mvp 78

Double headers aren't great if your starters can't go long.

Does Josh Bell play 1B?

"You seem to have unresolved issues with the 2012 Red Sox fanbase. Do you want to talk about that a little today?" I take a deep breath, exhale and begin.

Mayer/Story platoon. Story gets additional reps at 2b? Once they are comfortable with Campbell at 1B, it could happen? I think Mayer still needs a little more time in AAA, but whatever.

Sox got the ace, then starting pitcher health luck died on the vine. 1B continues to be a mystery for our CBO. I think they have a guy in AAA now that could be a 1B for them at some point next season... A guy that a lot of people think will just end up being traded anyway because of the surplus in the OF. A guy with a really hard name to spell. He's on the 40 man too... I'm not sure anyone has mentioned moving him to 1B, but he's a RHB (!) with pull side power (!) and has a good work ethic. Could pick up 1B if asked IMO. I keep hearing that he's trade bait, but I kinda want him as my 1B next season. 🫣

I don't know why you gotta post like all my therapists I keep firing! 😤

Helps that they got rid of Dalbec, O'Neill and others. Casas being out could reduce that k rate too.

Fitts will be back sooner. I think I'd rather him than Kutter too. Kutter would be fine in the pen?

On power potential: Campbell A+ 558 SLG AA 582 SLG AAA 468 SLG 20 HR in 2024 Mayer A+ 524 SLG AA 480 SLG AAA 452 8 HR in 2024, max was 13 in '22 and '23 No matter what offensive stat you want to look at, Campbell was better offensively in MiLB than Mayer. Not sure what stats you want to go on for Mayer defensively. Here's his scouting report from SoxProspects: Instinctual defender with fluid actions. Looks like he is gliding on the field. Soft hands and solid footwork. Moves well and has plenty of range for shortstop. Confident defender; will take a flashy infield. Some long-term concerns about his ability to stick at shortstop as he matures. Organization appeared poised to get him some reps at third base midway through 2024, but injuries, including the one that eventually ended his season after July 30, effectively scuttled those plans. Potential above-average defender at short for the foreseeable future. His 981 Fldg Pct '25 at SS (Story is 973 right now) would be top 10 in MLB this year, but you'd rather slide him over to 1b. 🙃

Sox are 5th in k% for the season and 3rd for May. It doesn't make for a fun watch at times, but they are 6th in runs scored (17th May).

Why are they continuing to develop Sandlin as a starter? That's a much better question.

May: 9th in wRC+ Last two weeks: 18th (better than NYM, TEX, SEA, CLE) Last week: 19th Last three games: 23rd (better than LAD, ATL, SDP) Probably just a temporary slump and there is hope on the horizon.

I agree about pitching to contract and working more on being a control pitcher like Maddux. If every pitcher took 2 mph off their velo, but had much more advanced control they'd be better off for it.

It's higher than Andrew Vaughn's!

What's your worry? He's had success in MLB. Has a starter's build and throws 4+ pitches.

Was initially going to pitch for WOO, but rained out today.

During the game, no. The morning after the game, should be a different story!

100%. You don't treat that guy like a used car that you are looking to trade out or scrap in the next year. He's a foundational piece. It's the same thing with Raffy. If his shoulder is a little wonky and keeping him at DH helps him for now, just leave him at DH. Sox need to worry about the long term AND short term. You do both if you can manage the health of your best players.

Masa plus half his contract for Bell? Done.

Overreaction season is in full force.

Crochett is leading MLB in pitches thrown and innings. A guy who has only pitched 243 innings since being drafted in 2020. You probably don't to be riding that guy too hard early on IMO.