25 Man Roster

[Slasher9]

he will go to the minors because he can. just like Erod.

[moonslav59]

he will go to the minors because he can. just like Erod.

 

No need to send Barnes and ERod to the minors.

 

We could easily start ERod off in AAA, until we need our 5th starter (game 9). By then, we might have a better idea of what to do, or someone will be placed on the DL. Otherwise, we might swap out ERod for Barnes to keep all or our out-of-options pitchers on the roster.

[Kimmi]

No need to send Barnes and ERod to the minors.

 

We could easily start ERod off in AAA, until we need our 5th starter (game 9). By then, we might have a better idea of what to do, or someone will be placed on the DL. Otherwise, we might swap out ERod for Barnes to keep all or our out-of-options pitchers on the roster.

 

The more depth and flexibility you can keep, the better. It would stink to release somebody, only to find out two weeks later that he could have helped the team.

[a700hitter]

1. Vasquez

2. Hanley

3. Pedroia

4. Bogaerts

5. Panda

6. Benintendi

7. Bradley

8. Betts

9. Moreland

10. Holt

11. Leon

12. Young

13. Porcello

14. Sale

15. Price

16. ERod

17. Wright

18. Pomeranz

19. Kimbrel

20. Thornburg

21. Barnes

22. Kelly, Hembree/Ross/Abad/Workman

23. Kelly, Hembree/Ross/Abad/Workman

24. Kelly, Hembree/Ross/Abad/Workman

25. Rutledge/Hernandez/Swihart

 

Unless injuries hit us during Spring Training, 21 of the 25 roster spots are locked down. The last 3 pitching spots will come down to 5 pitchers.

 

The last bench spot will be up for grabs by 3 players.

 

It is possible that management will determine that 6 starters are too any and they send ERod or Pomeranz to the minors initially. That would leave 4 pen spots up for grabs by 5 pitchers. There aren't a lot of roster decisions to be made.

[Fisk]

I think Kelly and Ross are pretty much definite. Erod probably gets sent down if Pom and Wright are healthy. Which leaves Abad and Workman, my guess is they will want Workman to pitch in Pawtucket for a little while.

 

 

Have not heard much about Rutledge this spring, and Farrell said today that Hernandez has caught his eye this spring. Thought Rutledge was a shoo in not so sure anymore.

[oldtimer]

1. Vasquez

2. Hanley

3. Pedroia

4. Bogaerts

5. Panda

6. Benintendi

7. Bradley

8. Betts

9. Moreland

10. Holt

11. Leon

12. Young

13. Porcello

14. Sale

15. Price

16. ERod

17. Wright

18. Pomeranz

19. Kimbrel

20. Thornburg

21. Barnes

22. Kelly, Hembree/Ross/Abad/Workman

23. Kelly, Hembree/Ross/Abad/Workman

24. Kelly, Hembree/Ross/Abad/Workman

25. Rutledge/Hernandez/Swihart

 

Unless injuries hit us during Spring Training, 21 of the 25 roster spots are locked down. The last 3 pitching spots will come down to 5 pitchers.

 

The last bench spot will be up for grabs by 3 players.

 

It is possible that management will determine that 6 starters are too any and they send ERod or Pomeranz to the minors initially. That would leave 4 pen spots up for grabs by 5 pitchers. There aren't a lot of roster decisions to be made.

 

Pamdamonium bedlam, choas, mayhem, uproar. That is what will happen if Panda doesn't make the 25 man roster. Many of us believed he had to make the team and was not a lock.

[moonslav59]

I'm not saying decisions should be based on 2016 numbers, but here some are...

 

WHIP with Sox:

1.27 Ross (1.28 2015-2016)

1.33 Hembree (1.34)

1.33 Scott (1.33)

1.40 Barnes (1.47)

1.66 Abad (1.34 MN & BOS)

1.70 Kelly (1.70)

 

K/BB

2.77 Hembree

2.50 Scott

2.43 Ross

2.29 Barnes

2.00 Kelly

1.69 Abad

 

Not too impressive, and all the more reason to hang onto as many as possible.

 

 

[moonslav59]

I think Kelly and Ross are pretty much definite. Erod probably gets sent down if Pom and Wright are healthy. Which leaves Abad and Workman, my guess is they will want Workman to pitch in Pawtucket for a little while..

 

Hembree is out of options.

 

He's a keeper.

[Fisk]

Hembree is out of options.

 

He's a keeper.

 

I have Hembree making the team.

[cp176]

I have Hembree making the team.

 

If E-Rod pitches in the WBC, he likely will not be ready to start the season in Boston anyway. I say - see ya later. McCoy Stadium would be a great fit for him. I might even take in one of his starts next August. lol

[Fisk]

That would be nice to see one of his starts, but if he's their I. August I'd be surprised.

[moonslav59]

20 Locks:

C: Vaz & Leon (Swihart with as a long shot for opening day roster)

1B: Moreland & HanRam (DH)

2B: Pedroia & Holt

3B: Pablo

SS: Bogey

LF: Beni & Young (DH)

CF: JBJ

RF: Betts

SP: Sale, Porcello, Price

SP/RP: Wright or Pom

RP: Kimbrel, Thornburg, Ross

 

2 Near Lock: (Bold= options remaining)

3B: Rutledge (with Hernandez as a long shot)

RP: Kelly

 

6 on Bubble for 3 slots:

SP: ERod

RP: Hembree, Abad, Barnes, Scott, Workman

 

Scott and Workman are long shots for the opening day Roster.

 

Carson Smith will start on the DL.

 

That leaves 3 slots for ERod, Hembree, Abad and Barnes with Hembree and Abad out of options.

 

The choice most likely comes down to ERod vs Barnes, and since we don't need our 5th starter until the 9th game, my guess is, assuming everyone but Smith is healthy, ERod will be the odd man out.

 

When the 5th starter is needed, we may decide to use Pom or Wright and keep ERod at AAA, or we can call up ERod to start and send Barnes down, again, assuming nobody goes on the DL. Barnes & ERod will get plenty of chances to pitch on the big club.

[bosoxmal]

1. The sixth infielder will be Rutledge, who seemed like ab odd choice for a Rule 5 pick and was probably chosen fir a reason. Both Marrero and Hernandez have an option.

 

2. Holt and Young fill the outfield spots. Swihart will go to the minors. Sneaky will either go to Pawtucket or the waiver wire. (Or both at some point.)

 

3. Abad will make the team if he if healthy. If he was even on the border, he could have been non-tendered. But as the Sox opted to go to arbitration to determine his salary, and because he has no options left, he is absolutely safe for now...

Swihart will go to the minors? Never happen. He will eith be the 4th OF or traded. Which, I hope for his own good, will be the case. He's on somebody's s--- list. Probably JF's. He has a good number 2 hitter sitting around trying to be a catcher, and doesn't know what a good hitter he's throwing away.

[moonslav59]

Swihart is a near lock to start at AAA as our catcher this year.

 

If he plays any other position this year, it might be 3B, but LF could still be an option if 2 OF'er get hurt.

 

We're not "throwing away" a good hitter by having him develop defensive skills that will allow him to be an overall plus when playing.

 

Right now, he's not better than Young and Holt in LF. The only reason he player there last year was because both were hurt and Beni was not deemed ML ready.

[mvp 78]

Is Pomeranz ready to go? I know Wright was doing a bit better, but haven't heard about Pom.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if he starts off the season in FL.

[mvp 78]

Swihart will go to the minors? Never happen. He will eith be the 4th OF or traded. Which, I hope for his own good, will be the case. He's on somebody's s--- list. Probably JF's. He has a good number 2 hitter sitting around trying to be a catcher, and doesn't know what a good hitter he's throwing away.

 

They need to develop him defensively. Maybe someday he'd be a nice #2, but today is not the day.

[notin]

I think Kelly and Ross are pretty much definite. Erod probably gets sent down if Pom and Wright are healthy. Which leaves Abad and Workman, my guess is they will want Workman to pman gicesitch in Pawtucket for a little while.

 

 

Have not heard much about Rutledge this spring, and Farrell said today that Hernandez has caught his eye this spring. Thought Rutledge was a shoo in not so sure anymore.

 

I think Rutledge does have the edge because 1) if he doesn't make the team, he goes backto yhe Angels and 2) if Sandoval struggles, Rutledge, unlike Hernandez and Holt, bats right-handed and might be part of a (ugh) platoon at 3b. Now if Sandoval REALLY struggles and needs to be benched, Hernandez and Holt are both better options than Rutledge. But that decision is unlikely before opening day, unless Sandoval gets injured.

 

Swihart's chances of making the opening day roster rest solely on the health of Vazquez and Leon. The Sox aren't going to release a catcher for no reason, and Swihart will NOT be a reserve outfielder when he could be starting and playing and potentially improving in AAA. I actually doubt he is in anyone's doghouse, because he is something the White Sox could absolutely have used, yet the Red Sox clearly chose to keep him instead of putting him in the Sale deal. (He'd be way more valuable to the White Sox than , say, Basabe.

 

I do think 23 spots are locks and even the pitching staff will be resolved by health. The last spot of Rutledge vs Hernandez probably does give Rutledge the edge for reasons above. And because keeping him on the 25 man gives the Sox control of both players. However they cpuld also work out a trade for Rutledge with the Angels and remive his Rule 5 status. In which case, the last bench spot might not be so obvious. ..

[mvp 78]

I think Rutledge does have the edge because 1) if he doesn't make the team, he goes backto yhe Angels and 2) if Sandoval struggles, Rutledge, unlike Hernandez and Holt, bats right-handed and might be part of a (ugh) platoon at 3b. Now if Sandoval REALLY struggles and needs to be benched, Hernandez and Holt are both better options than Rutledge. But that decision is unlikely before opening day, unless Sandoval gets injured.

 

Swihart's chances of making the opening day roster rest solely on the health of Vazquez and Leon. The Sox aren't going to release a catcher for no reason, and Swihart will NOT be a reserve outfielder when he could be starting and playing and potentially improving in AAA. I actually doubt he is in anyone's doghouse, because he is something the White Sox could absolutely have used, yet the Red Sox clearly chose to keep him instead of putting him in the Sale deal. (He'd be way more valuable to the White Sox than , say, Basabe.

 

I do think 23 spots are locks and even the pitching staff will be resolved by health. The last spot of Rutledge vs Hernandez probably does give Rutledge the edge for reasons above. And because keeping him on the 25 man gives the Sox control of both players. However they cpuld also work out a trade for Rutledge with the Angels and remive his Rule 5 status. In which case, the last bench spot might not be so obvious. ..

 

I agree with your assesment. I think Hernandez may have a higher ceiling than Rutledge, but that they stick him in AAA for now.

[Slasher9]

there is ZERO chance of pom going to AAA. he was traded for by DD. no way on earth he admits that mistake with a non injury AAA stint. gave up WAY too much for him. a few of us knew it the second the trade happened. everyone knows it now. DD will never admit to it.

[mvp 78]

there is ZERO chance of pom going to AAA. he was traded for by DD. no way on earth he admits that mistake with a non injury AAA stint. gave up WAY too much for him. a few of us knew it the second the trade happened. everyone knows it now. DD will never admit to it.

 

I can see him starting off in extended spring training if injured, but if he's healthy he is a sure lock for the opening day roster.

[oldtimer]

I think Rutledge does have the edge because 1) if he doesn't make the team, he goes backto yhe Angels and 2) if Sandoval struggles, Rutledge, unlike Hernandez and Holt, bats right-handed and might be part of a (ugh) platoon at 3b. Now if Sandoval REALLY struggles and needs to be benched, Hernandez and Holt are both better options than Rutledge. But that decision is unlikely before opening day, unless Sandoval gets injured.

 

Swihart's chances of making the opening day roster rest solely on the health of Vazquez and Leon. The Sox aren't going to release a catcher for no reason, and Swihart will NOT be a reserve outfielder when he could be starting and playing and potentially improving in AAA. I actually doubt he is in anyone's doghouse, because he is something the White Sox could absolutely have used, yet the Red Sox clearly chose to keep him instead of putting him in the Sale deal. (He'd be way more valuable to the White Sox than , say, Basabe.

 

I do think 23 spots are locks and even the pitching staff will be resolved by health. The last spot of Rutledge vs Hernandez probably does give Rutledge the edge for reasons above. And because keeping him on the 25 man gives the Sox control of both players. However they cpuld also work out a trade for Rutledge with the Angels and remive his Rule 5 status. In which case, the last bench spot might not be so obvious. ..

 

I too think it is Leon and Vazquez to start the season but think that Leon might wear down as he did last year. At that point or maybe earlier, Swihart needs to be ready to step in.

[User Name]

I can see him starting off in extended spring training if injured, but if he's healthy he is a sure lock for the opening day roster.

 

I don't get the "few of us knew" garbage though. No one here knows s***, and it's not DD's fault the Padres withheld medical information. When healthy like he was the first part of the season last year, he was dynamite. They need to see what they have with the Pomeranian.

[mvp 78]

I don't get the "few of us knew" garbage though. No one here knows s***, and it's not DD's fault the Padres withheld medical information. When healthy like he was the first part of the season last year, he was dynamite. They need to see what they have with the Pomeranian.

 

I knew that he had an injury history and that he was on an unprecedented roll, but I'm not sure anyone could honestly say that they knew he was "damaged goods" at the time of the trade. They can point to his injury history, but that's about it.

[Spudboy]

I don't get the "few of us knew" garbage though. No one here knows s***, and it's not DD's fault the Padres withheld medical information. When healthy like he was the first part of the season last year, he was dynamite. They need to see what they have with the Pomeranian.

 

Absolutely. He was lights out in early 2016.

 

Right now I would have as much or more faith in Buch.

 

This guy needs to get back on track very soon or this deal was total s*** no matter how affordable he is.

[mvp 78]

Absolutely. He was lights out in early 2016.

 

Right now I would have as much or more faith in Buch.

 

This guy needs to get back on track very soon or this deal was total s*** no matter how affordable he is.

 

I'd take Pom over Buch going forward.

[a700hitter]

Absolutely. He was lights out in early 2016.

 

Right now I would have as much or more faith in Buch.

 

This guy needs to get back on track very soon or this deal was total s*** no matter how affordable he is.

I think you are panicking a bit. Or did you forget the unending years of frustration with Buch.

[Fisk]

If Pom is healthy I think he will be solid. That could be a big if.

 

 

Rutledge is having knee issues right now. Might give Hernandez the upper hand.

[Kimmi]

I can see him starting off in extended spring training if injured, but if he's healthy he is a sure lock for the opening day roster.

 

I think he's pretty much a lock for the starting rotation too, as opposed to being in the pen.

[cp176]

That would be nice to see one of his starts, but if he's their I. August I'd be surprised.

 

me too actually

[cp176]

Swihart will go to the minors? Never happen. He will eith be the 4th OF or traded. Which, I hope for his own good, will be the case. He's on somebody's s--- list. Probably JF's. He has a good number 2 hitter sitting around trying to be a catcher, and doesn't know what a good hitter he's throwing away.

 

I think that DD is thinking Swihart is going to be our number one catcher once he has learned how to catch. It won't be long.