Who should the Sox have play CF on opening day?

[mvp 78]

I think the Sox CF next year will be Kevin Kiermaier.

 

The Rays need a catcher and have oodles (Yes, oodles!) of young pitching Bloom knows well. And he’ll take back Kiermaier’s expensive (2 yr / $25.6mill) contract away from Tampa in order to get as much pitching as he can. That Tampa has an abundance of centerfielders with Margot and Arozarena just adds to how much sense this deal would make for them...

 

If they sign Ozuna, Verdugo plays CF. That’s a poll option.

[mvp 78]

I think the Sox CF next year will be Kevin Kiermaier.

 

The Rays need a catcher and have oodles (Yes, oodles!) of young pitching Bloom knows well. And he’ll take back Kiermaier’s expensive (2 yr / $25.6mill) contract away from Tampa in order to get as much pitching as he can. That Tampa has an abundance of centerfielders with Margot and Arozarena just adds to how much sense this deal would make for them...

 

But then we’d have to watch a CFer better than JBJ...

[oldtimer]

If they sign Ozuna, Verdugo plays CF. That’s a poll option.

 

If we made the move to add Ozuna to left and move Verdugo to center, then I presume that Beni would be traded and to balance the salary and allow for paying Devers and pitching in future, I assume we would bring up an outfield prospect. Duran is the obvious possibility. The kid is 24 and has had some glowing reports. Either bring him up or trade him, but don't wait until he is 26 or so.

[mvp 78]

I like Ozuna, but also having JD on the roster means that it's unlikely the Sox go for Ozuna.

[notin]

I like Ozuna, but also having JD on the roster means that it's unlikely the Sox go for Ozuna.

 

Unless they move Benintendi, either to CF or another team...

[notin]

MLBTR's rankings:

 

1. Bauer 4/128

2. Realmuto 5/125

3. Springer 5/125

4. Ozuna 4/72

 

I'd say Springer makes the cut.

 

You and MLBTR say that, and you both could and should be right.

 

But in order for you to be right, you need at least one MLB GM on your side...

[notin]

If we made the move to add Ozuna to left and move Verdugo to center, then I presume that Beni would be traded and to balance the salary and allow for paying Devers and pitching in future, I assume we would bring up an outfield prospect. Duran is the obvious possibility. The kid is 24 and has had some glowing reports. Either bring him up or trade him, but don't wait until he is 26 or so.

 

If the Sox keep Duran down until he is 26, they would at least control him through age 32.

 

If they think as highly of him as you think (and they might), it could mean a stopgap CF like Pillar/Marisnick/Lagares type is more likely in 2021. Someone they can bench halfway through the season if Duran needs a shot...

[mvp 78]

Unless they move Benintendi, either to CF or another team...

 

No to Beni in CF. That would be a nightmare.

[mvp 78]

If the Sox keep Duran down until he is 26, they would at least control him through age 32.

 

If they think as highly of him as you think (and they might), it could mean a stopgap CF like Pillar/Marisnick/Lagares type is more likely in 2021. Someone they can bench halfway through the season if Duran needs a shot...

 

If Durran doesn't appear until he's 26, it's because he didn't progress at all in 2021. He should be a second half call up next year.

[notin]

If Durran doesn't appear until he's 26, it's because he didn't progress at all in 2021. He should be a second half call up next year.

 

I think that is pretty likely. I don't think the Sox spend extravagantly on CF if they actually have a potential starter just waiting. If they spend on any position, it would be 2B or to backfill another traded stater who gets dealt for pitching (Vazquez?).

 

Like I said, this opens to door for Pillar or Marisnick or possibly Mallex Smith, who had his best season playing on a Bloom team in Tampa. (And who should have been an option in the poll)...

[mvp 78]

I think that is pretty likely. I don't think the Sox spend extravagantly on CF if they actually have a potential starter just waiting. If they spend on any position, it would be 2B or to backfill another traded stater who gets dealt for pitching (Vazquez?).

 

Like I said, this opens to door for Pillar or Marisnick or possibly Mallex Smith, who had his best season playing on a Bloom team in Tampa. (And who should have been an option in the poll)...

 

If they spend on 2b, do they transition Downs to a different position?

[notin]

If they spend on 2b, do they transition Downs to a different position?

 

Downs has played only a handful of games above A-ball. I think accommodating him in the immediate future plans at this point might be a tad premature.

 

They could sign a 1-2 year deal to Kolten Wong, Jonathan Villar, Tommy La Stella or Jonathan Schoop and then see where Downs is after 2021. If Downs is still a worthwhile prospect, at worst this would delay him making the team until 2023, with 2022 still on the table.

 

There are no second basemen on the market right now that should command a deal longer than 1-2 years, except maybe Wong...

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

If they spend on 2b, do they transition Downs to a different position?

 

I think it all comes down to which free agent shortstop they sign after next season -- Lindor, Correa, Seager, Story or Baez. These are arguably the best free agent position players available this year (via possible trade), next year and beyond, and if the Sox don't spend big this winter, the timing -- for being closer to contention and a PR splash -- will be ripe. Maybe one of them slides over to second or third, or maybe X Bogie does... or opts out, depending on if the Big Five make big dough on a rebounding market (or if Boston still stinks).

Edited November 5, 2020 by 5GoldGloves:OF,75

[notin]

I think it all comes down to which free agent shortstop they sign after next season -- Lindor, Correa, Seager, Story or Baez. These are arguably the best free agent position players available this year (via possible trade), next year and beyond, and if the Sox don't spend big this winter, the timing -- for being closer to contention and a PR splash -- will be ripe. Maybe one of them slides over to second or third, or maybe X Bogie does... or opts out, depending on if the Big Five make big dough on a rebounding market (or if Boston still stinks).

 

So are they dealing Bogaerts to fit them?

 

If they bring in one of those SS's, it does ensure Bogaerts would opt out after 2022. Unless they deal him before the season, when his value will be at it's lowest due to having one season of control remaining.

 

But my thoughts are, ignore those guys and keep they guy you have. Maybe work out an extension for him to prevent the opt out...

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

So are they dealing Bogaerts to fit them?

 

If they bring in one of those SS's, it does ensure Bogaerts would opt out after 2022. Unless they deal him before the season, when his value will be at it's lowest due to having one season of control remaining.

 

But my thoughts are, ignore those guys and keep they guy you have. Maybe work out an extension for him to prevent the opt out...

 

I wouldn't put it past Bloom to trade X; remember, he's a Dave signing... Plus, as far as we know, Bogie may tell them he wants to play for a winner one more time while he's still young, and they agree to find a landing spot he prefers, like they did with Mookie.

[moonslav59]

I wouldn't put it past Bloom to trade X; remember, he's a Dave signing... Plus, as far as we know, Bogie may tell them he wants to play for a winner one more time while he's still young, and they agree to find a landing spot he prefers, like they did with Mookie.

 

The opt out might not look so sure with COVID depressing salaries, but I think you are right. If Bloom sense Bogey will opt out, trading him becomes more likely.

 

He may trade him, regardless. I'm not sure of the "Dave's signing" part means all that much, but each GM values players differently. Some value defense at the SS position more than others.

 

I'd like to keep Bogey around, but if we can get a great package in return, I'm okay with trading anyone.

[notin]

I wouldn't put it past Bloom to trade X; remember, he's a Dave signing... Plus, as far as we know, Bogie may tell them he wants to play for a winner one more time while he's still young, and they agree to find a landing spot he prefers, like they did with Mookie.

 

There might be an issue trading Bogaerts.

 

The Guardians waived Brad Hand in an attempt to get out of paying him a $1 mill buyout. It's a really safe bet they tried to trade him first and couldn't find anyone willing o take an All Star closer making $10 mill. So one has to wonder how appealing an All Star shortstop due $40 mill (or $100mill over the next 5 if he doesn't opt out) over the next two seasons might be.

 

A bit of a shame, because the Guardians are pretty much guaranteed to try to trade Lindor this off-season, making them a perfect landing spot for Bogaerts, as they have an abundance of pitching. But if they don't think they can afford Lindor and Hand, will they want to pay Bogaerts?

 

So what teams would want X? And might actually be spending? The Yankees? Should Bloom even think about it? The Angels, who are losing Simmons? (X for CF Brandon Marsh?) The Mets? Do they have anything worth acquiring?

 

Really, who will be spending besides the Red Sox?

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

There might be an issue trading Bogaerts.

 

The Guardians waived Brad Hand in an attempt to get out of paying him a $1 mill buyout. It's a really safe bet they tried to trade him first and couldn't find anyone willing o take an All Star closer making $10 mill. So one has to wonder how appealing an All Star shortstop due $40 mill (or $100mill over the next 5 if he doesn't opt out) over the next two seasons might be.

 

A bit of a shame, because the Guardians are pretty much guaranteed to try to trade Lindor this off-season, making them a perfect landing spot for Bogaerts, as they have an abundance of pitching. But if they don't think they can afford Lindor and Hand, will they want to pay Bogaerts?

 

So what teams would want X? And might actually be spending? The Yankees? Should Bloom even think about it? The Angels, who are losing Simmons? (X for CF Brandon Marsh?) The Mets? Do they have anything worth acquiring?

 

Really, who will be spending besides the Red Sox?

 

I think Bloom keeps X for '21, then dangles him in earnest before '22, when more potential suitors may resurface -- depending, of course, on the health of the universe. I also think Bogie's future may see a transition to probably third base, where he'll become more like ARod, so he won't become more like late-career Jeter...

[harmony]

I think that is pretty likely. I don't think the Sox spend extravagantly on CF if they actually have a potential starter just waiting. If they spend on any position, it would be 2B or to backfill another traded stater who gets dealt for pitching (Vazquez?).

 

Like I said, this opens to door for Pillar or Marisnick or possibly Mallex Smith, who had his best season playing on a Bloom team in Tampa. (And who should have been an option in the poll)...

The Mets have signed Mallex Smith (and Jose Peraza and Arodys Vizcaino) to minor league contracts:

 

 

The Red Sox might not want to rely on Jarren Duran, a 24-year-old who has played only 82 games above High A, posting a .250/.309/.325/.634 line with a wRC+ of only 87 at Double A:

 

https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jarren-duran/sa3006786/stats?position=OF

 

FanGraphs gives Duran a modest future value of 40 on an 80-point scale.

 

SoxProspects questions Duran's defense:

 

https://soxprospects.com/players/duran-jarren.htm

 

On the other hand, a non-contending team might have little to lose by giving Duran a shot in centerfield.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

 

On the other hand, a non-contending team might have little to lose by giving Duran a shot in centerfield.

 

We could trade him to us!

[notin]

I think Bloom keeps X for '21, then dangles him in earnest before '22, when more potential suitors may resurface -- depending, of course, on the health of the universe. I also think Bogie's future may see a transition to probably third base, where he'll become more like ARod, so he won't become more like late-career Jeter...

 

So he will dangle Bogaerts for a trade when the non-trade options are Lindor, Story, Correa, Seager and Baez? Among other cheaper options, like Brandon Crawford, Miguel Rojas and anyone from this year's class who takes a one year contract (Grigorius? Semien?) and tries to re-enter the market when it's more favorable?

[notin]

We could trade him to us!

 

No. We can't afford to give up the pitching necessary to acquire him...

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

So he will dangle Bogaerts for a trade when the non-trade options are Lindor, Story, Correa, Seager and Baez? Among other cheaper options, like Brandon Crawford, Miguel Rojas and anyone from this year's class who takes a one year contract (Grigorius? Semien?) and tries to re-enter the market when it's more favorable?

 

Depends on the market and the new CBA -- if they even agree on one. But as their best player and under contract (at a hometown discount, and considering he was the all-MLB shortstop in 2019 and remains a heart-of-the-order hitter), Bogaerts is one of Bloom's best current chips... at least, as part of a package that could retool the flailing franchise.

[moonslav59]

I hope I'm proven wrong, but I don't share as much enthusiasm on Duran as many here.

 

He's got great speed, but his defense needs work. He had some pretty good offensive numbers, but the BAbip and other numbers point to the chance of it not being as good as the numbers indicate.

 

He probably needs at least 3-4 more months at AAA, assuming there is play next spring.

 

soxprospects.com has this...

 

Summation: Potential fringe starting outfielder with two carrying tools. Ceiling of an everyday center fielder. Nailing down his future projection is tough without a chance to evaluate swing changes made in 2020 without true game action. Speed is not a question, and hit tool should get to above-average if he can refine his approach. If 2020 power development is real, he could become a dynamic offensive player. Has already shown strong ability to make contact and drive the ball into the gaps. With his speed, has the potential to put a lot of pressure on the defense and inflate his average with infield singles and slugging by taking extra bases. Could also steal 30-plus bases if he improves his instincts. Is still continuing to develop in center field, but likely to develop into at least an average defender there and has the raw tools to become an above-average defender. Has one surefire major league impact tool in his speed, so should have a role on a major league roster even in the worst-case scenario, especially if MLB retains the runner-on-second rule in extra innings going forward.

 

https://soxprospects.com/players/duran-jarren.htm

[dgalehouse]

New organizational philosophy: Save the farm . Decimate the starting lineup.

[Bellhorn04]

New organizational philosophy: Save the farm . Decimate the starting lineup.

 

You are hereby appointed the new Cooler.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

New organizational philosophy: Save the farm . Decimate the starting lineup.

 

New to Boston, old to Bloom.

 

Evan Longoria was the greatest player in Tampa history when he was traded to SF three years ago for four players; the best one turned out to be a part-time second baseman for the past season's last-place team in the AL East...

[notin]

The bottom line is, it appears even the Red Sox cannot have too many players making over $20 million per season. And especially not if they have no one who makes the league minimum capable of cracking the starting lineup...

[moonslav59]

New organizational philosophy: Save the farm . Decimate the starting lineup.

 

Building the better lineup of tomorrow.

[notin]

New to Boston, old to Bloom.

 

Evan Longoria was the greatest player in Tampa history when he was traded to SF three years ago for four players; the best one turned out to be a part-time second baseman for the past season's last-place team in the AL East...

 

Denard Span played 2B in the AL East last season?