A Realistic View at 2021: Part II

[moonslav59]

Santana and Dalbec are the reason they need a 1b. Marwin is wasted at 1b and can’t hit. Kiké is the starting CF. Cordero is in AAA.

 

I still think we stay under the tax line and avoid giving up any very promising prospects, so we may need all we are willing to give up for just a decent 8-9th inning RPer.

[Fan_since_Boggs]

Cordero took ground balls at first base 5 or 6 days ago. Since that time, he has not yet appeared in any AAA games as a first baseman, but he has played LF and DH. If the Red Sox liked what they saw and are serious about moving Cordero to 1b, why not move him ASAP? Who really cares if Josh Ockimey gets less playing time. Maybe Cordero was a total butcher at 1b, I'm inclined to think that is so since he hasn't play the position in real game action thus far.

 

Rather than move him to 1b, perhaps the Red Sox will use Cordero as trade bait over the next few weeks. There are some lousy teams in baseball that have nothing to lose by giving Cordero a chance to succeed at the major league level.

[moonslav59]

Cordero took ground balls at first base 5 or 6 days ago. Since that time, he has not yet appeared in any AAA games as a first baseman, but he has played LF and DH. If the Red Sox liked what they saw and are serious about moving Cordero to 1b, why not move him ASAP? Who really cares if Josh Ockimey gets less playing time. Maybe Cordero was a total butcher at 1b, I'm inclined to think that is so since he hasn't play the position in real game action thus far.

 

Rather than move him to 1b, perhaps the Red Sox will use Cordero as trade bait over the next few weeks. There are some lousy teams in baseball that have nothing to lose by giving Cordero a chance to succeed at the major league level.

 

I would think a major shift to 1B would take more than 6-7 days of practice before actual game work, but maybe he did look bad.

 

He will get another ML look, at some point, but with Arroyo back and Kike playing very well, he's stuck at AAA, as is Duran and others.

 

I doubt we trade Cordero, unless we feel Duran is a sure bet to do well in the majors. Having 4 FT OF'ers creates a problem that Cordero would just make worse (better in reality).

[Fan_since_Boggs]

I would like to know if they are continuing to work Cordero out at 1b or if it was just a one time thing.

 

While trading for a reliever seems pretty certain, the Dalbec situation is a bigger mystery. Maybe they really like Dalbec and think he will eventually produce and have no plans to replace him. But then I watch Dalbec's at bat in the 8th inning last night, he swung at a pitch (the first pitch of the at bat) that bounced on the ground before it ever reached the plate and I can't help but think that the Red Sox noticed that too. LOL.

Edited July 6, 2021 by Fan_since_Boggs

[oldtimer]

I would think a major shift to 1B would take more than 6-7 days of practice before actual game work, but maybe he did look bad.

 

He will get another ML look, at some point, but with Arroyo back and Kike playing very well, he's stuck at AAA, as is Duran and others.

 

I doubt we trade Cordero, unless we feel Duran is a sure bet to do well in the majors. Having 4 FT OF'ers creates a problem that Cordero would just make worse (better in reality).

 

Nothing is likely to happen while the team is on the west coast. If there is a change before the AS break, it would probably only be in the BP with Ort the most likely. I doubt if that happens either. Let's enjoy the run they are on and turn to the draft for stimulation.

[moonslav59]

I would like to know if they are continuing to work Cordero out at 1b or if it was just a one time thing.

 

While trading for a reliever seems pretty certain, the Dalbec situation is a bigger mystery. Maybe they really like Dalbec and think he will eventually produce and have no plans to replace him. But then I watch Dalbec's at bat in the 8th inning last night, he swung at a pitch (the first pitch of the at bat) that bounced on the ground before it ever reached the plate and I can't help but think that the Red Sox noticed that too. LOL.

 

I'm not saying I have complete confidence in Dalbec. It wasn't long ago, I was for demoting him.

 

We may very well trade for a 1Bman, but IMO, we only have so much to give and so little to spend, and getting a RP'er might be all we can do.

[moonslav59]

Nothing is likely to happen while the team is on the west coast. If there is a change before the AS break, it would probably only be in the BP with Ort the most likely. I doubt if that happens either. Let's enjoy the run they are on and turn to the draft for stimulation.

 

I think Houck is the most likely pen addition during/after the AS break.

 

If we DFA someone, it's between Ort & Duran for adding to the 40.

 

I'm not sure about Valdez and Bazardo, as well.

 

When will Brasier be ready? (Probably a few weeks after the AS break?)

[mvp 78]

I think Houck is the most likely pen addition during/after the AS break.

 

If we DFA someone, it's between Ort & Duran for adding to the 40.

 

I'm not sure about Valdez and Bazardo, as well.

 

When will Brasier be ready? (Probably a few weeks after the AS break?)

 

Bazardo put on 60 day IL yesterday.

[oldtimer]

I think Houck is the most likely pen addition during/after the AS break.

 

If we DFA someone, it's between Ort & Duran for adding to the 40.

 

I'm not sure about Valdez and Bazardo, as well.

 

When will Brasier be ready? (Probably a few weeks after the AS break?)

 

From what I have heard about Houck, he still needs to regain strength to be ML ready. Perhaps he will be ready after the AS break.

[moonslav59]

Bazardo put on 60 day IL yesterday.

 

Does anyone know what happened to Valdez, and is he ready, now?

[moonslav59]

From what I have heard about Houck, he still needs to regain strength to be ML ready. Perhaps he will be ready after the AS break.

 

He has pitched these IP, recently...

 

IP Date

3.0 6/17

3.2 6/23

4.0 6/29

4.0 7/4

 

He wouldn't be used as a starter, so it seems like he can pitch 2-3 innings, now, but I'm no expert.

[Maxbialystock]

I still think we stay under the tax line and avoid giving up any very promising prospects, so we may need all we are willing to give up for just a decent 8-9th inning RPer.

 

You need to keep saying this.

 

I do agree that July is the time to get some help for the stretch run in what has been an amazing season, but not at the cost of good prospects.

 

I am going to repeat my insane idea of moving Bogie to 1b, where he will do no worse defensively than Dalbec and a whole lot better at bat. At the same time the Sox need to acquire an excellent SS with some range, which Bogey lacks, and who does not have to be a good hitter. An OPS of .600 or even .550 will do. I also think 1b (or 3b) is almost certainly in Bogie's future.

 

The problem with that insane idea is doing it in midseason, which will not only make it much harder for Bogie, but could piss him off enough to guarantee he will never re-sign with the Sox.

[Maxbialystock]

About going after another reliever. I'm not agin it, but would remind everyone the Sox already have 7 decent to good ones whose WAR's range from +.6 (Workman and Sawamura) to +1.4 (Whitlock and Barnes). In between are Ottavino (+1.0), Taylor (+.8), and Darwinzon Hernandez (+.8). In addition, Sale will soon join the rotation, freeing up a starter for the bullpen who can double as a backup starter.

 

And, while I agree Dalbec/Santana/whoever at 1B ain't pulling his weight hitting-wise, with Arroyo back on the team that leaves only real weak spot.

 

Believe me when I say the Sox badly need a weak spot somewhere because without one talksox will die from lack of oxygen to keep our competitive, whining egos fired up.

 

We need Dalbec, although a combo of Dalbec and Cordero at 1b could maintain that weak spot as easily as Dalbec by himself. On that basis, I am now excited at the prospect of bringing Franchy back. Plus that name!!

[notin]

Bazardo put on 60 day IL yesterday.

 

… which opens up a 40 man roster spot…

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

 

Rather than move him to 1b, perhaps the Red Sox will use Cordero as trade bait over the next few weeks. There are some lousy teams in baseball that have nothing to lose by giving Cordero a chance to succeed at the major league level.

 

That was us last winter! Hah...

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Let's enjoy the run they are on and turn to the draft for stimulation.

 

Please stimulate the pitching depth...

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

You need to keep saying this.

 

I do agree that July is the time to get some help for the stretch run in what has been an amazing season, but not at the cost of good prospects.

 

I am going to repeat my insane idea of moving Bogie to 1b, where he will do no worse defensively than Dalbec and a whole lot better at bat. At the same time the Sox need to acquire an excellent SS with some range, which Bogey lacks, and who does not have to be a good hitter. An OPS of .600 or even .550 will do. I also think 1b (or 3b) is almost certainly in Bogie's future.

 

The problem with that insane idea is doing it in midseason, which will not only make it much harder for Bogie, but could piss him off enough to guarantee he will never re-sign with the Sox.

 

What's more disruptive to a contender: a major positional switch for the team leader (who was just elected to start the All-Star Game at his customary position) or trading a prospect for a good back-end reliever to augment the roster for the stretch run? Which move would the majority of fans and the entirety of the ballclub favor?

[Nick]

WHITLOCK (WEII)

 

It would have been a somewhat unconventional selection considering the rookie's role. He has pitched in the seventh inning more than any other frame (16 times), while appearing in a relatively modest 24 games.

 

But what Whitlock has done in some subtle and other not-so-subtle spots the season has been eye-opening.

 

Seventeen of his appearances have included getting more than just three outs, with the righty posting an 0.51 ERA in such situations. Also, in games Whitlock has pitched more than an inning the Red Sox are 14-3. That says a lot.

Edited July 6, 2021 by Nick

[Nick]

Brayan Bello added to Futures Game

 

Brayan Bello was added to the American League squad, replacing Mariners pitching prospect Emerson Hancock.

 

It has been a huge year for the righty, who has been probably the biggest riser in the entire Red Sox farm system this season. In fact, there’s an argument to be made he is the best healthy pitching prospect right now, or at least in the non-Tanner Houck division.

 

Bello started this season at High-A Greenville, pitching to a 2.27 ERA across six starts and 31 2⁄3 innings, striking out 45 and walking only seven. That dominant performance was good enough to earn the 22-year-old a promotion to Double-A Portland, where he has made four starts, pitching to a 3.45 ERA over 15 2⁄3 innings with 19 strikeouts and seven walks. The righty needs to work on his consistency with his command, but he has a good enough three-pitch mix led by his fastball to be on track for a major-league rotation spot in a couple years. In the meantime, he gets this stage against some of the game’s best young talent.

 

He looks to have the 'it' factor.

[dgalehouse]

You need to keep saying this.

 

I do agree that July is the time to get some help for the stretch run in what has been an amazing season, but not at the cost of good prospects.

 

I am going to repeat my insane idea of moving Bogie to 1b, where he will do no worse defensively than Dalbec and a whole lot better at bat. At the same time the Sox need to acquire an excellent SS with some range, which Bogey lacks, and who does not have to be a good hitter. An OPS of .600 or even .550 will do. I also think 1b (or 3b) is almost certainly in Bogie's future.

 

The problem with that insane idea is doing it in midseason, which will not only make it much harder for Bogie, but could piss him off enough to guarantee he will never re-sign with the Sox.

 

Maxie , I think the heat is getting to you , so I will give you a pass on the suggestion to move Bogaerts to first base. Stay inside and turn up the A.C. a bit. You'll be alright.

[Nick]

You need to keep saying this.

 

I do agree that July is the time to get some help for the stretch run in what has been an amazing season, but not at the cost of good prospects.

 

I am going to repeat my insane idea of moving Bogie to 1b, where he will do no worse defensively than Dalbec and a whole lot better at bat. At the same time the Sox need to acquire an excellent SS with some range, which Bogey lacks, and who does not have to be a good hitter. An OPS of .600 or even .550 will do. I also think 1b (or 3b) is almost certainly in Bogie's future.

 

The problem with that insane idea is doing it in midseason, which will not only make it much harder for Bogie, but could piss him off enough to guarantee he will never re-sign with the Sox.

 

See I like that idea......

 

Suppose we up his pay as incentive not to opt out. At some point, Xander has to ask himself what he wants out of remainder of his playing days? Play shortstop forever just so he can say I was the Sox shortstop? With his new contract, he should only care about championships. He should be willing to move for good of the team. Not saying he was ever selfish. If there's an emerging shortstop in Sox food chain, he would have to consider. 10/5 doesn't require the team get permission to trade positions.

[Nick]

Dave Dombrowski

 

1,2,4,5,7,8,10,11,12,13,16,17 and 20 SoxProspects came out of Dave Dombrowski era.

 

His biggest fish was Sale and not having to trade Devers to get Sale.

 

He was hired on 8/18/2015, little too late to do much that season, 78-84.

 

He proceeded to win 3 division titles culminating with World Series victory in 2018. The team finished disappointing 84-78 in 2019. He was fired on 9/9/2019.

 

It was time for him to go but he shouldn't be trashed for what he was asked to do.

Edited July 6, 2021 by Nick

[notin]

See I like that idea......

 

Suppose we up his pay as incentive not to opt out. At some point, Xander has to ask himself what he wants out of remainder of his playing days? Play shortstop forever just so he can say I was the Sox shortstop? With his new contract, he should only care about championships. He should be willing to move for good of the team. Not saying he was ever selfish. If there's an emerging shortstop in Sox food chain, he would have to consider. 10/5 doesn't require the team get permission to trade positions.

 

 

I don’t see the Sox moving either player on the left side of the infield at any point during the 2021 season. If they add a 1b at the deadline or try some weird experiment with Cordero, that’s one thing. But we won’t see either Devers or Bogaerts changing positions anytime soon.

 

If they are going to try Cordero, they probably should soon, so they can determine if he succeeds or fails before the trade deadline…

[notin]

Dave Dombrowski

 

1,2,4,5,7,8,10,11,12,13,16,17 and 20 SoxProspects came out of Dave Dombrowski era.

 

His biggest fish was Sale and not having to trade Devers to get Sale.

 

He was hired on 8/18/2015, little too late to do much that season, 78-84.

 

He proceeded to win 3 division titles culminating with World Series victory in 2018. The team finished disappointing 84-78 in 2019. He was fired on 9/9/2019.

 

It was time for him to go but he shouldn't be trashed for what he was asked to do.

 

I wouldn’t leave out a very under-the-radar trade of Deven Marrero for Jake Taylor, which also looks really good right now…

[iortiz]

See I like that idea......

 

Suppose we up his pay as incentive not to opt out. At some point, Xander has to ask himself what he wants out of remainder of his playing days? Play shortstop forever just so he can say I was the Sox shortstop? With his new contract, he should only care about championships. He should be willing to move for good of the team. Not saying he was ever selfish. If there's an emerging shortstop in Sox food chain, he would have to consider. 10/5 doesn't require the team get permission to trade positions.

 

Yeah he had to go but you have tip your cap when you talk about DD's tenure in Boston.

Edited July 6, 2021 by iortiz

[Maxbialystock]

What's more disruptive to a contender: a major positional switch for the team leader (who was just elected to start the All-Star Game at his customary position) or trading a prospect for a good back-end reliever to augment the roster for the stretch run? Which move would the majority of fans and the entirety of the ballclub favor?

 

Barking up the wrong tree. I already said it was insane and explained why. And I'm not against getting another reliever, which seems the logical move at this point. But I disagree on giving up the prospect, depending, of course, on which prospect it is.

 

Why am I reluctant to up a good prospect to help this team?

 

The Sox are past the halfway point of this season, so it would seem they are the real deal. Heck, you can make a decent argument that they already have three good starters--Sale, Eovaldi, and Pivetta--for the postseason when the off days make it easier to exploit that strength and to use your best relievers more often than in the regular season--like now when they are playing their 15th game in 15 days.

 

With Arroyo back and Hernandez leading off better than any other Sox this season, the Sox 1 thru 6 look pretty good. Heck, JDM, Bogie, and Devers are 9th, 8th, and 4th in the AL in OPS. And now the bottom three (Arroyo, Vazquez/whoever, and Dalbec/whoever) ain't too shabby.

 

To me the only real weakness on this team is infield defense, and even that has not prevented winning 54 of their first 86 games, 2d best in MLB.

 

I will of course be fine with any move Bloom makes.

[mvp 78]

I wouldn’t leave out a very under-the-radar trade of Deven Marrero for Jake Taylor, which also looks really good right now…

 

Jake Taylor?

[Maxbialystock]

I don’t see the Sox moving either player on the left side of the infield at any point during the 2021 season. If they add a 1b at the deadline or try some weird experiment with Cordero, that’s one thing. But we won’t see either Devers or Bogaerts changing positions anytime soon.

 

If they are going to try Cordero, they probably should soon, so they can determine if he succeeds or fails before the trade deadline…

 

I don't see them moving him either. I'm only saying a great fielding SS would help this team more than another arm, unrealistic as that may be.

[harmony]

Brayan Bello added to Futures Game

Brayan Bello was added to the American League squad, replacing Mariners pitching prospect Emerson Hancock.

 

It has been a huge year for the righty, who has been probably the biggest riser in the entire Red Sox farm system this season. In fact, there’s an argument to be made he is the best healthy pitching prospect right now, or at least in the non-Tanner Houck division.

 

Bello started this season at High-A Greenville, pitching to a 2.27 ERA across six starts and 31 2⁄3 innings, striking out 45 and walking only seven. That dominant performance was good enough to earn the 22-year-old a promotion to Double-A Portland, where he has made four starts, pitching to a 3.45 ERA over 15 2⁄3 innings with 19 strikeouts and seven walks. The righty needs to work on his consistency with his command, but he has a good enough three-pitch mix led by his fastball to be on track for a major-league rotation spot in a couple years. In the meantime, he gets this stage against some of the game’s best young talent.

 

He looks to have the 'it' factor.

Seattle pitching prospect Emerson Hancock was the scheduled starter for the Everett AquaSox in all three minor league games I've attended this year. Hancock was a last-minute scratch in one contest but was solid in the other two games:

 

https://www.milb.com/gameday/aquasox-vs-hops/2021/05/06/642739#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=642739

 

https://www.milb.com/gameday/aquasox-vs-canadians/2021/06/19/642688#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=642688

[moonslav59]

This the “realistic” thread.

 

Take the talk of moving Bogey- not to 3B- not at the end of the season, but to 1B mid season, then trading the world for a SS to another thread.