Sox hitting??

[Kimmi]

Seattle righthander Andrew Moore, a 23-year-old rookie, posted quality starts in his first three MLB starts but has surrendered five earned runs in each of his last two starts:

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=moorean02&t=p&year=2017

 

Today's matchup of the six-foot Moore and 6-foot-6 Red Sox ace Chris Sale reminds me of David and Goliath.

 

I attended a Mariner game Sunday with a sportswriter who covered Andrew Moore three years ago when the pitcher was at Oregon State University. The sportswriter was unaware of Moore's rapid ascent to the majors (over the same period the sportswriter experienced a rapid ascent in sports journalism).

 

I appreciate the Mariners letting us win one game of the series.

[Bellhorn04]

Seattle righthander Andrew Moore, a 23-year-old rookie, posted quality starts in his first three MLB starts but has surrendered five earned runs in each of his last two starts:

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=moorean02&t=p&year=2017

 

Today's matchup of the six-foot Moore and 6-foot-6 Red Sox ace Chris Sale reminds me of David and Goliath.

 

Although in MLB David knocks off Goliath fairly regularly.

[Kimmi]

JF sucks. Why keep him at the helm?

 

Sometimes just a big change at the helm is enough to provide a spark.

 

This team has zero fire.

 

Zero desire.

 

Zero focus.

 

Total haplessness.

 

 

They do seem like they need a spark, but I wouldn't go so far as to say zero desire or zero focus. Did you see Hanley's reaction to scoring the go ahead run in the top of the 13th last night?

 

To be fair, since the All Star break, they have played 14 games in 13 days, including 3 games of 13 or more innings and a west coast trip. That's a tough stretch.

[moonslav59]

They do seem like they need a spark, but I wouldn't go so far as to say zero desire or zero focus. Did you see Hanley's reaction to scoring the go ahead run in the top of the 13th last night?

.

 

What I saw was HRam turning to look over his shoulder like a T Ball player. He barely made it safe!

 

Lack of fundamentals is another reason to can jf's ass.

[Kimmi]

What I saw was HRam turning to look over his shoulder like a T Ball player. He barely made it safe!

 

Lack of fundamentals is another reason to can jf's ass.

 

I can agree with the lack of fundamentals. Maybe even the lack of focus at times. I don't agree with the lack of desire.

[harmony]

Although in MLB David knocks off Goliath fairly regularly.

That was my hope.

[Kimmi]

That was my hope.

 

Don't be greedy Harmony. You won 2 out of 3.

[harmony]

Don't be greedy Harmony. You won 2 out of 3.

Just as the Red Sox won two of three from the Mariners in Boston earlier this year.

[Bellhorn04]

Just as the Red Sox won two of three from the Mariners in Boston earlier this year.

 

We're Even Steven for this year. See you in 2018.

[Fan_since_Boggs]

Let's say the Red Sox don't make any more trades. I'm trying to figure out how this all fits together.

 

(1) Release/trade C.Young and promote B.Brentz

(2) Activate E.Nunez and demote B.Holt

 

Against RHP:

Nunez (rotate: 2b, SS, 3b, LF, RF, DH)

Benintendi (LF)

Pedroia (2b)

Betts (RF)

Ramirez (DH)

Bradley (CF)

Bogaerts (SS)

Moreland (1b)

Devers (3b)

Vazquez ©

 

Against LHP:

Nunez (DH)

Pedroia (2b)

Betts (RF)

Ramirez (1b)

Bradley (CF)

Brentz (LF)

Bogaerts (SS)

Vazquez ©

Devers (3b)

 

Nunez plays everyday as the leadoff hitter; Nunez is the super utility guy against RHP giving a day of rest to one of the starters in the lineup; when Nunez plays LF, Benintendi shifts to CF, giving Bradley a day off. Devers starts against LHP (I want the extra HR power in the lineup).

Edited July 27, 2017 by Fan_since_Boggs

[BstHcpr]

Brentz is never getting called up. He's 28, can't play defense, sucked when he was up last year, and isn't exactly dominating AAA. He's not an upgrade over Young. And Young is bad too.

[Fan_since_Boggs]

Brentz is never getting called up. He's 28, can't play defense, sucked when he was up last year, and isn't exactly dominating AAA. He's not an upgrade over Young. And Young is bad too.

 

Young is 33 (will be 34 in Sept), isn't hitting lefties this year, and is a washed up piece of crap. Brentz made adjustments (isn't the same hitter as last year) and is raking against lefties (over 1.000 OPS against lefties in AAA). I'm not sure why it is taking the Red Sox so long to make this move; though, as someone pointed out, Brentz probably gets called up in Sept when the rosters expand and will be given a shot to replace Young at that time. I would make the move now since we are fighting for the division and need to improve offensive output against lefties.

Edited July 27, 2017 by Fan_since_Boggs

[cp176]

Young is 33 (will be 34 in Sept), isn't hitting lefties this year, and is a washed up piece of crap. Brentz made adjustments (isn't the same hitter as last year) and is raking against lefties (over 1.000 OPS against lefties in AAA). I'm not sure why it is taking the Red Sox so long to make this move; though, as someone pointed out, Brentz probably gets called up in Sept when the rosters expand and will be given a shot to replace Young at that time. I would make the move now since we are fighting for the division and need to improve offensive output against lefties.

 

And Rusney Castillo just quietly keeps doing what we need - hit - at the AAA level. He is also hitting a few dingers (not as many as Brentz) but he probably is a much better hitter. It's a shame in a way.

[mvp 78]

Brentz is never getting called up. He's 28, can't play defense, sucked when he was up last year, and isn't exactly dominating AAA. He's not an upgrade over Young. And Young is bad too.

 

His OPS is .876 this year and is worth a look at some point. His production last year in Boston mirrors what Young is doing this year. If Young continues to struggle, they may make a move later in August. It won't happen anytime soon though.

 

If the Sox believe his new swing mechanics are what has given him his recent success, he'll at least get some run in September.

[Hugh2]

His OPS is .876 this year and is worth a look at some point. His production last year in Boston mirrors what Young is doing this year. If Young continues to struggle, they may make a move later in August. It won't happen anytime soon though.

 

If the Sox believe his new swing mechanics are what has given him his recent success, he'll at least get some run in September.

 

 

 

It's hard to have a lot of confidence in a 28 year old who has been stuck in AAA for 5 years. But it's hard to not be intrigued by seeing how much better he's done this year coupled with the fact he's mad adjustments to his mechanics. As you said he will be up in September, and he will get a few shots then. If he starts smashing the ball at this level things will get pretty interesting.

[mvp 78]

It's hard to have a lot of confidence in a 28 year old who has been stuck in AAA for 5 years. But it's hard to not be intrigued by seeing how much better he's done this year coupled with the fact he's mad adjustments to his mechanics. As you said he will be up in September, and he will get a few shots then. If he starts smashing the ball at this level things will get pretty interesting.

 

In September, he'll either earn a spot for next year's bench or will earn a AAAA qualifier.

 

He could have a very similar career path to Brandon Moss who also blossomed as a 28 year old.

[Kimmi]

Just as the Red Sox won two of three from the Mariners in Boston earlier this year.

 

Yeah, but that seems like so long ago. That 13 inning walk off loss broke my heart.

[illinoisredsox]

It's hard to have a lot of confidence in a 28 year old who has been stuck in AAA for 5 years. But it's hard to not be intrigued by seeing how much better he's done this year coupled with the fact he's mad adjustments to his mechanics. As you said he will be up in September, and he will get a few shots then. If he starts smashing the ball at this level things will get pretty interesting.

 

First they will have to put him back on the 40 man roster. Not saying they won't, but to bring him up, they will have to clear a spot via release or trade.

 

Right now, the Sox list only 5 oufielders on the 40 man (per MLB.com) and that includes Holt. There are no minor league OFs at all on it.

[mvp 78]

First they will have to put him back on the 40 man roster. Not saying they won't, but to bring him up, they will have to clear a spot via release or trade.

 

Right now, the Sox list only 5 oufielders on the 40 man (per MLB.com) and that includes Holt. There are no minor league OFs at all on it.

 

Steve Selsky is on it.

[Fan_since_Boggs]

He could have a very similar career path to Brandon Moss who also blossomed as a 28 year old.

 

Interesting comp. He could be the right handed version of Brandon Moss.

 

Corner outfielders who are very productive against LHP usually stick around in the majors for a few years in a platoon situation. They have value. Kind of like Jonny Gomes.

[mvp 78]

Interesting comp. He could be the right handed version of Brandon Moss.

 

Corner outfielders who are very productive against LHP usually stick around in the majors for a few years in a platoon situation. They have value. Kind of like Jonny Gomes.

 

If I'm a "smaller market" ballclub, I'm definitely reaching out to his agent this offseason. He'd be cheap and if he does over-perform, you could spin him off to a contender at the deadline.

[Fan_since_Boggs]

If I'm a "smaller market" ballclub, I'm definitely reaching out to his agent this offseason. He'd be cheap and if he does over-perform, you could spin him off to a contender at the deadline.

 

Definitely. Small market teams will sometimes platoon two guys in one spot and get really good production out of it. The production might be worth 15 million and yet they are playing both players league minimum. The Rays are good at finding bargains like that.

[illinoisredsox]

Steve Selsky is on it.

 

He's listed as an infielder on MLB,com, ESPN just lists him as "minors" though they have his position as RF. I guess there a couple guys who could be listed either way, Holt being the other obvious one.

[mvp 78]

He's listed as an infielder on MLB,com, ESPN just lists him as "minors" though they have his position as RF. I guess there a couple guys who could be listed either way, Holt being the other obvious one.

 

Yeah, where both those sites puts players is weird sometimes. ESPN has Swihart as LF and MLB has him at C.

[BstHcpr]

And Rusney Castillo just quietly keeps doing what we need - hit - at the AAA level. He is also hitting a few dingers (not as many as Brentz) but he probably is a much better hitter. It's a shame in a way.

 

Another 30 year old "tearing up" inferior competition, but this one would count $11 million against the Red Sox luxury tax.

Edited July 27, 2017 by BstHcpr

[moonslav59]

Young is 33 (will be 34 in Sept), isn't hitting lefties this year, and is a washed up piece of crap. Brentz made adjustments (isn't the same hitter as last year) and is raking against lefties (over 1.000 OPS against lefties in AAA). I'm not sure why it is taking the Red Sox so long to make this move; though, as someone pointed out, Brentz probably gets called up in Sept when the rosters expand and will be given a shot to replace Young at that time. I would make the move now since we are fighting for the division and need to improve offensive output against lefties.

 

Young is struggling vs LHPs this year. I know that's what we have him on the roster for. I get the frustration. I'm not against trading him or finding a better player to spell Beni.

 

He does have a .708 overall OPS, which isn't horrible. I'd still prefer him over Brentz, but his leash is getting shorter and shorter.

 

It would be nice, if we could trade Moreland and Young and free up $4M (1/3 of their contract cost for 2017). Then, we could trade for Alonso or some other 1Bman/DH type or someone to platoon with Beni.

 

People are ragging on Young, but there are plenty other hitters with worse splits than Young.

vs LHPs

.621 Young (surprisingly, he's .759 vs RHPs, which is better than many on our team)

.620 Rutledge (28 PAs)

.577 Moreland (has 56 PAs vs LHPs)

.574 Beni (has 62 PAs vs LHPs)

 

 

vs RHPs

.656 Leon

.600 Vaz (174 PAs)

.426 Holt

.412 Marrero (116 PAs)

 

To me, our biggest issues are not HRam, Young and our catchers' overall value, they are...

 

1) Beni vs LHPs.

2) Moreland vs anybody

3) Bogey's slump

4) Lack of a power hitter

5) Our catcher offense

 

 

[cp176]

Another 30 year old "tearing up" inferior competition, but this one would count $11 million against the Red Sox luxury tax.

 

No doubt! but he still might be the best of the bunch. Oh and for the record - I'm the guy who doesn't give a squat about the red sox luxury joke (I meant to say tax) - they were numb enough to sign these guys in the first place. Simply releasing chubby tells me that 50 or so million doesn't really mean much to them. I'm not for bringing him up but he would be ahead of Brentz on my pecking order.

[mvp 78]

Young is struggling vs LHPs this year. I know that's what we have him on the roster for. I get the frustration. I'm not against trading him or finding a better player to spell Beni.

 

He does have a .708 overall OPS, which isn't horrible. I'd still prefer him over Brentz, but his leash is getting shorter and shorter.

 

It would be nice, if we could trade Moreland and Young and free up $4M (1/3 of their contract cost for 2017). Then, we could trade for Alonso or some other 1Bman/DH type or someone to platoon with Beni.

 

People are ragging on Young, but there are plenty other hitters with worse splits than Young.

vs LHPs

.621 Young (surprisingly, he's .759 vs RHPs, which is better than many on our team)

.620 Rutledge (28 PAs)

.577 Moreland (has 56 PAs vs LHPs)

.574 Beni (has 62 PAs vs LHPs)

 

 

vs RHPs

.656 Leon

.600 Vaz (174 PAs)

.426 Holt

.412 Marrero (116 PAs)

 

To me, our biggest issues are not HRam, Young and our catchers' overall value, they are...

 

1) Beni vs LHPs.

2) Moreland vs anybody

3) Bogey's slump

4) Lack of a power hitter

5) Our catcher offense

 

 

 

If Young wasn't so miserable this year, he'd take those LHP ab's away from Beni.

[moonslav59]

If Young wasn't so miserable this year, he'd take those LHP ab's away from Beni.

 

He has been taking them away from Moreland, but now that we have Nunez, I think Young will start playing LF vs LHPs. (I guess they could play Nunez in LF and Young at DH.)

 

As bad as Young has been vs LHPs, he's still better than Beni vs lefties.

[Bellhorn04]

He has been taking them away from Moreland, but now that we have Nunez, I think Young will start playing LF vs LHPs. (I guess they could play Nunez in LF and Young at DH.)

 

As bad as Young has been vs LHPs, he's still better than Beni vs lefties.

 

Beni has less than 100 career PA's against lefties. Isn't that what you refer to as a tiny sample?