2020-2021 Offseason Thread

[notin]

My prediction is exactly that. I think Houston sign him to a 1 yr deal at $6.5 mil with a player option for $5 mil in 2022. This would provide him the pillow contract to have a better year, yet the security of a second season should be falter

 

Is Houston interested? It seemed like a match made in heaven back in November, but the two sides have never come to an agreement.

 

At some point, one has to wonder if JBJ wants to play for the Nippon Ham Fighters...

[jacksonianmarch]

JBJ has always “bet on himself” a la Betts, but he’s nowhere near as good as him. He misread this market and would benefit from a pillow year somewhere. Hitting in Houston and their short RF porch could really help him. He needs to think fit and stadium over money this offseason

[notin]

JBJ has always “bet on himself” a la Betts, but he’s nowhere near as good as him. He misread this market and would benefit from a pillow year somewhere. Hitting in Houston and their short RF porch could really help him. He needs to think fit and stadium over money this offseason

 

When has JBJ bet on himself before? He even settled before his arbitration hearing last season...

[notin]

JBJ has always “bet on himself” a la Betts, but he’s nowhere near as good as him. He misread this market and would benefit from a pillow year somewhere. Hitting in Houston and their short RF porch could really help him. He needs to think fit and stadium over money this offseason

 

Also I think you're looking at Minute Maid Park through a mirror. The short porch is in LF. Under that scoreboard than Stanton broke. The RF line is deeper, and the right fielder and right-center distances are also further than their LF counterparts...

[notin]

JBJ has always “bet on himself” a la Betts, but he’s nowhere near as good as him. He misread this market and would benefit from a pillow year somewhere. Hitting in Houston and their short RF porch could really help him. He needs to think fit and stadium over money this offseason

 

Besides, JBJ would never play for the Astros.

 

Bradley is not going to play for a team that once disrespected center field by putting a hill with a flagpole right in the middle of the playing field. Sure. it's gone now, but its not like they took it down for safety reasons. You know, like a sane person would. They took it down to put in more seats. So if you're Bradley playing for the Astroos, you might find yourself going go to work every day scared of what these psychopaths are going to dream up next for your part of the field. Will you show up one day and there is a crocodile pond in CF? Or a tar pit? Maybe a raging bonfire? A bus full of of mimes? Or maybe nothing, and do you wonder "minefield?"

 

Stay at Fenway. Sure the walls are all at funny angles, but no hills, no flagpoles and no tar pits...

[moonslav59]

Besides, JBJ would never play for the Astros.

 

Bradley is not going to play for a team that once disrespected center field by putting a hill with a flagpole right in the middle of the playing field. Sure. it's gone now, but its not like they took it down for safety reasons. You know, like a sane person would. They took it down to put in more seats. So if you're Bradley playing for the Astroos, you might find yourself going go to work every day scared of what these psychopaths are going to dream up next for your part of the field. Will you show up one day and there is a crocodile pond in CF? Or a tar pit? Maybe a raging bonfire? A bus full of of mimes? Or maybe nothing, and do you wonder "minefield?"

 

Stay at Fenway. Sure the walls are all at funny angles, but no hills, no flagpoles and no tar pits...

 

Tell that to Fred Lynn's broken back.

[notin]

Tell that to Fred Lynn's broken back.

 

Did he break it in a tar pit?

 

Injuries just prove my and JBJ's point. The job has enough going on without some lunatic deciding to add hills and flagpoles and quicksand out there. This is center field, not Pitfall!

 

 

(Waiting to see who gets that reference.)

Edited February 20, 2021 by notin

[Kimmi]

We have an embarrassment of riches of PTBNL’s .

 

Despite what many think, this is a very good thing.

[Kimmi]

Whoever we pick up, the general response seems to be negative on the site. I prefer to wait and see. They picked him up for a reason and they are reasonable baseball people. It could be a shot in the dark, it could be depth. I don't know and doubt if others here do either.

 

The more depth we acquire, the better the chance that someone will stick. These types of moves, while often criticized, are necessary.

[Kimmi]

Remember, this is a last place team until they're not anymore. When this administration starts adding established bonafides or even legitimates on the way up (instead of on the way back), the reactions will be more commensurate with the encouraging improvements.

 

I can understand the opinion that the team is not going to do well this year (though I strongly disagree), but certainly you have to have us as at least a 4th place team, better than the Orioles. LOL

 

Also, it is because of the spoiled lot of fans that we are that we are in this position to begin with. You simply cannot have a win now at any cost philosophy without suffering the consequences later.

[Nick]

I can understand the opinion that the team is not going to do well this year (though I strongly disagree), but certainly you have to have us as at least a 4th place team, better than the Orioles. LOL

 

Also, it is because of the spoiled lot of fans that we are that we are in this position to begin with. You simply cannot have a win now at any cost philosophy without suffering the consequences later.

 

I agree but we have 4 to Yankees 1.

 

That said, I enjoy watching rebuild process. We have several new players, including many youngsters. Only difference is this time, Bloom will do it right and keep us at the top. What fun would it be if we win 10 straight?

[moonslav59]

Did he break it in a tar pit?

 

Injuries just prove my and JBJ's point. The job has enough going on without some lunatic deciding to add hills and flagpoles and quicksand out there. This is center field, not Pitfall!

 

 

(Waiting to see who gets that reference.)

 

Fenway is better, now, but it was a minefield back in Fred's day. They put padding on the CF wall after he broke his back slamming against it to make a catch.

 

It is still one of the most unsafe OF's in MLB.

[moonslav59]

The more depth we acquire, the better the chance that someone will stick. These types of moves, while often criticized, are necessary.

 

True.

 

 

Next step: keep quantity while working on quality.

 

Winter 2021-2022 is the key.

 

This draft is important, too.

 

Improving our IFA signings, as well.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I can understand the opinion that the team is not going to do well this year (though I strongly disagree), but certainly you have to have us as at least a 4th place team, better than the Orioles. LOL

 

Also, it is because of the spoiled lot of fans that we are that we are in this position to begin with. You simply cannot have a win now at any cost philosophy without suffering the consequences later.

 

I did say the Sox have made encouraging improvements, and I do think they'll finish ahead of the O's and maybe a few others. I also think every team -- when it feels it is time -- shouldn't be afraid to "win now", because if they do win it all, the potential fan interest that generates can carry over for years (while they suffer the consequences). That is, except for spoiled fandoms in places that always demand contenders -- cough, cough, the Bronx, and ahem, Red Sox Nation.

 

If there's any team that might pull away from the pack this year, I'm taking the Blue Jays. And not just because of offseason acquisitions, but because those additions can supplement and take the pressure off Toronto's wealth of young talent, which is due to dominate the East at any minute. I'd take the Sox over the Rays, too, except Tampa has too many Top 100 prospects threatening to break out, as well.

[notin]

Fenway is better, now, but it was a minefield back in Fred's day. They put padding on the CF wall after he broke his back slamming against it to make a catch.

 

It is still one of the most unsafe OF's in MLB.

 

Houston used to be the worst when they had Tal’s Hill and a freakin’ flagpole out there.

 

Wrigley probably is now. Ivy is no substitute for padding on brick walls...

[Kimmi]

I agree but we have 4 to Yankees 1.

 

That said, I enjoy watching rebuild process. We have several new players, including many youngsters. Only difference is this time, Bloom will do it right and keep us at the top. What fun would it be if we win 10 straight?

 

Can't argue about the 4 championships. I just wish that the FO would have had a little better balance between short and long terms while working towards that 2018 championships.

 

I have to say I am very excited about this rebuilding process.

[notin]

Can't argue about the 4 championships. I just wish that the FO would have had a little better balance between short and long terms while working towards that 2018 championships.

 

I have to say I am very excited about this rebuilding process.

 

And if he signs Odorizzi and Bradley, I don’t see how Toronto is markedly better. This team would then easily in the running for second in the East and playing in October...

[notin]

Unless Bloom knows something about Odorizzi I don’t, like whether or not he’s two fastballs away from a visit to Dr. Andrews...

[Kimmi]

True.

 

 

Next step: keep quantity while working on quality.

 

Winter 2021-2022 is the key.

 

This draft is important, too.

 

Improving our IFA signings, as well.

 

I am sure that we sill start to see some of those big contracts and big name signings over the next couple of offseasons. Right now, even though Bloom is trying to field a competitive team, the priority remains building up the farm.

[Kimmi]

I did say the Sox have made encouraging improvements, and I do think they'll finish ahead of the O's and maybe a few others. I also think every team -- when it feels it is time -- shouldn't be afraid to "win now", because if they do win it all, the potential fan interest that generates can carry over for years (while they suffer the consequences). That is, except for spoiled fandoms in places that always demand contenders -- cough, cough, the Bronx, and ahem, Red Sox Nation.

 

If there's any team that might pull away from the pack this year, I'm taking the Blue Jays. And not just because of offseason acquisitions, but because those additions can supplement and take the pressure off Toronto's wealth of young talent, which is due to dominate the East at any minute. I'd take the Sox over the Rays, too, except Tampa has too many Top 100 prospects threatening to break out, as well.

 

I have no problem with the team having a 'win now' attitude, but I strongly believe that a team with the payroll that the Sox have should be able to 'win now' without sacrificing the future. Bloom has said it over and over - sustainability. The approach heading into 2018 gave no consideration to sustainability or the long term. That's what I take issue with.

 

I think the Jays will be a good team, but their pitching leaves a lot to be desired. I think the Sox and the Jays will battle it out for 2nd place in the division. That said, I am hardly ready to call the Yankees a shoe in to win the division.

[Kimmi]

And if he signs Odorizzi and Bradley, I don’t see how Toronto is markedly better. This team would then easily in the running for second in the East and playing in October...

 

I just posted that I think the Sox and the Jays will battle it out for 2nd in the division. Where is Toronto's pitching?

[a700hitter]

I just posted that I think the Sox and the Jays will battle it out for 2nd in the division. Where is Toronto's pitching?

Ryu is better than anyone on the Red Sox staff other than a healthy Sale. Ray is a big arm. He’s been searching for consistency. Roark is a steady arm and performer who eats some innings. Their rotation is rounded out by Matz, Stripling, and Pearson. They have 6 legit starters. The Red Sox have ERod, Eovaldi, Perez, Richards, and Houck. The Jays rotation is not only comparable to the Sox rotation, but IMO it is better. Add that to the Jays far superior offense and it spells out that the Sox can’t competed with them.

[harmony]

I just posted that I think the Sox and the Jays will battle it out for 2nd in the division. Where is Toronto's pitching?

FanGraphs Depth Charts project 2021 WAR of 16.0 from Blue Jays pitchers and 15.0 from Red Sox pitchers:

 

https://www.fangraphs.com/depthcharts.aspx?position=ALL&teamid=14#SP

 

https://www.fangraphs.com/depthcharts.aspx?position=ALL&teamid=3#SP

 

The projections for Red Sox starters are generous given the injury concerns.

 

Or not.

[Nick]

I have no problem with the team having a 'win now' attitude, but I strongly believe that a team with the payroll that the Sox have should be able to 'win now' without sacrificing the future. Bloom has said it over and over - sustainability. The approach heading into 2018 gave no consideration to sustainability or the long term. That's what I take issue with.

 

Not to sound hypocritical and repetitive, but now that we've won 4, last one coming in 2018 which for me is very recent (been a fan since 1967), I'm ready for Bloom to build a strong foundation that will yield playoff contending team for years to come. I'm willing to wait and enjoy watching the process.

 

We paid a heavy price for our recent championship.

 

The biggest is giving out long term contract(s) to over 30 pitchers after stating that that's something we probably won't do. But on the heels of two last place finishes, I think Henry panicked and hired a 'fixer' that would yield a winner immediately. Damn the future. Gratification now. Mission accomplished.

 

Going into the 2021 season, we have $53M in non productive payroll, almost 25% of total payroll. $16M belongs to Price that will have another year left. $13M is for Pedey but I can overlook that, he probably got a bad medical advice or he chose unwisely. Rest belongs to Chris Sale. I'm guessing 99% of us are big fans of Chris. I will never second guess the trade. It was a great trade and I'd do it again every time. But it's the extension that we jumped the gun on that MAY come to haunt us. We'll just have to wait and see. You have to evaluate each contract separately.

 

If you look at this team in a $150M payroll context, then even having a chance to compete this year would be an achievement. I'm not counting on Sale this year.

 

Going forward, it will be interesting to see how Bloom deals with E Rod's pending free agency. Eovaldi has two years remaining. I think both Richards and Perez signings was in keeping with Bloom's approach.

 

Bloom may become the best signing for the Sox.

[moonslav59]

Houston used to be the worst when they had Tal’s Hill and a freakin’ flagpole out there.

 

Wrigley probably is now. Ivy is no substitute for padding on brick walls...

 

So, Fenway is 2nd or 3rd worst, even now?

[moonslav59]

I am sure that we sill start to see some of those big contracts and big name signings over the next couple of offseasons. Right now, even though Bloom is trying to field a competitive team, the priority remains building up the farm.

 

Exactly, and rightfully so.

 

Next winter we move the team into serious contender mode.

[moonslav59]

I have no problem with the team having a 'win now' attitude, but I strongly believe that a team with the payroll that the Sox have should be able to 'win now' without sacrificing the future. Bloom has said it over and over - sustainability. The approach heading into 2018 gave no consideration to sustainability or the long term. That's what I take issue with.

 

Not to sound hypocritical and repetitive, but now that we've won 4, last one coming in 2018 which for me is very recent (been a fan since 1967), I'm ready for Bloom to build a strong foundation that will yield playoff contending team for years to come. I'm willing to wait and enjoy watching the process.

 

We paid a heavy price for our recent championship.

 

The biggest is giving out long term contract(s) to over 30 pitchers after stating that that's something we probably won't do. But on the heels of two last place finishes, I think Henry panicked and hired a 'fixer' that would yield a winner immediately. Damn the future. Gratification now. Mission accomplished.

 

Going into the 2021 season, we have $53M in non productive payroll, almost 25% of total payroll. $16M belongs to Price that will have another year left. $13M is for Pedey but I can overlook that, he probably got a bad medical advice or he chose unwisely. Rest belongs to Chris Sale. I'm guessing 99% of us are big fans of Chris. I will never second guess the trade. It was a great trade and I'd do it again every time. But it's the extension that we jumped the gun on that MAY come to haunt us. We'll just have to wait and see. You have to evaluate each contract separately.

 

If you look at this team in a $150M payroll context, then even having a chance to compete this year would be an achievement. I'm not counting on Sale this year.

 

Going forward, it will be interesting to see how Bloom deals with E Rod's pending free agency. Eovaldi has two years remaining. I think both Richards and Perez signings was in keeping with Bloom's approach.

 

Bloom may become the best signing for the Sox.

 

Well said.

[jacksonianmarch]

I think the Rays are being decidedly undervalued on here. They did lose Morton and Snell, but they are finishing their rotation with top level minor league talent, backing it with an ethereal pen and a lineup that’s really deep and good. They may not have the names the Sox have, but they have the matchup capability that would make most team’s envious. They took a step back, but I think they’ll win more games than everyone here is giving them credit for

[oldtimer]

Exactly, and rightfully so.

 

Next winter we move the team into serious contender mode.

The team will get a look at talent bubbling up from the minors and better know what the real needs of the team will be. They will have some resources to use and can make good decisions and spend the money wisely. Lets hope that we don't lay out huge money on long term contracts for marginal players.

 

Some questions that should be answered during this season:

 

1. Will JDM return to form or will he show himself to be losing capability?

 

2. Will Dever's defense at 3rd show he belongs there?

 

3. Will Dalbec demonstrate he is capable of hitting in the majors?

 

3. Will Downs and/or Duran become solid pieces of the team?

 

4. Wii Houck and or Pivetta become useful starters?

 

5. How far away is Casas from the majors?

 

Insight on these and other questions should be gained during the 2021 season and allow for targeting our resources in the offseason.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I have no problem with the team having a 'win now' attitude, but I strongly believe that a team with the payroll that the Sox have should be able to 'win now' without sacrificing the future. Bloom has said it over and over - sustainability. The approach heading into 2018 gave no consideration to sustainability or the long term. That's what I take issue with.

 

With the moves they kept making, the Red Sox were definitely going for it heading into -- and throughout -- 2018. But based on the contract extensions heading into 2019, I do think they were planning on sustainability. We can argue in hindsight of the wisdom of those contracts, but the front office, the team, and the fans certainly thought the Sox would continue to contend for another ring, at least in '19.