A Realistic View at 2019: Part I

[Nick]

I figured catching was up in the air, due to the poor showing the Sox received from the position analytically. The only name mentioned that I’ve seen so far was Francisco Cervelli, which may have happened to some extent, but these types of contact can get reported with more enthusiasm than actually existed.

 

Cervelli seems like a questionable choice. He’s a very good catcher on a short deal that won’t hamstring anything beyond 2019. But his history with concussions is alarming.

 

I haven’t read any other catcher names mentioned in conjunction with the Sox. I do strongly believe they cannot afford Realmuto without doing something drastic and potentially stupid (like swapping Benintendi).

 

As for 2b, it is possible the Sox make a Rule 5 pick for the position, someone like Max Schrock or Kean Wong. That way, if Pedroia is healthy, they simply return the player. No harm, no foul. Given the recent and perfectly timed DFA of Robby Scott, it is a possibility. ( Grabbing a reliever is more likely.)

 

But catcher could get interesting. The goal is likely an offensive upgrade while minimizing defensive subtractions. Not sure who the target is or what it takes to get him. Wilson Ramos is a nice fit, but he will cost and leaves less budget for the bullpen. Yasmani Grandal, who is better defensively than he showed in the postseason, is the cheaper free agent option. But can they afford him while adding relievers.

 

I don't believe Sox are as fickle as everyone thinks. Year after signing Vaz to a long term extension, it is hard for me to believe they've already given up on him.

[notin]

I don't believe Sox are as fickle as everyone thinks. Year after signing Vaz to a long term extension, it is hard for me to believe they've already given up on him.

 

It appears at the very least, based on some level of interest in Cervelli and the source from oldtimer, that they are open to the idea...

[Nick]

It appears at the very least, based on some level of interest in Cervelli and the source from oldtimer, that they are open to the idea...

 

Apparently they will take the best deal if one is offered.

[moonslav59]

It appears at the very least, based on some level of interest in Cervelli and the source from oldtimer, that they are open to the idea...

 

I would think there would have to be some salary relief as part of any deal. I'm not sure Pitt wants to pay cash, and I doubt this deal would work:

 

Nunez ($5M), Swihart & PTBNL for Cervelli ($11.5M)

 

Then, maybe add a 2Bman rule 5 or roll the dice with Pedey, Holt, Lin and Hernandez.

 

(Nunez + Vaz would come close to evening out the money.)

[notin]

I would think there would have to be some salary relief as part of any deal. I'm not sure Pitt wants to pay cash, and I doubt this deal would work:

 

Nunez ($5M), Swihart & PTBNL for Cervelli ($11.5M)

 

Then, maybe add a 2Bman rule 5 or roll the dice with Pedey, Holt, Lin and Hernandez.

 

(Nunez + Vaz would come close to evening out the money.)

 

I think dumping cash is the whole idea for the Pirates. I doubt they want anyone back.

 

I like Cervelli as a catcher, but his concussion history should be scary to any GM. The first rumor I saw was Sharwyn for Cervelli, which seems like a no-brained to me. But maybe it wasn’t done because of the multiple injuries to Cervelli’s noggin...

[oldtimer]

I think dumping cash is the whole idea for the Pirates. I doubt they want anyone back.

 

I like Cervelli as a catcher, but his concussion history should be scary to any GM. The first rumor I saw was Sharwyn for Cervelli, which seems like a no-brained to me. But maybe it wasn’t done because of the multiple injuries to Cervelli’s noggin...

 

dd Was quoted about our catchers. "Ideally, we would rather-- and not against any of the three, because we like them all-- it's hard to carry all three on the big-league club," Dombrowski said. "None of them have options left. But we're also not gonna just give them away to give them away. We'll see where that takes us."

[moonslav59]

I think dumping cash is the whole idea for the Pirates. I doubt they want anyone back.

 

I like Cervelli as a catcher, but his concussion history should be scary to any GM. The first rumor I saw was Sharwyn for Cervelli, which seems like a no-brained to me. But maybe it wasn’t done because of the multiple injuries to Cervelli’s noggin...

 

I would not sign Cervelli to a 1 year $11.5M contract, so why should we trade anyone for him without some salary relief?

[moonslav59]

dd Was quoted about our catchers. "Ideally, we would rather-- and not against any of the three, because we like them all-- it's hard to carry all three on the big-league club," Dombrowski said. "None of them have options left. But we're also not gonna just give them away to give them away. We'll see where that takes us."

 

Sounds like a trade is a certainty.

[Spudboy]

Wait - that can't be Larry - Houck, Feltman, Hernandez and Lakins are all guys currently in our depleted farm system. lol

The cheese clearly has slid off your cracker.

 

Hahahahahahahaha!11!!

 

That's some funny s*** Coach.

[Spudboy]

He is absolutely counting on them. He is counting on them bringing something back in return in a deal. There is a good chance none sniff the sox big league team

 

One could say this about most minor league players.

[Spudboy]

I don't believe Sox are as fickle as everyone thinks. Year after signing Vaz to a long term extension, it is hard for me to believe they've already given up on him.

 

Tell that to Bronson Arroyo.

[Spudboy]

I would think there would have to be some salary relief as part of any deal. I'm not sure Pitt wants to pay cash, and I doubt this deal would work:

 

Nunez ($5M), Swihart & PTBNL for Cervelli ($11.5M)

 

Then, maybe add a 2Bman rule 5 or roll the dice with Pedey, Holt, Lin and Hernandez.

 

(Nunez + Vaz would come close to evening out the money.)

 

Sounds like just spinning wheels to have something to do.

 

Any net gain in offense at catcher would be largely negated by the loss of a key utility player being replaced by an unknown.

 

Pass.

[moonslav59]

Sounds like just spinning wheels to have something to do.

 

Any net gain in offense at catcher would be largely negated by the loss of a key utility player being replaced by an unknown.

 

Pass.

 

That's one reason I thought the deal would be doubtful.

[Kimmi]

Per DD (we should always pay attention to what he says)

 

"That changes, because some of our conversations with our own internal players change, too. But we're cognizant of a couple of really important guys that we want to keep for the long-term that are going to be free agents within the next year or two. That is in the back of our mind."

 

Betts is one. Who is the other guy? Is it Sale or is it JD Martinez?

 

My guess would be that the other is Bogaerts.

[Kimmi]

Sounds like just spinning wheels to have something to do.

 

Any net gain in offense at catcher would be largely negated by the loss of a key utility player being replaced by an unknown.

 

Pass.

 

IMO, the only thing Dombrowski needs to do is strengthen the BP and add some minor league depth pieces. The position players, including catcher, are set, as is the rotation. Don't go messing with things just to make a change. We're good to go as is.

[cp176]

Hahahahahahahaha!11!!

 

That's some funny s*** Coach.

 

hey - what do you think that says about you? You are one of the few here who get my warped sense of humor!

 

we really should be drinking beer together someplace.

[Larry Cook]

I would think there would have to be some salary relief as part of any deal. I'm not sure Pitt wants to pay cash, and I doubt this deal would work:

 

Nunez ($5M), Swihart & PTBNL for Cervelli ($11.5M)

 

Then, maybe add a 2Bman rule 5 or roll the dice with Pedey, Holt, Lin and Hernandez.

 

(Nunez + Vaz would come close to evening out the money.)

 

Has there been any update in nunez’s Knee? Did he have surgery?

[moonslav59]

Has there been any update in nunez’s Knee? Did he have surgery?

 

I haven't heard anything.

[oldtimer]

I noticed an item on the MBB banner on sports center that indicates Beni is going to bat first next season with Betts hitting second. Did anyone hear the original source?

[kenmeister]

I noticed an item on the MBB banner on sports center that indicates Beni is going to bat first next season with Betts hitting second. Did anyone hear the original source?

 

I think Beni-Betts-Bogaerts-Martinez-Moreland/Pearce will be fantastic.

[Yaz Fan Since 67]

Tell that to Bronson Arroyo.

 

Man I was just thinking about that situation as the DC radio guys were discussing Bryce Harper and how there is no such thing as a home discount. I remember Arroyo doing just that and they rewarded him by trading him, remember how pissed he was about that but that's just professional sports.

[oldtimer]

Lots of talk at the winter meetings from both Cora and DD. One of my pet peeves last season was Devers weight at 239#. The talk from the sox is that they will get him a nutrionalist and trainer to do something to put him in better shape before he becomes a second coming of Panda. Love to see him at 219. Quicker and more durable. Still the talk of waiting until January to see if Pedey has t4ruly made progress. If not then what? Talk of being open to trading Porcello, JBJ, Bogie, Moreland and/or others but not driven by it. To save on payroll, it might make sense, but only if the team could be improved. I doubt they will do any of that. Then the talak about Beni hitting first and Betts second. In a 162 game season, presumably Betts would have been up with nobody on 162 times. Simple logic, but the point is you want your best hitter up with me on base. That discussion was held on the board ad nasweum last season.

 

Who knows what additional gems will come out as the meetings conclude?

[Bellhorn04]

Then the talk about Beni hitting first and Betts second. In a 162 game season, presumably Betts would have been up with nobody on 162 times. Simple logic, but the point is you want your best hitter up with men on base.

 

You also want your best hitter up as many times as possible, don't you? I sure do. That's the argument for having Betts up first. He's also a pretty damn good leadoff hitter who gets on base and has great speed and baserunning smarts. Also leadoff home runs are not such a bad thing, since teams that take a lead win a high percentage of the time.

 

All that said, the studies that show that the #2 slot gives the optimum combination of coming up with men on base and coming up as many times as possible.

[moonslav59]

I noticed an item on the MBB banner on sports center that indicates Beni is going to bat first next season with Betts hitting second. Did anyone hear the original source?

 

I like the idea of the best hitter batting second.

 

I'd like to see Bogey 3rd and JD 4th.

 

Devers can bat 5th or the 1B platoon.

[Nick]

I like the idea of the best hitter batting second.

 

I'd like to see Bogey 3rd and JD 4th.

 

Devers can bat 5th or the 1B platoon.

 

If Beni leads off, do we move off JBJ from 9th?

[Bellhorn04]

If Beni leads off, do we move off JBJ from 9th?

 

Why?

[notin]

Why?

 

To accommodate Vazquez and/or Leon, who should realistically own that spot in the order...

[moonslav59]

If Beni leads off, do we move off JBJ from 9th?

 

I don't like JBJ 9th regardless of who bat first. Vaz & Leon are worse hitters. I'd also have him ahead of Nunez or Holt and maybe a tired Moreland.

[Bellhorn04]

When it comes to the lineup, I'm in favor of whatever Cora's in favor of.

[Nick]

When it comes to the lineup, I'm in favor of whatever Cora's in favor of.

 

Right after Kimmi.