A Realistic View of 2023: Part II

[moonslav59]

Some would argue the problem is we don't have a single star player. Devers has the highest fWAR at 2.8. His defense is a drag on his value. Story's offense has been a drag on his value. And so on.

 

Maybe building for 2025-2026 really is the sensible approach.

 

Are you arguing we have major needs at 26 slots?

[moonslav59]

Shouldn't signing a #1 SP, a #3 SP and simply having Story SS/Rafaela CF/ Abreu LF provide much better defense make them much closer to being contenders???

 

Did I take my crazy pills today?

 

Yamamoto

Bello

Montgomery

Crawford

Sale

 

That should be a good enough rotation.

 

Wong C

Casas 1B

Reyes 2B

Story SS

Devers 3B

Abreu LF

Rafaela CF

Verdugo RF

Yoshida DH

 

That's a much stronger defensive unit, especially up the middle.

 

How long is this f***ing bridge? With a good rotation and a defensive SS, they should have been able to compete this year. Why can't they be better after tweaking the roster this offseason? Are people just assuming Bloom can't do it? Or are people assuming the Sox won't do it?

 

Nobody knows what the hell this winter's plan will be, most notably the new spending budget.

 

I think the team you suggested is a significant improvement, but adding a 3rd solid SP'er would make a surer bet.

 

Just typing Sale's name hurts.

 

Adding a big RH'd bat to hedge against Rafaela, Story and refsnyder's production, next year would probably help, too, but I'm fine going with rafaela and Abreu with Duran, Yoshi and Ref as OF depth.

 

I'm also hopeful Casas can improve his defense ver the winter.

[mvp 78]

I would not Hate Gray/SNell

 

2 guys that don't like to pitch over 130 innings? Pass...

[mvp 78]

Nobody knows what the hell this winter's plan will be, most notably the new spending budget.

 

I think the team you suggested is a significant improvement, but adding a 3rd solid SP'er would make a surer bet.

 

Just typing Sale's name hurts.

 

Adding a big RH'd bat to hedge against Rafaela, Story and refsnyder's production, next year would probably help, too, but I'm fine going with rafaela and Abreu with Duran, Yoshi and Ref as OF depth.

 

I'm also hopeful Casas can improve his defense ver the winter.

 

It's easy to say "just add a 3rd SP." However, the market for SP is always tight. You're competing with 1/2 - 2/3's of the other teams for those players. Henry spent all last season talking down to Steven Cohen so I don't see him just opening his checkbook and unloading this offseason.

[Hugh2]

2 guys that don't like to pitch over 130 innings? Pass...

 

There's more fish in the sea. I'm more concerned with getting two top teir guys in. Sell me on another two. Nola/Yama....OK lets do that.

[Hugh2]

It's easy to say "just add a 3rd SP." However, the market for SP is always tight. You're competing with 1/2 - 2/3's of the other teams for those players. Henry spent all last season talking down to Steven Cohen so I don't see him just opening his checkbook and unloading this offseason.

 

How do you expect them to spend the money? there's literally nothing on the position player side. Particularly in positions of need.

[moonslav59]

It's easy to say "just add a 3rd SP." However, the market for SP is always tight. You're competing with 1/2 - 2/3's of the other teams for those players. Henry spent all last season talking down to Steven Cohen so I don't see him just opening his checkbook and unloading this offseason.

 

I know it is not easy, but we can trade for one and sign two, if we make that a top priority and spend the estimated $48M we have below the tax line. (There is also an argument to be made, 2024 would be a good year to chose to go over, as we lose a lot of salary (Sale), in 2025.

 

No, it's not easy.

 

Asking for 2 might be more than we get.\

 

It's my opinion we need 3.

 

The 3rd one can be an innings eater #4 slot guy, but we need at least two #2's and a #4. I'm not saying we will do it. (We raely do what I would like, and it seems everyone else, too.)

[moonslav59]

How do you expect them to spend the money? there's literally nothing on the position player side. Particularly in positions of need.

 

I can see an argument being made that counting on returning players and younger additions like Rafaela and Abrue to replace Turner and Duvall is a mistake, but to me, the rotation is way ahead of that need.

[Hugh2]

I can see an argument being made that counting on returning players and younger additions like Rafaela and Abrue to replace Turner and Duvall is a mistake, but to me, the rotation is way ahead of that need.

 

Well if Turner walks you can replace him with Yoshida. Now your defense just got 100% better with Duran replacing him in LF and the future GG Rafaela roaming CF.

 

Sox could use a RHH

[Hugh2]

I can see an argument being made that counting on returning players and younger additions like Rafaela and Abrue to replace Turner and Duvall is a mistake, but to me, the rotation is way ahead of that need.

 

Exactly, plus there's nothing in free agency, or very slim pickings on the position side. They really should explore retaining Duval for next year.

[mvp 78]

How do you expect them to spend the money? there's literally nothing on the position player side. Particularly in positions of need.

 

I don't see them spending big on a positional player.

 

If they did:

 

UTIL: Merrifield

 

Maybe bring back JT at 1/8M for 1B/DH.

[mvp 78]

I can see an argument being made that counting on returning players and younger additions like Rafaela and Abrue to replace Turner and Duvall is a mistake, but to me, the rotation is way ahead of that need.

 

They won't replace them offensively, but they'd improve the team defensively.

[mvp 78]

Exactly, plus there's nothing in free agency, or very slim pickings on the position side. They really should explore retaining Duval for next year.

 

Duvall could also backup 1B if necessary.

[Bellhorn04]

Are people already punting on 2024?

 

I'm just jabbering as usual.

[Bellhorn04]

Are you arguing we have major needs at 26 slots?

 

'Course not. Don't need stars at 26 spots. Just saying we don't seem to have any.

[mvp 78]

I'm just jabbering as usual.

 

Ok. It's just that I think I've seen at least one or two other posts mentioning a look towards 2025.

[Hugh2]

I don't see them spending big on a positional player.

 

If they did:

 

UTIL: Merrifield

 

Maybe bring back JT at 1/8M for 1B/DH.

 

They have a little bit more than 8 mil to spend. I really really really like Turner, but I really really really like Masa not playing the field too.

[a700hitter]

No. It's a fact. I have admitted I lash out and apologized, often, when needed.

 

It's your misconception I claim or think I don't.

 

I suppose you feel you have alternative facts.

 

I say...

 

Yes, of you and the whole naysayer posse.

 

The sky is falling!

 

Blame _____!

 

Blame ____!

 

Blame _____!

 

Rinse and repeat.

LOL!

 

You assume this...

 

But you aren’t sick of finishing last. That’s weird.

 

You still pretend to know what I think and claim my thoughts are just "perceptions." It's your MO.

 

I am sick of finishing last. You can pretend I'm not, but that's your perception, not mine.

This is your perception. I should have been more precise so you wouldn’t have gone into blah, blah, blah mode

 

My point was about a seemingly endless blame cycle that often goes off track in a frenzied bash fest.

[moonslav59]

This is your perception. I should have been more precise so you wouldn’t have gone into blah, blah, blah mode

 

You have issues with word meanings.

[a700hitter]

You have issues with word meanings.

It’s obvious that you just have problems with me.

[mvp 78]

They have a little bit more than 8 mil to spend. I really really really like Turner, but I really really really like Masa not playing the field too.

 

I just don't see them signing a big dollar guy to play the field.

[Hugh2]

I just don't see them signing a big dollar guy to play the field.

 

Neither do I, they need pitchers not position players.

[moonslav59]

Neither do I, they need pitchers not position players.

 

Wow, at least 3 agree on one thing.

 

A site miracle.

[moonslav59]

It’s obvious that you just have problems with me.

 

Is that your perception of my perception?

[mvp 78]

Is that your perception of my perception?

 

I believe you have a problem with several posters on here.

 

Sometimes you just need to relax.

[Dipre]

I believe you have a problem with several posters on here.

 

Sometimes you just need to relax.

 

While true, at least he conducts himself within the boundaries of a friendly argument, unlike certain elements here. Cut him some slack.

[mvp 78]

While true, at least he conducts himself within the boundaries of a friendly argument, unlike certain elements here. Cut him some slack.

 

I was providing him advice. He is quick to get worked up.

[moonslav59]

I believe you have a problem with several posters on here.

 

Sometimes you just need to relax.

 

I know I have issues with several posters, just as several do with you.

 

I don't need your advice, and I don't need Elk telling me my thoughts and making false assumptions.

 

It's an all too common happening, here.

 

Someone says, "Maybe we should trade Houck."

 

Another poster says, "So you want to dump Houck," or "You want our staff to suck!"

 

I notice when they misrepresent your view, you don't remain silent.

[Hugh2]

While true, at least he conducts himself within the boundaries of a friendly argument, unlike certain elements here. Cut him some slack.

 

Moon also almost never personally insults people or use foul language.

 

Unlike some posters in here!!! and yes, I'm talking about myself here.

 

I'm a dick sometimes. At least I admit it.

[moonslav59]

Moon also almost never personally insults people or use foul language.

 

Unlike some posters in here!!! and yes, I'm talking about myself here.

 

I'm a dick sometimes. At least I admit it.

 

I have gotten testy, many times. I have said some things I should not have said, and try to apologize when I go too far.

 

I'm not perfect. I know this and try to improve myself.

 

Admitting mistakes is something few do or even try to do. I think they feel it is a sign of weakness.