A Realistic View at 2017 Part I

[moonslav59]

MLBTR....

 

Red Sox reliever Tyler Thornburg’s lack of shoulder strength partially boils down to miscommunication, writes Silverman. After they acquired him from the Brewers, the Red Sox, who have their own shoulder maintenance program, sent Thornburg a list of exercises to perform daily. He misunderstood the directions, however. “I kind of figured that this is a list of the exercises they incorporated, I didn’t think this is what they do all in one day,” said Thornburg. “I thought, ‘here’s a list of exercises, learn them, pick five or six of them,’ because that was pretty much what we did in Milwaukee.” Teammate and fellow reliever Joe Kelly also had a difficult time adjusting to the program when the Red Sox acquired him in 2014, but he’s now on board with it. “It’s something that I didn’t buy into all the way when I first did it because it’s something new, something new you’re doing and you’re getting sore and fatigued, it’s something you probably don’t want to do,” Kelly stated. “It’s something I stuck with, and I tried it and ultimately it just felt great. It’s one of the things you’ve kind of got to get results first in order to believe.”

 

It didn’t surprise Clay Buchholz that the Red Sox traded him during the offseason, the right-hander told reporters – including Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald – on Sunday (Twitter links). Buchholz is now with the Phillies, though he expected Boston to send him to the White Sox as part of the Chris Sale deal. “This is probably good for me, getting out of Boston in general,” said Buchholz, who had been a member of the Red Sox since they selected him in the first round of the 2005 draft. “It stinks to say that but seems like more people remember bad things that happened rather than good things.” Buchholz had his down moments in Boston, including a rough 2016, but posted respectable numbers in 1,167 2/3 innings with the Sox (3.96 ERA, 6.93 K/9, 3.21 BB/9, 47.8 percent ground-ball rate) and had arguably his best season in 2013 as part of a World Series-winning club.

[Nick]

MLBTR....

 

Red Sox reliever Tyler Thornburg’s lack of shoulder strength partially boils down to miscommunication, writes Silverman. After they acquired him from the Brewers, the Red Sox, who have their own shoulder maintenance program, sent Thornburg a list of exercises to perform daily. He misunderstood the directions, however. “I kind of figured that this is a list of the exercises they incorporated, I didn’t think this is what they do all in one day,” said Thornburg. “I thought, ‘here’s a list of exercises, learn them, pick five or six of them,’ because that was pretty much what we did in Milwaukee.” Teammate and fellow reliever Joe Kelly also had a difficult time adjusting to the program when the Red Sox acquired him in 2014, but he’s now on board with it. “It’s something that I didn’t buy into all the way when I first did it because it’s something new, something new you’re doing and you’re getting sore and fatigued, it’s something you probably don’t want to do,” Kelly stated. “It’s something I stuck with, and I tried it and ultimately it just felt great. It’s one of the things you’ve kind of got to get results first in order to believe.”

 

It didn’t surprise Clay Buchholz that the Red Sox traded him during the offseason, the right-hander told reporters – including Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald – on Sunday (Twitter links). Buchholz is now with the Phillies, though he expected Boston to send him to the White Sox as part of the Chris Sale deal. “This is probably good for me, getting out of Boston in general,” said Buchholz, who had been a member of the Red Sox since they selected him in the first round of the 2005 draft. “It stinks to say that but seems like more people remember bad things that happened rather than good things.” Buchholz had his down moments in Boston, including a rough 2016, but posted respectable numbers in 1,167 2/3 innings with the Sox (3.96 ERA, 6.93 K/9, 3.21 BB/9, 47.8 percent ground-ball rate) and had arguably his best season in 2013 as part of a World Series-winning club.

 

1) You make an investment on a player and you don't have a face to face to go over winter conditioning requirements? What a f***ing incompetent morons.

 

2) Clay, I watched it on TV when you pitched a no hitter vs Baltimore and I go so excited. That's what I want to remember. Plus the good work you did on In Living Color. Outstanding.

[Nick]

I wouldn't give up on Vaz after 2-3 months of poor offense, assuming he starts slowly.

 

However, if Swihart is doing very well in AAA, we may have to make a choice. I might trade Leon.

 

Leon has more trade value than Vazquez right now. Unless Leon stops hitting.

[moonslav59]

Leon has more trade value than Vazquez right now. Unless Leon stops hitting.

 

With the state of catching the way it is these days, my guess is several teams would want the catcher we may end up looking to trade, but as of right now, Their trade value is not worth more than what they mean to us. We need to find our catcher of the future, and three chances are better than two.

[FredLynn]

I wouldn't give up on Vaz after 2-3 months of poor offense, assuming he starts slowly.

 

However, if Swihart is doing very well in AAA, we may have to make a choice. I might trade Leon.

 

If Swihart has improved enough defensively in Pawtucket and Vas continues to struggle......I cut him loose by July

[moonslav59]

If Swihart has improved enough defensively in Pawtucket and Vas continues to struggle......I cut him loose by July

 

Catcher's often take time to develop. I'd hate to give up that quickly on Vaz. It's not like he's had extended playing time that often.

 

I'm not disagreeing though, if Swihart proves to be a better option, we may have to make a tough choice and trade a catcher at a low stock price.

 

We could probably get creative with a phantom DL and rehab assignment for one of our catchers, but that can only prolong the choice for so long.

Edited March 13, 2017 by moonslav59

[Nick]

Same old Kimbrel.

 

Walks the first hitter after getting ahead 0-2. That in a nutshell is essence of Kimbrel. Oh by the way he surrendered 3 runs without the benefit of a home run.

 

I hope someone else comes through this year so we don't have to pick up his option for $12.5M in 2018.

 

I will root for him but its frustrating. Closer should be able to locate.

 

Per Kimbrel on Boston Herald

 

That walk gnawed at him.

 

“Get 0-2 and tried to mess around with some pitches and not really put him away, and then all of a sudden it’s a full count there,” said Kimbrel. “You don’t ever want to do that. Kind of led to the rest of the inning and I threw a lot of pitches.”

 

Hey Craig, we ALL felt your pain.

[Fisk]

With the state of catching the way it is these days, my guess is several teams would want the catcher we may end up looking to trade, but as of right now, Their trade value is not worth more than what they mean to us. We need to find our catcher of the future, and three chances are better than two.

 

If Leon and Vasquez are not hitting I'm not sure how much trade value they would have. There are some good defensive catchers out there that are available.

[Emp9]

"the Red Sox, who have their own shoulder maintenance program, sent Thornburg a list of exercises to perform daily."

 

I want a copy of this shoulder maintenance program or is it a team secret?

[S5Dewey]

Per Kimbrel on Boston Herald

 

That walk gnawed at him.

 

“Get 0-2 and tried to mess around with some pitches and not really put him away, and then all of a sudden it’s a full count there,” said Kimbrel. “You don’t ever want to do that. Kind of led to the rest of the inning and I threw a lot of pitches.”

 

Hey Craig, we ALL felt your pain.

 

This sounds like David Price and his comments about his post-season pitching. "Yeah.. this is what happened and I've got to do better."

 

Hey guys.. in the words of Bill Parcells, "Don't tell me about the pain, just show me the baby".

 

I lost faith in Kimbrel last year when he couldn't find the plate with both hands and a flashlight and it's looking like more of the same this year. I used to say that I want my closer to throw the ball 100 mph. Now I'm saying I want my closer to throw strikes at 100 mph.

[mvp 78]

If your biggest complaint is one of the best closers in the game, you must have a pretty good team.

[Nick]

If your biggest complaint is one of the best closers in the game, you must have a pretty good team.

 

No the biggest complaint is giving out $95M, 5 year deal to a 3rd baseman who has not produced the first two years. Typical, we pissed away $38M so far.

 

2nd biggest complaint is having a player off the 40 man roster making $72.5M over 7 years.

 

3rd biggest compaint is acquiring a player who is owed $11M this year and off the 40 man roster. He also received $5.5M and $9M the last two years.

 

We also glorify GM's that have pissed away Henry's money like a drunken sailor.

 

Based on our track record, I applaude Moreland signing for $5.5M.

Edited March 13, 2017 by Nick

[mvp 78]

No the biggest complaint is giving out $95M, 5 year deal to a 3rd baseman who has not produced the first two years. Typical, we pissed away $38M so far.

 

Are you talking about the 2017 starting All Star for your American Leaguers?

 

2nd biggest complaint is having a player off the 40 man roster making $72.5M over 7 years.

 

Not on the 40 man roster. Unless you are JH's accountant, not sure why it would bother you.

 

3rd biggest compaint is acquiring a player who is owed $11M this year and off the 40 man roster. He also received $5.5M and $9M the last two years.

 

Another guy who has a history of postseason success and is enjoying a nice Spring Training. After coming back from numerous injuries, this guy could be a solid #5 hitter if he regains form. Again, unless you are JH's accountant, the off the books $ shouldn't matter. It doesn't impact the MLB team at all if the guy stinks up the joint.

 

We also glorify GM's that have pissed away Henry's money like a drunken sailor.

 

Yeah, screw that Theo guy. What a bum! Terrible GM...

 

Based on our track record, I applaude Moreland signing for $5.5M.

 

He's a decent enough signing. Solid glove at 1b. Due to Hanley's injury history, it was a smart move to bring in a professional 1b on cheap $.

[FredLynn]

Catcher's often take time to develop. I'd hate to give up that quickly on Vaz. It's not like he's had extended playing time that often.

 

I'm not disagreeing though, if Swihart proves to be a better option, we may have to make a tough choice and trade a catcher at a low stock price.

 

We could probably get creative with a phantom DL and rehab assignment for one of our catchers, but that can only prolong the choice for so long.

 

The problem with Vasquez is not his defense. That is already more than acceptable. The problem is that he cannot hit. And that doesn't take all that long to develop. Although he missed a whole season he already had nearly 400 ABs. By July, if he plays much, he might get another 100 or more. By then we should have an idea of where his offense is at. So far its been pretty disappointing. Hey-I hope he turns it around because he is a lot of fun to watch behind the plate. So far, I don't see it.

[mvp 78]

The problem with Vasquez is not his defense. That is already more than acceptable. The problem is that he cannot hit. And that doesn't take all that long to develop. Although he missed a whole season he already had nearly 400 ABs. By July, if he plays much, he might get another 100 or more. By then we should have an idea of where his offense is at. So far its been pretty disappointing. Hey-I hope he turns it around because he is a lot of fun to watch behind the plate. So far, I don't see it.

 

His defense is good, but not otherworldly as we thought it could have been. If his glove stays at "solid but not spectacular," his bat won't play. Frankly, I thought his glove was a little underwhelming, if not straight up disappointing, last year.

 

If his glove was outstanding last year, maybe they would have had more of a reason to move Swihart to a new position. I think that since CV didn't make any great leaps last year, that they think Swihart's upside may be worth keeping at C. They obviously don't see CV as their future at this point.

[moonslav59]

If Leon and Vasquez are not hitting I'm not sure how much trade value they would have. There are some good defensive catchers out there that are available.

 

Yes, I know, but just DFA'ing one of these guys or trading them for peanuts, before we really know if Swi is the answer scares me.

 

I know we can't wait forever for Vaz to shine, if he ever does, but looking at his career, he really hasn't played a whole lot at the big league level. I hate making these calls before we know more.

 

I get the argument that if Swihart is doing well and one of our two are struggling badly, we have to try to win this year by calling Swi up, but keeping 3 catchers for as long as possible is also a strong priority.

[moonslav59]

 

2nd biggest complaint is having a player off the 40 man roster making $72.5M over 7 years.

 

Castillo is not on the 40 man roster.

[Bellhorn04]

The fact that Castillo and Craig are off the 40 man roster doesn't mean they have no impact on the payroll. I'm sure Henry takes them into account when he calculates the team's profit. Also, if they do by chance play well and you want to use them, you have to put them back on the 40 man and incur the tax.

[moonslav59]

The problem with Vasquez is not his defense. That is already more than acceptable. The problem is that he cannot hit. And that doesn't take all that long to develop. Although he missed a whole season he already had nearly 400 ABs. By July, if he plays much, he might get another 100 or more. By then we should have an idea of where his offense is at. So far its been pretty disappointing. Hey-I hope he turns it around because he is a lot of fun to watch behind the plate. So far, I don't see it.

 

347 AB is not all that much, especially when scattered over two seasons in the last 3 years. I agree that his .602 career OPS in MLB is unsustainable, but I look at his minor league sample size of almost 2,200 PAs and a .734 OPS with some hope. If he can just get his OPS above .650, he'd be a plus, or at least have much more trade value. If he can get to .680 great! If gets over .700, he'd likely be our starter, and we'd probably trade Swihart or move him to another position.

[moonslav59]

The fact that Castillo and Craig are off the 40 man roster doesn't mean they have no impact on the payroll. I'm sure Henry takes them into account when he calculates the team's profit. Also, if they do by chance play well and you want to use them, you have to put them back on the 40 man and incur the tax.

 

Agreed. I do think Henry's bigger concern is the luxury tax and the penalties involved with going over by too much and/or too often. Some penalties invlove more than just money coming out of the profits.

[mvp 78]

No reason to trade Sandy or Christian unless Blake is ready.

[Nick]

Looks like Wright made it through ok today without getting hurt.

 

Looking forward to Pom pitching.

[mvp 78]

Looks like Wright made it through ok today without getting hurt.

 

Looking forward to Pom pitching.

 

Yup, if Pom looks ok, the fears about Price may be lessened when he's not with the club in April.

[Nick]

Yup, if Pom looks ok, the fears about Price may be lessened when he's not with the club in April.

 

It would be huge just to get Wright to where he was last year before the All Star break. You're right. Pitchers are delicate creatures.

[Emp9]

Ummm...ladies and gents. Just a friendly reminder that it's still Spring Training. Let's not get too down or too up on anyone's performance right now. Staying healthy is more important than any ST performance. If a player doesn't get hurt by the end of the day, consider it a good day.

[moonslav59]

MLBTR...

 

David Price told Red Sox reporters that he’s not 100 percent certain exactly what the injury he’s facing is, but in fairly strange fashion, noted that he’d have opted for surgery if he were 22 or 23 years old (via Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald). “They said if I was 22 or 23, they’d have told me to go have surgery,” said Price. “…I’ve gone through this. This is something I feel like happens every spring training. It’s those first four to five weeks of spring training that I feel like I go through this every single year, and this year was just a little bit worse.” Pressed on the specifics of the injury Price stated that he’s not sure what precisely set off the alarm bells for doctors but added that his elbow feels good and offered no concern regarding his ulnar collateral ligament. There’s no timeline for his recovery, though Drellich notes that it’s looking likely that Price will be on the DL to open the season.

[moonslav59]

MLBTR...

 

Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal provides updates on a pair of mending Red Sox relievers (Twitter links). Setup man Tyler Thornburg, acquired in the trade that sent Travis Shaw to Milwaukee this winter, is slated to throw off a mound on Wednesday. Thornburg hasn’t appeared in a game since March 1 but appears to be nearing a return to action. As for last season’s setup acquisition, Carson Smith (who underwent Tommy John surgery before pitching in the regular season), he threw a 15-to-18 pitch bullpen session today, which marks his first mound work since undergoing his Tommy John procedure.

[Fisk]

MLBTR...

 

Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal provides updates on a pair of mending Red Sox relievers (Twitter links). Setup man Tyler Thornburg, acquired in the trade that sent Travis Shaw to Milwaukee this winter, is slated to throw off a mound on Wednesday. Thornburg hasn’t appeared in a game since March 1 but appears to be nearing a return to action. As for last season’s setup acquisition, Carson Smith (who underwent Tommy John surgery before pitching in the regular season), he threw a 15-to-18 pitch bullpen session today, which marks his first mound work since undergoing his Tommy John procedure.

 

Looks like we might get Smith back earlier then expected. If everyone's healthy this could be a lights out bullpen.

[Kimmi]

Looks like we might get Smith back earlier then expected. If everyone's healthy this could be a lights out bullpen.

 

I was really excited about the Smith trade when it happened. I look forward to having him back in our bullpen.

[Fisk]

I was really excited about the Smith trade when it happened. I look forward to having him back in our bullpen.

 

Hopefully no setbacks.