Swihart requests a trade

[a700hitter]

Absolutely no way the Marlins deal Barraclaugh for Swihart. They also won't deal Streckenrider.

 

Ziegler? Probably. Tazawa? Sure. Hes already halfway gone anyway.

 

Really outside of a chance to dump salary, not sure why the Marlins would want Swihart. They already have a catcher much closer to being a "Future Fisk" than Swihart...

Tazawa is completely gone.

[cp176]

There just is no roster room for him. And if we keep him, what would be the long range plan? Next season, will be thesame issue unless he gets to play and prove that he can catch at the MLB level. I think his leaving is inevitable.

 

I also think that Swihart leaving one way or another right or wrong is inevitable. I think that with the way things are going that it is a logical way to look at things. The big question as you have asked is if why are we keeping him? Looks like he has virtually no role on this team. Keeping him and just sitting him day after day as well as comtting to play a center fielder who isn't hitting .200 makes us look a little joke like regardless of the record. It makes no sense.

[cp176]

I also think that Swihart leaving one way or another right or wrong is inevitable. I think that with the way things are going that it is a logical way to look at things. The big question as you have asked is if why are we keeping him? Looks like he has virtually no role on this team. Keeping him and just sitting him day after day as well as comtting to play a center fielder who isn't hitting .200 makes us look a little joke like regardless of the record. It makes no sense.

 

Probably need to add that I understand being patient with JBJ primarily because of our current record even though I don't think that his contributions have much to do with it. if we continue to win, so be it. I hope that we do but ultimately we do have some situations that we have to deal with. Swihart - JBJ - Castillo (regardless of who signed him and regardless of luxury tax implications).

[Bellhorn04]

I also think that Swihart leaving one way or another right or wrong is inevitable. I think that with the way things are going that it is a logical way to look at things. The big question as you have asked is if why are we keeping him? Looks like he has virtually no role on this team. Keeping him and just sitting him day after day as well as comtting to play a center fielder who isn't hitting .200 makes us look a little joke like regardless of the record. It makes no sense.

 

Well, I would speculate they might be keeping Swihart primarily as injury insurance. And having him on the 25 man roster hasn't really hurt anything yet. It's not like there's someone in Pawtucket who could be helping us. It's a sour situation for him personally, but I don't really see any detriment to the Red Sox because he's stuck on the bench.

[cp176]

Well, I would speculate they might be keeping Swihart primarily as injury insurance. And having him on the 25 man roster hasn't really hurt anything yet. It's not like there's someone in Pawtucket who could be helping us. It's a sour situation for him personally, but I don't really see any detriment to the Red Sox because he's stuck on the bench.

 

There are any number of ways I guess at looking at things. I'm kind of thinking that Castillo might be an upgrade to JBJ right now for instance but because of luxury tax implications we know that isn't happening. We have a very good record to date so of course it gives justification for not making any moves at the present time. That is an arguement that we hear daily over and over again. If it is an appropriate argument and we hold a pat hand without looking to improve obvious weak areas, here is a though - Maybe Pderoia should be left right down there in Pawtucket since we are doing such a great job without him. I bet that thought would get a lot of support! lol

[Bellhorn04]

There are any number of ways I guess at looking at things. I'm kind of thinking that Castillo might be an upgrade to JBJ right now for instance but because of luxury tax implications we know that isn't happening. We have a very good record to date so of course it gives justification for not making any moves at the present time. That is an arguement that we hear daily over and over again. If it is an appropriate argument and we hold a pat hand without looking to improve obvious weak areas, here is a though - Maybe Pderoia should be left right down there in Pawtucket since we are doing such a great job without him. I bet that thought would get a lot of support! lol

 

My basic attitude is that I think the team knows what they're doing more so than a bunch of fans jabbering on a message board - no matter how smart some of us may be.

[S5Dewey]

There are any number of ways I guess at looking at things. I'm kind of thinking that Castillo might be an upgrade to JBJ right now for instance but because of luxury tax implications we know that isn't happening. We have a very good record to date so of course it gives justification for not making any moves at the present time. That is an arguement that we hear daily over and over again. If it is an appropriate argument and we hold a pat hand without looking to improve obvious weak areas, here is a thought - Maybe Pderoia should be left right down there in Pawtucket since we are doing such a great job without him. I bet that thought would get a lot of support! lol

 

Whether it's statistically provable or not I'm still a big fan of "solid up the middle". The jury is still out on whether or not Pedey can be what we're hoping for but IMO he'll be better than what Nunez has provided recently.

[cp176]

My basic attitude is that I think the team knows what they're doing more so than a bunch of fans jabbering on a message board - no matter how smart some of us may be.

 

I would hope so for God's sake. I'm thinking unfortunately though that form the sounds of things, there are plenty of people here who think that they have all of the answers to most things.

[cp176]

Whether it's statistically provable or not I'm still a big fan of "solid up the middle". The jury is still out on whether or not Pedey can be what we're hoping for but IMO he'll be better than what Nunez has provided recently.

 

 

You know why I posted this. I want him back at second in the worst way. You and I might disagree with what should be done with JBJ if he continues to not hit but I think that Pedroia's influence on our record is not a whole lot different than what JBJ's has been to date. Don't get me wrong, I am still in favor of keeping and using him though. I just don't buy the arguement that he has played a non replaceable role for us so far.

[jacksonianmarch]

Swihart isn’t long for Boston. Your grueling stretch through the ASB will make his 25 man spot needed to ensure rest among the other players. They’ve held as long as they could

[S5Dewey]

You know why I posted this. I want him (Pedroia) back at second in the worst way.

 

I don't want Pedey back at second in the worst way. That would be playing like Nunez!

 

::jus' bein' a dick.:: LOL

[illinoisredsox]

There are any number of ways I guess at looking at things. I'm kind of thinking that Castillo might be an upgrade to JBJ right now for instance but because of luxury tax implications we know that isn't happening. We have a very good record to date so of course it gives justification for not making any moves at the present time. That is an arguement that we hear daily over and over again. If it is an appropriate argument and we hold a pat hand without looking to improve obvious weak areas, here is a though - Maybe Pderoia should be left right down there in Pawtucket since we are doing such a great job without him. I bet that thought would get a lot of support! lol

 

I know that was said with tongue firmly in cheek, but the sad thing is there are people here who would support that.

 

To them, remember,

 

1) He's on a rehab assignment which started May 14. That can last 20 days, so he has to be activated NLT June 3

 

2) Even though he's still got options, as a 5 year vet, he can't be sent down without his consent.

[illinoisredsox]

I would hope so for God's sake. I'm thinking unfortunately though that form the sounds of things, there are plenty of people here who think that they have all of the answers to most things.

 

Of course they do, just ask them:D

[moonslav59]

You know why I posted this. I want him back at second in the worst way. You and I might disagree with what should be done with JBJ if he continues to not hit but I think that Pedroia's influence on our record is not a whole lot different than what JBJ's has been to date. Don't get me wrong, I am still in favor of keeping and using him though. I just don't buy the arguement that he has played a non replaceable role for us so far.

 

Even assuming Pedey never gets back to 100%, he should be a vastly superior fielder than the hobbled Nunez and a healthy Nunez by a lesser degree.

 

Replacing Nunez with Pedey should improve the offense AND the defense- something the JBJ situation does not do.

 

The other plus is that now Nunez replaces Swihart on the bench. That could be a huge upgrade, if Nunez gets his s*** together, or gets a chance to rest and build up his health.

[jacksonianmarch]

Not sure what problem Nunez had in the knee that didn't require surgery, but I am doubting that initial decision. Since he hurt his knee, he has no explosiveness or lateral quickness. Nunez never lacked for speed, his issues in the field have to do with his erratic arm and bad footwork. But he has looked slow this season.

[notin]

Tazawa is completely gone.

 

Interstingly, he seems to be striking people out at a greater rate than ever before.

 

But he is also giving up more hits, walks and home runs. And doing so against NL lineups in a pretty big ballpark. I wouldn't want him, especially given the Sox payroll headroom...

[notin]

Well, I would speculate they might be keeping Swihart primarily as injury insurance. And having him on the 25 man roster hasn't really hurt anything yet. It's not like there's someone in Pawtucket who could be helping us. It's a sour situation for him personally, but I don't really see any detriment to the Red Sox because he's stuck on the bench.

 

Other than the fact that he wants out so he can sit on someone else's bench...

[jacksonianmarch]

I think what will happen is he will be DFA'd and a shitbox team will deal a bag of balls for him and stick him in as a starting catcher.

[notin]

I think what will happen is he will be DFA'd and a shitbox team will deal a bag of balls for him and stick him in as a starting catcher.

 

He might get a trial someplace. But for how long? Even bad teams have other minor league options.

 

Teams are moving towards more athletic catchers, and Swihart should qualify there. But at some point, you have to be good enough to stick.

 

He's more likely to get a crack at a starting outfield job than catcher. There are twice as many corner OF positions on bad teams, and a lot of mediocrity currently manning them...

[jacksonianmarch]

He might get a trial someplace. But for how long? Even bad teams have other minor league options.

 

Teams are moving towards more athletic catchers, and Swihart should qualify there. But at some point, you have to be good enough to stick.

 

He's more likely to get a crack at a starting outfield job than catcher. There are twice as many corner OF positions on bad teams, and a lot of mediocrity currently manning them...

 

Swihart at his best is not an above average OFer. Swihart at his best with improved catching skills can be an above average C. In order to be an above average OFer, you need to be a damn good hitter. In order to be an above average catcher, you need to not suck at hitting, that's about it

[notin]

Swihart at his best is not an above average OFer. Swihart at his best with improved catching skills can be an above average C. In order to be an above average OFer, you need to be a damn good hitter. In order to be an above average catcher, you need to not suck at hitting, that's about it

 

He doesn't have to be "above average". He just has to be the best option on another team.

 

The average OPS for an OF in MLB is .733. While better than the average OPS for a catcher (.686), the bar to start for a team might not be as high as you think.

 

And Swihart has a very good arm capable of playing in RF. He'll have an easier time learning that position than the rigorous demands of catching.

 

Swihart might represent an upgrade in RF for teams like the Orioles (where OF defense goes to die), the White Sox, the Twins, the Marlins, and the Rays.

 

The Orioles, White Sox, and Marlins can take a low risk chance on him right now. What's he going to do? Ruin their season? (The White Sox should have cleared the path last off-season when Avisail Garcia had his career year.) Even the Twins and Rays should consider it. Outside of the Rockies and Rangers and maybe the Nationals, what team should be taking a chance on him at catcher? He's not even getting one in Boston, where the offensive side of the game has been the worst in MLB. And if the Red Sox are not giving him a chance, doesn't that say anything about his play behind the plate?

[notin]

The Astros, the organization every fan wishes their team ran like, just released former top prospect Jon Singleton.

 

The Sox have released lesser prospects than Singleton and naturally, the team is accused of mismanaging and mishandling them and it's all the team's fault, etc. I have no idea about how they handle development of these players, making it difficult for me to criticize it. But I do know no prospect may have been mishandled more than Singleton, who was signed to a 5 year $10mill contract extension that culd have been worth up to $35 mill before he ever played a single game in MLB, a first for a minor leaguer. (Philadephia has since extended Scott Kingery to a bigger deal before his MLB debut.)

 

Sometimes even the best prospects just don't pan out...

[Spudboy]

After what he did with the Sox last time we signed him, no thanks. He's a nut case.

 

This is how I feel.

 

f*** that fat bastard.

[Spudboy]

Pass on Colon. The Sox need pitching depth, not pitching width...

 

Now this is some funny s***!

[Kimmi]

Well, the only time I'm a Colon fan is when he's pitching against the Yanks...so tonight.

 

And he can't even do that right.

[Kimmi]

That isn't what I asked. I asked whether the plan is to keep Swihart on the bench taking up a roster spot for the rest of the season with no role?

 

I really hate to lose Swihart, but if that's what the plan is, then they really need to cut him loose. Not only is it hurting Swihart, but it's hurting the flexibility of the Sox.

[Kimmi]

Well, I would speculate they might be keeping Swihart primarily as injury insurance. And having him on the 25 man roster hasn't really hurt anything yet. It's not like there's someone in Pawtucket who could be helping us. It's a sour situation for him personally, but I don't really see any detriment to the Red Sox because he's stuck on the bench.

 

Valid points made here.

[moonslav59]

I really hate to lose Swihart, but if that's what the plan is, then they really need to cut him loose. Not only is it hurting Swihart, but it's hurting the flexibility of the Sox.

 

We haven't really needed a stronger bench or more fleibility. Holt has done well, and Moreland's strong start has solved the issues with getting JMart some OF time (keeping him happy) and getting JBJ some time on the bench.

 

Once Pedey returns, Nunez and Holt will offer one of the most "flexible" benches in recent Sox history.

 

Where does Swihart fit in after Pedey returns? Insurance does seem to be the main reason to try and hold onto him. We could do this by deciding to let Nunez get some rest by DL'ing him, but Pedey will not be playing every day for a while, at least. Holt can cover the days he sits while DL builds stregth. We could also send JBJ down to AAA, if he hasn't shown life by the time Pedey is activated. I seriously doubt we send Holt down just to keep a guy who hardly ever plays like Swihart.

 

It will be interesting to see how we handle this choice.

[Kimmi]

We haven't really needed a stronger bench or more fleibility. Holt has done well, and Moreland's strong start has solved the issues with getting JMart some OF time (keeping him happy) and getting JBJ some time on the bench.

 

Once Pedey returns, Nunez and Holt will offer one of the most "flexible" benches in recent Sox history.

 

Where does Swihart fit in after Pedey returns? Insurance does seem to be the main reason to try and hold onto him. We could do this by deciding to let Nunez get some rest by DL'ing him, but Pedey will not be playing every day for a while, at least. Holt can cover the days he sits while DL builds stregth. We could also send JBJ down to AAA, if he hasn't shown life by the time Pedey is activated. I seriously doubt we send Holt down just to keep a guy who hardly ever plays like Swihart.

 

It will be interesting to see how we handle this choice.

 

I agree that we haven't really needed a more flexible bench. That said, it's still kind of pointless (outside of the 'insurance' argument) to have him taking up a spot on the 25 man roster if he's not going to be used.

[moonslav59]

I agree that we haven't really needed a more flexible bench. That said, it's still kind of pointless (outside of the 'insurance' argument) to have him taking up a spot on the 25 man roster if he's not going to be used.

 

Agreed, but I'd hate to trade him for what we will likely get (close to nothing).

 

Once Pedey returns, we'll have to make a choice, even if the choice is just a temporary one that delays the dealing of Swihart.