zero sum thing is a little weird - the Sox will get him instruction wherever. Just because Hanley had such a comically bad adjustment to going to the outfield means that is typical - it's not.

[oldtimer]

I think Moncada will be a fine MLB hitter, even if he never brings down the Ks very much.

 

His glove is what bothers me the most.

 

I do think LF might be his final landing spot, and the longer we take grooming him for 3B then 3B and then LF, the longer it might take for him to make the 25 man roster.

 

Our hole at 3B dictates letting him get a chance to improve his defense there, but I'm just not sure how long is long enough.

 

We have another guy on the roster who is fast, has a great arm and is very solid defensively but when his hitting is off, he gets criticism. I'm talking JBJ. Moncada May not be as good defensively and is a question mark at the plate at this point. Will he blossom or will he be an average Joe? I think we have to give this kid a long look based on his potential but also have a plan B for mid term 2017.

[cp176]

yeah well let's see - If DD sticks with his current plan, I wasn't great math student, but it seems to me that trying to make an outfielder out of Moncada at this time might be a waste of time. He would have to stand in line to get at bats.

[moonslav59]

yeah well let's see - If DD sticks with his current plan, I wasn't great math student, but it seems to me that trying to make an outfielder out of Moncada at this time might be a waste of time. He would have to stand in line to get at bats.

 

Not if they trade JBJ for Sale.

[cp176]

Not if they trade JBJ for Sale.

 

Yes that might be true but that scenario is as likely to happen as pigs flying . For the record, if Moncada was the primary in a package to get us a "Sale like" starter, I would do the deal yesterday - today- and tomorrow.

[moonslav59]

Yes that might be true but that scenario is as likely to happen as pigs flying . For the record, if Moncada was the primary in a package to get us a "Sale like" starter, I would do the deal yesterday - today- and tomorrow.

 

Agered. I love JBJ, but I guess Chicago does too.

 

If the CWS were really looking for a long term rebuild, they might go for this:

 

Moncada, Pomeranz, Basabe, T Shaw, Swihart, Owens & Barnes

for

Sale, Robertson & Frazier

 

[DirtDog7]

If you listen to Speier on the latest Soxprospects podcast, scouts aren't as high on Moncada as they once were. Maybe they should move him before he falls off further?

 

They aren't high on him anymore because Puig-mania cooled off. And yes, scouts are sometimes basic enough to go: "Puig is good, Puig is Cuban.... sign all Cubans!!" Forget that Moncada is still a toddler by MLB standards. We've seen flashes and the kid has more ceiling than arguably anyone else in the game right now. Shelling out what they paid for him and not waiting for him to develop is a slap in the face.

[moonslav59]

They aren't high on him anymore because Puig-mania cooled off. And yes, scouts are sometimes basic enough to go: "Puig is good, Puig is Cuban.... sign all Cubans!!" Forget that Moncada is still a toddler by MLB standards. We've seen flashes and the kid has more ceiling than arguably anyone else in the game right now. Shelling out what they paid for him and not waiting for him to develop is a slap in the face.

 

Chris Sale is no slap in the face.

[Spudboy]

I think that you guys are dreaming.

 

Sale or any other big name starting arm is very unlikely coming to the Sox this Winter.

[moonslav59]

I think that you guys are dreaming.

 

Sale or any other big name starting arm is very unlikely coming to the Sox this Winter.

 

Agreed, but I'll bet he gets traded somewhere.

[Spudboy]

Agreed, but I'll bet he gets traded somewhere.

 

Yeah there does seem to be some new background noise about him.

 

I still think Sonny Grey is worth looking at. One bad year and everyone thinks he is s***.

 

I wonder if he is healthy?

[cp176]

Agered. I love JBJ, but I guess Chicago does too.

 

If the CWS were really looking for a long term rebuild, they might go for this:

 

Moncada, Pomeranz, Basabe, T Shaw, Swihart, Owens & Barnes

for

Sale, Robertson & Frazier

 

 

i really don't think this would get it done. Bradley would have to be in there and I'm thinking that right now we are not so bad off. I would not give up Pomeranz. Now if we still had Espinoza and we could stuff him in there in Pomeranz's place - then maybe(lol-wink - wink).

[cp176]

Yeah there does seem to be some new background noise about him.

 

I still think Sonny Grey is worth looking at. One bad year and everyone thinks he is s***.

 

I wonder if he is healthy?

 

 

there has been some chatter about Sonny as well - it seems likely that something must have been wrong with him. He went from basically a clout to an out in a very short period of time. DD knows something about pitchers it seems. It should be interesting.

[moonslav59]

i really don't think this would get it done. Bradley would have to be in there and I'm thinking that right now we are not so bad off. I would not give up Pomeranz. Now if we still had Espinoza and we could stuff him in there in Pomeranz's place - then maybe(lol-wink - wink).

 

I'd gladly give up Pomeranz, if we are adding Sale!

 

I agree that my package is probably not enough, but I'd look for a way to avoid giving up JBJ. Maybe we'd have to add Devers or Dubon. They'd probably want Groome or Kopech.

[moonslav59]

there has been some chatter about Sonny as well - it seems likely that something must have been wrong with him. He went from basically a clout to an out in a very short period of time. DD knows something about pitchers it seems. It should be interesting.

 

Sonny has been hurt. The A's are probably kicking themselves for not trading him when his stock was sky high.

 

They may wait and hope he starts off 2017 strongly, and then they'll pounce on the best offer- maybe even before the deadline. If they trade him now, while his stock is low, I'd be afraid they know something about his health (or make-up) that should scare us.

 

I think Sale will be traded. If the CWS get long away prospects for him, we'll know they are in total rebuild mode, and we should go after Quintana, Frazier and or Robertson