A Realistic View at 2021: Part III

[mvp 78]

Music to Taylor Motter’s ears…

 

Not sure he could hear music with all that hair.

[notin]

Not sure he could hear music with all that hair.

 

When you put it that way, I’m not even sure he has ears…

[moonslav59]

There will be time to reflect on what transpired in next 25 days or so in November.

 

Yesterday's game is over and there's really no point in discussing it.

 

Everyone here know what the issues are. We are what we are and we can't change it. We scored 10 runs yet still lost.

 

It's becoming clearer by day having both JD and Schwarber in the lineup at the same time will hurt our defense.

 

It appears Kike will be one of first to return. He will solidify our defense in CF. Added bat to what looks to be a run scoring unit will further enhance our ability to score.

 

I'm waiting anxiously for Darwinzon to return. We need more depth, even if it's mediocre.

 

We knew Sale would not win every single game regardless of who's fault it was. It just isn't going to happen.

 

Toronto is surging and we have no answers for them since we won't face them again. All we can do is to win and stay ahead of them.

 

We're starting what could arguably our best three starters as of now.

 

Not sure exactly when it happened but the Rays are the best team in AL East. And maybe it's not even close.

 

Good summary, Nick.

 

Yes, the Rays are clearly the best, and facing them after a WC win, assuming that happens, will be a very tough match-up.

 

We can't worry about them. Maybe some of the "luck" they seem to be having will run out at just the right time.

 

We need to get healthy and stat playing like major leaguers.

 

Despite all the bumbling and stumbling, we still almost pull out many of the games we are losing. While that seems very frustrating, I think it is also a sign, that when we are fully healthy, we can do enough to start winning these close ones, again.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Good summary, Nick.

 

Yes, the Rays are clearly the best, and facing them after a WC win, assuming that happens, will be a very tough match-up.

 

We can't worry about them. Maybe some of the "luck" they seem to be having will run out at just the right time.

 

.

 

Long ago, my father told me the adage, "You make your own luck"...

 

... and while it's not Sale's fault or Devers' fault the Rays dribbled five bleeders 20 feet, the Sox did make Tampa's luck by playing like crap. Putting Motter at second instead of Jack Lopez is an example of Boston making its own luck. Motter hit 24 home runs in Triple A and got cut; bet it wasn't because of his offense.

 

The question for MLB is: can the Rays keep this string of forcing inferior teams to hand them games all the way through the postseason?

[Bellhorn04]

Long ago, my father told me the adage, "You make your own luck"...

 

I would have replied to your dad, in my best thinker pose: "Sometimes you do. And sometimes you don't."

[mvp 78]

Long ago, my father told me the adage, "You make your own luck"...

 

... and while it's not Sale's fault or Devers' fault the Rays dribbled five bleeders 20 feet, the Sox did make Tampa's luck by playing like crap. Putting Motter at second instead of Jack Lopez is an example of Boston making its own luck. Motter hit 24 home runs in Triple A and got cut; bet it wasn't because of his offense.

 

The question for MLB is: can the Rays keep this string of forcing inferior teams to hand them games all the way through the postseason?

 

It's very weird that they sent Lopez back to AAA. He wasn't hitting very well, but his game was fine enough. I'd rather lose with our org guys than bring in stiffs like Motter.

[notin]

I would have replied to your dad, in my best thinker pose: "Sometimes you do. And sometimes you don't."

 

But sometimes the luck you make isn’t good luck…

[mvp 78]

But sometimes the luck you make isn’t good luck…

 

All my lucks are coming in clutch as hell.

[notin]

It's very weird that they sent Lopez back to AAA. He wasn't hitting very well, but his game was fine enough. I'd rather lose with our org guys than bring in stiffs like Motter.

 

Lopez is a 28yo career minor leaguer who has been in the KC and Braves farm systems since 2012. Motter isn’t an exciting player, but he has at least been good enough to make 4 different MLB teams. While he has probably peaked as an “up and down” player, unlike Lopez, he at least has been in the “up” part of that roller coaster.

 

Neither of these guys have much claim to being org guys for Boston and both are pretty much stiffs.

 

Lopez probably should have been kept because he can at least field well and that fills a weakness for the Sox, but both have massive flaws and neither can fill the void of any MLB starter properly…

[mvp 78]

Lopez is a 28yo career minor leaguer who has been in the KC and Braves farm systems since 2012. Motter isn’t an exciting player, but he has at least been good enough to make 4 different MLB teams. While he has probably peaked as an “up and down” player, unlike Lopez, he at least has been in the “up” part of that roller coaster.

 

Neither of these guys have much claim to being org guys for Boston and both are pretty much stiffs.

 

Lopez probably should have been kept because he can at least field well and that fills a weakness for the Sox, but both have massive flaws and neither can fill the void of any MLB starter properly…

 

That's a long way to get to "I agree."

[moonslav59]

Long ago, my father told me the adage, "You make your own luck"...

 

... and while it's not Sale's fault or Devers' fault the Rays dribbled five bleeders 20 feet, the Sox did make Tampa's luck by playing like crap. Putting Motter at second instead of Jack Lopez is an example of Boston making its own luck. Motter hit 24 home runs in Triple A and got cut; bet it wasn't because of his offense.

 

The question for MLB is: can the Rays keep this string of forcing inferior teams to hand them games all the way through the postseason?

 

Motter did get 2 hits, but apparently that did not outweigh his defense.

 

I guess it's easier for us to let stud offensive players off the hook on D, than guys like Motter.

[Bellhorn04]

The Fenway Factor has been massive this year.

 

Red Sox avg runs scored/allowed per game:

 

Home 5.77/4.96

Away 4.33/4.35

[moonslav59]

COVID Update

 

Taylor returned

 

Kike & Santana today

 

Shouldn't Arroyo be back around now?

 

What's Bogey's date?

[oldtimer]

There will be time to reflect on what transpired in next 25 days or so in November.

 

Yesterday's game is over and there's really no point in discussing it.

 

Everyone here know what the issues are. We are what we are and we can't change it. We scored 10 runs yet still lost.

 

It's becoming clearer by day having both JD and Schwarber in the lineup at the same time will hurt our defense.

 

It appears Kike will be one of first to return. He will solidify our defense in CF. Added bat to what looks to be a run scoring unit will further enhance our ability to score.

 

I'm waiting anxiously for Darwinzon to return. We need more depth, even if it's mediocre.

 

We knew Sale would not win every single game regardless of who's fault it was. It just isn't going to happen.

 

Toronto is surging and we have no answers for them since we won't face them again. All we can do is to win and stay ahead of them.

 

We're starting what could arguably our best three starters as of now.

 

Not sure exactly when it happened but the Rays are the best team in AL East. And maybe it's not even close.

 

While I agree that having both Schwaber and Martinez in the lineup at the same time hurts our defense, I don't see Cora sitting either of them. With that situation. either Verdugo will sit or Kike will play 2nd base for the time being. What we have been talking about for the 2022 roster is to avoid having both DH's on the same team.

[mvp 78]

While I agree that having both Schwaber and Martinez in the lineup at the same time hurts our defense, I don't see Cora sitting either of them. With that situation. either Verdugo will sit or Kike will play 2nd base for the time being. What we have been talking about for the 2022 roster is to avoid having both DH's on the same team.

 

Verdugo has taken a sizable step backwards this year. I'd rather sit him than ever play him in CF. This team should look a little better once Kiké comes back, but we need to end the notion that Verdugo can play CF. Honestly, he's playing more like tradebait this offseason.

[moonslav59]

Verdugo has taken a sizable step backwards this year. I'd rather sit him than ever play him in CF. This team should look a little better once Kiké comes back, but we need to end the notion that Verdugo can play CF. Honestly, he's playing more like tradebait this offseason.

 

If we keep Schwarber and JD, trading Verdugo makes sense.

 

LF Schwarber

CF Kike

RF Renfroe

 

The only viable option might be to do a 3-way platoon (Verdugo-Dalbec at the plate and Schwarber playing 1B or LF depending on who sits.)

 

v RHP

1B Schwarber

LF Verdugo

CF Kike

RF renfroe

 

v LHP

1B Dalbec

LF Schwarber

CF Kike

RF Renfroe

[notin]

Verdugo has taken a sizable step backwards this year. I'd rather sit him than ever play him in CF. This team should look a little better once Kiké comes back, but we need to end the notion that Verdugo can play CF. Honestly, he's playing more like tradebait this offseason.

 

Verdugo still grades out well in LF, but in CF he is for Emergency Use Only.

 

But after watching him out there yesterday, it became obvious why he remained healthy. Even if he was exposed to the coronavirus, he’d misplay it…

[notin]

If we keep Schwarber and JD, trading Verdugo makes sense.

 

LF Schwarber

CF Kike

RF Renfroe

 

The only viable option might be to do a 3-way platoon (Verdugo-Dalbec at the plate and Schwarber playing 1B or LF depending on who sits.)

 

v RHP

1B Schwarber

LF Verdugo

CF Kike

RF renfroe

 

v LHP

1B Dalbec

LF Schwarber

CF Kike

RF Renfroe

 

I don’t think it’s quite time to give up on Verdugo just yet. Even with Renfroe in RF for another year, the Sox farm doesn’t have much for corner OF. I’d much prefer Verdugo out there than Duran for several reasons…

[mvp 78]

Verdugo still grades out well in LF, but in CF he is for Emergency Use Only.

 

But after watching him out there yesterday, it became obvious why he remained healthy. Even if he was exposed to the coronavirus, he’d misplay it…

 

And my preference would be for a bigger bat in LF. I need the 2020 version of Verdugo, not the 2021 one.

[mvp 78]

I don’t think it’s quite time to give up on Verdugo just yet. Even with Renfroe in RF for another year, the Sox farm doesn’t have much for corner OF. I’d much prefer Verdugo out there than Duran for several reasons…

 

I wouldn't just dump him, but I could see him being used in a package to get a big piece.

[moonslav59]

I don’t think it’s quite time to give up on Verdugo just yet. Even with Renfroe in RF for another year, the Sox farm doesn’t have much for corner OF. I’d much prefer Verdugo out there than Duran for several reasons…

 

If Dalbec hits well, Verdugo is too good to ride the bench.

 

He's worth more to another team as a starter than to us as a 4th OF'er.

 

I got that reasoning from you.

[moonslav59]

I wouldn't just dump him, but I could see him being used in a package to get a big piece.

 

Exactly. I'm not for handing him away.

 

I guess, if Schwarber proves he can play 1B, we could trade Dalbec and keep Verdugo.

[Nick]

Verdugo has taken a sizable step backwards this year. I'd rather sit him than ever play him in CF. This team should look a little better once Kiké comes back, but we need to end the notion that Verdugo can play CF. Honestly, he's playing more like tradebait this offseason.

 

I don't disagree.......we should always look to make the team better....

[Nick]

As an IU grad, I'm Schwarber's biggest fan. He was a catcher and batted 2nd. His group elevated the baseball program at IU.

 

I would love for us to extend him and let him work more at 1B during this winter/spring. More positions he can play adequately, better for the team.

 

I suppose JD still thinks of himself as an outfielder so it's never crossed his mind to get a first baseman's glove.

[mvp 78]

If they don't re-sign Schwarber, I could see them going with Verdugo as the everyday LFer. I just don't want to see the weird CF timeshare like we saw this year. Just have Duran as the primary backup to LF/CF.

[Bellhorn04]

Verdugo still grades out well in LF, but in CF he is for Emergency Use Only.

 

But after watching him out there yesterday, it became obvious why he remained healthy. Even if he was exposed to the coronavirus, he’d misplay it…

 

Would you prefer "He wouldn't catch it"?

[mvp 78]

As an IU grad, I'm Schwarber's biggest fan. He was a catcher and batted 2nd. His group elevated the baseball program at IU.

 

I would love for us to extend him and let him work more at 1B during this winter/spring. More positions he can play adequately, better for the team.

 

I suppose JD still thinks of himself as an outfielder so it's never crossed his mind to get a first baseman's glove.

 

While JD seems like a deer in the headlights defender to me, he apparently prefers to play LF than be a DH.

[moonslav59]

Verdugo has taken a sizable step backwards this year. I'd rather sit him than ever play him in CF. This team should look a little better once Kiké comes back, but we need to end the notion that Verdugo can play CF. Honestly, he's playing more like tradebait this offseason.

 

We all had high hopes for Verdugo after hitting .817 with LAD in 2019 and .844 in 2020.

 

He was at .899 on May 5th, and it was a close call on grouping him with the Devers, Bogey & JD group of with the second tier.

 

He's still at a respectable .785 and has had some big hits along the way.

 

Speaking of OPS...now Verdugo is between 2nd and 3rd tier...

 

1.005 Schwarber (95 PAs)

.894 Devers

.867 Bogey

.865 JD

 

.828 Renfroe

.811 Kike

 

.785 Verdugo

 

.777 Arroyo (175)

.762 Dalbec

.756 Plawecki (148)

 

.656 Vazquez

 

.578 Duran (112)

 

[mvp 78]

I think Kiké and Verdugo are the same tier with Renfroe. The current version of Dalbec should be there going forward if he can limit his month long slumps.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Exactly. I'm not for handing him away.

 

I guess, if Schwarber proves he can play 1B, we could trade Dalbec and keep Verdugo.

 

I'm with you on this one. Verdugo in leftfield is a better all-around MLB player than Dalbec at first base. We'd also be dealing from surplus, assuming Casas is ready to step in when JD leaves and Schwarber becomes fulltime DH in '22 (if not sooner).