2022 Bullpen Thread

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

The Red Sox had to juggle things around last time they went to Toronto, because of Houck, and now him being the closer makes it worse.

 

There's no H-o-u-c-k in TEAM...

[Larry Cook]

Only if they have a small late lead…

 

How many games against the a.l. East has our bullpen cost us this year?

[jacksonianmarch]

Looks like you've designated a closer finally. Houck belongs there

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Looks like you've designated a closer finally. Houck belongs there

 

Where does he belong if Boston plays Toronto in a wild card series in October and the Blue Jays have home field advantage?

[jacksonianmarch]

Where does he belong if Boston plays Toronto in a wild card series in October and the Blue Jays have home field advantage?

 

That is definitely a possibility

[Bellhorn04]

It should be double or triple the pay, IMO.

 

Veering into the political realm here, because vaxxing was and still is a left-right issue.

[moonslav59]

Veering into the political realm here, because vaxxing was and still is a left-right issue.

 

It did get that way, yes, but to me, this is a team issue. You do what it takes to help your team win or be in a better position to win.

 

I don't think it's political to think a team should be able to fine a player for taking an unapproved vacation during a season.

[moonslav59]

Where does he belong if Boston plays Toronto in a wild card series in October and the Blue Jays have home field advantage?

 

On another team, at the deadline?

 

It really is a big concern. Same with Sale.

[Bellhorn04]

It did get that way, yes, but to me, this is a team issue. You do what it takes to help your team win or be in a better position to win.

 

I don't think it's political to think a team should be able to fine a player for taking an unapproved vacation during a season.

 

Except it's not an unapproved vacation. Toronto is the only place where he can't play, and that's strictly because of who our Prime Minister is.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Except it's not an unapproved vacation. Toronto is the only place where he can't play, and that's strictly because of who our Prime Minister is.

 

It's not an unapproved vaccination, either. A lot of these balking ballplayers -- oddly mostly pitchers (check other clubs with similar issues) -- went to college, and presumably chose to get their required shots so they would be allowed to attend classes and play ball.

 

There was nothing political about following the rules of those various institutions.

[moonslav59]

Except it's not an unapproved vacation. Toronto is the only place where he can't play, and that's strictly because of who our Prime Minister is.

 

The team did not approve the vacation. It's unapproved for a reason Houck and others chose, along with the Canadian government. Sports players have to follow the rules like everyone else. If they choose not to, they and the teams and fans suffer the consequences.

 

At least they won't end up in a Russian prison.

[notin]

Veering into the political realm here, because vaxxing was and still is a left-right issue.

 

We’re talking about it from an MLB perspective…

[Bellhorn04]

We’re talking about it from an MLB perspective…

 

It's gone beyond that. moon wants him fined and/or traded. It's personal views entering into it.

[notin]

Except it's not an unapproved vacation. Toronto is the only place where he can't play, and that's strictly because of who our Prime Minister is.

 

It’s a personal, and IMO, selfish choice by Houck. We can stop pretending this is the only place in the world where vaccinations are required to travel to.

 

Not to mention, how many athletes receive surgery and take on various other harsh medical procedures simply to keep playing.

 

But Houck made that choice, and he and the Sox will have to live with it. Even if it means him watching from home as his teammates cough up a late lead in the ALCS. Fans always like to weigh in on the importance of team chemistry and clubhouse leaders vs clubhouse cancers. Do we think or know how Houck’s teammates feel about this? Will they feel the same if the postseason does go through Toronto?

[Old Red]

It's gone beyond that. moon wants him fined and/or traded. It's personal views entering into it.

 

Luckily Moon’s opinions don’t cary any weight in any jurisdictions.

[Old Red]

It’s a personal, and IMO, selfish choice by Houck. We can stop pretending this is the only place in the world where vaccinations are required to travel to.

 

Not to mention, how many athletes receive surgery and take on various other harsh medical procedures simply to keep playing.

 

But Houck made that choice, and he and the Sox will have to live with it. Even if it means him watching from home as his teammates cough up a late lead in the ALCS. Fans always like to weigh in on the importance of team chemistry and clubhouse leaders vs clubhouse cancers. Do we think or know how Houck’s teammates feel about this? Will they feel the same if the postseason does go through Toronto?

 

Long ways to go before the ALCS, and who knows if Houck will still be the closer by then, or how about Sale not being able to pitch either. I wouldn’t think some teammates would be to happy if it comes down to this.

[Bellhorn04]

It’s a personal, and IMO, selfish choice by Houck. We can stop pretending this is the only place in the world where vaccinations are required to travel to.

 

If the science says Houck is a threat to public safety, why is he able to play in every city in the US?

[moonslav59]

It's gone beyond that. moon wants him fined and/or traded. It's personal views entering into it.

 

 

I think players should lose more than just pay for games missed.

 

On trading Houck or Sale, I'd only be for it, if we got equal or better value in return, just like anyone else. I might be more likely to want to trade them, because of this, and it's not political.

[Bellhorn04]

I think players should lose more than just pay for games missed.

 

Well, that's simply wrong. Teams have to follow the CBA, and this situation is covered in it.

[Old Red]

Well, that's simply wrong. Teams have to follow the CBA, and this situation is covered in it.

 

That’s Mr. Wrong for you.

[moonslav59]

Well, that's simply wrong. Teams have to follow the CBA, and this situation is covered in it.

 

I'm not saying break the rules and fine him more than allowed. I know the CBA covered it

 

I'm just stating my opinion that screwing your team over should cost a player more than game pay.

 

I also wish there were robo umps, now, and a few other things. It's not wrong to hold differing opinions, unless you are Swi or Red (lol).

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

I can't help but wonder if Houck believes the earth is flat.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I'm with those who think chemistry is an actual factor in team sports, not to mention the implications of a key player abandoning ship in an important game or series -- which the Red Sox will play next week in Canada.

 

I loved Sale in his healthy Boston years, and was encouraged by Houck's potential last season. But if I'm running a team or any group working together towards one goal, anyone that's a no has got to go. Houck's value -- especially to NL clubs that aren't as worried about playing Toronto -- and the subsequent trade return, is definitely worth exploring.

[Nick]

I can't help but wonder if Houck believes the earth is flat.

 

Give me a freakin' break. You probably thought New England would be under water by 2020.

 

It works both ways buddy.

 

I'll put up my science against yours any day.

[Nick]

How many vaccinated Red Sox players had to miss games this year due to Covid protocol?

 

What's the freakin' difference?

 

Is Houck sick? I'm a Sox fan. No fan of your politics.

[jacksonianmarch]

How many vaccinated Red Sox players had to miss games this year due to Covid protocol?

 

What's the freakin' difference?

 

Is Houck sick? I'm a Sox fan. No fan of your politics.

 

Canada won't let him play if he is not vaxxed. He and Crawford are the only ones it seems

[Bellhorn04]

Canada won't let him play if he is not vaxxed. He and Crawford are the only ones it seems

 

And Sale. Thanks for the informative post!

[mvp 78]

If the science says Houck is a threat to public safety, why is he able to play in every city in the US?

 

You'll need to explain it to us. You're the Canadian.

[mvp 78]

How many vaccinated Red Sox players had to miss games this year due to Covid protocol?

 

What's the freakin' difference?

 

Is Houck sick? I'm a Sox fan. No fan of your politics.

 

Yeah, I think the political nature of the past few pages has been lame. We can barely discuss baseball on here rationally. When we tried to have a COVID thread, it was just a shitstorm. Let's keep the political nonsense out of it, unless we're going to talk about Leto II.

[Bellhorn04]

You'll need to explain it to us. You're the Canadian.

 

I did. The difference between the policies of the two countries is the views of our great leader.