trade deadline

[Bellhorn04]

One month later, the results haven't been worth writing home about.

 

That's one way to put it LOL

[mvp 78]

That's one way to put it LOL

 

This post is to be neither an accusation nor a confession, and least of all an adventure, for death is not an adventure to those who stand face to face with it. It will try simply to tell of a generation of men who, even though they may have escaped (its) shells, were destroyed by the 2021 Red Sox.

[moonslav59]

Some Selected OPS Numbers on New Teams

 

1.167 Schwarber

.962 Rizzo

.864 Turner

.808 Bryant

.720 Gallo

.559 Baez

 

ERA

1.74 Scherzer

3.18 Gibson

(3.60 Sale)

3.86 Berrios

5.40 Kimbrel

9.00 Heaney

 

Updated

 

1.027 Schwarber

.884 Bryant

.844 Turner

.730 Rizzo

.709 Baez

.668 Gallo

 

1.55 Scherzer

(2.35 Sale)

3.16 Gibson

3.73 Berrios

7.15 Kimbrel

6.43 Heaney

 

On paper, we got better by this chart.

 

[Swiharts Ghost]

Bloom must upgrade team Defense and Catching to go along with another Ace type pitcher and Closer .How he get some these players ? I have to believe it’s FA .

[moonslav59]

Bloom must upgrade team Defense and Catching to go along with another Ace type pitcher and Closer .How he get some these players ? I have to believe it’s FA .

 

One major problem is that our weakest defensive positions are SS, C, 3B and 1B.

 

Vaz seems like the obvious choice, but it's extremely hard getting a good catcher.

 

Dalbec is one of our few low cost-high upside starters.

 

How do we replace or move Devers and Bogey to new positions without losing fans or Bogey?

 

Improving our D is very complicated, but I agree- very necessary.

 

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

 

How do we replace or move Devers and Bogey to new positions without losing fans or Bogey?

 

Improving our D is very complicated, but I agree- very necessary.

 

 

After last night -- if the Red Sox don't address their defense -- they will definitely lose fans right now. As more players test positive for the virus and the Sox sink into oblivion, casual fans will stop watching. Diehards, however, can face reality and would like to keep watching -- to get a glimpse of hope for the future.

 

I'm not advocating calling up teenage prospects, but Boston should at least put its best possible defensive team on the field so September is not a total joke. Dropped pop-ups, grounders and throws that increasingly clang off gloves, missed cutoffs and a catcher who won't move to block balls is unacceptable.

 

Move Devers to shortstop until he gets quarantined. Go ahead and blast the idea, but he already plays short every night on lefty shifts, has the arm, and just might relish the challenge to take charge and at least stay interested. Rafie is a big league infielder; Arauz and Munoz are not. Dalbec can try third; first base is just not working out. Jack Lopez played solid defense at multi-positions in the Olympics -- he can platoon at third or second until Kike or Arroyo return. Play Schwarber at first and Duran in centerfield every game the rest of the season; the Sox need to see if they are viable, regular options there for '22. JD is the DH except in NL parks, period. Catcher is a problem -- do the Sox even have a better defensive backstop than Vazquez in their system? Wong, Hernandez, whoever -- someone who is quick and can throw needs to split the rest of the games back there, because Vaz needs a serious rest.

[mvp 78]

Dalbec is a DH.

Devers is ok at 3b.

Xander should move to 2b.

Sign a glove first SS in offseason.

Kiké is good in CF.

Get a capable 1b this offseason.

[Hugh2]

Dalbec is a DH.

Devers is ok at 3b.

Xander should move to 2b.

Sign a glove first SS in offseason.

Kiké is good in CF.

Get a capable 1b this offseason.

 

I think people forget that Dalbec came up as a 3rd baseman was actually considered pretty good there. He has plenty of length and more than enough arm and was only moved to 1B because of a guy named Rafael Devers. Dalbec is probably not as bad as he was the first month of the season and not as good as he's been the last month. I wonder if Bobby is trade bait if a team can use a 3B. I think Xander eventually moves off of SS, but I don't think that will happen for another year or two, but I agree they could eventually sign a guy to play there and move Xander to 3B/2B I'm just not sure next year is the year to tie up more money on the lineup when the rotation needs some love.

 

I think most permutation of the Sox offseason revolves around getting a stopgap guy at 1B with the assumption/hope that Casas finds his way there in mid 2022/early 2023. I was thinking that guy could be Schwarber, but for a guy who many thought could play 1B he's not been playing any 1B. Although that's probably partially due to Durans struggles, Arroyos inability to stay on the field, and Dalbecs success at the plate recently.

[mvp 78]

I think people forget that Dalbec came up as a 3rd baseman was actually considered pretty good there. He has plenty of length and more than enough arm and was only moved to 1B because of a guy named Rafael Devers. Dalbec is probably not as bad as he was the first month of the season and not as good as he's been the last month. I wonder if Bobby is trade bait if a team can use a 3B. I think Xander eventually moves off of SS, but I don't think that will happen for another year or two, but I agree they could eventually sign a guy to play there and move Xander to 3B/2B I'm just not sure next year is the year to tie up more money on the lineup when the rotation needs some love.

 

I think most permutation of the Sox offseason revolves around getting a stopgap guy at 1B with the assumption/hope that Casas finds his way there in mid 2022/early 2023. I was thinking that guy could be Schwarber, but for a guy who many thought could play 1B he's not been playing any 1B. Although that's probably partially due to Durans struggles, Arroyos inability to stay on the field, and Dalbecs success at the plate recently.

 

From SoxProspects:

 

Hands work well and footwork is usually reliable. A little stiff and has some trouble getting down on ground balls when charging the ball. Doesn't have great range, but makes up for that somewhat with his length, allowing him to cover more ground than his feet would normally allow. Has made great strides since he joined the Red Sox at third base. Regressed somewhat at third base in 2019 and projects as an average defender there.

 

He's a strong guy, but his glove work is horrible. Like it says above, he plays very stiff. He doesn't seem to have the quickness to get down on balls. He's terrible at 1b, so I don't know how that'd be better at the hot corner. I don't see how he'd be an upgrade over Devers.

[Hugh2]

From SoxProspects:

 

Hands work well and footwork is usually reliable. A little stiff and has some trouble getting down on ground balls when charging the ball. Doesn't have great range, but makes up for that somewhat with his length, allowing him to cover more ground than his feet would normally allow. Has made great strides since he joined the Red Sox at third base. Regressed somewhat at third base in 2019 and projects as an average defender there.

 

He's a strong guy, but his glove work is horrible. Like it says above, he plays very stiff. He doesn't seem to have the quickness to get down on balls. He's terrible at 1b, so I don't know how that'd be better at the hot corner. I don't see how he'd be an upgrade over Devers.

 

He's not an upgrade over Devers, his defense might just be average there as opposed to below average at 1B (which doesn't make much sense but that's the way it's). This might make him more valuable to another team than he is to us, especially if he doesn't fit into the long term plans. Maybe they work with Dalbec in the offseason and improve his play there, if he can walk more he might be a much better hitter next year too.

[mvp 78]

He's not an upgrade over Devers, his defense might just be average there as opposed to below average at 1B (which doesn't make much sense but that's the way it's). This might make him more valuable to another team than he is to us, especially if he doesn't fit into the long term plans. Maybe they work with Dalbec in the offseason and improve his play there, if he can walk more he might be a much better hitter next year too.

 

No, that's not "the way it is." His defense has gone downhill. If he sucks at 1b, there's no way he'd be good at 3b. The plays he messed up last night, he'd mess up at 3b too. He would need more mobility at 3b, but he doesn't have the quickness. While he is "faster" than many others on the Sox, it takes him a while to get to top speed. He's slower to 1b than Devers. He'd be slower on any hard shot to 3b. Devers has decent range. Dalbec's range would be terrible.

[notin]

He's not an upgrade over Devers, his defense might just be average there as opposed to below average at 1B (which doesn't make much sense but that's the way it's). This might make him more valuable to another team than he is to us, especially if he doesn't fit into the long term plans. Maybe they work with Dalbec in the offseason and improve his play there, if he can walk more he might be a much better hitter next year too.

 

That's one odd thing about him. In his past, walking was never an issue. This year, he might finish with fewer walks than a guy who was acquired on July 30th...

[Hugh2]

No, that's not "the way it is." His defense has gone downhill. If he sucks at 1b, there's no way he'd be good at 3b. The plays he messed up last night, he'd mess up at 3b too. He would need more mobility at 3b, but he doesn't have the quickness. While he is "faster" than many others on the Sox, it takes him a while to get to top speed. He's slower to 1b than Devers. He'd be slower on any hard shot to 3b. Devers has decent range. Dalbec's range would be terrible.

 

He projected as an average defender at 3B even after taking a step back in 2019. You're assuming that because his defense sucks at 1B that he would continue to regress and look horrible at 3B. No point in comparing him to Devers, he's never going to play 3B over Devers on THIS team but another team might like him better back at 3B.

[mvp 78]

He projected as an average defender at 3B even after taking a step back in 2019. You're assuming that because his defense sucks at 1B that he would continue to regress and look horrible at 3B. No point in comparing him to Devers, he's never going to play 3B over Devers on THIS team but another team might like him better back at 3B.

 

It's not an assumption. When you watch the games, you see how stiff he plays. How would that get better at 3b? If another team wants to have him there it's fine by me.

[Hugh2]

That's one odd thing about him. In his past, walking was never an issue. This year, he might finish with fewer walks than a guy who was acquired on July 30th...

 

He's been walking more lately. His OBP has gone up a full .100 in the second half.

[Hugh2]

It's not an assumption. When you watch the games, you see how stiff he plays. How would that get better at 3b? If another team wants to have him there it's fine by me.

 

Because he WAS better at 3B than he was at 1B, the scouting report you reference projected him as an average defender there. I've seen Dalbec play both 3B and 1B............He's better at 3B. You're using logic here MVP and your logic is sound. 1B is easier to play, anyone should hypothetically be better at 1B than they're at 3B, but for whatever reason Dalbec became a worse 1bman than he was a 3rd baseman.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I hope this season has convinced some observers that not just anyone -- even pros -- can play first base efficiently. And that a good first baseman can make the difference in saving an infield, and thus a pitching staff... and account for a lot more outs than a good third baseman.

[notin]

He's been walking more lately. His OBP has gone up a full .100 in the second half.

 

But in his MiLB career, walks were always a big part of his game. They've been absent for the bulk of 2021...

[notin]

I hope this season has convinced some observers that not just anyone -- even pros -- can play first base efficiently. And that a good first baseman can make the difference in saving an infield, and thus a pitching staff... and account for a lot more outs than a good third baseman.

 

But yet it is still the easiest position to play defensively (not counting DH, smartass). Dalbec's failure their doesn't change that...

[mvp 78]

That's one odd thing about him. In his past, walking was never an issue. This year, he might finish with fewer walks than a guy who was acquired on July 30th...

 

He had a 11% BB rate in August. If he can do that going forward, he'll be much more useful. That 1.6% in July will never cut it.

 

He's a guy who barrels the ball and makes hard contact (top 2%), but has such a big hole in his swing that he's bottom 1% in k rate.

 

-6 runs against FB. -5 runs against slider. https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/bobby-dalbec-666915?stats=statcast-r-hitting-mlb

[mvp 78]

Because he WAS better at 3B than he was at 1B, the scouting report you reference projected him as an average defender there. I've seen Dalbec play both 3B and 1B............He's better at 3B. You're using logic here MVP and your logic is sound. 1B is easier to play, anyone should hypothetically be better at 1B than they're at 3B, but for whatever reason Dalbec became a worse 1bman than he was a 3rd baseman.

 

To me, he is very stiff. My eyes tell me he won't be good at 3b. He projected to be average, but I think his defense has continued to decline in 2020 and 2021. I don't think he'd project as an average 3b going forward. The one thing he has going for him is his strong arm. He could throw a lot of runners out, but I think he'd struggle to get to balls.

[notin]

He had a 11% BB rate in August. If he can do that going forward, he'll be much more useful. That 1.6% in July will never cut it.

 

He's a guy who barrels the ball and makes hard contact (top 2%), but has such a big hole in his swing that he's bottom 1% in k rate.

 

-6 runs against FB. -5 runs against slider. https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/bobby-dalbec-666915?stats=statcast-r-hitting-mlb

 

It's just a lot easier to recognize a AAA slider, apparently. Those MLB pitchers are just a whole new level.

 

Dalbec defintely has an uncertain future in Boston, but that doesn't mean he is now trade bait. I'd deal Duran before Dalbec...

[notin]

To me, he is very stiff. My eyes tell me he won't be good at 3b. He projected to be average, but I think his defense has continued to decline in 2020 and 2021. I don't think he'd project as an average 3b going forward. The one thing he has going for him is his strong arm. He could throw a lot of runners out, but I think he'd struggle to get to balls.

 

I actually thought he might be a good RF with that arm...

[Hugh2]

It's just a lot easier to recognize a AAA slider, apparently. Those MLB pitchers are just a whole new level.

 

Dalbec defintely has an uncertain future in Boston, but that doesn't mean he is now trade bait. I'd deal Duran before Dalbec...

 

If the Sox view him as their 1B in 2022 then he's definitely not trade-bait. If the Sox want a stop-gap there for Casas and a team wants to buy high on him then why not?

[notin]

If the Sox view him as their 1B in 2022 then he's definitely not trade-bait. If the Sox want a stop-gap there for Casas and a team wants to buy high on him then why not?

 

If his 99 OPS+ represents an opportunity for "buying high", I think we can expect a minimal return on any deal...

[Hugh2]

If his 99 OPS+ represents an opportunity for "buying high", I think we can expect a minimal return on any deal...

 

Do you think that his OPS+ for his first full season clearly represents his value over anything else? This assumes that teams don't consider age, progression, potential, splits, trends, and other various factors.

[mvp 78]

I hope this season has convinced some observers that not just anyone -- even pros -- can play first base efficiently. And that a good first baseman can make the difference in saving an infield, and thus a pitching staff... and account for a lot more outs than a good third baseman.

 

Either Cora finds a good coach to work with Dalbec over the winter or Dalbec should be the opening day DH. He's bad there.

 

UZR/150

Dalbec -4.9 1b, -2.9 3b

David Ortiz -3.6 career

Hanley -0.3 career

Napoli 0.7 career

AGon 3.3 career (two best seasons were with the Sox)

Youk 9.5 career

 

I can't think of a Red Sox 1b that was worse than Dalbec. He's been so bad. He's worse than David Ortiz and Ortiz barely played 1b. The only person you can compare him to is when they tried to transition Hanley there. Hanley was still way better. Dalbec is just embarrassing himself out there.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

But yet it is still the easiest position to play defensively (not counting DH, smartass). Dalbec's failure their doesn't change that...

 

Maybe your experience playing every position on the diamond has informed your opinion. But you also know that first basemen do have twice as much responsibility than third basemen... with a baserunner in scoring position: on a hit to leftfield, the cutoff man is the third sacker; on a hit to centerfield and on a hit to rightfield, the cutoff is the first sacker. Potentially, guys playing first are called upon to make twice as many throws to try to prevent runs or cut down other runners from advancing.

[mvp 78]

Maybe your experience playing every position on the diamond has informed your opinion. But you also know that first basemen do have twice as much responsibility than third basemen... with a baserunner in scoring position: on a hit to leftfield, the cutoff man is the third sacker; on a hit to centerfield and on a hit to rightfield, the cutoff is the first sacker. Potentially, guys playing first are called upon to make twice as many throws to try to prevent runs or cut down other runners from advancing.

 

Is your argument that we should just hide his bad defense at 3b?

[Bellhorn04]

I hope this season has convinced some observers that not just anyone -- even pros -- can play first base efficiently.

 

Dime a dozen!