Rafael Devers

[Kimmi]

We're definitely getting close to pitchforks and torches time.

 

People are out for Farrell's head here, but if Devers is sent down, I'm pretty sure it won't be Farrell's call.

 

I can almost 100% guarantee that Farrell wants Devers on the roster.

[Kimmi]

Xander hitting .150 in July. 9-60.....only one multiple hit game.

 

Devers has good swing.....he's a pure hitter. If you don't see it then we have nothing to talk about. (I'm speaking to the world).

 

IMO, Xander needs a 10 day DL stint. Nunez can fill in for him, Devers can stay at 3B, and that gives the team some more time to sort out the roster.

 

However, according to Farrell, Xander is healthy, and his issues are due to timing, not injury. He is adamant about Xander staying in the line up and working through his problem.

[a700hitter]

IMO, Xander needs a 10 day DL stint. Nunez can fill in for him, Devers can stay at 3B, and that gives the team some more time to sort out the roster.

 

However, according to Farrell, Xander is healthy, and his issues are due to timing, not injury. He is adamant about Xander staying in the line up and working through his problem.

I agree that XB could use some time off. Nunez can play SS for a few games.

[oldtimer]

IMO, Xander needs a 10 day DL stint. Nunez can fill in for him, Devers can stay at 3B, and that gives the team some more time to sort out the roster.

HeHowever, according to Farrell, Xander is healthy, and his issues are due to timing, not injury. He is adamant about Xander staying in the line up and working through his problem.

 

I think JF is losing it a bit. We have Devers up and he clearly should be allowed to hit against right hand pitching and we should see how he handles that. We have Nunez who is a 300 hitter and has speed. We need to stop worrying about hurt feelings and so what is best for the team.

 

I suggest an immediate change to the lineup as follows:

 

RHP:

1. Nunez (SS)

2 Beni (LF)

3. Pedroia (2nd)

4. Bradley (CF)

5. Rameriz (DH)

6. Betts (RF)

7. Devers (3rd)

8. Leon ©

9. Moreland (1st)

 

LHP:

1. Nunez (SS)

2. Pedroia (2nd)

3. Betts (RF)

4. Bradley (CF)

5. Rameriz (1st)

6. Young (LF)

7. Devers (3rd)

8. Vazquez ©

9. Bogaerts (DH)

 

I know this is a drastic suggestion but drastic measures are needed. These would be interim lineups until Betts starts to hit. Bogey has been so far off, I don't know how long we can stay with his 0 fors. without giving him an extended rest. I would like to see Travis brought back up to give us more flexibility while Marerro and holt be sent down.

[OH FOY]

He hit a pretty good Lefty today, last I looked Left Handed Batters were hitting .186 off Rzepczynski. Let him play, he can hit Lefties. I was listening on Radio, and both announcers were impressed, he hit a Veteran Lefty like this. Edited July 27, 2017 by OH FOY!

[BstHcpr]

I think JF is losing it a bit. We have Devers up and he clearly should be allowed to hit against right hand pitching and we should see how he handles that. We have Nunez who is a 300 hitter and has speed. We need to stop worrying about hurt feelings and so what is best for the team.

 

I suggest an immediate change to the lineup as follows:

 

RHP:

1. Nunez (SS)

2 Beni (LF)

3. Pedroia (2nd)

4. Bradley (CF)

5. Rameriz (DH)

6. Betts (RF)

7. Devers (3rd)

8. Leon ©

9. Moreland (1st)

 

LHP:

1. Nunez (SS)

2. Pedroia (2nd)

3. Betts (RF)

4. Bradley (CF)

5. Rameriz (1st)

6. Young (LF)

7. Devers (3rd)

8. Vazquez ©

9. Bogaerts (DH)

 

I know this is a drastic suggestion but drastic measures are needed. These would be interim lineups until Betts starts to hit. Bogey has been so far off, I don't know how long we can stay with his 0 fors. without giving him an extended rest. I would like to see Travis brought back up to give us more flexibility while Marerro and holt be sent down.

 

Nunez is hitting worse than Bogaerts, and is a big downgrade defensively. This is a panic move.

[Oscars]

Nunez is hitting .344 in July and Bogey .140.

Bogey looks lost at the plate right now

[BstHcpr]

Nunez is hitting .344 in July and Bogey .140.

Bogey looks lost at the plate right now

 

He either needs to go to the DL, or hit his way out of it. Impact players don't sit on the bench for role players. Especially role players who can't defend at SS.

[Yaz Fan Since 67]

Living in MD I don't get to see every game like most of you do But for some reason I have been getting the MLB Network for free recently. So I was thrilled to see Devers first hit/home run last night. Next at bat he hits a rope that stayed up and was caught, then another well hit ball up the middle for a base hit. How exciting was that?

[SoxnCycles]

Living in MD I don't get to see every game like most of you do But for some reason I have been getting the MLB Network for free recently. So I was thrilled to see Devers first hit/home run last night. Next at bat he hits a rope that stayed up and was caught' date=' then another well hit ball up the middle for a base hit. How exciting was that?[/quote']

 

The kid definitely has some power.

His HR was not a cheapie.

[oldtimer]

He either needs to go to the DL, or hit his way out of it. Impact players don't sit on the bench for role players. Especially role players who can't defend at SS.

One

All players who make the MLs have gone through a long and difficult selection process, which culls out the best baseball players from the many feeder programs. They are usually very athletic and have the prerequisite mentality to succeed in the game. Along the way, they get all kind of coaching in the fundamentals from peoplle with a lot of expertise. Once in the mls. they have the best coaching, nutritionist, health care, psychological help, equipment, technical analysis helps of all kind. Of course, so do their opponents who can study their weaknesses. The grind of playing, family life and other distractions can lead to psychological issue and just plain weariness and injuries.

 

The bottom line is some of the guys don't handle the pressure of the long season too well and it shows in their performances. When a player goes dead cold for a significant period why not face facts and give that player rest and recuperation rather than keep playing them and hurting the team. In Bogaerts case, he has fallen below the Maginot line and is hurting the team. He shows no signs of coming out of it any time soon. Keep playing him with the hope he will somehow miraculously get back to where he was is a high risk, when there is another player who will likely do a better job. It seems to me to risk the season for the team. I don't worry about hurting someones feelings in this. The problem of course is how does a player then get back in the lineup?

[Nick]

One

All players who make the MLs have gone through a long and difficult selection process, which culls out the best baseball players from the many feeder programs. They are usually very athletic and have the prerequisite mentality to succeed in the game. Along the way, they get all kind of coaching in the fundamentals from peoplle with a lot of expertise. Once in the mls. they have the best coaching, nutritionist, health care, psychological help, equipment, technical analysis helps of all kind. Of course, so do their opponents who can study their weaknesses. The grind of playing, family life and other distractions can lead to psychological issue and just plain weariness and injuries.

 

The bottom line is some of the guys don't handle the pressure of the long season too well and it shows in their performances. When a player goes dead cold for a significant period why not face facts and give that player rest and recuperation rather than keep playing them and hurting the team. In Bogaerts case, he has fallen below the Maginot line and is hurting the team. He shows no signs of coming out of it any time soon. Keep playing him with the hope he will somehow miraculously get back to where he was is a high risk, when there is another player who will likely do a better job. It seems to me to risk the season for the team. I don't worry about hurting someones feelings in this. The problem of course is how does a player then get back in the lineup?

 

To me he's simply not mentally tough. Pedroia is tough. He doesn't hang his head and play possum. He 'wills' himself out of his funk. Xander is a front runner. All is well as long as things are going his way. He has tough time getting back his "timing" to use John Farrell's word. I didn't think so.

 

Betts is a very good player but not worth $30M. Xander is a decent SS but I'd think twice before giving him long term $20M contract. Just because they came up through our system means NOTHING. Are you telling me you don't respect Sale because he came through another organization?

Edited July 27, 2017 by Nick

[Bellhorn04]

Bogaerts has not been the same since getting hit in the hand on July 6. Obviously they have hoped he could keep playing with it but I don't think his slump is a coincidence.

[Nick]

Bogaerts has not been the same since getting hit in the hand on July 6. Obviously they have hoped he could keep playing with it but I don't think his slump is a coincidence.

 

You make a good point. What happened last year?

[Bellhorn04]

You make a good point. What happened last year?

 

What about last year?

[Nick]

Also don't we have to give our front office some credit for insisting that Devers was not available for trade last winter? They looked to have Devers pegged correctly.

 

In Vitale's voice, "SIX MORE YEARS OF CONTROL, BABY!!!!!!"

[Nick]

What about last year?

 

.219, .236 fade in August/September.

[Bellhorn04]

.219, .236 fade in August/September.

 

Hard to say. The .750 OPS in September wasn't bad. A lot of hitters have some wild fluctuations throughout the year. There aren't that many who are truly consistent.

[Nick]

Hard to say. The .750 OPS in September wasn't bad. A lot of hitters have some wild fluctuations throughout the year. There aren't that many who are truly consistent.

 

Maybe he needs more break during the year. Mentally you're sharp if things are going well but it seems he is worn out by August/September.

 

I think the game is changing. I can see a scenario expanding the roster to say 27. Why not carry an extra pitcher and a position player. Go with 6 man rotation? I'd want my $30M guys well rested.

[bosoxmal]

Funny how this thread switched to Bogaerts (from Devers) before the HR bal was even signed.

 

I have been concerned about Bogaerts even when he was hitting .30. And I'm not sure the hand injury is the reason for the ild swings in the dirt, a foot outside.

 

My immediate concern is, May there be a non-uniform problem?

[sk7326]

People are out for Farrell's head here, but if Devers is sent down, I'm pretty sure it won't be Farrell's call.

 

I can almost 100% guarantee that Farrell wants Devers on the roster.

 

I think the question is not will Devers be here the rest of the year ... just how will his work be managed. I think it would have been easy to do a straight platoon - but he looks surprisingly stout against lefties already. (first Pawsox homerun, a hit yesterday) But Nunez gives Farrell a lot of options to manage rest and PT - it's like getting a good Brock Holt.

[bosoxmal]

Since this thread has turned into a SS thread, what about Lin? He is is 8 for 27 since returning to Pawtucket *6 games, 3 were multi-hit. Je is fast, plays all 3 IF positions (as far as we know) and is a natural SS. Is it written in stone that Bogarts can't be traded? We're certainly talking "power" here. Just BA and fielding. Morrero? Trade him too! Devers at 3rd. Lin at SS and let's go!

 

(And most pitchers are RH!)

[mvp 78]

I think the question is not will Devers be here the rest of the year ... just how will his work be managed. I think it would have been easy to do a straight platoon - but he looks surprisingly stout against lefties already. (first Pawsox homerun, a hit yesterday) But Nunez gives Farrell a lot of options to manage rest and PT - it's like getting a good Brock Holt.

 

Nunez hits RHP better than LHP for some reason. I would be tempted to have Nunez hit LHP in favor of Benintendi since Beni's really struggling right now.

[sk7326]

Nunez hits RHP better than LHP for some reason. I would be tempted to have Nunez hit LHP in favor of Benintendi since Beni's really struggling right now.

 

He's going be Holt on the low end, closer to Zobrist on the high ... plug in wherever makes sense ... I don't mind them giving Devers some time off here and there (like 1 out of 3 games) ... between Benintendi, Moreland and Devers, there should be enough at-bats for him.

[illinoisredsox]

What about last year?

 

It's not just last year. Bogaerts' career slash line:

 

1st Half - .293/.350/.771

2nd Half - .274/.320/.719

 

Breaking it down further:

 

Apr - .289/.368/.748

May - .342/.392/.905

Jun - .265/.306/.702

July - .273/.313/.694

Aug - .240/.291/.604

Sep - .291/.345/.802

 

For a guy from the tropics, he sure cools down when the weather gets hot. Do we have our own version of Mr. May?

[illinoisredsox]

Bogaerts has not been the same since getting hit in the hand on July 6. Obviously they have hoped he could keep playing with it but I don't think his slump is a coincidence.

 

I agree that the hand may have something to do with it, but even early on it seemed to me he was getting a lot of soft hits. IMO, his penchant for taking at least one strike and sometimes 2 has caught up to him. He does adjust and take a more defensive swing with 2 strikes, but he was flaring a lot of pitcher's pitches into the short outfield. You can't get away with that for very long.

[Nick]

He's going be Holt on the low end, closer to Zobrist on the high ... plug in wherever makes sense ... I don't mind them giving Devers some time off here and there (like 1 out of 3 games) ... between Benintendi, Moreland and Devers, there should be enough at-bats for him.

 

Days of Big Red Machine is over. You can't simply write down same lineup every day. But Sox need better utility players. You can't have Marrero's of the world on your 25 man roster. I actually think Lin is an upgrade from Holt. He's just more athletic. Beni is having a pedestrian 'rookie' season. Pedroia went from winning Rookie of the Year to MVP in first two years. Some players mature early and ceiling is limited. I'm not sure if I would call Beni, "special'.

 

There's only one player on this team that I wouldn't trade. Everyone else is a game (not right now but in the future)

[Fan_since_Boggs]

Since this thread has turned into a SS thread, what about Lin? He is is 8 for 27 since returning to Pawtucket *6 games, 3 were multi-hit. Je is fast, plays all 3 IF positions (as far as we know) and is a natural SS. Is it written in stone that Bogarts can't be traded? We're certainly talking "power" here. Just BA and fielding. Morrero? Trade him too! Devers at 3rd. Lin at SS and let's go!

 

(And most pitchers are RH!)

 

I'm intrigued by Lin--he could be a starting SS in the future. His defense is already there, just needs to demonstrate more consistency with the bat.

 

For me, trading Bogaerts is out of the question for now. The Red Sox would be trading him at his lowest value. But it is worth noting that Bogaerts' defense at SS isn't all that great and might get worse over the next few years. In a few years, it might be time to move Bogaerts off of SS especially if his offense doesn't make up for his defensive inadequacies. Could Lin replace him? Lin has more of a traditional SS body. Bogaerts' body might get too big.

[Nick]

I'm intrigued by Lin--he could be a starting SS in the future. His defense is already there, just needs to demonstrate more consistency with the bat.

 

For me, trading Bogaerts is out of the question for now. The Red Sox would be trading him at his lowest value. But it is worth noting that Bogaerts' defense at SS isn't all that great and might get worse over the next few years. In a few years, it might be time to move Bogaerts off of SS especially if his offense doesn't make up for his defensive inadequacies. Could Lin replace him? Lin has more of a traditional SS body. Bogaerts' body might get too big.

 

I'm not oppose to it. But you'd have to reevaluate other positions as well. Will Beni give us enough power out of left field? What about Travis at 1st base? I just think AL East teams need power bats to be competitive.

[Kimmi]

I think JF is losing it a bit. We have Devers up and he clearly should be allowed to hit against right hand pitching and we should see how he handles that. We have Nunez who is a 300 hitter and has speed. We need to stop worrying about hurt feelings and so what is best for the team.

 

I suggest an immediate change to the lineup as follows:

 

RHP:

1. Nunez (SS)

2 Beni (LF)

3. Pedroia (2nd)

4. Bradley (CF)

5. Rameriz (DH)

6. Betts (RF)

7. Devers (3rd)

8. Leon ©

9. Moreland (1st)

 

LHP:

1. Nunez (SS)

2. Pedroia (2nd)

3. Betts (RF)

4. Bradley (CF)

5. Rameriz (1st)

6. Young (LF)

7. Devers (3rd)

8. Vazquez ©

9. Bogaerts (DH)

 

I know this is a drastic suggestion but drastic measures are needed. These would be interim lineups until Betts starts to hit. Bogey has been so far off, I don't know how long we can stay with his 0 fors. without giving him an extended rest. I would like to see Travis brought back up to give us more flexibility while Marerro and holt be sent down.

 

I agree that Devers should be playing mostly every day. Xander needs some time on the DL, IMO, but if he truly is healthy, as Farrell maintains, then benching him is not the answer.

 

As far as the line up goes, a shake up might help to get some guys going, but outside of that, it doesn't make much of a difference. You can set the line up any way you want. If the guys aren't hitting, it won't matter.