mvp 78

Was just providing reasons for why he shouldn't be complaining.

I am not Willie Stargell just in case anyone was wondering.

I agree that just inserting Anthony and Mayer would add a lot to this team. We saw in in ST! I don't know what their plans are with Campbell in 1B. I'm not sure they even know. Cora and Breslow are likely not on the same page. It's kind of a mess and it's not a surprise that we have no idea what's going on. I can't blame players for being confused either.

That's a huge hole in the lineup after Breggie. Woof.

Huh?

The highlights: A look at various breakdowns shows that Story’s offense is basically… breaking down. He’s chasing far more pitches than ever, swinging and missing more than ever, hitting the ball on the ground more than ever, pulling the ball less than ever (particularly in the air), and absolutely getting eaten alive by four-seam fastballs. Over his first three seasons in Boston, he began swinging a bit more often (50.4% for 2022–24), but his chase rate took a bigger leap, to 33.4%, and his production receded. This year, he’s swinging at 55.6% of pitches and chasing 37.8%; the latter rate ranks in just the sixth percentile, and the combination of those two rates suggests he’s pressing, expanding his zone and trying to do too much. And of course, he’s missing a whole lot. In or out of the zone, Story is particularly struggling against four-seamers. He’s whiffing on 22.8% of those fastball while hitting just .164 and slugging .180 against them. His expected numbers against the pitch (.182 xBA, .285 xSLG) don’t make a much stronger case. His Statcast run value on fastballs (-7) is in a virtual tie with Michael Toglia for the majors’ lowest. Once Story does make contact — at nearly a career-low rate (70.8%) — things aren’t exactly going great. He’s hitting more grounders than fly balls, something he’s never done before; his 48.4% groundball rate is 14 points above his carer mark, while his 1.41 groundball-to-fly-ball ratio is almost double his 0.79 career one. His 31.3% pull rate and 7% pulled air rate are both the lowest of his career; the latter is less than half of last year’s previous career low, 14.8%. Given that Story has hit .466 and slugged 1.717 on pulled air balls during his career, you can see how that might be a problem.

Hard hit 56.7% 4.91 xFIP Career low GB rate Career high BB rate Coming off surgery

Adding a poll to see how everyone would realistically get Anthony onto the active roster.

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!