Francisco Cervelli

[moonslav59]

I don't think or at least hope that people aren't saying that either one of our catchers is horrible - they just aren't going to give us much offense. With Vazquez improving as the year went along, I think that together they did an excellent job at what they are paid to do which is catch not hit. You never know what will happen out there but I would think that actively looking to upgrade the catching position is a low priority. Maybe once he gets the bullpen stuff ironed out DD will get bored and go to work looking to upgrade there as well.

 

I do think Vaz could hit like 2017 again, but more likely he might hit .683, which is 150 points higher than our catcher OPS this year! Hell, .633 is a 100 point upgrade!

[cp176]

I do think Vaz could hit like 2017 again, but more likely he might hit .683, which is 150 points higher than our catcher OPS this year! Hell, .633 is a 100 point upgrade!

 

The way this team is constructed I don't think that it matters much if either of these guys help a great deal offensively. They are solid, tough catchers who sort of seem like they have learned to share a position. I like both for what they give us behind the plate and I get all excited when they actually do something on the other end. I think that it is safe to say that everyone who posts here realizes and understands that to have a good defensive catcher in all respects is extremely valuable. We are pretty fortunate that we have two. What is even better - they both look like catchers too!

[moonslav59]

The way this team is constructed I don't think that it matters much if either of these guys help a great deal offensively. They are solid, tough catchers who sort of seem like they have learned to share a position. I like both for what they give us behind the plate and I get all excited when they actually do something on the other end. I think that it is safe to say that everyone who posts here realizes and understands that to have a good defensive catcher in all respects is extremely valuable. We are pretty fortunate that we have two. What is even better - they both look like catchers too!

 

I totally agree, but the talk here is about how we may take up some slack, if we don't replace Kimbrel & Kelly in kind.

 

Instead of trading for a better hitting catcher, we could just hope Vaz does 100-150 points better, Pearce's full year vs less this year and maybe something from Pedey or an uptick from Nunez.

[cp176]

I totally agree, but the talk here is about how we may take up some slack, if we don't replace Kimbrel & Kelly in kind.

 

Instead of trading for a better hitting catcher, we could just hope Vaz does 100-150 points better, Pearce's full year vs less this year and maybe something from Pedey or an uptick from Nunez.

 

I know what you are saying what I don't much sense in is anyone assuming that you can replace two relief pitches by strengthening the catching position offensively. I guess I am resolved to the fact that Kimbrel is likely gone as for Kelly - I don't know and that doesn't concern. I don't think that DD is going to go into this season without a clear plan for who is at least likely to be our closer though. I expect that the dealing isn't done.

[Bellhorn04]

I know what you are saying what I don't much sense in is anyone assuming that you can replace two relief pitches by strengthening the catching position offensively. I guess I am resolved to the fact that Kimbrel is likely gone as for Kelly - I don't know and that doesn't concern. I don't think that DD is going to go into this season without a clear plan for who is at least likely to be our closer though. I expect that the dealing isn't done.

 

You got to know when to hold 'em

Know when to fold 'em...

 

[notin]

I totally agree, but the talk here is about how we may take up some slack, if we don't replace Kimbrel & Kelly in kind.

 

Instead of trading for a better hitting catcher, we could just hope Vaz does 100-150 points better, Pearce's full year vs less this year and maybe something from Pedey or an uptick from Nunez.

 

Or the Sox could just hope for much better seasons from Barnes and Brasier. Is that really best plan?

[Bellhorn04]

Or the Sox could just hope for much better seasons from Barnes and Brasier. Is that really best plan?

 

You and me both know DD is not waving bye-bye to Kimbrel and Kelly and doing nothing about replacing them.

[notin]

But

You and me both know DD is not waving bye-bye to Kimbrel and Kelly and doing nothing about replacing them.

 

I agree.

 

But depending on how much he has to spend to do so, this could be a difficult task...

[Bellhorn04]

But

 

I agree.

 

But depending on how much he has to spend to do so, this could be a difficult task...

 

Honestly I don't think we should be sweating it. If they were pinching, they probably wouldn't have signed Pearce.

[moonslav59]

Honestly I don't think we should be sweating it. If they were pinching, they probably wouldn't have signed Pearce.

 

One year deals are easy, when the reset is obviously not going to be next year.

 

The sweating starts after 2019 and 2020 and 2021.

[Bellhorn04]

One year deals are easy, when the reset is obviously not going to be next year.

 

The sweating starts after 2019 and 2020 and 2021.

 

We were talking about how much money is left for the bullpen this year though.

[oldtimer]

You and me both know DD is not waving bye-bye to Kimbrel and Kelly and doing nothing about replacing them.

 

I think he is interest in Ottavito (sp). We might also get a little help from Feltman.

[cp176]

You got to know when to hold 'em

Know when to fold 'em...

 

 

lol

[Kimmi]

Vazquez caught more during the playoffs, no? Cora will not DIE with Leon regardless of what the pitchers think. You don't let the players run the team. If Vazquez is so horrible, what does it say about baseball operations people that extended his contract?

 

Vazquez earned back Cora's favor late in the season and into the playoffs. Vaz is currently Cora's #1 guy behind the plate.

[Kimmi]

You and me both know DD is not waving bye-bye to Kimbrel and Kelly and doing nothing about replacing them.

 

Correct. Despite what Dombrowski says, he is not going into the season letting Barnes and Brasier battle it out.

[kenmeister]

Correct. Despite what Dombrowski says, he is not going into the season letting Barnes and Brasier battle it out.

 

I think Kelly comes back, and the three of them compete for the closer’s role in spring training.

[cp176]

I think Kelly comes back, and the three of them compete for the closer’s role in spring training.

 

I think that kelly is apt to be back as well. As for the closer's position, I don't know about that one.

[Bellhorn04]

Herrera and Kelly maybe? Place your bets.

[cp176]

Herrera and Kelly maybe? Place your bets.

 

hmmm - I might like that

[notin]

Herrera and Kelly maybe? Place your bets.

 

Kelly? Yes. Herrera? I have my doubts...

[moonslav59]

I'm thinking Ottavino or Familia.

 

I could see us going Kelly & Cody Allen.

[Bellhorn04]

Kelly? Yes. Herrera? I have my doubts...

 

Thinking he might be a little cheaper because of the Lisfranc issue.

[notin]

Thinking he might be a little cheaper because of the Lisfranc issue.

 

Also might not be as effective for the same reason...

[Bellhorn04]

Also might not be as effective for the same reason...

 

Yes indeed.

 

Obviously so much depends on how much more they're willing to spend.

[notin]

Yes indeed.

 

Obviously so much depends on how much more they're willing to spend.

 

There might be a need to resort to trading...

[dgalehouse]

I'm thinking Ottavino or Familia.

 

I could see us going Kelly & Cody Allen.

 

Assuming Kimbrel leaves , my choice would be Britton with Familia next . Cody Allen is coming off a bad year . He is the same age as Kimbrel , with a career ERA a full run higher . In fact , he has never had an ERA in any year as good as Kimbrel's career ERA . He would be a clear downgrade in an important position. Not the way to go.

[Nick]

One year deals are easy, when the reset is obviously not going to be next year.

 

The sweating starts after 2019 and 2020 and 2021.

 

No issues for 2019 but big problems on the horizon after 2019.

 

Xander, Sale, Porcello and JD Martinez will require long term contracts. That will hinder 're-set' for 2020 and still maintain room for Betts and JBJ. It definitely will be the proverbial threading the needle to keep the band together.

[moonslav59]

Assuming Kimbrel leaves , my choice would be Britton with Familia next . Cody Allen is coming off a bad year . He is the same age as Kimbrel , with a career ERA a full run higher . In fact , he has never had an ERA in any year as good as Kimbrel's career ERA . He would be a clear downgrade in an important position. Not the way to go.

 

I mentioned Allen, because he'll be much cheaper than Kimbrel. I never meant to imply he's nearly as good. I also said Allen and Kelly as compared to just one like Familia or Ottavino.

[Fisk]

I mentioned Allen, because he'll be much cheaper than Kimbrel. I never meant to imply he's nearly as good. I also said Allen and Kelly as compared to just one like Familia or Ottavino.

 

I would stay away from Allen, he had a terrible year. Feel more confident with the guys in our bullpen right now.

[Bellhorn04]

I mentioned Allen, because he'll be much cheaper than Kimbrel. I never meant to imply he's nearly as good. I also said Allen and Kelly as compared to just one like Familia or Ottavino.

 

I would agree that Allen is a possibility, presumably a bit cheaper and a bounce-back candidate.