A Realistic View at 2023: Part I

[moonslav59]

Yes. We'll see if anyone else gets added too. I haven't heard anything about how Paxton, Houck or other player's rehabs are going.

 

Didn't the rule used to be opening day?

[mvp 78]

Didn't the rule used to be opening day?

 

I know that they used to accrue time as of Opening Day, I didn't remember when they could be added. I'm not sure when/if the rule was changed.

 

8. A player cannot be placed on the MLB 60-day IL after the conclusion of the MLB regular season, and during the post-season and off-season, up until the start of Spring Training (beginning on the date that pitchers & catchers are scheduled to report). A minor league player can be placed on a minor league club's 60-day Injured List only during his minor league club's regular season.

 

10. A player who is placed on the MLB 60-day Injured List during Spring Training must spend at least the first 60 days of the MLB regular season on the Injured List (the player cannot be reinstated any earlier than the 61st day of the MLB regular season).

[mvp 78]

The 60 Day IL in Spring Training goes back at least a few years:

 

02/23/20 Boston Red Sox placed 2B Dustin Pedroia on the 60-day injured list. Left knee discomfort.

[Bellhorn04]

I know that they used to accrue time as of Opening Day, I didn't remember when they could be added. I'm not sure when/if the rule was changed.

 

8. A player cannot be placed on the MLB 60-day IL after the conclusion of the MLB regular season, and during the post-season and off-season, up until the start of Spring Training (beginning on the date that pitchers & catchers are scheduled to report). A minor league player can be placed on a minor league club's 60-day Injured List only during his minor league club's regular season.

 

10. A player who is placed on the MLB 60-day Injured List during Spring Training must spend at least the first 60 days of the MLB regular season on the Injured List (the player cannot be reinstated any earlier than the 61st day of the MLB regular season).

 

Makes perfect sense.

[mvp 78]

Makes perfect sense.

 

It would be absurd to make a team carry a guy on the 40 man during Spring Training if they know he's going to be out for the season.

 

They already have 10 IFers on the 40 man. Do they just add a Catcher like Alfaro? Maybe put Story on the 60 day, but wait to add the roster spot depending on Mondesi's progress?

 

The most recent TalkSox podcast suggested that we may hear rumblings of Connor Wong taking grounders at 2B, especially since there will be weird roster construction with lots of guys going to the dumb WBC.

[moonslav59]

I think we will certainly place Story on the 60. That brings him to the end of May.

 

Maybe we add ...

 

Niko Goodrum (SP's has him listed on the 26.)

Christian Koss (IF- listed as starting 3B in AAA.)

Raimel Tapia (OF- invited to ST)

Jorge Alfaro (C- has a clause that allows him to bolt, if not added by a certain date.)

Ryan Fitzgerald (IF- invited to ST)

Greg Allen (OF) or Narisco Crook (OF) both invited to ST

 

Who else might go on the 60?

Paxton?

Mondesi?

I have not heard either is expected out for more than a few days or weeks, and as far as I know, Paxton is ready for opening day. That could change on a dime.

Edited February 9, 2023 by moonslav59

[moonslav59]

It would be absurd to make a team carry a guy on the 40 man during Spring Training if they know he's going to be out for the season.

 

They already have 10 IFers on the 40 man. Do they just add a Catcher like Alfaro? Maybe put Story on the 60 day, but wait to add the roster spot depending on Mondesi's progress?

 

The most recent TalkSox podcast suggested that we may hear rumblings of Connor Wong taking grounders at 2B, especially since there will be weird roster construction with lots of guys going to the dumb WBC.

 

They have 10 infielders, but how many can play SS and are healthy. (Plus, Kike is part of our shallow OF depth chart.)

 

Middle IF'ers:

Kike

Arroyo

Mondesi (listed as "IL" on SP's)

Hamilton

EValdez (DH/1B)

Rafaela (OF)

Dalbec (DH/1B/3B)

[notin]

They have 10 infielders, but how many can play SS and are healthy. (Plus, Kike is part of our shallow OF depth chart.)

 

Middle IF'ers:

Kike

Arroyo

Mondesi (listed as "IL" on SP's)

Hamilton

EValdez (DH/1B)

Rafaela (OF)

Dalbec (DH/1B/3B)

 

Kike, Arroyo, Hamilton and Rafaela all have SS experience. Not all are Ozzie Smith out there, but that doesn’t change if they activate Niko Goodrum.

 

The Sox could activate an OF (Tapia) or they could activate Alfaro, which might free up Wong to play 2b/3b/OF, as he has done all that in the minors.

 

Of course, Cora has shown a willingness to play Dalbec at 2b and SS.

 

The Sox might not activate anyone and also have the option of using the Story’s 40 man slot to add some pitching depth (Fulmer? Wacha? Reyes? Whisker? Bundy?)

 

And hey, if they want to contend right away, Bloom could sell his immortal soul and sign Trevor Bauer..

[moonslav59]

Kike, Arroyo, Hamilton and Rafaela all have SS experience. Not all are Ozzie Smith out there, but that doesn’t change if they activate Niko Goodrum.

 

The Sox could activate an OF (Tapia) or they could activate Alfaro, which might free up Wong to play 2b/3b/OF, as he has done all that in the minors.

 

Of course, Cora has shown a willingness to play Dalbec at 2b and SS.

 

The Sox might not activate anyone and also have the option of using the Story’s 40 man slot to add some pitching depth (Fulmer? Wacha? Reyes? Whisker? Bundy?)

 

And hey, if they want to contend right away, Bloom could sell his immortal soul and sign Trevor Bauer..

 

I think with Story out and Mondesi in doubt, we add a middle IF'er.

[mvp 78]

I think we will certainly place Story on the 60. That brings him to the end of May.

 

Maybe we add ...

 

Niko Goodrum (SP's has him listed on the 26.)

Christian Koss (IF- listed as starting 3B in AAA.)

Raimel Tapia (OF- invited to ST)

Jorge Alfaro (C- has a clause that allows him to bolt, if not added by a certain date.)

Ryan Fitzgerald (IF- invited to ST)

Greg Allen (OF) or Narisco Crook (OF) both invited to ST

 

Who else might go on the 60?

Paxton?

Mondesi?

I have not heard either is expected out for more than a few days or weeks, and as far as I know, Paxton is ready for opening day. That could change on a dime.

 

Mondessi is supposedly either going to be ready for Opening Day or should only be out for a short time. I have heard ZERO about Paxton. He's basically bigfoot.

 

I don't see the Sox adding Koss, Crook or Fitzgerald to the 40 man. They were invited to ST because of the missing bodies due to the dumb WBC. I don't think any of them see MLB action this season. Tapia, Goodrum and Alfaro are probably the 3 best players listed. It depends on what the team needs are due to injury, especially up the middle. Goodrum is probably most likely due to the uncertainty at SS with Mondessi rehabbing.

[mvp 78]

They have 10 infielders, but how many can play SS and are healthy. (Plus, Kike is part of our shallow OF depth chart.)

 

Middle IF'ers:

Kike

Arroyo

Mondesi (listed as "IL" on SP's)

Hamilton

EValdez (DH/1B)

Rafaela (OF)

Dalbec (DH/1B/3B)

 

Kiké and Mondessi are the 2 best options for SS. Rafaela won't be rushed. I'm not sure how much 1B Valdez has played or if the club has any idea where to put him. Hamilton can fake it at SS, but really is a 2B. He will probably get substantial OF reps in ST too. Koss is decent at SS in a pinch. I don't think his bat would do anything in MLB though.

[Bellhorn04]

It would be absurd to make a team carry a guy on the 40 man during Spring Training if they know he's going to be out for the season.

 

They already have 10 IFers on the 40 man. Do they just add a Catcher like Alfaro? Maybe put Story on the 60 day, but wait to add the roster spot depending on Mondesi's progress?

 

The most recent TalkSox podcast suggested that we may hear rumblings of Connor Wong taking grounders at 2B, especially since there will be weird roster construction with lots of guys going to the dumb WBC.

 

This year is going to be a 3 ring circus.

[moonslav59]

This year is going to be a 3 ring circus.

 

I might be overly optimistic, but I have a sneaky feeling we are going to be pleasantly surprised by the health status of several injury-prone players, this year, and many of the questions we have will be answered in the positive.

[mvp 78]

This year is going to be a 3 ring circus.

 

Barnum and Bailey, Big Apple, Cirque du Soleil or Garden Bros? A circus can be fun, interesting or absolutely cruel and horrible.

[Bellhorn04]

Barnum and Bailey, Big Apple, Cirque du Soleil or Garden Bros? A circus can be fun, interesting or absolutely cruel and horrible.

 

Exactly.

[Bellhorn04]

I might be overly optimistic, but I have a sneaky feeling we are going to be pleasantly surprised by the health status of several injury-prone players, this year, and many of the questions we have will be answered in the positive.

 

The law of averages might be on our side this year.

[notin]

I think with Story out and Mondesi in doubt, we add a middle IF'er.

 

Why not just call up Valdez and go with him, Arroyo and Kike?

 

Or Dalbec, whom Cora also seems to like trying at 2b or SS?

 

The path for Goodrum isn’t so clear…

[mvp 78]

The law of averages might be on our side this year.

 

The law of averages may want to spite Bloom again this year after flying too close to the sun in 2021.

[mvp 78]

Why not just call up Valdez and go with him, Arroyo and Kike?

 

Or Dalbec, whom Cora also seems to like trying at 2b or SS?

 

The path for Goodrum isn’t so clear…

 

Dalbec was used in MIF because of a lack of options. They have many 2B options, just not good SS options right now. Dalbec is most certainly fodder for AAA.

 

Valdez makes a little sense as he's a left handed bat. Maybe if he has a strong ST? That's why I wonder if they hold off on adding someone to the 40 man.

[notin]

Dalbec was used in MIF because of a lack of options. They have many 2B options, just not good SS options right now. Dalbec is most certainly fodder for AAA.

 

Valdez makes a little sense as he's a left handed bat. Maybe if he has a strong ST? That's why I wonder if they hold off on adding someone to the 40 man.

 

 

 

It’s not like the Sox need a starter. Dalbec is a viable MIF backup option.

 

Not sure why Valdez hitting left-handed disqualify him, as he’d be the only LHH option for middle infield.

 

My point is Goodrum is far from a lock to be added. I could see adding pitching depth instead…

[moonslav59]

Why not just call up Valdez and go with him, Arroyo and Kike?

 

Or Dalbec, whom Cora also seems to like trying at 2b or SS?

 

The path for Goodrum isn’t so clear…

 

I've been very high on Valdez, but I think he needs to have a decent ST to make the opening day roster.

 

He can hit.

[moonslav59]

It’s not like the Sox need a starter. Dalbec is a viable MIF backup option.

 

Not sure why Valdez hitting left-handed disqualify him, as he’d be the only LHH option for middle infield.

 

My point is Goodrum is far from a lock to be added. I could see adding pitching depth instead…

 

As it looks, right now, assuming Mondesi starts the season on the 10 day IL, we have Kike at SS and an injury prone Arroyo at 2B. Dalbec could be an emergency fix at 2B with Arroyo going to SS, but I would not like that to happen for more than 1 game.

 

We need a second SS on the 26, IMO.

[notin]

As it looks, right now, assuming Mondesi starts the season on the 10 day IL, we have Kike at SS and an injury prone Arroyo at 2B. Dalbec could be an emergency fix at 2B with Arroyo going to SS, but I would not like that to happen for more than 1 game.

 

We need a second SS on the 26, IMO.

 

 

Arroyo is also a SS. A backup 2b works out just the same..

[mvp 78]

It’s not like the Sox need a starter. Dalbec is a viable MIF backup option.

 

Not sure why Valdez hitting left-handed disqualify him, as he’d be the only LHH option for middle infield.

 

My point is Goodrum is far from a lock to be added. I could see adding pitching depth instead…

 

Dalbec is NOT a viable 2B/SS.

[mvp 78]

It’s not like the Sox need a starter. Dalbec is a viable MIF backup option.

 

Not sure why Valdez hitting left-handed disqualify him, as he’d be the only LHH option for middle infield.

 

My point is Goodrum is far from a lock to be added. I could see adding pitching depth instead…

 

Makes "a little sense" is not the same as makes "little sense."

[Bellhorn04]

The law of averages may want to spite Bloom again this year after flying too close to the sun in 2021.

 

Icarus Bloom he is.

[harmony]

The latest FanGraphs WAR projections have the Red Sox fourth in the American League East, just ahead of the Seattle Mariners, who are projected fourth in the American League West:

 

https://www.fangraphs.com/depthcharts.aspx?position=ALL&teamid=9

 

In the projections the Red Sox edge over the Mariners comes entirely in projected pitching WAR. Surprising.

Seattle returns seven starters who made multiple starts last season without being sidelined with an injury. All seven pitchers are at least two years younger than Chris Sale, James Paxton and Corey Kluber.

 

The Mariner staff should not rely on continued health but it should be an interesting season.

[Old Red]

Dalbec is NOT a viable 2B/SS.

 

Definitely not. I hope the Red Sox learned their lesson last year with Franchy at 1B, or Arroyo in RF. I do think Bobby D would be better than these two, but not a a legit fill in outside of a game.

[notin]

Makes "a little sense" is not the same as makes "little sense."

 

I missed the article. My bad…

[notin]

Dalbec is NOT a viable 2B/SS.

 

He’s emergency depth.

 

Bottom line is he’s probably ahead of Goodrum merely because he’s on the 40-man, which was the entire point.

 

He’s also probably behind Valdez for MIF duty…