Devers

[oldtimer]

The Sox do have an abundance of young, cheap corner infielders either in or on the cusp of MLB in Devers, Chavis and Dalbec. They only need two.

 

Devers isn’t likely going anywhere, which means either Chavis or Dalbec should be available. Chavis is the hitter with weak defensive skills. Dalbec is the better defender but is likely to turn into the second coming of Russ Branyan at the plate.

 

Of the two, I prefer moving Dalbec. While he’s most capable of the three to handle third base, it’s not like he’s Brooks Robinson over there. I think the Sox can take the chance that Devers will improve. Dalbec also doesn’t have Chavis’ steroid stigma. And his RHH power plays into the needs of several teams...

 

One advantage of bringing Devers up last year was that he learned he had to be in better shape and from what Cora has said, he has done just that. I would expect that will help his agility and also help him avoid injuries. I'm waiting to see the roster posting for him but I suspect the 237 of last year will be 220 or lower this year. This kid could show the most improvement of any of the Sox in 2019.

 

As far as young players getting to the Sox next year or earlier, I see Chavis and Dalbec as possibly competing for 2 spots even if Devers sticks at 3rd. Ist is clearly going to be a place where substantial money will be saved with one of these guys taking over, but don't forget 2nd base which also may open depending on Pedroias season. They talk about Chavis as a possibility at 2nd. Also Casas is a top Prospect and may show his potential with a good a good year in the minors.

[notin]

If Chavis struggles at 3rd base, the more challenging 2b is a pipe dream. That’s such a Jim Hendry thing to do - just get 8 hitters and sort out the defense later. I know it would be great for Boston if everyone panned out, but an infield with Devers and Chavis on the right side might hit and hit well, but they will also give all the runs back.

 

Middle infield is definitely a concern for the Sox if Pedroia doesn’t pan out. Beyond Lin and Chatham, there isn’t much in the system above A ball. (Defensive whiz Jeremy Rivera might have an MLB future, but not as a starter.). But I don’t think the solution involves forcing together the puzzle pieces we have...

[jacksonianmarch]

One advantage of bringing Devers up last year was that he learned he had to be in better shape and from what Cora has said, he has done just that. I would expect that will help his agility and also help him avoid injuries. I'm waiting to see the roster posting for him but I suspect the 237 of last year will be 220 or lower this year. This kid could show the most improvement of any of the Sox in 2019.

 

As far as young players getting to the Sox next year or earlier, I see Chavis and Dalbec as possibly competing for 2 spots even if Devers sticks at 3rd. Ist is clearly going to be a place where substantial money will be saved with one of these guys taking over, but don't forget 2nd base which also may open depending on Pedroias season. They talk about Chavis as a possibility at 2nd. Also Casas is a top Prospect and may show his potential with a good a good year in the minors.

 

Casas is 3 years away. Figure Low A this year. A+-AA next year. AAA to maybe late season debut in 2021.

[notin]

Casas is 3 years away. Figure Low A this year. A+-AA next year. AAA to maybe late season debut in 2021.

 

And that’s assuming he doesn’t suck...

[jacksonianmarch]

People on here seem to think I am doubting Devers, which I am not. I saw all I needed to see of his bat in the post season and in that HR he hit off Chapman. The kid's bat is special. His bat speed is really good. He can go oppo, which is rare for lefty hitters these days. He has the tools to be a special hitter. I honestly think he is a 1b long term. I also think his bat can carry the position. His ceiling is a .900+OPS high AVG, high HR kid with okay enough OBP. If you throw that at 1b and he can pick it at the position, then you take it.

[moonslav59]

The Sox do have an abundance of young, cheap corner infielders either in or on the cusp of MLB in Devers, Chavis and Dalbec. They only need two.

 

Devers isn’t likely going anywhere, which means either Chavis or Dalbec should be available. Chavis is the hitter with weak defensive skills. Dalbec is the better defender but is likely to turn into the second coming of Russ Branyan at the plate.

 

Of the two, I prefer moving Dalbec. While he’s most capable of the three to handle third base, it’s not like he’s Brooks Robinson over there. I think the Sox can take the chance that Devers will improve. Dalbec also doesn’t have Chavis’ steroid stigma. And his RHH power plays into the needs of several teams...

 

We could probably use a cheap DH, if JD bolts, so keeping all 3 has some merit.

[moonslav59]

People on here seem to think I am doubting Devers, which I am not. I saw all I needed to see of his bat in the post season and in that HR he hit off Chapman. The kid's bat is special. His bat speed is really good. He can go oppo, which is rare for lefty hitters these days. He has the tools to be a special hitter. I honestly think he is a 1b long term. I also think his bat can carry the position. His ceiling is a .900+OPS high AVG, high HR kid with okay enough OBP. If you throw that at 1b and he can pick it at the position, then you take it.

 

I don't disagree, but I think he gets one more year at 3B to show continued improvement.

 

BTW, I know you have been critical of Andujar's defense, too, buts you seem to focus on Devers more, although I don't see what you post on Yankee sites.

[TylerD]

And actually his defense looks better to me this year than in the past.

This is how I see it. He is still very young and growing. I think he will evolve into a fantastic player. I don't agree with giving up on a player or going to someone else after one year. Devers has made some great defensive plays for us (Unfortunately he has made some bad ones too) and he can hit the ball extremely well. With the off season and spring training hopefully we see a more improved Devers this season though.

[TylerD]

What the heck.

 

Bring Varitek back!

 

Hmmmm, he might have to drop a pound or two lol.

[BillyWilliams]

I don't disagree, but I think he gets one more year at 3B to show continued improvement.

 

BTW, I know you have been critical of Andujar's defense, too, buts you seem to focus on Devers more, although I don't see what you post on Yankee sites.

 

While Andujar's defense certainly left something to be desired I feel his body type may make it easier for him to remain at 3rd rather than devers.

 

One thing's for sure, both of these kids can hit. Hopefully they both stick at 3rd so we can have the debate on who is better for years to come.

[BillyWilliams]

Red Sox: Bobby Dalbec, 3B

The power-hitting third baseman is in big league camp for the first time, taking aim at the replica Green Monster at JetBlue Park. Dalbec has the best raw power in Boston's farm system, and his batting practice sessions are a must-see event for fans roaming the back fields. But Dalbec isn't just about offense; he was a much-improved defender at the hot corner last season, displaying a quick first step and a strong arm. Look for Dalbec to start 2019 at Double-A and likely finish it at Triple-A. A September callup isn't out of the question. -- Ian Browne

[mvp 78]

Red Sox: Bobby Dalbec, 3B

The power-hitting third baseman is in big league camp for the first time, taking aim at the replica Green Monster at JetBlue Park. Dalbec has the best raw power in Boston's farm system, and his batting practice sessions are a must-see event for fans roaming the back fields. But Dalbec isn't just about offense; he was a much-improved defender at the hot corner last season, displaying a quick first step and a strong arm. Look for Dalbec to start 2019 at Double-A and likely finish it at Triple-A. A September callup isn't out of the question. -- Ian Browne

 

If Devers is moved to 1b, it's because they are keeping Dalbec around.

 

Casas is a 3b prospect in name only. I think he's a future 1b/LF guy.

[notin]

If Devers is moved to 1b, it's because they are keeping Dalbec around.

 

Casas is a 3b prospect in name only. I think he's a future 1b/LF guy.

 

Howlett and Northcut are more likely to play third than Casas. But none of this will matter until 2022 or 2023...

[SCM33]

Red Sox: Bobby Dalbec, 3B

The power-hitting third baseman is in big league camp for the first time, taking aim at the replica Green Monster at JetBlue Park. Dalbec has the best raw power in Boston's farm system, and his batting practice sessions are a must-see event for fans roaming the back fields. But Dalbec isn't just about offense; he was a much-improved defender at the hot corner last season, displaying a quick first step and a strong arm. Look for Dalbec to start 2019 at Double-A and likely finish it at Triple-A. A September callup isn't out of the question. -- Ian Browne

 

If Devers is moved to 1b, it's because they are keeping Dalbec around.

 

Casas is a 3b prospect in name only. I think he's a future 1b/LF guy.

 

As much as I have read, the Sox don't have a farm system. No reason to project Devers out that far. FWIW, if Devers goes anywhere, its DH. A s***** 3B'man doesnt make a good 1B'man. See Bobby Bonilla, Jim Thome, Mark McGwire for examples.

[jacksonianmarch]

I don't disagree, but I think he gets one more year at 3B to show continued improvement.

 

BTW, I know you have been critical of Andujar's defense, too, buts you seem to focus on Devers more, although I don't see what you post on Yankee sites.

 

Two reasons.

 

1. Andujar is more athletic than Devers and has a better arm. Devers issue is range. Andujar’s issue is timing. Andujar’s errors are almost always on throws or decisions. His errors are almost always when he has time. I think that’s due to his age more than anything else. If Andujar can sharpen up his decisions and not overthink when he has time, he will be a good defender

 

2. We have LeMahieu. If Andujar cannot improves and stays a true minus defender, we’ve got a defensive replacement who can hit on the roster already

[Larry Cook]

I like devers swing this spring. Shortened a bit and on the ball,

 

He has a legit chance at hitting .250 with 30 taters.

[moonslav59]

Two reasons.

 

1. Andujar is more athletic than Devers and has a better arm. Devers issue is range. Andujar’s issue is timing. Andujar’s errors are almost always on throws or decisions. His errors are almost always when he has time. I think that’s due to his age more than anything else. If Andujar can sharpen up his decisions and not overthink when he has time, he will be a good defender

 

2. We have LeMahieu. If Andujar cannot improves and stays a true minus defender, we’ve got a defensive replacement who can hit on the roster already

 

Fair response.

 

I guess you don't count Nunez as a replacement who can hit. (He may not be a good defensive replacement, but he is better than Devers on defense, when healthy.)

 

[jacksonianmarch]

Nunez is better except he’s got the same issue as Andujar. Good hands, enough range, but makes stupid errors. He’s also not the hitter LeMahieu is

[notin]

Nunez is better except he’s got the same issue as Andujar. Good hands, enough range, but makes stupid errors. He’s also not the hitter LeMahieu is

 

 

Sure he is. They’re both basically league average.

 

In the past 3 years, Nunez has an OPS+ of 98. In the past 3 years, LeMahieu has an OPS+ of 103. A very small difference at best, and one Nunez can probably make up simply by being healthier.

 

 

In the last 2 years, LeMahieu has an OPS+ of 91 and Nunez has an OPS+ of 95.

 

There isn’t much difference at the plate here...

[Slasher9]

Sure he is. They’re both basically league average.

 

In the past 3 years, Nunez has an OPS+ of 98. In the past 3 years, LeMahieu has an OPS+ of 103. A very small difference at best, and one Nunez can probably make up simply by being healthier.

 

 

In the last 2 years, LeMahieu has an OPS+ of 91 and Nunez has an OPS+ of 95.

 

There isn’t much difference at the plate here...

 

but LeHahieu is in Pinstripes. he is BETTER!!!!

[BillyWilliams]

Well, let's see.

 

Player A has 1 All Star appearance, had a -1.1 WAR last season and has contributed a grand total of 3.1 WAR in 9 seasons.

 

Player B has 3 All Star appearances, a batting title, 3 Gold Gloves, had a 3.0 WAR last season and has contributed 17.6 WAR in 8 seasons.

[moonslav59]

Maybe playing in Colorado helped just a tiny bit...

 

Career

 

.835 Home

 

.673 Away

 

.835 Colorado

 

.667 Yankee Stadium

 

(Note: I never said Nunez was better and even pointed out his defense was not good- just that it was better than Devers.)

 

[BillyWilliams]

Maybe playing in Colorado helped just a tiny bit...

 

Career

 

.835 Home

 

.673 Away

 

.835 Colorado

 

.667 Yankee Stadium

 

(Note: I never said Nunez was better and even pointed out his defense was not good- just that it was better than Devers.)

 

 

It certainly has helped his batting playing there. But I don't think there's any denying he is a better fielder than nunez.

 

I also read an article that gave the opinion that playing in coors field can sometimes hurt a batter because of the way they gear their swing. The article said this had an adverse effect on their away batting and that maybe not playing there full time would yield different results. Not sure I buy it, but if I can find the article I will post the link.

 

And stating that nunez's defense is better than devers really isn't saying all that much.

[notin]

but LeHahieu is in Pinstripes. he is BETTER!!!!

 

 

And they’re slimming!

[notin]

Well, let's see.

 

Player A has 1 All Star appearance, had a -1.1 WAR last season and has contributed a grand total of 3.1 WAR in 9 seasons.

 

Player B has 3 All Star appearances, a batting title, 3 Gold Gloves, had a 3.0 WAR last season and has contributed 17.6 WAR in 8 seasons.

 

 

Didn’t say Nunez was a better player. Just that he’s basically the same hitter.

[moonslav59]

It certainly has helped his batting playing there. But I don't think there's any denying he is a better fielder than nunez.

 

I also read an article that gave the opinion that playing in coors field can sometimes hurt a batter because of the way they gear their swing. The article said this had an adverse effect on their away batting and that maybe not playing there full time would yield different results. Not sure I buy it, but if I can find the article I will post the link.

 

And stating that nunez's defense is better than devers really isn't saying all that much.

 

I went out of my way to say Nunez was not a good defender.

 

I'm not sure why you keep going on like we have.

 

Nunez is an upgrade over Devers- not the extent LeMahieu is over Andujar, but nevertheless, he is.

 

Nunez mighty be a better hitter with the Sox than LeMahieu is with the Yanks based on the COL spilts and hiow well Nunez hits in Fenway.

 

BTW, LeMahieu has just 245 innings at 3B with a 0.0 UZR/150. Inside Edge has him as making zero "unlikely, remote or impossible" plays at 3B. Nunez had 365 innings at 3B just last year (+6.9 UZR/150), but to be fair, he's been a -5.5 over his career in over 2,000 innings at 3B. He has been a net plus 2.6 since 2016 (1460 innings). He has made 17% of the unlikely plays over his career.

 

Edited March 14, 2019 by moonslav59

[BillyWilliams]

I went out of my way to say Nunez was not a good defender.

 

I'm not sure why you keep going on like we have.

 

Nunez is an upgrade over Devers- not the extent LeMahieu is over Andujar, but nevertheless, he is.

 

Nunez mighty be a better hitter with the Sox than LeMahieu is with the Yanks based on the COL spilts and hiow well Nunez hits in Fenway.

 

 

Keep going on??

 

I mentioned it once..........

[moonslav59]

Keep going on??

 

I mentioned it once..........

 

I see two recent posts that bring defense into your argument.

 

The one you are thinking of.

 

The one where you mention WAR and Gold Gloves (not at 3B, I might add).

 

[FredLynn]

Sure he is. They’re both basically league average.

 

In the past 3 years, Nunez has an OPS+ of 98. In the past 3 years, LeMahieu has an OPS+ of 103. A very small difference at best, and one Nunez can probably make up simply by being healthier.

 

 

In the last 2 years, LeMahieu has an OPS+ of 91 and Nunez has an OPS+ of 95.

 

There isn’t much difference at the plate here...

 

Nunez is an adventure out there, especially at 3B. Maybe he can hit like LeMahieu, but as a defender....he sucks.

[BillyWilliams]

I see two recent posts that bring defense into your argument.

 

The one you are thinking of.

 

The one where you mention WAR and Gold Gloves (not at 3B, I might add).

 

 

Regardless, it hardly quantifies as "keep going on"...........