A Realistic View at 2023: Part I

[moonslav59]

There is a balance.

 

I’m not opposed to that alignment. I’m also not sure I’d call it “poor D”.” Benintendi is a good LF

 

The Dugo in RF part would be the "poorer" D component vs someone like Nimo or Gallo.

[moonslav59]

If one of this off-season's top priorities is to not sing any QO FAs, I can't see how we can make a strong run at a 2023 ring. It would probably also mean a reset and a look at making 2024 the "go for it" season, although maybe beyond 2024 will still be the higher goal.

 

We really messed up by not re-setting in 2022. Big time.

[Bellhorn04]

If one of this off-season's top priorities is to not sing any QO FAs, I can't see how we can make a strong run at a 2023 ring. It would probably also mean a reset and a look at making 2024 the "go for it" season, although maybe beyond 2024 will still be the higher goal.

 

We really messed up by not re-setting in 2022. Big time.

 

It was a mess-up, but there's no way it should be allowed to be a crippler. If it's a crippler, then we should never pay tax again, ever.

[notin]

The Dugo in RF part would be the "poorer" D component vs someone like Nimo or Gallo.

 

“Poorer” is not necessarily “poor”.

 

And I’m not sure Verdugo is inferior to Nimmo as a RF. But most are inferior to Nimmo as getting on base..

[notin]

It was a mess-up, but there's no way it should be allowed to be a crippler. If it's a crippler, then we should never pay tax again, ever.

 

It was a mess up, but one we shouldn’t see the effects from if any for three more years.

[moonslav59]

It was a mess-up, but there's no way it should be allowed to be a crippler. If it's a crippler, then we should never pay tax again, ever.

 

It's not that part that is the killer, IMO. It's the timing part.

 

A winning team needs to time going over the tax line just right, so every 2-3 years, you are set up where you can re-set, and the years you don't you don't make big signings of QO FAs, unless it is the year after a reset.

 

We knew we were not going to win it all this year. I get the crapshoot playoff theory that is back in Vogue, this playoff cycle, but Bloom & Co. buckled to the pressure from Sox Nation and the financial bottom lines to not be sellers at the deadline.

 

We can choose to go over, tis winter. We can choose to sign a QO FA or two, and face the stiff penalties that will adversely affect our extended future. Our farm has been strengthened enough to handle a little blip, but it still was unnecessary.

 

Clearly, we'd be in a much better position for 2023, 2024 and beyond had we just sold off one or two more pieces out of the 5 we could have traded.

 

1. We'd have gotten something of value for them, even if just mid tier long shot promises.

2. We'd have been in year 1 of going over the tax line-not year 2.

3. Next year, we might be in year 2, not year 3 of going over.

4. The lost draft picks and bonus pool money would not affect this winter's plans and lessen the penalties for 2024, too.

 

Many fans would have been irate, in August, but we could have gotten better, more easily going forward had we reset.

 

Now, Bloom has to walk an even finer line- a line that was already extremely difficult to do.

[Bellhorn04]

It's not that part that is the killer, IMO. It's the timing part.

 

Ah, but if the playoffs are a crapshoot, and the 2022 Dodgers can win 111 games and have an unbelievable +334 run differential, and win 1 postseason game, that kind of blows the "timing" premise to kingdom come.

[cukes]

Ah, but if the playoffs are a crapshoot, and the 2022 Dodgers can win 111 games and have an unbelievable +334 run differential, and win 1 postseason game, that kind of blows the "timing" premise to kingdom come.

 

I hope everybody is rooting for TITO, a great manager, a great guy and we owe him a lot of respect

[notin]

I hope everybody is rooting for TITO, a great manager, a great guy and we owe him a lot of respect

 

Of course.

 

It helps that he’s facing the Yankees. But then, if Jon Gacy was managing against the tYankees in the postseason, I’d be debating myself left and right about rooting for him…

[moonslav59]

“Poorer” is not necessarily “poor”.

 

And I’m not sure Verdugo is inferior to Nimmo as a RF. But most are inferior to Nimmo as getting on base..

 

It may not be by much, but I think Dugo in LF and Nimmo in RF is better, defensively, than Beni in LF and Dugo in RF, especially in Fenway.

 

Nimmo is also a better hitter, but should be more costly, too.

[cukes]

The Dugo in RF part would be the "poorer" D component vs someone like Nimo or Gallo.

 

Gallo really? here is a left handed hitter in little league Yankee stadium and he hit 160, you want to put him in Fenway's right field

[moonslav59]

Ah, but if the playoffs are a crapshoot, and the 2022 Dodgers can win 111 games and have an unbelievable +334 run differential, and win 1 postseason game, that kind of blows the "timing" premise to kingdom come.

 

Yup. My philosophy is taking a beating. Admitted.

[moonslav59]

Gallo really? here is a left handed hitter in little league Yankee stadium and he hit 160, you want to put him in Fenway's right field

 

I'm talking only defense. I have already said I DO NOT WANT GALLO. I even have Haniger slightly ahead of Gallo, so that should be telling enough.

[notin]

Gallo really? here is a left handed hitter in little league Yankee stadium and he hit 160, you want to put him in Fenway's right field

 

What does his batting average in Yankee Stadium have to do with his ability to defend Fenway’s RF better than Verdugo?

[cukes]

What does his batting average in Yankee Stadium have to do with his ability to defend Fenway’s RF better than Verdugo?

 

unfortunately people who play defense have to come up at bat, a high fast ball will bury him every time, maybe we can get him an ironing board and pitch beach balls

[Old Red]

What does his batting average in Yankee Stadium have to do with his ability to defend Fenway’s RF better than Verdugo?

 

Gallo sucks, and you wanted JBJ back too. Not only no on Gallo, but Hell No!

[cukes]

Gallo sucks, and you wanted JBJ back too. Not only no on Gallo, but Hell No!

 

10 times hell no

[moonslav59]

Gallo's .319 OBP in his last 1250 PAs should be enough to turn Bloom off, but Nimmo will be costly and may have a QO to boot.

 

If the choice is between Beni (Dugo to RF), Pederson, Haniger or Gallo, I'm not liking any choice, here. Maybe we trade for a RF'er, but I was thinking one big prospect trade is about all we can expect (if that), and trading for a SP'er makes more sense, to me.

[notin]

Gallo sucks, and you wanted JBJ back too. Not only no on Gallo, but Hell No!

 

He is the second free best agent option for RF among those listed at the position, and the best one who winter have a QO and demand $300mill+. I would prefer Gallo over anyone on that list. But in your typical Strawman Fashion, you clearly ignore my repeated (and I do mean repeated) campaigning for another OF altogether as a player I’ve called “their best target” and instead focus on something else altogether.

 

I’m thinking the name “Strawman argument” should simply be renamed “Old Red Argument”…

 

An argument can be made for signing Benintendi for LF

[moonslav59]

 

An argument can be made for signing Benintendi for LF

 

I never thought I'd be thinking of a Beni return, but other than Nimmo and the QO penalties or a trade, he is starting to look like the next best option.

 

Someone mentioned $106M/6, and no matter what, I'd never be for that contract.

[notin]

Gallo's .319 OBP in his last 1250 PAs should be enough to turn Bloom off, but Nimmo will be costly and may have a QO to boot.

 

If the choice is between Beni (Dugo to RF), Pederson, Haniger or Gallo, I'm not liking any choice, here. Maybe we trade for a RF'er, but I was thinking one big prospect trade is about all we can expect (if that), and trading for a SP'er makes more sense, to me.

 

 

I can promise Laureano is on the trade market, and I’ma huge fan here.

 

Nimmo is expected to receive a QO. Judge certainly will, although that’s a negligible sacrifice when signing him.

 

Screw Pederson, his pearl necklaces, his fantasy football tantrums, and his inability to hit LHP. And his s***** defense. And Haniger, who is overrated and never healthy.

 

Gallo vs Benintendi vs Laureano vs “insert name here” for another trade candidate…

[Old Red]

He is the second free best agent option for RF among those listed at the position, and the best one who winter have a QO and demand $300mill+. I would prefer Gallo over anyone on that list. But in your typical Strawman Fashion, you clearly ignore my repeated (and I do mean repeated) campaigning for another OF altogether as a player I’ve called “their best target” and instead focus on something else altogether.

 

I’m thinking the name “Strawman argument” should simply be renamed “Old Red Argument”…

 

An argument can be made for signing Benintendi for LF

 

Like I said you liked the JBJ trade too, so your ideas to me are far from the best options.

[dgalehouse]

Like I said you liked the JBJ trade too, so your ideas to me are far from the best options.

 

It's like arguing about where to place the deck chairs on the Titanic. Choosing between Haniger and Gallo will not save this team. Fix the bullpen . It is atrocious. Iceberg ahead.

[notin]

It's like arguing about where to place the deck chairs on the Titanic. Choosing between Haniger and Gallo will not save this team. Fix the bullpen . It is atrocious. Iceberg ahead.

 

THe bullpen absolutely needs help. Just because people are talking about RF doesn't mean they think the bullpen is fine...

[notin]

Like I said you liked the JBJ trade too, so your ideas to me are far from the best options.

 

Bradley absolutely solidified the OF defense, which needed help all throughout 2021. He didn't hit, but he also batted eighth/ninth, so he came up a lot less often.

 

If you don't think OF defense is important, I have two words for you - Jarren Duran. And hey, if the Sox do not add another OF, he would be the starting LF right now...

[Bellhorn04]

Bradley absolutely solidified the OF defense, which needed help all throughout 2021. He didn't hit, but he also batted eighth/ninth, so he came up a lot less often.

 

Bradley posted a -0.3 fWAR at a payroll AAV of 12 million. He was NOT an asset.

[moonslav59]

I can promise Laureano is on the trade market, and I’ma huge fan here.

 

Nimmo is expected to receive a QO. Judge certainly will, although that’s a negligible sacrifice when signing him.

 

Screw Pederson, his pearl necklaces, his fantasy football tantrums, and his inability to hit LHP. And his s***** defense. And Haniger, who is overrated and never healthy.

 

Gallo vs Benintendi vs Laureano vs “insert name here” for another trade candidate…

 

How many prospect trades will Bloom agree to make, this winter?

 

I'm thinking twisting his arm for one may be a stretch. My hopes were the "one" would be for a solid pitcher.

 

Moree and more, I'm thinking I need to lower my hopes for 2023.

[harmony]

How many prospect trades will Bloom agree to make, this winter?

 

I'm thinking twisting his arm for one may be a stretch. My hopes were the "one" would be for a solid pitcher.

 

Moree and more, I'm thinking I need to lower my hopes for 2023.

The Red Sox have bounced back from four last-place finishes over the past decade or so but the current challenges may be even more daunting.

 

Should be a fascinating year or two.

[Old Red]

Bradley absolutely solidified the OF defense, which needed help all throughout 2021. He didn't hit, but he also batted eighth/ninth, so he came up a lot less often.

 

If you don't think OF defense is important, I have two words for you - Jarren Duran. And hey, if the Sox do not add another OF, he would be the starting LF right now...

 

Grasping for big straws when you are on the JBJ bandwagon. You even made excuses for why he didn’t hit in Milwaukee.

[Tedballgame]

Bradley absolutely solidified the OF defense, which needed help all throughout 2021. He didn't hit, but he also batted eighth/ninth, so he came up a lot less often.

 

If you don't think OF defense is important, I have two words for you - Jarren Duran. And hey, if the Sox do not add another OF, he would be the starting LF right now...

 

JBJ sucked. Huge mistake to trade for him.