Bregman signs with the Cubs

[JimEd]

22 hours ago, drewski6 said:

I think people have fully realized how good college baseball has gotten.  Its certainly more competitive than AA, because college teams are trying to win, not develop.

college baseball may have gotten better over the last 10-15 years or so, but it is nowhere near the level of AA.  however, i do agree that college baseballs is far more competitive and they are, without a doubt, trying much harder to win. 

[notin]

22 hours ago, drewski6 said:

What about in the ACC?

Ask Kristian Campbell how well that translates…

[moonslav59]

6 hours ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Sorry, I wasn't clear that I choose Duran over Anthony in LF purely on defense. Talk about pick your poison -- but Duran has been decent this summer and had good enough ratings on some metrics to be considered for Gold Glove nominations.

I did state that Anthony's bat will be in the line-up no matter what, though... he hits the ball really hard once a game.

If "decent on defense over the summer" is the best we can say about Duran, he's gotta go.

The arb cost of $8M plus is the final line drawn. (I wouldn't at $6M)

[jad]

6 hours ago, notin said:

I know.  Then we could be as good as the Giants!!  

 <sigh> If only…

I don't really care about teams, only about the players.  That's why, with the constant turnover of the roster, I don't really give a cr*p about the RS, at least, not like I used to when I could name most of the players on the team.

[notin]

43 minutes ago, jad said:

I don't really care about teams, only about the players.  That's why, with the constant turnover of the roster, I don't really give a cr*p about the RS, at least, not like I used to when I could name most of the players on the team.

Then you’ll never be happy because Breslow and all of his predecessors have been building teams, not collecting big name players…

[moonslav59]

53 minutes ago, jad said:

I don't really care about teams, only about the players.  That's why, with the constant turnover of the roster, I don't really give a cr*p about the RS, at least, not like I used to when I could name most of the players on the team.

I get what your saying, but looking at the end of year 2023 roster, a major turnover was needed and welcomed.

[moonslav59]

10 minutes ago, notin said:

Then you’ll never be happy because Breslow and all of his predecessors have been building teams, not collecting big name players…

An encouraging aspect of this roster Brez built is the years of control of our most important players. The stability factor has been put in place like maybe never done before in Sox history (since the dawn of Free Agency.)

Here is my subjective view of the order of our most important players and their years of control:

6 Crochet (assuming good health)

6 Rafaela

2 Contreras

2 Abreu

5 Tolle

0-1 Gray

 9 Anthony

5-6 Suarez

5 Bennett

1 Chapman

2 Whitlock 

5 Durbin

1 Rutschman

3 Miller

5 Bello

5 Sogard

1 Houck, 2 Crawford, 1 Oviedo, 6+ Arias, Gonzales, Godbout & Primera

 

 

[jad]

4 hours ago, notin said:

Then you’ll never be happy because Breslow and all of his predecessors have been building teams, not collecting big name players…

I think you misunderstand.  I don't care about 'big name' players anymore than ordinary ones.  I just don't want productive players to be replaced, with marginally better or cheaper ones.  I want to feel that the team I watch this year is more or less the team I followed two years ago, five years ago.

[vegasbob]

4 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

An encouraging aspect of this roster Brez built is the years of control of our most important players. The stability factor has been put in place like maybe never done before in Sox history (since the dawn of Free Agency.)

Here is my subjective view of the order of our most important players and their years of control:

6 Crochet (assuming good health)

6 Rafaela

2 Contreras

2 Abreu

5 Tolle

0-1 Gray

 9 Anthony

5-6 Suarez

5 Bennett

1 Chapman

2 Whitlock 

5 Durbin

1 Rutschman

3 Miller

5 Bello

5 Sogard

1 Houck, 2 Crawford, 1 Oviedo, 6+ Arias, Gonzales, Godbout & Primera

 

 

If Duran was valuable , he would be on that list. Same for Story and Yoshida. 

They're not our MVPs

[moonslav59]

43 minutes ago, vegasbob said:

If Duran was valuable , he would be on that list. Same for Story and Yoshida. 

They're not our MVPs

Yup.

They could be helpful, but not likely. They should not be handed any FT slots.

[moonslav59]

57 minutes ago, vegasbob said:

If Duran was valuable , he would be on that list. Same for Story and Yoshida. 

They're not our MVPs

They are not even top 15 or 20.

[drewski6]

On 9/12/2026 at 5:18 PM, jad said:

I don't really care about teams, only about the players.  That's why, with the constant turnover of the roster, I don't really give a cr*p about the RS, at least, not like I used to when I could name most of the players on the team.

I like you, but I dont think this is particularly fair to guys like Cedanne and Abreu especially even Duran, who can for sure be a knucklehead, but my point is this team is loaded with fun personality.  And now we can add a smiling Tolle (insert him right at that top).

I think that maybe what is going on here is sports in general arent as big a part of our culture or maybe that due to some success in the last 20 years....I see what you are saying.  And I agree that the individuals are important. I disagree with Notins post (no offense to Notin) that its all about "team"

But this team absolutely does have individuals who are worth rooting for as people.  Cedanne is a freaking excellent human, and hes very active in the community.  But for some reason , theres not this larger than life aura around him that was attached to the individual 2003-2004 teams.  

But its not his fault.  

I care about individuals too.  And Id rather attach myself to people than logos and laundry.  But there are worthy individuals on this team.  Tolle mania is about to take off.  And Im sure his jersey is going to fly off the shelves.  I want one.  I think also the increase of injuries in todays game may be contributing to the turnover.  Every signing over 30 years old just carries so much more risk than it use to.  ANd not only that, but injuries are prob shortening careers too.

[drewski6]

On 9/12/2026 at 5:18 PM, jad said:

I don't really care about teams, only about the players.  That's why, with the constant turnover of the roster, I don't really give a cr*p about the RS, at least, not like I used to when I could name most of the players on the team.

I realize that you said this on 9/12 and Im all but but but Tolle and you wrote this before his historic smirk.  Thats worth pointing out.

I do think there is a lot of validity to what you say.  But I think this is why I am going to run out and buy a Tolle jersey.  ASAP.  Hes young, in the beginning of his career, big personality, giant arm.  If you are looking for an individual to pour some fandom into, hes a great choice.  And so is Cedanne.  

[drewski6]

On 9/12/2026 at 11:44 PM, moonslav59 said:

They are not even top 15 or 20.

From here until the rest of reg season and through playoffs, Story is absolutely in the top 15 of our most important players.

I would put him behind Tolle, Contreras, Cedanne, maybe Gray and Chapman 

[mvp 78]

8 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

I like you, but I dont think this is particularly fair to guys like Cedanne and Abreu especially even Duran, who can for sure be a knucklehead, but my point is this team is loaded with fun personality.  

Duran is not a fun personality IMO. Just watching that Netflix doc made me really dislike Duran. The whole act of constantly being down on himself 24/7 just seems like it wears on everyone around him. I know that Refsyder and other veterans tried to talk to him about getting away from that self destructive mindset. Even the "they see us as monkeys in a circus" nonsense concerning the fans. Yeah buddy, you're in a big market. They are going to pay attention to how you perform and they are going to care if you win or lose. There's a reason the Sox are 3rd in revenue: the fans! 

[NHNative]

14 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

I realize that you said this on 9/12 and Im all but but but Tolle and you wrote this before his historic smirk.  Thats worth pointing out.

I do think there is a lot of validity to what you say.  But I think this is why I am going to run out and buy a Tolle jersey.  ASAP.  Hes young, in the beginning of his career, big personality, giant arm.  If you are looking for an individual to pour some fandom into, hes a great choice.  And so is Cedanne.  

I couldn't agree more. The Tolle Train is off. I just ordered a jersey and I am deep in KC territory.

LOL.

 

[drewski6]

3 minutes ago, NHNative said:

I couldn't agree more. The Tolle Train is off. I just ordered a jersey and I am deep in KC territory.

LOL.

 

DId you custom make it?  Im going to Fenway last home game of season, I was planning on buying it there, but I wonder if it would be $400 at Fenway vs $200 online, and if I can get it sooner, but I suppose last home game at Fenway is only weeks away.

Im def joining you and getting one.  I think you made the right choice of player, I can see eyeing Gasper because hes a NH native.  But he is already 30 and who knows the long term plan.  ANd if he can keep it up.  

Im talking to you but also myself.  Im not a NH native (providence native) but I do love Gasper.  Any my friends dad taught him in HS.  Maybe I should get a Gasper "shirt-zee" like $40 and a Tolle Jersey (what? like $200-$250),  I do need fresh gear.  I have Betts, Pedroia, and Papelbon gear lol.

[drewski6]

14 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Duran is not a fun personality IMO. Just watching that Netflix doc made me really dislike Duran. The whole act of constantly being down on himself 24/7 just seems like it wears on everyone around him. I know that Refsyder and other veterans tried to talk to him about getting away from that self destructive mindset. Even the "they see us as monkeys in a circus" nonsense concerning the fans. Yeah buddy, you're in a big market. They are going to pay attention to how you perform and they are going to care if you win or lose. There's a reason the Sox are 3rd in revenue: the fans! 

Im glad I missed teh "monkeys in a circus" comment, that feels out-of-touch.  I like the story of Duran (no pun intended). I do respect rising above mental health issues.  And I liked Durans comments after Devers was traded about how we are all now pulling in the same direction.  I think theres leadership qualities in there, but they may be partially hidden behind some d-bagginess.  I do feel like Duran has been a co-creator or champion of some fun celebrations like the wally head and the shopping cart.  I also like the mullet.  And the tenure.  Jads original criticism is about the lack of tenure and the turnover making em feel like here today, gone tomorrow quickly replaced mercenaries.  

I know what Jad means, as I dont always love the "next man up" mindset.  Sometimes it feels like theres a turning point when it comes time to pay a guy or replace him with the next young / cheap prospect.  And I dont love that culture.  But I do acknowledge obviously that you cant pay everyone.  And there has to be a pick and choose. 

[mvp 78]

9 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

And I liked Durans comments after Devers was traded about how we are all now pulling in the same direction.

You're misremembering the quote. It's nothing about pulling in the same direction, just "next man up."

“He's a great player, but at the end of the day, it's how many guys on the roster, 26?” said outfielder Jarren Duran. “That’s just one guy, so we’ve got 25 other guys that were pulling from the same line to win those series, not just one. So I think that’s how we’ve got to think about it like that as a team.”

[Hitch]

38 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Duran is not a fun personality IMO. Just watching that Netflix doc made me really dislike Duran. The whole act of constantly being down on himself 24/7 just seems like it wears on everyone around him. I know that Refsyder and other veterans tried to talk to him about getting away from that self destructive mindset. Even the "they see us as monkeys in a circus" nonsense concerning the fans. Yeah buddy, you're in a big market. They are going to pay attention to how you perform and they are going to care if you win or lose. There's a reason the Sox are 3rd in revenue: the fans! 

I don't know if it's just the way you've phrased it, but it sure doesn't come across as an 'act'. The guy clearly has issues and his father seems to be very much at the base of them. 

Nobody has to actively like someone, but weird to actively dislike someone for their mental health issues, but each to their own.

[mvp 78]

19 minutes ago, Hitch said:

I don't know if it's just the way you've phrased it, but it sure doesn't come across as an 'act'. The guy clearly has issues and his father seems to be very much at the base of them. 

Nobody has to actively like someone, but weird to actively dislike someone for their mental health issues, but each to their own.

It's not an "act" but really just his demeanor. His whole persona wears on people. It's why vets have told him to not get so down on himself. 

How about he goes and sees somebody to deal with his stuff? How about he shows measurable change rather than year after year fighting with fans? 

His job is to perform for our entertainment. He will get cheered or booed. That's the job. He doesn't like that. Too bad. It's his 4th fulltime season in MLB. He needs to figure it out. 🤷‍♂️

[moonslav59]

2 hours ago, drewski6 said:

From here until the rest of reg season and through playoffs, Story is absolutely in the top 15 of our most important players.

I would put him behind Tolle, Contreras, Cedanne, maybe Gray and Chapman 

My list was about 2027 and beyond. I had Arias on the list.

Yes, right now Story is about #15, counting 6-7 pitchers.

[moonslav59]

2 hours ago, NHNative said:

I couldn't agree more. The Tolle Train is off. I just ordered a jersey and I am deep in KC territory.

LOL.

 

It's fun seeing a kid enjoying himself while doing wonders on the mound.

[moonslav59]

You know an ex-Sox player that also looked like he was having fun while doing great things?

Devers.

[NHNative]

2 hours ago, drewski6 said:

DId you custom make it?  Im going to Fenway last home game of season, I was planning on buying it there, but I wonder if it would be $400 at Fenway vs $200 online, and if I can get it sooner, but I suppose last home game at Fenway is only weeks away.

Im def joining you and getting one.  I think you made the right choice of player, I can see eyeing Gasper because hes a NH native.  But he is already 30 and who knows the long term plan.  ANd if he can keep it up.  

Im talking to you but also myself.  Im not a NH native (providence native) but I do love Gasper.  Any my friends dad taught him in HS.  Maybe I should get a Gasper "shirt-zee" like $40 and a Tolle Jersey (what? like $200-$250),  I do need fresh gear.  I have Betts, Pedroia, and Papelbon gear lol.

No--I got a cheaper T-shirt at Amazon.

Mick went to HS in Merrimack and we lived in Amherst next door.

we are currently in OK and Tolle is from Stillwater.

[Hitch]

2 hours ago, mvp 78 said:

It's not an "act" but really just his demeanor. His whole persona wears on people. It's why vets have told him to not get so down on himself. 

How about he goes and sees somebody to deal with his stuff? How about he shows measurable change rather than year after year fighting with fans? 

His job is to perform for our entertainment. He will get cheered or booed. That's the job. He doesn't like that. Too bad. It's his 4th fulltime season in MLB. He needs to figure it out. 🤷‍♂️

How do you know he isn't speaking to someone? This idea that a person who suffers depression and attempted to kill himself should just stop getting down on himself and show us some measurable change is idiocy I thought we'd left in the last decade. Obviously not.

His job isn't to entertain you, It's to play well and earn a career for himself and his family. Entertainment is a byproduct. But your idea that his job is to entertain you, and don't you dare complain, shows very neatly that players are seen as commodities, robots there for our benefit and nothing else. Not human beings with real struggles and flaws. 

Sounds like he was right when he said I should never have mentioned it. Certainly nothing has been learned for some.

[drewski6]

2 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

My list was about 2027 and beyond. I had Arias on the list.

Yes, right now Story is about #15, counting 6-7 pitchers.

I agree that the context of your post was the future, not here until end of playoffs this year.  

#15 right now, with 6-7 pitchers in front is not haterade though.

For 2026 championship chase - he's like #6-8 most important with 1-3 pitchers in front.

[moonslav59]

Just now, drewski6 said:

I agree that the context of your post was the future, not here until end of playoffs this year.  

#15 right now, with 6-7 pitchers in front is not haterade though.

For 2026 championship chase - he's like #6-8 most important with 1-3 pitchers in front.

I am okay with Story. On this site, I'm maybe in the top 10% on his side.

My main beef is that he should be at 2B, but for now, we have nobody better, unless we promote Arias.

[drewski6]

34 minutes ago, Hitch said:

How do you know he isn't speaking to someone? This idea that a person who suffers depression and attempted to kill himself should just stop getting down on himself and show us some measurable change is idiocy I thought we'd left in the last decade. Obviously not.

His job isn't to entertain you, It's to play well and earn a career for himself and his family. Entertainment is a byproduct. But your idea that his job is to entertain you, and don't you dare complain, shows very neatly that players are seen as commodities, robots there for our benefit and nothing else. Not human beings with real struggles and flaws. 

Sounds like he was right when he said I should never have mentioned it. Certainly nothing has been learned for some.

I agree with MVP that end of day, his job is to entertain.  We are the clients.  I agree with you, however, that we should have compassion and understanding for his mental health journey.  But the challenge is where to draw the line.  Because every person who acts like a fool has a reason why.  There are always reasons why.  

I dont love "figure it out" as it does sound cold to me.  But there is a point where his mental health struggles are hurting the team more than his talents are helping.  But Ill keep rooting for him.  But I may boo if he drops a ball.  But Id prob feel bad about it later.

[drewski6]

3 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

I am okay with Story. On this site, I'm maybe in the top 10% on his side.

My main beef is that he should be at 2B, but for now, we have nobody better, unless we promote Arias.

So if hes the most capable SS defender (by a margin), this is a reason why he is too low at #15 on importance (for 2026 championship chase).  Im also considering that. Im also considering his playoff experience, that hes swung the bat well since returning, and that he was one of our best hitters in last years playoffs.  

Tolle, Gray, Cedanne, Contreras, Abreu, Story