cp176

It would kind of depend on who the Sox traded JBJ for I think as to whether there would be a major outfield downgrade. I don't think that JD would ever wind up being any kind of a fixture in our outfield. I do think though that this discussion isn't heading toward a real good place. I haven't heard many people come right out and say that JBJ should be traded. He'll be in that outfield and if he gets just a little more consistent then we all be happy that he is out there. His leash is going to be a real long one but I still think that this year will loom large for his career moving forward and don't you have to think that management could see it that way as well?

I think that it is fairly obvious that management has worried about JBJ's ups and downs for some time now. Once again, I'm with you on this one as much as I like JBJ. It would be a lot different if his name was Ortiz and he was having a terrible spring. A major league player that has established the fact that they can hit consistently in the major leagues is a whole different story than one who hasn't. You obviously cut that guy some slack. JBJ is on the flip side of the coin when it comes to this. I like him and I want him to hit and stay but I would be very surprised if the boys who run the show weren't a little concerned with his ineptness at the plate this spring.

I think that this is a big year for him. I hope it works out but if not, hey you just move on. When he was playing in Portland a few years ago, it truly just made me forget about Elsbury. He looked that good.

Absolutely right. I have to say though that I love this outfield as is but he has got to hit just a little. His defense looks special to me but not that special I guess. If he was a catcher or a shortstop and was an outstanding fielder I would be fine with whatever he brought to the table but he isn't. He is a centerfielder.

I'm sure that they are genuinely concerned with JBJ right now even though the talk doesn't indicate it. Regardless of how well the man defends if the slumps continue and maybe even deepen it wouldn't surprise me at all if they at least try harder to move him. I love his defense and appreciate what he does for this team but if his offense does not start to at least stabilize and hopefully trend upward he becomes as replaceable as anyone else. I would be able to set my personal feelings for him aside.

I don't know. It is a good point though. I would also add though that in the case of a player that you expect to not only be on the team and also to make a major contribution, if they have a miserable spring and people don't think that management might be a little concerned, they are dreaming.

I agree with you all the way.

Exactly - It is why as a Red Sox fan, I am on the side of the current GM no matter who it might be. I admit though that I have gotten caught up in this discussion but it is primarily due to the fact that I don't understand the personal likes and dislikes that people have here about Boston's GMs in general. If I was on the inside, I probably would have some personal feelings but I am not so I really don't.

ok - obviously I don't agree with you.

He was talking although of using JD in the outfield to make sure that everyone stays rested. I'm as anxious as anyone to see if he is as bad out there as most say he is. I doubt very much that he is. Pretty sure Cora has confidence in him out there.

Good

Must watch t.v. up here in the north woods of Maine.

spring training doesn't count. haven't you heard? LOL

I don't disagree with you here at all.

This is kind of a tough post for me because I know that some will disagree pointedly and I will probably question to myself of course if they are actually being honest or taking the high road and trying make themselves sound good. When King George started to do his thing, the game changed. My Red Spx friends as well as myself were very upset with what he did. After I while, even though we hated the change we were seeing, it became fairly apparent that our anger had as much to do with jealousy as anything else. You are right about one thing Moon, I will not be a hypocrite when it comes to this one. This is as much new school as anything I have seen in ml baseball. Big market teams with a lot of money to spend who continually make money while spending do in fact buy wins. I am a Red Sox fan and I want them to be competitive every year which I think they will be. It is why I absolutely do not buy into this cliff theory that many here are trying to sell. As long as John Henry owns this team, I doubt that we ever stumble over any cliff. Call me old school for sure because I truly do miss the old days when teams grew their own for the most part and brains in my estimation played a greater role in overall team development. I also loved the fact that in many instances players spent their careers playing for one team and loyalty was earned and respected. Sadly I don't see us going back and I am not angered by any team's moves anymore nor am I jealous of them. I believe that we are at the top of the food chain and I am ok with that. Now understand that this is just my idea of a rant and it is just a silly opinion.

I'm the guy who thinks that quite often what these guys do in spring training counts. Walden and Poyner pitched better than Workman. They earned the right to be on the 25 - he did not. Maybe He will figure it out and maybe he won't.

Ok for clarification purposes only - Are you saying simply that you just like Cherington more than you do Dombrowski or that you think that Cherington was actually a better GM than DD? As for the chumming comment, i was trying to be a little humorous. I should know better right.

I have actually seen hammies torn on the alley. I was kidding. I have 0 concerns about Mookie getting hurt bowling. It is another passion of his and I'm glad that he is enjoying it.

You are chumming the waters but I'm not taking the bait. I'm perfectly ok with you thinking that Ben Cherington was a better GM than DD. If you are ok with that one, it is all good. I learn new things here everyday.

Now let me see what would you say - ha!

Thank you Moon for posting this. I think that we have a very good team assembled here from top to bottom. Plenty of depth everywhere. Infield defense may be an issue but other than that, hey let the games begin I say. I like this team.

We all think that depth is unimportant for God's sake and every signing DD has made just flat out sucks - honestly who hired that moron? lol

I can't! Pomeranz - minor injury expected back very soon E-Rod - throwing expected back early Wright - already throwing (I would have traded him when he was at his best - if not named Wakefield I'm not into knuckleballers) Sale - Price - Porcello - Johnson - good to go We might not have everyone good to start next Thursday but I'm thinking that this is a very good group and soon enough the overall depth will look fine as well. There are definitely posters here who just don't like DD. I think that he has been fairly thorough. Thing for me is that he doesn't have to do what I think that he should and I might even disagree with him from time to time, but I still think he is doing a good job in a very tough racket.

yes - i don't want him tearing a hammy at the bowling alley.

Cora has been talking about Poyner for a couple of weeks now. It's another good story and another possible option as well. I am a fan of Tommy Layne's as well.