2017 Spring Training Thread - Everything Sox ST

[southpaw777]

2017Spring Training is here!!!

Everyone has reported and the rumors and news has already started.

 

The first bit of news i think is important is Blake Swihart looks to have the "yips"

He threw a number of balls 3ft over Porcellos and Scott's head and bounced a few too. He was obviously thinking about it before he was throwing back to him. He delayed a bit before he threw it and just looked a bit off.

Hopefully he can work it out and it turns into nothing, but its something to keep an eye on.

Questions about Pom and Wright.

That elbow is a concern with Pom. Maybe they should have sent him back?

Why is Wright still having issues? Both guys are concerns.

 

Ok, this thread is for anything and everything Sox spring training, so have at it!

Edited February 18, 2017 by southpaw777

[Kimmi]

Thanks for starting this thread!

 

On Swihart, I just posted in the other thread that I think the 'yips' will be a non issue, but he definitely needs some time in AAA to focus on his work behind the plate.

 

On Pom, I like his attitude coming into camp. He vows to be in the starting rotation, and not in the pen. He is confident in himself.

 

On Wright, I can't believe that he is not recovered from his injury yet.

 

Pitching depth will be a real concern if Wright, Pom, or ERod are not full recovered from their injuries.

 

Lastly, Woohoo for spring training!

[Station 13]

Pablo is said to be in the best shape of his life. But how do you know that is true? lmao

[Station 13]

Thanks for starting this thread!

 

On Swihart, I just posted in the other thread that I think the 'yips' will be a non issue, but he definitely needs some time in AAA to focus on his work behind the plate.

 

On Pom, I like his attitude coming into camp. He vows to be in the starting rotation, and not in the pen. He is confident in himself.

 

On Wright, I can't believe that he is not recovered from his injury yet.

 

Pitching depth will be a real concern if Wright, Pom, or ERod are not full recovered from their injuries.

 

Lastly, Woohoo for spring training!

 

Kimmi many teams can't name a starter beside their first. We got 3 SP who pitch 200 inning last season and I believe there was only 15 in all of MLB. We're quite fortified there.

 

What concern is the lack of IF corners for me. Pablo and Moreland? Yuck.

[Kimmi]

Pablo is said to be in the best shape of his life. But how do you know that is true? lmao

 

I'm really pulling for the guy. Losing all that weight does not guarantee that he will be able to perform on the field, but I give him credit for taking last year as a wake up call and doing something about it. I hope his hard work pays off, not just for him, but because the team really needs him to be successful.

[Station 13]

Swihart has an option while neither two of the catchers do, it's AAA time even if he emerges from this issue of yips or yaps whatever you call it by the time spring is over.

[Kimmi]

Kimmi many teams can't name a starter beside their first. We got 3 SP who pitch 200 inning last season and I believe there was only 15 in all of MLB. We're quite fortified there.

 

What concern is the lack of IF corners for me. Pablo and Moreland? Yuck.

 

I'd definitely take our top 3 against anybody's top 3. Having them be able to go deep in games strengthens our pen, which in turn, strengthens our #4 and 5 rotation spots.

 

Overall team depth is my biggest concern, though it is really not that deep of a concern.

[Kimmi]

Swihart has an option while neither two of the catchers do, it's AAA time even if he emerges from this issue of yips or yaps whatever you call it by the time spring is over.

 

Agreed.

[Station 13]

I'd definitely take our top 3 against anybody's top 3. Having them be able to go deep in games strengthens our pen, which in turn, strengthens our #4 and 5 rotation spots.

 

Overall team depth is my biggest concern, though it is really not that deep of a concern.

 

Our #4 was an allstar last year. While our CY winner wasn't. How crazy is that. If Pomegranate can be half decent and E-rod pitches like he did in the 2nd half we're good. Every team has SP depth issues and we're seeing the media portrayal of the sky is falling is ridiculous at this point.

[Station 13]

Did anybody watch Mookie bowling last night? He was really good, believe he had like 6/6 straight strike.

[Kimmi]

Did anybody watch Mookie bowling last night? He was really good, believe he had like 6/6 straight strike.

 

I did not see him bowl last night, but I've seen him bowl before. He is really good. I'm a big fan of bowling and the PBA. Mookie could definitely be a PBA bowler if he were not playing baseball. There is waaaayyyyy more money in baseball than in bowling.

[a700hitter]

Pablo is said to be in the best shape of his life. But how do you know that is true? lmao

Many a player has gotten into the best shape of his life after his skills have completely eroded.

[a700hitter]

2017Spring Training is here!!!

Everyone has reported and the rumors and news has already started.

 

The first bit of news i think is important is Blake Swihart looks to have the "yips"

He threw a number of balls 3ft over Porcellos and Scott's head and bounced a few too. He was obviously thinking about it before he was throwing back to him. He delayed a bit before he threw it and just looked a bit off.

Hopefully he can work it out and it turns into nothing, but its something to keep an eye on.

Questions about Pom and Wright.

That elbow is a concern with Pom. Maybe they should have sent him back?

Why is Wright still having issues? Both guys are concerns.

 

Ok, this thread is for anything and everything Sox spring training, so have at it!

It may be time to trade him, before this problem becomes completely exposed.

[oldtimer]

Last year Abad looked like he had good stuff but then couldn't help us. They kept him despite his poor results because they could see the potential he has. Hard to get a lefty reliever that can get it done so the FO will give him another try. He may turn out to be a real positive for us in the BP. Think positive, it is Springtime in Florida.

[southpaw777]

It may be time to trade him, before this problem becomes completely exposed.

 

Swihart?

Im not real worried about the kid. Im guessing he will work it out. It was def out of the ordinary though. Not really like knocking the rust off...

[southpaw777]

Pitchng depth is always an issue with most teams. We will bring in a few AAAA guys as well as our own kids. Hopefully Johnson will bounce back enough to make a few good starts when needed. Owens and Elias as well. Not a promosing bunch, but what 7-8-9 starters are?

[Fisk]

Last year Abad looked like he had good stuff but then couldn't help us. They kept him despite his poor results because they could see the potential he has. Hard to get a lefty reliever that can get it done so the FO will give him another try. He may turn out to be a real positive for us in the BP. Think positive, it is Springtime in Florida.

 

That's exactly right it's spring, it's time to be positive. Now when April comes might be a different story.

[Fisk]

Pitchng depth is always an issue with most teams. We will bring in a few AAAA guys as well as our own kids. Hopefully Johnson will bounce back enough to make a few good starts when needed. Owens and Elias as well. Not a promosing bunch, but what 7-8-9 starters are?

 

Besides the Dodgers I don't know of any other team who might be better then us at 7-9. These spots in the rotation are usually wild cards, hopefully one or two develop.

[Kimmi]

Last year Abad looked like he had good stuff but then couldn't help us. They kept him despite his poor results because they could see the potential he has. Hard to get a lefty reliever that can get it done so the FO will give him another try. He may turn out to be a real positive for us in the BP. Think positive, it is Springtime in Florida.

 

Abad has good numbers against lefties. If he can be kept in mostly a LOOGY role, he can be very effective.

[Kimmi]

Pitchng depth is always an issue with most teams. We will bring in a few AAAA guys as well as our own kids. Hopefully Johnson will bounce back enough to make a few good starts when needed. Owens and Elias as well. Not a promosing bunch, but what 7-8-9 starters are?

 

Red Sox signed RHP Hector Velazquez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

 

The 28-year-old has spent the past seven seasons pitching in the Mexican League, most recently compiling a 2.47 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 120/16 K/BB ratio over 131 1/3 innings in 2016. He's an intriguing low-risk signing for the Red Sox.

Source: Boston Red Sox on Twitter

 

I don't know anything about this guy other than what is stated in this tweet, but his numbers look promising. This is the kind of depth signing we need more of.

[Spudboy]

Red Sox signed RHP Hector Velazquez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

 

The 28-year-old has spent the past seven seasons pitching in the Mexican League, most recently compiling a 2.47 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 120/16 K/BB ratio over 131 1/3 innings in 2016. He's an intriguing low-risk signing for the Red Sox.

Source: Boston Red Sox on Twitter

 

I don't know anything about this guy other than what is stated in this tweet, but his numbers look promising. This is the kind of depth signing we need more of.

 

Exactly.

[southpaw777]

Red Sox signed RHP Hector Velazquez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

 

The 28-year-old has spent the past seven seasons pitching in the Mexican League, most recently compiling a 2.47 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 120/16 K/BB ratio over 131 1/3 innings in 2016. He's an intriguing low-risk signing for the Red Sox.

Source: Boston Red Sox on Twitter

 

I don't know anything about this guy other than what is stated in this tweet, but his numbers look promising. This is the kind of depth signing we need more of.

 

Yes, this is exactly what I was talking about. They will all work it out in March.

[Kimmi]

Pablo Sandoval has resumed switch hitting. He has been getting in extra workouts.

 

He still has to produce on the field, but I like what I've seen and heard so far.

[oldtimer]

I'd be interested to hear what Jackie Bradley will do in spring training. His in field play was fine last year but his hitting deteriorated as the season wore on. I speculated at the time that his swing had lengthened and gotten more uppercut in nature. That might be good for power, but not so good for contact. I wonder if those watching him in spring training or hearing from his own personal stories whether he is taking steps to improve his contact. Clearly the hitting coaches would be trying to help in that regard. He is one of our more important players and to have him close to his early season 2016 form would be a huge benefit for the 2017 Sox.

[moonslav59]

I'd be interested to hear what Jackie Bradley will do in spring training. His in field play was fine last year but his hitting deteriorated as the season wore on. I speculated at the time that his swing had lengthened and gotten more uppercut in nature. That might be good for power, but not so good for contact. I wonder if those watching him in spring training or hearing from his own personal stories whether he is taking steps to improve his contact. Clearly the hitting coaches would be trying to help in that regard. He is one of our more important players and to have him close to his early season 2016 form would be a huge benefit for the 2017 Sox.

 

I'm not saying there is no reason for any concerns on JBJ, but the guy is streaky, and we shouldn't always view a player's last few PAs as a roadmap for what is to come. It could have just been a bad slump that happened to occur as the season ended.

 

2016 was also the first time JBJ played in more than 145 games, and they were all at the ML level.

 

His career OPS is .726, and his 2016 OPS was .835. His his last 28 days OPS was .773. That's not something alarmingly low. It's actually right between his career and 2016 OPS and could be what JBJ will end up near after his career is over.

 

If you take away his last 3 games, he would have ended the season at .850. He had an amazing year following an amazing end to 2015 (August>Septmeber). I'll take his last 8 months of offense any day of the week- bad streaks and all.

[moonslav59]

Pablo Sandoval has resumed switch hitting. He has been getting in extra workouts.

 

He still has to produce on the field, but I like what I've seen and heard so far.

 

I don't think it matters what side of the plate he stands vs lefties. I'm not sure he can ever hit well enough to not platoon.

 

Pablo splits:

 

2015

vs RHPs: .744

vs LHPs: .465 (.142 as RHB/.590 as LHB)

 

2014

vs RHPs: .824

vs LHPs: .563 (all as RHB)

 

2013

vs RHPs: .786

vs LHPs: .686 (all as RHB)

 

2012

vs RHPs: .809

vs LHPs: .745

 

2011

vs RHPs: .961

vs LHPs: .723

 

2010

vs RHPs: .779

vs LHPs: .589

 

2009

vs RHPs: .914

vs LHPs: 1.028

 

2008

vs RHPs: .950

vs LHPs: .558

 

A strong case could be made that Pablo should have always been a platoon player-- same as Carl Crawford. He was excellent in 2009 and respectable in 2012. His 6 other seasons we platoon worthy. He's had an OPS under .590 vs LHPs in half his seasons! He's been under .724 in 6 of his 8 seasons.

 

I'm not sure how getting in "the best shape of his life" is going to help his eye vs lefties. I hope I'm wrong, but I think we should expect and plan for a 3B platoon this year. I think that's why we got Rutledge.

 

 

 

Edited February 19, 2017 by moonslav59

[Fisk]

I don't think it matters what side of the plate he stands vs lefties. I'm not sure he can ever hit well enough to not platoon.

 

Pablo splits:

 

2015

vs RHPs: .744

vs LHPs: .465 (.142 as RHB/.590 as LHB)

 

2014

vs RHPs: .824

vs LHPs: .563 (all as RHB)

 

2013

vs RHPs: .786

vs LHPs: .686 (all as RHB)

 

2012

vs RHPs: .809

vs LHPs: .745

 

2011

vs RHPs: .961

vs LHPs: .723

 

2010

vs RHPs: .779

vs LHPs: .589

 

2009

vs RHPs: .914

vs LHPs: 1.028

 

2008

vs RHPs: .950

vs LHPs: .558

 

A strong case could be made that Pablo should have always been a platoon player-- same as Carl Crawford. He was excellent in 2009 and respectable in 2012. His 6 other seasons we platoon worthy. He's had an OPS under .590 vs LHPs in half his seasons! He's been under .724 in 6 of his 8 seasons.

 

I'm not sure how getting in "the best shape of his life" is going to help his eye vs lefties. I hope I'm wrong, but I think we should expect and plan for a 3B platoon this year. I think that's why we got Rutledge.

 

 

 

 

I have to imagine Rutledge gets the majority of at bats against lefties. Pablo has worked this offseason on hitting right handed but his improvement needs to be massive for him just to be average.

[jacksonianmarch]

You also have the remember that his best shape of his life comes over 30 and after a shoulder reconstruction. Maybe best shape of his life should have been at 22 and maintained and he'd be better than the player he has been

[Dojji]

It may be time to trade him, before this problem becomes completely exposed.

Nah. Worst case scenario he's just moved off catcher. If we don't want him as a catcher nobody else will, but with his bat he has a puncher's chance to crack a big league roster without the pads.

 

If Sam Travis doesn't pan out and Moreland is not satisfactory, Blake Swihart may wind up solving our catching dilemma by being our starting 1B by year's end.

Edited February 19, 2017 by Dojji

[Kimmi]

I'm not sure how getting in "the best shape of his life" is going to help his eye vs lefties. I hope I'm wrong, but I think we should expect and plan for a 3B platoon this year. I think that's why we got Rutledge.[/b]

 

You may be right. This from Merloni earlier today:

 

Pablo looks outstanding from the left side. Smooth, hits w/his hands. Right side? Too much body and arms in his swing. Not smooth