Craig Breslow hired as Head Of Baseball Operations

[mvp 78]

If you're rich and shopping for a baseball franchise, a decent roster of MLB players with good potential in the minors have to be more attractive than mediocrity in the majors and a pathetic paucity of pitching throughout the entire system.

 

The worst post of the day for me was Moon's list of our top 20 pitching prospects. Back-end starters and bullpen set-up men is no way to go through life, son.

 

Terrible post, moon! Get it together man!

[moonslav59]

The 2023 Sox was the second lowest they've been under the luxury tax threshold since Cots started tracking the year end CBT in 2012. The lowest was the garbage 2020 roster, but only 2M less than '23.

 

We are talking between $3-7M differentials, when "under." You're saying that's the major problem?

 

Again, I'm not saying we're spending enough, and we do need to keep up, to some extent.

[mvp 78]

We are talking between $3-7M differentials, when "under." You're saying that's the major problem?

 

Again, I'm not saying we're spending enough, and we do need to keep up, to some extent.

 

This team typically went over the CBT or used up as much as it could. Under Bloom, it left extra money on the table in '23 for no reason. In '22, it went over the CBT because Bloom dithered at the deadline and couldn't get back under causing their QO rewards to be diminished. This has been widely recognized. They mismanage the "cap" and they are further under it than in recent history and will be going forward according to reports.

[moonslav59]

This team typically went over the CBT or used up as much as it could. Under Bloom, it left extra money on the table in '23 for no reason. In '22, it went over the CBT because Bloom dithered at the deadline and couldn't get back under causing their QO rewards to be diminished. This has been widely recognized. They mismanage the "cap" and they are further under it than in recent history and will be going forward according to reports.

 

I get that.

 

The numbers can sometimes be misleading, as our budget was higher in 2019 than 2018, despite not bringing back Kimbrell and Kelly.

 

To me, we have not really matched where we were in 2018. That's 5 years of slippage, which is unprecedented under JH.

 

In terms of CBT budgets and the CBT Tax Line:

 

2003: Under

 

2004: Over

2005: Over

2006: Over

2007: Over

 

2008: Under

2009: Under

 

2010: Over

2011: Over

 

2012: Under $1M

2013: Under $1M

2014: Under $3M

 

2015: Over $10M

2016: Over $15M

 

2017: Under $3M

 

2018: Over $43M

2019: Over $38M

 

2020: Under $23M

2021: Under $2M

 

2022: Over $6M

 

2023: Under$6- $10M (depending on your source)

 

 

You are right, we have been under by more than we used ato be, especially in 2020. Last year was not a whole lot more under, but it was more.

 

This year may be under by more than 2023, and that would be 2 years in a row and shift from past amounts going under by a significant amount.

 

The going under for 2-3 years in a row is not new.

 

I am not liking the direction we are going, especially when it comes at a time when 6-7 other teams have seen massive spikes in spending since 2022. I'm not optimistic about this changing, in any way.

 

I do think those 6-7 rising spenders have more to do with our fall in the rankings than our lack of spending more. That may change after 2024.

Edited January 11, 2024 by moonslav59

[moonslav59]

Also, how we spent the money has been a bigger issue than not spending enough, except for maybe 2023, where I think it's about even.

 

I don't think we spent poorly, overall in 2022, but we would have needed to spend a whole lot more to win in '22 or '23.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Breslow and Bailey are here to teach pitchers, fix the pitching staff, and change the system. B&B... Bread and Breakfast... or with disrespect to recent comments: No-Bread and Makefast. N&M.

 

With their expertise -- and we'd better accept that this could represent this offseason's big change -- who are the big leaguers they can help improve in 2024?

 

They paid big bucks to show they could turn Giolito around. And certainly, the younger guys like Whitlock, Houck and Crawford would be candidates for some prime tinkering. It's not hard to see all of them become different pitchers after buying into new throwing programs brought on by fresh, new voices with track records of success. Whitlock and Houck are more than a year out from structural procedures, presumably healthy and physically ready to let it fly.

 

Pivetta is another who could benefit. He already showed he is willing to apply lessons learned from Chris Martin, who learned from Ohtani.

 

Which leaves us with Bello. The pupil of Pedro took steps forward last season, but his stuff still seems like it could dominant even more -- at least on a consistent basis. Brez and Bailes are the new mound gurus. N&M. Please stand up, please stand up.

[moonslav59]

Breslow and Bailey are here to teach pitchers, fix the pitching staff, and change the system. B&B... Bread and Breakfast... or with disrespect to recent comments: No-Bread and Makefast. N&M.

 

With their expertise -- and we'd better accept that this could represent this offseason's big change -- who are the big leaguers they can help improve in 2024?

 

They paid big bucks to show they could turn Giolito around. And certainly, the younger guys like Whitlock, Houck and Crawford would be candidates for some prime tinkering. It's not hard to see all of them become different pitchers after buying into new throwing programs brought on by fresh, new voices with track records of success. Whitlock and Houck are more than a year out from structural procedures, presumably healthy and physically ready to let it fly.

 

Pivetta is another who could benefit. He already showed he is willing to apply lessons learned from Chris Martin, who learned from Ohtani.

 

Which leaves us with Bello. The pupil of Pedro took steps forward last season, but his stuff still seems like it could dominant even more -- at least on a consistent basis. Brez and Bailes are the new mound gurus. N&M. Please stand up, please stand up.

 

The tro of Crawford, Houck and Whitlock have the skills and some history to suggest upside showings in 2024.

 

We have a ton or young or younger arms in the pen that could grow and improve with proper guidance or a key tweak here or there.

 

Slaten

Mata

Campbell

Fitts (SP?)

Weissert

Kelly

Criswell

Murphy & Walter

Guerrero & German

Benitez & Olivares

Hagenman, Hoppe & Troye

 

 

[mvp 78]

The tro of Crawford, Houck and Whitlock have the skills and some history to suggest upside showings in 2024.

 

We have a ton or young or younger arms in the pen that could grow and improve with proper guidance or a key tweak here or there.

 

Slaten

Mata

Campbell

Fitts (SP?)

Weissert

Kelly

Criswell

Murphy & Walter

Guerrero & German

Benitez & Olivares

Hagenman, Hoppe & Troye

 

 

 

Maybe:

Slaten, Campbell, Fitts, Murphy, Guerrero

 

I don't believe the others will provide much value at all.

[notin]

Maybe:

Slaten, Campbell, Fitts, Murphy, Guerrero

 

I don't believe the others will provide much value at all.

 

Not even Denslinger?

[moonslav59]

Maybe:

Slaten, Campbell, Fitts, Murphy, Guerrero

 

I don't believe the others will provide much value at all.

 

Probably not, but if we can get some good value from 3-4 of the 5 you listed, plus maybe one more from the castaways, that should help an already decent pen.

[mvp 78]

Not even Denslinger?

 

No, since you can't even spell his name.

[mvp 78]

Probably not, but if we can get some good value from 3-4 of the 5 you listed, plus maybe one more from the castaways, that should help an already decent pen.

 

The Sox need help in the rotation. The bullpen has been fine. If the only thing their org can do is pump out bullpen arms, I'm not sure it's good enough.

[moonslav59]

The Sox need help in the rotation. The bullpen has been fine. If the only thing their org can do is pump out bullpen arms, I'm not sure it's good enough.

 

If we don't sign or trade for top SP'ers, it will NOT be good enough.

 

Even if we assume, changes made have already set in motion an advance in the area of pitching prospect scouting, acquisition and development, it will be years and years before we even start seeing results at the MLB level. There has to be some sort of "bridge plan" beyond guys like Perez, Richards, Paxton, Wacha, Hill and Giolito.

 

It's a losing formula based on long hopes of everything gelling, at once, every so often.

[Randy Red Sox]

The tro of Crawford, Houck and Whitlock have the skills and some history to suggest upside showings in 2024.

 

We have a ton or young or younger arms in the pen that could grow and improve with proper guidance or a key tweak here or there.

 

Slaten

Mata

Campbell

Fitts (SP?)

Weissert

Kelly

Criswell

Murphy & Walter

Guerrero & German

Benitez & Olivares

Hagenman, Hoppe & Troye

 

 

 

If this is true why are we even worrying about adding pitching?? Seems like we have lots

[moonslav59]

If this is true why are we even worrying about adding pitching?? Seems like we have lots

 

That's the pen.

 

We need SP'ers, badly.

 

I like to see us get two solid innings eaters, but one would bring us much closer to having a chance at competing.

 

[mvp 78]

If we don't sign or trade for top SP'ers, it will NOT be good enough.

 

Even if we assume, changes made have already set in motion an advance in the area of pitching prospect scouting, acquisition and development, it will be years and years before we even start seeing results at the MLB level. There has to be some sort of "bridge plan" beyond guys like Perez, Richards, Paxton, Wacha, Hill and Giolito.

 

It's a losing formula based on long hopes of everything gelling, at once, every so often.

 

Sorry, just bridges made out of gingerbread. Eat up.

[moonslav59]

Sorry, just bridges made out of gingerbread. Eat up.

 

I'm not expecting any significant rotation additions, perhaps for years.

 

It doesn't change the fact that this is our only options for a few years.

 

I suppose we could hope all our tweeners turn to legit SP'ers, but that is a big hope.

[mvp 78]

@gingersnaphyde

Just got done listening to Craig Breslow on the @BBisntBoring Podcast. Here are the takeaways and my thoughts:

 

When asked if theres a chance to add a top of the rotation pitcher, he said theres a world where that works (scroll down further where I talk about how he views adding star players). He mentions it needs to make sense, and theres a difference between being uncomfortable and being foolish/irresponsible.

 

- Sounds like they want guys like Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell, but only on terms (years/dollars) that make sense for the organizational competitive timeline.

 

They are actively engaged in conversations around adding pitching and balancing the lineup with a right handed bat that has positional versatility. Conversations are ongoing, and they feel good about where they’re at with competition going for them. He also stressed they do need to add.

 

- Sounds like they’re hanging around in the conversations for guys, and will wait to see what makes sense for them to add at this point in their competitive window. They will sign players.

 

He anticipates the Red Sox to be competitive in 2024. He also mentioned the impact a full season from Trevor Story and innings from Giolito will be good for the team.

 

- The Red Sox have made moves, and along with projected progression/bounce back seasons, the Red Sox are projected to have a better team in 2024, but will probably just be in the Wild Card hunt.

 

He expects to pursue star players, but timing is important depending on where they are as an organization with their core players.

 

- This basically means they want to sign stars that fit within a majorly competitive window.

 

How they’re operating now isn’t indicative of how they will operate moving forward.

 

- This basically means they’re not making huge deals right now, but definitely could at some point.

 

He doesn’t want to be short sighted when it comes to trades, and make sure they don’t impact the organization long term. There will be a time when it makes sense to sacrifice long term wins for short term wins.

 

- They don’t want to trade players like Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, or Kyle Teel, Brayan Bello, or Triston Casas, but that possibility could happen in the future to trade players of that caliber if it makes sense to try and win a championship.

 

He felt they made positive impression to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and have a strong Japanese infrastructure. Ultimately, only so much was within their control but some of it wasn’t, and can only influence the preferences of others so much. He also said he didn’t really know what the levels of discomfort were when it came to the bidding for him.

 

- Sounds like Yamamoto just wanted to go to the Dodgers, and the Red Sox felt he was never serious about going there, so they didn’t really offer anything competitive if they even offered anything.

 

He said it’s important to create an environment where guys can develop at the Major Leagues. They won’t stop pursuing veterans that could be conducive to younger players.

 

- Again, wants to add players that make sense for the current timeline, but also want to add guys that can also help the young guys.

[mvp 78]

Seems like Crag found some free time and is doing the rounds now.

 

@ChrisCotillo

Asked Craig Breslow if he expects more rotation additions by Opening Day.

 

"I don't believe it makes a ton of sense to sacrifice future wins in favor of exclusively 2024 wins."

[Bellhorn04]

Seems like Crag found some free time and is doing the rounds now.

 

@ChrisCotillo

Asked Craig Breslow if he expects more rotation additions by Opening Day.

 

"I don't believe it makes a ton of sense to sacrifice future wins in favor of exclusively 2024 wins."

 

Jeezus Crag. That is a really horrible answer.

[mvp 78]

Jeezus Crag. That is a really horrible answer.

 

Anyone still waiting for the end of ST before the make their minds about the lineup?

[Old Red]

Seems like Crag found some free time and is doing the rounds now.

 

@ChrisCotillo

Asked Craig Breslow if he expects more rotation additions by Opening Day.

 

"I don't believe it makes a ton of sense to sacrifice future wins in favor of exclusively 2024 wins."

 

Why does it have to be exclusively 2024 wins?

[Old Red]

Anyone still waiting for the end of ST before the make their minds about the lineup?

 

Hanging by a thread.

[mvp 78]

Why does it have to be exclusively 2024 wins?

 

IDK. I don't know if it's in reference to the CBT or just long term contracts.

[moonslav59]

@gingersnaphyde

Just got done listening to Craig Breslow on the @BBisntBoring Podcast. Here are the takeaways and my thoughts:

 

�� When asked if theres a chance to add a top of the rotation pitcher, he said theres a world where that works (scroll down further where I talk about how he views adding star players). He mentions it needs to make sense, and theres a difference between being uncomfortable and being foolish/irresponsible.

 

- Sounds like they want guys like Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell, but only on terms (years/dollars) that make sense for the organizational competitive timeline.

 

�� They are actively engaged in conversations around adding pitching and balancing the lineup with a right handed bat that has positional versatility. Conversations are ongoing, and they feel good about where they’re at with competition going for them. He also stressed they do need to add.

 

- Sounds like they’re hanging around in the conversations for guys, and will wait to see what makes sense for them to add at this point in their competitive window. They will sign players.

 

�� He anticipates the Red Sox to be competitive in 2024. He also mentioned the impact a full season from Trevor Story and innings from Giolito will be good for the team.

 

- The Red Sox have made moves, and along with projected progression/bounce back seasons, the Red Sox are projected to have a better team in 2024, but will probably just be in the Wild Card hunt.

 

�� He expects to pursue star players, but timing is important depending on where they are as an organization with their core players.

 

- This basically means they want to sign stars that fit within a majorly competitive window.

 

�� How they’re operating now isn’t indicative of how they will operate moving forward.

 

- This basically means they’re not making huge deals right now, but definitely could at some point.

 

�� He doesn’t want to be short sighted when it comes to trades, and make sure they don’t impact the organization long term. There will be a time when it makes sense to sacrifice long term wins for short term wins.

 

- They don’t want to trade players like Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, or Kyle Teel, Brayan Bello, or Triston Casas, but that possibility could happen in the future to trade players of that caliber if it makes sense to try and win a championship.

 

�� He felt they made positive impression to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and have a strong Japanese infrastructure. Ultimately, only so much was within their control but some of it wasn’t, and can only influence the preferences of others so much. He also said he didn’t really know what the levels of discomfort were when it came to the bidding for him.

 

- Sounds like Yamamoto just wanted to go to the Dodgers, and the Red Sox felt he was never serious about going there, so they didn’t really offer anything competitive if they even offered anything.

 

�� He said it’s important to create an environment where guys can develop at the Major Leagues. They won’t stop pursuing veterans that could be conducive to younger players.

 

- Again, wants to add players that make sense for the current timeline, but also want to add guys that can also help the young guys.

 

I do think the Sox have a "window" in mind, and it does not include 2024. Even trading for a top pitcher with 4-5 years of control, essentially "wastes" a year of that control. While I think it would be nice to get a boost for 2024, even if they know a ring is highly improbable, I can at least understand that plan.

 

It sure sucks, for now.

 

I'm also thinking, they probably don't think Anthony, mayer and Teel will all be "in stride" by 2025, so they may be planning on 2026, for all we know.

 

They sure know how to extend a 5 year rebuild plan. That's something they are good at.

[moonslav59]

Seems like Crag found some free time and is doing the rounds now.

 

@ChrisCotillo

Asked Craig Breslow if he expects more rotation additions by Opening Day.

 

"I don't believe it makes a ton of sense to sacrifice future wins in favor of exclusively 2024 wins."

 

Signing Clevinger or Paxton doesn't hurt the future.

[moonslav59]

IDK. I don't know if it's in reference to the CBT or just long term contracts.

 

It makes me think 2025 is not in the plans, either.

[Old Red]

It makes me think 2025 is not in the plans, either.

 

As I’ve been saying right along if you’re not playing to win then why play at all. To just throw years away for the hope that some hyped prospects will take the team to the top sometime down the road is just unacceptable to me as a fan. Right now all I care about is 2024, and I could give a flying f—- about 2025, or beyond.

[Bellhorn04]

As I’ve been saying right along if you’re not playing to win then why play at all. To just throw years away for the hope that some hyped prospects will take the team to the top sometime down the road is just unacceptable to me as a fan. Right now all I care about is 2024, and I could give a flying f—- about 2025, or beyond.

 

And they have plenty of payroll room, 30 or 40 million under the first tax threshold, not to mention 100 million or so behind the Dodgers, Mets and Yankees.

 

It's all a ******** story to cover up what they really want, which is a fatter bottom line for FSG.

[mvp 78]

Signing Clevinger or Paxton doesn't hurt the future.

 

It shouldn't?