The annual Jackie Bradley Jr thread (2019 Edition)

[kenmeister]

Finally a homer but still just 1 for 5.

 

But that does raise his average

[Bellhorn04]

But that does raise his average

 

Yep. His batting avg. went up 2 points and his OPS went up 22 points.

[moonslav59]

could be time to see how he does in AA though?

 

I'm all for moving him and Dalbec up a level, but I trust Sox management knows when they should be moved.

[Maxbialystock]

I defer to no one in being critical of JBJ. I've even said--heresy of heresies--that great defense in CF is overrated.

 

That said, benching JBJ right now poses real problems because JDM is basically the Sox 4th outfielder--or at least 4th outfielder with a decent bat. Reportedly, both Nunez and Pearce can play in the OF, but they are also hitting poorly this year. And I think we can all agree that an OF of Beni, JBJ, and Mookie is pretty good defensively--with JDM as the DH.

 

Interestingly, I think a somewhat similar situation is developing at catcher. More and more it appears as though Leon is actually a ton better behind the plate than Vazquez, but Vazquez has a stunning OPS of .898, which means Cora should want him in the lineup a lot. What to do?

[Slasher9]

a catcher cannot catch every game so vaz will get a blow whenever sale is pitching and leon isnt having babies.

[Bellhorn04]

I defer to no one in being critical of JBJ. I've even said--heresy of heresies--that great defense in CF is overrated.

 

That said, benching JBJ right now poses real problems because JDM is basically the Sox 4th outfielder--or at least 4th outfielder with a decent bat. Reportedly, both Nunez and Pearce can play in the OF, but they are also hitting poorly this year. And I think we can all agree that an OF of Beni, JBJ, and Mookie is pretty good defensively--with JDM as the DH.

 

Interestingly, I think a somewhat similar situation is developing at catcher. More and more it appears as though Leon is actually a ton better behind the plate than Vazquez, but Vazquez has a stunning OPS of .898, which means Cora should want him in the lineup a lot. What to do?

 

What to do? Relax and let Cora handle it all.

[Slasher9]

last years edition of the JBj thread ended up with 2,414 posts.

We are 40% there with only 29% of the season completed.

we may set a new record! on pace to obliterate it....

[moonslav59]

I defer to no one in being critical of JBJ. I've even said--heresy of heresies--that great defense in CF is overrated.

 

That said, benching JBJ right now poses real problems because JDM is basically the Sox 4th outfielder--or at least 4th outfielder with a decent bat. Reportedly, both Nunez and Pearce can play in the OF, but they are also hitting poorly this year. And I think we can all agree that an OF of Beni, JBJ, and Mookie is pretty good defensively--with JDM as the DH.

 

Interestingly, I think a somewhat similar situation is developing at catcher. More and more it appears as though Leon is actually a ton better behind the plate than Vazquez, but Vazquez has a stunning OPS of .898, which means Cora should want him in the lineup a lot. What to do?

 

Let Vaz catch 4 of 5 games with Leon catching Sale. If Vaz needs more rest, which he should at some point, let Leon catch Price here and there.

 

If Vaz keeps hitting so well, then DH him, when he doesn't catch, if it looks like the right thing to do. Right now, we have 8 guys hitting over .800 the last 4 weeks, so it's not like Vaz is the only guy hot right now.

 

We don't want to burn Vaz out. Leon seemed to burn out last year after Vaz got hurt, and he had to catch more often that he should have.

 

[vegasbob]

2021 at the earliest?

 

2021 ? Otherwise known as just in time for CF , unless DD makes a deadline or hot stove move . I'm guessing JBJr will be asking $10MM in 2020 arb. What would the Sox offer ? No more than $8MM, maybe less.

JBJr's 2020 cost , unless traded, will be a low priority until Mookie decides to come back or go away .

Edited May 21, 2019 by vegasbob

[mvp 78]

2021 ? Otherwise known as just in time for CF , unless DD makes a deadline or hot stove move . I'm guessing JBJr will be asking $10MM in 2020 arb. What would the Sox offer ? No more than $8MM, maybe less.

JBJr's 2020 cost , unless traded, will be a low priority until Mookie decides to come back or go away .

 

I think they hold their nose with JBJ's offense and keep him around through 2020. If they keep Mookie, they probably look for a cheaper CF options (in-house or otherwise). If Mookie goes, maybe they try to bring in a bat for RF and keep JBJ?

[Maxbialystock]

What to do? Relax and let Cora handle it all.

 

Well, of course that. And I still trust Cora. But to me our purpose on talksox is to discuss what we think makes sense. Thus to me it still makes sense to start JBJ in CF, but I'm starting to think Leon should catch 2 of every 5 games. The problem with that is that Vazquez is really hitting well. Plus playing both Leon and JBJ is a drag on the lineup.

[mvp 78]

Well, of course that. And I still trust Cora. But to me our purpose on talksox is to discuss what we think makes sense. Thus to me it still makes sense to start JBJ in CF, but I'm starting to think Leon should catch 2 of every 5 games. The problem with that is that Vazquez is really hitting well. Plus playing both Leon and JBJ is a drag on the lineup.

 

Leon is OPSing 775 in May. He's fine.

[Bellhorn04]

Well, of course that. And I still trust Cora. But to me our purpose on talksox is to discuss what we think makes sense. Thus to me it still makes sense to start JBJ in CF, but I'm starting to think Leon should catch 2 of every 5 games. The problem with that is that Vazquez is really hitting well. Plus playing both Leon and JBJ is a drag on the lineup.

 

Vazquez could DH occasionally.

 

I suspect that the team has already determined approx. how many games they want Vaz to catch this year, and it won't be affected much by how well he's hitting.

[Maxbialystock]

Leon is OPSing 775 in May. He's fine.

 

I had that impression, but did not know the numbers, so thanks. It just adds to my belief--which I have acquired grudgingly--that Leon should catch 40% of the games. moonslav has said countless times that CERA is a real, and we are seeing that happen on this team this year.

[Maxbialystock]

Vazquez could DH occasionally.

 

I suspect that the team has already determined approx. how many games they want Vaz to catch this year, and it won't be affected much by how well he's hitting.

 

As I understand the DH rules, if Vazquez has to switch to catcher--because Leon gets injured and has to leave the game--during a game in which he is the catcher, the pitchers then all bat for themselves. Or is the rule that the DH cannot switch to another position for any reason?

[moonslav59]

As I understand the DH rules, if Vazquez has to switch to catcher--because Leon gets injured and has to leave the game--during a game in which he is the catcher, the pitchers then all bat for themselves. Or is the rule that the DH cannot switch to another position for any reason?

 

I don't think the risk to Leon getting hurt in the middle of a game is reason enough to not DH Vaz.

 

I think we may have better hitters to DH or keep off the field (JD or Pedey), but I'd certainly prefer Leon catching and Vaz DH'ing over Nunez or Pearce, right now.

[oldtimer]

I'm all for moving him and Dalbec up a level, but I trust Sox management knows when they should be moved.

 

I agree that the Sox have a plan for its young players and the cream will rise by its own performance. Getting into AA should be the goal and then a reassessment from there.

[Kimmi]

Well, of course that. And I still trust Cora. But to me our purpose on talksox is to discuss what we think makes sense. Thus to me it still makes sense to start JBJ in CF, but I'm starting to think Leon should catch 2 of every 5 games. The problem with that is that Vazquez is really hitting well. Plus playing both Leon and JBJ is a drag on the lineup.

 

My guess is that Cora will split the duties roughly 60% for Vaz and 40% for Leon.

 

That said, he catching position is not on the Top 10 list of problems with this Red Sox team, IMO.

[Bellhorn04]

My guess is that Cora will split the duties roughly 60% for Vaz and 40% for Leon.

 

That said, he catching position is not on the Top 10 list of problems with this Red Sox team, IMO.

 

Max is just trying to figure out how to get Vaz's bat in the lineup more now that he's hitting so well.

[moonslav59]

Max is just trying to figure out how to get Vaz's bat in the lineup more now that he's hitting so well.

 

Yes, and it makes some sense, assuming Vaz keeps hitting this well.

 

If he catches a lot, he will need rest. I'm not sure DH'ing will give him enough "rest," but he should be able to do it at times.

 

Another thought is that we currently have 8 players hitting over .810 the last 4 weeks and Beni at .757. I'm not sure there is really much urgency to try to play Vaz everyday within this context, and we don't want to burn him out, either.

 

We could maybe have Leon catch Sale & Price, and maybe Vaz could DH one of those "off day" and sit out every 5th game. Maybe he could catch 6 of 10 games and DH 3 of 10 for a while.

 

I'm not sure I want JD in the OF that much as he will be playing the OF at NL parks, too.

 

 

 

[OH FOY]

On radio Joe C, had a crazy stat last night. JBJ is hitting, 8-17 this year hitting the ball the other way, .152, when he pulls the ball. Just not a smart hitter. Only 17 times going the other way. The HR nerds have infected his brain. And he hit 2 HRS going the other way. Unreal. Instead of looking for the ball on the outer half, so he can go with the Pitch, he pulls it, not being selective enough. Not knowing his strength. Edited May 22, 2019 by OH FOY!

[jacksonianmarch]

I just looked up his UZR/150 and the eyes don’t lie. He’s looked slower this year and he’s a very minus defender in CF this year

[mvp 78]

I just looked up his UZR/150 and the eyes don’t lie. He’s looked slower this year and he’s a very minus defender in CF this year

 

According to statcast, he was 27.8 ft/sec last year. He's down to 26.8 this year. Big shift for him AND Beni.

[Bellhorn04]

According to statcast, he was 27.8 ft/sec last year. He's down to 26.8 this year. Big shift for him AND Beni.

 

Too much good living this offseason.

[jung]

On radio Joe C, had a crazy stat last night. JBJ is hitting, 8-17 this year hitting the ball the other way, .152, when he pulls the ball. Just not a smart hitter. Only 17 times going the other way. The HR nerds have infected his brain. And he hit 2 HRS going the other way. Unreal. Instead of looking for the ball on the outer half, so he can go with the Pitch, he pulls it, not being selective enough. Not knowing his strength.

 

If you want to compare how a power hitter SHOULD go the other way, take a look at slo-mo of the Chavis drive to RF last night and compare that to JBJ's oppo HR the night before. Without the rocket ship baseball, JBJ's was a fly ball that would have landed about 5' in front of the warning track.

 

Compare it to Vaz going oppo if you want to or Mookie or JD or X or Moreland most of the time. But comparing the Chavis drive to RF and JBJ's HR to oppo the night before is just about as stark a comparison as you can make.

Edited May 22, 2019 by jung

[Bellhorn04]

If you want to compare how a power hitter SHOULD go the other way, take a look at slo-mo of the Chavis drive to RF last night and compare that to JBJ's oppo HR the night before. Without the rocket ship baseball, JBJ's was a fly ball that would have landed about 5' in front of the warning track.

 

Compare it to Vaz going oppo if you want to or Mookie or JD or X or Moreland most of the time. But comparing the Chavis drive to RF and JBJ's HR to oppo the night before is just about as stark a comparison as you can make.

 

JBJ went oppo again last night for a HR. It was pretty well hit.

[jung]

JBJ went oppo again last night for a HR. It was pretty well hit.

 

If he can repeat it fine. When and for how long has JBJ ever repeated anything consistently from the plate other than failure... Two weeks at best? He's not a hitter and he is never going to be a hitter. Nobody but nobody in my memory has ever had so many AB's and still DECLINED at the plate as a ML hitter as he was approaching 30 years old. He s 29 now! He is in a class all by himself..... 2,348 AB's! Nobody but nobody gets 2,348 AB's TO FAIL like JBJ. You want to go Sandy....1,030 AB's and a catcher to boot.

 

It is what it is. The Sox have nobody else to put out there that does not cause even more issues. Personally I am not all that bothered by it. You really think the Sox at this point are expected JBJ to ever hit for more than a two week stretch? But to fantasize about him "hitting" smacks of Celtics Green Teamer nonsense. We get to take what we can get and laugh at JBJ's massive stubbornness.

 

If the Sox cannot get 1 through 6 in their order going regularly or if they suffer a steady string of injuries in their Rotation, those are the things that will spell their inability to repeat as ALDS or ALCS champs and even get to the 2019 WS. Pedey was nothing all last year....no impact. JBJ stumbled through the season from the plate. No impact. Heck, at least Vaz is hitting.

[Slasher9]

You really think the Sox at this point are expected JBJ to ever hit for more than a two week stretch? But to fantasize about him "hitting" smacks of Celtics Green Teamer nonsense. We get to take what we can get and laugh at JBJ's massive stubbornness.

 

 

but he hit consistently for 4 straight months just last season???

[jung]

but he hit consistently for 4 straight months just last season???

 

3 months at best and what he really accomplished is 3 months was FINALLY hitting stats we have always said we needed from him to justify keeping him in the lineup. Whoopdie-ding-dong. 6.5 years to finally get those precious 3 months. The only thing that has really changed is that we as a team have finally committed to his horrid hitting, which makes some sense for a team that lives off its Rotation.

 

If I had my druthers I would have one of the CFer's in baseball that give you virtually everything JBJ does in the field and is just more consistent at the plate. Does not have to hit HR's. Does not have to be a basher. Just don't go up there and be an auto out for long stretches of the season. Don't take buckets and buckets of 3rd strikes!

 

Watch what is going to happen to JBJ next. He is not even a Vaz. Vaz goes to the opposite field, something I said he had to start doing again when he struggled early this year. BUT....BUT I mentioned as soon as I saw it....Vaz also moved back off the plate just a couple of inches which made it harder for pitchers to beat him inside with that hands outside the baseball swing of his.

 

Watch what pitchers do with JBJ if he keeps hacking outer 3rd and outside pitches to the opposite field now. The real hole in his swing has always been inside. He has been so horrid on pitches away this year that we forget that. Pitchers will start chewing him a new ******* inside AGAIN and JBJ is just far too stubborn to even notice what is happening to him for a good 200 AB's, never mind do anything about it.

 

I refuse to angst over his hitting. Laugh is all I can muster. Gladly take what I can get because one of those CFers that can fit my description above it out of reach for us this year. Who do we have to trade and would they even try to make a deal.

Edited May 22, 2019 by jung

[mvp 78]

JBJ 2018 OPS

 

July 801

Aug 827

Sept 826

Oct 835