Why was Mookie traded, exactly?

[Bellhorn04]

Bloom has done a great job this year, but still has his hands full going forward - like most GM's.

 

Our offense this year revolves around 4 guys.

 

2 of them may be gone after 2022, and the other 2 start their arb years next year.

[Kimmi]

Bloom has done a great job this year, but still has his hands full going forward - like most GM's.

 

Our offense this year revolves around 4 guys.

 

2 of them may be gone after 2022, and the other 2 start their arb years next year.

 

No doubt. Remember, however, that this is technically a 'rebuilding' year for us. Even though we have played very well, the focus of Bloom's moves has been on sustainability and the long term. He has already been working hard on 2022 and beyond, both in terms of giving the team some financial flexibility and in building the farm.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

No doubt. Remember, however, that this is technically a 'rebuilding' year for us. Even though we have played very well, the focus of Bloom's moves has been on sustainability and the long term. He has already been working hard on 2022 and beyond, both in terms of giving the team some financial flexibility and in building the farm.

 

I really have to wonder what their plan is with Devers. He's clearly a monster offensive talent -- 24 and there's so much more -- the kind of bat any team's core would covet. Locking him up longterm -- before he gets too expensive -- would just seem good business for the franchise and fanbase. Maybe they just don't trust him to improve on defense, or are worried about complacency from a fat contract.

 

Though fans and media suggest a future at first base, I don't think it's ever been an option discussed in public from management. Have to assume the Sox view Casas as the first baseman of the future, and maybe Rafie at DH... or a bigger trade chip than when the Rays dealt their star third baseman, Longoria.

[oldtimer]

No doubt. Remember, however, that this is technically a 'rebuilding' year for us. Even though we have played very well, the focus of Bloom's moves has been on sustainability and the long term. He has already been working hard on 2022 and beyond, both in terms of giving the team some financial flexibility and in building the farm.

 

I believe Bloom will stick to the plan. That his moves to date have resulted in a competitive team has been somewhat unexpected and a plus. Our minor league prospect list has been strengthened and we have a likelihood of drafting well. I rate the job he has done to date as excellent. If anything I am impatient for him bringing up some of our better prospects now to improve our chances of playing in October. Maybe he will go the other way and pick up help at the trade deadline. As long as he keeps in mind the idea of sustainable excellence, I am all for it.

[moonslav59]

Betts is gone, but the aspect to consider here going forward with the current admin is what happens when a guy like Verdugo, if he continues to progress into stardom, gets closer to free agency. As a fan, I'm not going to say I'm worried yet, but I will continue to be skeptical until Bloom signs or extends any Red Sox player longterm.

 

Verdugo will not likely demand or get anywhere near what Betts got.

 

I do not think the Sox are going totally small market philosophy, here. The last coiple winters seemed a bit that way, but Bloom had to navigate through some tough waters.

 

I think we will still offer deals like Eovaldi ($17M x 4) and Bogey ($20M per year with an opt out) with an occasional Sale-type deal when they timing seems just right.

 

I think this winter will tell a lot about how we will be looking at out budget and financial priorities. We should have a lot to spend. We don't have a major roster squeeze coming up, despite having 4-6 Rule 5 players we should add, but a clear choice will be made:

 

1) Do we sign 3-4 moderate to expensive free agents (SP, RP, RP, ???) and fill the rest of the 40 with some nice in-system additions?

 

2) Do we sign 4-6 low-cost to moderate free agents (maybe one on the expensive side) and end up trading away some of our promising talent to make room for them?

 

I can see 3-5 players that could be DFA'd or traded without feeling like we went too far. Replacing the 2021 ERod might not be hard, but adding any meaningful SP'er to the mix will be costly. Replacing Barnes & Ottavino will be difficult, and spending large on a closer and top set up man is not my idea of spending well. Marwin & Santana can easily be replace- probably from the farm.

 

I think we will begin to see the type of team Bloom will form, once his checkbook is opened up and far fewer roster slots need to be filled.

[moonslav59]

I really have to wonder what their plan is with Devers. He's clearly a monster offensive talent -- 24 and there's so much more -- the kind of bat any team's core would covet. Locking him up longterm -- before he gets too expensive -- would just seem good business for the franchise and fanbase. Maybe they just don't trust him to improve on defense, or are worried about complacency from a fat contract.

 

Though fans and media suggest a future at first base, I don't think it's ever been an option discussed in public from management. Have to assume the Sox view Casas as the first baseman of the future, and maybe Rafie at DH... or a bigger trade chip than when the Rays dealt their star third baseman, Longoria.

 

I still think Devers would make a fine 1Bman. His quickness and glove are rarely the issue on defense. Take away the bad throws, and Devers is a plus defender at 3B. There is no reason to think he can't be an easy plaus at 1B with a little practice and a short learning curve window.

 

We can deal with Casas, when we have to, and the bigger issue is, who plays 3B?

 

Dalbec? (Doubtful)

 

Most likely a FA (or move Bogey there and get a SS.)

[notin]

I still think Devers would make a fine 1Bman. His quickness and glove are rarely the issue on defense. Take away the bad throws, and Devers is a plus defender at 3B. There is no reason to think he can't be an easy plaus at 1B with a little practice and a short learning curve window.

 

We can deal with Casas, when we have to, and the bigger issue is, who plays 3B?

 

Dalbec? (Doubtful)

 

Most likely a FA (or move Bogey there and get a SS.)

 

I’d rather see Devers at 1b than Casas. If one of those two had to be traded (which isn’t the case), I’d prefer it be Casas…

[Bellhorn04]

If Richards, Pivetta and Perez continue to pitch like they can't get a grip on the ball, I'm afraid Bloom's offseason work doesn't look quite as nifty.

[moonslav59]

I’d rather see Devers at 1b than Casas. If one of those two had to be traded (which isn’t the case), I’d prefer it be Casas…

 

As of now, yes, but when Casas is ready, the choice may be different, depending on Devers contract or pending free agency.

 

To me, Devers is a "keeper," but if he is to become a DH, he shouldn't be paid $25M+ for 6+ years. (I don't see him as a DH until maybe age 34 or higher.)

[moonslav59]

If Richards, Pivetta and Perez continue to pitch like they can't get a grip on the ball, I'm afraid Bloom's offseason work doesn't look quite as nifty.

 

One important factor: how are other teams in the running being affected by "grips?"

 

We only lose ground, if our guys are affected more than the others.

[dgalehouse]

Of course the luxury tax bothers the owners. That's why they all eventually hit the reset button.

The owners created the luxury tax to serve as a de facto salary cap. I wouldn't say it bothers them. They use it as a tool to keep the payroll down and maximize profits. I'm not necessarily condemning them for that , just saying it as a fact.

[Larry Cook]

Bloom has done a great job this year, but still has his hands full going forward - like most GM's.

 

Our offense this year revolves around 4 guys.

 

2 of them may be gone after 2022, and the other 2 start their arb years next year.

 

I really like some of our position prospects.

 

If they keep developing, we will have ample talent to replace those that leave.

 

The key is keeping bogey and devers, then we fill in with prospects when contracts expire.

 

On the other side of the coin, the pitching in the minor leagues is virtually bereft of quality talent. That is why this draft is so important.

[Kimmi]

I really have to wonder what their plan is with Devers. He's clearly a monster offensive talent -- 24 and there's so much more -- the kind of bat any team's core would covet. Locking him up longterm -- before he gets too expensive -- would just seem good business for the franchise and fanbase. Maybe they just don't trust him to improve on defense, or are worried about complacency from a fat contract.

 

Though fans and media suggest a future at first base, I don't think it's ever been an option discussed in public from management. Have to assume the Sox view Casas as the first baseman of the future, and maybe Rafie at DH... or a bigger trade chip than when the Rays dealt their star third baseman, Longoria.

 

I think the Sox will try to extend Devers before he reaches free agency. There's still time. Of course, Devers has to be open to the idea as well.

 

As far as moving him to first base, my feeling is to just leave him be and let him do his thing, at least for the foreseeable future.

[notin]

I really have to wonder what their plan is with Devers. He's clearly a monster offensive talent -- 24 and there's so much more -- the kind of bat any team's core would covet. Locking him up longterm -- before he gets too expensive -- would just seem good business for the franchise and fanbase. Maybe they just don't trust him to improve on defense, or are worried about complacency from a fat contract.

 

Though fans and media suggest a future at first base, I don't think it's ever been an option discussed in public from management. Have to assume the Sox view Casas as the first baseman of the future, and maybe Rafie at DH... or a bigger trade chip than when the Rays dealt their star third baseman, Longoria.

 

The Rays also signed Longoria to a massive contract before dealing him. In fact, they extended him twice...

[Kimmi]

I believe Bloom will stick to the plan. That his moves to date have resulted in a competitive team has been somewhat unexpected and a plus. Our minor league prospect list has been strengthened and we have a likelihood of drafting well. I rate the job he has done to date as excellent. If anything I am impatient for him bringing up some of our better prospects now to improve our chances of playing in October. Maybe he will go the other way and pick up help at the trade deadline. As long as he keeps in mind the idea of sustainable excellence, I am all for it.

 

As far as Bloom's plan and him sticking to it, I am with you 100%.

 

As far as bringing up some of our prospects, I don't feel that impatience that you are feeling. Yes, this team has room for improvement. I am confident that the FO is continually looking for ways to improve, including the possibility of eventually calling up some prospects. I trust them to know when the time is right for that. I do not see any big moves happening at the deadline, and I'm okay with that.

[moonslav59]

I think the Sox will try to extend Devers before he reaches free agency. There's still time. Of course, Devers has to be open to the idea as well.

 

As far as moving him to first base, my feeling is to just leave him be and let him do his thing, at least for the foreseeable future.

 

If that means the rest of 2021, I totally agree.

 

If he doesn't show improvement on defense by the end of the year, I think we have to seriously consider moving him to 1B.

 

I think he can and will be a plus on defense at 1B.

 

Now, who plays 3B?

[moonslav59]

I’d rather see Devers at 1b than Casas. If one of those two had to be traded (which isn’t the case), I’d prefer it be Casas…

 

As of now, I agree, but the choice should be made when it is determined Casas in ML ready. If that is opening day 2022 (doubtful), I'd go with Devers, although keeping him at 3B might have more merit. If it's opening day 2023, Devers last year of control, the choice might be different, and again, we might just keep Devers at 3B, if Casas is raking, rather than trade either one.

[Kimmi]

If that means the rest of 2021, I totally agree.

 

If he doesn't show improvement on defense by the end of the year, I think we have to seriously consider moving him to 1B.

 

I think he can and will be a plus on defense at 1B.

 

Now, who plays 3B?

 

I would go even beyond 2021.

 

While he is still a below average defender (although his current DRS is +1), he has shown improvement defensively this year. I am of the mindset of 'don't mess with him'.

[moonslav59]

As far as Bloom's plan and him sticking to it, I am with you 100%.

 

As far as bringing up some of our prospects, I don't feel that impatience that you are feeling. Yes, this team has room for improvement. I am confident that the FO is continually looking for ways to improve, including the possibility of eventually calling up some prospects. I trust them to know when the time is right for that. I do not see any big moves happening at the deadline, and I'm okay with that.

 

Well said, Kimmi.

 

I think we make a small move or two at the deadline. We have about $4-5M to add to the budget without getting taxed, and I think we look for a salary dump player or two that won't demand a very promising prospect in return.

 

We probably already have a good idea on who will not be part of the 2022 forty man roster (like maybe Chavis, Ward or Groome) and trading them in July won't really be sacrificing any of our future growth.

 

Adding Sale, Houck, Brasier, Bazardo and maybe even Ort, Duran, Gonsalves or Wilson may be the biggest boosts we get in the next coming month or two.

[moonslav59]

I would go even beyond 2021.

 

While he is still a below average defender (although his current DRS is +1), he has shown improvement defensively this year. I am of the mindset of 'don't mess with him'.

 

He was better on defense in 2019. I had thought he had turned the corner, then, but he looks worse now and did in 2020, too.

 

It's all about the arm. His glove and reflexes are fine. He seems to have good footwork, except maybe to set himself to throw.

 

His DRS shows +1, this year, but his UZR/150 shows a big drop from 2019. That being said, I seem to recall hi starting off 2019 a bit slowly on D, so maybe he can turn things around, again, this year.

 

That's why I think he can still make a case for staying at 3B by showing it over the next 90 games.

[Bellhorn04]

If that means the rest of 2021, I totally agree.

 

If he doesn't show improvement on defense by the end of the year, I think we have to seriously consider moving him to 1B.

 

I think he can and will be a plus on defense at 1B.

 

Now, who plays 3B?

 

Dalbec?

[notin]

Dalbec?

 

In a perfect world, Devers to 1b, Bogaerts to 3b and get a good defensive SS. But our world just refuses to be perfect…

[Bellhorn04]

In a perfect world, Devers to 1b, Bogaerts to 3b and get a good defensive SS. But our world just refuses to be perfect…

 

Don't take away my Dalbec. Maybe he can DH after JD is gone. Or play left field.

[moonslav59]

Dalbec?

 

That could be the answer, but watching him play 1B gives me doubts about him at 3B.

 

He'd probably have a better arm than Devers, there, but worse range and glove work.

 

Hard to know. I thought the word was, he was a plus defender at 3B.

[notin]

Don't take away my Dalbec. Maybe he can DH after JD is gone. Or play left field.

 

I do like the idea of Dalbec as a corner OF…

[moonslav59]

I do like the idea of Dalbec as a corner OF…

 

Maybe someday.

 

Maybe 2022, if Casas explodes his way to the bigs.

[Larry Cook]

I think cassas is pretty close to being ready!

 

Before he went on the Olympic vacation, he was swinging the bat really well and not chasing as many pitches out of the strike zone.

 

When he goes back to the Olympics, he will come back with timing issues that will take a while to fix, but he is devers part 2 as far as when to elevate him.

 

So, I hope hang’em Chaim brings him up in 2022 after super two day!

[moonslav59]

I think cassas is pretty close to being ready!

 

Before he went on the Olympic vacation, he was swinging the bat really well and not chasing as many pitches out of the strike zone.

 

When he goes back to the Olympics, he will come back with timing issues that will take a while to fix, but he is devers part 2 as far as when to elevate him.

 

So, I hope hang’em Chaim brings him up in 2022 after super two day!

 

Next May or June might be just the right time.

 

He may get a September look-see, as with Duran.

[Larry Cook]

Next May or June might be just the right time.

 

He may get a September look-see, as with Duran.

 

I have watched Duran a lot and I am concerned about his hit tool.

[a700hitter]

I have watched Duran a lot and I am concerned about his hit tool.

Long swing? Blind spots or holes?