A Realistic View at 2018: Part I

[notin]

I think they [NYY] don't go after him [stanton] and full speed ahead for Otani, Tanaka already talking to him.

 

It doesn't have to be either-or. There's a limit on how much a team can give Otani.

 

There's enough money for both. The Yanks also have a ton of good prospects Miami will be interested in. It's just a matter of the Yanks really wanting him or not.

 

The ball is in their court, as much as I hate to admit it.

 

The biggest obstacle the Yankees might face is the potential obtainable of the Marlins' GM. If he insists on Judge and won't move, the Yankees undoubtedly walk.

 

And we've all seen teams that don't budge on their demands. Some do negotiate, which is why Benintendi is still in Boston after the Sale trade. But some don't, which is why Cole Hamels isn't in Boston and his former stubborn GM is, coaching first base....

[Carpin]

On Stanton...

 

Jason Martinez from the MLBTR chat, doesn't seem to think the Marlins will get much for Stanton, if the team takes all the salary. Here's the exchange:

 

6:01 What do you think is realistic for the marlins to expect back if they take on none of Stanton's salary?

 

Jason Martinez:

6:02 Even if they can clear the entire salary, I have to think they'd land at least one Top 50 prospect. This is why I don't think the Giants have any chance.

 

Baseball America has these big spending teams top ranked prospects listed like this... (mid-season)

 

NYY

3 G Torres

36 B Rutherford

49 C Frazier

56 C Adams

71 E Florial

73 J Sheffield

 

BOS

6 Devers

87 Groome

96 Chavez

 

LAD

17 W Buehler

35 A Verdugo

60 Y Alvarez

74 W Calhoun

 

SFG

86 C Shaw

 

Cubs

none

 

It looks like a 3 team race, if it comes down to money and top prospects: the Yanks, Dodgers and Sox.

 

Note: MLB.com has Groome at #42 and Chavis at #92.

 

 

By the way, Rutherford was the center piece in the deal with the White Sox which gave us Kahnle, Robertson and T Frazier

[Carpin]

The biggest obstacle the Yankees might face is the potential obtainable of the Marlins' GM. If he insists on Judge and won't move, the Yankees undoubtedly walk.

 

And we've all seen teams that don't budge on their demands. Some do negotiate, which is why Benintendi is still in Boston after the Sale trade. But some don't, which is why Cole Hamels isn't in Boston and his former stubborn GM is, coaching first base....

 

I don't expect a trade to NYY for Stanton, I don't think they will be paying the price Miami will be asking for, have the pieces but I doubt Cashman will surrender a haul of prospects from him.

 

If he gets to NYY will be just like a salary dump (which is not going to happen) Miami is counting in this trade to start rebuilding the farm.

[moonslav59]

I might be way off base, but I'm not so sure the Marlins are going to get as much as some of the propositions I've seen here.

 

It could turn into a bidding war and get out of hand, but the Marlins really need to trade him. They can't afford him. Everyone knows it.

 

Only about a handful of teams will take that sort of contract.

 

I say we trade Bogey to AZ.

 

AZ sends a couple top prospects to MIA.

 

We throw in Groome, Flores and Shawaryn and see what they say.

 

We then sign Cozart to $45M/3 and Cobb for whatever it takes.

 

1. Pedey

2. Betts

3. Beni

4. Stanton DH

5. Cozart

6. Devers

7. HRam 1B

8. JBJ

9. Vaz

 

Bench: Leon, 3 from- Hernandez, Travis, Swihart, Marrero, Holt, Mars and Lin

 

SP Sale, Price, Cobb, Pom, Porcello, Wright-ERod

 

RP Kimbrel, Smith, Kelly, Barnes, Maddox, Workman, Hembree-Scott-Thornburg

 

 

 

 

Edited October 20, 2017 by moonslav59

[moonslav59]

Soxprospects.com recently posted it's Fall Rankings.

 

http://soxprospects.com/index.html

 

Some significant changes....

 

1. Groome 19

2. Chavis 22

3. Mata 18

4. Houck 21

5. Flores 17

6. Travis 24

7. Ockimey 22

8. Brannen 19

9. Shawaryn 23

10. Scherff 19

11. Beeks 24

12. Johnson 26

13. Chatham 21

14. Dalbec 22

15. D Hernandez 20

16. Raudes 19

17. Thompson 23

18. D Diaz 16

19. Lin 23

20. Lakins 23

21. Maddox 26

22. Velazquez 28

23. Brentz 28

24. Netzer 21

25. Taylor 24

 

I'd move Maddox up, despite being 26 y/o.

 

I'd move Travis to number 10 or 11.

 

 

Edited October 20, 2017 by moonslav59

[jacksonianmarch]

Soxprospects.com recently posted it's Fall Rankings.

 

http://soxprospects.com/index.html

 

Some significant changes....

 

1. Groome 19

2. Chavis 22

3. Mata 18

4. Houck 21

5. Flores 17

6. Travis 24

7. Ockimey 22

8. Brannen 19

9. Shawaryn 23

10. Scherff 19

11. Beeks 24

12. Johnson 26

13. Chatham 21

14. Dalbec 22

15. D Hernandez 20

16. Raudes 19

17. Thompson 23

18. D Diaz 16

19. Lin 23

20. Lakins 23

21. Maddox 26

22. Velazquez 28

23. Brentz 28

24. Netzer 21

25. Taylor 24

 

I'd move Maddox up, despite being 26 y/o.

 

I'd move Travis to number 10 or 11.

 

 

 

 

The national pundits don't seem to like Chavis as much as his numbers should suggest. 31 bombs from a 22 yr old is impressive. I honestly think he is your actual top prospect, who really needs just to work on his patience at the plate and prove his power this season wasn't a fluke. I don't like Jay Groome to be totally honest with you. He's got all the tools, but I don't like his makeup, his injury history or his command. The rest of that list is pretty weak to be honest when you consider where this system was just a year or two ago

[moonslav59]

It's not too long for the time to add rule 5 players to the 40 man roster or risk losing them to the draft. (The team drafting a player must keep the player on the 25 man roster for 90 days.)

 

Here's the list:

Jalen Beeks

Danny Mars

Jeremy Barfield

Jake Cosart

Justin Haley

Kyle Martin

Jordan Procyshen

Victor Acosta

Jake Romanski

Chandler Shepherd

Teddy Stankiewicz

Yoan Aybar

Trey Ball

Ty Buttrey

Rusney Castillo

Jantzen Witte

Kevin McAvoy

 

Danny Bethea

Jordan Betts

Harrison Cooney

Enmanuel De Jesus

Jhonathan Diaz

Willis Figueroa

Pat Goetze

Daniel Gonzalez

Juan Hernandez

Bryan Hudson

Dedgar Jimenez

Raiwinson Lameda

Deiner Lopez

Isaias Lucena

Algenis Martinez

Daniel McGrath

Ritzi Mendoza

Mike Meyers

Mike Miller

Samuel Miranda

Joseph Monge

Jhon Nunez

Justin Pacchioli

Yankory Pimentel

Hildemaro Requena

Jeremy Rivera

Fernando Rodriguez

Josh Smith

Cole Sturgeon

Carlos Tovar

Jordan Weems

 

I see maybe 4 or 5 players that should be, or are close to being, good enough to protect.

 

Now, how many roster spots can we open up? (Not counting the slot(s) to be taken by signing free agents.)

 

The 26 sure keepers unless traded:

Betts

Benintendi

Devers

Sale

Bogaerts

Bradley

Kimbrel

Pomeranz

Rodriguez (place on 60 day DL?)

Pedey

Vazquez

Smith

Kelly

Maddox

Wright (place on 60 day DL?)

Thornburg (place on 60 day DL?)

Workman

Barnes

Travis

Velazquez

Scott

Ross (place on 60 day DL?)

Leon

Porcello

Price

HRam

 

4 bubble players with options remaining

M Hernandez

Tzu-Wei Lin

Brock Holt

Ben Taylor

 

 

4 bubble players with no options remaining (DFA, trade or non-tender):

Marrero

Hembree

Johnson

Swihart

 

Gone:

Owens

Rutledge

Elias

 

If we keep all the bubble players, we're at 34 and can protect 6 rule 5 players. I'm not sure, but I think you can't have players on the 60 man DL during the rule 5 period. Assuming we get rid of Owens, Rutledge and Elias, I'm not sure we can keep all 34 players later on, since so the 4 no-option players will not all make the 25 man roster, unless we have several players on the DL. We could just decide now, who to let go and perhaps keep 1-2 more rule 5 guys, at least until we sign a FA or two and are forced to make further choices.

 

I don't really see a major dilemma this year, but some choices might be tough.

 

Your thoughts?

[jacksonianmarch]

Your guys with options remaining are all returning except maybe Holt unless he signs a team friendly 1 year deal. You're going to keep all 4 of your bubble players without options as they will all be given one more chance in the system to win a 25 man roster spot. I could see Marrero supplanting Holt as the super sub to save some money. I could see Johnson making the team as your long man or 5th starter. Hembree stays out there as a usable pen guy. Swihart won't be cut unless a greater option comes along. He will be given every chance to show he is healthy enough and then he will either be shopped or win a spot.

[moonslav59]

The national pundits don't seem to like Chavis as much as his numbers should suggest. 31 bombs from a 22 yr old is impressive. I honestly think he is your actual top prospect, who really needs just to work on his patience at the plate and prove his power this season wasn't a fluke. I don't like Jay Groome to be totally honest with you. He's got all the tools, but I don't like his makeup, his injury history or his command. The rest of that list is pretty weak to be honest when you consider where this system was just a year or two ago

 

Certainly, we are much worse off than a year or two ago, but we do have some very young promising prospects that might rise quickly next year.

 

True MLB ready or near ready prospects are rather thin and weak, granted:

 

Maddox 26

Velazquez 28

Travis 24

Johnson 26

Brentz 28

Taylor 24

Beeks 24

Chavis 22

Shawaryn 23

 

 

[Larry Cook]

The national pundits don't seem to like Chavis as much as his numbers should suggest. 31 bombs from a 22 yr old is impressive. I honestly think he is your actual top prospect, who really needs just to work on his patience at the plate and prove his power this season wasn't a fluke. I don't like Jay Groome to be totally honest with you. He's got all the tools, but I don't like his makeup, his injury history or his command. The rest of that list is pretty weak to be honest when you consider where this system was just a year or two ago

 

Groome has some incredible stuff. His curveball has a chance to be Kershaw like.

Can he put it all together next season? Hard to say. But if he does we have s future #1 starter on our hands.

 

Ps: our record of developing together by pitchers is not what I would describe as spectacular!

[moonslav59]

Your guys with options remaining are all returning except maybe Holt unless he signs a team friendly 1 year deal. You're going to keep all 4 of your bubble players without options as they will all be given one more chance in the system to win a 25 man roster spot. I could see Marrero supplanting Holt as the super sub to save some money. I could see Johnson making the team as your long man or 5th starter. Hembree stays out there as a usable pen guy. Swihart won't be cut unless a greater option comes along. He will be given every chance to show he is healthy enough and then he will either be shopped or win a spot.

 

Holt's arb is estimated at $2M. My guess is, we let him go or trade him. Hernandez, Lin, Swihart and Marrero might fight for the last 3 slots on the 25 man roster.

 

I don't think Hembree is good enough to make the 25 man roster, if all pitchers are healthy, but I agree, we keep him as long as possible.

 

I want to try to make room for Johnson, even if to just give him one last try.

[moonslav59]

The national pundits don't seem to like Chavis as much as his numbers should suggest.

 

He's been hurt and came on strong after the mid season rankings came out, so let's wait and see how the national pundits view him now.

[jacksonianmarch]

Holt's arb is estimated at $2M. My guess is, we let him go or trade him. Hernandez, Lin, Swihart and Marrero might fight for the last 3 slots on the 25 man roster.

 

I don't think Hembree is good enough to make the 25 man roster, if all pitchers are healthy, but I agree, we keep him as long as possible.

 

I want to try to make room for Johnson, even if to just give him one last try.

 

Johnson absolutely wins a spot on your 25 man. He is going to be your ERod and Price insurance. Heck, he and Wright might end up in your opening day rotation! If the sox do not address their rotation, then you will keep Wright and Johnson into the season or unless they completely suck and have to go.

[jacksonianmarch]

The national pundits don't seem to like Chavis as much as his numbers should suggest.

 

He's been hurt and came on strong after the mid season rankings came out, so let's wait and see how the national pundits view him now.

 

For a 22 yr old with 31 HR in a season that ended well enough in AA, he should be higher than #97 on the top 100 (BA).

[jacksonianmarch]

Groome has some incredible stuff. His curveball has a chance to be Kershaw like.

Can he put it all together next season? Hard to say. But if he does we have s future #1 starter on our hands.

 

Ps: our record of developing together by pitchers is not what I would describe as spectacular!

 

There are guys in every system who you salivate over and watch falter in the development stages. Groome must prove he can get long season hitters out and he needs to prove he can locate. He is only #1 in your system right now because of reputation and due to the dearth of upper level talent. There was another former top pick lefty with all the talent in the world who dealt with injury issues and has fallen from grace. Look up Brady Aiken. The guy walked more than he struck out in 132 innings

[moonslav59]

For a 22 yr old with 31 HR in a season that ended well enough in AA, he should be higher than #97 on the top 100 (BA).

 

That was 97th at mid season. He didn't have 31 Hrs then.

[notin]

Johnson absolutely wins a spot on your 25 man. He is going to be your ERod and Price insurance. Heck, he and Wright might end up in your opening day rotation! If the sox do not address their rotation, then you will keep Wright and Johnson into the season or unless they completely suck and have to go.

 

Did Price die or something?

[moonslav59]

Did Price die or something?

 

Apparently, his arm is held together by a thread or something, so says the medical experts on this board. (I'm not doubting their veracity, but I do feel Price could start 33 games next year or 3.)

 

ERod may not pitch at all in 2018. Maybe late June is the earliest we can hope for.

 

Wright may take time to get back to form, and we're not sure yet what his true form is.

 

Porcello is a huge question mark and should be counted on as nothing more than a 4/5 starter in 2018.

 

Pom has looked solid, but he's had injury histories as well. (Most pitchers do.)

 

That leaves our true ace Chris Sale, who has a history of fading every month of the year and dropping steeply in September-October, so maybe we need to limit his activity during the regular season.

 

All of these factor point towards us needing at least one solid starter and maybe two, or at least one and then a couple Doug Fister types as depth.

[Slasher9]

I do believe that there are topics he wants to avoid and others he cannot/shouldn't talk about.

 

..

 

i agree with this completely. but his answer to that question was dumb and made him look like an idiot.. if he truly wanted to avoid answering it, he should have stated that he doesnt want to talk about any medical procedures involving his players. what he shouldnt have done is said "there are no surgeries scheduled".

i wont give him a pass. he either didnt know what was going on...or he didnt know the proper way to avoid the question. inexcusable either way.

 

as for your nfl analogy...apples and oranges. nfl/vegas demands you list any player on the injury report for the smallest of bumps and bruises. BB has gotten dinged before for not listing a player. so i believe he pretty much lists everyone with a black & blue on their body as "questionable".

[notin]

Apparently, his arm is held together by a thread or something, so says the medical experts on this board. (I'm not doubting their veracity, but I do feel Price could start 33 games next year or 3.)

 

ERod may not pitch at all in 2018. Maybe late June is the earliest we can hope for.

 

Wright may take time to get back to form, and we're not sure yet what his true form is.

 

Porcello is a huge question mark and should be counted on as nothing more than a 4/5 starter in 2018.

 

Pom has looked solid, but he's had injury histories as well. (Most pitchers do.)

 

That leaves our true ace Chris Sale, who has a history of fading every month of the year and dropping steeply in September-October, so maybe we need to limit his activity during the regular season.

 

All of these factor point towards us needing at least one solid starter and maybe two, or at least one and then a couple Doug Fister types as depth.

 

While this board undoubtedly has doctors and even non-medical people who understand ligament damage better than me, none of them have actually diagnosed Price. Tanaka was TJ candidate at one point, too, but his surgery still remains unscheduled.

 

We'll see if Price heals enough to attempt to pitch regardless. I'm all for adding another arm, but a slugging 1b needs to top the list. As there are better starting pitchers available than 1b, I expect the latter to be acquired via trade. Which likely means dealing a starter from MLB, since the farm has very little left in the way of centerpieces. So whoever they deal also needs to be replaced.

 

If the Sox move Bogaerts, then maybe a different direction at shortstop is the way to go. While I wouldn't hand the position to Marrero or Lin, a defender of their caliber (Ahmed? Cozart? Galvis?) still might be a contributor in ways beyond offense. ...

[moonslav59]

While this board undoubtedly has doctors and even non-medical people who understand ligament damage better than me, none of them have actually diagnosed Price. Tanaka was TJ candidate at one point, too, but his surgery still remains unscheduled.

 

We'll see if Price heals enough to attempt to pitch regardless. I'm all for adding another arm, but a slugging 1b needs to top the list. As there are better starting pitchers available than 1b, I expect the latter to be acquired via trade. Which likely means dealing a starter from MLB, since the farm has very little left in the way of centerpieces. So whoever they deal also needs to be replaced.

 

If the Sox move Bogaerts, then maybe a different direction at shortstop is the way to go. While I wouldn't hand the position to Marrero or Lin, a defender of their caliber (Ahmed? Cozart? Galvis?) still might be a contributor in ways beyond offense. ...

 

I agree a big slugger is our number one priority. First base is the opening we have, and it is known for slugging, but unfortunately, there are not really any great slugging 1Bmen on the FA market this winter. Speaking of medical staffs, I'm wonder if they feel HRam will be able to play 1B FT next year. If so, then we can sign an OF'er to DH and cover the 4th OF'er (JD Martinez/Upton/Bruce) opening at the same time, or we could just sign a DH only type player (Duda?).

 

If we only have about $40M to spend to get just below the second panlty luxury limit point, then it may be very hard to get a great slugger and rock solid SP'er through free agency. That's where trading Bogey (or JBJ) might be our only other option.

[Spudboy]

I agree a big slugger is our number one priority. First base is the opening we have, and it is known for slugging, but unfortunately, there are not really any great slugging 1Bmen on the FA market this winter. Speaking of medical staffs, I'm wonder if they feel HRam will be able to play 1B FT next year. If so, then we can sign an OF'er to DH and cover the 4th OF'er (JD Martinez/Upton/Bruce) opening at the same time, or we could just sign a DH only type player (Duda?).

 

If we only have about $40M to spend to get just below the second panlty luxury limit point, then it may be very hard to get a great slugger and rock solid SP'er through free agency. That's where trading Bogey (or JBJ) might be our only other option.

 

This post is reality folks.

[jacksonianmarch]

I agree a big slugger is our number one priority. First base is the opening we have, and it is known for slugging, but unfortunately, there are not really any great slugging 1Bmen on the FA market this winter. Speaking of medical staffs, I'm wonder if they feel HRam will be able to play 1B FT next year. If so, then we can sign an OF'er to DH and cover the 4th OF'er (JD Martinez/Upton/Bruce) opening at the same time, or we could just sign a DH only type player (Duda?).

 

If we only have about $40M to spend to get just below the second panlty luxury limit point, then it may be very hard to get a great slugger and rock solid SP'er through free agency. That's where trading Bogey (or JBJ) might be our only other option.

 

It all depends on how far dealing Dan wishes to go. The prospect well is dry for major trades, so he will either have to deal with someone and take a salary dump or sign free agents. I have postulated previously that the sox would sign one big bat and a guy like Duda on a 1 year deal. That would fit in nicely below the $40 mil to spend and it would guarantee that Duda and Hanley are FA's after 2018

 

I see the sox diving HEAVILY into the reclamation project pitching front. They will snag a starter like a Fister from this year who is down on his luck. They might snag two at low rent and use them as insurance if they don't feel Johnson and Wright are up to the task.

[oldtimer]

I agree a big slugger is our number one priority. First base is the opening we have, and it is known for slugging, but unfortunately, there are not really any great slugging 1Bmen on the FA market this winter. Speaking of medical staffs, I'm wonder if they feel HRam will be able to play 1B FT next year. If so, then we can sign an OF'er to DH and cover the 4th OF'er (JD Martinez/Upton/Bruce) opening at the same time, or we could just sign a DH only type player (Duda?).

 

If we only have about $40M to spend to get just below the second panlty luxury limit point, then it may be very hard to get a great slugger and rock solid SP'er through free agency. That's where trading Bogey (or JBJ) might be our only other option.

 

First point about Hanley is that he had one shoulder operated on. I had heard that both shoulders were giving him trouble. His recovery and ability to play first and hit at a decent level could change our priorities. Some significant ifs there.

 

If Hanley can play first, then we can look for a designated hitter, although I would prefer to pick up a field player who can also be a designated hitter. Maybe we get a 1st baseman who can swap off duties with Hanley.

 

I am still waiting for the other shoe to drop on Pedey. If he undergoes knee surgery it could be a season ending move. He is aware of the possible consequences and has yet to make a decision. We may well need to find a replacement as a high priority. Some have suggested Betts but to take a GG outfielder and move him to 2nd is a questionable thing to do. We have the possibility of Nunez if he is sound, or Chavis out of the minors.

 

With Hanley playing first, we have To ask ourselves if Devers defense no only will improve, but also improve enough so he isn't a defensive liability.

 

I would keep Bogey at short and trust that a new hitting coach can get him to make the changes that can make him a more consistent hitter.

 

I do expect JBJ to be moved so that we can pick up a power bat for the outfield. Would Betts go into CF? Would Beni go to RF? Lots of big bats to think about for our outfield.

 

As far as looking for one or two starting pitchers, what team isn't? Competition will be fierce. Hope we can get one and live with that.

[notin]

I agree a big slugger is our number one priority. First base is the opening we have, and it is known for slugging, but unfortunately, there are not really any great slugging 1Bmen on the FA market this winter. Speaking of medical staffs, I'm wonder if they feel HRam will be able to play 1B FT next year. If so, then we can sign an OF'er to DH and cover the 4th OF'er (JD Martinez/Upton/Bruce) opening at the same time, or we could just sign a DH only type player (Duda?).

 

If we only have about $40M to spend to get just below the second panlty luxury limit point, then it may be very hard to get a great slugger and rock solid SP'er through free agency. That's where trading Bogey (or JBJ) might be our only other option.

 

Another possibility is to try to "lengthen the lineup" by upgrading a couple spots. The Sox could also sign someone like Lucroy to catch nd a cheap hitter like Duda, Morrison or Bruce for first. This does leave pretty good cash for pitching, but isn't my favorite strategy. ..

[moonslav59]

It all depends on how far dealing Dan wishes to go. The prospect well is dry for major trades, so he will either have to deal with someone and take a salary dump or sign free agents. I have postulated previously that the sox would sign one big bat and a guy like Duda on a 1 year deal. That would fit in nicely below the $40 mil to spend and it would guarantee that Duda and Hanley are FA's after 2018

 

I see the sox diving HEAVILY into the reclamation project pitching front. They will snag a starter like a Fister from this year who is down on his luck. They might snag two at low rent and use them as insurance if they don't feel Johnson and Wright are up to the task.

 

It was hard as hell for us to sign a guy like Fister, because we had a starting rotation with 6 highly qualified starters (including Wright). Good reclamation projects want to go places where they know they can start on day one and show they are back, so they can get biug money the following year. Fister did not do as well as many think he did. Yes, he exceeded expectations and did well for a 5th starter. Watch what he makes next year compared to this. DD is going to have to be very shrewd to get 2 of the better "projects" in hopes one works out as well as Fister or better.

 

I have suggested trying to sign JD Martinez and Duda (as a platoon for HRam at 1B to nix HRam's vesting option for 2019). The problem is, that will eat just about all the money. We can trim $1-2 M here and there by trading or non-tendering certain arb player like Holt, Rutledge and maybe a RP'er to squeeze enough money to sign a better than "project" pitcher, but the 2nd penalty limit may have to be passed for one year to really meet all three of our biggest needs:

 

1. Slugger (1B, DH or 4th OF'er)

2. 1B, DH or 4th OF'er (the one that is not filled by #1)

3. Solid #3 starter (to cover for injured/questionable starters)

 

[moonslav59]

First point about Hanley is that he had one shoulder operated on. I had heard that both shoulders were giving him trouble. His recovery and ability to play first and hit at a decent level could change our priorities. Some significant ifs there.

 

 

If Hanley can play first, then we can look for a designated hitter, although I would prefer to pick up a field player who can also be a designated hitter. Maybe we get a 1st baseman who can swap off duties with Hanley.

 

Yes, if HRam can't play 1B and we sign JD Martinez or trade for Stanton, we bench and eat $22M for the DH on the bench or DFA'd. I guess we could trade JBJ for a pitcher or 1Bman and play Stanton or JD in LF as we move Beni to CF, but big changes might have to be made to make it all fit.

 

 

 

I am still waiting for the other shoe to drop on Pedey. If he undergoes knee surgery it could be a season ending move. He is aware of the possible consequences and has yet to make a decision. We may well need to find a replacement as a high priority. Some have suggested Betts but to take a GG outfielder and move him to 2nd is a questionable thing to do. We have the possibility of Nunez if he is sound, or Chavis out of the minors.

 

Nunez goes under the knife and was estimated to maybe make $7M x 3 by fangraphs. If we get a big slugger, a 1B/DH and a solid pitcher, we can't afford Nunez unless we blow by the second penalty level luxury tax.

 

 

 

With Hanley playing first, we have To ask ourselves if Devers defense no only will improve, but also improve enough so he isn't a defensive liability.

Honestly, I think Devers at 1B next year makes the most sense for our chances in 2018 and 2019. It might not be whats best for him or the Sox long term goals, but for the immediate future, I'm not sure we can withstand his "learning curve" on defense. That might mean signing Moustakas, instead of JD- who may want to play our west anyways or command too much salary and years for a player his age and with his lack of seasons without injuries.

 

Sign Moustakas, move Devers to 1B, HRam to DH and then maybe try trading JBJ and prospects for Stanton. Again, this plan would, by itself, put us over the second level or very close, so there'd be no room for a SP'er and back-up 2Bman.

 

 

I would keep Bogey at short and trust that a new hitting coach can get him to make the changes that can make him a more consistent hitter.

 

I think the injury affected his hitting. My worry is his total lack of defensive improvement over 3+ years in MLB. He's actually slightly regressed on D.

 

 

 

I do expect JBJ to be moved so that we can pick up a power bat for the outfield. Would Betts go into CF? Would Beni go to RF? Lots of big bats to think about for our outfield.

 

I'm a big JBJ and defense fan, but I can see him being moved. I don't see Beni's arm and instincts in Fenway's gigantic RF. I like Betts out there.

 

 

 

As far as looking for one or two starting pitchers, what team isn't? Competition will be fierce. Hope we can get one and live with that.

 

BINGO- one better one.

[moonslav59]

Another possibility is to try to "lengthen the lineup" by upgrading a couple spots. The Sox could also sign someone like Lucroy to catch nd a cheap hitter like Duda, Morrison or Bruce for first. This does leave pretty good cash for pitching, but isn't my favorite strategy. ..

 

I'm also not so sure Lucroy's bat has much longevity in it.

 

Plus, I think one reason our staff over performed this year, despite all the injuries was because Vaz and Leon were behind the plate.

[sk7326]

I'm also not so sure Lucroy's bat has much longevity in it.

 

Plus, I think one reason our staff over performed this year, despite all the injuries was because Vaz and Leon were behind the plate.

 

Catcher is actually one of the places we need the least amount of help

 

Vasquez is just fine. He takes good at-bats, seems capable of being a consistent .270 sort of hitter - and given his defense that is terrific. The power is limited, and offense will never be why you pay him ... but I am comfortable that he is a long term starter for any number of teams, including this one.

 

We could possibly upgrade at backup catcher - but again, for a backup, Leon is about as good as you will probably get. Now in 2018 maybe try to get it to more like 120 starts for Vasquez and it'll be okay.

[notin]

I

Catcher is actually one of the places we need the least amount of help

 

Vasquez is just fine. He takes good at-bats, seems capable of being a consistent .270 sort of hitter - and given his defense that is terrific. The power is limited, and offense will never be why you pay him ... but I am comfortable that he is a long term starter for any number of teams, including this one.

 

We could possibly upgrade at backup catcher - but again, for a backup, Leon is about as good as you will probably get. Now in 2018 maybe try to get it to more like 120 starts for Vasquez and it'll be okay.

 

I would agree. But Dombrowski's made some moves in the past that make me question how much he cares about defense. For example when he moved Cabrera third base to accommodate Fielder even though the DH was already out for the season

 

Xso I'm thinking maybe he'll try to squeeze any offense you can out of any place on with diamonds and if he sees Lucroy as an upgrade he might be interested. Personally I question how much Lucroy has left in the tank

Edited October 21, 2017 by notin