Spring Training 2020

[notin]

He didn't go long last night but that was a spring training game.

 

 

I’m taking about in his regular season career...

[notin]

Expectations are probably twice through the order, not CG's.

 

 

But at some point, someone has to log actual innings.

 

If Weber is only expected to go 3-4 IP per start, the bullpen will be burnt out by July. Especially if another opener has to sub for Sale.

 

They’re going to have to keep Eovaldi, Rodriguez and Perez on a very strict 180 pitch count limit...

[mvp 78]

But at some point, someone has to log actual innings.

 

If Weber is only expected to go 3-4 IP per start, the bullpen will be burnt out by July. Especially if another opener has to sub for Sale.

 

They’re going to have to keep Eovaldi, Rodriguez and Perez on a very strict 180 pitch count limit...

 

The relievers will log the innings. The relievers are much better than the starters too.

[Slasher9]

But at some point, someone has to log actual innings.

 

If Weber is only expected to go 3-4 IP per start, the bullpen will be burnt out by July. Especially if another opener has to sub for Sale.

 

They’re going to have to keep Eovaldi, Rodriguez and Perez on a very strict 180 pitch count limit...

 

Erod with 180 pitches will get us thru the 5th.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Congrats to Ryan Weber for being able to compete effectively for a role in the starting rotation, but over a multiple game stretch and when the opposing team rolls to the third time through, say the 5th inning, a good hitting team will be all over him. Excellent choice for an opener or second man in where his offspeed breaking stuff can confuse a hitter once or maybe twice but not much longer. There will also be games where Weber will get pounded early, like , say, a garbage can in the dugout.

I do wish him well because the team needs him and he's battling with all he has to offer.

 

I tend to view Weber in your second-man-in scenario, but I'm sure the club's plans for openers will ultimately fluctuate based on match-ups. The "traditional" opener or trend (in a concept two whole years old), I think, is to preferably start someone with an unhittable fastball and let him air it out against a lineup's top of the order, then bring in a "bulk" guy to hopefully flummox the bottom a couple times through (but only once against the top -- those are the guys you want to keep showing different looks to). Ideally, this keeps your team in the game and gets you to the back end of the bullpen...

 

With expanded staffs and three-batter minimums, I can envision two sets of openers/bulks that take turns in rotations just like starters. For example -- and these are examples, not my suggestions -- Taylor opens, followed by Weber on Day 4, then Darwinzon opens, followed by Johnson on Day 5. If pairs are effective, they get regular rest and do it again in five days. Best case, this strategy works maybe half the time, and we'll be treated to a cavalcade of call-ups...

 

... until someone shows he can be stretched out into a real starter who give us actual quality starts!

[mvp 78]

In 2019, he averaged 103 pitches and 6 innings. Not terrible. We all wish he'd be more economical, but that's never going to happen.

[vegasbob]

In 2019, he averaged 103 pitches and 6 innings. Not terrible. We all wish he'd be more economical, but that's never going to happen.

 

By modern pitching standards there is nothing wrong with those numbers . Erod may get better at strike throwing and stop nibbling. My bet is on Martin Perez to become the thrower of many pitches, with lots of BP burn rate. Just guessing

[a700hitter]

Looks more like Weber would be #4, and the fifth game would be a bullpen game.

The 4th will also be a bullpen game if Weber starts.

[a700hitter]

 

 

Edited April 6, 2020 by a700hitter

[S5Dewey]

From Tuesday's game...

 

I've long been a Brian Johnson fan but I'm coming to the realization that he's not going to get the job done. Giving up 2 runs in the first inning and the best pitch being an 84 mph curve isn't going to cut it in MLB. However, considering the shape of our pitching staff he still may stick with the team to be used on days when we don't want to use an 'opener'.

 

The Sox squandered a bases-loaded nobody out situation in the second with three balls hit into the air. Ugh.

 

Here's an oddity: Devers had four consecutive chances over the first two innings to turn a 5-6-3 double play. The team was successful in two of them.

 

Going into yesterday's game JBJ had gotten a hit in each of the last 5 games for a .417 avg. IIRC he failed to get a hit on Tuesday, but his first out was a fly ball deep down the left field line. Yes, I said left field. Going to left field doesn't always work but it works better than what he's been doing!

 

Barnes looked strong garnering 3 K's in his only inning. Cards hitters looked overmatched against him.

 

Robinson Leyer came in to pitch the 9th and left fans wondering who this guy is and why they haven't heard of him before. He's got good stuff but needs to be able to control it. If he can improve his minor league K/BB rate he's a guy who could help the team.

 

The Sox continue to insist that they've sold out every ST game played at jetBlue. As I sit in my seat behind home plate and look around the park I'm amazed at how many people are wearing t-shirts made to look like empty seats.

[mvp 78]

Being sold out isn't the same as attendance.

[Elktonnick]

From Tuesday's game...

 

I've long been a Brian Johnson fan but I'm coming to the realization that he's not going to get the job done. Giving up 2 runs in the first inning and the best pitch being an 84 mph curve isn't going to cut it in MLB. However, considering the shape of our pitching staff he still may stick with the team to be used on days when we don't want to use an 'opener'.

 

The Sox squandered a bases-loaded nobody out situation in the second with three balls hit into the air. Ugh.

 

Here's an oddity: Devers had four consecutive chances over the first two innings to turn a 5-6-3 double play. The team was successful in two of them.

 

Going into yesterday's game JBJ had gotten a hit in each of the last 5 games for a .417 avg. IIRC he failed to get a hit on Tuesday, but his first out was a fly ball deep down the left field line. Yes, I said left field. Going to left field doesn't always work but it works better than what he's been doing!

 

Barnes looked strong garnering 3 K's in his only inning. Cards hitters looked overmatched against him.

 

Robinson Leyer came in to pitch the 9th and left fans wondering who this guy is and why they haven't heard of him before. He's got good stuff but needs to be able to control it. If he can improve his minor league K/BB rate he's a guy who could help the team.

 

The Sox continue to insist that they've sold out every ST game played at jetBlue. As I sit in my seat behind home plate and look around the park I'm amazed at how many people are wearing t-shirts made to look like empty seats.

 

Coronavirus fear affecting people showing up for games.

[mvp 78]

Coronavirus fear affecting people showing up for games.

 

No, lack of interest. No buzz. No reason to go.

[a700hitter]

No, lack of interest. No buzz. No reason to go.

Agreed. This team is shaping up a very dull group, and lacking pitching talent. The most excitement in camp during my trip was centered around Big Papi’s presence around the batting cages. There was also some buzz to watch JD Martinez, but not much else. And Ron Roenicke doesn’t seem to command much attention from his troops. And the rest of the coaching staff could blend in with the fans wearing jerseys.

[Slasher9]

it's gonna be a long season....

[mvp 78]

it's gonna be a long season....

 

I just hope it's a fun one. You can still enjoy the team even if they don't have a shot of getting to the playoffs.

[Elktonnick]

No, lack of interest. No buzz. No reason to go.

 

That too. But I wouldn't discount coronavirus concerns here in Southwest Florida. I've talked to a couple of business folks recently at golf and restaurants and business is down a bit recently. They blame coronavirus concerns.

[mvp 78]

That too. But I wouldn't discount coronavirus concerns here in Southwest Florida. I've talked to a couple of business folks recently at golf and restaurants and business is down a bit recently. They blame coronavirus concerns.

 

Here in Southeast Florida, it's still busy as s***. Almost time for the snowbirds to head back though.

Edited March 11, 2020 by mvp 78

[Elktonnick]

Here is Southeast Florida, it's still busy as s***. Almost time for the snowbirds to head back though.

 

Going to tonight's game in Port Charlotte, curious to see attendance.

[a700hitter]

ERod continues to look really good this Spring. I can't believe that we still have that pig Brasier.

[Bellhorn04]

Our pitching has been good the last few games - large FWIW.

[notin]

ERod continues to look really good this Spring. I can't believe that we still have that pig Brasier.

 

Ah, Brasier. I remember when you were my biggest gripe on this pitching staff.

 

Memories...

[a700hitter]

Ah, Brasier. I remember when you were my biggest gripe on this pitching staff.

 

Memories...

He may be an opener.

[mvp 78]

@byJulianMack

Minor leaguers trying to hit Eovaldi at 10 am in a sim game when he’s dialing it up to 100 is just unfair.

Dalbec just went ya-ya off Brandon Workman. Two-run to right-center.

[mvp 78]

@byJulianMack

Connor Wong just took Eovaldi deep to left on a hanger. He’s shown some pop all spring.

[a700hitter]

@byJulianMack

Connor Wong just took Eovaldi deep to left on a hanger. He’s shown some pop all spring.

He has shown some pop, but he will be blocked at catcher for a few years barring an injury to Vasquez.

[mvp 78]

He has shown some pop, but he will be blocked at catcher for a few years barring an injury to Vasquez.

 

They are saying he's more of a super UTIL guy who could play a bunch of positions (like how Biggio played C/2B/CF). If he's good enough, they'll find a place for him to play.

[a700hitter]

They are saying he's more of a super UTIL guy who could play a bunch of positions (like how Biggio played C/2B/CF). If he's good enough, they'll find a place for him to play.

I didn't see him taking any fielding. Interesting. I didn't know about that.

[notin]

I didn't see him taking any fielding. Interesting. I didn't know about that.

 

I got the impression from the way the Dodgers were handling him that he wasn’t much on defense at catcher, second or third. But the Dodgers are also loaded with prospects at those positions too...

[notin]

He may be an opener.

 

I thought the whole point of the opener was to use one of the better relievers, thus ensuring the tougher matchup for the better hitters at the top of the opposing batting order...