Bloom and promoting young players .

[Swiharts Ghost]

What are your thoughts of Bloom being more aggressive in promoting pitchers like ward sooner rather than later to help the big club ? I hope he’s more aggressive myself .

[moonslav59]

What are your thoughts of Bloom being more aggressive in promoting pitchers like ward sooner rather than later to help the big club ? I hope he’s more aggressive myself .

 

I hope he promotes them when they are ready- kind of like we've been doing for a long time. I've never felt like we've left guys in the minors too long or too short. I don't think it's been a problem, and I doubt it will become one.

 

Ward is not ML ready right now, but he may be at some point soon. I hope he is, but I don't want us to rush him. If 2020 is truly a rebuild year, that makes waiting until 2021 easier.

[Swiharts Ghost]

I hope he promotes them when they are ready- kind of like we've been doing for a long time. I've never felt like we've left guys in the minors too long or too short. I don't think it's been a problem, and I doubt it will become one.

 

Ward is not ML ready right now, but he may be at some point soon. I hope he is, but I don't want us to rush him. If 2020 is truly a rebuild year, that makes waiting until 2021 easier.

 

I agree to a point Moon .I guess there is a certain pitcher I’d like to see run through the ranks in Thad Ward and I’m projecting my own want above the teams .

[fxkatt]

Too many MLB pitchers are arriving too early... thus the horde of one inning guys. These newbies are just good enough to be trusted for one inning as in one and out. If Bloom did some of this in TB and got away with it, it was because he had to. Here, he won't have that loophole, so he'll make sure these guys are ready.

[Nick]

Too many MLB pitchers are arriving too early... thus the horde of one inning guys. These newbies are just good enough to be trusted for one inning as in one and out. If Bloom did some of this in TB and got away with it, it was because he had to. Here, he won't have that loophole, so he'll make sure these guys are ready.

 

Yeah because our pitching has been so much better.....NOT.

[moonslav59]

I agree to a point Moon .I guess there is a certain pitcher I’d like to see run through the ranks in Thad Ward and I’m projecting my own want above the teams .

 

I'm very optimistic with this kid, but let's not mess him up by rushing him or keeping him down too long. I trust the Sox to know when the right time is.

 

I don't think we've ruined any pitchers by doing either one wrongly.

[notin]

My thoughts are, not like I have idea when these guys should be promoted anyway.

[oldtimer]

I'm very optimistic with this kid, but let's not mess him up by rushing him or keeping him down too long. I trust the Sox to know when the right time is.

 

I don't think we've ruined any pitchers by doing either one wrongly.

 

I think Mata will move up some time this coming season. He has the stuff to be a starter. Like all young pitchers it will be consistency and command that will determine when he comes up.

 

I also think Dalbec will be up early in the season with Chatham a definite possibility, perhaps in a utility role. A lot will depend on what happens with out outfield with the potential loss of two major starters from 2019. Duran is knocking on the door with superior speed and a good bat. Dalbec and Moreland, if we resign him, might try to fill the DH role. I am against signing Encarnacion, even for a single year although other DH candidates might be attractive. All depends on JDM.

[notin]

I think Mata will move up some time this coming season. He has the stuff to be a starter. Like all young pitchers it will be consistency and command that will determine when he comes up.

 

I think it’s very possible Mata makes his debut in the 2020 season, but hopefully not until July at the earliest.

 

I also think Dalbec will be up early in the season with Chatham a definite possibility, perhaps in a utility role.

 

I see Dalbec as either trade bait or taking over 3b with Devers moving to 1b. A big part of Dalbec’s game is his defense at 3b, which will be a positive contribution even if he struggles offensively. I doubt Chatham is on the radar. The Sox already have Marco Hernandez and Tzu-Wei Lin, both of whom are capable and more experienced utility players, and Chatham doesn’t need to be added to the 40 man roster yet

 

 

A lot will depend on what happens with out outfield with the potential loss of two major starters from 2019. Duran is knocking on the door with superior speed and a good bat.

 

Duran doesn’t need to be added to the 40 man roster, either. And has only been playing outfield for one year. While the Sox are likely to need outfielders, I’m not sure Duran is a candidate yet. Or if he is ahead of Marcus Wilson, who has more outfield experience.

 

Dalbec and Moreland, if we resign him, might try to fill the DH role. I am against signing Encarnacion, even for a single year although other DH candidates might be attractive. All depends on JDM.

 

I don’t like Dalbec (again, good defense wasted at DH) or Moreland for a DH role. The aging Encarnacion might be a good short term DH, and has always expressed a desire to come to Boston and succeed fellow countryman Ortiz at DH. He might even come at relative bargain price...

[moonslav59]

I think it’s very possible Mata makes his debut in the 2020 season, but hopefully not until July at the earliest.

 

 

 

I see Dalbec as either trade bait or taking over 3b with Devers moving to 1b. A big part of Dalbec’s game is his defense at 3b, which will be a positive contribution even if he struggles offensively. I doubt Chatham is on the radar. The Sox already have Marco Hernandez and Tzu-Wei Lin, both of whom are capable and more experienced utility players, and Chatham doesn’t need to be added to the 40 man roster yet

 

 

 

 

Duran doesn’t need to be added to the 40 man roster, either. And has only been playing outfield for one year. While the Sox are likely to need outfielders, I’m not sure Duran is a candidate yet. Or if he is ahead of Marcus Wilson, who has more outfield experience.

 

 

 

I don’t like Dalbec (again, good defense wasted at DH) or Moreland for a DH role. The aging Encarnacion might be a good short term DH, and has always expressed a desire to come to Boston and succeed fellow countryman Ortiz at DH. He might even come at relative bargain price...

 

I don't think Duran or Chatham will be added to the 40 man roster by opening day, but with so many weak players on the roster, they could easily earn their way to it by playing well in AAA to start the 2020 season.

 

I wouldn't mind seeing Devers moved to 1B, but I'd want to make sure Dalbec is worth possibly messing with Devers' position. I'm not sure how we do that. I agree, DH'ing Dalbec makes little sense and playing him at 1B or 2B seems twisted.

 

As much as I want our farm to be built up, trading Dalbec might make the most sense but only for an equally young, cost-controlled player who plays a position we have a great need.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

"As much as I want our farm to be built up, trading Dalbec might make the most sense but only for an equally young, cost-controlled player who plays a position we have a great need."

 

Agreed, but his status may just depend on what happens with JD and Mookie. Dalbec as a cost-controlled DH could appeal to Bloom and save 15-20 mil that would be spent on someone like the parrot as a JD replacement. Dalbec as a high-powered, low-contact bat is also redundant with Chavis... so maybe one of those two gets dealt, while the other plays second base. Or, as a way to both give players a day off from defense and get the right match-ups with opposing pitchers, they could alternate through the field with others (Devers included), at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and DH -- like Tampa's guys.

 

One change that has been unexpected in this age of less ground balls, more balls in the air, and defensive shifts is that second base has become less important as a position. Batters grounded into double plays in 2019 at a rate of 7% less than 2013, when Pedroia's defense keyed a title, and 15% less than 2007, when Pedroia was ROY on another title team. Now, anyone can stand in short right, handle one-hop liners and shot put 20-foot throws to first. The Brewers made the last two postseasons platooning guys like Moustakas and Travis Shaw at second.

[illinoisredsox]

"As much as I want our farm to be built up, trading Dalbec might make the most sense but only for an equally young, cost-controlled player who plays a position we have a great need."

 

Agreed, but his status may just depend on what happens with JD and Mookie. Dalbec as a cost-controlled DH could appeal to Bloom and save 15-20 mil that would be spent on someone like the parrot as a JD replacement. Dalbec as a high-powered, low-contact bat is also redundant with Chavis... so maybe one of those two gets dealt, while the other plays second base. Or, as a way to both give players a day off from defense and get the right match-ups with opposing pitchers, they could alternate through the field with others (Devers included), at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and DH -- like Tampa's guys.

 

One change that has been unexpected in this age of less ground balls, more balls in the air, and defensive shifts is that second base has become less important as a position. Batters grounded into double plays in 2019 at a rate of 7% less than 2013, when Pedroia's defense keyed a title, and 15% less than 2007, when Pedroia was ROY on another title team. Now, anyone can stand in short right, handle one-hop liners and shot put 20-foot throws to first. The Brewers made the last two postseasons platooning guys like Moustakas and Travis Shaw at second.

 

5GG, if you hit the little button that says Reply With Quote down on the lower right of a post, it will bring put the post you are responding to in a much more readable format than the quotation marks you seem to be using.

[VJCPatriot]

Devers is amazing at 3rd base. I don't want to mess with that chemistry right now. If Dalbec comes up, promote him as a 1B. Steady defense at 1B will be nice to have and I have a feeling we move on from Moreland. We need to save as much $$$ as possible in the upcoming 2 seasons as we rebuild into a contender. At minimum the owners have mandated we get below the salary tax cutoff.

[moonslav59]

Agreed, but his status may just depend on what happens with JD and Mookie. Dalbec as a cost-controlled DH could appeal to Bloom and save 15-20 mil that would be spent on someone like the parrot as a JD replacement. Dalbec as a high-powered, low-contact bat is also redundant with Chavis... so maybe one of those two gets dealt, while the other plays second base. Or, as a way to both give players a day off from defense and get the right match-ups with opposing pitchers, they could alternate through the field with others (Devers included), at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and DH -- like Tampa's guys.

 

Why should Dalbec ever DH? He's twice the defender as Devers at 3B. It's a waste of his top skill. That defensive value is worth more in trade than to the Sox with Dalbec at DH or 1B. I don't see how JD and Betts play into this choice. This about 3B and 1B. Maybe Devers could DH, but I'm not for that. Maybe Devers couldplay 1B, but I wouldn't mess with his psyche.

 

One change that has been unexpected in this age of less ground balls, more balls in the air, and defensive shifts is that second base has become less important as a position. Batters grounded into double plays in 2019 at a rate of 7% less than 2013, when Pedroia's defense keyed a title, and 15% less than 2007, when Pedroia was ROY on another title team. Now, anyone can stand in short right, handle one-hop liners and shot put 20-foot throws to first. The Brewers made the last two postseasons platooning guys like Moustakas and Travis Shaw at second.

 

I'm okay with Marco, Lin & Chavis fighting for the 2B job but only as a bridge to 2021 or beyond.

[moonslav59]

Devers is amazing at 3rd base. I don't want to mess with that chemistry right now. If Dalbec comes up, promote him as a 1B. Steady defense at 1B will be nice to have and I have a feeling we move on from Moreland. We need to save as much $$$ as possible in the upcoming 2 seasons as we rebuild into a contender. At minimum the owners have mandated we get below the salary tax cutoff.

 

Devers improved. He was not "amazing."

[notin]

.

 

As much as I want our farm to be built up, trading Dalbec might make the most sense but only for an equally young, cost-controlled player who plays a position we have a great need.

 

Dalbec to Anaheim for CF Brandon Marsh?

 

If Devers isn't going to 1b, Dalbec is blocked. Putting him at 1B doesn't really do much, as that position can easily be filled with a hitter more likely to contribute and it doesn't take advantage of Dalbec's biggest strength.

 

Anaheim doesn't really have a 3B. They did use Tommy La Stella in his breakout campaign last year, but he can also play 2B. Marsh is unlikely to see outfield time in Anaheim with Upton-Trout-Adell in front of him and Ohtani holding down the DH role...

[moonslav59]

Dalbec to Anaheim for CF Brandon Marsh?

 

If Devers isn't going to 1b, Dalbec is blocked. Putting him at 1B doesn't really do much, as that position can easily be filled with a hitter more likely to contribute and it doesn't take advantage of Dalbec's biggest strength.

 

Anaheim doesn't really have a 3B. They did use Tommy La Stella in his breakout campaign last year, but he can also play 2B. Marsh is unlikely to see outfield time in Anaheim with Upton-Trout-Adell in front of him and Ohtani holding down the DH role...

 

I don't know much about Marsh, but I think we might go for someone a little more ML ready (OF, 1B, P).

[notin]

I don't know much about Marsh, but I think we might go for someone a little more ML ready (OF, 1B, P).

 

.811 OPS in AA last year. He's never played AAA, but no AAA league is worse for evaluating hitters than the Pacific Coast League anyway...

[notin]

I don't know much about Marsh, but I think we might go for someone a little more ML ready (OF, 1B, P).

 

The Brewers are another possibility. They could use a 3B, and don't need CF/RF Trent Gresham. baseballtradevalues.com says a deal of Dalbec for Gresham and RHP Freddy Peralta is a match. Not sure the Milwaukee GM would agree...

[moonslav59]

The Brewers are another possibility. They could use a 3B, and don't need CF/RF Trent Gresham. baseballtradevalues.com says a deal of Dalbec for Gresham and RHP Freddy Peralta is a match. Not sure the Milwaukee GM would agree...

 

I have to admit, I don't know jack about other teams' prospects & young players, but if these guys are good, it looks like the type of deal that might work.

 

I'm kind of hoping we do some 2 for 1 deals, though- not 1 for twos. We need to upgrade quality and let Bloom deal with the quality with cheap FA signins and acquisitions.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Devers footwork improved as he gained the confidence to become a solid MLB third sacker in his age-22 season. He sometimes made amazing plays, and is already better than Nunez, his platoon partner on the world champs, plus every other Red Sox regular hot corner man -- Shaw, Panda, Middlebrooks, etc., since Youk and Adrian Beltre (who also averaged 20 errors per year through age 22 and became a Gold Glover en route to Cooperstown).

 

All Dalbec has so far is potential, which translate to trade value, but that also means he's the kind of low-cost guy Bloom may want to keep around. I'm sorry if I wasn't clear; I wasn't advocating him as the full-time DH, but as maybe part of a rotation to use at the DH slot to get/showcase ABs (and/or for a regular's occasional day off from the field).

 

I wouldn't mess with Devers, either. He just turned 23 and is already a .311 hitter who led the MLB with 90 extra-base hits. Dalbec's rep includes a good glove, power bat and a lot of strikeouts... in the minors. Right now, he's a good bet to turn 25 in June. His best value to Boston just may turn out to be as a pot sweetner to get another team to take Price.