A Realistic View of the 2025 Red Sox: Part I

[Old Red]

8 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

What a lot of people probably don't realize is that Henry isn't even majority owner of the team any more.  There is no majority owner.  FSG needed a big cash infusion because of Covid losses and they sold a 10% share to RedBird Capital.  At that point Henry's share went down to about 40%.

All the stereotypes about FSG are true, unfortunately.  We're being run by a consortium with a lot of stakeholders to please.  Red Sox fans seem to be low on the list.  

I heard yesterday that the Red Sox are 28th in MLB in payroll to revenue, so that sounds right to what you are saying.

[moonslav59]

56 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

What a lot of people probably don't realize is that Henry isn't even majority owner of the team any more.  There is no majority owner.  FSG needed a big cash infusion because of Covid losses and they sold a 10% share to RedBird Capital.  At that point Henry's share went down to about 40%.

All the stereotypes about FSG are true, unfortunately.  We're being run by a consortium with a lot of stakeholders to please.  Red Sox fans seem to be low on the list.  

As long as the Sox keep making them money, they don't see a need to invest more.

It's hard to prove spending more to sign Bregman will help the team make more than if they don't sign him.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Watching the Red Sox sign free agent talent every winter is like sitting in those Fenway Park seats with the poles in your face.

I was thinking about buying obstructed view tickets, but I'm not sure it will fit my budget. 

Instead, I got a bargain on some used sheets that I'll just drape over my TV when it's gametime.

[notin]

My unofficial/uninformed 2025 opening day roster preview, assuming everyone is healthy, and probably tells you nothing you didn’t already know

 

C - Wong, most likely backed up by Narvaez.  Sabol is the only other catcher on the 40 man.  Their best backup, Seby Zavala, has not been added to the roster.

1b - Casas

2b - Opportunities here for a few options, notably Hamilton, Grissom, and eventually Campbell. I’m keeping Campbell off the roster solely because he hasn’t been added to the 40 man, yet.  Hamilton surprised last year and some in the Sox FO do or did like Grissom.  A platoon of those two wouldn’t surprise me. Until Campbell gets the call.

3b - Devers

SS - Story,  Until he goes down.

LF: Duran

CF:Rafaela will reportedly start in CF and play “as much as possible.”  That might change if he cannot hit and the Sox think Roman Anthony can.  I would expect if this is the case, Anthony goes to LF and Duran takes over CF.

 RF: Abreu/Refsnyder platoon.  

DH: Yoshida, possibly in a platoon with Romy Gonzalez

 

SP: Crochet, Buehler, Houck, Bello, Giolito.  Depth includes Criswell, Dobbins, Priester, Fitts, and eventually Perales and Sandoval.  Is Perales starting the year on the 60 day IL?
 

RP: I think 7 spots are locks, going to Hendriks, Chapman, Slaten, Whitlock, Winckowski, Crawford, and Justin Wilson.  The last spot is up for grabs from Bernardino, the Zacks (Kelly and Penrod), Murphy, Weissert, and Guerrero.  Fitts might belong on this list instead as well.  And if Adams or Fulmer gets added once Sandoval goes to the 60 day IL, they are both candidates as well.

[mvp 78]

I only have one thing to look forward to I guess...

 

[moonslav59]

20 minutes ago, notin said:

My unofficial/uninformed 2025 opening day roster preview, assuming everyone is healthy, and probably tells you nothing you didn’t already know

 

C - Wong, most likely backed up by Narvaez.  Sabol is the only other catcher on the 40 man.  Their best backup, Seby Zavala, has not been added to the roster.

1b - Casas

2b - Opportunities here for a few options, notably Hamilton, Grissom, and eventually Campbell. I’m keeping Campbell off the roster solely because he hasn’t been added to the 40 man, yet.  Hamilton surprised last year and some in the Sox FO do or did like Grissom.  A platoon of those two wouldn’t surprise me. Until Campbell gets the call.

3b - Devers

SS - Story,  Until he goes down.

LF: Duran

CF:Rafaela will reportedly start in CF and play “as much as possible.”  That might change if he cannot hit and the Sox think Roman Anthony can.  I would expect if this is the case, Anthony goes to LF and Duran takes over CF.

 RF: Abreu/Refsnyder platoon.  

DH: Yoshida, possibly in a platoon with Romy Gonzalez

 

SP: Crochet, Buehler, Houck, Bello, Giolito.  Depth includes Criswell, Dobbins, Priester, Fitts, and eventually Perales and Sandoval.  Is Perales starting the year on the 60 day IL?
 

RP: I think 7 spots are locks, going to Hendriks, Chapman, Slaten, Whitlock, Winckowski, Crawford, and Justin Wilson.  The last spot is up for grabs from Bernardino, the Zacks (Kelly and Penrod), Murphy, Weissert, and Guerrero.  Fitts might belong on this list instead as well.  And if Adams or Fulmer gets added once Sandoval goes to the 60 day IL, they are both candidates as well.

The only thing I might disagree with are these two things:

1. I do not see refsnyder playing RF, unless in an away game, where RF is the shorter field. I think we see Ref in LF vs LHPs, Duran in CF and Rafaela in RF. Vs RHP, it's Duran LF, Rafaela CF and Abreu RF. (We could also choose to platoon Ref and Yoshida at DH and maybe use Romy in LF- not Ref. Maybe mix and match the two.)

2. At 2B, I'm not as high on Grissom as some in the Sox seem to be, and you, too. IMO, Romy did more in 2024 to earn a 2B platoon with DHam than Grissom did, but of course that is and should not be the sole criteria uses to choose DHam's platoon partner. I do think DHam has the inside track on starting vs RHPs at 2B, unless and until he shows he does not deserve it, of someone else outshines him. Of course, Campbell could win the job, at any time, including opening day.

(I think Murphy starts the year on the 60 Day IL and Guerrero wins the 8th spot in the pen. I have Criswell ahead of Fitts on the pen/starter call-up ranked list.)

[moonslav59]

25 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

I only have one thing to look forward to I guess...

 

Ro-BOUT time!

[jdc69]

The only thing I have against umps is the general trend of getting rid of humans in many jobs as well as the increase of bad customer service. Do you think they're going to give that money saved on umpires hack to the fans? Highly unlikely. 

[moonslav59]

I think Murphy & Sandoval start the season on the 60 Day IL.

Perales is probable for the 60, as he will not be called up by June, anyway. That's 3.

I think Whitlock should be ready within weeks of opening day. (ESPN says April 18.)

ESPN has Giolito & Yoshida ready by Feb 1st.

[moonslav59]

5 minutes ago, jdc69 said:

The only thing I have against umps is the general trend of getting rid of humans in many jobs as well as the increase of bad customer service. Do you think they're going to give that money saved on umpires hack to the fans? Highly unlikely. 

My Kroger bills went way down due to self-checkouts.

LOL!

[notin]

1 hour ago, moonslav59 said:

The only thing I might disagree with are these two things:

1. I do not see refsnyder playing RF, unless in an away game, where RF is the shorter field. I think we see Ref in LF vs LHPs, Duran in CF and Rafaela in RF. Vs RHP, it's Duran LF, Rafaela CF and Abreu RF. (We could also choose to platoon Ref and Yoshida at DH and maybe use Romy in LF- not Ref. Maybe mix and match the two.)

2. At 2B, I'm not as high on Grissom as some in the Sox seem to be, and you, too. IMO, Romy did more in 2024 to earn a 2B platoon with DHam than Grissom did, but of course that is and should not be the sole criteria uses to choose DHam's platoon partner. I do think DHam has the inside track on starting vs RHPs at 2B, unless and until he shows he does not deserve it, of someone else outshines him. Of course, Campbell could win the job, at any time, including opening day.

(I think Murphy starts the year on the 60 Day IL and Guerrero wins the 8th spot in the pen. I have Criswell ahead of Fitts on the pen/starter call-up ranked list.)

If the plan is Rafaela in CF “as much as possible”, I doubt they re-arrange the OF around Refsnyder that much.  There is the possibility another OF is added.  The current 40 man is shallow on position player deoth, with only Sabol, Sogard and Jhostnyxon expected beyond the opening day roster.   Someone like Grichuk or Laureano could join and push Grissom or Romy to Worcester.

Grissom vs Romy as the RHH option at 2b is possible, but I think Grissom gets first shot.  All of this could be moot if they move all three of Sandoval, Murphy and Perales to the 60 day IL and use one of those three roster spots to add Campbell.  With Romy slugging we’ll vs LHP, he could platoon at DH
 

iI listed SP depth in the order I could think of them and not in the order I expect them called up.  I expect Crawford would move out of the bullpen before anyone I listed.

[Old Red]

1 hour ago, moonslav59 said:

The only thing I might disagree with are these two things:

1. I do not see refsnyder playing RF, unless in an away game, where RF is the shorter field. I think we see Ref in LF vs LHPs, Duran in CF and Rafaela in RF. Vs RHP, it's Duran LF, Rafaela CF and Abreu RF. (We could also choose to platoon Ref and Yoshida at DH and maybe use Romy in LF- not Ref. Maybe mix and match the two.)

2. At 2B, I'm not as high on Grissom as some in the Sox seem to be, and you, too. IMO, Romy did more in 2024 to earn a 2B platoon with DHam than Grissom did, but of course that is and should not be the sole criteria uses to choose DHam's platoon partner. I do think DHam has the inside track on starting vs RHPs at 2B, unless and until he shows he does not deserve it, of someone else outshines him. Of course, Campbell could win the job, at any time, including opening day.

(I think Murphy starts the year on the 60 Day IL and Guerrero wins the 8th spot in the pen. I have Criswell ahead of Fitts on the pen/starter call-up ranked list.)

Ref Man played 37 games in RF last year, and started 20 of them. I don’t see any change in that this year Fenway, or not unless other outfielders are added to the present roster. I also see the RAF Man as the FT primary CF.

[moonslav59]

10 minutes ago, notin said:

If the plan is Rafaela in CF “as much as possible”, I doubt they re-arrange the OF around Refsnyder that much.  There is the possibility another OF is added.  The current 40 man is shallow on position player deoth, with only Sabol, Sogard and Jhostnyxon expected beyond the opening day roster.   Someone like Grichuk or Laureano could join and push Grissom or Romy to Worcester.

Grissom vs Romy as the RHH option at 2b is possible, but I think Grissom gets first shot.  All of this could be moot if they move all three of Sandoval, Murphy and Perales to the 60 day IL and use one of those three roster spots to add Campbell.  With Romy slugging we’ll vs LHP, he could platoon at DH
 

iI listed SP depth in the order I could think of them and not in the order I expect them called up.  I expect Crawford would move out of the bullpen before anyone I listed.

I don't stick Ref in Fenway's RF, just so Rafaela plays CF as much as possible, especially when Duran played CF pretty damn well, in 2024. (He did start 6 of his 20 RF starts in Fenway, last year, but I would like to see that at zero.) Moving Duran from LF to CF is no big deal. He started 89 out of 160 in CF, last season.

I do see us adding someone like Grichuk or Laureano, which would force Ref to a DH platoon, and I'd bet Romy gets sent to WOO over Grissom. I'm just saying, in my book, I have Romy ahead of Grissom based on better SS defense than Grissom or DHam and his 2024 numbers vs LHPs, which is an area we need all the help we can get.

If we start 3 guys on the 60 Day after opening day, there might be a chance Anthony and or Campbell make the 40, but they will not be added until they are to be sent to the 26. I could see Fulmer or someone like Nate Eaton added. Mayer would be added, if Story is on the IL. Instead of signing Grichuk or Laureano, we could just go with Anthony, despite him batting lefty. His splits should be much better than Abreu's.

[moonslav59]

11 minutes ago, Old Red said:

Ref Man played 37 games in RF last year, and started 20 of them. I don’t see any change in that this year Fenway, or not unless other outfielders are added to the present roster. I also see the RAF Man as the FT primary CF.

Ref started 6 of his 20 games in RF, at Fenway. He could start 20-25, this year, but wouldn't that "be a change from last year?"

We had O'Neill, last year, but had Rafaela play SS, a lot. Hopefully, he won't be needed there in 2025, but a lot has changed from 2024 to 2025, concerning the OF and who plays where.

I could see just doing a strict Ref-Abreu RF platoon- home and away. I'd prefer having bad fielders play LF in Fenway- not RF.

I love Rafaela in CF, but Duran is very good there, too. This is a better defensive OF: Ref LF, Duran CF and Rafaela RF than Duran-Raf-Ref. It just is.

We can keep playing inferior defenses just to "make it easier," or to stroke some fragile egos, or we can put the players where they do best, and actually try our best to win.

[notin]

1 hour ago, jdc69 said:

The only thing I have against umps is the general trend of getting rid of humans in many jobs as well as the increase of bad customer service. Do you think they're going to give that money saved on umpires hack to the fans? Highly unlikely. 

They’re not getting rid of umps; just no longer relying on them to call ball and strikes.  You still need an ump at home plate for safe/out calls (and to relay the ball/strike calls to the hitters).

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Romy has to make the club, since he's the back-up first baseman (20 g at 1B in '24, more than any non-Casas on this year's 40)...

... that is, unless Cora uses his Gold Glove rightfielder there, like he suggested a few weeks ago.

What a powerhouse Breslow has assembled.

[moonslav59]

4 hours ago, Old Red said:

I heard yesterday that the Red Sox are 28th in MLB in payroll to revenue, so that sounds right to what you are saying.

I saw an article that showed us spending something like 40% of our revenue on payroll, and 3-4 teams that spent less than us, so this looks about right.

Sad, but hey, this is a business.

[Old Red]

6 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Ref started 6 of his 20 games in RF, at Fenway. He could start 20-25, this year, but wouldn't that "be a change from last year?"

We had O'Neill, last year, but had Rafaela play SS, a lot. Hopefully, he won't be needed there in 2025, but a lot has changed from 2024 to 2025, concerning the OF and who plays where.

I could see just doing a strict Ref-Abreu RF platoon- home and away. I'd prefer having bad fielders play LF in Fenway- not RF.

I love Rafaela in CF, but Duran is very good there, too. This is a better defensive OF: Ref LF, Duran CF and Rafaela RF than Duran-Raf-Ref. It just is.

We can keep playing inferior defenses just to "make it easier," or to stroke some fragile egos, or we can put the players where they do best, and actually try our best to win.

As I’ve said many times before when you, or others have suggested defensive changes. Up to this point for good, or for worse the Red Sox don’t see the defensive struggles even though Cora, and others have mentioned the struggles many times as being a big enough problem to do anything about it, and just keep playing the hand they have dealt themselves defensively, and  hope the bats will be good enough to to overcome it.

[moonslav59]

Just now, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Romy has to make the club, since he's the back-up first baseman (20 g at 1B in '24, more than any non-Casas on this year's 40)...

Only because they won't give Devers a 1Bman's mitt.

IMO, I keep Romy over Grissom, because he can play SS way better.

[moonslav59]

1 minute ago, Old Red said:

As I’ve said many times before when you, or others have suggested defensive changes. Up to this point for good, or for worse the Red Sox don’t see the defensive struggles even though Cora, and others have mentioned the struggles many times as being a big enough problem to do anything about it, and just keep playing the hand they have dealt themselves defensively, and  hope the bats will be good enough to to overcome it.

Ref started 6 games in Fenway's RF, last year. I'm not the one saying he should play more RF in Fenway.

And, yes, I fully understand why some changes have not been made. I'm not for moving Devers to 1B, unless we add Bregman or Arenado, which has not happened.

The thing you keep saying about "bats overcoming" poor fielding, in the case of Devers moving to 1B/DH and Casas to DH/1B, the idea does not change the bats. The bats stay equal and don't have to overcome the poor D. The only change on O would be who's bat does Bregman replace? If that is a plus or equal, we lose nothing or improve  on O, but gain on D.

Of course, if the equation does not work out that way, then I would not be for the plan.

I'm not for signing Bregman to play 2B. Hell, a DHam-Romy platoon might his .795, and we gain nothing on D.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

9 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Only because they won't give Devers a 1Bman's mitt.

IMO, I keep Romy over Grissom, because he can play SS way better.

That's two reasons to keep Romy, besides the fact he stole more bases than everyone (even regulars) except speedsters Duran, Hammy and Ceddanne.

Cora was a decent second sacker in the bigs, and that's another reason why I see Romy over Grissom-- unless Gris stops throwing like last year, when he looked like he was hailing a cab.

[Old Red]

3 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Ref started 6 games in Fenway's RF, last year. I'm not the one saying he should play more RF in Fenway.

And, yes, I fully understand why some changes have not been made. I'm not for moving Devers to 1B, unless we add Bregman or Arenado, which has not happened.

The thing you keep saying about "bats overcoming" poor fielding, in the case of Devers moving to 1B/DH and Casas to DH/1B, the idea does not change the bats. The bats stay equal and don't have to overcome the poor D. The only change on O would be who's bat does Bregman replace? If that is a plus or equal, we lose nothing or improve  on O, but gain on D.

Of course, if the equation does not work out that way, then I would not be for the plan.

I'm not for signing Bregman to play 2B. Hell, a DHam-Romy platoon might his .795, and we gain nothing on D.

Not everyone can , or likes to DH, so no one really knows the affect it would have on Raffy, Casas, or anyone else. This is the first time I mentioned the bats overcoming poor fielding. I was talking about how things are done now, and why no changes have been made up to this point, and not if Bregman, or anyone else was added.

 

[oldtimer]

54 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Ref started 6 of his 20 games in RF, at Fenway. He could start 20-25, this year, but wouldn't that "be a change from last year?"

We had O'Neill, last year, but had Rafaela play SS, a lot. Hopefully, he won't be needed there in 2025, but a lot has changed from 2024 to 2025, concerning the OF and who plays where.

I could see just doing a strict Ref-Abreu RF platoon- home and away. I'd prefer having bad fielders play LF in Fenway- not RF.

I love Rafaela in CF, but Duran is very good there, too. This is a better defensive OF: Ref LF, Duran CF and Rafaela RF than Duran-Raf-Ref. It just is.

We can keep playing inferior defenses just to "make it easier," or to stroke some fragile egos, or we can put the players where they do best, and actually try our best to win.

While our pitching looks to be improved for the 2025 season we have built in defensive issues on the infield corners, at catcher and in the outfield if the idea of using Yoshida is carried forward in a meaningful number of games. The lineup imbalance also remains. Because we have Devers, finding a home for either Arenado or Bregman is the issue holding up bringing them in. Rafaela didn't hit well last year, marking him as more or a utility player or someone working  on his game in the minors. 

I just don't see us having a strong season so believe it would be smarter to bring in our best prospects early and trade away the bad fits. The Sox front office doesn't see it the way I do so I'm ready for another disappointing season. I'd be delighted is Sox management would act strategically and forcefully to strengthen the team.

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, oldtimer said:

While our pitching looks to be improved for the 2025 season we have built in defensive issues on the infield corners, at catcher and in the outfield if the idea of using Yoshida is carried forward in a meaningful number of games. The lineup imbalance also remains. Because we have Devers, finding a home for either Arenado or Bregman is the issue holding up bringing them in. Rafaela didn't hit well last year, marking him as more or a utility player or someone working  on his game in the minors. 

I just don't see us having a strong season so believe it would be smarter to bring in our best prospects early and trade away the bad fits. The Sox front office doesn't see it the way I do so I'm ready for another disappointing season. I'd be delighted is Sox management would act strategically and forcefully to strengthen the team.

Great post, Oldtimer. I hope we see more of you, once the games begin.

I'm all for bringing in the kids, even if there is a dice roll element to the idea. I also see the value in waiting a few weeks to gain that extra year of control, and that also fits with the idea that some players we have, now, appear to have earned or come close to earning another look in 2025.

Abreu has earned a platoon role, and maybe deserves a shot at proving he can hit LHPs. 

Rafaela did not look godawful on offense, as many felt he would, but he still has to show improvement to earn a FT position. His defense and flexibility is a great asset.

Duran has earned a FT OF position. Yoshida and Ref can platoon DH, so neither needs to play 1 inning in the OF, unless there is an injury, or Casas/Devers get squeezed into a DH or PT DH role. That's 3 OF'ers, so if Anthony gets the call, it should not be as a back-up, so it would mean Abreu or Rafaela get platooned, benched or in Rafaela's case maybe moved to 2B or SS. For this reason, maybe waiting those few weeks for Anthony makes sense. Let's see how the OF shakes out over the first 6-8 weeks.

Now, Campbell: The health of Story is the key to so much of what happens in 2025, and who plays where, and it's getting tiring, when that key never seems to unlock the box of success. Since Campbell will not likely be our SS, his slot seems to be 2B. (I doubt we move Devers to 1B/DH, so Campbell plays 3B, but I suppose it could happen, if the vet 2Bmen are doing well, or Mayer pushes Story to 2B.) IMO, DHam looked pretty good at 2B defense, hit RHPs okay and stole enough bases to make his offense a clear plus in 2024. I'd like to see him start the season as our 2B platoon. I'm not sure Grissom has earned any further looks, but he did have some early career success and was the return for Sale, so maybe someone thinks he should get a few weeks to show he can stick in the bigs. I happen to like Romy, especially in a platoon role w DHam, and our back-up SS (short term only) and 1B. He can also play OF. I can see waiting a few weeks, to see how our 3 secondbasemen look, before giving Campbell the call-up.

Lastly, Mayer: If Story is healthy, I see no reason to rush Mayer to the bigs. I'm not even sure if he or Story would play SS and who would move to 2B, when he does get the call. Maybe somebody plays 3B, if Story, Campbell and Mayer are all playing well.

IMO, we will wait, and I'm not against the idea, but I think once we pass the line of adding an extra year of control, the equation changes. Depending on how the players I just went over are doing, a call-up or two could happen swiftly, and we could see a couple prospects still get 500-550 PAs, this season, assuming they do well, out of the gate. I'd bet on Anthony and Campbell over Mayer, but all three could get a long look in 2025.

1. Duran LF

2. Campbell 2B

3. Casas 1B

4. Devers 3B

5. Story SS

6. Anthony RF/CF

7. Abreu RF/Rafaela CF

8. Yoshida/Refsnyder DH (If Mayer plays: Devers to 1B/DH, Casas to DH/1B and maybe Campbell to 3B)

9. Wong/Narvaez C

This looks pretty good, to me. It would certainly spark some intense interest by fans.

[notin]

16 hours ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Romy has to make the club, since he's the back-up first baseman (20 g at 1B in '24, more than any non-Casas on this year's 40)...

... that is, unless Cora uses his Gold Glove rightfielder there, like he suggested a few weeks ago.

What a powerhouse Breslow has assembled.

Before coming to Boston, Romy’s entire career as a first baseman consisted of 14 games in A ball and 3 games in college.  Last year when people kept insisting Dalbec had to make the team because he was the ONLY backup first baseman, I kept saying they’ll just try someone else.  They did - Romy.   But now his 20 games at 1b (which is NOT second behind Casas on this roster - Refsnyder has more) makes him indispensable?
 

Not sure if anyone has noticed this, but Cora will play j just about anyone just about anywhere, especially if it’s a short term thing.  Cora has played Arroyo in RF, Dalbec at all four infield positions, Vasquez all over the right side of the infield, Mickey Gaspar at 2b.  And eventually, Romy at 1b.

Anyone who thinks Romy is the only option to backup 1b has not been paying attention

[Bellhorn04]

13 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

Great post, Oldtimer. I hope we see more of you, once the games begin.

I'm all for bringing in the kids, even if there is a dice roll element to the idea. I also see the value in waiting a few weeks to gain that extra year of control, and that also fits with the idea that some players we have, now, appear to have earned or come close to earning another look in 2025.

Abreu has earned a platoon role, and maybe deserves a shot at proving he can hit LHPs. 

Rafaela did not look godawful on offense, as many felt he would, but he still has to show improvement to earn a FT position. His defense and flexibility is a great asset.

Duran has earned a FT OF position. Yoshida and Ref can platoon DH, so neither needs to play 1 inning in the OF, unless there is an injury, or Casas/Devers get squeezed into a DH or PT DH role. That's 3 OF'ers, so if Anthony gets the call, it should not be as a back-up, so it would mean Abreu or Rafaela get platooned, benched or in Rafaela's case maybe moved to 2B or SS. For this reason, maybe waiting those few weeks for Anthony makes sense. Let's see how the OF shakes out over the first 6-8 weeks.

Now, Campbell: The health of Story is the key to so much of what happens in 2025, and who plays where, and it's getting tiring, when that key never seems to unlock the box of success. Since Campbell will not likely be our SS, his slot seems to be 2B. (I doubt we move Devers to 1B/DH, so Campbell plays 3B, but I suppose it could happen, if the vet 2Bmen are doing well, or Mayer pushes Story to 2B.) IMO, DHam looked pretty good at 2B defense, hit RHPs okay and stole enough bases to make his offense a clear plus in 2024. I'd like to see him start the season as our 2B platoon. I'm not sure Grissom has earned any further looks, but he did have some early career success and was the return for Sale, so maybe someone thinks he should get a few weeks to show he can stick in the bigs. I happen to like Romy, especially in a platoon role w DHam, and our back-up SS (short term only) and 1B. He can also play OF. I can see waiting a few weeks, to see how our 3 secondbasemen look, before giving Campbell the call-up.

Lastly, Mayer: If Story is healthy, I see no reason to rush Mayer to the bigs. I'm not even sure if he or Story would play SS and who would move to 2B, when he does get the call. Maybe somebody plays 3B, if Story, Campbell and Mayer are all playing well.

IMO, we will wait, and I'm not against the idea, but I think once we pass the line of adding an extra year of control, the equation changes. Depending on how the players I just went over are doing, a call-up or two could happen swiftly, and we could see a couple prospects still get 500-550 PAs, this season, assuming they do well, out of the gate. I'd bet on Anthony and Campbell over Mayer, but all three could get a long look in 2025.

1. Duran LF

2. Campbell 2B

3. Casas 1B

4. Devers 3B

5. Story SS

6. Anthony RF/CF

7. Abreu RF/Rafaela CF

8. Yoshida/Refsnyder DH (If Mayer plays: Devers to 1B/DH, Casas to DH/1B and maybe Campbell to 3B)

9. Wong/Narvaez C

This looks pretty good, to me. It would certainly spark some intense interest by fans.

Campbell and Anthony are the ones who have to spark the interest.  The rest of that lineup stunk for the last 6 weeks of the season.    

[notin]

16 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

Only because they won't give Devers a 1Bman's mitt.

IMO, I keep Romy over Grissom, because he can play SS way better.

Grissom is 24.  He’s only making the parent club if there is a clear path to playing time.  I don’t think he’s competing for a bench spot with Romy Gonzalez.

 

If you think SS defense is an important aspect to Cora, please explain why he couldn’t remove Kike from the position with vice grips and a hand grenade…

[Bellhorn04]

15 minutes ago, notin said:

Grissom is 24.  He’s only making the parent club if there is a clear path to playing time.  I don’t think he’s competing for a bench spot with Romy Gonzalez.

 

If you think SS defense is an important aspect to Cora, please explain why he couldn’t remove Kike from the position with vice grips and a hand grenade…

I guess it's an open question whether all the playing out of position stuff was a Cora thing or a "brain trust"/penny-pinching thing.  e.g. Bloom refusing to sign a shortstop when Story went down.  

[notin]

11 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

I guess it's an open question whether all the playing out of position stuff was a Cora thing or a "brain trust" thing.  e.g. Bloom refusing to sign a shortstop when Story went down.  

It’s been going on since before Bloom got here.

Did you know before Cora was his manager, Brock Holt only played 2b and SS?  Never played anywhere else, not even in the minors…

[Bellhorn04]

6 minutes ago, notin said:

It’s been going on since before Bloom got here…

Vazquez in 2019?