mvp 78

I don't want Rafaela in the IF anymore unless he's a super UTIL guy that is just playing backup to everyone. If he's the 2b, it's a waste. He should be CF or RF.

Who? There is nobody by that name in the org.

This is a very high brown forum! 🧐

Mayer will be AAA to start, deservedly so since he has zero AB's in AAA due to constant injury issues that have slowed his progression. However, this doesn't really leave him out of the picture in the short or long term. In the short term, any number of guys are currently struggling with injuries or at least have a history of them (Devers, Story, Masa, Casas) and others have a history of less than ideal performance (Grissom, Hamilton, Romy). In the longer term, Bregman is not guaranteed to be here next season which could open up a roster spot at some position for him next season. He does have things to work on (offspeed pitches, platoon issues) and could just use a full healthy season at AAA. Honestly, I think too much is being made out of the small sample sizes we are currently seeing in Spring Training. We've had prospects that weren't really considered ready have good spring showings before (JBJ) come up and have to be quickly sent back down. I think it's good for Mayer to show well and just continue to show well after going straight to AAA. It is weird to say "he didn't spend much time at 2b in the previous season" when the majority of GS were at 2b (36%). He didn't play 2b at AAA because they needed him to play SS once the big 4 were called up and Mayer went down with an injury. If Mayer hadn't gone down with an injury, I'm sure his starts at 2b would have been dramatically higher.

10 XBH in 234 PA's for WOO last season. Not ideal! You think he'd at least be getting some doubles!

I'm sure it's mostly off RHP. I'm fine with him being a platoon UTIL guy with Romy for now, but I don't think it's a good long term solution for 2b.

People are talking up Vaughn Grissom as if he's earned a spot with his 301 OPS in ST. Dude missed most of last season and is still a big question mark.

All the moving parts and first year players are why I thought it was going to be a punt year a while ago. I really haven't changed my mind considering the state back of the bullpen and the dreaded term closer by committee that has been thrown around. I think they'll be better than last year, but this isn't a true "in contention" year. They may make the playoffs, but they aren't really going for it.

To me, if Campbell isn't ready, may as well throw Bregman out there in the short term and then move him back to 3b if you need to later on. We don't know if he'll be here in '26, so why move Devers off position now and not have a 3b next season (unless you believe Mayer/Story/Campbell are the solution next season)?

'22 937 OPS '23 858 OPS Can't completely write him off after one bad year.

He's not even a career AAA player yet.

I still wouldn't rule out Campbell and Bregman. I think Bregman and Campbell have both played elsewhere due to the health of Devers and Abreu. The strongest offensive lineup the Sox can put forward is with Bregman at 2B, Devers at 3B and Masa at DH. It also makes the defensive lineup stronger up the middle, which is more important than moving Devers off 3b IMO. With Story back fulltime, his range to his right should offset some of Devers' issues. If Hamilton is part of the solution, it's only as a platoon bat. The dude just can't hit LHP. Is it worth it holding onto Grissom as a weak side platoon that can only play 2b? I'd rather him get AB's in AAA than sit on the bench after missing most of last season.

Cursed meal. 5G, get in the kitchen and make some crabcake sandwiches with homemade chips STAT.

Ain't no way 5G cooks for the fam.

On Opening Day, you'll tell us that you knew that the Sox had decided on the 2b back in early March. Then they'll play hot potato with the position for 162 games.

From SP: Field: Versatile defender who has played second base, third base, shortstop and center field. Looks most comfortable at second base, where he played in college. At short and third, shows solid athleticism and range, but is a little unorthodox with his movements. In the outfield, he Is still learning the nuances of the position, especially with his reads and routes, but has the raw athleticism and speed you look for out there and to cover up for most errors. Potential average defensive profile with the versatility to adequately play at least three positions.

It's nice to have a Pedro Ciriaco or two every Spring Training. Look forward to Trayce's 40% k rate at WOO.

I'd tell you an offensive joke about a pop fly, but it'd go over your head.

'23 was his only full season and that's how it worked out. BUT! '24 333 OPS in June?!??! Does this portend troubles going forward?!?!?!?!? 🫣😮🥵🥶😨😭

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And that was at like 1230 at night or something? C'mon man.

With this ownership group? Who knows!

But that's not an easy answer! We need easy answers!!!

So who is it?