A Realistic View at 2022: Part I

[notin]

So….

 

For 2022, what would be the most surprise yet realistic move Bloom might make?

 

I am on the fence about trading Bogaerts or declining Vaz’ option. I don’t think either move would surprise me. Trading Devers definitely would, but I also don’t think that’s realistic. Even if he carves up a bunch of throwback jerseys.

 

Thoughts?

[moonslav59]

If this was a public company, meeting of investors may go something like this.

 

This is what I would ask if I'm a stockholder.

 

We saw many positives this year on the heels of 2020.

 

But the fact remains, we finished 8 games behind the Rays. 8 games. Getting a wildcard birth and advancing to the finals of ALC does not erase where we ended in the Division.

 

Winning the Division should be the goal. By winning the toughest Division, we're confident in out ability to compete for World Series title.

 

What are your plans to narrow the gap and win the Division?

 

Don't ask for additional money. We're already one of high spenders. Your budget is $220M.

 

Is it doable or do we need to hire a need management team?

 

What do you say Moon?

 

If the budget is $220M, that's $10M more than last winter and should be enough to get one really good player and 3 moderately good one.

 

I have 4 major holes needing to be filled from outside the system, so I would think we can improve on this year.

 

I'm not sure how much other ALE teams will improve. Toronto is talking about spending more, and we barely finished ahead of them.

 

I'm thinking Henry and Bloom want to improve in 2022, but maybe 2023 is the all-out year. I know an argument can be made for 2022, since Bogey has an opt out and Eovaldi & JD may have just 1 year left.

[moonslav59]

So….

 

For 2022, what would be the most surprise yet realistic move Bloom might make?

 

I am on the fence about trading Bogaerts or declining Vaz’ option. I don’t think either move would surprise me. Trading Devers definitely would, but I also don’t think that’s realistic. Even if he carves up a bunch of throwback jerseys.

 

Thoughts?

 

I'd be surprised, if we trade Casas. (No way we trade Devers.)

[notin]

I'd be surprised, if we trade Casas. (No way we trade Devers.)

 

Trading Casas would be either due to faith in Dalbec’s powerful end to his season, or a lack of faith in Casas’ future.

 

That would surprise me to point of questioning if it’s even realistic…

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

So….

 

For 2022, what would be the most surprise yet realistic move Bloom might make?

 

I am on the fence about trading Bogaerts or declining Vaz’ option. I don’t think either move would surprise me. Trading Devers definitely would, but I also don’t think that’s realistic. Even if he carves up a bunch of throwback jerseys.

 

Thoughts?

 

Signing a big money shortstop or extending Bogaerts would be equally surprising for me. Both are realistic, in the sense that the Red Sox are capable of making either decision. But the first would necessitate a move to another position by Bogie or a trade of Bogie, while the second would signify a longterm financial commitment to Xander -- which would be the first in the Bloom era. It would also be intriguing to see whether terms include an open door to a future position move by X...

[moonslav59]

Trading Casas would be either due to faith in Dalbec’s powerful end to his season, or a lack of faith in Casas’ future.

 

That would surprise me to point of questioning if it’s even realistic…

 

I think, because we have Dalbec, and our budget may be restricted to the point where we feel the need to add a top quality player without adding major salary, trading Casas does border on being semi-realistic.

 

I'd say there is a bigger chance we trade Casas than Devers.

 

I doubt either happens.

[moonslav59]

Signing a big money shortstop or extending Bogaerts would be equally surprising for me. Both are realistic, in the sense that the Red Sox are capable of making either decision. But the first would necessitate a move to another position by Bogie or a trade of Bogie, while the second would signify a longterm financial commitment to Xander -- which would be the first in the Bloom era. It would also be intriguing to see whether terms include an open door to a future position move by X...

 

The interest shown in Semien, last winter, makes me think this is possible, but yes, I'd be surprised by something so big not involving a pitcher.

 

I suppose we might sign Semien or Baez and trade Bogey for pitching.

[notin]

Signing a big money shortstop or extending Bogaerts would be equally surprising for me. Both are realistic, in the sense that the Red Sox are capable of making either decision. But the first would necessitate a move to another position by Bogie or a trade of Bogie, while the second would signify a longterm financial commitment to Xander -- which would be the first in the Bloom era. It would also be intriguing to see whether terms include an open door to a future position move by X...

 

I don’t consider extending Bogaerts to be either unrealistic or surprising. In fact, I think it will happen. The notion that Bloom hasn’t signed anyone to a big money deal because he only knows how to run Tampa just doesn’t hold water. I think the main reason he has yet to make those type of financial commitments is because he inherited a team with a $240 million dollar payroll, which is probably the highest payroll any GM/Pres of Ops has inherited in MLB history. (And I’m not sure why I even used the word “probably” there.)

 

So signing Semien/Baez/Story - those certainly qualify to me as surprising moves that are realistic. Certainly they are realistic because historically the team has been able to afford those deals, but they also would surprise me because I expect the commitment for 2021 and beyond to be with Bogaerts…

Edited October 31, 2021 by notin

[notin]

I think, because we have Dalbec, and our budget may be restricted to the point where we feel the need to add a top quality player without adding major salary, trading Casas does border on being semi-realistic.

 

I'd say there is a bigger chance we trade Casas than Devers.

 

I doubt either happens.

 

Agreed. Dalbec’s strong ending actually justifies keeping Casas in the minors for a few months, but his history necessitates making sure Casas is ready.

 

Now if Dalbec does continue to be a monster at the plate, where does that leave Casas?

[Nick]

It absolutely does.

 

Would it have been preferable to win the division and lose our only postseason series?

 

You're fired...I asked what are you going to do to make up the 8 game differential. Double talk.

[notin]

You're fired...I asked what are you going to do to make up the 8 game differential. Double talk.

 

That's ok. Tampa will make me an offer as I help them to navigate the post-season...

[notin]

You're fired...I asked what are you going to do to make up the 8 game differential. Double talk.

 

Also the real answer here is - don't get COVID...

[dgalehouse]

"Kill the ump"? " Kill the ump" ? Oh no !!! How terrible. Call the usher. Cover the children's ears. ( It seems there are more horse's asses than there are horses.)

[moonslav59]

"Kill the ump"? " Kill the ump" ? Oh no !!! How terrible. Call the usher. Cover the children's ears. ( It seems there are more horse's asses than there are horses.)

 

Sounds real genuine and consistent.

[moonslav59]

I don’t consider extending Bogaerts to be either unrealistic or surprising. In fact, I think it will happen. The notion that Bloom hasn’t signed anyone to a big money deal because he only knows how to run Tampa just doesn’t hold water. I think the main reason he has yet to make those type of financial commitments is because he inherited a team with a $240 million dollar payroll, which is probably the highest payroll any GM/Pres of Ops has inherited in MLB history. (And I’m not sure why I even used the word “probably” there.)

 

So signing Semien/Baez/Story - those certainly qualify to me as surprising moves that are realistic. Certainly they are realistic because historically the team has been able to afford those deals, but they also would surprise me because I expect the commitment for 2021 and beyond to be with Bogaerts…

 

Agreed, and although he had about $40M to spend, last year, he had 10 holes to fill not 3-4, like this winter.

 

This winter may be the time we see the "real" Bloom.

[moonslav59]

Agreed. Dalbec’s strong ending actually justifies keeping Casas in the minors for a few months, but his history necessitates making sure Casas is ready.

 

Now if Dalbec does continue to be a monster at the plate, where does that leave Casas?

 

Dalbec to DH in 2022? Casas at 1B?

[a700hitter]

Pot meet kettle.

That was douchey.

[moonslav59]

That was douchey.

 

Happy Halloween!

[oldtimer]

Dalbec to DH in 2022? Casas at 1B?

 

I don't see Dalbec as a DH. He is too strikeout prone. I would keep him as a platoon player at first and part of our utility group. Casas can be the second platoon 1st baseman. I would also bring in a replacement for Renfroe who simply was no threat against playoff caliber pitching. Marte might be available on a short term contract and is still a fine outfielder and is solid offensively. Arroyo is a capable3e defensive second baseman who could also fill a utility role provided we find a FT second baseman. Possible starting pitcher and one or two BP pieces and we are there. I still believe Duran can fill our utility outfield position and maybe more.

[Swiharts Ghost]

What if the answer at 1b is Xander? I think he could be Gold glove caliber here .That leaves Rafy ? He’s got a great bat but makes far too many errors .Rafy certainly could field better than Manny in LF .LF Devers CF Kiki And RF Verdugo .I make Renfroe the 4th outfielder and have Devers and Kyle rotate between DH and LF .I Trade Duran for Pitching .I trade or send Bobby down if he has options also Keeping Casas in AAA .until trade deadline.That brings up SS and 3B.Quesion ? Could Bobby be an upgrade at 3b ? If not I’m trading Bobby.Maybe we will make a run at Semien .FA Shwarbs ,Semian ,Verlander . Edited November 1, 2021 by Swiharts Ghost

[moonslav59]

I don't see Dalbec as a DH. He is too strikeout prone. I would keep him as a platoon player at first and part of our utility group. Casas can be the second platoon 1st baseman. I would also bring in a replacement for Renfroe who simply was no threat against playoff caliber pitching. Marte might be available on a short term contract and is still a fine outfielder and is solid offensively. Arroyo is a capable3e defensive second baseman who could also fill a utility role provided we find a FT second baseman. Possible starting pitcher and one or two BP pieces and we are there. I still believe Duran can fill our utility outfield position and maybe more.

 

I would not judge Renfroe's inability to hit "playoff caliber pitching" based on a dozen games, but I do think he might be replaced with a better defensive RF'er who can also hit.

[moonslav59]

What if the answer at 1b is Xander? I think he could be Gold glove caliber here .That leaves Rafy ? He’s got a great bat but makes far too many errors .Rafy certainly could field better than Manny in LF .LF Devers CF Kiki And RF Verdugo .I make Renfroe the 4th outfielder and have Devers and Kyle rotate between DH and LF .I Trade Duran for Pitching .I trade or send Bobby down if he has options also Keeping Casas in AAA .until trade deadline.That brings up SS and 3B.Quesion ? Could Bobby be an upgrade at 3b ? If not I’m trading Bobby.Maybe we will make a run at Semien .FA Shwarbs ,Semian ,Verlander .

 

If any major moves are to be made, I'd guess Devers to 1B, where the glove is way more important than the arm, and Bogey to 3B, where range is not as important.

[Old Red]

If any major moves are to be made, I'd guess Devers to 1B, where the glove is way more important than the arm, and Bogey to 3B, where range is not as important.

 

You going to get the contracts worked out on both of these guys first?

[moonslav59]

You going to get the contracts worked out on both of these guys first?

 

I'm not for moving either of these guys to other positions, in the near future.

 

I was just responding to the idea of moving Bogey to 1B and Devers to LF.

 

I'm for extending Devers. I do not think Bogey would take my top extension honor.

[a700hitter]

Happy Halloween!

Yes, Happy Halloween.

[dgalehouse]

I despise Halloween.

[notin]

I don't see Dalbec as a DH. He is too strikeout prone. I would keep him as a platoon player at first and part of our utility group. Casas can be the second platoon 1st baseman. I would also bring in a replacement for Renfroe who simply was no threat against playoff caliber pitching. Marte might be available on a short term contract and is still a fine outfielder and is solid offensively. Arroyo is a capable3e defensive second baseman who could also fill a utility role provided we find a FT second baseman. Possible starting pitcher and one or two BP pieces and we are there. I still believe Duran can fill our utility outfield position and maybe more.

 

 

At some point it becomes important to acknowledge that Renfroe has better postseason numbers than Starlin Marte…

[Bellhorn04]

At some point it becomes important to acknowledge that Renfroe has better postseason numbers than Starlin Marte…

 

Renfroe's bad 2021 postseason consisted of 11 games. FWIW, in the first 9 of those games he actually had a .368 OBP.

[Bellhorn04]

I would not judge Renfroe's inability to hit "playoff caliber pitching" based on a dozen games, but I do think he might be replaced with a better defensive RF'er who can also hit.

 

Such as?

[moonslav59]

Such as?

 

Verdugo, for one (Schwarber/Duran in LF?).

Edited November 1, 2021 by moonslav59