A Realistic Look at the 2026 Red Sox: Part I

[JoeBrady]

22 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

So, the idea of keeping Abreu's bat in the line-up while he "rests" at DH is not going to happen.

My guess we will face enough "tough lefties," where it's worth giving him a full day off, anyway.

There is seldom any reason to rest a player at DH.  Most of your best fielders don't hit enough to warrant them DH'ing.  As you mention, if you think a player needs day off, just line it up so he avoids a pitcher that he has problems with.

[moonslav59]

35 minutes ago, JoeBrady said:

There is seldom any reason to rest a player at DH.  Most of your best fielders don't hit enough to warrant them DH'ing.  As you mention, if you think a player needs day off, just line it up so he avoids a pitcher that he has problems with.

With our issue with power, I though maybe Contreras and Abreu could play 160-162 games, if they DH'd 10 times, instead of playing 155-157 games and having 5-7 complete days off (maybe PH in 1 or 2 or 'em.)

I'm fine with this choice.

BTW, Cora did not say Contreras would never DH. He also did not say Duran would not.

If everyone is healthy (except Casas), I think we might see this at DH...

80 Duran (75 in LF/CF)

42 Masa

40 Anthony (115 in LF/RF)

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Merloni just said Cora loves Anthony leadoff, so who bats behind him for protection just needs to wear a Manny mask until they get to Contreras at clean-up (he didn't say the last part; I did).

Lou also says Durbin at 3rd, with Mayer/Romy at 2nd -- mainly because Romy is more comfortable there.

My feeling is that Mayer is the best infielder with the best arm, which gives the Sox the best chance at completing Cora's favorite feat: the double play. DPs will be more important than ever for a club built around pitching.

Mayer had his elbow fixed last August. Durbin, who proved himself capable at 3B for a team that won the most games in baseball, had his elbow scoped this offseason. Romy has had recent shoulder pain, but in his left shoulder. Cora will go the guy who will turn two most consistently.

[moonslav59]

9 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Merloni just said Cora loves Anthony leadoff, so who bats behind him for protection just needs to wear a Manny mask until they get to Contreras at clean-up (he didn't say the last part; I did).

Lou also says Durbin at 3rd, with Mayer/Romy at 2nd -- mainly because Romy is more comfortable there.

My feeling is that Mayer is the best infielder with the best arm, which gives the Sox the best chance at completing Cora's favorite feat: the double play. DPs will be more important than ever for a club built around pitching.

Mayer had his elbow fixed last August. Durbin, who proved himself capable at 3B for a team that won the most games in baseball, had his elbow scoped this offseason. Romy has had recent shoulder pain, but in his left shoulder. Cora will go the guy who will turn two most consistently.

I kinda liked Mayer at 2B, too, because of the platoon option with Romy, and also that Durbin looked real good at 3B, last year.

I think a RHB up second makes the most sense, and modern line-up philosophy says put your best batter up 2nd. Since Anthony is leading off, I'm thinking Contreras is our second bast bat, at least v L or as a batter with pretty even splits (.791 career v R.) Story has some speed, but he doesn't get on base enough. Duran or Abreu? Both lefties. Contreras up 4th makes a lot of sense, too.

Which of these is better?

1. Anthony L

2. Contreras R

3. Duran L (v R) Romy R (v L)

4. Abreu L

5. Story R 

6. Durbin R (v R) Duran (v L)

7. Mayer L (v R) Durbin R (v L)

8. Narvaez R 

9. Rafaela R

or

1. Anthony L

2. Durbin R

3. Duran L

4. Contreras R

5. Abreu L

6. Story R

7. Mayer/Romy L/R

8. Narvaez R

9. Rafaela R

[moonslav59]

No doubt, the Yanks have talent plus the promise of a Cole return, but they have some serious questions, too. Sometimes I think Sox fans apply different criteria for Yankees than our own Sox players. I don't have to guess how fans think of our own pitchers who missed the previous season: it's on full display, every winter, yet it seems like Cole is pegged to win the Cy Young and lead the Yanks to an improved record.

How about Rodon? No doubt- a damn good pitcher, when healthy. He's 33 and has been healthy 3 of the last 4 seasons, so no questions here, right? Same thing with 32 year old Fried. Pencil both in for 30+ starts. Gil looks very promising- I agree-pencil him in, too, despite just 40 GS in 3 seasons. I wish Schlitter was on our team, and his 14 GS in 2025 -his rookie year- and that's more than Early had. I agree he's more of a sure thing than Tolle & Early, but is he a sure bet?

Some of us expect regression from Chapman & Whitlock, but is there a reason to expect Bednar to improve?

The Yanks had 8 players with 19+ HRs, last season and all are back. That's scary as hell to a fanbase panicking about our team's lack of power. Does a guy who never hit over 17 HRs before last year's 34 (Grisham) really project as a better power bat than Abreu? Maybe- maybe not. How about Bellinger? Is he the model of consistency? Here are his OPS numbers the 4 seasons prior to his ,813 in 2025: .789>.542>,654>.881>.751.

Ben Rice looks for real, and maybe Volpe takes a step up. Chisholm hit more than twice as many HRs than 2024. Goldschmidt was in severe decline before they brought him back. Wells is more proven than Narvaez, but they are about the same age and have about the same career OPS. I hear a lot of expecting regression from Narvaez but not Wells.

I do think the Yanks look tough, but they have a lot questions- like we do.

[JoeBrady]

3 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

5. Story R 

6. Durbin R (v R)

I like the first, though I don't think it makes too much difference.  But I do like Durbin behind Story since Story likes to run, and Durbin usually makes contact.

[moonslav59]

10 minutes ago, JoeBrady said:

I like the first, though I don't think it makes too much difference.  But I do like Durbin behind Story since Story likes to run, and Durbin usually makes contact.

I just wish Story had a better OBP.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

9 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

I just wish Story had a better OBP.

 No matter what we think is the best order -- or even what the paid analytics dept determines -- the manager has his favorite line-ups, plus ego quirks to deal with that none of us know about.

Cora's already said his top four guys will be Anthony, Story, Duran and Contreras, probably with Abreu 5th and Durbin 6th (AC likes Caleb "lengthening" the line-up down there). 

That's a lot of swing and miss, 1 through 5.

Personally, I like a contact hitter and bunter like Durbin behind another base stealer like Duran or Story. It's the best way to utilize Durbin's skills -- which are rare on this roster and desperately needed to change the culture.

And if Anthony is indeed the team's best hitter -- on a team with zero offensive stars -- don't we want him up there as much as possible with traffic on the bases???

If this season will be based on pitchers' duels, give yourself the best chance to win them...

 

[mvp 78]

13 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

With our issue with power, I though maybe Contreras and Abreu could play 160-162 games, if they DH'd 10 times, instead of playing 155-157 games and having 5-7 complete days off (maybe PH in 1 or 2 or 'em.)

I'm fine with this choice.

BTW, Cora did not say Contreras would never DH. He also did not say Duran would not.

If everyone is healthy (except Casas), I think we might see this at DH...

80 Duran (75 in LF/CF)

42 Masa

40 Anthony (115 in LF/RF)

Cora builds in rest days for everyone. I'd be surprised if guys over 30 are playing 160 games even with the DH. He likes giving people the mental break too. 

[mvp 78]

13 hours ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Merloni just said Cora loves Anthony leadoff, so who bats behind him for protection just needs to wear a Manny mask until they get to Contreras at clean-up (he didn't say the last part; I did).

Lou also says Durbin at 3rd, with Mayer/Romy at 2nd -- mainly because Romy is more comfortable there.

My feeling is that Mayer is the best infielder with the best arm, which gives the Sox the best chance at completing Cora's favorite feat: the double play. DPs will be more important than ever for a club built around pitching.

Mayer had his elbow fixed last August. Durbin, who proved himself capable at 3B for a team that won the most games in baseball, had his elbow scoped this offseason. Romy has had recent shoulder pain, but in his left shoulder. Cora will go the guy who will turn two most consistently.

We're going to find out in ST whose arm is in better condition. One of them better be able to play 3b that's for sure. 

[mvp 78]

3 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

 No matter what we think is the best order -- or even what the paid analytics dept determines -- the manager has his favorite line-ups, plus ego quirks to deal with that none of us know about.

Cora's already said his top four guys will be Anthony, Story, Duran and Contreras, probably with Abreu 5th and Durbin 6th (AC likes Caleb "lengthening" the line-up down there). 

That's a lot of swing and miss, 1 through 5.

Personally, I like a contact hitter and bunter like Durbin behind another base stealer like Duran or Story. It's the best way to utilize Durbin's skills -- which are rare on this roster and desperately needed to change the culture.

And if Anthony is indeed the team's best hitter -- on a team with zero offensive stars -- don't we want him up there as much as possible with traffic on the bases???

If this season will be based on pitchers' duels, give yourself the best chance to win them...

I think Cora likes the lineup looking like this now, but it will change by the end of the season. I wonder if Durbin ends up sneaking into the 2 hole. 

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

 No matter what we think is the best order -- or even what the paid analytics dept determines -- the manager has his favorite line-ups, plus ego quirks to deal with that none of us know about.

Cora's already said his top four guys will be Anthony, Story, Duran and Contreras, probably with Abreu 5th and Durbin 6th (AC likes Caleb "lengthening" the line-up down there). 

That's a lot of swing and miss, 1 through 5.

Personally, I like a contact hitter and bunter like Durbin behind another base stealer like Duran or Story. It's the best way to utilize Durbin's skills -- which are rare on this roster and desperately needed to change the culture.

And if Anthony is indeed the team's best hitter -- on a team with zero offensive stars -- don't we want him up there as much as possible with traffic on the bases???

If this season will be based on pitchers' duels, give yourself the best chance to win them...

 

Durbin is less swing and miss and had a .334 OBP. That's not great, but it beats Story and vs LHPs, it beats Duran, too. Putting him up 1-2-3 would actually "lengthen the line-up more than having him 6th. IMO.

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, mvp 78 said:

Cora builds in rest days for everyone. I'd be surprised if guys over 30 are playing 160 games even with the DH. He likes giving people the mental break too. 

I think he already has te rets days planned... LOL.

It doesn't matter if it's a LHP or RHP, if it's your day off, you get it.

It doesn't matter if you're 10 for your last 20, either.

[mvp 78]

17 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Durbin is less swing and miss and had a .334 OBP. That's not great, but it beats Story and vs LHPs, it beats Duran, too. Putting him up 1-2-3 would actually "lengthen the line-up more than having him 6th. IMO.

I'd swap him and Story. Too many k's from Story for him to be at #2 for me. 

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

16 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Durbin is less swing and miss and had a .334 OBP. That's not great, but it beats Story and vs LHPs, it beats Duran, too. Putting him up 1-2-3 would actually "lengthen the line-up more than having him 6th. IMO.

Totally agree. A guy who makes contact and can bunt should hit second in a good batting order.

But I'm so outdated, I'm only reiterating the first 100 or so years of accepted baseball strategy.

[mvp 78]

17 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

I think he already has te rets days planned... LOL.

It doesn't matter if it's a LHP or RHP, if it's your day off, you get it.

It doesn't matter if you're 10 for your last 20, either.

Honestly, he probably does have it scheduled somewhat. There's probably a certain amount of games played before you take a day off. 

Brock Holt said what he liked most about Cora was that he was a great communicator and he always knew in advance what his schedule was going to be. 

[mvp 78]

1 minute ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Totally agree. A guy who makes contact and can bunt should hit second in a good batting order.

But I'm so outdated, I'm only reiterating the first 100 or so years of accepted baseball strategy.

I don't want to get rotten produce thrown at me, but:

Jarren

Durbin 

Anthony

Contreras

Abreu

Story

Mayer

Narvaez

Rafaela

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

18 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

I don't want to get rotten produce thrown at me, but:

Jarren

Durbin 

Anthony

Contreras

Abreu

Story

Mayer

Narvaez

Rafaela

Two guys that can run followed by your four best power hitters? Why are you trying to make sense? No avocado for you.

[notin]

1 minute ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Two guys that can run followed by your four best power hitters? Why are you trying to make sense? No avocado for you.

But he does win an iguana-flavored otter pop.  Or an otter-flavored iguana pop.  His choice…

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

3 minutes ago, notin said:

But he does win an iguana-flavored otter pop.  Or an otter-flavored iguana pop.  His choice…

Otters know where it's at. Swimming and fishing all day.

[notin]

9 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Otters know where it's at. Swimming and fishing all day.

Don’t forget their adorable savagery. Those giant ones in South America will rip your face off and wear it as a mask, like Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs..

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

6 minutes ago, notin said:

Don’t forget their adorable savagery. Those giant ones in South America will rip your face off and wear it as a mask, like Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs..

They tried eradicating them by arming drones with spear guns, but natives suspected secret bounties when others started disappearing: goliath frogs, electric eels, LED eels, manatees, girlatease... 

[Nick]

Oviedo is the biggest member of a big family.

“My dad is like 6-2, something like that. My mom is huge,” he said. “I feel like I kind of got that from her. She’s like 5-11 I think but she’s like big and wide and huge legs. She’s a monster of (a) woman.”

I love it but not sure about his mom. "Son, really? I'm BIG AND WIDE AND HAVE HUGE LEGS?" lol

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

18 minutes ago, Nick said:

Oviedo is the biggest member of a big family.

“My dad is like 6-2, something like that. My mom is huge,” he said. “I feel like I kind of got that from her. She’s like 5-11 I think but she’s like big and wide and huge legs. She’s a monster of (a) woman.”

I love it but not sure about his mom. "Son, really? I'm BIG AND WIDE AND HAVE HUGE LEGS?" lol

Dang -- take it back. Stop, before this is all over the internet.

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, mvp 78 said:

I don't want to get rotten produce thrown at me, but:

Jarren

Durbin 

Anthony

Contreras

Abreu

Story

Mayer

Narvaez

Rafaela

DUCK! An overripe tomato is on it's way towards you!

[notin]

3 hours ago, mvp 78 said:

Cora builds in rest days for everyone. I'd be surprised if guys over 30 are playing 160 games even with the DH. He likes giving people the mental break too. 

And more important - Cora likes to have those dreaded bench players see action every so often so they’re somewhat ready if/when they’re actually needed.

Other than catchers, I’m not sure how much rest anyone else really needs.  Especially in the early part of the season…

[mvp 78]

Just now, notin said:

And more important - Cora likes to have those dreaded bench players see action every so often so they’re somewhat ready if/when they’re actually needed.

Other than catchers, I’m not sure how much rest anyone else really needs.  Especially in the early part of the season…

Mayer is going to see the IL whether he's well rested or not. 

[notin]

11 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

DUCK! An overripe tomato is on it's way towards you!

He gets a tomato and a duck?  Will he be making duck ragu?

[Larry Cook]

16 hours ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

 

My feeling is that Mayer is the best infielder with the best arm, which gives the Sox the best chance at completing Cora's favorite feat: the double play. DPs will be more important than ever for a club built around pitching.

Mayer had his elbow fixed last August. Durbin, who proved himself capable at 3B for a team that won the most games in baseball, had his elbow scoped this offseason. Romy has had recent shoulder pain, but in his left shoulder. Cora will go the guy who will turn two most consistently.

I finally got to see mayer’s arm in action at the ballpark for a few days. 
what shocked me was that the arm strength on the throws was ok, but not nearly as strong as I was led to believe from the writers!! (Maybe injuries are a part of it) 

the 3B for Toronto, barger and Henderson of Baltimore have much stronger arms than Mayer!!  Barger throws bullets!!!  

[drewski6]

Anthony
Contreras
Duran
Story
Abreu
Durbin
Mayer
Narvaez
Cedanne