A Realistic View at 2017 Part II

[moonslav59]

I think it's virtually impossible for 3B to be an important weakness. The bullpen might be, but my candidate is the one we already have--hitting. Last year the Sox had 6 of the top 40 AL hitters in OPS, and this year we have 3. Last year we led MLB in runs and the AL by 100 in runs. Now we are 14th in MLB in runs and 5th in the AL.

 

Remember, HanRam didn't replace Ortiz in the lineup because they both played last year. Moreland replaced Ortiz, and it's just possible that subtraction has affected the whole lineup. Right now just about everyone--Pedroia, Bogie, Betts, JBJ, Leon, Marrero, etc--are worse than last year or worse than whoever they replaced. Benintendi is probably in the group, I'm not sure.

 

This lineup has two distinct characteristics--they love to hit into double plays and they hate hitting home runs. We are #1 in MLB in the former and #29 in the latter.

 

It was supposed to be a Moreland-Young platoon that "replaced" Papi, but now that HRam is the permanent DH, we lose Young's great splits vs lefties.

 

While nobody thought Moreland-Young would do as well as Papi, an .800 combined OPS was reasonable to expect.

 

The "rest" was supposed to be made up for by a full year by Beni and a much improved rotation.

 

So far, it hasn't worked out as planned, but my guess is we'll finish top 5 in runs scored.

[Kimmi]

I think that you have to find a way to utilize Johnson. One of the two - Pomeranz or Johnson - would solidify our bullpen.

 

As long as everyone stays healthy, it's going to be hard to give Johnson another look at starter for the big club. Turning him into a RP'er might mess him up whereby he can't start later on, if needed.

 

That brings me to the idea of moving Pom to the pen. Too many times he hits a wall or whatever it is after 4-5 innings.

 

I'm NOT saying I'm for moving Pom to the pen right now, especially based on one game by Johnson, but if he keeps struggling to go 5-6 innings, maybe at some point, we have to consider it.

 

That's the thing about making roster moves or decisions about moving Pom to the pen, etc. Johnson has only made one start. I understand that it seems very unfair that he has been sent back down after pitching such a gem, but you can't make rash decisions based off of one start. If he then bombs his next several starts, it might be difficult to 'undo' the changes that have been made.

[moonslav59]

MLBTR...

 

While there was initially a fair bit of concern for veteran Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, the prognosis now seems to be good. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski says that he thinks Pedroia may be back after the minimum ten-day absence, as Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports on Twitter. “It’s really the best-case scenario in many ways,” said Dombrowski.

[Nick]

It's good to see Sam Travis getting off to a good start. He's definitely a major league hitter. It's more than likely that he will get sent down at some point but he's shown that he can handle major league pitching.

 

Sox thinks he can be a full time 1B in time. Another quality player with 6 MORE years of team control. As an IU grad that watched him play couple times, I didn't think he would be up this quick.

[S5Dewey]

I see Sam Travis as starting at 1B next year, Moreland is on a one year deal and as Nick points out, Travis will have a lot of years of team control left.

[illinoisredsox]

That's the thing about making roster moves or decisions about moving Pom to the pen, etc. Johnson has only made one start. I understand that it seems very unfair that he has been sent back down after pitching such a gem, but you can't make rash decisions based off of one start. If he then bombs his next several starts, it might be difficult to 'undo' the changes that have been made.

 

Actually Kimmi, Johnson has made 2 starts this season. His first one, on April 18 at Toronto, wasn't nearly as good. He got the win, but the line was 5 innings, 7 hits, 4 runs, 3 BBs and 5 K's.

 

If it comes to moving someone, Pom to the pen makes more sense; its a role he's a role he's had before. Right now, it's too early for that.

[Slasher9]

Espinoza for a reliever. Eff DD.

[mvp 78]

espinoza for a mediocre reliever. Eff dd.

 

ftfy

[moonslav59]

It's good to see Sam Travis getting off to a good start. He's definitely a major league hitter. It's more than likely that he will get sent down at some point but he's shown that he can handle major league pitching.

 

Sox thinks he can be a full time 1B in time. Another quality player with 6 MORE years of team control. As an IU grad that watched him play couple times, I didn't think he would be up this quick.

 

Wow, 12 PAs is enough to know this?

 

I love Travis, and I do think he will be a good to even better ML hitter, but it is very early.

 

Also, it looks like Moreland has begun to hit better once Travis was called up.

[Bellhorn04]

Wow, 12 PAs is enough to know this?

 

I love Travis, and I do think he will be a good to even better ML hitter, but it is very early.

 

Also, it looks like Moreland has begun to hit better once Travis was called up.

 

Moreland's actually been very hot for the last 2 weeks. His OPS is up to .846 now.

[Slasher9]

Wow, 12 PAs is enough to know this?

 

I love Travis, and I do think he will be a good to even better ML hitter, but it is very early.

 

Also, it looks like Moreland has begun to hit better once Travis was called up.

 

not to mention the "callup effect". generally the first time a player is called up to the show he puts some good swings on the ball. a couple of reasons but most notable is the lighting in Major League stadiums is 10x better than the minors. the baseballs are perfect and have the average lifespan of 3 pitches. also the batter's eye (as in the background in CF stands) is better at major league ballparks. let's see where he is once his eyes get used to the bright lights and the ball isnt so bright to him. let alone the opposing pitchers getting the book on him.....

[moonslav59]

Moreland's actually been very hot for the last 2 weeks. His OPS is up to .846 now.

 

Yes.

 

1.182 last 14 days

1.115 last 7 days

 

He was hot before Sam's call-up.

 

I stand corrected.

[Nick]

wow, 12 pas is enough to know this?

 

I love travis, and i do think he will be a good to even better ml hitter, but it is very early.

 

Also, it looks like moreland has begun to hit better once travis was called up.

 

wow so you disagree with dd and jf and the entire organization that thinks travis can hit at major league level?

 

What the f*** was sox thinking looking for a one year fill year. Give me a freaking break moon.

[moonslav59]

wow so you disagree with dd and jf and the entire organization that thinks travis can hit at major league level?

 

What the f*** was sox thinking looking for a one year fill year. Give me a freaking break moon.

 

Where did I disagree?

 

I said this...

 

"...I do think he will be a good to even better ML hitter..."

 

I was responding to a poster who said Travis "has shown he can handle ML pitching". Any statement like that, after just 12 PAs, makes me wince.

 

It doesn't mean I don't think he'll be a very good hitter.

 

[Kimmi]

Actually Kimmi, Johnson has made 2 starts this season. His first one, on April 18 at Toronto, wasn't nearly as good. He got the win, but the line was 5 innings, 7 hits, 4 runs, 3 BBs and 5 K's.

 

If it comes to moving someone, Pom to the pen makes more sense; its a role he's a role he's had before. Right now, it's too early for that.

 

Ah, I forgot about that start. That previous start, which was mediocre, is even more reason not to make any rash moves based off of his latest start.

 

I don't disagree with the last line of your post.

[cp176]

not to mention the "callup effect". generally the first time a player is called up to the show he puts some good swings on the ball. a couple of reasons but most notable is the lighting in Major League stadiums is 10x better than the minors. the baseballs are perfect and have the average lifespan of 3 pitches. also the batter's eye (as in the background in CF stands) is better at major league ballparks. let's see where he is once his eyes get used to the bright lights and the ball isnt so bright to him. let alone the opposing pitchers getting the book on him.....

 

the better lighting

perfect baseballs

batter's eyes are better at ml ballparks

[Bellhorn04]

Espinoza for a reliever. Eff DD.

 

He's looked pretty good his last 2 starts. What say you?

[cp176]

all seriousness - I'm just happy that we are winning. I want them all to do well. I still think that we need another bat.

[oldtimer]

all seriousness - I'm just happy that we are winning. I want them all to do well. I still think that we need another bat.

 

We are winning with the happy circumstance that our rotation is coming along and seems somewhat set for the time being. Yes, we still need to strengthen the relief, especially in the bridge to Kimbrel but we are holding our own on the road.

 

A problem area is developing with Beni, who I had expected to hit close to 300 is in a slump along with Handley. Pablo had a good night DHing so is it possible we could have a $40 million DH this season? The good news is jbJ has been getting some important hits and Bogaerts looks like an all star. NO worry about Betts either.

[Slasher9]

He's looked pretty good his last 2 starts. What say you?

 

i say i love when Pom Pom shuts me up. fabulous start last night for sure. breaking ball was devastating.

[Station 13]

Benni struggles, but why on f***ing scorched earth Farrell keeps him smack in the middle of the order?

[moonslav59]

Benni struggles, but why on f***ing scorched earth Farrell keeps him smack in the middle of the order?

 

Because as soon as he is moved down he will get hot, and someone will claim he hits better from the 8 hole and should stay there.

 

[dgalehouse]

i say i love when Pom Pom shuts me up. fabulous start last night for sure. breaking ball was devastating.

 

Good job by Pom. Also , after going 6-11 with a 4.49 ERA in A Ball last year , the " Next Pedro " has yet to throw a pitch this season.

[OH FOY]

Just cant get too high on a Prospect Gulf Coast League. Competition is just not there, your facing too young of kids. You have to wait till Single A for a start.

Still say they develop Espinoza into a Reliever.

Edited June 1, 2017 by OH FOY!

[a700hitter]

all seriousness - I'm just happy that we are winning. I want them all to do well. I still think that we need another bat.

Another bat is needed. Take heed DD. . Edited June 1, 2017 by a700hitter
typo

[Bellhorn04]

Because as soon as he is moved down he will get hot, and someone will claim he hits better from the 8 hole and should stay there.

 

 

Or, as soon as he is moved down he will get hot, and someone will say why the f*** did Farrell move him out of the middle of the order?

[moonslav59]

Or, as soon as he is moved down he will get hot, and someone will say why the f*** did Farrell move him out of the middle of the order?

 

Got that right!

[Emp9]

Farrell could always move him up in the order ( ... like lead-off)

[moonslav59]

Farrell could always move him up in the order ( ... like lead-off)

 

Someday... I hope.

[mvp 78]

https://twitter.com/redsoxstats/status/870674422448967680

 

It's the stupid offense, stupid.

 

Runs allowed for this year's team is third best since 2003 (only 13 and 7 were better). Runs scored is third worst (only 14 and 15 were worse).