2019 Spring Training Thread

[kenmeister]

Minor league deal. He’ll be a free agent again next off-season...

 

Nice 👍

[Bellhorn04]

Any word on how Pedroia looked today in his "full" workout?

 

Reports are that the workout went well and he might play Friday.

[moonslav59]

Reports are that the workout went well and he might play Friday.

 

I'm wondering why it took so long for this "workout" to occur.

 

Was he still rehabbing his injury? Are they just trying to minimize the chances of an early aggravation of the injury?

[oldtimer]

JBJ's defense is going to be what it is...outstanding...regardless of how he does offensively. Being one of his biggest home boys I have mixed emotions about what I want him to do in 2019.

On the one hand I'd like to see him hit .275+ with 30 HR's and I don't think that's outside his ceiling. OTOH if he starts to hit like that we may not be able to keep him when he hits FA, and if we can't keep him we lose his defense.

 

I agree. We may have to lose Bogaerts or JBJ but hopefully not both. Being able to bring along a few minor league pieces will help that situation. I am really wondering if this is the year JBJ's efforts to improve his offense really pays off.

[kenmeister]

I agree. We may have to lose Bogaerts or JBJ but hopefully not both. Being able to bring along a few minor league pieces will help that situation. I am really wondering if this is the year JBJ's efforts to improve his offense really pays off.

 

I'm expecting to lose both. On the bright side, Benitendi or Betts can move into center field, and maybe my personal favorite Bryce Bentz can take an outfield corner. His last name still starts with 'B' so he qualifies right? I think losing Bogaerts will hurt more; obviously we can fill the position (Lin, Iglesias) but the drop in offense will be noticeable. I'm also expecting to lose Sale.

 

But hey, let's enjoy 2019 and not worry about 2020 yet. We're going to be awesome this year. Since the Yankees will be better, the Sox will have to maintain a high level all season and thus will break 110 wins :)

[FredLynn]

Not sure if this belongs in this thread, but it is about ST. Seems the Yankees have a new problem:

 

Luis Severino scratched from spring debut

WWW.MLB.COM

---

TAMPA, Fla. -- Luis Severino is "highly unlikely" to be ready for Opening Day, according to manager Aaron Boone, who said the Yankees' ace will not be permitted to throw for at least two weeks due to right shoulder inflammation. Severino was scheduled to make his spring debut on Tuesday,

[cp176]

Not sure if this belongs in this thread, but it is about ST. Seems the Yankees have a new problem:

 

Luis Severino scratched from spring debut

WWW.MLB.COM

---

TAMPA, Fla. -- Luis Severino is "highly unlikely" to be ready for Opening Day, according to manager Aaron Boone, who said the Yankees' ace will not be permitted to throw for at least two weeks due to right shoulder inflammation. Severino was scheduled to make his spring debut on Tuesday,

 

just saw this - can you believe that the Yankmees might have some problems of their own. Is that even possible?

[Kimmi]

Not sure if this belongs in this thread, but it is about ST. Seems the Yankees have a new problem:

 

Luis Severino scratched from spring debut

WWW.MLB.COM

---

TAMPA, Fla. -- Luis Severino is "highly unlikely" to be ready for Opening Day, according to manager Aaron Boone, who said the Yankees' ace will not be permitted to throw for at least two weeks due to right shoulder inflammation. Severino was scheduled to make his spring debut on Tuesday,

 

Dallas Keuchel is trying on his pinstripes as I type...

[Maxbialystock]

I agree. We may have to lose Bogaerts or JBJ but hopefully not both. Being able to bring along a few minor league pieces will help that situation. I am really wondering if this is the year JBJ's efforts to improve his offense really pays off.

 

His DWAR last year was 10th best.

[S5Dewey]

His DWAR last year was 10th best.

 

...which only affirms my skepticism of WAR.

[Slasher9]

His DWAR last year was 10th best.

 

oh Max. leave the ALCS MVP alone.

[Larry Cook]

Been watching dalbec all spring thus far. When he comes to bat with no one on base, his swing gets long, arms get extended and his game plan is to go all out for the tater. Net result usually being every now and then a walk or More commonly, the dreaded strike out.

 

But put a man on base though, and his approach changes. The swing shortens he zeroes in on whatever it takes to get the rbi.

 

kind of interesting to watch.

[notin]

His DWAR last year was 10th best.

 

 

Where was this?

 

Baseball-Reference doesn’t have him in the top ten, but it’s also not broken down by position. Fangraphs has him second among CF (behind Cain) for the defensive component of fWAR...

[Bellhorn04]

...which only affirms my skepticism of WAR.

 

Some skepticism of the fluctuations in defensive numbers is fair, but...

 

WAR is a friend to a player like JBJ in a big way.

[kenmeister]

My boy Lin had a big game yesterday. I hope he makes the team.

[notin]

My boy Lin had a big game yesterday. I hope he makes the team.

 

I think he might need an injury or two to make the opening day roster.

 

He will certainly be with the team at some point this year. But the Sox already have two utility infielders with guaranteed contracts and no options...

[mvp 78]

I think he might need an injury or two to make the opening day roster.

 

He will certainly be with the team at some point this year. But the Sox already have two utility infielders with guaranteed contracts and no options...

 

Agreed.

[kenmeister]

I think he might need an injury or two to make the opening day roster.

 

He will certainly be with the team at some point this year. But the Sox already have two utility infielders with guaranteed contracts and no options...

 

Good point. They should trade Nunez to make room for Lin if his spring continues to be this good.

[mvp 78]

Pedey debuting on Thursday.

[mvp 78]

Good point. They should trade Nunez to make room for Lin if his spring continues to be this good.

 

Pedro Ciriaco says hello.

[notin]

Good point. They should trade Nunez to make room for Lin if his spring continues to be this good.

 

 

For most players, spring training isn’t a tryout. The players under contract know they have spots and aren’t so worried about performance. Their goals are 1) shake off the rust and 2) don’t get hurt.

 

The marginal and young players like Lin and Chavis do seem to like using these games as a tryout and an opportunity to make an impression, but sometimes there just isn’t room.

 

The Sox will very likely NOT trade Nunez and keep both players available...

[cp176]

For most players, spring training isn’t a tryout. The players under contract know they have spots and aren’t so worried about performance. Their goals are 1) shake off the rust and 2) don’t get hurt.

 

The marginal and young players like Lin and Chavis do seem to like using these games as a tryout and an opportunity to make an impression, but sometimes there just isn’t room.

 

The Sox will very likely NOT trade Nunez and keep both players available...

 

It's a good post. It does tell me when I see a player like Lin if the improvement is believable and continues that maybe he does have a chance.

[notin]

It's a good post. It does tell me when I see a player like Lin if the improvement is believable and continues that maybe he does have a chance.

 

 

He’s versatile and on the 40-man roster. He’ll play in Boston at some point this year.

 

2019 is his last option year, and with Nunez likely departing and possibly Holt, too, his shot st the 25 man roster for opening day 2020 is very legitimate...

[Nick]

He’s versatile and on the 40-man roster. He’ll play in Boston at some point this year.

 

2019 is his last option year, and with Nunez likely departing and possibly Holt, too, his shot st the 25 man roster for opening day 2020 is very legitimate...

 

100% correct.

 

He's shown more than capable on defensive side and his offense is improving. He also runs well.

 

He'll be good utility player for us in 2020. This is contract year for both Nunez and Holt. He provides us with cheap alternative.

 

My guess is he's first up if Pedey goes back on DL.

[notin]

100% correct.

 

He's shown more than capable on defensive side and his offense is improving. He also runs well.

 

He'll be good utility player for us in 2020. This is contract year for both Nunez and Holt. He provides us with cheap alternative.

 

My guess is he's first up if Pedey goes back on DL.

 

Not if they don’t trade a catcher.

 

The Sox already have 26 players on the roster and would have to demote someone if they don’t make a move (assuming Pedroia is healthy). The only player with options are in the bullpen along eith Benintendi and Devers. They shouldn’t cut back on a weak pen and demoting Benintendi or Devers to keep Swihart would be stupid.

 

So if everyone is healthy (a big if), the four man bench would include Leon, Swihart, Pearce, Holt and Nunez. That’s already too many. Even putting Pedroia on the IL doesn’t create room for Lin.

 

And if Pedroia is on the IL, the Sox have a weird bench with Leon, Swihart, and Pearce backing up catcher and first and Holt backing up everywhere else...

[kenmeister]

Not if they don’t trade a catcher.

 

The Sox already have 26 players on the roster and would have to demote someone if they don’t make a move (assuming Pedroia is healthy). The only player with options are in the bullpen along eith Benintendi and Devers. They shouldn’t cut back on a weak pen and demoting Benintendi or Devers to keep Swihart would be stupid.

 

So if everyone is healthy (a big if), the four man bench would include Leon, Swihart, Pearce, Holt and Nunez. That’s already too many. Even putting Pedroia on the IL doesn’t create room for Lin.

 

And if Pedroia is on the IL, the Sox have a weird bench with Leon, Swihart, and Pearce backing up catcher and first and Holt backing up everywhere else...

 

I think the Sox have some "dead weight" in Swihart, Nunez, Thornburg, and Hembree. I'd like to see them moved so that young talent like Lin and Poyner can come up.

[moonslav59]

I think the Sox have some "dead weight" in Swihart, Nunez, Thornburg, and Hembree. I'd like to see them moved so that young talent like Lin and Poyner can come up.

 

Nunez played hurt all year. He may be habbled again this year, but he's better than he played in 2018.

 

If we could trade him and free up $3-5M, I'd do it. I like Lin and am optimistic on Pedey. Plus, we have Chavis and Dalbec for corner IF depth.

[moonslav59]

I think the Sox have some "dead weight" in Swihart, Nunez, Thornburg, and Hembree. I'd like to see them moved so that young talent like Lin and Poyner can come up.

 

Hembree is not great, but out pen is a question mark. I'd hold all our pen pieces in hopes that 6-7 work out.

 

I would like to get rid of at least one out-of-options player (Swihart, Hembree, Johnson), if we can get a nice return.

[notin]

I think the Sox have some "dead weight" in Swihart, Nunez, Thornburg, and Hembree. I'd like to see them moved so that young talent like Lin and Poyner can come up.

 

 

I don’t think Nunez is “deadweight” compared to Lin. He did have an .832 OPS after the Sox acquired him. Last year he did struggle but was hampered by injuries.

 

Also depleting the Sox bullpen depth - already questionable - to accommodate a situational lefty might not be the best move.

 

The kids will get their time this year. There’s no reason to not keep everyone possible and have some depth...

[FredLynn]

Not if they don’t trade a catcher.

 

The Sox already have 26 players on the roster and would have to demote someone if they don’t make a move (assuming Pedroia is healthy). The only player with options are in the bullpen along eith Benintendi and Devers. They shouldn’t cut back on a weak pen and demoting Benintendi or Devers to keep Swihart would be stupid.

 

So if everyone is healthy (a big if), the four man bench would include Leon, Swihart, Pearce, Holt and Nunez. That’s already too many. Even putting Pedroia on the IL doesn’t create room for Lin.

 

And if Pedroia is on the IL, the Sox have a weird bench with Leon, Swihart, and Pearce backing up catcher and first and Holt backing up everywhere else...

 

DD has already said that he doesn't plan to carry three catchers. I think that Swihart is going to DFA'd. They are likely waiting a bit to do it because doing it a week after his brother died would be heartless.