A Realistic View at 2021: Part I

mvp 78 · December 10, 2020

I'll throw out a very detailed prediction for the Sox 2021 MLB opening day roster, you know, for the heck of it.

C: Mike Zunino - signed as a free agent. Good defensive catcher who can hit 20 HRs and still struggle to maintain a .700 OPS. But Bloom has acquired him before.
1B Bobby Dalbec
2B Enrique Hernandez - Signed as a free agent. A very under-the-radar possibility that sneaks in. Other possibilities include the equally underrated Cesar Hernandez, along with Kolten Wong, and Jonathan Schoop. Marcus Semien remains a longshot with some very interesting potential.
3b Rafael Devers
SS Xander Bogaerts
LF Andrew Benintendi
CF Kevin Kiermaier. Acquired from Tampa in a deal for Christian Vazquez
RF Alex Verdugo
DH JD Martinez

SP: Eduardo Rodriguez
SP: Nathan Eovaldi
SP: Nick Pivetta
SP: Rick Porcello. Signed as a free agent.
SP: Shane Baz. Acquired with Kiermaier from Tampa for Vazquez. Shane McLanahan is also a possibility. (Neither trade works on BTV, as Vazquez' value is greater than either combination. But I am still predicting it or some variation.) Tanner Houck could also claim this spot, which is just a placeholder for Sale. All three pitchers (Houck, Baz, McLanahan) have minor league options.

CL: Brad Hand. Signed as a free agent
RP: Archie Bradley. Signed as a free agent
RP: Matt Barnes
RP: Ryan Brasier
RP: Darwinzon Hernandez
RP: Paul Campbell. Rule 5 selection from Tampa. Bloom drafted him out of Clemson.
RP: Austin Brice
RP: Phillips Valdez

BN Kevin Plawecki
BN: Michael Chavis
BN: Brad Miller. Can play 2b, 1b, and corner OF and provides a LHH bench bat, and has a history with Bloom.
BN: Christian Arroyo

A bit of an obvious theme - Bloom acquiring players he knows. Of course, he has already done some of that by acquiring Christian Arroyo, Cesar Puello, Ryan Weber, and probably 1 or 2 others. (He also seems to like former Giants and Rockies.)

So how would this team fair? If you don't like it, blame Bloom, not me...

You spent a lot longer on this than I would have.

I actually like your roster set up.

1. Defensive first CF.

2. Cheap upgrade at 2b.

3. Makes a move to get a younger guy with upside.

Maybe swap Taylor or another LHP for Brice.

I don't think this thrusts us into an automatic WC contender, but it least pushes them a lot closer.

mvp 78 · December 10, 2020

Then again, smoke and mirrors can kill you... it did in a few pitchers in the 1980s at least.

I think you're thinking of coke and mirrors.

moonslav59 · December 10, 2020

I'll throw out a very detailed prediction for the Sox 2021 MLB opening day roster, you know, for the heck of it.

C: Mike Zunino - signed as a free agent. Good defensive catcher who can hit 20 HRs and still struggle to maintain a .700 OPS. But Bloom has acquired him before.
1B Bobby Dalbec
2B Enrique Hernandez - Signed as a free agent. A very under-the-radar possibility that sneaks in. Other possibilities include the equally underrated Cesar Hernandez, along with Kolten Wong, and Jonathan Schoop. Marcus Semien remains a longshot with some very interesting potential.
3b Rafael Devers
SS Xander Bogaerts
LF Andrew Benintendi
CF Kevin Kiermaier. Acquired from Tampa in a deal for Christian Vazquez
RF Alex Verdugo
DH JD Martinez

SP: Eduardo Rodriguez
SP: Nathan Eovaldi
SP: Nick Pivetta
SP: Rick Porcello. Signed as a free agent.
SP: Shane Baz. Acquired with Kiermaier from Tampa for Vazquez. Shane McLanahan is also a possibility. (Neither trade works on BTV, as Vazquez' value is greater than either combination. But I am still predicting it or some variation.) Tanner Houck could also claim this spot, which is just a placeholder for Sale. All three pitchers (Houck, Baz, McLanahan) have minor league options.

CL: Brad Hand. Signed as a free agent
RP: Archie Bradley. Signed as a free agent
RP: Matt Barnes
RP: Ryan Brasier
RP: Darwinzon Hernandez
RP: Paul Campbell. Rule 5 selection from Tampa. Bloom drafted him out of Clemson.
RP: Austin Brice
RP: Phillips Valdez

BN Kevin Plawecki
BN: Michael Chavis
BN: Brad Miller. Signed as a free agent. Can play 2b, 1b, and corner OF and provides a LHH bench bat, and has a history with Bloom.
BN: Christian Arroyo

A bit of an obvious theme - Bloom acquiring players he knows. Of course, he has already done some of that by acquiring Christian Arroyo, Cesar Puello, Ryan Weber, and probably 1 or 2 others. (He also seems to like former Giants and Rockies.)

So how would this team fair? If you don't like it, blame Bloom, not me...

Very reasonable and a decent team.

I wonder what the budget line might be on this team.

notin · December 10, 2020

You spent a lot longer on this than I would have.

I actually like your roster set up.

1. Defensive first CF.
2. Cheap upgrade at 2b.
3. Makes a move to get a younger guy with upside.

Maybe swap Taylor or another LHP for Brice.

I don't think this thrusts us into an automatic WC contender, but it least pushes them a lot closer.

The only reason I kept Brice over Taylor is this is solely an MLB roster, and Taylor has options left while I believe Brice does not. Valdez dos have 2 options left and could be replaced by Taylor, and I am ok with that. (I prefer it, as I am not really much of a Valdez fan.)

But whichever of the them starts the season in AAA, they will make MLB appearances in 2021, assuming the season has enough games in it...

moonslav59 · December 10, 2020

The Rule 5 draft starts in minutes.

I'm on the edge of my seat!

(NOT!)

notin · December 10, 2020

The Rule 5 draft starts in minutes.

I'm on the edge of my seat!

(NOT!)

How are the networks not covering this?

notin · December 10, 2020

The Rule 5 draft starts in minutes.

I'm on the edge of my seat!

(NOT!)

And what I really need is for someone to explain to me how exactly does the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft work?

mvp 78 · December 10, 2020

The Rule 5 draft starts in minutes.

I'm on the edge of my seat!

(NOT!)

It's something to talk about when there is literally no other Sox news to discuss.

notin · December 10, 2020

So when do I see if my first Sox off-season prediction comes true?

mvp 78 · December 10, 2020

And what I really need is for someone to explain to me how exactly does the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft work?

There is also a minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. Any player who is on the 38-player Triple-A roster is protected from being picked in the minor league Rule 5 draft.

There are no eligibility rules that have to be maintained in the minor league phase. The player is drafted, the player's old organization is paid $24,500 and immediately the player becomes a member of his new organization. Almost all of the players picked in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft are viewed as useful organizational players for their new team, but occasionally a player does find his way to the majors with his new organization. Top players picked in the minor league Rule 5 draft include Alexi Ogando, Justin Bour, Omar Narvaez and Alejandro De Aza.

notin · December 10, 2020

There is also a minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. Any player who is on the 38-player Triple-A roster is protected from being picked in the minor league Rule 5 draft.

There are no eligibility rules that have to be maintained in the minor league phase. The player is drafted, the player's old organization is paid $24,500 and immediately the player becomes a member of his new organization. Almost all of the players picked in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft are viewed as useful organizational players for their new team, but occasionally a player does find his way to the majors with his new organization. Top players picked in the minor league Rule 5 draft include Alexi Ogando, Justin Bour, Omar Narvaez and Alejandro De Aza.

The lack of eligibility rules is what confused me. Thank you.

mvp 78 · December 10, 2020

How are the networks not covering this?

They are streaming it on MLB.com

5GoldGlovesOF,75 · December 10, 2020

I'll throw out a very detailed prediction for the Sox 2021 MLB opening day roster, you know, for the heck of it.

C: Mike Zunino - signed as a free agent. Good defensive catcher who can hit 20 HRs and still struggle to maintain a .700 OPS. But Bloom has acquired him before.
1B Bobby Dalbec
2B Enrique Hernandez - Signed as a free agent. A very under-the-radar possibility that sneaks in. Other possibilities include the equally underrated Cesar Hernandez, along with Kolten Wong, and Jonathan Schoop. Marcus Semien remains a longshot with some very interesting potential.
3b Rafael Devers
SS Xander Bogaerts
LF Andrew Benintendi
CF Kevin Kiermaier. Acquired from Tampa in a deal for Christian Vazquez
RF Alex Verdugo
DH JD Martinez

SP: Eduardo Rodriguez
SP: Nathan Eovaldi
SP: Nick Pivetta
SP: Rick Porcello. Signed as a free agent.
SP: Shane Baz. Acquired with Kiermaier from Tampa for Vazquez. Shane McLanahan is also a possibility. (Neither trade works on BTV, as Vazquez' value is greater than either combination. But I am still predicting it or some variation.) Tanner Houck could also claim this spot, which is just a placeholder for Sale. All three pitchers (Houck, Baz, McLanahan) have minor league options.

CL: Brad Hand. Signed as a free agent
RP: Archie Bradley. Signed as a free agent
RP: Matt Barnes
RP: Ryan Brasier
RP: Darwinzon Hernandez
RP: Paul Campbell. Rule 5 selection from Tampa. Bloom drafted him out of Clemson.
RP: Austin Brice
RP: Phillips Valdez

BN Kevin Plawecki
BN: Michael Chavis
BN: Brad Miller. Signed as a free agent. Can play 2b, 1b, and corner OF and provides a LHH bench bat, and has a history with Bloom.
BN: Christian Arroyo

A bit of an obvious theme - Bloom acquiring players he knows. Of course, he has already done some of that by acquiring Christian Arroyo, Cesar Puello, Ryan Weber, and probably 1 or 2 others. (He also seems to like former Giants and Rockies.)

So how would this team fair? If you don't like it, blame Bloom, not me...

I like it, and since there are no big expenditures, I'd add Ozuna. Kiermaier and Beni as lefty platooners and late-game D would give Cora the flexibility to find PT for both Marcell and JD in LF and DH... until someone got hurt. If Martinez doesn't rebound, the heart of the order is shot, and Devers will lead the league in intentional walks -- or failing Ks. I just don't know which stat to trust more from 2020: that JD is now a .219 hitter or Ozuna is a .338 hitter.

edit: flailing Ks

Edited December 10, 2020 by 5GoldGloves:OF,75

harmony · December 10, 2020

I'll throw out a very detailed prediction for the Sox 2021 MLB opening day roster, you know, for the heck of it.

C: Mike Zunino - signed as a free agent. Good defensive catcher who can hit 20 HRs and still struggle to maintain a .700 OPS. But Bloom has acquired him before.
1B Bobby Dalbec
2B Enrique Hernandez - Signed as a free agent. A very under-the-radar possibility that sneaks in. Other possibilities include the equally underrated Cesar Hernandez, along with Kolten Wong, and Jonathan Schoop. Marcus Semien remains a longshot with some very interesting potential.
3b Rafael Devers
SS Xander Bogaerts
LF Andrew Benintendi
CF Kevin Kiermaier. Acquired from Tampa in a deal for Christian Vazquez
RF Alex Verdugo
DH JD Martinez

SP: Eduardo Rodriguez
SP: Nathan Eovaldi
SP: Nick Pivetta
SP: Rick Porcello. Signed as a free agent.
SP: Shane Baz. Acquired with Kiermaier from Tampa for Vazquez. Shane McLanahan is also a possibility. (Neither trade works on BTV, as Vazquez' value is greater than either combination. But I am still predicting it or some variation.) Tanner Houck could also claim this spot, which is just a placeholder for Sale. All three pitchers (Houck, Baz, McLanahan) have minor league options.

CL: Brad Hand. Signed as a free agent
RP: Archie Bradley. Signed as a free agent
RP: Matt Barnes
RP: Ryan Brasier
RP: Darwinzon Hernandez
RP: Paul Campbell. Rule 5 selection from Tampa. Bloom drafted him out of Clemson.
RP: Austin Brice
RP: Phillips Valdez

BN Kevin Plawecki
BN: Michael Chavis
BN: Brad Miller. Signed as a free agent. Can play 2b, 1b, and corner OF and provides a LHH bench bat, and has a history with Bloom.
BN: Christian Arroyo

A bit of an obvious theme - Bloom acquiring players he knows. Of course, he has already done some of that by acquiring Christian Arroyo, Cesar Puello, Ryan Weber, and probably 1 or 2 others. (He also seems to like former Giants and Rockies.)

So how would this team fair? If you don't like it, blame Bloom, not me...

Fine work.

notin should tutor Swiharts Ghost.

mvp 78 · December 10, 2020

Fine work.

notin should tutor Swiharts Ghost.

That'd be a 4 year degree if not longer.

moonslav59 · December 10, 2020

I like it, and since there are no big expenditures, I'd add Ozuna. Kiermaier and Beni as lefty platooners and late-game D would give Cora the flexibility to find PT for both Marcell and JD in LF and DH... until someone got hurt. If Martinez doesn't rebound, the heart of the order is shot, and Devers will lead the league in intentional walks -- or failing Ks. I just don't know which stat to trust more from 2020: that JD is now a .219 hitter or Ozuna is a .338 hitter.

edit: flailing Ks

There are no "big expenditures" but enough moderate ones to put us significantly over the lux tax line not just for 2021, but likely for 2022 as well.

I do think Henry would be fine with going over in 2021, but maybe not over the $20M second line, unless we look like we could win a ring.

moonslav59 · December 10, 2020

Rule 5, so far...

First Round

1. Pittsburgh Pirates: Jose Soriano (Angels)

2. Texas Rangers: Brett de Geus (Dodgers)

3. Detroit Tigers: Akil Baddoo (Twins)

4. Boston Red Sox: Garrett Whitlock (Yankees)

5. Baltimore Orioles: Mac Sceroler (Reds)

6. Arizona Diamondbacks: Zach Pop (Royals)

7. Kansas City Royals: Pass

8. Colorado Rockies: Jordan Sheffield (Dodgers)

9. Los Angeles Angels: Jose Alberto Rivera (Astros)

10. New York Mets: Luis Oviedo (Guardians), traded to Pirates for cash considerations, tweets MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo

11. Washington Nationals: Pass

12. Seattle Mariners: Will Vest (Tigers)

13. Philadelphia Phillies: Kyle Holder (Yankees)

14. San Francisco Giants: Dedniel Nunez (Mets)

15. Houston Astros: Pass

16. Milwaukee Brewers: Pass

17. Miami Marlins: Paul Campbell (Rays)

18. Cincinnati Reds: Pass

19. St. Louis Cardinals: Pass

20. Toronto Blue Jays: No 40-man roster space

21. New York Yankees: Pass

22. Chicago Cubs: Gray Fenter (Orioles)

23. Chicago White Sox: Pass

24. Cleveland Guardians: Trevor Stephan (Yankees)

25. Atlanta Braves: Pass

26. Oakland Athletics: Ka’ai Tom (Guardians)

27. Minnesota Twins: Pass

28. San Diego Padres: No 40-man roster space

29. Tampa Bay Rays: Pass

30. Los Angeles Dodgers: Pass

Second Round

5. Baltimore Orioles: Tyler Wells (Twins)

26. Oakland Athletics: Dany Jimenez (Blue Jays)

moonslav59 · December 10, 2020

No surprise- No Sox players drafted in rule 5 or rule 5 minors.

The Sox did taker a couple players in the minor league draft, too:

Triple-A Phase

Round 1

1) Pirates: Shea Spitzbarth, RHP (Dodgers)

2) Rangers: Matthew Wivinis, RHP (Yankees)

3) Tigers: Yunior Perez, RHP (Cubs)

4) Red Sox: Tyreque Reed, 1B (Rangers)

5) Orioles: Rickey Ramirez, RHP (Twins)

6) D-backs: Tyler Gilbert, LHP (Dodgers)

7) Angels: Brendon Davis, SS (Rangers)

8) Mets: Andrew Ferguson, CF (Astros)

9) Mariners: Amador Arias, 2B (Rays)

10) Giants: Vince Fernandez, OF (Rockies)

11) Astros: Joe Record, RHP (Twins)

12) Marlins: Jake Fishman, LHP (Blue Jays)

13) Reds: Errol Robinson, SS (Dodgers)

14) Cardinals: Garrett Williams, LHP (Angels)

15) Blue Jays: Sebastian Espino, SS (Mets)

16) Yankees: Matt Krook, LHP (Rays)

17) Cubs: Nicholas Padilla, RHP (Rays)

18) White Sox: Martin Carrasco, RHP (Padres)

19) Guardians: Chris Roller, CF (Dodgers)

20) Braves: A.J. Puckett, RHP (White Sox)

21) A's: Zach Jackson, RHP (Blue Jays)

22) Twins: Jhonleider Salinas, RHP (Rays)

23) Padres: Yorman Rodriguez, C (Blue Jays)

24) Rays: Jordan Brink, RHP (Cardinals)

25) Dodgers: Ryan January, C (D-backs)

Round 2

26) Pirates: Claudio Finol, SS (Reds)

27) Rangers: Yohel Pozo, C (Padres)

28) Red Sox: Kaleb Ort, RHP (Yankees)

29) Orioles: Christopher Hudgins, C (Royals)

30) Angels: Gustavo Campero, C (Yankees)

31) Mets: Justin Dillon, RHP (Blue Jays)

32) Giants: Ronnie Williams, RHP (Cardinals)

33) Astros: Seth Martinez, RHP (A's)

34) Marlins: Dylan Bice, RHP (Rangers)

35) Reds: Wilfred Astudillo, C (Mets)

36) Yankees: Reggie McClain, RHP (Phillies)

37) Cubs: Samuel Reyes, RHP (Pirates)

38) Braves: Jalen Miller, 2B (Giants)

39) A's: Brett Graves, RHP (Marlins)

40) Twins: Josh Mitchell, LHP (Royals)

41) Padres: Ben Ruta, LF (Yankees)

42) Rays: Ezequiel Zabaleta, RHP (Mets)

43) Dodgers: Roimer Bolivar, RHP (Rays)

Round 3

44) Pirates: Jeffrey Passantino, RHP (Cubs)

45) Rangers: Justin Marsden, RHP (Rays)

46) Orioles: Ignacio Feliz, RHP (Padres)

47) Mets: Drew Jackson, 2B (Dodgers)

48) Giants: Mitchell Tolman, 2B (Mets)

49) Marlins: Marcus Chiu, 2B (Dodgers)

50) Reds: Chuckie Robinson, C (Astros)

51) Braves: Jacob Pearson, OF (Twins)

Round 4

52) Mets: Jesus Reyes, RHP (Reds)

53) Reds: Yoel Yanqui, 1B (D-backs)

Round 5

54) Mets: Jose Zorrilla, LHP (Reds)

55) Reds: Wes Robertson, RHP (Rangers)

Round 6

56) Reds: Steven Leyton, SS (D-backs)

kenmeister · December 10, 2020

I'll throw out a very detailed prediction for the Sox 2021 MLB opening day roster, you know, for the heck of it.

C: Mike Zunino - signed as a free agent. Good defensive catcher who can hit 20 HRs and still struggle to maintain a .700 OPS. But Bloom has acquired him before.
1B Bobby Dalbec
2B Enrique Hernandez - Signed as a free agent. A very under-the-radar possibility that sneaks in. Other possibilities include the equally underrated Cesar Hernandez, along with Kolten Wong, and Jonathan Schoop. Marcus Semien remains a longshot with some very interesting potential.
3b Rafael Devers
SS Xander Bogaerts
LF Andrew Benintendi
CF Kevin Kiermaier. Acquired from Tampa in a deal for Christian Vazquez
RF Alex Verdugo
DH JD Martinez

SP: Eduardo Rodriguez
SP: Nathan Eovaldi
SP: Nick Pivetta
SP: Rick Porcello. Signed as a free agent.
SP: Shane Baz. Acquired with Kiermaier from Tampa for Vazquez. Shane McLanahan is also a possibility. (Neither trade works on BTV, as Vazquez' value is greater than either combination. But I am still predicting it or some variation.) Tanner Houck could also claim this spot, which is just a placeholder for Sale. All three pitchers (Houck, Baz, McLanahan) have minor league options.

CL: Brad Hand. Signed as a free agent
RP: Archie Bradley. Signed as a free agent
RP: Matt Barnes
RP: Ryan Brasier
RP: Darwinzon Hernandez
RP: Paul Campbell. Rule 5 selection from Tampa. Bloom drafted him out of Clemson.
RP: Austin Brice
RP: Phillips Valdez

BN Kevin Plawecki
BN: Michael Chavis
BN: Brad Miller. Signed as a free agent. Can play 2b, 1b, and corner OF and provides a LHH bench bat, and has a history with Bloom.
BN: Christian Arroyo

A bit of an obvious theme - Bloom acquiring players he knows. Of course, he has already done some of that by acquiring Christian Arroyo, Cesar Puello, Ryan Weber, and probably 1 or 2 others. (He also seems to like former Giants and Rockies.)

So how would this team fair? If you don't like it, blame Bloom, not me...

Rick Porcello coming back, wow...

Also, I don't think they trade Vazquez, but it seems to be popular here on this site to consider it.

moonslav59 · December 10, 2020

I'll throw out a very detailed prediction for the Sox 2021 MLB opening day roster, you know, for the heck of it.

C: Mike Zunino - signed as a free agent. Good defensive catcher who can hit 20 HRs and still struggle to maintain a .700 OPS. But Bloom has acquired him before.
1B Bobby Dalbec
2B Enrique Hernandez - Signed as a free agent. A very under-the-radar possibility that sneaks in. Other possibilities include the equally underrated Cesar Hernandez, along with Kolten Wong, and Jonathan Schoop. Marcus Semien remains a longshot with some very interesting potential.
3b Rafael Devers
SS Xander Bogaerts
LF Andrew Benintendi
CF Kevin Kiermaier. Acquired from Tampa in a deal for Christian Vazquez
RF Alex Verdugo
DH JD Martinez

SP: Eduardo Rodriguez
SP: Nathan Eovaldi
SP: Nick Pivetta
SP: Rick Porcello. Signed as a free agent.
SP: Shane Baz. Acquired with Kiermaier from Tampa for Vazquez. Shane McLanahan is also a possibility. (Neither trade works on BTV, as Vazquez' value is greater than either combination. But I am still predicting it or some variation.) Tanner Houck could also claim this spot, which is just a placeholder for Sale. All three pitchers (Houck, Baz, McLanahan) have minor league options.

CL: Brad Hand. Signed as a free agent
RP: Archie Bradley. Signed as a free agent
RP: Matt Barnes
RP: Ryan Brasier
RP: Darwinzon Hernandez
RP: Paul Campbell. Rule 5 selection from Tampa. Bloom drafted him out of Clemson.
RP: Austin Brice
RP: Phillips Valdez

BN Kevin Plawecki
BN: Michael Chavis
BN: Brad Miller. Signed as a free agent. Can play 2b, 1b, and corner OF and provides a LHH bench bat, and has a history with Bloom.
BN: Christian Arroyo

A bit of an obvious theme - Bloom acquiring players he knows. Of course, he has already done some of that by acquiring Christian Arroyo, Cesar Puello, Ryan Weber, and probably 1 or 2 others. (He also seems to like former Giants and Rockies.)

So how would this team fair? If you don't like it, blame Bloom, not me...

Shane Baz would be a nice get, but he's never pitched above A ball, so I would not count on him as being a candidate for the 5 slot in the rotation.

He's 21 years old.

notin · December 10, 2020

Shane Baz would be a nice get, but he's never pitched above A ball, so I would not count on him as being a candidate for the 5 slot in the rotation.

He's 21 years old.

Houck could take that spot in April.

The other Shane, Shane McClanahan, has only pitched 8 games above A ball. But 4 of them were in the MLB post-season...

Kimmi · December 10, 2020

Lou Merloni never thinks anyone wants to play for the Sox...

Merloni often has an unpopular view of things, but he's also often right in his views.

Kimmi · December 10, 2020

I'll throw out a very detailed prediction for the Sox 2021 MLB opening day roster, you know, for the heck of it.

C: Mike Zunino - signed as a free agent. Good defensive catcher who can hit 20 HRs and still struggle to maintain a .700 OPS. But Bloom has acquired him before.
1B Bobby Dalbec
2B Enrique Hernandez - Signed as a free agent. A very under-the-radar possibility that sneaks in. Other possibilities include the equally underrated Cesar Hernandez, along with Kolten Wong, and Jonathan Schoop. Marcus Semien remains a longshot with some very interesting potential.
3b Rafael Devers
SS Xander Bogaerts
LF Andrew Benintendi
CF Kevin Kiermaier. Acquired from Tampa in a deal for Christian Vazquez
RF Alex Verdugo
DH JD Martinez

SP: Eduardo Rodriguez
SP: Nathan Eovaldi
SP: Nick Pivetta
SP: Rick Porcello. Signed as a free agent.
SP: Shane Baz. Acquired with Kiermaier from Tampa for Vazquez. Shane McLanahan is also a possibility. (Neither trade works on BTV, as Vazquez' value is greater than either combination. But I am still predicting it or some variation.) Tanner Houck could also claim this spot, which is just a placeholder for Sale. All three pitchers (Houck, Baz, McLanahan) have minor league options.

CL: Brad Hand. Signed as a free agent
RP: Archie Bradley. Signed as a free agent
RP: Matt Barnes
RP: Ryan Brasier
RP: Darwinzon Hernandez
RP: Paul Campbell. Rule 5 selection from Tampa. Bloom drafted him out of Clemson.
RP: Austin Brice
RP: Phillips Valdez

BN Kevin Plawecki
BN: Michael Chavis
BN: Brad Miller. Signed as a free agent. Can play 2b, 1b, and corner OF and provides a LHH bench bat, and has a history with Bloom.
BN: Christian Arroyo

A bit of an obvious theme - Bloom acquiring players he knows. Of course, he has already done some of that by acquiring Christian Arroyo, Cesar Puello, Ryan Weber, and probably 1 or 2 others. (He also seems to like former Giants and Rockies.)

So how would this team fair? If you don't like it, blame Bloom, not me...

Very thorough and well thought out roster.

You had me at "Porcello". LOL

Bellhorn04 · December 11, 2020

Merloni often has an unpopular view of things, but he's also often right in his views.

I think he had some tweets about things not looking good for Cora's return before it happened. Maybe he's just a touch on the pessimistic side.

a700hitter · December 11, 2020

I'll throw out a very detailed prediction for the Sox 2021 MLB opening day roster, you know, for the heck of it.

C: Mike Zunino - signed as a free agent. Good defensive catcher who can hit 20 HRs and still struggle to maintain a .700 OPS. But Bloom has acquired him before.
1B Bobby Dalbec
2B Enrique Hernandez - Signed as a free agent. A very under-the-radar possibility that sneaks in. Other possibilities include the equally underrated Cesar Hernandez, along with Kolten Wong, and Jonathan Schoop. Marcus Semien remains a longshot with some very interesting potential.
3b Rafael Devers
SS Xander Bogaerts
LF Andrew Benintendi
CF Kevin Kiermaier. Acquired from Tampa in a deal for Christian Vazquez
RF Alex Verdugo
DH JD Martinez

SP: Eduardo Rodriguez
SP: Nathan Eovaldi
SP: Nick Pivetta
SP: Rick Porcello. Signed as a free agent.
SP: Shane Baz. Acquired with Kiermaier from Tampa for Vazquez. Shane McLanahan is also a possibility. (Neither trade works on BTV, as Vazquez' value is greater than either combination. But I am still predicting it or some variation.) Tanner Houck could also claim this spot, which is just a placeholder for Sale. All three pitchers (Houck, Baz, McLanahan) have minor league options.

CL: Brad Hand. Signed as a free agent
RP: Archie Bradley. Signed as a free agent
RP: Matt Barnes
RP: Ryan Brasier
RP: Darwinzon Hernandez
RP: Paul Campbell. Rule 5 selection from Tampa. Bloom drafted him out of Clemson.
RP: Austin Brice
RP: Phillips Valdez

BN Kevin Plawecki
BN: Michael Chavis
BN: Brad Miller. Signed as a free agent. Can play 2b, 1b, and corner OF and provides a LHH bench bat, and has a history with Bloom.
BN: Christian Arroyo

A bit of an obvious theme - Bloom acquiring players he knows. Of course, he has already done some of that by acquiring Christian Arroyo, Cesar Puello, Ryan Weber, and probably 1 or 2 others. (He also seems to like former Giants and Rockies.)

So how would this team fair? If you don't like it, blame Bloom, not me...

I like the bullpen additions, but Porcello has looked pretty cooked over the last 2 years.

harmony · December 11, 2020

I like the bullpen additions, but Porcello has looked pretty cooked over the last 2 years.

This year righthander Rick Porcello posted 1.7 fWAR in 12 starts, which prorates to 4.5 fWAR in 32 starts:

https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rick-porcello/2717/stats?position=P

moonslav59 · December 11, 2020

This year righthander Rick Porcello posted 1.7 fWAR in 12 starts, which prorates to 4.5 fWAR in 32 starts:

https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rick-porcello/2717/stats?position=P

Shouldn't we expect a regression to his post-prime norm?

harmony · December 11, 2020

Shouldn't we expect a regression to his post-prime norm?

Indeed Steamer projects Rick Porcello with a 2021 WAR of 1.9 in 31 starts, ZiPS a 2021 WAR of 1.5 in 24 starts and Marcel a 2021 ERA of 5.05 in 107 innings.

moonslav59 · December 11, 2020

3 Yankee prospects taken in the rule 5 draft and 3 in the minor league draft.

No Sox prospects taken.

notin · December 11, 2020

Indeed Steamer projects Rick Porcello with a 2021 WAR of 1.9 in 31 starts, ZiPS a 2021 WAR of 1.5 in 24 starts and Marcel a 2021 ERA of 5.05 in 107 innings.

ZiPS and Marcel must think there will be a shortened season. Porcello has not made fewer than 28 starts in a season since 2010 (not counting 2020, of course), when he made a career low 27, and has never pitched less than 170 IP in a season longer than 60 games...

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