mvp 78

This doesn't make any sense.

Too busy bitching about other posters.

Verdugo's bad back >>> Myers' bad contract

I think it was to give him versatility? Scouts keep saying he'll be super utility guy with a defensive profile like Biggio (who played CF, 2B and C).

Because you care too much about saving money for John Henry.

Compare his contract to Pillar's.

I can't believe you'd say that about yourself.

Seems like they need C, 2b and OF help too? The only positions they have a surplus in are 1B/3B/SS.

Now do that with Mookie.

The most glowing report I could find on Trey Ball: Scouting Report and 2015 Outlook: Coming into the year, the expectations for Ball were high based upon his draft position, but after seeing him in Spring Training we warned readers that he was less advanced than a normal high first-round pick and his development could be slow. Accordingly, it was a struggle for Ball earlier in the season, but then he started to make strides as the year progressed. Ball has a great pitcher's frame, listed at 6-foot-6, 190 pounds. He is on the skinny side at present with room to fill out, especially in his lower half. He throws from a three-quarters arm slot with a smooth, low-effort delivery, although he struggled to repeat his mechanics during the season. Ball’s fastball can sit in the 90-92 mph range, getting all the way up to 95, but his velocity was inconsistent during the year, dipping down into the high-80s for some starts before recovering later in the season. Most concerning from reports was that Ball’s arm looked slow at times, and the fastball lacked life and was not missing bats, with hitters squaring it up often. Ball’s secondaries include a changeup and curveball, with his changeup the more advanced of the two at present. Ball has good feel for his changeup that he throws in the low-80s. His curveball showed improvement later in the year after he altered his grip, according to Alex Speier, and this coincided with his improved results. Ball's curveball is a long, left-hander's curveball with good shape and depth when he snaps it off and finishes the pitch. Both pitches, however, need refinement and improved consistency from outing to outing. Overall, Ball’s development could go a lot of ways depending on what happens next season. He could re-establish himself as one of the more exciting young pitching prospects in the system, or guys like Michael Kopech and Jake Cosart could pass him if he stagnates. Ball will compete for a spot in Salem during spring training, but because of his struggles this year, I expect him to start the season with Greenville with the eye towards a promotion after a few months. - Ian Cundall

The highest Ball was ever ranked was 9th by Sox Prospects. That's never considered "a sure thing."

I don't believe they ever had him ranked as a #3 floor. That may have been a ceiling, which is different.

They've drafted a bunch of guys, they've just never panned out. I hope Bloom is better at listening to his scouts than DD was.

Ok.

There's a potential for Downs, Verdugo and Wong to all flame out. It just happens.

They didn't get a pitching prospect. However, their farm was so barren that getting 2b and C prospects really helps the future. The problem is that most of their upper level guys are going to be bullpen guys. Maybe Mata and Ward can stick? We'll see. The pitching staff in Lowell was pretty good.

Got a bunch of jobs. I think he was running a pizza place on the side. He just wasn't enjoying TalkSox anymore. I think he's just way less online now.

Trey Ball never had any success. Dubon wasn't highly regarded until a few years into his career.

See. I love conspiracy theories! I used to have a whole host of them regarding TalkSox that I'd entertain UN? with.

Hmmmmmm, interesting theory. Maybe that's why he hated having his head rubbed!

The day the nixed trade was announced, there was already expressed concern that he may not start in April. I don't know why people think the Sox missed the injury. They wanted this guy despite his back injury.

The fact that Marcus Wilson is on the shortlist for an injury call up really shows how mismanaged the whole organization has been.

18th rounder vs a 1st rounder. Which one is a more sure bet?

I appreciate the buzzer conspiracy theory.

???