Red Sox Spring Training 2023

[mvp 78]

Interesting that even with Bello, and Whit out that Pivetta the only guy still around, and reliable enough to take the mound every 5th day good, or bad the last two years is still #5.

 

I think it's more about slotting Bello/Whitlock/Paxton back at 3 and 4 after they return from the IL.

[notin]

Bobby Dee goes deep.

 

Does make the 26?

 

As he has options, I doubt it. His advantage over everyone else is that he is on the 40 man, but he'd probably be beter off if they just send him to Worcester and let him play 2B/SS/OF and see if this defensive experiment is better than Duran.

 

The last spot on the 26 man roster is probably a battle between Tapia and Alfaro. While both could make it if Wong goes to Worcester, that would require opening 2 slots on the 40 man roster. (And I'm not even sure they want to open just one!) Of course, whoever gets chosen, theyre likely just holding a spot for Mondesi...

[moonslav59]

As he has options, I doubt it. His advantage over everyone else is that he is on the 40 man, but he'd probably be beter off if they just send him to Worcester and let him play 2B/SS/OF and see if this defensive experiment is better than Duran.

 

The last spot on the 26 man roster is probably a battle between Tapia and Alfaro. While both could make it if Wong goes to Worcester, that would require opening 2 slots on the 40 man roster. (And I'm not even sure they want to open just one!) Of course, whoever gets chosen, theyre likely just holding a spot for Mondesi...

 

I'm wondering if he might be a rare late ST'ing trade candidate, so we can make room for Tapia and Alfaro- both who seem more needed than a poor fielding 1Bman.

 

I know, I know: selling low is a no-no.

 

[mvp 78]

As he has options, I doubt it. His advantage over everyone else is that he is on the 40 man, but he'd probably be beter off if they just send him to Worcester and let him play 2B/SS/OF and see if this defensive experiment is better than Duran.

 

The last spot on the 26 man roster is probably a battle between Tapia and Alfaro. While both could make it if Wong goes to Worcester, that would require opening 2 slots on the 40 man roster. (And I'm not even sure they want to open just one!) Of course, whoever gets chosen, theyre likely just holding a spot for Mondesi...

 

It's a shame that Duran sat around during the WBC rather than getting reps in the OF. It automatically pushes him to AAA.

 

Tapia and Alfaro have both played well this spring. Alfaro doesn't really have the skillset that the Sox are looking for in a player aside from owning a catcher's mitt. He has shown some versatility in the past and could technically play a 1B/LF/C/DH role, but that K rate is a little obscene. Tapia is fine, but arguably isn't much of an improvement from Refsnyder. Is it worth putting him on the roster and making the 40 man move? If they are moving someone else via trade, that is a more likely scenario to get them on the 40 man roster than straight up DFA'ing Ort.

[mvp 78]

I'm wondering if he might be a rare late ST'ing trade candidate, so we can make room for Tapia and Alfaro- both who seem more needed than a poor fielding 1Bman.

 

I know, I know: selling low is a no-no.

 

 

I'd be more likely to trade Dalbec than Duran. Duran still has the potential to turn it around this year. Dalbec is probably just a bench bat.

[mvp 78]

I think it's going to be:

 

Verdugo

Devers

Turner

Yoshida

Duvall

Casas

Kiké

McGuire

Arroyo

 

@MacCerullo

Today's #RedSox lineup vs. ATL, perhaps a preview of the Opening Day lineup?

 

Verdugo RF,

Devers 3B,

Turner 1B,

Yoshida LF,

Duvall CF,

Casas DH,

Arroyo 2B,

McGuire C,

K. Hernández SS,

Pivetta P

[notin]

@MacCerullo

Today's #RedSox lineup vs. ATL, perhaps a preview of the Opening Day lineup?

 

Verdugo RF,

Devers 3B,

Turner 1B,

Yoshida LF,

Duvall CF,

Casas DH,

Arroyo 2B,

McGuire C,

K. Hernández SS,

Pivetta P

 

Well, not with Pivetta in there...

[notin]

I'd be more likely to trade Dalbec than Duran. Duran still has the potential to turn it around this year. Dalbec is probably just a bench bat.

 

If Duran has more potential, that makes him the better trade candidate in some ways...

[notin]

It's a shame that Duran sat around during the WBC rather than getting reps in the OF. It automatically pushes him to AAA.

 

Tapia and Alfaro have both played well this spring. Alfaro doesn't really have the skillset that the Sox are looking for in a player aside from owning a catcher's mitt. He has shown some versatility in the past and could technically play a 1B/LF/C/DH role, but that K rate is a little obscene. Tapia is fine, but arguably isn't much of an improvement from Refsnyder. Is it worth putting him on the roster and making the 40 man move? If they are moving someone else via trade, that is a more likely scenario to get them on the 40 man roster than straight up DFA'ing Ort.

 

Clearly DFAing Ort is simply not an option.

 

Alfaro owning a catchers mitt and knowing where to sit during games does make him somewhat useful, and he also can hit. But yes, he is a long shot. I think Refsnyder with his guaranteed contract is a lock for one bench role, along with Chang and Wong (or Alfaro, but not likely). That still leaves one slot, and Duran and Dalbec remain the most likely 40 man candidates. But Tapia has certainly earned any and all mention he gets this spring...

[mvp 78]

@ChrisCotillo

Yu Chang has arrived.

[mvp 78]

If Duran has more potential, that makes him the better trade candidate in some ways...

 

Maybe? Maybe due to the dearth of OF talent at the upper levels they just hold onto him as the ceiling would be higher than the return? IDK.

[mvp 78]

Clearly DFAing Ort is simply not an option.

 

Alfaro owning a catchers mitt and knowing where to sit during games does make him somewhat useful, and he also can hit. But yes, he is a long shot. I think Refsnyder with his guaranteed contract is a lock for one bench role, along with Chang and Wong (or Alfaro, but not likely). That still leaves one slot, and Duran and Dalbec remain the most likely 40 man candidates. But Tapia has certainly earned any and all mention he gets this spring...

 

The roster is very fluid early on the season. It's really hard to know what Chaim will do at the bottom of the roster.

[notin]

Maybe? Maybe due to the dearth of OF talent at the upper levels they just hold onto him as the ceiling would be higher than the return? IDK.

 

I think he is more part of the problem with the upper minors OF dearth than part of the solution. It's possible they hope Dalbec can step up and be part of the solution.

 

This is probably the time to move Duran. He still has plenty of control left and his speed might be considered a semi-valuable asset now with the larger bases. Couple that with his age and alleged potential, and he should make for a better trade candidate than Dalbec. Unless the only goal with moving someone is to clear a roster spot and no one cares what comes back. Like maybe a cash deal. Than the trade candidate list expands somewhat...

[Hugh2]

I think he is more part of the problem with the upper minors OF dearth than part of the solution. It's possible they hope Dalbec can step up and be part of the solution.

 

This is probably the time to move Duran. He still has plenty of control left and his speed might be considered a semi-valuable asset now with the larger bases. Couple that with his age and alleged potential, and he should make for a better trade candidate than Dalbec. Unless the only goal with moving someone is to clear a roster spot and no one cares what comes back. Like maybe a cash deal. Than the trade candidate list expands somewhat...

 

The thing is you're thin in the outfield, and looking to be that way for years to come. Kike is gone after this year, and Verdugo the year after is gone too unless resigned. That leaves us with one outfielder who has yet to take an MLB at bat. I still think Duran has a path to being an everyday MLB player. He has supposedly made some adjustments and looked better in spring training. I think you hold onto him and let him have some sustained success in AAA with the changes he made. It's worth seeing if he can pan out than the return I think you get back from him.

[moonslav59]

I'd be more likely to trade Dalbec than Duran. Duran still has the potential to turn it around this year. Dalbec is probably just a bench bat.

 

He's .855 vs LHPs (.696 v R), but that is the short end of a platoon, and how many teams platoon 1B, anyway?

 

How valuable is a short side DH platoon?

 

Now, .696 leaves some room to get to a decent level, but he's not young, either.

 

To me, 1B like him are a dime a dozen and easily picked up off waivers or via trades with minimal return. I'd still DFA Ort before him, but I'd rather have Tapi and Alfaro on the 40 than Bobby Dee.

 

[mvp 78]

He's .855 vs LHPs (.696 v R), but that is the short end of a platoon, and how many teams platoon 1B, anyway?

 

How valuable is a short side DH platoon?

 

Now, .696 leaves some room to get to a decent level, but he's not young, either.

 

To me, 1B like him are a dime a dozen and easily picked up off waivers or via trades with minimal return. I'd still DFA Ort before him, but I'd rather have Tapi and Alfaro on the 40 than Bobby Dee.

 

 

You can't DFA Ort. It's impossible. It just can't be done. Are you trying to throw the season?

[mvp 78]

The thing is you're thin in the outfield, and looking to be that way for years to come. Kike is gone after this year, and Verdugo the year after is gone too unless resigned. That leaves us with one outfielder who has yet to take an MLB at bat. I still think Duran has a path to being an everyday MLB player. He has supposedly made some adjustments and looked better in spring training. I think you hold onto him and let him have some sustained success in AAA with the changes he made. It's worth seeing if he can pan out than the return I think you get back from him.

 

AAA Rafaela, Duran

AA Abreu

A+ ?

A Bleis, Anthony

 

Abreu hasn't really produced anywhere since leaving the HOU organization (POR, AFL, Spring Training). Rafaela also is far from a sure thing. Makes sense to hold onto Duran for now.

[mvp 78]

@ChrisCotillo

RHP Brayan Bello pitched in a minor league game on a back field today: 3.0 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 SO (42 pitches / 24 strikes)

[Hugh2]

AAA Rafaela, Duran

AA Abreu

A+ ?

A Bleis, Anthony

 

Abreu hasn't really produced anywhere since leaving the HOU organization (POR, AFL, Spring Training). Rafaela also is far from a sure thing. Makes sense to hold onto Duran for now.

 

And how often do prospects pan out? and I'm the biggest prospect homer in here and even I can see that. Also, you need 3-4 of them not just one so you need multiple prospects to pan out.

 

Rafaela can field, but there are serious questions about his bat. Is Abreu a serious prospect at this point? he has sub-defense and platoon splits at 2nd. MAYBE he pans out as a left fielder? but that seems to be the only outfield position we have locked down (assuming Yoshida pans out)

 

Anthony and Bleis are promising, but how far away are they? The point I'm making is we are thin in the outfield from an organizational point of view.

 

 

EDIT: I'm confusing Abreu with Valdez here but....I wouldn't bet the farm on Abreu rounding out the outfield in a few years from now either.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Tapia has looked great in Florida, but that doesn't matter to those who think ST doesn't matter. We do know last year he had 31% of his RBI and 21% of his runs scored against Boston pitching... but I'd keep him over Duran, because we at least know Tapia has harnessed similar tools into four full-time seasons as a bonafide big leaguer.

 

Dalbec looks improved at the plate, and Philadelphia just lost their first baseman for the season. If you think a team with World Series aspirations wouldn't want a question-mark player with potential, this is the same club that thought it might be a good idea to carry a Navy pilot who hasn't pitched in years.

 

Alfaro is trending like an impact bat that may help a contender this year. The best you can say for Wong is that he may be part of a catching platoon.

[moonslav59]

You can't DFA Ort. It's impossible. It just can't be done. Are you trying to throw the season?

 

It sure seems this way. That's why I said "I'd DFA..." and not "He might be...)

[Old Red]

The roster is very fluid early on the season. It's really hard to know what Chaim will do at the bottom of the roster.

 

Don’t they have to make a decision on Alfaro today on if to keep him, or not, and Monday on Tapia?

[Tedballgame]

I KNOW its spring training but this bullpen and rotation scares the crap out of me. It could be a disaster! If it is, it will probably cost Chaim his job.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I KNOW its spring training but this bullpen and rotation scares the crap out of me. It could be a disaster! If it is, it will probably cost Chaim his job.

 

We've known all winter about the starters: the only guy in his prime is Pivetta, and he's a primetime #5.

 

Maybe some year Bello, Whitlock and Mata will evolve into the next Maddux, Smoltz and Glavine. Wouldja believe: Pedro, Wake and DLowe? Settle for Lester, Lackey and Buchholz?

[notin]

AAA Rafaela, Duran

AA Abreu

A+ ?

A Bleis, Anthony

 

Abreu hasn't really produced anywhere since leaving the HOU organization (POR, AFL, Spring Training). Rafaela also is far from a sure thing. Makes sense to hold onto Duran for now.

 

Abreu’s OPS dropped in Portland but he did maintain his .399 OBP…

[Maxbialystock]

Apropos of nothing, for which I do apologize, I feel compelled to note how much bus trips in spring training affect the lineups.

 

Today is a a great example with Kluber, our opening game starter, facing the Rays in the Trop, which I believe is a 2 hour bus trip from Fort Myers. The Sox have Hamilton leading off at SS, Rafaela in CF, Valdez at 2b/3b, Abreu in RF, Hernandez catching, Fitzgerald in LF, Crook DH, Kavadas at 1b, and Sogard at 2b/3b.

 

Last night (start time 6 pm) at Fort Myers it was Verdugo/Refsnyder, Devers, Turner, Yoshida/Duran, Duval, Casas, Arroyo, and McGuire. Quite a difference.

[Hugh2]

Don’t they have to make a decision on Alfaro today on if to keep him, or not, and Monday on Tapia?

 

You are right on Alfaro, but Tapia depends on him. He has an upward mobility clause, so he has to come with them with another MLB offer for them to be forced to make a decision.

[Nick]

When someone here gets hurt we usually hear it from the Yankee fan.

 

He should worry about his staff.

[dgalehouse]

Five key players for the upcoming Bosox season: Devers - Superstar with the big contract needs to live up to it. Sale- Needs to stay healthy and be the ace and leader of the pitching staff. Jansen - Needs to be the closer we have been lacking for four years and become the bell cow of an improved bullpen. Casas - Hot shot rookie needs to live up to , or exceed, expectations. Yoshida - The X factor. Needs to show that his abilities translate to MLB. If these five things fall into place, it could be a very interesting season. If they don't, look out below.

[moonslav59]

Five key players for the upcoming Bosox season: Devers - Superstar with the big contract needs to live up to it. Sale- Needs to stay healthy and be the ace and leader of the pitching staff. Jansen - Needs to be the closer we have been lacking for four years and become the bell cow of an improved bullpen. Casas - Hot shot rookie needs to live up to , or exceed, expectations. Yoshida - The X factor. Needs to show that his abilities translate to MLB. If these five things fall into place, it could be a very interesting season. If they don't, look out below.

 

Well reasoned. Those 5 are huge. We might need all 5 to do well to have a good chance, this year, and usually hoping for 5 for 5 is a fool's errand.

 

I will say that if 1-2 just do decent, while the other 3-4 do very well, we do have a long list of others who can easily step up and fill the void(s.) Some maybe be long shots, but several are not:

 

Bello: might be #6 on your list.

Story: how much time does he miss? How long will it take for him to find his groove, if ever?

Kike: can we hope for something like 2021?

Kluber: does he have one more good year in that golden arm?

Turner: was one of the best second half hitters in MLB, last year.

Duvall: is not far removed from leading the league in RBI.

Arroyo & Mondesi: has shown they can play well, when healthy.

McGuire & Wong/Alfaro: not a long shot they can outperform Vaz/Plawecki

Martin & others: can improve the pen, greatly.

Paxton, Whitlock, Houck, Crawford, Wink and some kids offer hopes for more than just filling some rotation slots.