A Realistic View at 2021: Part I

[mvp 78]

Ellsbury came in with one elite skill and something that can't be taught: blazing speed (his biggest weakness was the other asset that can't be developed, legally: weak arm). To his credit, he became an above-average player and the top base-stealer in Red Sox history.

 

And yet, it was awhile before the Sox trusted Ells in center; Epstein even brought in 37-year-old Mike Cameron to play center one year and move Jacoby to left (that would be like re-acquiring S.Drew to play short and moving X back to third).

 

I see some parallels to Duran, who can fly, is developing power, and apparently needs a lot of work on his centerfielding. But I think someone here already said we should all be very happy if he approaches an Ellsbury comp...

 

Difference is that Ellsbury played OF in college. Duran played IF in college and it's taking him a bit to get acclimated to a new position.

[kenmeister]

Same thing happened with Mattingly, right?

 

Ah yes, you are right!

 

In 1995, Don hit a respectable .288 batting average (.754 OPS) in 128 games. Then he retired and the Yanks won it all in '96.

 

Don hit .288 / .288 / .291 / .304 / .288 in his last 5 years, so he finished strong.

[mvp 78]

Ah yes, you are right!

 

In 1995, Don hit a respectable .288 batting average (.754 OPS) in 128 games. Then he retired and the Yanks won it all in '96.

 

Don hit .288 / .288 / .291 / .304 / .288 in his last 5 years, so he finished strong.

 

Tino OPS'd 830 in 1996. They probably still win with Don instead of Tino because Tino was garbage that postseason.

[mvp 78]

@IanMBrowne

Xander Bogaerts, "I will be completely ready" for Opening Day. I'm ready right now."

 

@alexspeier

Bogaerts will DH again tomorrow. Sox still determining when he’ll play shortstop.

[Nick]

Richards 4IP 1H 7K 3BB 0R

 

It's spring training, veterans are working on their craft for those on the ledge after his two starts........

[Nick]

Chavis with his 3rd HR......1.201 OPS He better hope he's traded.....he's not Cora's guy....All I hear are negativity from his manager....

[mvp 78]

Chavis with his 3rd HR......1.201 OPS He better hope he's traded.....he's not Cora's guy....All I hear are negativity from his manager....

 

Like what?

[Bellhorn04]

Chavis with his 3rd HR......1.201 OPS He better hope he's traded.....he's not Cora's guy....All I hear are negativity from his manager....

 

Please elaborate on who and what this is directed at, Nick.

[moonslav59]

I must have traded Chavis a hundred times on the BTV site, which gives him a pretty high value. That being said, I’ve said all along he deserves a long look, this year. I’m fine if it’s with the Sox. We could use him at 2B and EHern in CF.

[moonslav59]

I’m in Mexico for a week clearing up some legal matters. May not be posting much.

[notin]

I must have traded Chavis a hundred times on the BTV site, which gives him a pretty high value. That being said, I’ve said all along he deserves a long look, this year. I’m fine if it’s with the Sox. We could use him at 2B and EHern in CF.

 

Without Sale, this isn’t a bad year to give Chavis a legitimate chance to fix his offensive game and see if he has a future as a starter. Not like his potential failures would drag the team down...

[dgalehouse]

Chavis with his 3rd HR......1.201 OPS He better hope he's traded.....he's not Cora's guy....All I hear are negativity from his manager....

 

Chavis has too much power to give up on too quickly. I would like to see him get a real opportunity. Between him and Dalbec , there is some serious right handed pop. Plus , I really love the way Chavis records his at bats in a notebook. Classic old school stuff .

[notin]

Richards 4IP 1H 7K 3BB 0R

 

It's spring training, veterans are working on their craft for those on the ledge after his two starts........

 

Players have two goals in spring training

 

1. Get in game shape

2. Don’t get injured.

 

Now some of the MiLB and NRI players will try to make an impression, but supplanting a player under contract isn’t likely. They need a borderline candidate for that. (Like Brice.)

[jacksonianmarch]

I’m in Mexico for a week clearing up some legal matters. May not be posting much.

 

Hopefully while hydrating with Corona and Don Julio

[moonslav59]

Hopefully while hydrating with Corona and Don Julio

I don’t drink anymore, but relaxing is on the menu.

I found out I have some shoulder issues and mid back problems from an MRI. I haven’t been able to sleep much. As of now, I can only sleep sitting upright on a chair.

[Bellhorn04]

I’m in Mexico for a week clearing up some legal matters. May not be posting much.

 

Say it ain't so, man. This site is developing dustballs as it is.

[moonslav59]

A lot of people point to the hot start by Chablis as “inflating” his small sample size numbers, and that is a bit concerning.

However, it doesn’t mean that Chablis from the hot streak isn’t the real Chablis or that he cannot adjust hit like that again or near that well on a more consistent basis.

I’m not promising or even expecting greatness from him. He reminds me too much of Middlebrooks to get overly worked up, but I hope he gets a legitimate and long enough look to show what he can (or cannot) do.

[Bellhorn04]

Sometimes what separates players is what's between the ears. Middlebrooks seemed like a guy who wasn't interested in listening to advice or making alterations. Hopefully Chavis is a little smarter than that.

[moonslav59]

Sometimes what separates players is what's between the ears. Middlebrooks seemed like a guy who wasn't interested in listening to advice or making alterations. Hopefully Chavis is a little smarter than that.

 

Well said, and much has been said about his inability to adjust, but those sample sizes are smaller than his whole small sample size.

 

He’ll get a chance to shine.

Edited March 14, 2021 by moonslav59

[oldtimer]

Well said, and much has been said about his inability to adjust, but those sample sizes are smaller than his whole small sample size.

 

He’ll get a chance to shine.

 

The Sox have quite a few pre-prime guys in the system who have power but who are frequent swing and miss hitters. Being able to adjust may be what allows one or more of them to have substantial major league careers. I am thinking of Dalbec, Chavis, Cordero and Gettys.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

The Sox have quite a few pre-prime guys in the system who have power but who are frequent swing and miss hitters. Being able to adjust may be what allows one or more of them to have substantial major league careers. I am thinking of Dalbec, Chavis, Cordero and Gettys.

 

You are thinking of many modern big league hopefuls. Luckily, so is Theo Epstein, the MLB rule-makers and their sporting goods ball-makers...

 

Personally, I like Verdugo's approach; he prefers hitting in cages with a focus on liners, away from open-field BP and its temptations of distance and trajectory.

[moonslav59]

I prefer the hitting approaches of Verdugo, Bogey and JD, too, but it’s nice to have a lineup with different approaches. When pitcher is on and our lineup is struggling, sometimes it takes an unconventional hitter like Devers or a big slugger to knock him out of the game.

[jacksonianmarch]

Brasier set to start year on the IL per Cora.

[moonslav59]

Brasier set to start year on the IL per Cora.

Whatfer?

[jacksonianmarch]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/east-notes-andujar-chirinos-brasier-rainey.html

 

Sorry, per Chris Cotillo interpreting what Cora insinuated

[a700hitter]

Losing Brasier is a plus.

[moonslav59]

Losing Brasier is a plus.

 

So, eight or more of our RPers are better than Brasier? Wow, you must like those 8 more than I do. Or, you really think Brasier sucks.

[a700hitter]

So, eight or more of our RPers are better than Brasier? Wow, you must like those 8 more than I do. Or, you really think Brasier sucks.

Losing the others would also be a plus, but hey, we will not get that lucky.

[moonslav59]

Losing the others would also be a plus, but hey, we will not get that lucky.

 

Since most RPers are hit or miss, it’s usually a good thing to keep as many as you can healthy, so you can trial and error until you find a few keepers. Of course, you want types with some sort of good history or promising attribute. It’s not like Brasier has been awful all the time.

[a700hitter]

Since most RPers are hit or miss, it’s usually a good thing to keep as many as you can healthy, so you can trial and error until you find a few keepers. Of course, you want types with some sort of good history or promising attribute. It’s not like Brasier has been awful all the time.

Brasier has been past his expiration date for 2 years.