Sox get Moreland

[a700hitter]

What's the backup plan for 3B if Sandoval is unproductive? Holt is not the answer. I hope DD has a backup plan. As of right now, I don't see any alternatives, and there should be.

Yep. That picture of a slimmed down Pablo could be photo shopped

[Wade Boggs]

Not only impact pitchers, but defense as well. I think that is a bigger reason for signing Moreland than his offense, since he will presumably be playing quite a bit of 1B over Hanley.

 

It might be like the Napoli signing in 13. A poor man's Nap. He wouldn't have been my first choice , but I'll live with it.

[mvp 78]

Backup 3b: Sam Travis!

[FredLynn]

Backup 3b: Sam Travis!

 

I thought he played 1B...am I mistaken? Furthermore, will he even be ready at the beginning of the season? He had a horrific injury.

[Bellhorn04]

Yep. That picture of a slimmed down Pablo could be photo shopped

 

If Pablo is still a blimp Dombrowski will look bad for shipping both Shaw and Moncada. Let's hope he's got someone who can vouch that Pablo's shaping up.

[Northern Star]

By the way, we just signed Moreland to a one year deal as well. Not sure if someone else scooped me on this. Per Ken Rosenthal.

 

Ugh, do not want. EE plz.

[Examiner]

They won 94 games. During that 11 game streak they came from behind left and right. They lost because Cleveland outpitched them plus they had Andrew Miller. They didn't have anybody like him in their pen. Not many teams do though.

 

Operative phrase being "during that 11 game streak". The other 151 games they did virtually nothing. That offense was a joke, I said so all year and also said they were not to be taken seriously. I said it from April on. They'd out score their opponents 22-6 in a four game series, but split 4 because they won 12-1 in game one, 8-0 in game 2, then lost the next two 2-0 and 3-2. If you want to see a clutch team that knew how to come from behind late, and do it consistently all year long, just look at 2013. That was the perfect team. This 2016 team was all show and no go, they did not have what it takes, I'm in record as saying so all summer long. In 2013 I knew from opening day that team was destined for greatness, if not a championship. It was obvious from the very first game.

Edited December 8, 2016 by Examiner

[Bellhorn04]

Operative phrase being "during that 11 game streak". The other 151 games they did virtually nothing. That offense was a joke, I said so all year and also said they were not to be taken seriously. I said it from April on. They'd out score their opponents 22-6 in a four game series, but split 4 because they won 12-1 in game one, 8-0 in game 2, then lost the next two 2-0 and 3-2. If you want to see a clutch team that knew how to come from behind late, and do it consistently all year long, just look at 2013. That was the perfect team. This 2016 team was all show and no go, they did not have what it takes, I'm in record as saying so all summer long. In 2013 I knew from opening day that team was destined for greatness, if not a championship. It was obvious from the very first game.

 

No playoffs are a crapshoot for you, huh?

 

Cleveland was a red hot team, you can't deny that at least. They handled the Jays easily and almost took down the powerful Cubs.

[Wade Boggs]

Operative phrase being "during that 11 game streak". The other 151 games they did virtually nothing. That offense was a joke, I said so all year and also said they were not to be taken seriously. I said it from April on. They'd out score their opponents 22-6 in a four game series, but split 4 because they won 12-1 in game one, 8-0 in game 2, then lost the next two 2-0 and 3-2. If you want to see a clutch team that knew how to come from behind late, and do it consistently all year long, just look at 2013. That was the perfect team. This 2016 team was all show and no go, they did not have what it takes, I'm in record as saying so all summer long. In 2013 I knew from opening day that team was destined for greatness, if not a championship. It was obvious from the very first game.

 

I saw what you posted. You did say that . I agree. They should have been better in the 1 run games. But 94W in the AL East with everyone over 500 but the Rays isn't that bad. The only team that was clutch I guess was the CHC.

[NativeBostonian]

Operative phrase being "during that 11 game streak". The other 151 games they did virtually nothing. That offense was a joke, I said so all year and also said they were not to be taken seriously. I said it from April on. They'd out score their opponents 22-6 in a four game series, but split 4 because they won 12-1 in game one, 8-0 in game 2, then lost the next two 2-0 and 3-2. If you want to see a clutch team that knew how to come from behind late, and do it consistently all year long, just look at 2013. That was the perfect team. This 2016 team was all show and no go, they did not have what it takes, I'm in record as saying so all summer long. In 2013 I knew from opening day that team was destined for greatness, if not a championship. It was obvious from the very first game.

 

I agree. They did lack clutchness last year. It was very a slim chance that they'd pull out a game that had five runs or less. Now you take a way Mr. Clutch in David Ortiz and it's even more concerning. I think they've already proven that they're going for it with the trades that they've just made. Just sign someone who can actually replace Ortiz and screw the luxury tax.

[Hugh2]

Sam Travis would be pretty ugly at 3B.

 

The photo of Pablo is not photo shopped.

 

But I think Pablo isn't out of the woods yet, he could always relapse and eat 40 LB's back on.

[Hugh2]

The Sox could really use a RHH corner infielder. If only the had the RHH version of Shaw on this team. Even Holt/Hernandez are LHB, although Holt has been pretty decent against LHP as a lefty batter. You could always plug Hanley back at first and insert Young into the DH role against tough lefties but it would be nice to see another strong RHB off the bench.

[mvp 78]

Sam Travis would be pretty ugly at 3B.

 

The photo of Pablo is not photo shopped.

 

But I think Pablo isn't out of the woods yet, he could always relapse and eat 40 LB's back on.

 

Why? Have you seen him play 3b? He played in college.

[mvp 78]

I thought he played 1B...am I mistaken? Furthermore, will he even be ready at the beginning of the season? He had a horrific injury.

 

He was primarily a 3b in college.

[mvp 78]

Here's the potential 3b's:

Sandoval

Holt

Rutledge

Hernandez

Travis (injured)

[moonslav59]

Well, that pitching better pan out, because I'm not sure about the offense. The big numbers last year were very deceptive, I said that during the season. They rarely came from behind and were very inconsistent.

 

Yes, we had many big scoring games and too many low scoring one run losses, but we consistently scored 3, 4 or more runs- better than any other AL team. Scoring 3 or 4 runs always gives you a chance to win. We did that better than any AL team last year. With an improved staff, maybe we'll start winning more of those low-scoring games.

 

Games with 0-2 runs scored:

BOS 38 (18 with 2 runs scored)

CLE 40 (12 with 2)

TEX 43 (18 with 2)

BAL 45 (25 with 2)

[This shows our offense gave our team a chance to win more than other AL playoff teams did.]

 

Games with 3-4 runs scored:

BOS 31 (14 with 4 runs)

TEX 35 (18 with 4)

CLE 36 (14 with 4)

TOR 45 (20 with 4)

BAL 46 (19 with 4)

[Again, it's not a bad thing to have less 3-4 run scoring games at the expense of 5+ run games, when your 0-2 run games are less as well.]

 

Games with 5+ runs scored:

BOS 93 (24 with 5 runs)

CLE 86 (22 with 5 runs)

TEX 84 (22 with 5)

TOR 74 (26 with 5)

BAL 70 (20 with 5)

 

Losses when scoring more than...

4 or more: TOR 19, CLE 21, BOS 23, TEX 27

5 or more: TOR 14, CLE 14, BOS 15, TEX 18

 

 

This is telling and speaks to your point:

 

Losses when allowing 3-4 runs

BOS 22

TOR 20

TEX 16

BAL 14

CLE 10

 

but, going 6-8 when scoring 4 runs is also on the pitching as well. We lost 15 games when scoring 5 or more runs. The inians were 7-7 in 4 run games and lost 14 games when scoring over 15. Rangers were 9-9 and lost just 9 games when scoring more than 5. The Jays were 15-5 in 4 run games! and lost 14 when scoring 5 or more. The Orioles were 13-6 in 4 run games and lost 14 games when scoring over 5.

 

I can see if scoring over 5 runs much more than other teams meant we had more games with 0-2 or 0-3 runs scored backing up your point, but that's just not true.

 

Losing one run games was an issue with us this year. I brought it up myself several times. There were many instances where we outscored our opponent in a series and either lost or tied the series. While the offense can take the blame for much of that, as timely hitting just didn't seem to occur much, the pitching staff was to blame as well. Our RP'ers failed to hold leads. They often put us behind early. They lost the close games too.

 

[moonslav59]

Here's the potential 3b's:

Sandoval

Holt

Rutledge

Hernandez

Travis (injured)

 

Rutledge is gone.

 

Travis is probably better suited for 1B in the bigs.

[jonnylongfella]

Rutledge is gone.

 

Travis is probably better suited for 1B in the bigs.

 

He's actually back. Came back from the Rockies in the Rule 5 draft.

[Spudboy]

I kind of like Rutledge.

[Hugh2]

He was primarily a 3b in college.

 

I could be wrong, I'll admit I'm not a pro scout and have only seen him once and never at 3B. But everything I've read about him in the scouting world has him pegged at 1B with specific reports on his athleticism not suitable for other positions.

 

I get that he played 3B in college, but A LOT of players play positions in college they have zero business in playing at the pro level.

[moonslav59]

He's actually back. Came back from the Rockies in the Rule 5 draft.

 

I just saw that! He'll have to stay on the 25 man roster, so there goes Hernandez back to AAA.

[moonslav59]

I kind of like Rutledge.

 

I guess Ben has always been high on Josh. Maybe some of that rubbed off on DD.

[Spudboy]

I guess Ben has always been high on Josh. Maybe some of that rubbed off on DD.

 

I think a lot of people have like him. Wasn't he one of the blue chippers in his draft?

 

I think that he can hit pretty well and he can play decent but not great D 3rd and 2nd.

 

Decent depth piece.

[mvp 78]

I could be wrong, I'll admit I'm not a pro scout and have only seen him once and never at 3B. But everything I've read about him in the scouting world has him pegged at 1B with specific reports on his athleticism not suitable for other positions.

 

I get that he played 3B in college, but A LOT of players play positions in college they have zero business in playing at the pro level.

 

Is he less athletic than Pablo?

[Emp9]

Is he less athletic than Pablo?

 

From past scouting reports, footwork - wise? , (if that falls under athleticism) yes Pablo is a superior 3B.

[oldtimer]

Rutledge is gone.

 

Travis is probably better suited for 1B in the bigs.

 

No, Rutledge was reacquired in the Rule 5 draft from the Rockies. He is a potential 3rd base backup.

[moonslav59]

No, Rutledge was reacquired in the Rule 5 draft from the Rockies. He is a potential 3rd base backup.

 

I saw that. I guess that makes Hernandez our AAA depth.

 

That's one way to rebuild the farm! (LOL)

[Hugh2]

Is he less athletic than Pablo?

 

Which Pablo are we talking about? he's come into camp a many different weights over his career? Lets also keep in mind that you can be big and slow but have a very quick step, good hands and a strong arm. I just haven't heard anything that makes me excited or think Travis can play third.

 

I'm sure the Sox can put a glove on his hand and stick him there, but that doesn't mean he will be good there.

[mvp 78]

Which Pablo are we talking about? he's come into camp a many different weights over his career? Lets also keep in mind that you can be big and slow but have a very quick step, good hands and a strong arm. I just haven't heard anything that makes me excited or think Travis can play third.

 

I'm sure the Sox can put a glove on his hand and stick him there, but that doesn't mean he will be good there.

 

He doesn't need to be great to be a backup.

[Hugh2]

He doesn't need to be great to be a backup.

 

No he doesn't, but would you want Hanley backing up LF?

 

I mean, he might be fine at 3B, I don't really know. I just haven't really read anything to indicate he could be other than he played 3B in college but as I said earlier guys play college positions all the time they have no business playing at the pros. Maybe he wasn't that terrible there, doing some research into his college scouting reports might be a fun and insightful project.

 

Guys can take steps forward too, SHAW Travis became a first baseman in the pros because he wasn't very good at 3B but he worked really hard and became more athletic and was able to play an acceptable 3rd so maybe that could be an option.

 

Travis also hasn't played much baseball above AA, it's a really a shame too because he easily could have been knocking on the door last year and instilling more confidence in a starting position out the gate this year.

 

FWIW, Hanley did play 3B, Hypothetically you could stick him there if he's no worse than Travis. That would be 2 RHB in your lineup at the corners.

 

P.S. I know HanRam wasn't great defensively at 3B.