Should we be on the waiver wire looking for a backup catcher?

[Dojji]

Neither Vaz nor Swihart are healthy at the moment, and at the moment we have a space filler (Butler) in the backup catching position. If both Swihart and Vazquez manage to have setbacks we could wind up exposing Leon pretty badly in the runup to the postseason.

 

Besides, I'm not exactly satisfied with either of our two options for second catcher in the playoffs at the moment. Vazquez had a dismal year this year and Swihart made a game effort but was hamstrung (literally) by yet another injury. I want someone who can be a little more consistent than that.

 

I'm wondering if it's time for DD to hit the waiver wire and look for a deal on a good backup option such as A. J. Ellis, just to ensure we have some quality behind Leon if he happens to get hurt. Can't imagine that SDP would turn down an offer for Ellis, and I want maximum options in the playoffs in terms of a catching tandem, rather than riding everything on one solitary not-used-to-starting-fulltime Sandy Leon

Edited August 9, 2018 by Dojji

[Slasher9]

I would hope he is scouring it for Catcher and RP.

what is the latest on Vaz returning to the team?

[Kimmi]

Injury updates on our walking wounded, per the Globe:

 

Eduardo Rodriguez (ankle) is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session on Friday.

If it goes well, the next step could be a minor league rehab assignment. Rodriguez has made swifter-than-expected progress in his recovery from a severe right ankle sprain and should be ready before the end of August if he can continue to avoid setbacks. The 25-year-old left-hander boasts a 3.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 110/32 K/BB ratio in 104 2/3 innings (19 starts) this season.

 

Christian Vazquez (finger) has begun workouts in Florida.

Vazquez underwent surgery to repair a fractured right pinkie finger in early July and is not expected to be ready for live games until closer to late August. Sandy Leon has been serving as Boston's everyday catcher.

 

Ian Kinsler (hamstring) will work out with Low-A Lowell this weekend.

He'll then join up with the Red Sox in Philadelphia on Tuesday but probably won't be activated from the disabled list until later in the week. The veteran second baseman suffered a left hamstring strain in his third game with Boston on August 3. He was acquired from the Angels on July 30 for two pitching prospects.

 

Blake Swihart (hamstring) is scheduled to take live batting practice on Friday.

Swihart, who landed on the disabled list August 3 with a right hamstring strain, is on track to return to the Red Sox active roster when first eligible next Tuesday. The 26-year-old is batting just .226/.288/.304 over 51 games this season in a super-utility role.

[kenmeister]

Injury updates on our walking wounded, per the Globe:

 

Eduardo Rodriguez (ankle) is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session on Friday.

If it goes well, the next step could be a minor league rehab assignment. Rodriguez has made swifter-than-expected progress in his recovery from a severe right ankle sprain and should be ready before the end of August if he can continue to avoid setbacks. The 25-year-old left-hander boasts a 3.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 110/32 K/BB ratio in 104 2/3 innings (19 starts) this season.

 

Christian Vazquez (finger) has begun workouts in Florida.

Vazquez underwent surgery to repair a fractured right pinkie finger in early July and is not expected to be ready for live games until closer to late August. Sandy Leon has been serving as Boston's everyday catcher.

 

Ian Kinsler (hamstring) will work out with Low-A Lowell this weekend.

He'll then join up with the Red Sox in Philadelphia on Tuesday but probably won't be activated from the disabled list until later in the week. The veteran second baseman suffered a left hamstring strain in his third game with Boston on August 3. He was acquired from the Angels on July 30 for two pitching prospects.

 

Blake Swihart (hamstring) is scheduled to take live batting practice on Friday.

Swihart, who landed on the disabled list August 3 with a right hamstring strain, is on track to return to the Red Sox active roster when first eligible next Tuesday. The 26-year-old is batting just .226/.288/.304 over 51 games this season in a super-utility role.

 

Notably absent is Steven Wright.

[oldtimer]

Injury updates on our walking wounded, per the Globe:

 

Eduardo Rodriguez (ankle) is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session on Friday.

If it goes well, the next step could be a minor league rehab assignment. Rodriguez has made swifter-than-expected progress in his recovery from a severe right ankle sprain and should be ready before the end of August if he can continue to avoid setbacks. The 25-year-old left-hander boasts a 3.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 110/32 K/BB ratio in 104 2/3 innings (19 starts) this season.

 

Christian Vazquez (finger) has begun workouts in Florida.

Vazquez underwent surgery to repair a fractured right pinkie finger in early July and is not expected to be ready for live games until closer to late August. Sandy Leon has been serving as Boston's everyday catcher.

 

Ian Kinsler (hamstring) will work out with Low-A Lowell this weekend.

He'll then join up with the Red Sox in Philadelphia on Tuesday but probably won't be activated from the disabled list until later in the week. The veteran second baseman suffered a left hamstring strain in his third game with Boston on August 3. He was acquired from the Angels on July 30 for two pitching prospects.

 

Blake Swihart (hamstring) is scheduled to take live batting practice on Friday.

Swihart, who landed on the disabled list August 3 with a right hamstring strain, is on track to return to the Red Sox active roster when first eligible next Tuesday. The 26-year-old is batting just .226/.288/.304 over 51 games this season in a super-utility role.

 

I wonder how many of these hamstring injuries are related to the hard running associated with stealing bases?

 

Also, while Swihart's numbers don't look good for the season, he did seem to be on the upswing (no pun intended) just before he went on the DL.

[greenwell]

I wonder how many of these hamstring injuries are related to the hard running associated with stealing bases?

 

Also, while Swihart's numbers don't look good for the season, he did seem to be on the upswing (no pun intended) just before he went on the DL.

 

Well, I think Kinsler's happened rounding third on a base hit, but if they can't run hard without pulling a hammy, that means they need better stretching/conditioning, not they shouldn't steal bases.

[notin]

Swihart will be back soon. Dan Butler is as good as any Bryan Holaday type the Sox would find in the mean time. Old friend Tim Fedorowicz just signed a deal recently, but I hardly consider him a missed opportunity...

[Kimmi]

Notably absent is Steven Wright.

 

Yup. He isn't expected back anytime soon.

[Kimmi]

I wonder how many of these hamstring injuries are related to the hard running associated with stealing bases?

 

Also, while Swihart's numbers don't look good for the season, he did seem to be on the upswing (no pun intended) just before he went on the DL.

 

Yes, somebody (maybe you?) brought up that very valid point about the possible connection between our aggressive base running and the hamstring injuries. I have no idea if there is a causal effect there, but it sounds reasonable.

 

IMO, Swihart has looked just fine behind the plate, which would be my biggest area of concern over offense. If Swihart can indeed return on the 14th, and Vaz can return by early Sept., I don't think there is a need to look for another catcher.

[Emp9]

I’m fine with our catching. A RP might be ok though

[notin]

I’m fine with our catching. A RP might be ok though

 

Won't be Fernando Rodney, who just went to Oakland.

 

The A's have been on a buying binge this trading season...

[S5Dewey]

Won't be Fernando Rodney, who just went to Oakland.

 

 

I see that as a blessing. I know I'm one of the few here who feels that he's disrespecting the game by the way he wears his cap and that stupid arrow thing and that's ok with me that I'm one of the few. I still see his signing with Oakland as a blessing.

[notin]

I see that as a blessing. I know I'm one of the few here who feels that he's disrespecting the game by the way he wears his cap and that stupid arrow thing and that's ok with me that I'm one of the few. I still see his signing with Oakland as a blessing.

 

I never liked the way he wore his cap, but JBay pointed out it was a tribute to his late father. Pedro Strop of the Cubs wears his cap similarly, and does so because he kept knocking off his cap when throwing overhand curve balls. Another acceptable reason.

 

My issue with Rodney is the walks. The man couldn’t find home plate with a GPS sometimes...,

[Emp9]

Won't be Fernando Rodney, who just went to Oakland.

 

The A's have been on a buying binge this trading season...

 

I don’t like Rodney, although he’s having a better season per his usual. Pretty sure DD is glad Rodneys on another team as well.

[notin]

I don’t like Rodney, although he’s having a better season per his usual. Pretty sure DD is glad Rodneys on another team as well.

 

Not so sure he’s glad Rodney is now part of a game-shortening monster bullpen in Oakland, who is quietly becoming a very scary team...

[sk7326]

Francisco Liriano makes sense - Dombrowski looked into it before the deadline, makes sense to follow through on it.

[Dojji]

Francisco Liriano makes sense - Dombrowski looked into it before the deadline, makes sense to follow through on it.

 

Francisco Liriano makes no sense at all. There is no reason to bring that man onto this team. He's an incredibly inconsistent aging power lefty with dimished stuff and no command who hasn't had a good season in 3 years. Does that sound like our savior to you?

 

I have every confidence in Brian Johnson to outperform Francisco Liriano down the stretch.

[sk7326]

Francisco Liriano makes no sense at all. There is no reason to bring that man onto this team. He's an incredibly inconsistent aging power lefty with dimished stuff and no command who hasn't had a good season in 3 years. Does that sound like our savior to you?

 

I have every confidence in Brian Johnson to outperform Francisco Liriano down the stretch.

 

He has been death against lefthanders the last 2 seasons. Put him in the 'pen where he can be a viable multi inning bridge guy, and you've given Cora more ways to navigate those October starts where the hooks will be a lot quicker. All the charm of a LOOGY while actually being able to do a little bit more.

[kenmeister]

Francisco Liriano makes no sense at all. There is no reason to bring that man onto this team. He's an incredibly inconsistent aging power lefty with dimished stuff and no command who hasn't had a good season in 3 years. Does that sound like our savior to you?

 

I have every confidence in Brian Johnson to outperform Francisco Liriano down the stretch.

 

E-Rod and Sale will both be back by month's end, and Johnson won't even be in the rotation. Sale - Price - Porcello - Eovaldi - Rodriguez will be late August into September rotation. Johnson has 2 or 3 starts left.

[Dojji]

E-Rod and Sale will both be back by month's end, and Johnson won't even be in the rotation. Sale - Price - Porcello - Eovaldi - Rodriguez will be late August into September rotation. Johnson has 2 or 3 starts left.

 

All the less reason to be interested in Liriano.

 

He has been death against lefthanders the last 2 seasons. Put him in the 'pen where he can be a viable multi inning bridge guy, and you've given Cora more ways to navigate those October starts where the hooks will be a lot quicker. All the charm of a LOOGY while actually being able to do a little bit more.

 

 

I don't believe in LOOGYs personally, if I'm going to spend a roster spot on a reliever I want them generally effective, not situationally effective.

 

And frankly most of our rivals are RHH heavy at the moment anyway, with the exception of NYY.

[Dojji]

For the record: Brian Johnson's splits

 

Against RHH .771

Against LHH .670

 

If we need a LOOGY, chances are he's already on the roster

[Emp9]

Not so sure he’s glad Rodney is now part of a game-shortening monster bullpen in Oakland, who is quietly becoming a very scary team...

 

Really? Rodney was one of the main reasons Detroit lost that WS in 06. We got to him in the ‘13 ALDS. Mets got to him in ‘15. I just don’t think he’s that good. The A’s are good. He’s not.

[jacksonianmarch]

Liriano has a .441 OPS against lefties this year. He’d be a clear upgrade as a pen only situational lefty

[moonslav59]

For the record: Brian Johnson's splits

 

Against RHH .771

Against LHH .670

 

If we need a LOOGY, chances are he's already on the roster

 

Yes, and his name is Thornburg. He has massive reverse splits that rival any lefty vs lefty:

 

Career:

 

.542 vs LHBs

 

.737 vs RHBs

[mvp 78]

For the record: Brian Johnson's splits

 

Against RHH .771

Against LHH .670

 

If we need a LOOGY, chances are he's already on the roster

 

Robby Scott has a career 533 split against LHB.

 

Pomeranz has a 661 while having a real s***** year.

[oldtimer]

To take this thread in a slightly different direction:

 

Now that we have seen Swihart play behind the plate for several games and watched him hit, what are people thinking about the return of Vaz. Vaz is maybe a week away and he was our starting catcher before getting injured. Leon has shown himself to be a excellent handler of the pitching staff and good defensively. Not a great hitter certainly but a contributor. Do we find a way to keep all three? Swihart has the ability to play several other positions and his hitting is coming along. I thought he did a creditable job behind the plate. Interested in what others are thinking.

[moonslav59]

I see no reason to not keep all 3. Once September hits, it's non issue.

 

If you are talking about next year, who knows?

 

I'm fine with Swihart as a utility player that can act as our 3rd catcher, but I'm not ready to trade Vaz or Leon and anoint Swihart as the only back-up catcher.

[Dojji]

To take this thread in a slightly different direction:

 

Now that we have seen Swihart play behind the plate for several games and watched him hit, what are people thinking about the return of Vaz. Vaz is maybe a week away and he was our starting catcher before getting injured. Leon has shown himself to be a excellent handler of the pitching staff and good defensively. Not a great hitter certainly but a contributor. Do we find a way to keep all three? Swihart has the ability to play several other positions and his hitting is coming along. I thought he did a creditable job behind the plate. Interested in what others are thinking.

 

Swihart needed to distinguish himself on the offensive side of the game to earn more playing time. And he very much did not accomplish this.

 

Right now I'd rather focus on Swihart's utility and get Vazquez a lot of time behind the plate to bring him up to speed on both sides of the ball for the playoffs

[dustcover]

From what I'm seeing of late of the tandem of Leon and Swihart I would not be against trading Vazquez if the return was more than just adequate.

 

Leon, unquestionably is a good defensive catcher and seemingly calls a good game and instills confidence in the pitchers. Not an offensive threat, but has on occasion chipped in with some timely hits.

 

Swihart is an offensive threat and I've been impressed with his considerable improvement behind the plate. Add in his versatility with more than capable backup skills at 1B, LF, 3B and 2B, which makes him more than just a backup catcher.

[notin]

Really? Rodney was one of the main reasons Detroit lost that WS in 06. We got to him in the ‘13 ALDS. Mets got to him in ‘15. I just don’t think he’s that good. The A’s are good. He’s not.

 

In Oakland his role is vastly different. He's not even the set up guy. Like Rodney or not, he is in the same bullpen as Treinen, Familia, Trivino and the incredibly underrated Yusmeiro Petit. How many teams can use a player who got (almost) 40 saves last year as their fifth option in the bullpen?