WS Road Games--who makes room for JDM?

[notin]

Would not shock me if Cora puts Mookie at 2nd though. Saw him play in the Minors, he's Damn good 2nd Baseman. Real good. He'll have no problem there, like riding a bike. Only reason he's not at 2nd was Pedey was here. They moved him to get him in Line-up. Nobody thought he would be a Gold Glove RF too. That's how talented he is. CF too.

 

Actually I think one of the reasons they moved him to CF was because Bradley was struggling heavily in MLB. I think this was also a big factor in signing Rusney Castillo...

[Youk Of The Nation]

Why not just put JD at first? If David Ortiz could do it...

[oldtimer]

It is a shame the A.L. team can't use the DH in the NL park. There is no ideal solution here. Playing Mookie at second sounds innovative, but it is risky and it really doesn't accomplish a whole lot . My guess is that JBJ and Benintendi will sit alternately, and come in for defense with a lead late. That seems like the simplest and most obvious move.

 

You are probably right.Cora is no fool. He will do the right thing.

[OH FOY]

Against Dodgers and all their Lefties, I want Pearce at first. Pearce is a warrior, and Moreland does whatever it takes to win. I like him too. Attitude for me, not stats, at this point.

[Emp9]

I think we’ll do what we’ve done mostly all year. Mookie is not playing 2B unless ... Machado takes out all of Kinsler, Holt, and Nunez... something ridiculous like that. I see Mookie in CF, Beni in LF, and JD in RF. JBJ is the defensive replacement leading late. I’m not against Betts playing 2B, I just don’t think that will happen.

[notin]

Why not just put JD at first? If David Ortiz could do it...

 

He has never played the position at any level since he played it for 2 games in Rookie Ball in 2009, unlike Ortiz who played the position at every level to some degree. While Martinez could probably handle the position, is the World Series really the time to be trying new things? Is THAT really the stage where the Sox should take a chance at learning why he only played the position for 2 games in Rookie Ball nine years ago and then never again?

[Maxbialystock]

To remind: the purpose of the OP was discussion. Rare is the Sox fan these days who would question a decision by Cora.

 

That said, I think the case for playing JBJ in CF, Mookie in RF, and JDM in LF is the strongest. Beni sits for two reasons: JBJ has the hotter bat, not just in the postseason, but in August and September; and he is the better outfielder.

 

I would hasten to add, however, that historically--all of last year and most of this year--Beni would start, period. His cumulative WAR (which includes offense and defense) for 2017 and 2018 is 6.5 to JBJ's 4.9. He is also the only guy who seems comfortable batting 2d.

 

And this. Two more games before going to Milwaukee, and those are likely to be important data points.

[moonslav59]

To remind: the purpose of the OP was discussion. Rare is the Sox fan these days who would question a decision by Cora.

 

That said, I think the case for playing JBJ in CF, Mookie in RF, and JDM in LF is the strongest. Beni sits for two reasons: JBJ has the hotter bat, not just in the postseason, but in August and September; and he is the better outfielder.

 

I would hasten to add, however, that historically--all of last year and most of this year--Beni would start, period. His cumulative WAR (which includes offense and defense) for 2017 and 2018 is 6.5 to JBJ's 4.9. He is also the only guy who seems comfortable batting 2d.

 

And this. Two more games before going to Milwaukee, and those are likely to be important data points.

 

Beni has been hot as well.

 

I doubt JBJ or Beni are on the bench to start all 3 games. I think JBJ sits 2 and Beni 1 (v a lefty). We might see Betts at 2B for one game and Beni and JBJ both sitting out just one road game.

 

The best solution is to just win in 4, so we only have 2 NL road games.

[Bellhorn04]

Beni has been hot as well.

 

I doubt JBJ or Beni are on the bench to start all 3 games. I think JBJ sits 2 and Beni 1 (v a lefty). We might see Betts at 2B for one game and Beni and JBJ both sitting out just one road game.

 

The best solution is to just win in 4, so we only have 2 NL road games.

 

I suspect the only way we see any real surprises is if we're trailing in the series and the offense is struggling.

[moonslav59]

Let's just go with 4 OF'ers.

 

Our 3bmen only make half the plays hit their way anyways!

 

(Joking, of course.)

[dgalehouse]

Yes, it's a bit risky. But saying it 'doesn't accomplish a whole lot' might be taking it a bit far. We're talking about trying to optimize our lineup in 3 World Series games. That can be a big deal.

 

Yeah. There is no ideal solution. I agree about trying to optimize the lineup. I am confident that Mookie could do whatever is needed. But at this point, I think he could play center about as well as JBJ , but it may be a stretch to think he can play second as well as Kinsler. And against left hand pitching , Kinsler figures to provide as much offense as JBJ or Benintendi. So , as far as putting Mookie at second, I just don't think the reward is worth the risk. However , I'm okay with whatever Cora decides to do.

Edited October 20, 2018 by dgalehouse

[OH FOY]

DH or nor DH, the way this team plays on the Road. Even tougher then at Fenway.

[Jasonbay44]

 

Red Sox are considering Mookie Betts at second base for the NL games in the World Series. A lot of factors to consider, Alex Cora said. They’ll take a look at matchups. One way or another, JD Martinez will play.

[Emp9]

 

Red Sox are considering Mookie Betts at second base for the NL games in the World Series. A lot of factors to consider, Alex Cora said. They’ll take a look at matchups. One way or another, JD Martinez will play.

 

It’s an interesting option. If Cora does do that, I think I may respect him even more than I already do. Plus, nothing says Betts has to play 2B the whole game. It was cool to see Betts earlier in the year take over at 2B for that one game and I thought he did well. I still doubt it happens, but I like that they’re keeping their options open and not poo-pooing such a move out of principle.

[notin]

 

Red Sox are considering Mookie Betts at second base for the NL games in the World Series. A lot of factors to consider, Alex Cora said. They’ll take a look at matchups. One way or another, JD Martinez will play.

 

I think it's crazy to try this now and I don't consider his 6 innings and two chances at 2b this year to be considered an adequate trial. Might as well just put JD at first...

[notin]

Let's just go with 4 OF'ers.

 

Our 3bmen only make half the plays hit their way anyways!

 

(Joking, of course.)

 

Or just play with 8 fielders and make it look like the Sox are in the shift for every hitter regardless of what side he is batting from...

[OH FOY]

Mookie has 2,000 innings in the Minors as a 2nd Baseman. Like riding a bike.

[notin]

Mookie has 2,000 innings in the Minors as a 2nd Baseman. Like riding a bike.

 

I know, although I think you underestimate what the return will be like. Not to mention, 2,000 innings sounds like a lot until you remember it’s less than a season and a half.

 

And I’m sure he can handle anything routine. But when those plays come up where multiple fielders converge on the ball, the Sox now have no history so everyone knows who has what.

 

Plus he’s the best defensive RF in the game, and moving him to 2b does create a weakness in RF. I’d rather Mookie was in his normal position when Yelich comes up than this modified defensive arrangement that weakens the Sox at two positions....

[Kimmi]

I think it's crazy to try this now and I don't consider his 6 innings and two chances at 2b this year to be considered an adequate trial. Might as well just put JD at first...

 

My guess is that some of his decision will be based on what happens in the first 2 or 3 games. If Cora feels like he needs to 'shake things up' a bit or go bold, then he will try Mookie at 2nd base. If things are going well, he'll stay with the safer choice of having JBJ or Beni sit.

[Bellhorn04]

My guess is that some of his decision will be based on what happens in the first 2 or 3 games. If Cora feels like he needs to 'shake things up' a bit or go bold, then he will try Mookie at 2nd base. If things are going well, he'll stay with the safer choice of having JBJ or Beni sit.

 

That's what I said-in my most recent comment on this, at least.

[moonslav59]

I know, although I think you underestimate what the return will be like. Not to mention, 2,000 innings sounds like a lot until you remember it’s less than a season and a half.

 

And I’m sure he can handle anything routine. But when those plays come up where multiple fielders converge on the ball, the Sox now have no history so everyone knows who has what.

 

Plus he’s the best defensive RF in the game, and moving him to 2b does create a weakness in RF. I’d rather Mookie was in his normal position when Yelich comes up than this modified defensive arrangement that weakens the Sox at two positions....

 

2,000 innings plus hours and hours of practice at 2B plus pre-season games.

[notin]

2,000 innings plus hours and hours of practice at 2B plus pre-season games.

 

And all of it 4 years ago. I hope he still has a “feel” for the position. You know, that sense of knowing where everything is without actually looking.

 

But more important is the loss of his outfield defense....

[moonslav59]

And all of it 4 years ago. I hope he still has a “feel” for the position. You know, that sense of knowing where everything is without actually looking.

 

But more important is the loss of his outfield defense....

 

I'm fine with whatever Cora chooses to do.

 

I doubt anyone sits all 3 games.

 

Yes, losing Betts' defense would hurt, but so would losing JBJ's.

 

It's hard to see any choice as being clear.

[Bellhorn04]

And all of it 4 years ago. I hope he still has a “feel” for the position. You know, that sense of knowing where everything is without actually looking.

 

But more important is the loss of his outfield defense....

 

How so? JDM is playing right field regardless. Which puts Mookie in center, replacing JBJ, who is also pretty good.

[oldtimer]

I'm fine with whatever Cora chooses to do.

 

I doubt anyone sits all 3 games.

 

Yes, losing Betts' defense would hurt, but so would losing JBJ's.

 

It's hard to see any choice as being clear.

 

I'm with you on this. JBJ is a great centerfield presence while Beni has made some significant LF plays against the Astros. Clearly all three are better than JDM in the outfield in range and probably break on balls. i agree that Cora is in the best position to make that decision and I will be satisfied with whatever decision he makes. I also note that the Sox have coaches meeting to preplan what they will do and they use the best ideas from very capable baseball people.

[notin]

How so? JDM is playing right field regardless. Which puts Mookie in center, replacing JBJ, who is also pretty good.

 

It is tough losing one. I’d rather they gave Martinez a few innings at first this year and tried him there...

[OH FOY]

Big guy like Travis Shaw turning Double Plays, and he never played the Position, before this year, and you don't think Mookie cant handle it. Shaw has played a total of 39 games at 2nd before Post-Season, and the Brewers are OK with it. Edited October 21, 2018 by OH FOY!

[Jason33]

Mookie played 2nd once this season didn’t he?

[mvp 78]

Mookie played 2nd once this season didn’t he?

 

6 innings in 4 years.

[mvp 78]

I’m not saying he can’t, just saying it’s unlikely.