Opening day batting order?

[Kimmi]

I'd expect Benintendi to slide up into a top 1-3 spot once he is more proven. I have a high level of confidence in him but we've seen rookies start off slow and take time to adjust, even when they've had a SSS of success after their first call up.

 

Pedroia, Bogaerts, Betts, JBJ! We've seen this time and time again. I'm not saying he isn't good enough to hit the ground running but let's not put that pressure on him on opening day.

 

^^This.

[Kimmi]

Could be improved from 15, but I still remember September and October where he looked totally lost. Would be nice if he can find that midrange point from his two month surge to 2015.

 

He might be better than his 2015 numbers, But even his improved line drive rate suggests an xBABIP closer to .310-.320, far below last year's .392...

 

I'm not expecting Leon to maintain his .392 BABIP. It's virtually impossible to do so. I know he won't be anywhere near his June or July last year, but I think he will be serviceable offensively, a good deal better than 2015.

 

Leon saw 68% and 72% fastballs in June and July, as opposed to about 53% fastballs in August and September. The pitchers obviously adjusted to him, and now it's up to him to make his own adjustments.

[bosoxmal]

To those who think spring training performances, think again. Look at our three catchers this year;

 

Leon has 25 AB, 6 hits, a BA of .231 and an OPS of .490

 

Vazques comes up with the same ABs, Hits, & Average, but an OPS of ..555

 

Swihart gas had 40AB, 13 hits, a .325 BA and an OPS of . .786

 

And who going to be the starting catcher? Leon? Vazquez? I don't think so!

[Fisk]

I'm not expecting Leon to maintain his .392 BABIP. It's virtually impossible to do so. I know he won't be anywhere near his June or July last year, but I think he will be serviceable offensively, a good deal better than 2015.

 

Leon saw 68% and 72% fastballs in June and July, as opposed to about 53% fastballs in August and September. The pitchers obviously adjusted to him, and now it's up to him to make his own adjustments.

 

Always the key, can he adjust back.

[Fisk]

To those who think spring training performances, think again. Look at our three catchers this year;

 

Leon has 25 AB, 6 hits, a BA of .231 and an OPS of .490

 

Vazques comes up with the same ABs, Hits, & Average, but an OPS of ..555

 

Swihart gas had 40AB, 13 hits, a .325 BA and an OPS of . .786

 

And who going to be the starting catcher? Leon? Vazquez? I don't think so!

 

I'm pretty sure they will start with Leon and Vazquez. If they don't hit and Swiharts defense keeps improving they will make a quick switch.

[Kimmi]

I'm pretty sure they will start with Leon and Vazquez. If they don't hit and Swiharts defense keeps improving they will make a quick switch.

 

I agree that Leon and Vazquez will likely be on the Opening Day roster, and that Swihart will likely work his way back on it during the season. I just hope that the Sox don't act rashly in making the change if things aren't going as planned. They need to be patient and give Swihart the time he needs to develop defensively.

[Fisk]

I agree that Leon and Vazquez will likely be on the Opening Day roster, and that Swihart will likely work his way back on it during the season. I just hope that the Sox don't act rashly in making the change if things aren't going as planned. They need to be patient and give Swihart the time he needs to develop defensively.

 

They have said his defense has been better this spring.

[Fisk]

Hoping that Bogey has a little chip on his shoulders batting six and has a real breakout year.

[bosoxmal]

They have said his defense has been better this spring.

 

He caught Wright the other day. Since Wright didn't give up any runs I assume Swihat didn't either. That may have "the finals"

[moonslav59]

To those who think spring training performances, think again. Look at our three catchers this year;

 

Leon has 25 AB, 6 hits, a BA of .231 and an OPS of .490

 

Vazques comes up with the same ABs, Hits, & Average, but an OPS of ..555

 

Swihart gas had 40AB, 13 hits, a .325 BA and an OPS of . .786

 

And who going to be the starting catcher? Leon? Vazquez? I don't think so!

 

These are tiny sample sizes consisting of several PAs vs minor league pitchers.

 

Remember, one's most recent 40 ABs is not a good indicator of what is to come over the next 200-60 PAs.

[moonslav59]

I'm pretty sure they will start with Leon and Vazquez. If they don't hit and Swiharts defense keeps improving they will make a quick switch.

 

Any promotion of Swihart to the catcher position will mean we go with 3 catchers or have to trade, DFA or DL Vaz or Leon. The first two are NOT *easy decisions to make.

 

* edited

Edited March 26, 2017 by moonslav59

[dustcover]

In spite of Farrell's recent declaration that Leon will be the Opening Day catcher, today's lineup, with Sale pitching, might be viewed by some as a 'dress rehearsal' for Opening Day. And yet we see Vazquez catching Sale!

And just for the sake of argument, which of the 3 catchers has been the most effective catching Wright's knuckler?

[dustcover]

And while we're on the topic of the catching, little has been said as to how much weight Farrell might give to the pitchers' preference. For instance, if one or all the starters prefer catcher 'A' to call their games, but Farrell for his own reasons likes catcher 'B', how will this play out, short of a 'personal caddy' system? I've sensed from some of the articles out of Spring Training, that the Sox pitchers respect and like Leon's knowledge of the hitters and feel comfortable with him calling the game. Whether he hits or not, will Farrell stick with him through thick or thin to keep the pitchers happy? Edited March 26, 2017 by dustcover

[Kimmi]

They have said his defense has been better this spring.

 

No doubt. I haven't had the chance to see many spring training games, but based on what I've read, I believe that Swihart is improving defensively. I don't think a little more seasoning in AAA is a bad thing for him.

[Fisk]

No doubt. I haven't had the chance to see many spring training games, but based on what I've read, I believe that Swihart is improving defensively. I don't think a little more seasoning in AAA is a bad thing for him.

 

You are right but I love his bat compared to Leon and Vazquez.

[Kimmi]

In spite of Farrell's recent declaration that Leon will be the Opening Day catcher, today's lineup, with Sale pitching, might be viewed by some as a 'dress rehearsal' for Opening Day. And yet we see Vazquez catching Sale!

And just for the sake of argument, which of the 3 catchers has been the most effective catching Wright's knuckler?

 

Farrell said that Wright would not have a personal caddy. He also said that all 3 catchers have done a good job of catching Wright. Take that for what it's worth.

[Kimmi]

And while we're on the topic of the catching, little has been said as to how much weight Farrell might give to the pitchers' preference. For instance, if one or all the starters prefer catcher 'A' to call their games, but Farrell for his own reasons likes catcher 'B', how will this play out, short of a 'personal caddy' system? I've sensed from some of the articles out of Spring Training, that the Sox pitchers respect and like Leon's knowledge of the hitters and feel comfortable with him calling the game. Whether he hits or not, will Farrell stick with him through thick or thin to keep the pitchers happy?

 

It all depends on who will provide the most overall value to the team. If Leon's game calling and work with the pitchers provides more value than Swihart's stronger offense, then I think you need to go with Leon. The same would hold true for Vazquez. If Swihart's defense is solid enough that his stronger offense provides more value, then you go with him.

[Kimmi]

You are right but I love his bat compared to Leon and Vazquez.

 

Most definitely Fisk. And I believe that Swihart will eventually get to the point where he is best overall value of the 3 catchers. However, if the overall value is the same, I'm going with the stronger defender every time.

[moonslav59]

There's more to catching defense than blocking the plate, framing pitches and throwing out or preventing stolen bases.

 

It also goes a bit beyond just "how comfortable" a pitcher feels with a certain catcher.

[Spudboy]

You are right but I love his bat compared to Leon and Vazquez.

 

You are not alone.

[Wade Boggs]

You are not alone.

 

I agree. I think they want Swihart behind the plate everyday at Pawtucket. Just getting everyday AB's and catching. Sandy Leon will get his shot again for the moment. If he stumbles and Swihart rakes down there. He will be here very soon. I wouldn't platoon him. They see him as the full time catcher eventually.

[Wade Boggs]

There's more to catching defense than blocking the plate, framing pitches and throwing out or preventing stolen bases.

 

It also goes a bit beyond just "how comfortable" a pitcher feels with a certain catcher.

 

With a knuckleball pitcher on the staff both have experience of catching that pitch. That can't be overlooked as well.

[Kimmi]

There's more to catching defense than blocking the plate, framing pitches and throwing out or preventing stolen bases.

 

It also goes a bit beyond just "how comfortable" a pitcher feels with a certain catcher.

 

I realize that.

[Kimmi]

The throwing aspect of of Vazquez' defense seems to have returned to 'elite' status.

 

Personally, I'm pulling for Vaz to make it as our starting catcher. This is nothing against the other two, both of whom I'd be happy with if they won the job. But I fell in love with the 2014 Vazquez. That type of defense is something special.

[mvp 78]

I agree. I think they want Swihart behind the plate everyday at Pawtucket. Just getting everyday AB's and catching. Sandy Leon will get his shot again for the moment. If he stumbles and Swihart rakes down there. He will be here very soon. I wouldn't platoon him. They see him as the full time catcher eventually.

 

If his defense improves in AAA this year, he'll be the opening day C next year.

[Hugh2]

If his defense improves in AAA this year, he'll be the opening day C next year.

 

If his defense improves this year at AAA he might be the starting catcher by June/July if Vasquez and or Leon can't hit a lick.

[mvp 78]

If his defense improves this year at AAA he might be the starting catcher by June/July if Vasquez and or Leon can't hit a lick.

 

I don't think his defense is THAT close to being ready. He still can't call a game for s***.

[Fisk]

I don't think his defense is THAT close to being ready. He still can't call a game for s***.

 

Where did you get that from, heard they were very happy with his defense this spring.

[Thunder]

I still see Vasquez as the catcher of the future. Leon's time is obviously limited, with an expiration date on his effectiveness sneaking up on us. Swihart's defense looks to be improved, as does Vasquez's offense, for that matter. If we could get morph the two somehow, getting Swihart's bat, and Vasquez's defense/instincts as a catcher, life would turn out alright.

[mvp 78]

Where did you get that from, heard they were very happy with his defense this spring.

 

His career CS% and CERA are well behind CV's and Leon's. People in the org have said that he's improved, but no one has said that his defense is ready to play. If it were, he'd be on the opening day roster.