Red Sox: Off Season '23-'24

[mvp 78]

So the better Valdez goes to Worcester to accommodate the inferior Dalbec?

 

Valdez can only play 2B. They now have a fulltime 2B. Where would Valdez play to even get parttime AB's? Most of the other DH options are LHB as well. He's either gone or languishing in AAA. Why worry about a 0.3 fWAR guy like Valdez though?

 

Right now, the option is Dalbec. They need to find a better option somehow. They had that guy last year in Justin Turner and they haven't replaced him.

[Old Red]

If they need a backup 1b and 3b, it would be Dalbec.

 

Maybe they move one of the OFers and make room for Dalbec out there as well.

 

You think anything’s off the table? Remember they tried Bobby D at SS last year, and how can we forget the Franchy Strangeglove horror show at 1B.

[mvp 78]

It’s kind of amazing how important it is for the Sox to have a backup 1b, but who backs up RF and CF? Refsnyder?

 

Abreu can play all 3 OF spots. Duran is CF/LF. Rafaela is CF. O'Neill has a strong arm and decent speed. He could probably play RF/LF. Refsnyder really is LF only with that horrible glove.

[Old Red]

Valdez can only play 2B. They now have a fulltime 2B. Where would Valdez play to even get parttime AB's? Most of the other DH options are LHB as well. He's either gone or languishing in AAA. Why worry about a 0.3 fWAR guy like Valdez though?

 

Right now, the option is Dalbec. They need to find a better option somehow. They had that guy last year in Justin Turner and they haven't replaced him.

 

Worrying about the likes of E Valdez is just mind boggling. Talksox front, and center.

[mvp 78]

You think anything’s off the table? Remember they tried Bobby D at SS last year, and how can we forget the Franchy Strangeglove horror show at 1B.

 

Dalbec did get substantial run in the OF in the second half in WOO (36 starts in RF). Some astute posters were calling for that for a long while.

[Old Red]

It’s kind of amazing how important it is for the Sox to have a backup 1b, but who backs up RF and CF? Refsnyder?

 

I didn’t even know it was settled who would be playing in CF, and RF next year let alone who’s backing them up. Wow!

[Old Red]

Dalbec did get substantial run in the OF in the second half in WOO (36 starts in RF). Some astute posters were calling for that for a long while.

 

Anything is possible with the Boston Red Sox when it comes to trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

[notin]

I didn’t even know it was settled who would be playing in CF, and RF next year let alone who’s backing them up. Wow!

 

The actual point was the logic for keeping AAAA talent like Dalbec shouldn’t be “but who else backs up 1b?”

 

The Sox bench will have 3 players covering 8 positions. Chances are there will be gaps or inadequacies and the whole “first base backup” is already getting more chatter than it deserves…

[Hugh2]

I didn’t even know it was settled who would be playing in CF, and RF next year let alone who’s backing them up. Wow!

 

Lol it’s not like these are earth shattering things, just because we are talking about them. What else we got to talk about?

[Hugh2]

The actual point was the logic for keeping AAAA talent like Dalbec shouldn’t be “but who else backs up 1b?”

 

The Sox bench will have 3 players covering 8 positions. Chances are there will be gaps or inadequacies and the whole “first base backup” is already getting more chatter than it deserves…

 

Right, there’s so many more important things to talk about in January during this exciting action packed off season.

[mvp 78]

Worrying about the likes of E Valdez is just mind boggling. Talksox front, and center.

 

The bench isn't really the problem with this team at the moment.

 

1. Rotation

2. Catching

3. Defensive deficiencies overall

4. LHB heavy

5. OF rotation questions, Masa to DH fulltime?

6. Health of Duran, O'Neill and Story

7. Expecting bouncebacks or improvements from Raffy, Story, Grissom, Casas, Masa, O'Neill, Rafaela, McGuire

[mvp 78]

I didn’t even know it was settled who would be playing in CF, and RF next year let alone who’s backing them up. Wow!

 

Rafaela CF

Abreu RF

Duran/O'Neill LF

Masa DH

 

Refsnyder only appears against tough LHP and then is sent to the showers whenever a RHP warms up.

 

There, it's settled.

[Hugh2]

Rafaela CF

Abreu RF

Duran/O'Neill LF

Masa DH

 

Refsnyder only appears against tough LHP and then is sent to the showers whenever a RHP warms up.

 

There, it's settled.

 

Oh thank god, now we can go back to talking about the things that really matter. Like AAA pitching free agents and minor catching depth signings.

[Old Red]

Rafaela CF

Abreu RF

Duran/O'Neill LF

Masa DH

 

Refsnyder only appears against tough LHP and then is sent to the showers whenever a RHP warms up.

 

There, it's settled.

I know that’s the way it looks now, but I keep on thinking there will be some kind of trade involving some OF.

[Old Red]

The bench isn't really the problem with this team at the moment.

 

1. Rotation

2. Catching

3. Defensive deficiencies overall

4. LHB heavy

5. OF rotation questions, Masa to DH fulltime?

6. Health of Duran, O'Neill and Story

7. Expecting bouncebacks or improvements from Raffy, Story, Grissom, Casas, Masa, O'Neill, Rafaela, McGuire

 

Long list, but I’d say this just about covers it. Will Cora stay a lame duck manager?

[Hugh2]

I know that’s the way it looks now, but I keep on thinking there will be some kind of trade involving some OF.

Seems logical, I would throw Yorke in with the Duran/Abreu/Rafaela crowd of guys who may be getting moved

[mvp 78]

Oh thank god, now we can go back to talking about the things that really matter. Like AAA pitching free agents and minor catching depth signings.

 

Roberto Perez - great defensive catcher, injured a lot

Mark Kolozsvary - solid defensive catcher, would fill in as 3rd catcher if Perez is injured

Mickey Gaspar - obligatory former Yankee signing, capable catcher and fields multiple spots, good clubhouse guy, AAA ceiling

[mvp 78]

Long list, but I’d say this just about covers it. Will Cora stay a lame duck manager?

 

Henry can't afford him. He's going to LA for the largest manager contract in MLB in '25 if the Dodgers don't win the WS this year.

[Hugh2]

Henry can't afford him. He's going to LA for the largest manager contract in MLB in '25 if the Dodgers don't win the WS this year.

 

Then, and only then, he will be a great manager in LA

[moonslav59]

Dalbec is the guy getting the call of Casas goes down and you need to call someone up for a few weeks

 

But who plays 1B when you just want to give him a day off? Or he’s ejected? Or taken out of a game. You need a back up first baseman on the 26 man. And there’s zero room for Dalbec on the 26 man.

 

Yes, if he goes on the IL, Dalbec will be called up.

 

Who plays 1B when Cora rests casas once every 16 games?

[moonslav59]

It’s kind of amazing how important it is for the Sox to have a backup 1b, but who backs up RF and CF? Refsnyder?

 

LF Duran (back-ups: Refsnyder, Yoshida, Abreu)

CF Rafaela-Abreu (Duran)

RF O'Neill (Abreu, Refsnyder)

[moonslav59]

Abreu can play all 3 OF spots. Duran is CF/LF. Rafaela is CF. O'Neill has a strong arm and decent speed. He could probably play RF/LF. Refsnyder really is LF only with that horrible glove.

 

And Yoshida can play LF and push Duran to CF.

 

All are better than we have for back-up 1B.

[notin]

LF Duran (back-ups: Refsnyder, Yoshida, Abreu)

CF Rafaela-Abreu (Duran)

RF O'Neill (Abreu, Refsnyder)

 

Most of your backups are already playing. The Sox bench is likely to be McGuire, Refsnyder, Reyes and one more…

[moonslav59]

Abreu can play all 3 OF spots. Duran is CF/LF. Rafaela is CF. O'Neill has a strong arm and decent speed. He could probably play RF/LF. Refsnyder really is LF only with that horrible glove.

 

I think our 4 man bench, assuming we don't add Teoscar, will be Abreu or Rafaela, whoever does not start in CF, Refsnyder, Reyes and McGuire

[Hugh2]

Yes, if he goes on the IL, Dalbec will be called up.

 

Who plays 1B when Cora rests casas once every 16 games?

 

Idk, we’re not allowed to talk about it apparently.

 

More important things to talk about.

[moonslav59]

Most of your backups are already playing. The Sox bench is likely to be McGuire, Refsnyder, Reyes and one more…

 

We will not start 5 guys at DH and 3 OF slots: One of these is also on the bench: Rafaela, Abreu or maybe Duran v LHPs.

[notin]

We will not start 5 guys at DH and 3 OF slots: One of these is also on the bench: Rafaela, Abreu or maybe Duran v LHPs.

 

Huh?

 

The Sox will have 4 bench spots. One catcher and 3 others. Reyes and Refsnyder very likely take two spots. The final one could be Valdez or Dalbec or other.

 

All the other position players on the 26 man roster will be starting. There will only be 9 others. And it’s very possible not all of three of Duran, Abreu and Rafaela are on the 26 man roster to start. In fact, if Dalbec or Valdez is, it’s a guarantee one of those 3 is in Worcester or traded…

Edited January 4, 2024 by notin

[notin]

I think our 4 man bench, assuming we don't add Teoscar, will be Abreu or Rafaela, whoever does not start in CF, Refsnyder, Reyes and McGuire

 

Why would the Sox bench Rafaela or Abreu when both have options and would benefit from continued play?

[mvp 78]

And Yoshida can play LF and push Duran to CF.

 

All are better than we have for back-up 1B.

 

6'0" Refsnyder has 27 starts at 1B. Just make him the backup 1B and have Casas sit only against LHP. Problem solved.

[mvp 78]

Huh?

 

The Sox will have 4 bench spots. One catcher and 3 others. Reyes and Refsnyder very likely take two spots. The final one could be Valdez or Dalbec or other.

 

All the other position players on the 26 man roster will be starting. There will only be 9 others. And it’s very possible not all of three of Duran, Abreu and Rafaela are on the 26 man roster to start. In fact, if Dalbec or Valdez is, it’s a guarantee one of those 3 is in Worcester or traded…

 

Again, Valdez seems unlikely since he only plays 2B (poorly) and has extreme splits, but shares the same handedness with the guy you'd most like to DH (Masa). Assuming Rafaela is the starting CFer, Abreu would be the 4th OFer.

 

McGuire - C

Refsnyder - 1B/LF

Reyes - 2B/SS/3B

Abreu - OF

 

Starting:

C - Wong

1B - Casas

2B - Grissom

SS - Story

3B - Raffy

RF - O'Neillll

CF - Rafaela

LF - Duran