A Realistic View at 2019: Part I

[Oscars]

Smith? Weber?

Lin? At least he is a competent fielder

[moonslav59]

You guys give up on slumping players way too quickly.

 

If you were GMs, just about every player would have been DFA'd at some point in their careers.

[Jasonbay44]

The only guys I'd realistically consider DFA are Brewer and Thornburg.

 

Nunez provides flexibility and is needed with how injury prone Pedroia and Holt are. Pearce is a small sample size, I'd give him a little longer leash than 50 AB's.

[moonslav59]

The only guys I'd realistically consider DFA are Brewer and Thornburg.

 

Nunez provides flexibility and is needed with how injury prone Pedroia and Holt are. Pearce is a small sample size, I'd give him a little longer leash than 50 AB's.

 

I totally agree. With so many issues with injuries at 2B, and Chavis not yet proven, we need to keep all options on the table.

 

Last year, we had Pedey, Holt, Nunez and Lin, and we still went out and got Kinsler and even used Brandon Phillips in 9 games.

 

Keep 'em all. Nunez may still have a hot streak in him. Holt is a question mark. Pedey is just about on the last thread of his rope.

 

Chavis has looked good, but that could end, and he's not really a 2Bman.

[cp176]

I totally agree. With so many issues with injuries at 2B, and Chavis not yet proven, we need to keep all options on the table.

 

Last year, we had Pedey, Holt, Nunez and Lin, and we still went out and got Kinsler and even used Brandon Phillips in 9 games.

 

Keep 'em all. Nunez may still have a hot streak in him. Holt is a question mark. Pedey is just about on the last thread of his rope.

 

Chavis has looked good, but that could end, and he's not really a 2Bman.

 

Chavis may not have played second before and he may not be the ideal second baseman but make no mistake about it at this time he is a second baseman. He seems to be making the plays so far that he is expected to make. We got to ride this run he is on for sure. He may be out there for a long time.

[notin]

Chavis may not have played second before and he may not be the ideal second baseman but make no mistake about it at this time he is a second baseman. He seems to be making the plays so far that he is expected to make. We got to ride this run he is on for sure. He may be out there for a long time.

 

 

He’s been better than expected, but there could be an upheaval in the infield for 2020 that leaves his position to be determined. And apparently, in the case of Chavis, that includes the possibility of outfield.

 

In fact, I wouldn’t rule out outfield for him in 2019...

[oldtimer]

He’s been better than expected, but there could be an upheaval in the infield for 2020 that leaves his position to be determined. And apparently, in the case of Chavis, that includes the possibility of outfield.

 

In fact, I wouldn’t rule out outfield for him in 2019...

 

I expect Pearce, Pedroia, Nunez and Holt to be gone in 2020. Moreland may still have a role as he is the best fielder at 1st still and is a professional hitter. His durabilitiy is more the question. As you say, I expect major changes in the infield and utility positions next season. Throw in Center field being up in the air and we certainly can expect lots of changes.

[notin]

I expect Pearce, Pedroia, Nunez and Holt to be gone in 2020. Moreland may still have a role as he is the best fielder at 1st still and is a professional hitter. His durabilitiy is more the question. As you say, I expect major changes in the infield and utility positions next season. Throw in Center field being up in the air and we certainly can expect lots of changes.

 

 

Even Moreland might not be back. I expect a big focus on retaining Martinez and/or Betts next off-season and Moreland simply might not fit the budget...

[Bellhorn04]

I expect Pearce, Pedroia, Nunez and Holt to be gone in 2020. Moreland may still have a role as he is the best fielder at 1st still and is a professional hitter. His durabilitiy is more the question. As you say, I expect major changes in the infield and utility positions next season. Throw in Center field being up in the air and we certainly can expect lots of changes.

 

Pearce and Pedroia I would agree.

 

Nunez and Holt might be back if cheap. DD obviously likes them both and Cora seems to really like Nunez.

 

Moreland might be back too. Stranger things have happened.

 

In any case I think we'll be fine in all those spots.

[Bellhorn04]

Even Moreland might not be back. I expect a big focus on retaining Martinez and/or Betts next off-season and Moreland simply might not fit the budget...

 

As you have pointed out there's a strong chance JDM doesn't opt out after Year 2 anyway.

 

And Mookie seems determined not to sign an extension.

[moonslav59]

Chavis may not have played second before and he may not be the ideal second baseman but make no mistake about it at this time he is a second baseman. He seems to be making the plays so far that he is expected to make. We got to ride this run he is on for sure. He may be out there for a long time.

 

I agree. Chavis is the guy right now, and he probably will be all year, but there's a chance we may need Nunez, since Chavis may hit a wall and Holt and Pedey are so questionable, healthwise.

 

We aren't DFA'ing Pedey, and it will be very hard to have Chavis, Pedey, Holt and Nunez all on the 25 man roster at the same time, so I realize a choice may need to be made at some point. To me, Pedey is such a long shot to ever contribute again, and I realize he's under contract longer than Holt & Nunez, but cutting Nunez is a hard choice for me to agree with.

[moonslav59]

I expect Pearce, Pedroia, Nunez and Holt to be gone in 2020. Moreland may still have a role as he is the best fielder at 1st still and is a professional hitter. His durabilitiy is more the question. As you say, I expect major changes in the infield and utility positions next season. Throw in Center field being up in the air and we certainly can expect lots of changes.

 

The weird thing is, Moreland has been basically a platoon 1Bman, since joining us, and while he has the "long" platoon, he should not be getting tired or breaking down physically every August.

[moonslav59]

Pearce and Pedroia I would agree.

 

Nunez and Holt might be back if cheap. DD obviously likes them both and Cora seems to really like Nunez.

 

Moreland might be back too. Stranger things have happened.

 

In any case I think we'll be fine in all those spots.

 

Cora certainly favored Nunez over Holt last year, even at 2nd base, where Holt is the better defender.

 

We might try to re-sign one of them, and I'd prefer Holt, assuming good health, due to his ability to play OF without being a liability out there.

 

Nunez is the better 3Bman, but with Chavis and Dalbec on the rise, we may use them instead.

[mvp 78]

Cora certainly favored Nunez over Holt last year, even at 2nd base, where Holt is the better defender.

 

We might try to re-sign one of them, and I'd prefer Holt, assuming good health, due to his ability to play OF without being a liability out there.

 

Nunez is the better 3Bman, but with Chavis and Dalbec on the rise, we may use them instead.

 

Nunez has a positive dWAR in all OF positions though? Holt has a negative dWAR in CF and LF.

[jacksonianmarch]

I agree. Chavis is the guy right now, and he probably will be all year, but there's a chance we may need Nunez, since Chavis may hit a wall and Holt and Pedey are so questionable, healthwise.

 

We aren't DFA'ing Pedey, and it will be very hard to have Chavis, Pedey, Holt and Nunez all on the 25 man roster at the same time, so I realize a choice may need to be made at some point. To me, Pedey is such a long shot to ever contribute again, and I realize he's under contract longer than Holt & Nunez, but cutting Nunez is a hard choice for me to agree with.

 

Calling him a second baseman is an affront to second basemen past and present. He is playing there because there’s no other place to put him and his offense warrants a spot in the lineup. Once the league adjusts to him and his huge swing, and once the cavalry returns, my guess is you’ll see him slot in as a stalwart vs lefty pitching and a PHer or random 2b/3b/1b for rest purposes. His presence makes the Steve Pearce singing look rather stupid in retrospect and his presence may cost Pearce a spot

 

For 2020, it’s very simple. Chavis, right now, will be your starting 1b on opening day 2020. You can save the $13 mil and reinvest it elsewhere.

[mvp 78]

Calling him a second baseman is an affront to second basemen past and present. He is playing there because there’s no other place to put him and his offense warrants a spot in the lineup. Once the league adjusts to him and his huge swing, and once the cavalry returns, my guess is you’ll see him slot in as a stalwart vs lefty pitching and a PHer or random 2b/3b/1b for rest purposes. His presence makes the Steve Pearce singing look rather stupid in retrospect and his presence may cost Pearce a spot

 

For 2020, it’s very simple. Chavis, right now, will be your starting 1b on opening day 2020. You can save the $13 mil and reinvest it elsewhere.

 

Pearce was re-signed for his October heroics only. However, it would have been foolish to believe that Chavis would be 100% able to make the opening day roster when he never is able to go a full year on a roster.

[notin]

I expect Pearce, Pedroia, Nunez and Holt to be gone in 2020. Moreland may still have a role as he is the best fielder at 1st still and is a professional hitter. His durabilitiy is more the question. As you say, I expect major changes in the infield and utility positions next season. Throw in Center field being up in the air and we certainly can expect lots of changes.

 

 

Pedroia isn’t going anywhere. He may not play a single game in 2020, but he will most definitely be a member of the Red Sox..,

[mvp 78]

Pedroia isn’t going anywhere. He may not play a single game in 2020, but he will most definitely be a member of the Red Sox..,

 

How are they going to Johnny Pesky him?

[Bellhorn04]

Pearce was re-signed for his October heroics only.

 

I don't think so. That would be a crazy way to operate. Would also have signed Joe Kelly if that was SOP.

[mvp 78]

I don't think so. That would be a crazy way to operate. Would also have signed Joe Kelly if that was SOP.

 

Joe Kelly got a new truck in the WS?

[mvp 78]

The two biggest WS heroes (Eov and Pearce) were re-signed.

[mvp 78]

Also, this is the team that signed Pablo for his WS heroics and marketability. How much are those panda hats going for on Ebay now?

[notin]

How are they going to Johnny Pesky him?

 

 

Unless he voluntarily retires, he’s under contract and counts against the luxury tax.

 

He’s not going to give up $20mill so the Sox can give it to someone else. MLB contracts benefit the players in cases like this. He probably also refuses to give up and thinks he can still play, regardless of his knee.

 

 

And all these “buy him out” or “ make him a coach and pay him the same” suggestions are all violations of the CBA.

 

So unless Pedroia is willing to walk away from $20mill, he’s going to be a member of this team with a lot of IL time. Worst case is he gets released and becomes the newest non-roster Sandoval...

[jacksonianmarch]

Pearce was re-signed for his October heroics only. However, it would have been foolish to believe that Chavis would be 100% able to make the opening day roster when he never is able to go a full year on a roster.

 

Which is why I said “in retrospect”.

[jacksonianmarch]

Pedroia isn’t going anywhere. He may not play a single game in 2020, but he will most definitely be a member of the Red Sox..,

 

 

If he is physically unable to play, they will likely DFA him and have him be a special instructor of sorts

[mvp 78]

Unless he voluntarily retires, he’s under contract and counts against the luxury tax.

 

He’s not going to give up $20mill so the Sox can give it to someone else. MLB contracts benefit the players in cases like this. He probably also refuses to give up and thinks he can still play, regardless of his knee.

 

 

And all these “buy him out” or “ make him a coach and pay him the same” suggestions are all violations of the CBA.

 

So unless Pedroia is willing to walk away from $20mill, he’s going to be a member of this team with a lot of IL time. Worst case is he gets released and becomes the newest non-roster Sandoval...

 

Everything that Sox fans love about Pedroia (lunch pail, dirt dog, gamer, etc.) are all the reasons that he's a bad penny that you can't get rid of now.

 

IN RETROSPECT, I'm glad you all agree that we should have traded him back when I first said to.

[notin]

If he is physically unable to play, they will likely DFA him and have him be a special instructor of sorts

 

They might DFA him or just leave him on IL. Bottom line is he is going to count towards the CBA. And unless he voluntarily retires, there is no way around it...

[Slasher9]

unless he voluntarily retires, ..

 

there are $28MM reasons this will never ever happen.

 

MVP was correct 3 years ago.

[notin]

there are $28MM reasons this will never ever happen.

 

MVP was correct 3 years ago.

 

 

I agree and have said so multiple times. But there has always been that continue that thinks he can be rehired as a coach/instruct/mascot for the same money and circumvent the CBA, despite the CBA specifically prohibiting this...

[Maxbialystock]

Calling him a second baseman is an affront to second basemen past and present. He is playing there because there’s no other place to put him and his offense warrants a spot in the lineup. Once the league adjusts to him and his huge swing, and once the cavalry returns, my guess is you’ll see him slot in as a stalwart vs lefty pitching and a PHer or random 2b/3b/1b for rest purposes. His presence makes the Steve Pearce singing look rather stupid in retrospect and his presence may cost Pearce a spot

 

For 2020, it’s very simple. Chavis, right now, will be your starting 1b on opening day 2020. You can save the $13 mil and reinvest it elsewhere.

 

Right now Chavis is a better defensive 2d baseman than Nunez, who cannot go back for popups with any degree of confidence. So far, I don't think his range is a plus and do agree his GIDP throws to 1b need work, but he is usable at 2b and his bat has helped a ton. Chavis at 1b allows Devers to stay at 3b and Moreland/Pearce at 1b.

 

You could be right about Chavis cooling off, but right now he is huge.

 

And there ain't no cavalry this year. Certainly not Nunez or Pedey. Maybe Holt with the lefty bat, but he doesn't normally play every day.