Red Sox Sign 3B, 2B, SS, Isiah Kiner-Falefa

[FredLynn]

2 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Oh yeah, that's totally what it sounds like if you read everyone's posts. 

I think my post might have been ............facetious. I sincerely hope that the fans boycott the park this year if Breslow gives more LIP SERVICE to obtaining talent.

[JoeBrady]

10 minutes ago, notin said:

If it comes down to the Cubs, BTV gives fair trades as

1. Witherspoon for Hoerner

2. Tolle for Shaw

Of those two, and both are tough calls, I do Tolle for Shaw.  Shaw has much more control and much more power.  Both are excellent defensive players.

Witherspoon might have the higher ceiling, but he’s also much further away.  But with the Sox current pitching depth, I’m in no rush on Witherspoon..

I would do #2.  I wouldn't do #1 unless we have an extension worked out.  Shaw might be a 15 fWAR/5 player for us.  Even a good Hoerner might only be 5 WAR, if that.  Tolle is more valuable than Witherspoon, but not that much more valuable.

[mvp 78]

13 minutes ago, FredLynn said:

I think my post might have been ............facetious. I sincerely hope that the fans boycott the park this year if Breslow gives more LIP SERVICE to obtaining talent.

They didn't boycott when the team was a .500 team. Why would they boycott this year when the team is coming off a playoff run? Makes no sense. 

[Old Red]

15 minutes ago, FredLynn said:

I think my post might have been ............facetious. I sincerely hope that the fans boycott the park this year if Breslow gives more LIP SERVICE to obtaining talent.

That would just give more room to opposing teams fans who show up more, and more every year.

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, notin said:

MLB drafting based on position is stupid.  Do you really know what you’re going to need 2-4 years down the road?

Well, the Sox did for about 20 years, but your point is well-taken.

[moonslav59]

42 minutes ago, notin said:

If it comes down to the Cubs, BTV gives fair trades as

1. Witherspoon for Hoerner

2. Tolle for Shaw

Of those two, and both are tough calls, I do Tolle for Shaw.  Shaw has much more control and much more power.  Both are excellent defensive players.

Witherspoon might have the higher ceiling, but he’s also much further away.  But with the Sox current pitching depth, I’m in no rush on Witherspoon..

I'm not sure the Cubs want to trade for a "down-the-road guy like Witherspoon, even if they really like him alot.

The Tolle for Saw deal looks like a possibility. (Add DHam... LMAO!)

[moonslav59]

34 minutes ago, FredLynn said:

I'm certain that Flops fans will be quite satisfied as long as Breslow is "interested" in  Paredes, Shaw etc. We don't actually have to obtain any of them. 

I'm kinda glad Brez wasn't "interested in" Ranger.

[moonslav59]

8 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

They didn't boycott when the team was a .500 team. Why would they boycott this year when the team is coming off a playoff run? Makes no sense. 

Plus, the team is higher rated than last winter and spending $50M more than 2024. As much as I wished/wish we'd do more, it's hard to whip up massive rebellion when these two facts are standing front and center.

We should win more than 2025. We shoulda got even better, but we do look better, now.

[mvp 78]

8 minutes ago, Old Red said:

That would just give more room to opposing teams fans who show up more, and more every year.

It is America's Most Beloved Ballpark! 🤮

[drewski6]

1 hour ago, mvp 78 said:

You know the sickos here won't stick to that.

I dont think its that hard....Ian Kinsler Falafel

[mvp 78]

10 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Well, the Sox did for about 20 years, but your point is well-taken.

Who was drafted based on need aside from Craig Hansen? 

[drewski6]

52 minutes ago, notin said:

If it comes down to the Cubs, BTV gives fair trades as

1. Witherspoon for Hoerner

2. Tolle for Shaw

Of those two, and both are tough calls, I do Tolle for Shaw.  Shaw has much more control and much more power.  Both are excellent defensive players.

Witherspoon might have the higher ceiling, but he’s also much further away.  But with the Sox current pitching depth, I’m in no rush on Witherspoon..

Tolles upside is Crochet.  I do #1 if we can extend.

[drewski6]

18 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

They didn't boycott when the team was a .500 team. Why would they boycott this year when the team is coming off a playoff run? Makes no sense. 

Ive boycotted

[moonslav59]

1 minute ago, mvp 78 said:

Who was drafted based on need aside from Craig Hansen? 

I'm saying we haven't drafted for a need (pitching) despite knowing we've needed pitching for over 20 years.

notin was saying we don't know what we'll need in 2-4 years. I'd say we knew all too well.... and for more than 2-4 years.

[moonslav59]

1 minute ago, drewski6 said:

Ive boycotted

I haven't been to Fenway in many years, but I'm never cancelling my NESN subscription.

 

[drewski6]

I guess its not really a boycott, when I will decline all my chances to go to Fenway this year because the team is a snooze. I guess a boycott would be wanting to go but not going to send a message. Not whats happening with me.  I just got more fun things to do.

[moonslav59]

3 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

Tolles upside is Crochet.  I do #1 if we can extend.

BTV also accepts Early for Shaw- plus we can always just add DHAM! (LOL)

[drewski6]

10 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Plus, the team is higher rated than last winter and spending $50M more than 2024. As much as I wished/wish we'd do more, it's hard to whip up massive rebellion when these two facts are standing front and center.

We should win more than 2025. We shoulda got even better, but we do look better, now.

Wait, what?

Bro, one of Abreu/Duran/Anthony will get hurt.  One of STory/Mayer will get hurt.  And we'll prob lose a third quality bat too to injury.

Im calling 78 wins.  Get Brent Rooker and it jumps to 98.

[mvp 78]

1 minute ago, moonslav59 said:

I'm saying we haven't drafted for a need (pitching) despite knowing we've needed pitching for over 20 years.

notin was saying we don't know what we'll need in 2-4 years. I'd say we knew all too well.... and for more than 2-4 years.

Oh, ok. 

They spent a lot of draft capital on pitchers, they just didn't work out (1st rounders since 08: Price, Ranaudo, Owens, Johnson, Light, Ball, Kopech, Groome, Houck, Witherspoon). The hit rate was pretty bad for top of the draft guys. 

[mvp 78]

5 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

I haven't been to Fenway in many years, but I'm never cancelling my NESN subscription.

 

Sometimes I wonder if that'd be better than going through mlb.tv. 

How much is it per month? 

[drewski6]

2 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

I haven't been to Fenway in many years, but I'm never cancelling my NESN subscription.

 

I wouldnt let you. I mean, I dont have the power to actually not let you, but I would never ask you to do any kind of boycott and Id try to talk you out of it. You are a good person and I want you to do what makes you happy, and the sox are pretty f'ing important to you , obviously.

Me, I live for food and non-white women - and I would never boycott either of them

[mvp 78]

4 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

Wait, what?

Bro, one of Abreu/Duran/Anthony will get hurt.  One of STory/Mayer will get hurt.  And we'll prob lose a third quality bat too to injury.

Im calling 78 wins.  Get Brent Rooker and it jumps to 98.

Brent Rooker is a 20 WAR player, you heard it here first...

[mvp 78]

6 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

BTV also accepts Early for Shaw- plus we can always just add DHAM! (LOL)

Boycott!!!

[drewski6]

Just now, mvp 78 said:

Brent Rooker is a 20 WAR player, you heard it here first...

20 WAR DH to boot

[moonslav59]

Just now, drewski6 said:

Wait, what?

Bro, one of Abreu/Duran/Anthony will get hurt.  One of STory/Mayer will get hurt.  And we'll prob lose a third quality bat too to injury.

Im calling 78 wins.  Get Brent Rooker and it jumps to 98.

We should not lose more games to injury than 2025.

Remember, Houck was our #2 in February, Buehler was our #3, Crawford was our #5 or 6. Guys like Gio & Dobbins were rarely talked about in positive light. Bello was our #4 or 5 in FEB. We were also kinda counting on Hendriks and Sandoval to make an appearance near the deadline.

While nobody was drooling over the return of Casas, he did off some hope. We lost Devers to trade, and Bregman, Anthony, Mayer and Abreu to injuries in '25, too.

You call is based on more injuries in '26 than '25?

Okay, if that happens, maybe, but why not think some guys will be back from injury? Maybe even more than how many get hurt.

[mvp 78]

Just now, drewski6 said:

20 WAR DH to boot

 

[drewski6]

1 minute ago, moonslav59 said:

We should not lose more games to injury than 2025.

Remember, Houck was our #2 in February, Buehler was our #3, Crawford was our #5 or 6. Guys like Gio & Dobbins were rarely talked about in positive light. Bello was our #4 or 5 in FEB. We were also kinda counting on Hendriks and Sandoval to make an appearance near the deadline.

While nobody was drooling over the return of Casas, he did off some hope. We lost Devers to trade, and Bregman, Anthony, Mayer and Abreu to injuries in '25, too.

You call is based on more injuries in '26 than '25?

Okay, if that happens, maybe, but why not think some guys will be back from injury? Maybe even more than how many get hurt.

You know how you are always like we need 10 pitchers because half will get hurt?  I think similar rate of injury to position players.  So when I see 4 plus hitters, I assume 2 will get hurt, and I dont think a team this lacking in firepower wins 50%.  Im also seeing the orioles get better.

Im also exaggerating when I say 78 wins, but right now, unless there are more moves or a big bat breakout, I think we'll be desperate for offense and Bres doesnt have a great track record of trading for it mid-season.

You point to things that were unlucky last year, and sure, there were areas where we had bad luck.  But there was some good luck too. Toro/Lowe were huge for us even if they ran out of usefulness, they covered a lot of games unexpectedly.  Crochet and Chapman stayed healthy.  I would rather lose Gray, Ranger, Oviedo, Bello to injury (all 4) than just Crochet.

I believe in sophmore slumps , so im not sure anthony wont have some growing pains. Mayer too.  We dont have Bregman, we dont have devers.  

I can see us stepping back this year.  Im not sure about it, and I can see it going the other way too (positive season due to positive developments).  

 

[Hugh2]

43 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Well, the Sox did for about 20 years, but your point is well-taken.

When? 

[moonslav59]

2 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Oh, ok. 

They spent a lot of draft capital on pitchers, they just didn't work out (1st rounders since 08: Price, Ranaudo, Owens, Johnson, Light, Ball, Kopech, Groome, Houck, Witherspoon). The hit rate was pretty bad for top of the draft guys. 

Clearly, we have focused more on drafting pitchers in the 20 years before Brez. 

Our top 3 picks that were pitchers since 2003:

Most of the pitchers taken in the top 10 were ranked 6-10

2003: 3rd (#49) 5 of top 10

2004: 2nd (95) and 3rd (125) 5 of top 10

2005: 2nd (26) & 3rd (42) 4 of 10

2006: 2nd (28) and 3rd (40) 6 of 10

2007: 1st (but #55) 4 of 10

2008: 2nd (45) 4 of 10

2009: 2nd (77) 4 of 10

2010: 3rd (39) 4 of 10

2011: 1st (19 Barnes) & 3rd (36) 5 of 10

2012: 2nd (31) 3rd (37) 8 out of 10 (after 10 years of more everyday in the top 10)

2013: 1st (7 TBall) and 2nd (43) 7 of 10 (looks like Ben did focus more on P)

2014: 2nd (33-Kopech) 5 of 10

2015: none in top 4 picks 3 in top 10

2016: 1st (7- Groome) and 3 (88th) 4 of top 10 (back in the groove, but 2 yrs in a row w top pick P'ers)

2017: 1st (24-Houck) 4 in 10

2018:: 3rd (100) 3 in 10 (4 yrs with 14 in 40)

2019: 3rd (107) 5 in 10

2020: 3rd (118) 2 of 4 picks

2021: none in top 3 and just 4 in top 10

2022: none in top 3 and 6 in 10- 5 of em from #5-10

2023: none in top 3 (way to go Bloom!) and 5 in 10 (3 of em 8-9-10)

____________________________

Change:

2024: 2nd (50) and 3rd (86) and 4 of top 6 and 6 of 10 (12 of top 16!)

2025: 1st (15 Witherspoon) and 2nd (33) and 8 of 10 & 14 of top 19 picks

(14 of top 20 over 2 years)

That's a sea change.

[moonslav59]

19 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

You know how you are always like we need 10 pitchers because half will get hurt?  I think similar rate of injury to position players.  So when I see 4 plus hitters, I assume 2 will get hurt, and I dont think a team this lacking in firepower wins 50%.  Im also seeing the orioles get better.

Im also exaggerating when I say 78 wins, but right now, unless there are more moves or a big bat breakout, I think we'll be desperate for offense and Bres doesnt have a great track record of trading for it mid-season.

You point to things that were unlucky last year, and sure, there were areas where we had bad luck.  But there was some good luck too. Toro/Lowe were huge for us even if they ran out of usefulness, they covered a lot of games unexpectedly.  Crochet and Chapman stayed healthy.  I would rather lose Gray, Ranger, Oviedo, Bello to injury (all 4) than just Crochet.

I believe in sophmore slumps , so im not sure anthony wont have some growing pains. Mayer too.  We dont have Bregman, we dont have devers.  

I can see us stepping back this year.  Im not sure about it, and I can see it going the other way too (positive season due to positive developments).  

 

I don't think we were unlucky, last year. It was kinda normal, except that maybe most injuries were to SP'ers and 3 were basically lost for the whole year. These days, that's not all that abnormal.

I think we had better than average everyday player luck with injuries. I was shocked Story player 150+. I was not shocked Casas got hurt blowing a bubble.

Counting on normal injuries, we have the best rotation depth in MLB.

Our everyday depth is not great, but we have 4 OF'ers, where all 4 are better than most team's best 2. Our catcher depth is not good, but we added a couple okay AAA catchers. Our infield depth is not shallow, it's just not all that good, however, there is not much of a drop off from DHam to Sogard to Eaton. On hitting, there isn't much from IKF to those 3. 

My whole assumption is based on adding another infielder. If we don't. I'm worried.