The Return of Pablo?

[SinceYaz]

I am all for redemption. I won't say second chances because Panda has had more than 2. But he has been recovering well ahead of schedule and might be reactivated if Hill, Shaw or someone similar gets injured.

 

I am not thrilled by this possibility.

[Yaz Fan Since 67]

They're getting nothing out of the third base bat and we all know his October history. Pretty unlikely he can get in playoffs shape, wait let me rephrase that. It's pretty unlikely he can get his timing down but maybe not such a crazy idea.

[southpaw777]

Hes still not fully back from shoulder surgery, hasnt faced MLB pitching in a long time, doesnt really look in much better shape....and Farrell is considering starting him in the playoffs? Is he out of his mind? To even consider this is ridiculous. Who cares what his PAST numbers say. Whats he look like Right now? To be able to get into not only game shape, but playoff game ready is asking way too much IMO.

Shaw hasnt been a stud all year, but hes been a solid replacement with Holt subbing in when needed. Pablo is the one who lost his job being a selfish fat ass and the hurting his shoulder. He should get no consideration. Another reason for me to dislike Farrell and his managing style.

Edited September 25, 2016 by southpaw777

[Kimmi]

As someone mentioned, this could be just a ploy to try to light a fire under Shaw's butt. For whatever reason, he seems to perform his best when his job is in jeopardy.

 

Either way, I believe the idea of Pablo joining the roster was only in the case of injury. If Shaw or Holt is injured, could Pablo possibly be a better back up option than Hill or Moncada? I don't think there is any possibility of Pablo winning the job back except out of extreme need.

 

All that said, I think the fact that Farrell would even mention Pablo as a possibility is a good sign.

[oldtimer]

As someone mentioned, this could be just a ploy to try to light a fire under Shaw's butt. For whatever reason, he seems to perform his best when his job is in jeopardy.

 

Either way, I believe the idea of Pablo joining the roster was only in the case of injury. If Shaw or Holt is injured, could Pablo possibly be a better back up option than Hill or Moncada? I don't think there is any possibility of Pablo winning the job back except out of extreme need.

 

All that said, I think the fact that Farrell would even mention Pablo as a possibility is a good sign.

 

For some reason, Hernandez is never mentioned as an option at 3rd yet we know he is a potential sub at short. He is young, 6', 200 # and looks composed at the plate. I wonder what the problem is with considering him over Pablo, who shouldn't even be in the conversation.

[sk7326]

One thing that is true about Sandoval is that he has always been good at getting his bat on the ball - the question with the playoff roster is what to do with the 25th spot if you are only sticking with 11 pitchers. Obviously Sandoval is useless for pinch running ... but as a fairly high contact bat with some playoff been there, done that - the idea is not insane.

[southpaw777]

For some reason, Hernandez is never mentioned as an option at 3rd yet we know he is a potential sub at short. He is young, 6', 200 # and looks composed at the plate. I wonder what the problem is with considering him over Pablo, who shouldn't even be in the conversation.

 

I like Hernandez as well. I dont think hes a permanent option, but hes earned a "next in line" behind Shaw Hill and Holt. Pablo, IMHO, has hurt this team with his selfishness. He was paid 17-18M a year, and then come to camp looking like a friggin blimp, then lose your job to the rookie and wind up messing your shoulder up, Probably related in some way to being in such bad shape, certainly doent earn you a shot at 3b before these guys.

I dont think shaw needs a fire lit under him. Hes still young and still making adjustments. He may never end up being more than a streaky 260 hitter with 25 bombs. Kinda like Napoli. Maybe that means sticking with him even after a couple months of underperformance. Let him work out of it while the rest of the team is good enough to carry a couple guys. Farrell didnt. The only RHHs out of the bunch is Hill and Hernandez. One should make the PO roster. I say Hernandez.

[Maxbialystock]

Hes still not fully back from shoulder surgery, hasnt faced MLB pitching in a long time, doesnt really look in much better shape....and Farrell is considering starting him in the playoffs? Is he out of his mind? To even consider this is ridiculous. Who cares what his PAST numbers say. Whats he look like Right now? To be able to get into not only game shape, but playoff game ready is asking way too much IMO.

Shaw hasnt been a stud all year, but hes been a solid replacement with Holt subbing in when needed. Pablo is the one who lost his job being a selfish fat ass and the hurting his shoulder. He should get no consideration. Another reason for me to dislike Farrell and his managing style.

 

First, I strongly endorse your reference to his selfish fat ass. That said, I'm sure Farrell won't "give" Sandoval anything, but I don't mind the possibility that not so fat ass just might be able to contribute. Right now the Sox actually have three thirdbasemen on the current roster--Shaw, Holt, and Hill--so it's hard to believe Farrell will add a fourth or even keep three without a very good reason.

[Kimmi]

For some reason, Hernandez is never mentioned as an option at 3rd yet we know he is a potential sub at short. He is young, 6', 200 # and looks composed at the plate. I wonder what the problem is with considering him over Pablo, who shouldn't even be in the conversation.

 

Forgot about Hernandez, to be honest. I have no problem considering him over Pablo.

 

Pablo is not going to be handed the job unless it becomes a dire situation.

 

He screwed up during the offseason. A lot of fans are still angry at him. I get that. But I disagree that he shouldn't even be in the conversation.

[moonslav59]

I like Hernandez more than most. I think he's close to being better than Holt and Hill at 3B. I'd take him over Holt and Marrero at SS. I'd put him behind Holt and Moncada at 2B.

 

I doubt he can ever be a legitimate FT 3B on a contender, but it is not unreasonable to think he could develop into one shortly.

 

That being said, I have very little faith in Shaw as a FT 3Bman next year. Hill will be gone (thankfully). Holt is not a FT position player, in my mind, and certainly not at 3B. His play in 2014 was part of the reason we decided to sign Pablo in the first place.

 

I am not counting on one inning from Papblo next year, but I am far from counting him out as well. We have no legitimate 3B man, so all hands on deck!

[Nick]

I like Hernandez more than most. I think he's close to being better than Holt and Hill at 3B. I'd take him over Holt and Marrero at SS. I'd put him behind Holt and Moncada at 2B.

 

I doubt he can ever be a legitimate FT 3B on a contender, but it is not unreasonable to think he could develop into one shortly.

 

That being said, I have very little faith in Shaw as a FT 3Bman next year. Hill will be gone (thankfully). Holt is not a FT position player, in my mind, and certainly not at 3B. His play in 2014 was part of the reason we decided to sign Pablo in the first place.

 

I am not counting on one inning from Papblo next year, but I am far from counting him out as well. We have no legitimate 3B man, so all hands on deck!

 

Shaw simply has not hit since June. I think he is what he is doing right now. No more than a utility guy. He maybe of some value to a team like Oakland A's.

[mvp 78]

He's not going to see ANY game time until ST.

[S5Dewey]

 

I am not counting on one inning from Papblo next year, but I am far from counting him out as well. We have no legitimate 3B man, so all hands on deck!

 

It's going to be interesting to see what the FO does about 3B in the off-season. That will give us an idea of how much faith they have in Sandoval.

[Nick]

It's going to be interesting to see what the FO does about 3B in the off-season. That will give us an idea of how much faith they have in Sandoval.

 

Or Moncada

[sk7326]

Or Moncada

 

Perhaps - although where Moncada's ultimate home is a very open question. There is very little chance Moncada has a starting job here. But 3B makes sense for the time being - and I am sure he will get some outfield work too. I am not off the train - but for all the hype of "#1 prospect in baseball", he might not have been the #1 prospect in the org.

[mvp 78]

Moncada will start the season in Pawtucket. Shaw will be a rotational player. I think they do their best to hand Pablo the job, but he tries to eat himself out of the league again.

[S5Dewey]

Perhaps - although where Moncada's ultimate home is a very open question. There is very little chance Moncada has a starting job here. But 3B makes sense for the time being - and I am sure he will get some outfield work too. I am not off the train - but for all the hype of "#1 prospect in baseball", he might not have been the #1 prospect in the org.

 

I don't see Moncado's future being in the outfield. IMO the three OF spots are pretty well sewed up for the near future. I know there are some folks here who think/want JBJ to be traded but I'd be surprised if that happens. DD likes defense. He gave up one of his highest prospects for Iggy - and certainly not for his offense - and he tried to trade for JBJ when he was in Detroit. So I see JBJ as being as close to untouchable as anyone not named Mookie Betts. Especially with our pitching staff coming around the way it is. When you have David Price AND the (possible) CY award winner on your team as your 1-2 punch you don't go trading away a player like JBJ!

 

Moncada is somewhat "odd man out" right now. There's no room for him in the OF unless it's as a 5th OF, and the only IF spot for him is at 3B. It's a difficult situation for the FO too, in that it'll be difficult to get fair value for him in a trade when other GM's know our situation, and all we need is pitching.

[User Name]

If there's an open spot for him (3B) then what's the "situation"? Besides, why would the Sox trade a guy who profiles as a generational talent if things break right? Moncada's the type of talent of talent you develop instead of trading. Looking bad during a cup of coffee at the MLB level does absolutely nothing to change that.

[Nick]

If there's an open spot for him (3B) then what's the "situation"? Besides, why would the Sox trade a guy who profiles as a generational talent if things break right? Moncada's the type of talent of talent you develop instead of trading. Looking bad during a cup of coffee at the MLB level does absolutely nothing to change that.

 

Well put..Are we going to base his future on 30 PA's? He has the raw skill set. Great arm, athleticism, power, etc. It just may not happen in 2017.

[Nick]

I don't see Moncado's future being in the outfield. IMO the three OF spots are pretty well sewed up for the near future. I know there are some folks here who think/want JBJ to be traded but I'd be surprised if that happens. DD likes defense. He gave up one of his highest prospects for Iggy - and certainly not for his offense - and he tried to trade for JBJ when he was in Detroit. So I see JBJ as being as close to untouchable as anyone not named Mookie Betts. Especially with our pitching staff coming around the way it is. When you have David Price AND the (possible) CY award winner on your team as your 1-2 punch you don't go trading away a player like JBJ!

 

Moncada is somewhat "odd man out" right now. There's no room for him in the OF unless it's as a 5th OF, and the only IF spot for him is at 3B. It's a difficult situation for the FO too, in that it'll be difficult to get fair value for him in a trade when other GM's know our situation, and all we need is pitching.

 

I like JBJ ahead of Xander. I like our OF going forward.

[sk7326]

I don't see Moncado's future being in the outfield. IMO the three OF spots are pretty well sewed up for the near future. I know there are some folks here who think/want JBJ to be traded but I'd be surprised if that happens. DD likes defense. He gave up one of his highest prospects for Iggy - and certainly not for his offense - and he tried to trade for JBJ when he was in Detroit. So I see JBJ as being as close to untouchable as anyone not named Mookie Betts. Especially with our pitching staff coming around the way it is. When you have David Price AND the (possible) CY award winner on your team as your 1-2 punch you don't go trading away a player like JBJ!

 

Moncada is somewhat "odd man out" right now. There's no room for him in the OF unless it's as a 5th OF, and the only IF spot for him is at 3B. It's a difficult situation for the FO too, in that it'll be difficult to get fair value for him in a trade when other GM's know our situation, and all we need is pitching.

 

I don't think the outfield is etched in stone - after all the Red Sox have three capable CFs right now, and could easily deal one of them. And Devers might end up being the one at 3B anyway - and yes, he could also be dealt, but Dombrowski has been less inclined to be cavalier with elite position talent.

[Maxbialystock]

I don't see how anyone right now has a lock on 3B. If, for example, Sandoval can hit again, I would be tempted to make him the DH. But his return to form in any case is a big if. Shaw has now had two seasons to prove himself, but has struggled at the plate. Hill ain't the long term guy. Holt is best as the utility guy because he is so versatile. So I think Moncada has a shot, but only if he can hit, which includes being able to hit a curve ball. I also think he has a better shot at the infield than the outfield.

[mvp 78]

3b is certainly the biggest question mark going into next season.

[mvp 78]

If we're going to make a run at signing Chapman, may as well sign Reyes too and put him at 3b!

[oldtimer]

I don't see how anyone right now has a lock on 3B. If, for example, Sandoval can hit again, I would be tempted to make him the DH. But his return to form in any case is a big if. Shaw has now had two seasons to prove himself, but has struggled at the plate. Hill ain't the long term guy. Holt is best as the utility guy because he is so versatile. So I think Moncada has a shot, but only if he can hit, which includes being able to hit a curve ball. I also think he has a better shot at the infield than the outfield.

 

In a different thread, I was considered the options for who starts at 3rd in the playoffs. I can't see Shaw, Hill, Moncada or Sandoval. None of these guys is as legitimate as Holt. One question I asked is why not try Hernandez there? If JF has any thought of that he should audition Hernandez is some of the remaining games. I would add Hernandez to the list of potential 3rd basemen for next season, along with Devers.

[mvp 78]

I hope the Sox can clinch the division over the next few days so that they can give Moncada a few more games. Maybe catch lightning in a bottle?

[Maxbialystock]

I hope the Sox can clinch the division over the next few days so that they can give Moncada a few more games. Maybe catch lightning in a bottle?

 

I think Moncada may have used up his chances this year when he froze between 1st and 2d with 2 outs.

[a700hitter]

If by "the Return of Pablo" you mean that he will retire to his homeland, I think that is more likely than him starting at 3B for the Sox.

[Kimmi]

If by "the Return of Pablo" you mean that he will retire to his homeland, I think that is more likely than him starting at 3B for the Sox.

 

Personally, I eagerly await "the Return of Pablo".

 

Not this season though.

[moonslav59]

If there's an open spot for him (3B) then what's the "situation"? Besides, why would the Sox trade a guy who profiles as a generational talent if things break right? Moncada's the type of talent of talent you develop instead of trading. Looking bad during a cup of coffee at the MLB level does absolutely nothing to change that.

 

Well said. I think that sometimes people read into small samples sizes way more than level-headed GMs do.

 

It may take longer for Moncada to win any FT role on this team than many of us thought or hoped, but for sure, Sox management still is believing he is going to be FT'er on this team before too long.

 

I have not ruled him out of an OF'er slot. We have 3 OF'ers (B, B & that all can play CF. So many teams are asking for JBJ. I do not want to trade him, but it could happen eventually. The first option, in my opinion, is that Moncada will be given every chance to win the 3B job.

 

He will be watched closely at 3B in winter ball. he will play a lot of 3B in ST'ing, and he'll probably need more time at 3B at AAA to start the 2017 season. There won't be time to try him in LF, until the 3B job is solved.