Should Jackie Bradley Jr be traded?

[jad]

People are getting carried away with this. Exaggerating their opinion of JBJ , both with the positive and negative aspects. The reality is that he is a better hitter than he has shown so far this year. He will have a hot streak and improve his numbers. On the other hand , while very good defensively , he simply does not make a whole lot of plays that other centerfielders don't. That is a myth. He is what he is. Let's not go overboard one way or another. There is no chance of trading him for anything of much value. The idea of releasing him is absurd. In the end , he will be what he always has been. The team has the best record in MLB . Leave well enough alone.

 

Ha! Like that catch Betts just made! (Punctuated, alas, by another dismal AB by JBJ)

Edited May 13, 2018 by jad

[Sox75]

A real 3 baseman? This is great in theory, but you might bear in mind how the RS did when they had this same problem a couple of years ago. I would guess for these three you would be demanding a .300 hitter, excellent fielder, who hits 30-40 dingers a year. There are 30 to choose from. Who do you have in mind? And if a team had such a mythical star, why would they dump him?

 

Nope.

 

Right now, I'd take a kid, with a SOLID glove, who is a decent hitter & very good prospect.

 

I am probably. Preferably, I'd use a solid 3rd base prospect in house, or a semi-decent hitting journeyman 3rd baseman, & send Devers back where he belongs. I'd give the kid the time he needs to develop. He's actually worse than Panda in the field, and CAN'T hit breaking stuff.

 

That's my big concern. He simply needs a couple years to learn, slow things down, & season. He's simply not ready for the mlb.

[Sox75]

A real 3 baseman? This is great in theory, but you might bear in mind how the RS did when they had this same problem a couple of years ago. I would guess for these three you would be demanding a .300 hitter, excellent fielder, who hits 30-40 dingers a year. There are 30 to choose from. Who do you have in mind? And if a team had such a mythical star, why would they dump him?

 

Secondarily . . .

 

I would part with all 3+ cash to get Machado. The O's can't afford his free-agent signing, so I rent him for the year, and consider going after him in free agency.

 

We desperately need a really good 3rd base to make a WS run against the Yankees.

[Jasonbay44]

Secondarily . . .

 

I would part with all 3+ cash to get Machado. The O's can't afford his free-agent signing, so I rent him for the year, and consider going after him in free agency.

 

We desperately need a really good 3rd base to make a WS run against the Yankees.

 

Trading Devers for a rental of Machado is a horrible idea. Machado is a pipe dream and isn't happening.

[Sox75]

Back to JBJ,

 

REMY just summed up what I've been saying about JBJ, vis a vis "head discipline, or keeping his head on the ball."

 

As Jerry put it, juxtapose the head shots of JBJ vs. JD Martinez on contact. JD's head & eyes are ON THE BALL, where as JBJ's head tilts to the left, his head turning to the right, and shoulders flying consequently.

 

I've heard some mock this, but every game, I watch his swing on ultra slow mo, and it is not a theory, but a fact.

[a700hitter]

Back to JBJ,

 

REMY just summed up what I've been saying about JBJ, vis a vis "head discipline, or keeping his head on the ball."

 

As Jerry put it, juxtapose the head shots of JBJ vs. JD Martinez on contact. JD's head & eyes are ON THE BALL, where as JBJ's head tilts to the left, his head turning to the right, and shoulders flying consequently.

 

I've heard some mock this, but every game, I watch his swing on ultra slow mo, and it is not a theory, but a fact.

I think Bradley would hit better if they cut off his head.

[Sox75]

Trading Devers for a rental of Machado is a horrible idea. Machado is a pipe dream and isn't happening.

 

I'm not so sure. You'Re already way over-budget. I'd be willing to rent the guy for a legit BIG TIME shot at a WS. O's are about out of it already. Not totally convinced Devers is a good long term fit at 3rd, 1st, or DH!?

[Sox75]

i think bradley would hit better if they cut off his head.

 

lol :0

[Jasonbay44]

I'm not so sure. You'Re already way over-budget. I'd be willing to rent the guy for a legit BIG TIME shot at a WS. O's are about out of it already. Not totally convinced Devers is a good long term fit at 3rd, 1st, or DH!?

 

Devers is a 21 year old who is already contributing positively at the MLB level. There is no reason to trade Devers for Machado with no guarantee of an extension, and he's willing to sign an extension, just wait till the off season.

[a700hitter]

Maybe the fix for Bradley's head discipline is to take his head out of his ass.

[User Name]

Nope.

 

Right now, I'd take a kid, with a SOLID glove, who is a decent hitter & very good prospect.

 

I am probably. Preferably, I'd use a solid 3rd base prospect in house, or a semi-decent hitting journeyman 3rd baseman, & send Devers back where he belongs. I'd give the kid the time he needs to develop. He's actually worse than Panda in the field, and CAN'T hit breaking stuff.

 

That's my big concern. He simply needs a couple years to learn, slow things down, & season. He's simply not ready for the mlb.

 

So tell us how you really feel about Devers.

[Spudboy]

I think Bradley would hit better if they cut off his head.

 

Classic Ted.

[Sox75]

So tell us how you really feel about Devers.

 

LOL :0 I Think I just did? I honestly do like the kid, & think he could turn out to be pretty good? I simply don't think it's best to expose his learning curve to the world, and develop lots of bad habits. The kid is not ready to field the position in the bigs. That's obvious. It's not nec. his glove either. I doubt he's able to slow the game down for himself to a pace where he can handle the pressure of the hot box!?? Better to learn in the minors, and put a decent / serviceable glove there this year.

 

& yeh. If we could rent Machado & not give up too much, that would be fantastic!

 

Not sure any of this is earthshettering opinion? Do you?

Edited May 13, 2018 by Sox75

[User Name]

I just don't see it. He has a throwing issue. It happens. Footwork's fine, actual fielding is fine. Bat needs reps, and no better reps for a hitter that advanced than MLB. You are dealing in the most hyperbolic of hyperboles is what I'm trying to say.

[dgalehouse]

The reality is that Devers is not going down to Pawtucket. His defense will improve. If it doesn't , he will be moved to first or , possibly , DH. And you don't give up anything of value for Machado unless you can sign him long term. This is not rocket science.

[Sox75]

I just don't see it. He has a throwing issue. It happens. Footwork's fine, actual fielding is fine. Bat needs reps, and no better reps for a hitter that advanced than MLB. You are dealing in the most hyperbolic of hyperboles is what I'm trying to say.

 

Actually, I would respectfully disagree. His footwork is not at all fine. He's a footloose fast dancer. Riverdancer. The kid has "happy feet." That's from the pressure. He can't settle himself down, and his head and body are racing. He's not settling his body before the throw. There are also numerous times, especially to his left, when he dives at the ball when it's not at all necessary, making the gathering and throwing exponentially more difficult.

 

Again, the game quickly speeds up on this kid, and he is making bad throws on an almost daily basis.

 

It is what it is.

 

Tough infield with Devers, Nuner, & Hanley in there.

 

Having said that, Hanley has done ok in there, and I love his attitude this year.

[Sox75]

The reality is that Devers is not going down to Pawtucket. His defense will improve. If it doesn't , he will be moved to first or , possibly , DH. And you don't give up anything of value for Machado unless you can sign him long term. This is not rocket science.

 

No way in hell Devers moves to 1st. I keep hearing that, but it makes no sense. You don't replace either Hanley or Mooreland at 1st, as that is the only position they can play. Besides, both bats are superior to Devers. Besides, who do you put at 3rd in this scenario? It also moves Hanley to DH, JDM to LF, & Mooreland to the bench. No way that happens. Now that really makes no sense.

 

Machado? I'd give up Swi & a prospect to be named for a 1 year rental in a heartbeat. That would make the Sox the odds on favorite for the WS.

[dgalehouse]

No way in hell Devers moves to 1st. I keep hearing that, but it makes no sense. You don't replace either Hanley or Mooreland at 1st, as that is the only position they can play. Besides, both bats are superior to Devers. Besides, who do you put at 3rd in this scenario? It also moves Hanley to DH, JDM to LF, & Mooreland to the bench. No way that happens. Now that really makes no sense.

 

Machado? I'd give up Swi & a prospect to be named for a 1 year rental in a heartbeat. That would make the Sox the odds on favorite for the WS.

 

When I talk about moving Devers to first or DH , it is in the future. Of course not this year. Anyway , I think he will stay at third. If you could get Machado for Swihart and a prospect to be named , it would be done in a minute. Not about to happen.

[Sox75]

When I talk about moving Devers to first or DH , it is in the future. Of course not this year. Anyway , I think he will stay at third. If you could get Machado for Swihart and a prospect to be named , it would be done in a minute. Not about to happen.

 

Likely take quite a bit more, but you never know. If they're out of it, & that is LIKELY to be soon if not now, a deal could be made?

 

I'd sure love to see the Sox take a run at it though!!!!

 

[harmony]

Likely take quite a bit more, but you never know. If they're out of it, & that is LIKELY to be soon if not now, a deal could be made?

 

I'd sure love to see the Sox take a run at it though!!!!

 

The point is that the Orioles would likely receive far better offers for Manny Machado.

[SoxHop]

I just don't see it. He has a throwing issue. It happens. Footwork's fine, actual fielding is fine. Bat needs reps, and no better reps for a hitter that advanced than MLB. You are dealing in the most hyperbolic of hyperboles is what I'm trying to say.

 

He's bobbling balls also. It's not just throwing

[cp176]

I see what other people are seeing with Devers also but I do still think that the primary problem is with the throwing and actually kind of looks like where he releases the ball from to me. Color me stupid but I'm still willing to bet on this kid being our third baseman for a very long time if he stays fit which I think he will. I get frustrated with the errors too but yup I like his footwork and I like his overall quickness but hey I have always liked a third baseman who resembles a good sized tree stump. No brainer for me and his hitting - I believe he will hit just fine.

[User Name]

He's bobbling balls also. It's not just throwing

 

....like every other 3B in the league. The real problem lies with his throwing. It's not even an argument.

[User Name]

Actually, I would respectfully disagree. His footwork is not at all fine. He's a footloose fast dancer. Riverdancer. The kid has "happy feet." That's from the pressure. He can't settle himself down, and his head and body are racing. He's not settling his body before the throw. There are also numerous times, especially to his left, when he dives at the ball when it's not at all necessary, making the gathering and throwing exponentially more difficult.

 

Again, the game quickly speeds up on this kid, and he is making bad throws on an almost daily basis.

 

It is what it is.

 

Tough infield with Devers, Nuner, & Hanley in there.

 

Having said that, Hanley has done ok in there, and I love his attitude this year.

 

Hyperbole. But whatever. You're entitled to your opinion. He's going through the growing pains that kids go through. He'll be fine.

[Sox75]

Hyperbole. But whatever. You're entitled to your opinion. He's going through the growing pains that kids go through. He'll be fine.

 

You are entitled to call it hyperbole, but saying "the game has sped up on him, & he can't seem to slow it down," which is a common problem with young mlb players, is hardly hyperbolic rhetoric. It's clearly a fact. Call it the yips if you like. Call it "tightening up" if you like. The kid has even been trying to play it "super cool" with the side / almost undercut toss, as he air mailed today. Whatever you want to call it, it is most definitely "the game speeding up in his head," which plays games with your body. I've been there. I played a good deal of the hot box, and trust me, when you get in that rut, it's tough to break out. You develop awful habits, especially when you know you have eyes watching you closely. It's usually a good idea to take a step back. The freedom to make mistakes where it doesn't matter. Build back good habits where the coach can talk to you after every play. Watch tape. Learn where you need to settle things down.

 

Now, if you want to say it's hyperbolic to be talking about trading the kid? Sure. I was definitely jumping the gun on that talk. Saying the Sox big time rushed the kid because of the Pablo situation? Now that's just a fact.

 

No worries. I see your point. I'm willing to be patient with the kid for a while.

[SoxHop]

....like every other 3B in the league. The real problem lies with his throwing. It's not even an argument.

 

He's also bobbling balls. There's no question about it. He does make some really good pics and then can't get the throw down.

 

This is my thought. The kid misses a ton of plays. But he flat out makes some amazing plays also, which to me means he has the makeup to make it. It's not called the hot corner for nothing. There has been some comparison between him and Beltre because the longitude and latitude of where you grew up make you the same caliber fielder I guess. But I actually beleive Devers will turn a corner on this like Beltre did. I'm totally good with saying I think the speed of the game at this level is something he will catch up to.

[Sox75]

Yikes!

 

At least we'Re taking some heat off of Jackie!

 

Time for a "Devers is SHYTE" thread?

 

Kidding! We'll give the kid some slack. Hope he can calm it down.

[User Name]

He's also bobbling balls. There's no question about it. He does make some really good pics and then can't get the throw down.

 

This is my thought. The kid misses a ton of plays. But he flat out makes some amazing plays also, which to me means he has the makeup to make it. It's not called the hot corner for nothing. There has been some comparison between him and Beltre because the longitude and latitude of where you grew up make you the same caliber fielder I guess. But I actually beleive Devers will turn a corner on this like Beltre did. I'm totally good with saying I think the speed of the game at this level is something he will catch up to.

 

Growing pains. But he wasn't a top prospect for nothing.

[jad]

You are entitled to call it hyperbole, but saying "the game has sped up on him, & he can't seem to slow it down," which is a common problem with young mlb players, is hardly hyperbolic rhetoric. It's clearly a fact. Call it the yips if you like. Call it "tightening up" if you like. The kid has even been trying to play it "super cool" with the side / almost undercut toss, as he air mailed today. Whatever you want to call it, it is most definitely "the game speeding up in his head," which plays games with your body. I've been there. I played a good deal of the hot box, and trust me, when you get in that rut, it's tough to break out. You develop awful habits, especially when you know you have eyes watching you closely. It's usually a good idea to take a step back. The freedom to make mistakes where it doesn't matter. Build back good habits where the coach can talk to you after every play. Watch tape. Learn where you need to settle things down.

 

Now, if you want to say it's hyperbolic to be talking about trading the kid? Sure. I was definitely jumping the gun on that talk. Saying the Sox big time rushed the kid because of the Pablo situation? Now that's just a fact.

 

No worries. I see your point. I'm willing to be patient with the kid for a while.

 

I don't buy it. I saw him play in Portland and he was the same way. I hadn't heard of him, and I was amazed at his athleticism at third (just playing at a level way beyond others in AA). But he also made an error--exactly same type on a throw as he has made at the majors. Nothing has "sped up on him"; that's the way he is, and he just needs to work on it to improve (which I am confident he will).

[User Name]

They'll probably end up tweaking his arm angle. It seems to me (and I don't claim to know anything conclusively) that he may have a mechanical problem that stems from his arm positioning after starting his throws. We shall see.