A Realistic View of 2023: Part II

[mvp 78]

Last 14 games:

 

446/484/804

1.288 OPS

5 HR

18 RBI

 

I think it's time to shame the "unnamed executives" who were scoffing the Yoshida contract.

[Bellhorn04]

I think it's time to shame the "unnamed executives" who were scoffing the Yoshida contract.

 

I think you're right.

[mvp 78]

The shift ban definitely helps, but the '23 Red Sox are better because they feature different batters making better contact. Yoshida and Turner are pro hitters, along with an improved Verdugo. But the recent hot streak also includes guys who were playing in Worcester at the end of last summer: Duran, Wong, Valdez, Casas.

 

Boston has the fourth lowest strikeout rate in the league, with only 14 more Ks than Cleveland, the best contact club. Last year the Sox struck out higher than the league average, with 251 more whiffs than Cleveland...

 

'23 Ks, AL leaders: #29 Casas, #38 Kike

 

'22 Ks, AL leaders for the year: #15 Martinez, #34 Story (in 94 games), #41 Bogaerts, #42 Dalbec

 

Where's Raffy? He didn't make either top 42... he's tied for #43; last year was #48. Devers is Devers, leading the league in homers, while 42 others fan more (when Judge broke the AL HR record, only two guys struck out more times).

 

BOS is 2nd lowest in K% in MLB. It's quite the turnaround from last season.

[mvp 78]

.356 OBP though.

 

And he had 2 key RBI in the second game of the Jays series.

 

Still like this guy.

 

He's a platoon only guy. He's fine in certain situations.

[Bellhorn04]

He's a platoon only guy. He's fine in certain situations.

 

I thought you Roster Fiends appreciated guys like that. Yet you damn them with faint praise.

[mvp 78]

I thought you Roster Fiends appreciated guys like that. Yet you damn them with faint praise.

 

No, having bench guys is good if they are used in the right ways, especially if there is a complimentary player for Refsnyder. My concern earlier in the year was that he was going to get a much larger role than he needed which ultimately hurts his overall numbers. You can maximize his value by not playing him all the time.

[moonslav59]

I just don't see how you can dismiss a guy who went to 5 Super Bowls as hype.

 

I'm not saying he sucked. I'm just saying the "clutch" tag needs an asterisk.

[moonslav59]

I think it's time to shame the "unnamed executives" who were scoffing the Yoshida contract.

 

Did they ever say "executives?" I thought they said "evaluators and scouts" or "baseball insiders."

 

Maybe they did say execs, too, but yes, name names!

 

Several posters jumped on the story- like it meant something important.

[moonslav59]

He's a platoon only guy. He's fine in certain situations.

 

We have more top quality LH'd platoon types- almost too many. Ref may stick around, because he is one of our few RH'd platoon guys. (Dalbec may never get another look on the Sox. Arroyo is needed in the field.)

 

[mvp 78]

Did they ever say "executives?" I thought they said "evaluators and scouts" or "baseball insiders."

 

Maybe they did say execs, too, but yes, name names!

 

Several posters jumped on the story- like it meant something important.

 

They used the term "execs" in the story.

 

At first, the signing drew rave reviews, though mostly from fans reading his stat line. Then, in an ESPN+ feature last week, Kiley McDaniel reported that executives and scouts around the league were shocked by the Sox’ offer, both because it came together so quickly (there’s a 45-day window once a player is posted) and because of the final numbers.

 

"“I sent texts around to a number of scouts and execs explaining what I thought his tools were (high contact, very good approach, average-ish power, limited defensive ability) and asking what I was missing between that scouting report and what the Red Sox paid,” McDaniel wrote. “‘Nothing,’” replied one international scouting director. “‘Overpay for me … too rich imo,’” from another scouting director. A third exec: “‘I have no idea.’” A fourth: “‘Nothing … I wish they and him luck.’” A fifth: “‘We thought he was worth less than half of what they paid.’” A sixth added, “‘I have no words.’”“In total, I spoke to ten sources in the aftermath of the signing and they all had a similar breakdown. They all had some level of appreciation for the player, but thought the Red Sox overpaid by a hefty margin.”"

 

On Thursday, Bloom took the opportunity to respond:

 

"“At the end of the day, we can’t worry about that. We have to be confident in our own evaluations. We did a lot of work on this guy, felt really comfortable that we had done enough work to feel confident where we were.If the only reason, at that point, not to do something is that you’re worried about taking criticism, it’s just not a good enough reason. I do know, and we’ve heard directly from a number of clubs, that we are not alone in our evaluation of Masa.”via Chris Cotillo"

[Bellhorn04]

I'm not saying he sucked. I'm just saying the "clutch" tag needs an asterisk.

 

I think Brady's Super Bowl winning teams did trail in a lot of those games...

[moonslav59]

I think Brady's Super Bowl winning teams did trail in a lot of those games...

 

But was it because Brady put them in a hole with 2 pick-sixes?

[moonslav59]

They used the term "execs" in the story.

 

At first, the signing drew rave reviews, though mostly from fans reading his stat line. Then, in an ESPN+ feature last week, Kiley McDaniel reported that executives and scouts around the league were shocked by the Sox’ offer, both because it came together so quickly (there’s a 45-day window once a player is posted) and because of the final numbers.

 

"“I sent texts around to a number of scouts and execs explaining what I thought his tools were (high contact, very good approach, average-ish power, limited defensive ability) and asking what I was missing between that scouting report and what the Red Sox paid,” McDaniel wrote. “‘Nothing,’” replied one international scouting director. “‘Overpay for me … too rich imo,’” from another scouting director. A third exec: “‘I have no idea.’” A fourth: “‘Nothing … I wish they and him luck.’” A fifth: “‘We thought he was worth less than half of what they paid.’” A sixth added, “‘I have no words.’”“In total, I spoke to ten sources in the aftermath of the signing and they all had a similar breakdown. They all had some level of appreciation for the player, but thought the Red Sox overpaid by a hefty margin.”"

 

On Thursday, Bloom took the opportunity to respond:

 

"“At the end of the day, we can’t worry about that. We have to be confident in our own evaluations. We did a lot of work on this guy, felt really comfortable that we had done enough work to feel confident where we were.If the only reason, at that point, not to do something is that you’re worried about taking criticism, it’s just not a good enough reason. I do know, and we’ve heard directly from a number of clubs, that we are not alone in our evaluation of Masa.”via Chris Cotillo"

 

Wonder who they were.

[Hugh2]

Wonder who they were.

 

Yoshida is looking like the second coming of Ichiro with more pop.

 

Even if he’s not quite that good he’s looking like a great value at his price.

 

But I know the games the haters will play, they will believe the articles written before hand and will be 100% convinced that he could have been signed for much less and therefore Bloom and company should receive little credit for signing him.

[Old Red]

Yoshida is looking like the second coming of Ichiro with more pop.

 

Even if he’s not quite that good he’s looking like a great value at his price.

 

But I know the games the haters will play, they will believe the articles written before hand and will be 100% convinced that he could have been signed for much less and therefore Bloom and company should receive little credit for signing him.

 

Bloom outbid everybody, and shut the bidding down on the first day, which had never happened before that is a fact, and probably even shocked Boras. I don’t think there are any HATERS a term that is way over used on here. Critics are not haters. At the end of 5yrs will determine if it was worth it, or not.

[Bellhorn04]

But was it because Brady put them in a hole with 2 pick-sixes?

 

How many times did Elway do that?

[mvp 78]

Bloom outbid everybody, and shut the bidding down on the first day, which had never happened before that is a fact, and probably even shocked Boras. I don’t think there are any HATERS a term that is way over used on here. Critics are not haters. At the end of 5yrs will determine if it was worth it, or not.

 

Seems like that one stung a little.

[Old Red]

Seems like that one stung a little.

 

No! I’m used to it since my first being called a Cora hater, because I said I wouldn’t have hired him back, because of his cheating scandal when I first came on here, and have heard it many times since. It’s the standard fallback for some.

[moonslav59]

How many times did Elway do that?

 

Pick-sixes? I just used that as a hyper example.

 

I watched many games, where he sucked all game, then played great in the 4th quarter and became the "hero."

 

I've said it's anecdotal. If someone wants to do some research and prove me wrong, go for it.

[mvp 78]

To me, Bloom had a value placed on Masataka and the Sox scouts really liked him for a long time. I'd rather Bloom go out with his best offer and say "we don't want you to look anywhere else, you're our guy" than dick around in contract discussions and lose out to some other team like he did with other FAs. They identified a player that they highly desired and acquired him. Great job! No notes.

[moonslav59]

To me, Bloom had a value placed on Masataka and the Sox scouts really liked him for a long time. I'd rather Bloom go out with his best offer and say "we don't want you to look anywhere else, you're our guy" than dick around in contract discussions and lose out to some other team like he did with other FAs. They identified a player that they highly desired and acquired him. Great job! No notes.

 

Sure, it would have been better had we signed him to $65M instead of $80M, but nobody knows what other team might have swooped in.

 

Just like we don't know what Bogey would have accepted in 2021, 2022 or early 2023.

[Old Red]

To me, Bloom had a value placed on Masataka and the Sox scouts really liked him for a long time. I'd rather Bloom go out with his best offer and say "we don't want you to look anywhere else, you're our guy" than dick around in contract discussions and lose out to some other team like he did with other FAs. They identified a player that they highly desired and acquired him. Great job! No notes.

I actually bought the hype, and took GOshida in the second round of my live fantasy draft. When it got time to get my grade from the moderator on the draft he said I got a D, and that GOshida was the 2nd worst pick in the draft. He’s working out fine for me, and the Sox.

[moonslav59]

I actually bought the hype, and took GOshida in the second round of my live fantasy draft. When it got time to get my grade from the moderator on the draft he said I got a D, and that GOshida was the 2nd worst pick in the draft. He’s working out fine for me, and the Sox.

 

Yes. You've always been so high on Yoshida.

[mvp 78]

@redsoxstats

Most hard hit balls in MLB

 

Last 15 days

1. 33, Yoshida

 

Last 10 days

1. 23, Yoshida

 

Last 5 days

1. 15, Yoshida

[Hugh2]

Seems like that one stung a little.

 

I don’t call em out individually, I let them do that.

 

Except when I don’t, but 100% of the other times I do.

[moonslav59]

Seems like that one stung a little.

 

How often does anyone say "hater?"

 

Is it really "way overused?" Like 3 years ago, I made the mistake of saying a poster "hated Cora." I quickly admitted I was wrong to call someone who bashes him often a "hater," but I have to relive that horrible moment in my life, over and over. As far as I know, it's the only time the word "hate" has been used in this sort of context.

 

To me, the term "Bloom apologists" or "Bloom lovers" is way overused, and nobody has yet to answer the call to name just one from the apparent legion of them.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

How often does anyone say "hater?"

 

 

It can be a harsh label for people feared for some reason or another by others who consider themselves more rational or logical (or are seen by still others as overly sensitive).

 

The word is better used in debates as the verb it is, like when I once typed (paraphrasing me), "I hate the Bloom Era for what it represents to fans of the Red Sox team and players, because a lot of fan favorites are leaving Boston."

 

Never hate the person, but his actions and words are free game on forums, and always subject to praise and ridicule through good and bad (though as far as we know, to posters, Bloom's no groom nor Supreme Court justice, so it's not a life sentence).

 

What I would love is for our CBO to somehow land a top starting pitcher right now, while the team's on a roll. Big time free agents are all signed elsewhere, and most of them are busts so far -- good job, Chaim. The best one to date acquired in trade looks like Pablo Lopez, but the Sox didn't have a .400 hitter available. There are underachieving teams that may be primed for dealing... if only Bloom could get a guy like Joe Ryan, who the Twins stole from the geniuses in Tampa for aging DH Nelson Cruz a few years back...

[Hugh2]

How often does anyone say "hater?"

 

 

I do not consider hater a strong word, although their hate can be strong. I do think there's a difference between saying "you're a hater" towards the haters in here and saying "you hate XYZ" It's a commonly used term amongst the kids these days. The times, they do a change. It's also a lot quicker to say than "people who have a less than favorable view towards the front office in such a way they become cynical over everything"

 

Don't worry, even if the Sox were this good they are bound to have bad stretches. It's still early works both ways. The boo birds will have their day in the sun again.

 

Everyone is a hater towards something in life.

[moonslav59]

It can be a harsh label for people feared for some reason or another by others who consider themselves more rational or logical (or are seen by still others as overly sensitive).

 

The word is better used in debates as the verb it is, like when I once typed (paraphrasing me), "I hate the Bloom Era for what it represents to fans of the Red Sox team and players, because a lot of fan favorites are leaving Boston."

 

Never hate the person, but his actions and words are free game on forums, and always subject to praise and ridicule through good and bad (though as far as we know, to posters, Bloom's no groom nor Supreme Court justice, so it's not a life sentence).

 

What I would love is for our CBO to somehow land a top starting pitcher right now, while the team's on a roll. Big time free agents are all signed elsewhere, and most of them are busts so far -- good job, Chaim. The best one to date acquired in trade looks like Pablo Lopez, but the Sox didn't have a .400 hitter available. There are underachieving teams that may be primed for dealing... if only Bloom could get a guy like Joe Ryan, who the Twins stole from the geniuses in Tampa for aging DH Nelson Cruz a few years back...

 

Well said, as always.

 

To me, the "one that got away" was Luis Castillo, but I realize we'd have had to part with the untouchable Mayer and probably Rafaela or Bello, too. Maybe Mayer, Mata, Walter and Anthony would have come close.

[Maxbialystock]

How often does anyone say "hater?"

 

Is it really "way overused?" Like 3 years ago, I made the mistake of saying a poster "hated Cora." I quickly admitted I was wrong to call someone who bashes him often a "hater," but I have to relive that horrible moment in my life, over and over. As far as I know, it's the only time the word "hate" has been used in this sort of context.

 

To me, the term "Bloom apologists" or "Bloom lovers" is way overused, and nobody has yet to answer the call to name just one from the apparent legion of them.

 

I like Cora even with the stealing signs scandal with the Astros. Let's not forget that the Sox indulged in that little game, with Pedroia in the lead and actually proud of it. There can be no doubt that successful sign-stealing--or it's perfectly legal counterpart, being able to real a pitcher's face/hands/arms/body/etc to determine what he is about to throw--gives the hitter a huge advantage. It (sign-stealing) should be combatted/outlawed--as in fact it is.

 

I also like Bloom, mostly because he is the polar opposite of DD. DD defenders rightfully point out that he brought the Sox not only their 4th WS in the JH era, but probably the Sox best team ever. He did that mostly by buying pitchers--Sale, Price, Eovaldi, Kimbrel, and one or two others. And he could do it because the Sox had a lot of good positions players like Betts, Bogaerts, Devers (first year)Benintendi, Holt, JBJ, etc. JDM was a terrific addition by DD to replace the retired Ortiz at DH.

 

On the other hand, that exact same Sox team, so great in 2018, collapsed in 2019. Not the hitting, most of which came up through the Sox system, but the pitching DD convinced JH to pay top dollar for. So out went DD--also Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers because they were now vastly overpriced. Much was made of the Dodgers winning the 2020 World Series with Mookie, but I find that laughable, given the effect covid had on that season, including players and teams.

 

One year later, 2021, the Sox, with Verdugo sort of replacing Mookie, the Sox made it to the ALCS despite having literally no closer and not much of a rotation. The Dodgers had a lot of high-priced talent that couldn't even win one game in the postseason. Last year, 2022, they lost 3 games to 1 to the Padres in the NLDS.

 

On the other hand, there is what I call the show biz aspect of MLB. You need names to put butts in seats, and the Sox have been slow to recover their pre-covid attendance, which in 2018 was 35,747 and in 2019 was 36,105.

 

This year so far (and the weather has been lousy) it's 30,763. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are filling seats and lead MLB in attendance @ 47,982. The Phillies, now with DD spending freely, are 4th in MLB in attendance with 38,544. Last year they were 16th with 28,459.

 

The Sox are playing pretty good baseball right now, but lack star power, of which Verdugo, Wong, Duran, Yoshida, Turner, Story, Duvall, Chang, Kluber, Winckowski, Schreiber, Crawford, et al have little to none. Devers is our one star who actually delivers. Sale, once a star, is for now a project.