2017/18 Hot Stove Thread

[Kimmi]

So what? I think the question is whether Lackey is still interested in playing or not. He hasn't officially retired.

 

I just cannot imagine Lackey accepting a minor league contract with any team. He is probably still interested in pitching if he can somehow get a big league deal.

[FredLynn]

Depending on what we got for marrero, and I doubt it's much, I'd have prefered to put Holt at AAA for depth.

 

Holt is not a good enough hitter to replace any starter as an upgrade, and his defense is much worse than Marrero's. He's not really th type you should ever use as a late inning defensive replacement either.

 

We got a bag of used golf balls and cash not to exceed two dollars.

Seriously, we got a "player to be named later" or cash.

Despite the fact that Marrero is better than Holt defensively, he cannot hit the baseball at all. It was the right choice to choose Holt over Devin.

[Kimmi]

Merrero traded to Arizona for future considerations.

 

Best of luck to the guy. He was the best defensive infielder on this team.

 

I have nothing bad to say about him.

 

I guess some people here will have conniptions if Holt remains.

 

I love it.

 

Agreed. Best of luck to Marrero.

 

As for Holt, I'm glad the Sox did not release him.

 

I would prefer he start the season in AAA, only because he has the option to be able to do so, but I have no problem with the team hanging onto him.

[Kimmi]

Hit in the left hip with a line drive. Described as a contusion. Stay tuned and cross fingers.

 

Fingers definitely crossed. That's the last thing we need.

[Spudboy]

Anyone watch Marrero goodbye ?? This guy will be missed .....I have to say though Holt !!! Dude earned the spot big time and bulked up to provide more pop .I am sad to lose Devin but excited in what we are seeing from Matt Damon .

 

Well for several Sox prospects / players losing Merrero will be felt.

 

Along with Travis Shaw, Betts, JBJ, and Swihart, were very close buddies having come through the system together and have been roommates. These guys were very, very close.

 

3-4 years ago I saw a story of how they all lived together in ST ( minus JBJ who was married ). They knew all about each other.

 

So in that sense, losing Merrero is not such a routine thing. I guess being the 24 pick in the draft is no lock to be an MLB star.

 

Anyway, I saw him play a bunch in Pawtucket. I am sure I saw an error here and there. I just don't recall them specifically. I also saw dozens of really good SS plays. Better than what we have remaining north of AA, anyway.

 

I think he can be a decent replacement type player. Especially on turf where his lateral range, speed and solid arm can save runs. I think he can hit better than .208. Maybe .230-.245. If so, he may stick a while.

[Spudboy]

Marrero's bat was just so damn anemic. I wish him the best, as well.

 

As much as I have been down on Holt for a couple years, I'm glad he's back to form, and I'm fine with him on our 25 man roster.

 

Holy s*** I about fell out of my chair!!!!

[moonslav59]

Holy s*** I about fell out of my chair!!!!

 

I wanted Marrero over Holt, but the guy is like a .550 hitter. It's not like it's a big disparity.

[notin]

I'd rather have Marrero and the $2mill. Should have dumped Holt. Nunez makes Holt expendable, but Marrero is a better option at shortstop than Nunez. ...

[Carbo-Diem]

If the Sox suffer some injuries down the line, Marrero could be that rare player that actually gets traded for himself.

[cp176]

If the Sox suffer some injuries down the line, Marrero could be that rare player that actually gets traded for himself.

 

I'll miss him because I like him but they have got everything he can do covered. Lin

[moonslav59]

Is rather have Marrero and the $2mill. Nunez makes Holt expendable, but Marrero is a better option at shortstop than Nunez. ...

 

I agree, and the $1.5M differential could come in handy this summer.

 

I'm not sure we;ll see much of Holt this year, and we wouldn't have with Marrero either, unless there's a long term injury.

 

When Pedey and Hernandez get back, I can't see Holt still being on the 25 man roster, so this choice was a short term one anyways.

[moonslav59]

I'll miss him because I like him but they have got everything he can do covered. Lin

 

Is Lin the same caliber defensively?

[cp176]

Is Lin the same caliber defensively?

 

I think that he could be. I'm guessing that someone else probably does also. As you have said before, what Marrero could give us someone else can as well. I don't think that the Red Sox would basically give up on him if what he had they didn't think was replaceable. Holt obviously impressed management and deserves his opportunity but I still think that defense is important to the the guys who run the team as well. Lin could be that guy and I suppose that even Hernandez down the road a bit could get a shot as well. I like Marrero and he does have talent just not enough for this team this year. I don't think that the fact that someone had an option remaining and someone didn't made much difference. They chose to go with the guy who looked better than the other guy in this case. Something had to give.

[moonslav59]

I think that he could be. I'm guessing that someone else probably does also. As you have said before, what Marrero could give us someone else can as well. I don't think that the Red Sox would basically give up on him if what he had they didn't think was replaceable. Holt obviously impressed management and deserves his opportunity but I still think that defense is important to the the guys who run the team as well. Lin could be that guy and I suppose that even Hernandez down the road a bit could get a shot as well. I like Marrero and he does have talent just not enough for this team this year. I don't think that the fact that someone had an option remaining and someone didn't made much difference. They chose to go with the guy who looked better than the other guy in this case. Something had to give.

 

Well said.

 

I do think guys like Marrero are everywhere, mostly in the minors.

 

One other reason I liked Marrero more than Holt beyond the $1.5M savings was that we need a late-inning defensive replacement for Devers and Nunez much more than we'll ever need Holt to PH or replace someone for his offense.

 

It is what it is, and Holt looks to be back to form, so let's hope he can help is some way. He is an excellent base runner.

 

[Natick to NC]

Basically , Holt beat out Marrero for the final spot. Rightly so. Holt brings more to the team than some give him credit for. As for late inning defensive replacements ; I don't think that is part of the plan. Devers is a rising star. I don't think Cora plans on pulling him for defense late. Let him grow in confidence and develop as an all around player.

Agree with everything you said except for Devers late game D replacement .....look at my AVi I love this kid but his D is ........sketchy .I would only yank him with a lead obviously but the minute we get it and it's Red Machine time ....id yank him.

[Natick to NC]

Do you ever stop beating this anti-Holt drum?

 

It's clear you and a few other of your buddies don't like Holt.

 

Tuff titty.

 

Lol ....Holt absolutely won that Job and I wanted him on a rail car most the spring ..Holt looks healthy and confident .We are a better team with him ....to not acknowledge the improvement and change in Body ? You're head is in the sand .Love the dedication he's giving ...I have changed my opinion 180 .

Edited March 25, 2018 by Natick to NC

[moonslav59]

Lol ....Holt absolutely won that Job and I wanted him on a rail car most the spring ..Holt looks healthy and confident .We are a better team with him ....to not acknowledge the improvement and change in Body ? You're head is in the sand .Love the dedication he's giving ...I have changed my opinion 180 .

 

One of the few times we ever agreed, and now you go and switch.

[Nick]

Lol ....Holt absolutely won that Job and I wanted him on a rail car most the spring ..Holt looks healthy and confident .We are a better team with him ....to not acknowledge the improvement and change in Body ? You're head is in the sand .Love the dedication he's giving ...I have changed my opinion 180 .

 

Maybe my head in the sand but you head is definitely up Holt's ass.

 

Change in his body will make him better defender? He sucks at every position. If we need long term replacement, Holt isn't it. Let see how long it takes Holt to get injured.

[oldtimer]

Agree with everything you said except for Devers late game D replacement .....look at my AVi I love this kid but his D is ........sketchy .I would only yank him with a lead obviously but the minute we get it and it's Red Machine time ....id yank him.

 

When Pedey gets back, and the assumption that we keep Swihart proves true, then the bench consists of Leon, Moreland, Nunez and Swihart. Someone will go down and that is probably Holt, unless we suffer an injury before that time. That leaves us with only Nunez and Swihart as possible infield (short and third) subs once Pedey gets back. Not a good situation to be in. Maybe management has another plan.

[Larry Cook]

Why is management so hung up on keeping swihart?

 

Would not another bullpen arm to start the season be better for the team?

[Hugh2]

Why is management so hung up on keeping swihart?

 

Would not another bullpen arm to start the season be better for the team?

 

Because he was one of the top prospects in baseball only a few years ago, then got jerked around and lost a year to injury. Now he's looking great again and is still young with a lot of promise?

[Natick to NC]

Why is management so hung up on keeping swihart?

 

Would not another bullpen arm to start the season be better for the team?

Poyner ?maybe ....I am a huge Swihart fan and think he earned the job they are not hung up on the guy.

[Natick to NC]

Maybe my head in the sand but you head is definitely up Holt's ass.

 

Change in his body will make him better defender? He sucks at every position. If we need long term replacement, Holt isn't it. Let see how long it takes Holt to get injured.

Now this is funnnnny !!! Me up Holts ass lol that is AWESOME !!! I guess changing an opinion after litterally destroying him allllll Spring is up his asssss ?? That made my day ....let's not act like he didn't kill it this spring can we ? You earn you're job every day and you can lose that job on a drop of a hat ...He has earned that job ....Marrero was a stud Defensive player and I love that kid but he lost his spot ....That's on Devin that's on Brock and that's on Blake ....That's not me and honestly Cora and Company sent a clear message .....it's go time now and I'm excited .

Edited March 25, 2018 by Natick to NC

[notin]

Because he was one of the top prospects in baseball only a few years ago, then got jerked around and lost a year to injury. Now he's looking great again and is still young with a lot of promise?

 

I'm all for giving Swihart a chance, but at some point, now that Vazquez has been extended, he is about as blocked as he can get. Corner outfield it's out. Third base too. And of course now catcher is blocked.

 

If he can be dealt for a worthwhile player, there really is no reason to hold on to him. ...

[Natick to NC]

I'm all for giving Swihart a chance, but at some point, now that Vazquez has been extended, he is about as blocked as he can get. Corner outfield it's out. Third base too. And of course now catcher is blocked.

 

If he can be dealt for a worthwhile player, there really is no reason to hold on to him. ...

 

Extending Vaz now was a great move ...but I don't think anyone including myself ever thought Blake was going to win the Starting catchers job here ....Number 2 umm yes I think Blake is fully capable .....and as a super utility Swiss Army knife player yes there's a Place for him .Vaz has taken that lead dog number 1 and run with it ...he's earned it but,we all know that players can and will struggle .

Edited March 25, 2018 by Natick to NC

[Hugh2]

I'm all for giving Swihart a chance, but at some point, now that Vazquez has been extended, he is about as blocked as he can get. Corner outfield it's out. Third base too. And of course now catcher is blocked.

 

If he can be dealt for a worthwhile player, there really is no reason to hold on to him. ...

 

Yeah, I've also wondered if trading him was the best solution as well. Maybe you start him in the minors (because he has no optins left) and if he's hitting really well and staying a healthy a team bites. You never know as well, he may end up being needed down the line. If that's the case, and he's still in the teams plans, I would think he should try a few new positions in the minors. 2B/3B/LF would be well for him, especially if he hits.

[Hugh2]

Extending Vaz now was a great move ...but I don't think anyone including myself ever thought Blake was going to win the Starting catchers job here ....Number 2 umm yes I think Blake is fully capable .....and as a super utility Swiss Army knife player yes there's a Place for him .Vaz has taken that lead dog number 1 and run with it ...he's earned it but,we all know that players can and will struggle .

 

Maybe not over the past year or so but 3 years ago he was a former first-round draft pick (well, he still is), your number one prospect, and looks destined to be your starting catcher.

[notin]

Yeah, I've also wondered if trading him was the best solution as well. Maybe you start him in the minors (because he has no optins left) and if he's hitting really well and staying a healthy a team bites. You never know as well, he may end up being needed down the line. If that's the case, and he's still in the teams plans, I would think he should try a few new positions in the minors. 2B/3B/LF would be well for him, especially if he hits.

 

Swihart can't go tp the minors without clearing waivers. If he is tradable (and he absolutely is), he won't clear waivers.

 

I'd see what he was worth to other teams. Of course, they're is a good chance Dombrowski already has and maybe he just didn't like what was offered. ..

[notin]

Extending Vaz now was a great move ...but I don't think anyone including myself ever thought Blake was going to win the Starting catchers job here ....Number 2 umm yes I think Blake is fully capable .....and as a super utility Swiss Army knife player yes there's a Place for him .Vaz has taken that lead dog number 1 and run with it ...he's earned it but,we all know that players can and will struggle .

 

Now that Vazquez has been extended and is the starter for a while, unless Blake does become a Swiss army knife, it does make him more expendable. I wouldn't keep him as a backup catcher of he could be dealt for a decent reliever. Bullpen pitching does have some priority over backup catching. ..

 

Like I said, the offers DD was getting might not be worth it. As he is fielding calls on Swihart per MLBTR, he's probably not getting offered much just yet. ...

[Kimmi]

I'd rather have Marrero and the $2mill. Should have dumped Holt. Nunez makes Holt expendable, but Marrero is a better option at shortstop than Nunez. ...

 

I'd rather have Marrero and Holt starting the season in AAA.