A Realistic View at 2017 Part II

[Kimmi]

Hitters can be too predictable with their approach. Need to mix it up. Can't just take every first pitch. Most of the Sox hitters that fall behind 0 -2 have no chance. Boggy has had some success this year with two strikes, but most of the Sox not so much.

 

I agree that hitters need to mix it up and not be too predictable. The same goes with pitchers.

 

Was it Daniel Nava's grand slam that someone told him to go up to the plate looking to swing at the first pitch fast ball?

[Kimmi]

Very good second game for the Sox, being able to take the second game and earn a spit, leaving the Yankees in the same position as when they came in.

 

Price had an excellent game and had the velocity and pitched an 8 inning shutout. Kimbrel came in for the save, and while he made me nervous, he got the job done.

 

Mookie broke out tonight against a very good pitcher in Tanaka. We needed his hitting and he delivered with 3. Pedroia was also a tough out and drove in a run.

 

JBJ showed just how valuable he can be getting an extra base hit and also making a great catch off of Judge to save 2 runs. A lot of outfielders wouldn't have made that play.

 

Tanaka stays low and his ball breaks in an down to lefties. We didn't get much out of our lefties but another game they will fare better. Bogaerts got a rest tonight so that was good.

 

The BP didn't see a lot of use after a very tiring couple of days and we have Price to thank for that.

 

The Angels beat the Rays so our position stays solid.

 

Now DD, keep thinking about how to handle 3rd base as none of our current options is really strong there and try to come up with another BP arm as two of our guys went onto the DL this series. Hope neither is serious, but you never know about these things.

 

One last point that I noticed and think is occurring, Moreland seems to be pulling off balls to some extent. He got a hit to left on one of those, but he seemed better when he strode and swung ahead. I will watch him again to see if it happens regularly or was just a couple of at bats. Trying to see why he has been in a slump.

 

Tonight I can go to bed happy with the result.

 

Good post oldtimer.

 

I was really hoping that we could take at least 3 of 4 and put some more distance between us and the Yankees, but after losing games 2 and 3, I was very happy with winning last night's game. Thank you Price.

 

Our starting rotation was excellent in that series, against a very good line up. We just need our offense to become a little more consistent.

[Kimmi]

The trick is that selective aggression - it's not take/not take ... it's recognizing what a good pitch is - sometimes the hitters have been too careful.

 

Absolutely.

[Kimmi]

I think Moreland's broken toe might be throwing his swing off.

 

Moreland's toe is probably affecting him more than he lets on. Farrell describe him as one tough SOB.

[mvp 78]

Pfft, broken toe? How is that an excuse?!? You don't hold your bat with your toes!!!

 

[a700hitter]

Pfft, broken toe? How is that an excuse?!? You don't hold your bat with your toes!!!

 

I have broken my big toes a couple of times. It doesn't take that long for the swelling and discomfort to subside. By the 2 week mark, he should have been free of swelling and discomfort. He's just not a very good player.

[Maxbialystock]

You had to be happy with last night's win for the series tie. Our hitting stinks, but our pitching, especially starters, is pretty darn good and has the lowest ERA in the AL.

 

Average attendance for the 4 games was around 37,000--above for Friday night and Sunday afternoon, below 37,000 for Sat at 4 and Sunday night.

 

Going forward I just don't see the value of going after a big trade because I have yet to read about any possibility that I think would make a big difference. If you go by the WAR (wins above replacement) stat, the Sox have an average team. 15 teams in the AL means that an average team would have 7 players in the top 105 as ranked by WAR and that's what we've got. To really fix the offense, we need studs at DH, 3b, and 1b.

 

I do buy the argument that 1b/Moreland and DH/Ramirez are playing hurt, which to me means you stay with them. Plus Travis and Devers seem to me to be pretty good hedges for all 3 positions--1b, 3b, and DH.

 

Meanwhile, that rotation is the best in the AL. Bogaerts is a defensive liability, but his overall WAR at SS is 5th best in the AL.

Edited July 17, 2017 by Maxbialystock

[bowman]

Kind of wondering will Bogey take his hitting to the next level. I thought by now he would be good for at least 25 homers +. When he hits them he crushes it. Hard to figure.

[moonslav59]

Just got back from a white water rafting trip. Listened to the first game yesterday and caught the second one on ESPN in the lodge.

 

Looks like the offense is still struggling, JBJ is still unbelievably great, and Moreland's big toe should be reason enough to move him down to #6 or #7.

 

[moonslav59]

Has Holt been named the FT 3Bman?

 

I've been out of the loop!

[Nick]

Has Holt been named the FT 3Bman?

 

I've been out of the loop!

 

he's such an upgrade from Lin.

[moonslav59]

he's such an upgrade from Lin.

 

Since Holt hits LHPs almost identical to RHPs, there could have been either platoon DD/JF wanted:

 

Holt-Marrero

 

Holt-Lin

 

(I might have preferred Lin-Marrero. Close call. Holt deserves a chance. I get it.)

[oldtimer]

he's such an upgrade from Lin.

 

I can't agree. Lin has more range and is a good utility man at 2nd, 3rd and short. Better than Holt defensively. Lin also has a decent plate approach and good swing mechanics. Holt no doubt has a little more power. What I think the Sox did is put Holt and Marerro on the roster has more to do with showcasing them as trade bait than expecting much from either of them. Lin has options to go down so for the time being that is where he will be. One man's opinion.

[oldtimer]

Just got back from a white water rafting trip. Listened to the first game yesterday and caught the second one on ESPN in the lodge.

 

Looks like the offense is still struggling, JBJ is still unbelievably great, and Moreland's big toe should be reason enough to move him down to #6 or #7.

 

 

I think Moreland is opening up and pulling slightly away from the ball which results in few balls pulled and driven to right. That could be an explanation of why his power seems to have dried up. He is a big enough guy to be getting some home runs but they have been missing of late.

[a700hitter]

I think Moreland is opening up and pulling slightly away from the ball which results in few balls pulled and driven to right. That could be an explanation of why his power seems to have dried up. He is a big enough guy to be getting some home runs but they have been missing of late.

He is not very good. He is a below average stick at first base.

[cp176]

You had to be happy with last night's win for the series tie. Our hitting stinks, but our pitching, especially starters, is pretty darn good and has the lowest ERA in the AL.

 

Average attendance for the 4 games was around 37,000--above for Friday night and Sunday afternoon, below 37,000 for Sat at 4 and Sunday night.

 

Going forward I just don't see the value of going after a big trade because I have yet to read about any possibility that I think would make a big difference. If you go by the WAR (wins above replacement) stat, the Sox have an average team. 15 teams in the AL means that an average team would have 7 players in the top 105 as ranked by WAR and that's what we've got. To really fix the offense, we need studs at DH, 3b, and 1b.

 

I do buy the argument that 1b/Moreland and DH/Ramirez are playing hurt, which to me means you stay with them. Plus Travis and Devers seem to me to be pretty good hedges for all 3 positions--1b, 3b, and DH.

 

Meanwhile, that rotation is the best in the AL. Bogaerts is a defensive liability, but his overall WAR at SS is 5th best in the AL.

 

first , dh, and third - I agree. Ultimately they will get those positions filled by real hitters. Ramirez might still factor in there but as for Moreland and the cast of utility players being used at third things will change. Maybe not this year but next for sure. Not only is it unlike most Red Sox teams of the past, they just can't get it done. The pitching staff in general has been outstanding and probably will continue to get better. We need hitters with the ability to hit the ball over the fence. It might not happen this year but our lineup is likely to look a little different next year.

[mvp 78]

Since Holt hits LHPs almost identical to RHPs, there could have been either platoon DD/JF wanted:

 

Holt-Marrero

 

Holt-Lin

 

(I might have preferred Lin-Marrero. Close call. Holt deserves a chance. I get it.)

 

Lin hit well when given a chance. Holt's glove is arguably a negative. I think Holt will play himself back onto the bench at some point. I think that this is a sign that they want Holt to be the utility guy on 8/1 and that they will make a trade for Frazier.

 

Right now, the way to make lemonade here is to just play Lin all over the field in Pawtucket. Have him get reps at every position except for 1B and C. Next year, he'll earn his bench spot and Holt will be gone if his bat never comes around.

[mvp 78]

I can't agree. Lin has more range and is a good utility man at 2nd, 3rd and short. Better than Holt defensively. Lin also has a decent plate approach and good swing mechanics. Holt no doubt has a little more power. What I think the Sox did is put Holt and Marerro on the roster has more to do with showcasing them as trade bait than expecting much from either of them. Lin has options to go down so for the time being that is where he will be. One man's opinion.

 

Marrero is completely expendable at this point. His tool set is fringy at best. His glove is ok, but he can't hit at all.

[moonslav59]

I think Moreland is opening up and pulling slightly away from the ball which results in few balls pulled and driven to right. That could be an explanation of why his power seems to have dried up. He is a big enough guy to be getting some home runs but they have been missing of late.

 

More did a fantastic job over the first 2 months of the season. He exceeded everyone's expectations. I'm not ragging on him, but he's playing with a hurt toe and is not in at least a month long slump. Most other players are struggling, too, so it's not an easy call, but I'd move Moreland to the 6 or 7 slot.

 

HRam, JBJ or Beni (oe even Betts) could bat 4th.

[moonslav59]

Lin hit well when given a chance. Holt's glove is arguably a negative. I think Holt will play himself back onto the bench at some point. I think that this is a sign that they want Holt to be the utility guy on 8/1 and that they will make a trade for Frazier.

 

Right now, the way to make lemonade here is to just play Lin all over the field in Pawtucket. Have him get reps at every position except for 1B and C. Next year, he'll earn his bench spot and Holt will be gone if his bat never comes around.

 

Holt will probably always be a better bat than Lin, but Lin's glove is way better. I'm not sure if we need Lin to play the OF for him to win the job from Holt someday, but I'd prefer Lin.

[moonslav59]

Marrero is completely expendable at this point. His tool set is fringy at best. His glove is ok, but he can't hit at all.

 

Agreed, but I'd keep him in the system, just in case.

[mvp 78]

Agreed, but I'd keep him in the system, just in case.

 

Oh, I'd keep him in the system without a doubt. If you need him as a SS for 10 days if Xbo gets injured, you could do far worse.

[OH FOY]

https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/inning_summary.cgi?year=2017&team_id=BOS

 

Please look at the inning by inning W-L Record for the 17 Sox. It's shocking. When this team is behind were in trouble. No more small sample size. This is a trend.

Edited July 18, 2017 by OH FOY!

[moonslav59]

Marrero might also still be in the upper depth chart at 2B and 3B, injuries or not.

 

[moonslav59]

https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/inning_summary.cgi?year=2017&team_id=BOS

 

Please look at the inning by inning W-L Record for the 17 Sox. It's shocking. When this team is behind were in trouble. No more small sample size.

 

Look at other teams- not much difference.

[OH FOY]

Look at other teams- not much difference.

 

Division Leaders too? I figure .500 and under teams I figure would have trouble.

Edited July 18, 2017 by OH FOY!

[OH FOY]

Your right Dodgers aren't doing much better. Forget my previous post. Gee, I thought Sox would do much better.

[moonslav59]

Division Leaders too? I figure .500 and under teams I figure would have trouble.

 

When behind...

 

Astros: https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/inning_summary.cgi?year=2017&team_id=HOU

10-19 after 6 innings

10-23 after 7

5-23 after 8

1-27 after 9

 

Guardians: https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/inning_summary.cgi?year=2017&team_id=CLE

7-26 after 6

7-32 after 7

5-26 after 8

1-39 after 9

 

Boston: https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/inning_summary.cgi?request=1&year=2017&team_id=BOS

 

11-34 after 6

8-34 after 7

6-35 after 8

1-40 after 9

 

LAD:

7-24 after 6

5-24 after 7

5-24 after 8

6-26 after 9

 

Nats

7-22 after 6

4-24 after 7

2-24 after 8

2-28 after 9

 

MIL

8-26 after 6

4-33 after 7

1-31 after 8

0-31 after 9

 

The Sox are...

12-13 whern behind after 2

13-21 after 3

9-26 after 4

9-29 after 5

 

Started inning behind vs ahead

Inn behind/ahead

1 25-18

2 34-32

3 35-38

4 38-36

5 45-41

6 42-41

7 41-41

8 41-45

9 40-45

 

Our problem looks more like we fall behind early more than we go ahead--not so much that we can't fight from behind.

[Spudboy]

Oh, I'd keep him in the system without a doubt. If you need him as a SS for 10 days if Xbo gets injured, you could do far worse.

 

Does Marrero have remaining options?

[mvp 78]

Does Marrero have remaining options?

 

Yes, per Sox Prospects.