2020-2021 Offseason Thread

[Bellhorn04]

I'm still waiting for Dombrowski to make moves from the 2019 off-season...

 

Yes, when's he going to sign some relievers?

[moonslav59]

Compared to what, though? The last two offseasons were glacially slow.

 

I'm terrible with dates.

 

Now that you mention it, last year was very slow at this time, too.

 

2018? That's way too long ago for me to remember!

 

(lol)

[moonslav59]

I can agree it is not the optimum move. He was drafted as a CF, but was obviously moef to LF for a reason. and it was not due to the logjam the Sox had in CF, since they were trying anyone and everyone out there (Bradley, Betts, Castillo).

 

But on the other hand, if the Sox had a good defensive LF and put Benintendi between to good outfielders, it would lessen his impact. and if he was coupled with a RHH platoon option/defensive replacement, it would help even more. Someone like Almora or Marisnick, for example.

 

Or the Sox could sign one of the rifle-armed RF options like Puig, Eaton or Renfroe and slide Verdugo into CF. Still, if Benintendi does not turn something around, is he still a full time option in LF? Or is he a lesser version of Joc Pederson?

 

Should the Sox look into a platoon partner for Benintedi, regardless of where he plays?

 

To me, the unique configuration of Fenway's CF, and the need for a stronger-than-normal arm in CF (and RF) make moving Beni to CF very undesirable.

 

On platooning him. I was calling for that before his offensive decline.

 

Even his best season (2018) showed the need to think about a platoon:

 

vs RHP: .877

vs LHP: .694 (not God-awful, but still the best he ever had, other than what might be seen as a fluke in 2019)

 

2016: .984 v .429

2017: .813 v .622

2019: .764 v .796

 

Career: .821 v .691

 

Now, people have pointed out that Yaz had a career OPS vs LHPs of .692, but he was an amazing defender. He also hit lefties much better earlier in his career, so maybe the platoon idea might have made some sense later in his career, but with a HOF'er, it's a tough choice for a manager to make without making waves. (Also, it's not like the Sox had many better options vs LHPs back in the 60's and 70's.)

 

Edited December 3, 2020 by moonslav59

[notin]

To me, the unique configuration of Fenway's CF, and the need for a stronger-than-normal arm in CF (and RF) make moving Beni to CF very undesirable.

 

On platooning him. I was calling for that before his offensive decline.

 

Even his best season (2018) showed the need to think about a platoon:

 

vs RHP: .877

vs LHP: .694 (not God-awful, but still the best he ever had, other than what might be seen as a fluke in 2019)

 

2016: .984 v .429

2017: .813 v .622

2019: .764 v .796

 

Career: .821 v .691

 

 

Well, you always call for platoons early.

 

At this point, a platoon is more about cutting into his playing time more so than trying to cover up his weaknesses. Taking him out vs LHP is just an excuse to do so.

 

Now the Sox do have one guy on their team who can hit LHP pretty well and has no position. Maybe Chavis can handle LF part time? I know the only reason the Sox trotted him out here last year was because they were running out of outfielders, but Chavis isn't going anywhere (who would want him?) and can hit LHP and really has never established himself as owning any infield position defensively. A Benintedi-Chavis platoon in LF? Sign/trade for a CF (Still liking Inciarte here.) and Verdugo in RF.

[Bellhorn04]

But Flahery also only has one season above 2.3 fWAR. And he has only pitched one less season than Snell. (His higher trade value is strongly influenced to his lower salary.)

 

Snell does only have one season above 2.7 fWAR, but he has also only pitched 157 IP in two seasons since his breakout year. In 2019, he managed to be worth 2.7 fWAR in 107 innings! It is not the talent that is the issue with Snell...

 

Another thing that concerns me about Snell is the Trop Dump effect. His road ERA is about 1.5 runs higher and his road OPS is about 100 points higher.

 

It's like the Coors Field effect in reverse...

[moonslav59]

Well, you always call for platoons early.

 

At this point, a platoon is more about cutting into his playing time more so than trying to cover up his weaknesses. Taking him out vs LHP is just an excuse to do so.

 

Now the Sox do have one guy on their team who can hit LHP pretty well and has no position. Maybe Chavis can handle LF part time? I know the only reason the Sox trotted him out here last year was because they were running out of outfielders, but Chavis isn't going anywhere (who would want him?) and can hit LHP and really has never established himself as owning any infield position defensively. A Benintedi-Chavis platoon in LF? Sign/trade for a CF (Still liking Inciarte here.) and Verdugo in RF.

 

Agreed on all points.

 

I don't see LF as an area we need to prioritize, at this point, and if it is a problem during a playoff-contending run in 2021, then finding a LF'er or platoon LF'er mid season is usually not all that hard or expensive.

 

Pitching is clearly our #1 need. It's number 2 and 3 as well, but CF (or RF with Verdugo moving to CF) is, by far, our biggest non-pitching need area.

[mvp 78]

Compared to what, though? The last two offseasons were glacially slow.

 

Every offseason is slower than expected. I remember a former hewhomustnotbenamed poster who would go on and on that no moves had been made by Thanksgiving. The winter meetings just aren't that important in the age of texting.

[mvp 78]

Another thing that concerns me about Snell is the Trop Dump effect. His road ERA is about 1.5 runs higher and his road OPS is about 100 points higher.

 

It's like the Coors Field effect in reverse...

 

That playing at the Trop is so depressing that opposing teams just don't feel like hitting there?

[oldtimer]

To me, the unique configuration of Fenway's CF, and the need for a stronger-than-normal arm in CF (and RF) make moving Beni to CF very undesirable.

 

On platooning him. I was calling for that before his offensive decline.

 

Even his best season (2018) showed the need to think about a platoon:

 

vs RHP: .877

vs LHP: .694 (not God-awful, but still the best he ever had, other than what might be seen as a fluke in 2019)

 

2016: .984 v .429

2017: .813 v .622

2019: .764 v .796

 

Career: .821 v .691

 

Now, people have pointed out that Yaz had a career OPS vs LHPs of .692, but he was an amazing defender. He also hit lefties much better earlier in his career, so maybe the platoon idea might have made some sense later in his career, but with a HOF'er, it's a tough choice for a manager to make without making waves. (Also, it's not like the Sox had many better options vs LHPs back in the 60's and 70's.)

 

 

Beni can play center but isn't an optimum defender. He is better suited to left in Fenway but of course half the games are played in other parks. His bat is a significant question now as well. I know his trade value is low at this point but if we hold onto him and he lays an egg for$6.5Mil when we could have made a change, then we have made a bad gamble.

[mvp 78]

Every offseason is slower than expected. I remember a former hewhomustnotbenamed poster who would go on and on that no moves had been made by Thanksgiving. The winter meetings just aren't that important in the age of texting.

 

1. @jeff_wax

 

Red Sox are great at “checking in on” available players and not signing them. Nobody does it better.

 

2. @SPChrisHatfield

Another favorite, the "the Red Sox aren't one of the 6 or 7 teams to sign a free agent so far, and therefore the GM isn't doing his job" early offseason tweet.

 

Friend, 11 guys have signed, and like 5 or 6 of consequence. Be patient. There's another 3.5 months or so left.

[moonslav59]

Beni can play center but isn't an optimum defender. He is better suited to left in Fenway but of course half the games are played in other parks. His bat is a significant question now as well. I know his trade value is low at this point but if we hold onto him and he lays an egg for$6.5Mil when we could have made a change, then we have made a bad gamble.

 

With so many CF options out there, other than Beni, I fail to see how that could end up being the best choice.

[moonslav59]

1. @jeff_wax

 

Red Sox are great at “checking in on” available players and not signing them. Nobody does it better.

 

2. @SPChrisHatfield

Another favorite, the "the Red Sox aren't one of the 6 or 7 teams to sign a free agent so far, and therefore the GM isn't doing his job" early offseason tweet.

 

Friend, 11 guys have signed, and like 5 or 6 of consequence. Be patient. There's another 3.5 months or so left.

 

Nice!

[notin]

1. @jeff_wax

 

Red Sox are great at “checking in on” available players and not signing them. Nobody does it better.

 

2. @SPChrisHatfield

Another favorite, the "the Red Sox aren't one of the 6 or 7 teams to sign a free agent so far, and therefore the GM isn't doing his job" early offseason tweet.

 

Friend, 11 guys have signed, and like 5 or 6 of consequence. Be patient. There's another 3.5 months or so left.

 

And then there is the inevitable comment after a routine minor league deal is given to an obscure player - "Print the post-season tickets!!"

[mvp 78]

And then there is the inevitable comment after a routine minor league deal is given to an obscure player - "Print the post-season tickets!!"

 

Those are just delightful.

[Bellhorn04]

Those are just delightful.

 

A Clint Eastwood favorite.

[mvp 78]

@MattRyCollins

Red Sox reportedly showing interest in outfielder Eddie Rosario

 

They'd be moving Beni to either another team or to CF then?

[moonslav59]

@MattRyCollins

Red Sox reportedly showing interest in outfielder Eddie Rosario

 

They'd be moving Beni to either another team or to CF then?

 

His .310 career OBP (.305 from 2019-2020) is rather frightening, but he's got 30 HR power.

[mvp 78]

His .310 career OBP (.305 from 2019-2020) is rather frightening, but he's got 30 HR power.

 

He's definitely a guy with limited upside, but maybe they can get him on the right deal. It's not like the farm is bursting with OF talent.

[moonslav59]

He's definitely a guy with limited upside, but maybe they can get him on the right deal. It's not like the farm is bursting with OF talent.

 

Yes. He's 29. His average HRs per 162 games over the last 2 years is 38. That's valuable.

[notin]

Yes. He's 29. His average HRs per 162 games over the last 2 years is 38. That's valuable.

 

Especially playing in Target Field. Despite the Twins setting league HR records, the park still ranks in the mid-20's most seasons for home runs...

[moonslav59]

MLBTR reports:

 

The Rockies announced that they have acquired left-hander Yoan Aybar from the Red Sox for infielder Christian Koss. Aybar, now 23, didn’t produce much as an outfielder through 2017, which led the Red Sox to move him to the mound. With a fastball that can reach triple digits, Aybar pitched to a 4.61 ERA with 11.1 K/9 and 6.5 BB/9 in 56 2/3 innings between the Single-A and High-A levels in 2019. Koss, who will turn 23 in January, was a 12th-round pick of the Rockies in 2019 who hasn’t gotten past rookie ball. He did perform very well there during his first pro season, though, as he slashed .332/.447/.605 with 11 home runs in 238 plate appearances.

 

Looks like we freed up a 40 man roster slot- not that we really needed to.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Outfield thoughts: leave Verdugo in right for at least the next four years; he's the cornerstone at a corner position (and Fenway's most difficult)... sign Rosario, who can mash, got MVP votes the past two years, and will improve the team on and off the field (Vaz is openly recruiting, and Cora already chose him once for Team PR)... add a cheap, good glove in center with a righty stick, probably Marisnick, preferably Pillar -- if he isn't bitter getting dealt last summer -- since Bloom recently noted Duran will open '21 in the minors... and finally...

 

... keep Benintendi. Scouts say his trade value is very limited, so don't give him away. Instead, give Andrew the opportunity to reinvent himself, win back a starting job, or platoon in left and center. Good teams need at least four decent outfielders (and JD Martinez is not one). I'd also like to welcome fifth outfielder/DH Marcell Ozuna. Chances are that one of Beni or JD won't quite rebound, someone will get injured, the late-inning defensive specialist will get cut, Duran will debut, and Cora will use everyone.

 

The Red Sets can afford Rosario, Ozuna, a second baseman who can turn the DP, and four to six pitchers to become a playoff contender... especially with an impending new CBA and salary structure in an industry redefined by a pandemic.

[moonslav59]

Outfield thoughts: leave Verdugo in right for at least the next four years; he's the cornerstone at a corner position (and Fenway's most difficult)... sign Rosario, who can mash, got MVP votes the past two years, and will improve the team on and off the field (Vaz is openly recruiting, and Cora already chose him once for Team PR)... add a cheap, good glove in center with a righty stick, probably Marisnick, preferably Pillar -- if he isn't bitter getting dealt last summer -- since Bloom recently noted Duran will open '21 in the minors... and finally...

 

... keep Benintendi. Scouts say his trade value is very limited, so don't give him away. Instead, give Andrew the opportunity to reinvent himself, win back a starting job, or platoon in left and center. Good teams need at least four decent outfielders (and JD Martinez is not one). I'd also like to welcome fifth outfielder/DH Marcell Ozuna. Chances are that one of Beni or JD won't quite rebound, someone will get injured, the late-inning defensive specialist will get cut, Duran will debut, and Cora will use everyone.

 

The Red Sets can afford Rosario, Ozuna, a second baseman who can turn the DP, and four to six pitchers to become a playoff contender... especially with an impending new CBA and salary structure in an industry redefined by a pandemic.

 

No way we spend large on Ozuna.

 

If we spend big, it will be on pitching.

 

I could see Rosario & Marisnck/Pillar.

[a700hitter]

@MattRyCollins

Red Sox reportedly showing interest in outfielder Eddie Rosario

 

They'd be moving Beni to either another team or to CF then?

Rosario is a good player. He is a better hitter than Benintendi. Move Beni to CF.

 

 

• The Red Sox have shown interest in free-agent outfielder Eddie Rosario, Morosi tweets.The Twins non-tendered Rosario on Wednesday as opposed to paying him in the $8.6MM to $12.9MM range in arbitration. The power-hitting Rosario would join Alex Verdugo to form Boston’s tandem of corner outfielders.
  

[Larry Cook]

MLBTR reports:

 

The Rockies announced that they have acquired left-hander Yoan Aybar from the Red Sox for infielder Christian Koss. Aybar, now 23, didn’t produce much as an outfielder through 2017, which led the Red Sox to move him to the mound. With a fastball that can reach triple digits, Aybar pitched to a 4.61 ERA with 11.1 K/9 and 6.5 BB/9 in 56 2/3 innings between the Single-A and High-A levels in 2019. Koss, who will turn 23 in January, was a 12th-round pick of the Rockies in 2019 who hasn’t gotten past rookie ball. He did perform very well there during his first pro season, though, as he slashed .332/.447/.605 with 11 home runs in 238 plate appearances.

 

Looks like we freed up a 40 man roster slot- not that we really needed to.

 

Is there a signing on the horizon? New York radio says kluber is choosing between us, yanks and Mets.

 

I know the Mets can throw a ton of money at kluber.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

No way we spend large on Ozuna.

 

If we spend big, it will be on pitching.

 

I could see Rosario & Marisnck/Pillar.

 

In a post-Mookie offseason with offers down across the industry, spending "large" has already been redefined. This is actually a winter where the Boston Resets can afford to stockpile talent that will help sustain future contention. That could include recruiting replacements in the batting order for guys like JD and Beni... instead of splurging a year from now on true big money stars in a resurgent post-vaccine free agency.

[mvp 78]

MLBTR reports:

 

The Rockies announced that they have acquired left-hander Yoan Aybar from the Red Sox for infielder Christian Koss. Aybar, now 23, didn’t produce much as an outfielder through 2017, which led the Red Sox to move him to the mound. With a fastball that can reach triple digits, Aybar pitched to a 4.61 ERA with 11.1 K/9 and 6.5 BB/9 in 56 2/3 innings between the Single-A and High-A levels in 2019. Koss, who will turn 23 in January, was a 12th-round pick of the Rockies in 2019 who hasn’t gotten past rookie ball. He did perform very well there during his first pro season, though, as he slashed .332/.447/.605 with 11 home runs in 238 plate appearances.

 

Looks like we freed up a 40 man roster slot- not that we really needed to.

 

Koss: "A sure handed shortstop with good range" "A plus glove" Played SS/2B/3B

 

“He has a short, compact swing, drives the ball to right-center field and he’s got an advanced approach at this level.” Show surprising oppo power.

 

Older than Arauz. Has Star Wars tattoos.

[moonslav59]

In a post-Mookie offseason with offers down across the industry, spending "large" has already been redefined. This is actually a winter where the Boston Resets can afford to stockpile talent that will help sustain future contention. That could include recruiting replacements in the batting order for guys like JD and Beni... instead of splurging a year from now on true big money stars in a resurgent post-vaccine free agency.

 

Beni & JD offer much more hope than the vacant CF position, a 2B position with 4 AAAA players fighting it out to be the starter and at least 3-4 huge gaps in our pitching staff.

 

If we fill those slots first, and Henry is okay with spending on insurance against slots we already have filled, then fine, but I'll believe that, when I see it.

[moonslav59]

Koss: "A sure handed shortstop with good range" "A plus glove" Played SS/2B/3B

 

“He has a short, compact swing, drives the ball to right-center field and he’s got an advanced approach at this level.” Show surprising oppo power.

 

Older than Arauz. Has Star Wars tattoos.

 

This makes me wonder what did their GM see in Aybar?

[Bellhorn04]

In a post-Mookie offseason with offers down across the industry, spending "large" has already been redefined. This is actually a winter where the Boston Resets can afford to stockpile talent that will help sustain future contention. That could include recruiting replacements in the batting order for guys like JD and Beni... instead of splurging a year from now on true big money stars in a resurgent post-vaccine free agency.

 

I'm not sure we can rely on such neat before-and-after-end-of-COVID scenarios. The fact that the vaccine seems to be close has helped push the DJIA to the 30,000 mark.

 

Teams might be a little more willing to spend than we were thinking earlier. The fact that Charlie Morton got $15 million tends to support that.