A Realistic View at 2021: Part II

[notin]

A year when things are going mostly right is rare, so I'm ok with trading a few prospects for a rental. Acquiring an established big leaguer that veteran players respect can boost team morale. It shows that management is trying to augment the roster, more so I think than calling up unproven young guys vying to take someone else's job.

 

As a fan -- if the team is a contender -- I always expect the GM to make a few moves to go for it, to assure me that it will be worth investing my time and money through the rest of the season. I'm never thinking about two or three years from now.

 

.

 

There is definitely something to the PR of going out and getting a player or two at the deadline that sends a message to the fans that “we still think we’re in this!”

 

And any team needs pitching depth. With half the roster all dedicated to that one position, the more any team has the better.

 

But this Sox team’s biggest need might be defense. But what position should they upgrade? The problem is, many of the weaker fielders are also top shelf hitters…

[moonslav59]

I would agree on Santana's versatility if not for having Marwin on our roster. Arroyo can play both short and second base, Kike second and centfield, Marwin pretty much every position. I'm a Sox fan and I want all to do well.

 

My only point being that we exhaust internal possibilities before looking outside the organization. I don't think we've done that yet.

 

Bringing up Duran as an example maybe a desperate move but it won't cost us anything. We've already dealt with less than stellar performances from the likes of Cordero, Santana, Marwin and Dalbec. Maybe, just maybe they're wrong on Duran. Bloom is smart enough to know he's not perfect.

 

Like can also play 1B, 3B and SS, so Santana’s flex is no big help.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

There is definitely something to the PR of going out and getting a player or two at the deadline that sends a message to the fans that “we still think we’re in this!”

 

And any team needs pitching depth. With half the roster all dedicated to that one position, the more any team has the better.

 

But this Sox team’s biggest need might be defense. But what position should they upgrade? The problem is, many of the weaker fielders are also top shelf hitters…

 

Good point about the D. We'll live and die with the left side; Rafie and Bogie may even be starting All-Stars (as long as fans keep voting based on offense).

 

The only obvious spot we can upgrade is centerfield, where the Sox can really use a late-inning lockdown specialist who isn't an adventure -- especially in the post-sticky stretch run. As much as Kike rates as a good outfielder, my eyes show me he's below average going back on deep drives. The inexperienced Duran doesn't sound the answer there, either.

 

This isn't JBJ bias, either, because last winter Bloom passed on many cheaper regular centerfielders with range and cruising speed where doubles go to die. Can Bloom can admit his mistake and pony up a low-level arm for one?

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

As of now the SOX are breaking all the established rules for a 1st place team. Weak starting pitching, below average defense, and not winning more at home. So, how are they in 1st place?

1)strong bats from 2-6(I'm now including Renfroe) in the line-up.

2)timely hitting from the weaker bats.

3)a surprisingly good BP that includes a great closer.

4)most importantly a team that never gives up (24 come from behind wins).

 

That being said, I have no answer why the SOX aren't performing better at Fenway. I, also, have no answer why the SOX are playing .667 on the road.

But the SOX are in 1st place so I'm gonna enjoy it as long as it lasts.

Edited June 23, 2021 by SPLENDIDSPLINTER

[dgalehouse]

To me , the most obvious, the most glaring difference between this year's team and last year's team is the manager. I think the lion's share of the credit should go to Alex Cora.

[moonslav59]

Good point about the D. We'll live and die with the left side; Rafie and Bogie may even be starting All-Stars (as long as fans keep voting based on offense).

 

The only obvious spot we can upgrade is centerfield, where the Sox can really use a late-inning lockdown specialist who isn't an adventure -- especially in the post-sticky stretch run. As much as Kike rates as a good outfielder, my eyes show me he's below average going back on deep drives. The inexperienced Duran doesn't sound the answer there, either.

 

This isn't JBJ bias, either, because last winter Bloom passed on many cheaper regular centerfielders with range and cruising speed where doubles go to die. Can Bloom can admit his mistake and pony up a low-level arm for one?

 

Another area to improve could be 1B and maybe 2B.

[Elktonnick]

To me , the most obvious, the most glaring difference between this year's team and last year's team is the manager. I think the lion's share of the credit should go to Alex Cora.

 

Not to take anything away from Cora, but Ron Roeneke was an easy act to follow. He was probably one of the worst Red Sox managers in the last 50 years not named Bobby Valentine.

[Nick]

Obviously Richards can no longer be counted on......I'm looking for bright side. In addition to Pedey's $13.75M going away, Richard's $10M will go away. Probably Ottavino's $8M will also go away.

 

How about an opener with Whitlock?

[Fan_since_Boggs]

Obviously Richards can no longer be counted on......I'm looking for bright side. In addition to Pedey's $13.75M going away, Richard's $10M will go away. Probably Ottavino's $8M will also go away.

 

How about an opener with Whitlock?

 

If the Red Sox don't want to use a six man rotation, they will probably move Richards to the bullpen when Houck returns, which should be soon.

 

Agreed: the Red Sox will not pick up Richards option for next season. He is a waste of space for the most part but will hopefully help the Red Sox down the stretch as a reliever.

Edited June 24, 2021 by Fan_since_Boggs

[Nick]

If the Red Sox don't want to use a six man rotation, they will probably move Richards to the bullpen when Houck returns, which should be soon.

 

Agreed: the Red Sox will not pick up Richards option for next season. He is a waste of space for the most part but will hopefully help the Red Sox down the stretch as a reliever.

 

Definitely not for $10M club option. Money can be spent elsewhere. This is when you consider piecing together $10M plus Ottavino's $8M and Pedey's $13M and get a top of the line pitcher or we can keep gambling on mediocre pitchers.

 

Rays are paying $2.5M for Rich Hill.

Edited June 24, 2021 by Nick

[Fan_since_Boggs]

Although, when you look at the soon-to-be free agents, there aren't any bonafide ace types deserving of big bucks.

 

The Red Sox really need C.Sale to return and take on the role of ace starter. If Sale does take on that role, the Red Sox will have some quality pitchers around him including Eovaldi and the younger guys with superior stuff: Whitlock and Houck.

 

Hopefully, two or three years from now, we will be very happy that Dombrowski resigned Sale to that contract after all.

Edited June 24, 2021 by Fan_since_Boggs

[Fan_since_Boggs]

The Red Sox will probably promote Duran soon. He keeps hitting in Triple A. This is not too complicated: promote Duran and release Santana.

 

Also, if the Rays can bat Franco in the third spot, why can't the Red Sox immediately put Duran in the leadoff spot? I'm not saying Duran is a better prospect than Franco, no one is, but Duran is a tremendous talent as well. The Red Sox haven't been getting any production out of the leadoff spot anyway.

Edited June 24, 2021 by Fan_since_Boggs

[Nick]

The Red Sox will probably promote Duran soon. He keeps hitting in Triple A. This is not too complicated: promote Duran and release Santana.

 

Also, if the Rays can bat Franco in the third spot, why can't the Red Sox immediately put Duran in the leadoff spot? I'm not saying Duran is a better prospect than Franco, no one is, but Duran is a tremendous talent as well. The Red Sox haven't been getting any production out of the leadoff spot anyway.

 

We have an opening for leadoff batter. Santana is 0-4 with 3 K's. Why would we want him getting 5 at bats sooner than other 8 guys? That absolutely makes no sense. The guy's OPS is .461.....I mean, come on man. What the hell?

 

Remember the scene in Moneyball when manager refuses NOT to play a guy? GM finally trades manager's guy so the manager has to play the guy GM wants.

 

Bloom just needs to cut Santana so Cora won't be tempted to play him and bat him first.

Edited June 24, 2021 by Nick

[moonslav59]

There is a lot of season left for Richards to earn that option.

[Nick]

It's great that Santana, Verdugo and JD got to bat 5 times.

 

Let's give our .454 OPS guy the first chance at batting 5 times in a game.

 

There are many smarter people than me on this board but you will never convince me that it's okay to bat Santana first. Never.

[Nick]

There is a lot of season left for Richards to earn that option.

 

Chance of him completely losing is just as good.

 

He was struggling with his command prior to the MLB crackdown. I don't know how he will get out of this mess. It was telling that he was most vocal about the enforcement of the rule.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Chance of him completely losing is just as good.

 

He was struggling with his command prior to the MLB crackdown. I don't know how he will get out of this mess. It was telling that he was most vocal about the enforcement of the rule.

 

It's no coincidence that "spin-rate" and "Spider Tack" both became phrases in MLB lexicon the past few seasons. I've been a fan for over 50 years and never heard of either before that. Richards made his money as a product of that culture. Right now he's like one of the deflating steroid goons at the turn of the century forced off the juice.

[oldtimer]

I have a great deal of respect for both Bloom and Cora. I probably don't know or understand the issues faced by them in making moves to improve the team, but it does seem clear that moves should be made and soon. Santana is not getting it done, nor is Andreise. Others are struggling, but not everything can be fixed at once. Is it the CBT getting in the way of making moves or some other issue as yet undefined? I am for making moves to improve the team now.

[Nick]

I have a great deal of respect for both Bloom and Cora. I probably don't know or understand the issues faced by them in making moves to improve the team, but it does seem clear that moves should be made and soon. Santana is not getting it done, nor is Andreise. Others are struggling, but not everything can be fixed at once. Is it the CBT getting in the way of making moves or some other issue as yet undefined? I am for making moves to improve the team now.

 

Moon would tell you that because we are $5.5M under the cap, we can afford to acquire someone with a tax payroll of $15M on July 31st (pro-rated for 1/3 of the season). Question is how many prospects are we willing to give up and how good are they?

 

I would prefer the team exhaust all in house options before looking elsewhere.

 

Let's hope they don't wait until we're 5 games down to make these moves.

Edited June 24, 2021 by Nick

[Nick]

It's no coincidence that "spin-rate" and "Spider Tack" both became phrases in MLB lexicon the past few seasons. I've been a fan for over 50 years and never heard of either before that. Richards made his money as a product of that culture. Right now he's like one of the deflating steroid goons at the turn of the century forced off the juice.

 

Question is how quickly can he get it 'right' on the fly during the pennant race. Coaches are asking him to change the mix of his pitches. He's working on changeup and the coaches want him to throw two-seamer more often.

 

I like the guy but he is really deflated about the situation he's in. I'll be first to jump back on his bandwagon if he comes out of this.

 

Yes, we're still in first place despite all of my bitching here lately. Sorry.

Edited June 24, 2021 by Nick

[Bellhorn04]

It's no coincidence that "spin-rate" and "Spider Tack" both became phrases in MLB lexicon the past few seasons. I've been a fan for over 50 years and never heard of either before that. Richards made his money as a product of that culture. Right now he's like one of the deflating steroid goons at the turn of the century forced off the juice.

 

I think spin rate came into the lexicon around the same time as launch angle and exit velocity. Not really a fan of any of them, myself.

[Bellhorn04]

We have an opening for leadoff batter. Santana is 0-4 with 3 K's. Why would we want him getting 5 at bats sooner than other 8 guys? That absolutely makes no sense. The guy's OPS is .461.....I mean, come on man. What the hell?

 

Remember the scene in Moneyball when manager refuses NOT to play a guy? GM finally trades manager's guy so the manager has to play the guy GM wants.

 

Bloom just needs to cut Santana so Cora won't be tempted to play him and bat him first.

 

I know it's not much consolation, but apparently Cora was hoping to pencil Arroyo into leadoff last night, Arroyo couldn't go.

 

As for Santana, and Cordero, well, yeah, Bloom is the guy who acquired these guys to play for us. The bad with the good.

 

I do get the frustration, I just don't think it's Cora's fault.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Question is how quickly can he get it 'right' on the fly during the pennant race. Coaches are asking him to change the mix of his pitches. He's working on changeup and the coaches want him to throw two-seamer more often.

 

I like the guy but he is really deflated about the situation he's in. I'll be first to jump back on his bandwagon if he comes out of this.

 

Yes, we're still in first place despite all of my bitching here lately. Sorry.

 

We bitch because we watch, and see ineptitude in many facets of the game. It comes with being a fan of a contender; fans of doormats just stop watching.

[notin]

Moon would tell you that because we are $5.5M under the cap, we can afford to acquire someone with a tax payroll of $15M on July 31st (pro-rated for 1/3 of the season). Question is how many prospects are we willing to give up and how good are they?

 

I would prefer the team exhaust all in house options before looking elsewhere.

 

Let's hope they don't wait until we're 5 games down to make these moves.

 

Does it work that way?

 

The tax limit is based on the contractual AAV. I think to stay under (which should not be an issue anyway, since we are in it), shouldn't the AAV of the contract be under $5.5 mill?

[Bellhorn04]

Does it work that way?

 

The tax limit is based on the contractual AAV. I think to stay under (which should not be an issue anyway, since we are in it), shouldn't the AAV of the contract be under $5.5 mill?

 

moon is correct. The AAV is pro-rated when a player is traded in-season.

[notin]

I know it's not much consolation, but apparently Cora was hoping to pencil Arroyo into leadoff last night, Arroyo couldn't go.

 

As for Santana, and Cordero, well, yeah, Bloom is the guy who acquired these guys to play for us. The bad with the good.

 

I do get the frustration, I just don't think it's Cora's fault.

 

Well, Santana was only a minor league deal. Not like he was meant to be a major part of anything, except maybe the WOO lineup.

 

As for Cordero, he might be worthwhile if MLB cracks down on the cheating pitchers...

[notin]

moon is correct. The AAV is pro-rated when a player is traded in-season.

 

OK. Thanks.

[Bellhorn04]

Definitely not for $10M club option. Money can be spent elsewhere. This is when you consider piecing together $10M plus Ottavino's $8M and Pedey's $13M and get a top of the line pitcher or we can keep gambling on mediocre pitchers.

 

Rays are paying $2.5M for Rich Hill.

 

$2.5 mill. Damn, that is a pretty sweet deal. I assume health concerns were why Bloom steered away from him, but right now, yeah, that was a missed opportunity. Hill knows how to pitch.

[mvp 78]

Well, Santana was only a minor league deal. Not like he was meant to be a major part of anything, except maybe the WOO lineup.

 

As for Cordero, he might be worthwhile if MLB cracks down on the cheating pitchers...

 

I believe he had a MiLB deal with an escalation clause concerning health.

[Bellhorn04]

Well, Santana was only a minor league deal. Not like he was meant to be a major part of anything, except maybe the WOO lineup.

 

As for Cordero, he might be worthwhile if MLB cracks down on the cheating pitchers...

 

Not sure why Cordero will profit from the crackdown more than other hitters, though.