Should Jackie Bradley Jr be traded?

[moonslav59]

Of the soon to be FA's. I would go for Pearce , as a platoon with Moreland, and Eovaldi only because he starters are hard to find. Wright is still a question mark, and 7, even 8 starters is often not enough. he is not worth a big premium in length or money, however. The bullpen is the need, looking for consistency as much as anything. Most teams would be happy to lose only 40% of their games , unlike the 30% the Sox may achieve in this one off season.

 

So, how would you rank our off season priorities?

[Slasher9]

So, how would you rank our off season priorities?

 

1. closer (i am not advocating LTC for anyone - re: kimbrel)

2. RP

3. 2nd base (IMO pedroia is done and holt/nunez are terrible defensively to have this position FT)

4. 1st base (Moreland is getting older and his knees are already an issue and no way is pearce the replacement)

5. SP (you can never have enough)

[moonslav59]

1. closer (i am not advocating LTC for anyone - re: kimbrel)

2. RP

3. 2nd base (IMO pedroia is done and holt/nunez are terrible defensively to have this position FT)

4. 1st base (Moreland is getting older and his knees are already an issue and no way is pearce the replacement)

5. SP (you can never have enough)

 

Almost exactly like my list. My #4 was a batter who hits lefty, and 1B makes the most sense to find that guy. Moreland has played hurt two years in a row now, and we need to start planning on that happening next year, too.

 

I'm thinking a one year solution might be best in hopes that Dalbec, Chavis or Ockimey prove they belong (maybe).

[kenmeister]

1. closer (i am not advocating LTC for anyone - re: kimbrel)

2. RP

3. 2nd base (IMO pedroia is done and holt/nunez are terrible defensively to have this position FT)

4. 1st base (Moreland is getting older and his knees are already an issue and no way is pearce the replacement)

5. SP (you can never have enough)

 

It may be time to consider moving Devers to first and listing 3B as a priority.

[moonslav59]

It may be time to consider moving Devers to first and listing 3B as a priority.

 

I was saying that last winter (see my sign Moose rants), but I was okay with giving him time to try and prove he can improve at 3B. I haven't seen improvement, so far.

 

This winter might be a good time to shop for a 3Bman and move Devers to 1B, assuming he begins to hit well again.

[oldtimer]

Almost exactly like my list. My #4 was a batter who hits lefty, and 1B makes the most sense to find that guy. Moreland has played hurt two years in a row now, and we need to start planning on that happening next year, too.

 

I'm thinking a one year solution might be best in hopes that Dalbec, Chavis or Ockimey prove they belong (maybe).

 

I'm not informed about the nature of Moreland's knee injury, but maybe it is something loose or a small tear that can be repaired. I would wait and see with him as he is contracted for another year. He has been a valuable asset to the team and it would be premature to move him.

 

Others have thought that maybe Devers would be more of a long term solution for 1st base. If his listed weight of 236# at 21 years old is correct, his viability as a long term player at 3rd is seriously in question. In that case 3rd base would become a priority.

 

Right now most fans consider 2nd base to be the highest priority at the field position. Pedroia's viability as a full time 2nd baseman is very questionable. Kinsler is very good but older than Pedroia and more of a utility player going forward if we elect to take him. Will Chavis land on the team as a 3rd baseman, a second baseman or will he be another at first? To be seen.

 

Clearly starting and relief pitching will need to be dealt with next year with free agency coming into play and also taking aq hard look at the performance of several of our guys. Time enough to discuss those posibilities at the end of the season.

[kenmeister]

I was saying that last winter (see my sign Moose rants), but I was okay with giving him time to try and prove he can improve at 3B. I haven't seen improvement, so far.

 

This winter might be a good time to shop for a 3Bman and move Devers to 1B, assuming he begins to hit well again.

 

Any thoughts about giving Lin a shot as the 3rd baseman?

[oldtimer]

Any thoughts about giving Lin a shot as the 3rd baseman?

 

Typically yoou look at 3rd base as a position that requires a bat with some extra base and Home Run power. He is a good fielder but doesn't have the requisite baqt.

[iortiz]

Wonder if Cora should give Rusney a shot. Seems like he is doing pretty well at Pawtucket.

[oldtimer]

Wonder if Cora should give Rusney a shot. Seems like he is doing pretty well at Pawtucket.

 

The luxury tax limits are blocking him this year. He is making too much to be a backup outfielder and JDM is subbing there one or two times a week and that will probably continue. Don't see that changing next year aas JBJ is probably going to remain our CF. Best if someone would take him in trade for a good prospect or relief pitcher.

[vegasbob]

Wonder if Cora should give Rusney a shot. Seems like he is doing pretty well at Pawtucket.

 

I think the problem is the impact of his contract on luxury tax threshhold if he is put on the 40 or 25 man roster. While we are paying Hanley for a couple more months, and the fat Panda for a few months plus a year, Rusney will be shutout. If one of current regulars leaves for whatever reason, you may have a chance to see him, and as a nonroster invitee in the Spring.

 

Interesting that not one other contending team found a need for Hanley, even for virtual free since the Sox have to pay him the majority of his contract amount.

[OH FOY]

Rusney will be called up in Sept. Call-ups on last year of his contract. So if I was him I would hit like a Mother F_cker!

[Bellhorn04]

I think the problem is the impact of his contract on luxury tax threshhold if he is put on the 40 or 25 man roster. While we are paying Hanley for a couple more months, and the fat Panda for a few months plus a year, Rusney will be shutout. If one of current regulars leaves for whatever reason, you may have a chance to see him, and as a nonroster invitee in the Spring.

 

Interesting that not one other contending team found a need for Hanley, even for virtual free since the Sox have to pay him the majority of his contract amount.

 

It's possible, of course, that some teams contacted him and he said no thanks. There wouldn't be much financial incentive for him, after all.

[Slasher9]

perhaps it was his decision not to play as he gets paid either way.

[Slasher9]

Rusney will be called up in Sept. Call-ups on last year of his contract. So if I was him I would hit like a Mother F_cker!

 

he's signed through 2020 so he's got some time before that sept callup...

[S5Dewey]

Typically yoou look at 3rd base as a position that requires a bat with some extra base and Home Run power. He is a good fielder but doesn't have the requisite baqt.

 

Then what about Lin at 2B?

[kenmeister]

Then what about Lin at 2B?

 

Lin is actually hitting .336 with an .889 OPS at AAA right now.

[moonslav59]

I'm not informed about the nature of Moreland's knee injury, but maybe it is something loose or a small tear that can be repaired. I would wait and see with him as he is contracted for another year. He has been a valuable asset to the team and it would be premature to move him.

 

Others have thought that maybe Devers would be more of a long term solution for 1st base. If his listed weight of 236# at 21 years old is correct, his viability as a long term player at 3rd is seriously in question. In that case 3rd base would become a priority.

 

Right now most fans consider 2nd base to be the highest priority at the field position. Pedroia's viability as a full time 2nd baseman is very questionable. Kinsler is very good but older than Pedroia and more of a utility player going forward if we elect to take him. Will Chavis land on the team as a 3rd baseman, a second baseman or will he be another at first? To be seen.

 

Clearly starting and relief pitching will need to be dealt with next year with free agency coming into play and also taking aq hard look at the performance of several of our guys. Time enough to discuss those posibilities at the end of the season.

 

Agree.

 

I have 2B ahead of 3B or 1B (hitter who can hit LHP'ers).

 

I see Devers as a starter somewhere next year: 1B, 3B or DH.

[moonslav59]

Then what about Lin at 2B?

 

Not longterm.

[OH FOY]

he's signed through 2020 so he's got some time before that sept callup...

 

That was my point. hahaha

[vegasbob]

Lin is actually hitting .336 with an .889 OPS at AAA right now.

 

And .182 in a small sample 44 AB's with Boston this year, with a .493 OPS. The team has shown they can carry a couple of lesser bats, but adding a 3rd to the lineup will show up in the results after a while.

 

His .971 fielding %, is only better than Devers .929 among position players. Nice guy, I'm sure but more like a career backup or AAAA'er.

[Bellhorn04]

And .182 in a small sample 44 AB's with Boston this year, with a .493 OPS. The team has shown they can carry a couple of lesser bats, but adding a 3rd to the lineup will show up in the results after a while.

 

His .971 fielding %, is only better than Devers .929 among position players. Nice guy, I'm sure but more like a career backup or AAAA'er.

 

You could be right. OTOH he's only 24 and the .889 OPS at Pawtucket is pretty impressive. May be some real potential there.

[S5Dewey]

And .182 in a small sample 44 AB's with Boston this year, with a .493 OPS. The team has shown they can carry a couple of lesser bats, but adding a 3rd to the lineup will show up in the results after a while.

 

His .971 fielding %, is only better than Devers .929 among position players. Nice guy, I'm sure but more like a career backup or AAAA'er.

 

I distinctly remember Cora saying Lin is "the best defensive player in our system".

[moonslav59]

I distinctly remember Cora saying Lin is "the best defensive player in our system".

 

I can believe it.

[Fan_since_Boggs]

I've thought about the following strategy.

(1) Bogaerts plays out his final arbitration season with the Red Sox in 2019. The Red Sox let him leave via free agency (draft compensation).

(2) The Red Sox trade Bradley Jr. after the 2018 season, move Mookie Betts to CF. I'm expecting the Red Sox to get a really good prospect for Bradley Jr.

(3) The Red Sox let Kimbrel walk after 2018 (draft compensation) and sign a bridge closer, a guy like Z.Britton, to a one year pillow contract and he keeps the closer spot warm for D.Feltman. If Britton has a big year in 2019, the Red Sox can get draft compensation for Britton.

------so, in sum, the Red Sox will not give long term contracts to Bogaerts, Bradley Jr., or Kimbrel.-----------

(4) Sign B.Harper to a long term contract.

(5) CJ Chatman takes over for Bogaerts at SS in 2019.

(6) With the addition of Harper, the Red Sox don't have to be concerned about JD Martinez opting out after the 2019 season. If he wants to opt out, let him opt out. No sweat.

(7) I have the Red Sox signing Sale to a long term deal, but they will replace Porcello with a cost controlled young starter, e.g., Houck, Shawaryn.

 

I don't know if such plans are economically feasible, maybe signing Sale, Harper, and Betts to long term deals will prove to be impossible. But I do have the Red Sox saving money by NOT signing Bogaerts (replaced by a cost controlled player), Bradley, Porcello (replaced by a cost-controlled player), and Kimbrel (eventually replaced by Feltman) to long term deals.

 

This team would be a powerhouse in 2019 with Harper replacing Bradley Jr. in the lineup. Bogaerts is still a Red Sox in 2019. Porcello is still a Red Sox in 2019.

Edited August 17, 2018 by Fan_since_Boggs

[Jasonbay44]

I've thought about the following strategy.

(1) Bogaerts plays out his final arbitration season with the Red Sox in 2019. The Red Sox let him leave via free agency (draft compensation).

(2) The Red Sox trade Bradley Jr. after the 2018 season, move Mookie Betts to CF. I'm expecting the Red Sox to get a really good prospect for Bradley Jr.

(3) The Red Sox let Kimbrel walk after 2018 (draft compensation) and sign a bridge closer, a guy like Z.Britton, to a one year pillow contract and he keeps the closer spot warm for D.Feltman. If Britton has a big year in 2019, the Red Sox can get draft compensation for Britton.

------so, in sum, the Red Sox will not give long term contracts to Bogaerts, Bradley Jr., or Kimbrel.-----------

(4) Sign B.Harper to a long term contract.

(5) CJ Chatman takes over for Bogaerts at SS in 2019.

(6) With the addition of Harper, the Red Sox don't have to be concerned about JD Martinez opting out after the 2019 season. If he wants to opt out, let him opt out. No sweat.

(7) I have the Red Sox signing Sale to a long term deal, but they will replace Porcello with a cost controlled young starter, e.g., Houck, Shawaryn.

 

I don't know if such plans are economically feasible, maybe signing Sale, Harper, and Betts to long term deals will prove to be impossible. But I do have the Red Sox saving money by NOT signing Bogaerts (replaced by a cost controlled player), Bradley, Porcello (replaced by a cost-controlled player), and Kimbrel (eventually replaced by Feltman) to long term deals.

 

This team would be a powerhouse in 2019 with Harper replacing Bradley Jr. in the lineup. Bogaerts is still a Red Sox in 2019. Porcello is still a Red Sox in 2019.

 

I'd rather have Xander and JBJ than Harper.

[Slasher9]

I'd rather have Xander and JBJ than Harper.

 

me too.

[Kimmi]

I'd rather have Xander and JBJ than Harper.

 

100% on this.

[SoxnCycles]

me too.

 

Same here.

[S5Dewey]

Same here.

 

Me too.

 

It's beginning to look almost unanimous.