Playoff Roster - 2018

[oldtimer]

I believe Hembree has the best numbers of any of the relievers for not allowing inherited runners to score, and that's why Cora has been using him in that role.

 

Everytime I watch the guy pitch I get nervous as he often has issues.

[moonslav59]

Our defense has been shaky, of late. The JD-Betts mix-up, Bogey's throw, Pearce at 1B, Devers throws, and even JBJ having a ball hit off the side of his glove.

 

I am at a loss for who makes the pen roster for the playoffs. It's almost as if everyone is doing their best to prove the DON'T belong.

[oldtimer]

Our defense has been shaky, of late. The JD-Betts mix-up, Bogey's throw, Pearce at 1B, Devers throws, and even JBJ having a ball hit off the side of his glove.

 

I am at a loss for who makes the pen roster for the playoffs. It's almost as if everyone is doing their best to prove the DON'T belong.

 

I'll bet Cora has it boiled down to 4 starters and 8 or 9 relievers and his effort now is to decide on which of the remaining 1 or 2 to drop. If Barnes can make a quick recovery he is in. If we take 7 relievers, I see Kimbrel, Barnes Brasier as sure things and also Wright and Eovaldi as long relievers.

 

That leaves either 2 or three spots depending on how many we take. (I am assuming E-Rod may wind up in long relief, at least in the first series.) Poyner looks to be going the best for left handed relief as Johnson and Pom look weak. Henbree, Kelly, Thornburg and Workman all stand a chance. I think it will be Kelly and/or Thornburg. You can make a case for or against any of the 4 righties. Cora can take his time in reaching a decision.

[moonslav59]

I'll bet Cora has it boiled down to 4 starters and 8 or 9 relievers and his effort now is to decide on which of the remaining 1 or 2 to drop. If Barnes can make a quick recovery he is in. If we take 7 relievers, I see Kimbrel, Barnes Brasier as sure things and also Wright and Eovaldi as long relievers. - Oldtimer

 

I totally agree, but things might shift a little over the next 3 weeks.

 

That leaves either 2 or three spots depending on how many we take. (I am assuming E-Rod may wind up in long relief, at least in the first series.) Poyner looks to be going the best for left handed relief as Johnson and Pom look weak. Henbree, Kelly, Thornburg and Workman all stand a chance. I think it will be Kelly and/or Thornburg. You can make a case for or against any of the 4 righties. Cora can take his time in reaching a decision.

 

I see ERod as a lock for the playoff rotation, and he may even steal the 3 slot from Porcello.

 

I'm hopeful that Thornburg will step up. He kills lefties more than we can ever hope Poyner, Pom or Johnson can do.

 

Thornburg's career splits:

 

.556 vs LHBs

 

.744 vs RHPs

 

While Poyner has looked very good vs LHBs this year (.454) the sample size is just 17 PAs.

 

Pom is .614 vs LHBs career and .683 this year.

 

Johnson is .624 vs LHPs career and .681 this year.

 

Edited September 11, 2018 by moonslav59

[iortiz]

Ok, here's my 25 roster for POs

 

C SWI

1B Moreland/Pearce platoon

2B Kinsler

3B Núñez

SS XB

RF Mookie

CF JBJ

LF Benny

DH JD

 

C1 Leon

C2 VAZ

U1Holt

U2 Devers

 

SP1 Sale

SP2 Price

SP3 E-Rod

SP4 Porcello

 

C Kimbrel

S Eovaldi

H Breiser

 

RP1 Phyoner

RP2 Wright

RP3 Johnson

RP4 Velazquez

[oldtimer]

Ok, here's my 25 roster for POs

 

C SWI

1B Moreland/Pearce platoon

2B Kinsler

3B Núñez

SS XB

RF Mookie

CF JBJ

LF Benny

DH JD

 

C1 Leon

C2 VAZ

U1Holt

U2 Devers

 

SP1 Sale

SP2 Price

SP3 E-Rod

SP4 Porcello

 

C Kimbrel

S Eovaldi

H Breiser

 

RP1 Phyoner

RP2 Wright

RP3 Johnson

RP4 Velazquez

 

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Cora's opinion counts. Cora needs to wrap up the pennant while still getting closure on the BP. 3rd base and catcher.

 

What you have that looks debatable is;

 

1. Swi at util instead of starting catcher. The top pitchers will want Leon

2. Porcello as the #3 starter is more likely

3. I agree that at this point in time Nunez looks like the 3rd base starter, although that is still up in the air

4. Barnes will almost certainly make the RP roster if his hip inflammation is solved.

5. Brasier will probably be used as 8th inning bridge or to squelch scoring opportunities earlier in tthe game.

6. Poyner is our likely left hand short relief specialist. (Don't like POM or Johnson in that role)

7. If we go with 11 pitchers, I see Thornburg, Kelly, Workman and Hembree in the mix, in that order over Velazquez. I personally like Cuevez but he is not ready for the PO pressure.

[moonslav59]

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Cora's opinion counts. Cora needs to wrap up the pennant while still getting closure on the BP. 3rd base and catcher.

 

What you have that looks debatable is;

 

1. Swi at util instead of starting catcher. The top pitchers will want Leon

2. Porcello as the #3 starter is more likely

3. I agree that at this point in time Nunez looks like the 3rd base starter, although that is still up in the air

4. Barnes will almost certainly make the RP roster if his hip inflammation is solved.

5. Brasier will probably be used as 8th inning bridge or to squelch scoring opportunities earlier in tthe game.

6. Poyner is our likely left hand short relief specialist. (Don't like POM or Johnson in that role)

7. If we go with 11 pitchers, I see Thornburg, Kelly, Workman and Hembree in the mix, in that order over Velazquez. I personally like Cuevez but he is not ready for the PO pressure.

 

Good points.

 

I do like Poyner, but his sample size is puny. If he can pitch well for the next 3 weeks, I'm fine with him squeezing in, but I'm still hopeful that Thornburg will straighten out. He's great vs LHBs- normally.

 

I'm still not counting Barnes, Hembree and even Kelly out just yet, but they are bubble pitchers now due to performance or injury issues.

[Maxbialystock]

I'll bet Cora has it boiled down to 4 starters and 8 or 9 relievers and his effort now is to decide on which of the remaining 1 or 2 to drop. If Barnes can make a quick recovery he is in. If we take 7 relievers, I see Kimbrel, Barnes Brasier as sure things and also Wright and Eovaldi as long relievers. - Oldtimer

 

I totally agree, but things might shift a little over the next 3 weeks.

 

That leaves either 2 or three spots depending on how many we take. (I am assuming E-Rod may wind up in long relief, at least in the first series.) Poyner looks to be going the best for left handed relief as Johnson and Pom look weak. Henbree, Kelly, Thornburg and Workman all stand a chance. I think it will be Kelly and/or Thornburg. You can make a case for or against any of the 4 righties. Cora can take his time in reaching a decision.

 

I see ERod as a lock for the playoff rotation, and he may even steal the 3 slot from Porcello.

 

I'm hopeful that Thornburg will step up. He kills lefties more than we can ever hope Poyner, Pom or Johnson can do.

 

Thornburg's career splits:

 

.556 vs LHBs

 

.744 vs RHPs

 

While Poyner has looked very good vs LHBs this year (.454) the sample size is just 17 PAs.

 

Pom is .614 vs LHBs career and .683 this year.

 

Johnson is .624 vs LHPs career and .681 this year.

 

 

To me it's not just the numbers--and thank you for those--it's what I see. To me Poyner is fearless out there and so far unlikely to make a bad pitch or big mistake. Small sample, yes, but it's over the entire season because he made the 25 man roster back in April. I just don't like Pom and never will.

 

Oldtime overall sees the postseason about the way most of us do--4 starters and 7 relievers with the former pretty clear and the latter pretty murky except for Kimbrel and Brasier and Wright.

[moonslav59]

To me it's not just the numbers--and thank you for those--it's what I see. To me Poyner is fearless out there and so far unlikely to make a bad pitch or big mistake. Small sample, yes, but it's over the entire season because he made the 25 man roster back in April. I just don't like Pom and never will.

 

Oldtime overall sees the postseason about the way most of us do--4 starters and 7 relievers with the former pretty clear and the latter pretty murky except for Kimbrel and Brasier and Wright.

 

Fair enough, and I haven't counted Poyner out. I wish his sample size was bigger than 13 games, and I can't help but wonder why that is, if he is indeed as good as his numbers show he is. It's not like we had all 7 pen guys firing on all cylanders all season long. He does have a 1.3 WHIP in AAA this year over 43 innings. Maybe that has something to do with it.

 

I'm hopeful he can continue doing well, but I have to think maybe we have just happened to see his only good stretches of the season by chance.

[notin]

Ok, here's my 25 roster for POs

 

C SWI

1B Moreland/Pearce platoon

2B Kinsler

3B Núñez

SS XB

RF Mookie

CF JBJ

LF Benny

DH JD

 

C1 Leon

C2 VAZ

U1Holt

U2 Devers

 

SP1 Sale

SP2 Price

SP3 E-Rod

SP4 Porcello

 

C Kimbrel

S Eovaldi

H Breiser

 

RP1 Phyoner

RP2 Wright

RP3 Johnson

RP4 Velazquez

 

 

As much as you might dislike Kelly and Hembree, I think if you saw Johnson and Velasquez try to handle their roles, you might dislike the latter two even more.

[mvp 78]

https://www.overthemonster.com/2018/9/12/17849892/red-sox-playoff-roster-projection

 

Position Players: Sandy León, Mitch Moreland, Ian Kinsler, Xander Bogaerts, Eduardo Núñez, Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez, Blake Swihart, Steve Pearce, Brock Holt, Rafael Devers, Tzu-Wei Lin

 

Pitchers: Chris Sale, David Price, Eduardo Rodriguez, Rick Porcello, Craig Kimbrel, Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, Nathan Eovaldi, Joe Kelly, Heath Hembree, Bobby Poyner

 

As for the bullpen, well, I’m pulling on my collar like a bad actor in a 30-year-old sitcom. I think the back four is pretty clear. Kimbrel’s obviously the closer, and assuming Barnes will be able to come back fine from this hip injury he’s the clear set-up man. Brasier has clearly earned Cora’s trust and is a big late-inning arm who is getting used to coming in with men on base. Eovaldi is shifting to the bullpen, and his outing on Tuesday has me feeling better about him in one or two inning stints.

 

After this, I think the battle is on. Kelly has recovered well from a long, midseason slump and is back in Cora’s good graces. If he pitches well down the stretch, he has a spot wrapped up. Hembree is in the opposite direction, but he started high enough up to the totem pole that I don’t think he’s fallen off the roster completely. At least not yet. If he falters a couple more times this month, he’ll be gone. Finally, Poyner is probably the biggest surprise here, and I’m not sure if this is just wishful thinking. The team loved him back in spring, though, and he’s looked good when given his chances. They’ve gone without a lefty all year, but in the playoffs those matchups matter more. I think they’re going to test Poyner all month, and if he pitches well he’ll be there in October. Brandon Workman was probably the hardest cut, and he will very much be in contention for a spot, particularly with Hembree. Keep an eye on Hector Velazquez and Brian Johnson, too.

[notin]

Workman also has a chance if Barnes cannot recover in time...

[Kimmi]

Sandy Leon's offense:

 

Since the beginning of July, his line is .129/.201/.197/.398 .

 

Since the beginning of August, his line is .101/.184./.188/.373 .

 

Leon is in such a horrendous slump offensively, that he will almost have to be pinch hit for in a key situation in the playoffs. And that key situation might come fairly early in the game, like the 4th inning.

 

Because of that, I really don't think it's a bad idea to have both Vaz and Swihart on the roster. I understand that Vaz won't offer much in terms of versatility, but it will give Cora the freedom to pinch hit for Leon at any point in the game, without the concern of losing the catcher. Swihart offers that versatility, including being a pretty good runner.

[mvp 78]

Sandy Leon's offense:

 

Since the beginning of July, his line is .129/.201/.197/.398 .

 

Since the beginning of August, his line is .101/.184./.188/.373 .

 

Leon is in such a horrendous slump offensively, that he will almost have to be pinch hit for in a key situation in the playoffs. And that key situation might come fairly early in the game, like the 4th inning.

 

Because of that, I really don't think it's a bad idea to have both Vaz and Swihart on the roster. I understand that Vaz won't offer much in terms of versatility, but it will give Cora the freedom to pinch hit for Leon at any point in the game, without the concern of losing the catcher. Swihart offers that versatility, including being a pretty good runner.

 

Swihart has a 506 OPS since August 1st. My guess is he probably shouldn't be the guy doing the pinch hitting.

[Kimmi]

Swihart has a 506 OPS since August 1st. My guess is he probably shouldn't be the guy doing the pinch hitting.

 

No, but that wasn't what I was saying. Having the 3rd catcher is an important factor in being willing to pinch hit for your starting catcher in the 4th inning.

[mvp 78]

No, but that wasn't what I was saying. Having the 3rd catcher is an important factor in being willing to pinch hit for your starting catcher in the 4th inning.

 

IDK, Cora seems willing to do many unexpected things.

[Kimmi]

IDK, Cora seems willing to do many unexpected things.

 

That's true. And he'd likely do it.

 

But in the event that the 2nd catcher got hurt, we'd be in trouble for the rest of the game.

 

Maybe it's not a big enough risk to even worry about?

 

But with Blake being able to play multiple positions, plus pinch run, I would consider it.

[mvp 78]

That's true. And he'd likely do it.

 

But in the event that the 2nd catcher got hurt, we'd be in trouble for the rest of the game.

 

Maybe it's not a big enough risk to even worry about?

 

But with Blake being able to play multiple positions, plus pinch run, I would consider it.

 

Brock Holt can catch. I guarantee he's practiced it a few times. Just let Cora call the pitches.

[oldtimer]

https://www.overthemonster.com/2018/9/12/17849892/red-sox-playoff-roster-projection

 

Position Players: Sandy León, Mitch Moreland, Ian Kinsler, Xander Bogaerts, Eduardo Núñez, Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez, Blake Swihart, Steve Pearce, Brock Holt, Rafael Devers, Tzu-Wei Lin

 

Pitchers: Chris Sale, David Price, Eduardo Rodriguez, Rick Porcello, Craig Kimbrel, Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, Nathan Eovaldi, Joe Kelly, Heath Hembree, Bobby Poyner

 

As for the bullpen, well, I’m pulling on my collar like a bad actor in a 30-year-old sitcom. I think the back four is pretty clear. Kimbrel’s obviously the closer, and assuming Barnes will be able to come back fine from this hip injury he’s the clear set-up man. Brasier has clearly earned Cora’s trust and is a big late-inning arm who is getting used to coming in with men on base. Eovaldi is shifting to the bullpen, and his outing on Tuesday has me feeling better about him in one or two inning stints.

 

After this, I think the battle is on. Kelly has recovered well from a long, midseason slump and is back in Cora’s good graces. If he pitches well down the stretch, he has a spot wrapped up. Hembree is in the opposite direction, but he started high enough up to the totem pole that I don’t think he’s fallen off the roster completely. At least not yet. If he falters a couple more times this month, he’ll be gone. Finally, Poyner is probably the biggest surprise here, and I’m not sure if this is just wishful thinking. The team loved him back in spring, though, and he’s looked good when given his chances. They’ve gone without a lefty all year, but in the playoffs those matchups matter more. I think they’re going to test Poyner all month, and if he pitches well he’ll be there in October. Brandon Workman was probably the hardest cut, and he will very much be in contention for a spot, particularly with Hembree. Keep an eye on Hector Velazquez and Brian Johnson, too.

 

Pretty brave projections leaving out Vaz and Devers and inserting Lin for running and back up infield. Since both Vaz and Leon are so bad offensively I can see where your going. Devers is also on the cusp but Lin probably won't beat him out.

 

With E-Rod out of the BP we probably still do need a left handed relief specialist and Poyner has done the best in limited appearances. Barnes will probably be there, whether 7th or 8th inning. Sometimes it is wise to bring your non-closer shutdown guy in early, when the other team has a big threat going. I can see Brasier in that role. Wright is surely in the conversation for long relief. The final spot is probably up for grabs between Kelly, Thornburg, Workman and Hembree. I can see each getting a hard look in the next 17 games. I like to see our relievers get ahead of batters and if they choose to nibble, at least be close to the plate. Too often we see these guys getting ahead and then running to a full count with meaningless (way offf the plate) pitches and with men on base, letting them run with 3 and 2 counts.

 

Cora has some tough decisions going forward. It's not clear to me at this time that Sale is fully mended. I certainly hope so as a healthy Sale improves our chances.

[oldtimer]

Brock Holt can catch. I guarantee he's practiced it a few times. Just let Cora call the pitches.

 

Pearce can also catch in a pinch.

[mvp 78]

Pearce can also catch in a pinch.

 

Word?

[notin]

Pearce can also catch in a pinch.

 

In 14 professional seasons, Pearce has done a lot of things on major league and minor league baseball fields. Catching is on the short list of things he has not gone yet...

[mvp 78]

@PeteAbe

 

Matt Barnes is back to playing catch. Good sign for the #RedSox. The set-up man has been out with hip inflammation.

[mvp 78]

In 14 professional seasons, Pearce has done a lot of things on major league and minor league baseball fields. Catching is on the short list of things he has not gone yet...

 

But can he do it in a pinch tho?

[mvp 78]

https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/07/17/Mike-Greenwell-forced-to-make-his-major-league-catching/9890553492800/

 

Would he be better or worse than Mike Greenwell at catching?

[oldtimer]

But can he do it in a pinch tho?

 

A couple of nights ago one of the broadcasters said that if they went beyond the three current caqtchers, Pearce would be the next option. I thik it was the night we had pinch hit for Leon and Vaz. Don't know what inside info the broadcaster had, but I assume he got that information from talking with the Sox manager.

[Kimmi]

Brock Holt can catch. I guarantee he's practiced it a few times. Just let Cora call the pitches.

 

Sure. And some position players can pitch in a crunch. That doesn't mean it's something I'd want to see in a playoff game.

[notin]

If a third catcher is so important, I’d rather see Christian Vazquez or even Dan Butler make the roster. I’d trust either of them at the plate more than I’d trust Pearce or Holt behind it.

 

That said, I don’t think the third catcher is a high priority here...

[moonslav59]

Our catcher hitting is so pathetic, I think the idea of PH'ing for them once or twice a game has more value than we might imagine.

 

We aren't going to PH or make a defensive late inning replacement at almost every position, except C, 2B and 3B (1B platoon).

 

How many in game moves do we need to make at 2B/3B? One, maybe?

[oldtimer]

Our catcher hitting is so pathetic, I think the idea of PH'ing for them once or twice a game has more value than we might imagine.

 

We aren't going to PH or make a defensive late inning replacement at almost every position, except C, 2B and 3B (1B platoon).

 

How many in game moves do we need to make at 2B/3B? One, maybe?

 

We mayhave a unique situation with catchers who are terrible offensively. How many other teams will carry 3 catchers on a 25 man roster?