Playoff Roster - 2018

[moonslav59]

There are two ways to look at that "long time."

 

1. It's been 4 weeks.

 

2. It;s been 7.2 innings pitched.

 

So while the calendar says it has been a long time, the IP sample size really doesn't...

 

Depends on how you break up the sample sizes. Before the 7.2 IP sample size came this:

 

June 1st to September 1st:

32 IP

34H

18 BB

5.34 ERA

 

Yes, within that sample, from 7/28 to 9/1, he had a 1.08 ERA in 16.2 IP, but he still let up 20 H + BB in that stretch.

 

He's been very hot & cold, and your point is well taken, that when he is hot, he's better than Workman and others.

[Larry Cook]

No. Cuevas had the opportunity to build on his good performance against the Guardians and was shelled tonight by the Yankees. He was unlucky but he was also hit very hard. One more possibility bites the dust in the BP. Al the more reasons for Bares to get it back together.

 

A lot of loud at bats against cuevas, Poyner, Hembree, Workman, pomeranz, and Kelly.

 

I still think Larussa is the man behind the curtain leading Cora like a puppet master. And I am thinking larussa keeps Hembree and Kelly on the post season roster. The others go packing.

[iortiz]

When is the 25 going to be announced?

[mvp 78]

When is the 25 going to be announced?

 

Thursday?

[oldtimer]

When is the 25 going to be announced?

 

While Cora said the playoff roster will include 14 field players and 11 pitchers, he didn't really identify the 14 field players. Clearly we know the majority of those but there is doubt on the last 2 or 3 based on players out of options. To me, one big question is whether we will keep 3 catchers. Another question, probably already settled is what do we do at first base. A final question is do we value Swihart and Lin enough to avoid cutting one of them loose, or are either or both of them seen as being more valuable in the PO then a third catcher or an underperforming player at 1st. Tough decisions for Cora but that is his role as helped and guided by his senior coaching staff.

 

He did indicate 9 of his pitching staff with two to be determined. don't think any of the 5 pitchers that are candidates for the two slots have options left. More tough decisions, but this is the season where we have a better chance of winning it all than we may have going forward, so heshould pick the two that round the club out best. I think we know that none of the 5 identified are obvious choices.

[moonslav59]

While Cora said the playoff roster will include 14 field players and 11 pitchers, he didn't really identify the 14 field players. Clearly we know the majority of those but there is doubt on the last 2 or 3 based on players out of options. To me, one big question is whether we will keep 3 catchers. Another question, probably already settled is what do we do at first base. A final question is do we value Swihart and Lin enough to avoid cutting one of them loose, or are either or both of them seen as being more valuable in the PO then a third catcher or an underperforming player at 1st. Tough decisions for Cora but that is his role as helped and guided by his senior coaching staff.

 

He did indicate 9 of his pitching staff with two to be determined. don't think any of the 5 pitchers that are candidates for the two slots have options left. More tough decisions, but this is the season where we have a better chance of winning it all than we may have going forward, so heshould pick the two that round the club out best. I think we know that none of the 5 identified are obvious choices.

 

I'm glad he chose to go with just 11 pitchers. I've been making that case for many weeks.

 

There is no need to worry about options for the playoffs. They don't matter.

 

I see a number of reasons to go with 3 catchers:

 

1) Swihart can also play 1B and OF.

2) We can PH for our catchers 1-2 times every game.

3) We shouldn't need to PH for anyone not a catcher, except maybe for Kinsler or the platoon situation at 1B.

4) We have no great defenders on the bench that make a big difference as late inning replacements, except maybe at 3B, if Devers is in the game. Even then, is the upgrade to Nunez better than the upgrade of PH'ing for Leon?

5) Since Swihart, Nunez, Holt and Peacre can play multiple positions, so the 3rd catcher really doesn't hurt the rest of the bench much.

6) With 5 dayds off before game 1, and 2 days off in the 7 day series, we shouldn't need 12 pitcher.

[Slasher9]

Here is my prediction for our playoff roster. I am thinking 12 pitchers for ALDS:

1b Moreland

2b Kinsler

3b Devers

SS Xander

LF Beni

CF JBj

RF Mookie

C Leon

DH JDM

SP1 Sale

SP2 Price

SP3 Porcello

SP4 Erod

RP1 Kimbrel

RP2 Barnes

RP3 Kelly

RP4 Eovaldi

RP5 Brasier

RP6 Hembree

RP7 Johnson

RP8 Pom

UT1 Holt

UT2 Pearce

UT3 Nunez

UT4 Swihart

 

Left off: Neck tat, Vazquez, workman, thornburg, wright

 

Here is my updated list from the original posted 31-Aug:

 

1b Moreland

2b Kinsler

3b Devers

SS Xander

LF Beni

CF JBj

RF Mookie

C Leon

DH JDM

SP1 Sale

SP2 Price

SP3 Porcello

SP4 Eovaldi - swapped with Erod

 

RP1 Kimbrel

RP2 Barnes

RP3 Kelly

RP4 Erod - swapped with Eovaldi

RP5 Brasier

RP6 Wright - replaced Hembree

RP7 Workman - replaced Johnson

 

UT1 Holt

UT2 Pearce

UT3 Nunez

UT4 Swihart

UT5 Vazquez (replacing 12th pitcher - RP8 POM)

Edited October 2, 2018 by Slasher9

[mvp 78]

While Cora said the playoff roster will include 14 field players and 11 pitchers, he didn't really identify the 14 field players. Clearly we know the majority of those but there is doubt on the last 2 or 3 based on players out of options. To me, one big question is whether we will keep 3 catchers. Another question, probably already settled is what do we do at first base. A final question is do we value Swihart and Lin enough to avoid cutting one of them loose, or are either or both of them seen as being more valuable in the PO then a third catcher or an underperforming player at 1st. Tough decisions for Cora but that is his role as helped and guided by his senior coaching staff.

 

He did indicate 9 of his pitching staff with two to be determined. don't think any of the 5 pitchers that are candidates for the two slots have options left. More tough decisions, but this is the season where we have a better chance of winning it all than we may have going forward, so heshould pick the two that round the club out best. I think we know that none of the 5 identified are obvious choices.

 

I don't understand the "out of options" / "cutting them loose" line of thinking. I thought the playoffs had no bearing on options/DFA/waiving/etc?

[sk7326]

The question really is - if not the 3rd catcher, who? You don't REALLY need a backup "CF". (you have 3 of them already!) Swihart and Holt can play corners. For me the question is: do you value, say, Brandon Phillips (and I'd pick a veteran like him over Travis or somebody) for a designated bench bat.

[moonslav59]

The question really is - if not the 3rd catcher, who? You don't REALLY need a backup "CF". (you have 3 of them already!) Swihart and Holt can play corners. For me the question is: do you value, say, Brandon Phillips (and I'd pick a veteran like him over Travis or somebody) for a designated bench bat.

 

Bench bat for who? Phillips and Travis aren't better hitters than anyone but our catchers, and we can't really PH for our catchers without 3 of them. I guess we can take our chances and PH once late in a game and hope the 2nd catcher does not get hurt, but having Swihart & Vaz on the roster makes sense. Vaz is the personal caddy for Porcello and Eovaldi. Leon for Sale & Price. Swi letws us PH for a catcher once a game with no fears and maybe twice in a pinch.

[Maxbialystock]

Here's my updated roster on Oct 2--

 

11 pitchers, also the 11 highest WAR's (in descending order):

Sale

Price

Porcello

ERod

Kimbrel

Wright

Velazquez

Brasier

Barnes

Workman

Eovaldi

My one exception might be to move Poyner up because he is a lefty and drop Workman out.

 

14 position players. First 10 are also the top ten on the Sox in OWAR (in descending order):

Betts

JDM

Bogaerts

Beni

JBJ

Holt

Pearce

Devers

Moreland

Nunez.

My other 4 are in order by OPS:

Swihart (.613)

Kinsler (.604)

Vazquez (.540)

Leon (.511).

 

Kinsler's OPS is rotten for 2B. His OPS in September was .510. You expect catchers not to hit, but secondbasemen? I'd rather go with Lin, whose OWAR is .4 and OPS is .744. But that won't happen. Kinsler is the veteran--and expensive.

Edited October 2, 2018 by Maxbialystock

[mvp 78]

@EvanDrellich

 

Cora says only decisions to be made at this point are on pitching side. Brandon Phillips has been sent home

[mvp 78]

@alexspeier

 

Cora confirms Eovaldi is available out of the bullpen for G1 and is almost certain to be the G4 starter if Sox face Yankees. If it’s the A’s, Sox are still deciding on Eovaldi vs Rodriguez for G4 start.

[mvp 78]

@Sean_McAdam

 

Red Sox roster situation: Phillips sent home; Johnson, Velazquez off but remain w/ team; Lin, Travis, Scott to Fort Myers to stay ready.

[vegasbob]

The question really is - if not the 3rd catcher, who? You don't REALLY need a backup "CF". (you have 3 of them already!) Swihart and Holt can play corners. For me the question is: do you value, say, Brandon Phillips (and I'd pick a veteran like him over Travis or somebody) for a designated bench bat.

 

Can't see Phillips nor Travis even being part of the decision. Pearce or Moreland, Swihart, Nunez, Holt and Vazquez will be the bench for the ALDS. Perhaps redesignate 1 or 2 guys for the ALCS depending on many factors.

 

Never quite did understand the level of love for Kinsler , except for longterm frustrations with Nunez at 2nd base and Cora;s love of him there. Should have been Holt all along and Nunie at 3B when Devers was hurt.

Edited October 2, 2018 by vegasbob

[vegasbob]

@Sean_McAdam

 

Red Sox roster situation: Phillips sent home; Johnson, Velazquez off but remain w/ team; Lin, Travis, Scott to Fort Myers to stay ready.

 

If this becomes the final set up for the ALDS roster, i'm ok with it. The playoffs are not the environment where you want to be counting on marginal pitchers like Velasquez and Johnson. That said, both made good contributions in some meaningful games during the season. Did Joe Kelly just make the team or Bobby Poyner ??

[moonslav59]

If this becomes the final set up for the ALDS roster, i'm ok with it. The playoffs are not the environment where you want to be counting on marginal pitchers like Velasquez and Johnson. That said, both made good contributions in some meaningful games during the season. Did Joe Kelly just make the team or Bobby Poyner ??

 

I think the final pitching decision comes down to choosing 2 from (my order top to bottom)

Poyner

Workman

Kelly

Hembree

(Cuevas and Thornburg very long shots)

 

 

9 made it: Sale, Price, Porcello, Eovaldi, ERod, Wright, Kimbrel, Brasier & Barnes

[Maxbialystock]

@EvanDrellich

 

Cora says only decisions to be made at this point are on pitching side. Brandon Phillips has been sent home

 

I believe that because the choices for the 14 are so obvious.

[dgalehouse]

I think the final pitching decision comes down to choosing 2 from (my order top to bottom)

Poyner

Workman

Kelly

Hembree

(Cuevas and Thornburg very long shots)

 

 

9 made it: Sale, Price, Porcello, Eovaldi, ERod, Wright, Kimbrel, Brasier & Barnes

I think Cora goes with the guys who have been there all year. That would be Kelly and Hembree.

[oldtimer]

I think the final pitching decision comes down to choosing 2 from (my order top to bottom)

Poyner

Workman

Kelly

Hembree

(Cuevas and Thornburg very long shots)

 

 

9 made it: Sale, Price, Porcello, Eovaldi, ERod, Wright, Kimbrel, Brasier & Barnes

 

Thornburg is out for the year and Cuevas is not on Coras list.. There is no chance either one makes the Playoff. I will remind you that Johnson was the firth option on Cora's list.

[oldtimer]

I believe that because the choices for the 14 are so obvious.

 

The only question is Lin versus one of the catchers. Lin has been outstanding of late, has speed and can play a variety of positions. He probably will not make it but is still a viable option.

[Kimmi]

The only question is Lin versus one of the catchers. Lin has been outstanding of late, has speed and can play a variety of positions. He probably will not make it but is still a viable option.

 

Lin has already been sent to Ft. Myers to 'stay ready', meaning he is not on the roster unless someone else gets injured.

[vegasbob]

I think Cora goes with the guys who have been there all year. That would be Kelly and Hembree.

If Kelly or Hembree are included then either Cora or you aren't concerned about winning.

[moonslav59]

If Kelly or Hembree are included then either Cora or you aren't concerned about winning.

 

Do you even listen to yourself?

[oldtimer]

Lin has already been sent to Ft. Myers to 'stay ready', meaning he is not on the roster unless someone else gets injured.

 

I hadn't heard that. Thanks

[notin]

If Kelly or Hembree are included then either Cora or you aren't concerned about winning.

 

It depends on who they go in place of.

 

While Kelly has had his stryuggles, it's not like you can't say the same thing about a lot of pitchers in the Sox pen this year. Or is the idea that Kelly has struggled and was a disappointment, so the Sox need to take someone for whom we had lower expectations?

[Bellhorn04]

It depends on who they go in place of.

 

While Kelly has had his stryuggles, it's not like you can't say the same thing about a lot of pitchers in the Sox pen this year. Or is the idea that Kelly has struggled and was a disappointment, so the Sox need to take someone for whom we had lower expectations?

 

Kelly has also had some stretches of being excellent. It's not impossible for him to get in another one of those stretches.

[notin]

Kelly has also had some stretches of being excellent. It's not impossible for him to get in another one of those stretches.

 

And I have more faith in that happening than I have in getting a similar hot stretch from Hembree or Workman or Thornburg or Pomeranz or Cuevas or Johnson or (insert mediocre Sox reliever name here).

 

The only issue with Kelly is the potential for a high ceiling also comes with potential for a low floor. But all of these relievers have potential for a low floor...

[OH FOY]

Kelly has to be given a short leash, if on the team. He compounds problems more then turning it around and finishes. You can usually tell if he's on with the first batter, if he throw strikes, he's on. Balls, get him out....fast.

[mvp 78]

Kelly has to be given a short leash, if on the team. He compounds problems more then turning it around and finishes. You can usually tell if he's on with the first batter, if he throw strikes, he's on. Balls, get him out....fast.

 

I agree. I think he'll be on the roster and be given the shortest leash possible. I don't see him coming in with the bases loaded due to his propensity to walk the ballpark.