A Realistic View at 2018: Part II

[mvp 78]

Like many here I believe Pearce was a "good get".

 

Certainly the way he has introduced himself to us has been entertaining and productive. He is hitting the s*** out of the ball right now.

 

However, the guy is 35 years old and has never played more than 120 games for a team in one season.

 

He has never had more than 383 PA in one season.

 

He is a career .257 hitter with a .333 OBP.

 

He does not have a record of hitting a lot of XBH.

 

I am glad that DD got this guy. He gives us a decent back-up 1st baseman and platoon bat against lefties.

 

Eventually the shine is going to wear off on this guy and many here will be bitching about how DD did not do enough to strengthen the roster for a playoff run.

 

Everyone was anxious about Nunez resigning. Well he came back down to Earth and is what he has been for his career.

 

I expect the same for Pearce.

 

Spud, he has an 825 OPS since 2013. On a per game average, he'd hit about 26 HR's over the course of a full season.

[Slasher9]

Marco Hernandez just underwent season ending shoulder surgery. He'll rollover his 2 option years into next year.

 

Damn. 2b is our #1 need IMO....

[mvp 78]

Damn. 2b is our #1 need IMO....

 

I think Holt can do a fine job there going forward. If they could get a cheap upgrade (not Dixon f***ing Machado), they should go for it.

 

There are a few FA to be 2b's out there, but I always lean towards beefing up the rotation or bullpen.

[Kimmi]

I think Holt can do a fine job there going forward. If they could get a cheap upgrade (not Dixon f***ing Machado), they should go for it.

 

There are a few FA to be 2b's out there, but I always lean towards beefing up the rotation or bullpen.

 

Dixon has very real potential.

[mvp 78]

https://www.blessyouboys.com/2018/7/4/17535448/mlb-roster-moves-detroit-tigers-dixon-machado-victor-alcantara-ronny-rodriguez

 

Machado has been in the Tigers system for almost 10 years now. They kept him on the roster all season in 2017 when he was out of options, and the second baseman’s job was his for the taking in 2018. But while Machado has transitioned well to second base defensively, there is just no sign of any production from him at the plate (either present or future) and this indicates the Tigers moving on from him as part of their plans.

 

Tigers dumped him to keep Victor Reyes (a pinch running rule V pick) and put Ronny Rodriguez on the roster (a guy who a top 30 Tiger prospect). I think that says a lot about his future.

[Kimmi]

https://www.blessyouboys.com/2018/7/4/17535448/mlb-roster-moves-detroit-tigers-dixon-machado-victor-alcantara-ronny-rodriguez

 

Machado has been in the Tigers system for almost 10 years now. They kept him on the roster all season in 2017 when he was out of options, and the second baseman’s job was his for the taking in 2018. But while Machado has transitioned well to second base defensively, there is just no sign of any production from him at the plate (either present or future) and this indicates the Tigers moving on from him as part of their plans.

 

Tigers dumped him to keep Victor Reyes (a pinch running rule V pick) and put Ronny Rodriguez on the roster (a guy who a top 30 Tiger prospect). I think that says a lot about his future.

 

He sounds a lot like Swihart.

 

I'm a big believer in peripherals.

[Spudboy]

Spud, he has an 825 OPS since 2013. On a per game average, he'd hit about 26 HR's over the course of a full season.

 

Yeah I get that. I looked at his stats.

 

But, he has never played more than 120 games, has hit more than 20 dingers once, and has had .257 average with only a decent .333 OBP.

 

I see how he is valuable to the Sox now. But I won't be surprised if his offense slides and people start bitching about him.

 

He is a good reserve player to have on this team.

 

He is just not "all that".

[Spudboy]

Dixon has very real potential.

 

oh gawd.

[Spudboy]

https://www.blessyouboys.com/2018/7/4/17535448/mlb-roster-moves-detroit-tigers-dixon-machado-victor-alcantara-ronny-rodriguez

 

Machado has been in the Tigers system for almost 10 years now. They kept him on the roster all season in 2017 when he was out of options, and the second baseman’s job was his for the taking in 2018. But while Machado has transitioned well to second base defensively, there is just no sign of any production from him at the plate (either present or future) and this indicates the Tigers moving on from him as part of their plans.

 

Tigers dumped him to keep Victor Reyes (a pinch running rule V pick) and put Ronny Rodriguez on the roster (a guy who a top 30 Tiger prospect). I think that says a lot about his future.

 

I admit that I don't recall seeing the guy play.

 

But, looking at his stats I see nothing that tells me this guy is the real deal offensively.

 

I too believe that Holt can handle 2nd this season. As long as he does not hit his head.

 

I like Phillips and would be keen on seeing what he can do.

 

I don't see the Sox making a move for a long term 2nd baseman until the off season. They will afford Pedroia every opportunity to fail before they make a significant move.

[Spudboy]

Spud, he has an 825 OPS since 2013. On a per game average, he'd hit about 26 HR's over the course of a full season.

 

Gee, 26 HR in 162.

 

That should make Moon happy!

[Jack Flap]

Yeah I get that. I looked at his stats.

 

But, he has never played more than 120 games, has hit more than 20 dingers once, and has had .257 average with only a decent .333 OBP.

 

I see how he is valuable to the Sox now. But I won't be surprised if his offense slides and people start bitching about him.

 

He is a good reserve player to have on this team.

 

He is just not "all that".

 

I don't think anyone expects a ton out of Pearce other than to be a decent bat with some pop off the bench (particularly against LHP), which is something we'd really lacked previously.

 

Like Nunez last year, he's made a great first impression by going on a tear at just the right time after being acquired. Obviously he won't keep this up, but I think he'll continue to be solid - which is all we really need him to be.

[mvp 78]

Yeah I get that. I looked at his stats.

 

But, he has never played more than 120 games, has hit more than 20 dingers once, and has had .257 average with only a decent .333 OBP.

 

I see how he is valuable to the Sox now. But I won't be surprised if his offense slides and people start bitching about him.

 

He is a good reserve player to have on this team.

 

He is just not "all that".

 

No, he's just a platoon guy. Having a platoon guy for Moreland or just a good bat off the bench is valuable especially when the Sox really struggle against lefties.

[Dojji]

I think Holt can do a fine job there going forward. If they could get a cheap upgrade (not Dixon f***ing Machado), they should go for it.

 

There are a few FA to be 2b's out there, but I always lean towards beefing up the rotation or bullpen.

 

Not many rentals available, but one that stands out is DJ LeMahieu. He's 29 and has played on the noncontending Rockies for his entire career. He's also having a bit of a down year this year which might disincline the Rockies to extend him. He's a multiple gold glove winner who can hit a little bit -- a definite upgrade at the position.

 

I think the Twins are shopping Brian Dozier around, but honestly think their price will be too high. If we are going to make a move for a full time 2B, LeMahieu is probably our guy.

 

One off the wall idea is to trade for Jose Iglesias and put him at second base. If he was willing to do it and not pout, that would be one heck of a defensive infield

[mvp 78]

Not many rentals available, but one that stands out is DJ LeMahieu. He's 29 and has played on the noncontending Rockies for his entire career. He's also having a bit of a down year this year which might disincline the Rockies to extend him. He's a multiple gold glove winner who can hit a little bit -- a definite upgrade at the position.

 

I think the Twins are shopping Brian Dozier around, but honestly think their price will be too high. If we are going to make a move for a full time 2B, LeMahieu is probably our guy.

 

One off the wall idea is to trade for Jose Iglesias and put him at second base. If he was willing to do it and not pout, that would be one heck of a defensive infield

 

Sox should hold out til the very end and see who is cheaper between Dozier and LeMahieu. I don't think either has a crazy market.

 

Just no to Iggy. My TS heart can't deal with that anymore. It'd be like bringing back Buchholz or Hanley. No more please.

[Spudboy]

No, he's just a platoon guy. Having a platoon guy for Moreland or just a good bat off the bench is valuable especially when the Sox really struggle against lefties.

 

I understand this and I agree.

[Dojji]

Yeah I get that. I looked at his stats.

 

But, he has never played more than 120 games, has hit more than 20 dingers once, and has had .257 average with only a decent .333 OBP.

 

I see how he is valuable to the Sox now. But I won't be surprised if his offense slides and people start bitching about him.

 

He is a good reserve player to have on this team.

 

He is just not "all that".

 

No one is saying differently. Personally I'm excited to have him on the bench, when you can have a player like that and NOT have to push him into situations he's uncomfortable with or unable to play effectively, that's a very nice luxury.

[Nick]

The luxury tax should have no impact on trade deadline plans for the Red Sox

 

Pretty good read at Overthemonster.com

 

When drafting dead last, does moving down 10 spot worth not going all in this year? Also the pool money shrinkage appears to be overblown.

[Bellhorn04]

The luxury tax should have no impact on trade deadline plans for the Red Sox

 

Pretty good read at Overthemonster.com

 

When drafting dead last, does moving down 10 spot worth not going all in this year? Also the pool money shrinkage appears to be overblown.

 

I'll drink to this.

[sk7326]

With all this massive offense recently, the OPS numbers have jumped for most:

 

1.105 Betts

1.039 JD

.922 Pearce (1.128 w/ BOS)

.894 Beni

.884 Moreland

.875 Bogey

.778 Holt

.683 Leon

.663 Nunez

.619 JBJ

.548 Vaz

.460 Swi

 

6 guys over .875!

 

Last year Betts led the team at .803 with Devers at .819 and Nunez and .892- both in limited Sox action.

 

Remember when some claimed maybe last year was really the "norm" for all our players nearing or in prime?

 

 

 

I always noted last year was peculiar in that the team won 93 games without anybody actually playing well. I mean - there were no dumpster fire seasons, but there were no "leaps", no crazy outlier seasons (except for Moreland to a certain degree). Between their health problems and "non-outstandingness", the 93 games felt at times like really the worst this team could have done. A LOT of their improvement was going to come from just their own guys playing better.

 

So whaddya know? Martinez has been a crucial signing for lengthening the lineup - he has been everything anyone could have asked for. But instead we get major leaps by Betts, Benintendi, Bogaerts at the same time. Moreland/Pierce have been a super effective 1B combination, and they have been more than good enough to compensate for real struggles at the bottom of the lineup. Even Devers - while struggling - has not been that bad, certainly nothing holding much back with significant potential to turn some stuff around.

 

It is tempting to give Cora credit for this - but probably a little unfair. That said, the seasons these guys are having is why having great young talent is awesome. It is silly not to expect some regression - but these are premium talents, and a good chunk of this is really who they are.

[sk7326]

Yeah I get that. I looked at his stats.

 

But, he has never played more than 120 games, has hit more than 20 dingers once, and has had .257 average with only a decent .333 OBP.

 

I see how he is valuable to the Sox now. But I won't be surprised if his offense slides and people start bitching about him.

 

He is a good reserve player to have on this team.

 

He is just not "all that".

 

This is fair - I think it is better to think of him in the context of the Moreland platoon ... given how poor 1B is AL-wide, the Red Sox have one of the most effective solutions there in the league. I think Pearce might be a bit better than a pure lefty masher - but even if it is only marginally so, for this team that is plenty.

[moonslav59]

I always noted last year was peculiar in that the team won 93 games without anybody actually playing well. I mean - there were no dumpster fire seasons, but there were no "leaps", no crazy outlier seasons (except for Moreland to a certain degree). Between their health problems and "non-outstandingness", the 93 games felt at times like really the worst this team could have done. A LOT of their improvement was going to come from just their own guys playing better.

 

So whaddya know? Martinez has been a crucial signing for lengthening the lineup - he has been everything anyone could have asked for. But instead we get major leaps by Betts, Benintendi, Bogaerts at the same time. Moreland/Pierce have been a super effective 1B combination, and they have been more than good enough to compensate for real struggles at the bottom of the lineup. Even Devers - while struggling - has not been that bad, certainly nothing holding much back with significant potential to turn some stuff around.

 

It is tempting to give Cora credit for this - but probably a little unfair. That said, the seasons these guys are having is why having great young talent is awesome. It is silly not to expect some regression - but these are premium talents, and a good chunk of this is really who they are.

 

I've always felt like one huge bat in a line-up can help others do better, but I was never one to think it makes a major impact. Now, I'm questioning my own philosophy on that one.

 

Cora has helped.

 

Overall health has helped as many players were playing hurt last year.

 

To me, I think adding JD has made the biggest difference.

[jacksonianmarch]

The luxury tax should have no impact on trade deadline plans for the Red Sox

 

Pretty good read at Overthemonster.com

 

When drafting dead last, does moving down 10 spot worth not going all in this year? Also the pool money shrinkage appears to be overblown.

 

It isn't overblown. The author isn't comparing it to the already high price the sox are paying by losing $1 mil in INTL bonus money for being over the cap as a large market club. Add that to the fact that they will pick 10 picks later and lost the change to sign a later round signability case and the dropoff is more significant. I agree with the author that the dropoff in the MLB draft after picks 1-10 is big. But the drop-offs after the 30 range are pretty significant as well. Dropping into what will essentially be the beginning of the second round will affect the talent level of the draft. That being said, if the difference is the sox winning a title or not, I think you pay the price

[Emp9]

I've always felt like one huge bat in a line-up can help others do better, but I was never one to think it makes a major impact. Now, I'm questioning my own philosophy on that one.

 

Cora has helped.

 

Overall health has helped as many players were playing hurt last year.

 

To me, I think adding JD has made the biggest difference.

 

I agree. If JD was simply a High HR-High SO hitter, maybe he wouldn’t have helped as much besides lengthening the lineup (which still helps). But he’s a more complete hitter than that. Adding him to a lineup with Betts, who is also a complete hitter; Beni and XB have also shown more times than not that when healthy or not in a slump, they’re at the very least more well-rounded hitters than the trending HR-or-Bust profile. We only have to look back to last season to know they can win without the longball.

 

I think Cora helps the team’s overall disposition. They’re not playing for their grandpa anymore and they’re having more fun. I think he’s a good manager. Time will tell if he can be a great one. That’ll come down to how well they play in the post season. I mean, the main reason we changed managers at all is due to underwheming post season performances. They’ve been a good team otherwise.

 

Our depth has been better than even I thought it’d be, and I was more optimistic than most I think(?). We’ve had a few injuries but hasn’t seemed to matter too much.

[oldtimer]

I've always felt like one huge bat in a line-up can help others do better, but I was never one to think it makes a major impact. Now, I'm questioning my own philosophy on that one.

 

Cora has helped.

 

Overall health has helped as many players were playing hurt last year.

 

To me, I think adding JD has made the biggest difference.

 

We didn't just add one huge bat with Martinez but also a hitting coach on the field and an example to others. Along with Cora's prodding Bogaerts has turned his hitting around as well.

 

We also can't ignore the duo of Moreland/Pease as opposed to Moreland/Rameriz. There is a significant difference there in example and in cost for next year. Give dd credit for that.

 

We still have holes in the lineup and have perhaps unforeseen issues but of course every team has some of those. What DD can do at second base, to shore up the pitching for the second half and catching will be important. I for one don't recommend blowing by the luxury tax but instead might try to eliminate some salary and then use it to strengthen the team. Lets see how DD plays the hand.

 

Even without any moves, if we just win half the remaining games we will get to 100 wins.

[cp176]

I've always felt like one huge bat in a line-up can help others do better, but I was never one to think it makes a major impact. Now, I'm questioning my own philosophy on that one.

 

Cora has helped.

 

Overall health has helped as many players were playing hurt last year.

 

To me, I think adding JD has made the biggest difference.

 

I agree with you so much here Moon that it is making me nervous. Pretty sure this opinion will get raked over once again but oh well. Pressure to perform can hurt even the very best at anything. Adding JD to that lineup certainly helped end any case of the "I have to hit one out of here" syndrome that any of our hitters might have had.

[OH FOY]

Coach that doesn't get enough credit is Dana LeVangie.

[oldtimer]

I agree with you so much here Moon that it is making me nervous. Pretty sure this opinion will get raked over once again but oh well. Pressure to perform can hurt even the very best at anything. Adding JD to that lineup certainly helped end any case of the "I have to hit one out of here" syndrome that any of our hitters might have had.

 

When you have JD hitting 3rd with two very high on base percentage guys, you have the ultimate run scoring capability at the front of the order. Excellent use of players.

[mvp 78]

Coach that doesn't get enough credit is Dana LeVangie.

 

What about Tim Hyers? The offense is killing it and I'm not sure many people even know the guy's name.

[OH FOY]

For this season JD has been the biggest difference maker since Manny Ramirez. Hyers is OK without JD I just don't know if he would have been a big contributor.

As Earl Weaver once said.

"Nothing else matters in the game of Baseball, except for that little lump of dirt in the middle of the Diamond".

Edited July 12, 2018 by OH FOY!

[Slasher9]

I agree with you so much here Moon that it is making me nervous. Pretty sure this opinion will get raked over once again but oh well. Pressure to perform can hurt even the very best at anything. Adding JD to that lineup certainly helped end any case of the "I have to hit one out of here" syndrome that any of our hitters might have had.

 

Agreed. Protection in the lineup is key. JDM was a terrific signing and a perfect fit for this team.