A Realistic View at 2021: Part I

[dgalehouse]

It's great to have your cake and eat it too. But it doesn't happen too often. Can't cry about the ones who got away. Enjoy what we have .

[moonslav59]

Lakins wasn't traded by DD.

 

True. My bad.

[moonslav59]

The other factor in this what-if exercise are the guys we wouldn't have, some in '18, some in '16 through '18. The history would certainly change, and if the team wasn't as successful, then some of these guys would probably have been traded anyway and wouldn't be here right now, either way.

 

For instance, would Moncada have had a pennant-winning homer in the '18 ALCS or the biggest hit (according to one statistical percentage) in the World Series, like Devers' game-winning pinch-single in the 9th inning of Game 4?

 

Other examples: would Margot have won the ALCS MVP instead of Bradley? Would Beeks have been the best pitcher in the entire postseason instead of Eovaldi?

 

They're all maybes, but doubtfuls. Then again, who knows -- maybe Shaw would have gone all Arozarena and compensated for all the others with nightly dingers.

 

I was never for keeping all the kids.

 

On Margot vs JBJ, keeping MM did not mean JBJ would be gone.

 

We could have had Moncada at 2B, 1B or DH and Devers, too.

 

The Beeks for Eovaldi trade was a great one. Same with the Pearce deal. Funny how those two seemed to matter more than the big headliner trades.

[moonslav59]

None of DD's trades look like the Bagwell or Danny Cater deals. Taken by themselves none look horrific or even all that bad.

 

Like I have said, I'm happy we got that ring in 2018. It justified everything- even the cliff that was sure to follow.

 

If we did not win in 2018, I'm pretty sure much of this board, including myself, would be singing different tunes.

[dgalehouse]

None of DD's trades look like the Bagwell or Danny Cater deals. Taken by themselves none look horrific or even all that bad.

 

Like I have said, I'm happy we got that ring in 2018. It justified everything- even the cliff that was sure to follow.

 

If we did not win in 2018, I'm pretty sure much of this board, including myself, would be singing different tunes.

 

We had a great three year run 2016-2018. A lot of fun with those teams. As we know , anything can happen in the post season. 2018 was the culmination of it all.

[moonslav59]

We had a great three year run 2016-2018. A lot of fun with those teams. As we know , anything can happen in the post season. 2018 was the culmination of it all.

 

It was a wonderful season and the end of a very nice 3 year run.

 

I know it sounds like I'm "crying" or complaining about the cliff, but really, I do not see it that way.

 

I was fine with the trade off, the sacrifice, the consequences. The 2018 ring made it all more than worth it.

[dgalehouse]

It was a wonderful season and the end of a very nice 3 year run.

 

I know it sounds like I'm "crying" or complaining about the cliff, but really, I do not see it that way.

 

I was fine with the trade off, the sacrifice, the consequences. The 2018 ring made it all more than worth it.

 

I feel the same way. Now , we need to keep this " cliff " or down period as brief as possible.

[moonslav59]

I feel the same way. Now , we need to keep this " cliff " or down period as brief as possible.

 

I'm hopeful we can compete for a wildcard in 2021 and maybe the whole thing by 2022 or 2023.

 

I've given credit to DD for drafting better than I expected with such low picks. He kept Devers- clearly the best of all the prospects he had (in hindsight and foresight.)

 

I wish he'd done better with IFA's.

 

Let's hope Bloom drafts well with these better picks and works his magic with low key signings.

 

I've never said I thought the "cliff" would be long.

[oldtimer]

I'm hopeful we can compete for a wildcard in 2021 and maybe the whole thing by 2022 or 2023.

 

I've given credit to DD for drafting better than I expected with such low picks. He kept Devers- clearly the best of all the prospects he had (in hindsight and foresight.)

 

I wish he'd done better with IFA's.

 

Let's hope Bloom drafts well with these better picks and works his magic with low key signings.

 

I've never said I thought the "cliff" would be long.

 

I believe Bloom has a very definite plan going forward in all areas including the draft. Not picking up Martin Perez's option, not offering a qualifying offer to JBJ and the likely movement of Pedroia to retirement all indicate a plan is in place. It may not include specific names of individuals to exchange into our 40 man roster but may be more about making improvements to our roster and our farm with every move undertaken. Some moves may be stop gaps but what he does will reveal the outlines of his plan.

[mvp 78]

Kopech had a lengthy drug suspension while in the Sox minor league system. He also broke his pitching hand in a brawl with a teammate. Definitely red flags . This year he got married in January , announced that his wife was pregnant shortly after that , then filed for divorce in June. This guy definitely has the characteristics of a problem child.

 

Living the American Dream!

[kenmeister]

I believe Bloom has a very definite plan going forward in all areas including the draft. Not picking up Martin Perez's option, not offering a qualifying offer to JBJ and the likely movement of Pedroia to retirement all indicate a plan is in place. It may not include specific names of individuals to exchange into our 40 man roster but may be more about making improvements to our roster and our farm with every move undertaken. Some moves may be stop gaps but what he does will reveal the outlines of his plan.

 

The plan could just be that nobody knows yet what salary ranges free agents will get, so don't lock anybody in that you don't have to.

[dgalehouse]

Always like to see a man with a plan. It's great if you can sell your boss on a five year plan. It gives you some job security, if nothing else.

[oldtimer]

Always like to see a man with a plan. It's great if you can sell your boss on a five year plan. It gives you some job security, if nothing else.

 

If the boss is smart, he will ask for measurement of progress in steps at 6 month or year intervals. Not meeting or coming close to the agreed upon measurement? See you later.

[moonslav59]

I'm sure all GMs have plans- long and short term.

 

Most are likely just trying to incrementally improve the current team and/or the longer term outlook.

 

I'm happy we have Bloom, and I think he's on the right track.

[oldtimer]

I'm sure all GMs have plans- long and short term.

 

Most are likely just trying to incrementally improve the current team and/or the longer term outlook.

 

I'm happy we have Bloom, and I think he's on the right track.

 

I would expect the decision on who will manage to come next. Whether it is Cora or someone else, we need to get a manager in place who can participate in the decision making for trades and acquisitions.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I would expect the decision on who will manage to come next. Whether it is Cora or someone else, we need to get a manager in place who can participate in the decision making for trades and acquisitions.

 

Of course this is why Detroit and Chicago didn't waste any time a week ago. That Cora has been named as a "finalist" but not yet as the Red Sox manager suggests that there isn't total consensus on him in the front office.

[mvp 78]

Of course this is why Detroit and Chicago didn't waste any time a week ago. That Cora has been named as a "finalist" but not yet as the Red Sox manager suggests that there isn't total consensus on him in the front office.

 

Or since all of the other vacancies have been filled, that there is no reason to rush into signing him. Maybe they are working out who he wants as a bench coach and maybe other positions?

[Bellhorn04]

Bloom took a while before he named Roenicke too. He's a patient man.

[mvp 78]

Bloom took a while before he named Roenicke too. He's a patient man.

 

We were spoiled by Decisive Dave!

[Bellhorn04]

We were spoiled by Decisive Dave!

 

Yes, exactly.

[Nick]

Yes, exactly.

 

No doubt Dave would have given up couple of young players to acquire a manager, whether needed to or not. He just loves to give away players.

[Kimmi]

We were spoiled by Decisive Dave!

 

'Spoiled' is not the correct choice of words here.

[cp176]

We were spoiled by Decisive Dave!

 

i agree

[moonslav59]

'Spoiled' is not the correct choice of words here.

 

Is "soiled" better?

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

If you think Red Sox games were interminably long already, next year's games may last eight hours instead of the usual four. Word is out that before each potential in-game pitching change, the Chief Baseball Officer, GM and new manager will do a Zoom to discuss and vet a list of five finalists in the bullpen.

 

The owners swear they'll have nothing to do with it and will leave it entirely up to management.

[moonslav59]

If you think Red Sox games were interminably long already, next year's games may last eight hours instead of the usual four. Word is out that before each potential in-game pitching change, the Chief Baseball Officer, GM and new manager will do a Zoom to discuss and vet a list of five finalists in the bullpen.

 

The owners swear they'll have nothing to do with it and will leave it entirely up to management.

 

Each new batter or pitcher will also have to submit to an immediate COVID test before being allowed into the game.

[mvp 78]

If you think Red Sox games were interminably long already, next year's games may last eight hours instead of the usual four. Word is out that before each potential in-game pitching change, the Chief Baseball Officer, GM and new manager will do a Zoom to discuss and vet a list of five finalists in the bullpen.

 

The owners swear they'll have nothing to do with it and will leave it entirely up to management.

 

Per what happened with Kevin Cash, the exact opposite would happen. There would be no discussion because the computer would take the decision out of your hands. It would speed the game up.

[mvp 78]

Each new batter or pitcher will also have to submit to an immediate COVID test before being allowed into the game.

 

That actually sounds fine with me considering the amount of positive COVID tests this country now has.

 

Is this a conversation that you think will be healthy for the board, moon?

[moonslav59]

That actually sounds fine with me considering the amount of positive COVID tests this country now has.

 

Is this a conversation that you think will be healthy for the board, moon?

 

LOL, I'm sure you realize it was a sarcastic remark.

 

After the Turner incident, there will likely be some new rules put in place, however.

[mvp 78]

LOL, I'm sure you realize it was a sarcastic remark.

 

After the Turner incident, there will likely be some new rules put in place, however.

 

Sarcasm worked great on that cursed thread we had that the mods had to close.