mvp 78

No, my beard is very clean. It gets exfoliated on the reg.

I'm going to try to keep it going through the summer this year, but I can't guarantee it. Even sheep need to be sheared once a year.

I would have felt great about it if we had the 200 innings horse ready to go too.

I don't make mistakes.

Per the Supreme Court, they are a territory and lack sovereignty.

They've buried Sandoval's bat all spring. I hope he makes them move him up sooner than later.

The Greatest Clutch Hitter in the History of the Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz, #34. The Greatest Clutch Hitter in the History of the Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz, #34. The Greatest Clutch Hitter in the History of the Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz, #34. The Greatest Clutch Hitter in the History of the Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz, #34. The Greatest Clutch Hitter in the History of the Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz, #34. The Greatest Clutch Hitter in the History of the Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz, #34. The Greatest Clutch Hitter in the History of the Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz, #34. The Greatest Clutch Hitter in the History of the Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz, #34.

Yes, that's because I use beard butter and a sandalwood beard comb.

My beard is fuller and less pointy than Kimbrel's.

It appears my magicks are working!

You have literally no idea how magical language works.

You don't post enough.

David Ortiz has a plaque that declares him to be the greatest clutch hitter in Red Sox history. That is a fact. Whether it was done that way as a magical invocation is up for debate. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_(paranormal)#Magical_language

Kelly has the potential and talent to be a great set up man. He just has never put it together.

Agreed. I hope this team wins 110+ games and gets another ring. My gut is just telling me something else when it comes to the health of the pitching staff. I think some posters are being a little too optimistic about a return date for Price and how successful he'll be when he returns.

See, I don't think 3b is an issue. I think Pablo will be fine. My gut tells me that Hanley may be dealing with injuries this year which could affect DH production bigly. I think C is a question mark as CV didn't have a great glove last year and Leon is probably a flash in the pan. The rest of the lineup should be really, really good. This should be a team that mashes. There are just a lot of concerns for me with the rotation after Sale and Porcello. I think the team will be competitive into late September, but will just drop a few close games in September. The last homestand against the Jays and the 'Stros will either make or break the season, imo. That last month includes a 9 game stretch against the Rays and the A's (at home). They could really clean up, or they could be just really tired after a long season without Price and Pom. At that point, ERod and Wright would be closing on career highs for innings pitched. They could just be flat out worn down. There's a really good chance they could swoon like in 2011 if the starting pitching health really takes a downturn this year.

Why? It may actually get Americans to start watching and caring about it.

Yup. He's showing a lot more range at 3b and his hitting from the left side is looking better than it has since he's been here.

Nope, worst case scenario is 2012, 2014, 2015.

From the Herald: Thornburg falls behind Reliever Tyler Thornburg (shoulder) has missed enough time that he will not be relied upon to be the eighth-inning set-up pitcher to start the season, if he’s even ready to go on Opening Day. That role will be assumed by someone from the right-handed trio of Joe Kelly, Matt Barnes and Heath Hembree. “I think at this point we have to kind of take a wait-and-see with Thornburg,” Farrell said. “If we open up tomorrow, it’s hard to anoint Tyler Thornburg as our eighth-inning guy. He needs to get in better pitching shape just because of the time missed.” After a couple of early and disappointing appearances, Thornburg is slated to appear in a minor league game on Friday. He reported to camp with a shoulder that did not meet the club’s health requirement. “It’s pretty hard to tell where I’ll be,” Thornburg said. “I’ve been bouncing back great from bullpens, but those are a little bit different than games.” I hope Thornburg and Smith pitch as expected, but neither of them are ready yet. Until they are, it's hard to say what kind of performance they will have this year.

2014 vs 2016 Porcello: increase k/9 of almost 2, approximately 20 more innings pitched, bb/9 down over 1, babip was lowest of career, WAR was 2.4 higher. 2016 was way better than 2014 Porcello. Sure, Wright missed some time, but he still pitched more innings than he ever has in a single season. ERod always looks like he's ready to take another step, but still hasn't actually done it. People said the same thing about Doubront every year. Per this morning's Herald: David Price, who has not thrown off a mound since Feb. 28 because of an elbow injury, is almost back to square one. The Red Sox starter has lost enough strength in his arm to where he is weaker than he was when he reported to spring training, the team said yesterday. And until he regains that strength, he cannot begin a throwing program. Pom taking his regular turn means almost nothing to me. The guy is clearly damaged goods. He won't pitch 100 innings this year. Thornburg still isn't ready. If the season started today, he'd be in extended ST. 5 less wins based on scoring more runs than their opponent? I'm sorry, but I don't really buy into that stat. They "should have" won more. If they only win 87 games this year, but still outscore their opponents, am I going to hear "but they were a better team and should have won more games?" You either win or you don't. There's no "should have's." They can match their win total, definitely. I just think there's a bigger chance that they won't.

Which other pitcher the caliber of Price on a contender has still not thrown in ST?

Sale will be good for sure. Often, a pitcher's first year in Boston isn't his best self. I think he'll be funto watch, but don't expect Pedro 99-00. Porcello will not put up CY numbers again, but should be better than 2015. Wright pitched out of his mind last year and I don't see how he can replicate that. Pom is injured. Price doesn't have enough strength to even start a throwing program yet. Thornburg AND Smith are both coming off serious issues. Coming up a few games short of last year's win total isn't out of the realm of possibility.

I took 87-89 because I really question the health of Price and Pom. I also believe Wright and Porcello will regress from last year. ERod could really be a huge lynchpin or a huge letdown. There are also a few major relievers coming back from injury that may not be very effective this year. The offense should be fine though.

Yup, I like both of them. Good thing you have 2 DL slots!