cp176

They continue to try to turn their lightweight middle infielders into third basemen. They are redefining the concept of stopgap measure.

I wish that he could still play a little outfield. he would look good as a part of our dance troupe . lol

his last outing was pathetic.

the parents continue to create the issues - good intentions but boy oh boy.

You are just being a little too serious for me. I read the same stuff that everyone else does about these prospects. I see the same stats that everyone else does. I probably don't place the same value in what I read that some do. I tend to be a visual guy. I have to see them first I guess before I hit them with the "next coming " stick. Potential is one thing for sure but at some point you actually have to accomplish something.

Slasher - You got another Espinoza on that 11 and under team that we can draft? (just kidding with you - seriously I don't think I would have pulled the trigger on that one either

Who did we trade Pomeranz for again? Oh I know - it was the teenager who all the scouts say that someday(???) is going to be Pedro reincarnate. I don't really miss him yet. I'm glad that that Pomeranz has been giving us something.

I hope that you are right about Ramirez. i actually haven't seen a whole lot written about his attitude this time around. I'm sure that he has matured somewhat from his Portland days when he really was not wanted in the system. Personally, my expectations have never been particularly high with regards to him. We need a bat, if he provides it it would be great. I won't be surprised one way or the other.

I'm seeing words like unbelievable and horrible just thrown around here. Those are all very relative terms. I liked Shaw through it all last year. A big (as in good sized third baseman) with power. Giving up on him is kind of like the way people tend to give up yearly on JBJ. Pomeranz was another bum too I guess until just recently. Horrible and unbelievable are the types of third baseman that have been yarded out to that position since the trade of Shaw. Fatso and the midget brigade. Eventually DD will get it right. They gave up too early on Shaw it kind of looks like.

When you say that this team is underperforming what do you mean? I agree that we should be getting more from Betts. I'm not so sure about Ramirez. You know me by now. I don't place the same significance in what they did last year as you do.

It is a great time to visit Maine. We finally get our summer. Have a great time watching the youngsters.

I have and will continue to be a Shaw fan. I would say though that trading him was not an unpopular move for the clear majority of posters here as I recall. If my memory is still working, what I remember mostly is the criticism of him as his stats seemed to dip as the season wore on. Was not a problem for me.

It wasn't illegal.

I don't know what it is but it is something. I still think that leadership on the field plays a role. it can't all come from the dugout.

Lin, Rutledge, and Marrero are not third baseman and never will be. Sandoval just isn't anymore. Getting 0 from them of late puts pressure on DD that none of us want to see. We all know what that means. He is trying not to trade for one, but I would not be surprised if it happens just out of necessity. As for players who are "supposed" to be hitting - I don't buy it but I don't like to assume things. I expect a little more from Betts I guess but Hanley is Hanley folks. He was fine with Ortiz in the lineup and dugout but without him there, people need to temper their expectations for him. As this team was constructed, i think that we are getting about what we can expect. We all knew that it was going to boil down to the pitching staff remaining healthy which it hasn't. In hindsight, it would look like a mistake was made in not trying to replace Ortiz's bat. Moreland has been better than I thought he would be but outside of Betts the rest of this order doesn't surprise me at all. Counting on Sandoval coming back strong really looks like the big mistake here.

You have to love the pace at which he works!

I just did! and that would be old bastard (mentally not so much) to you.

I just don't like it. The end.

This team does not excite me at all. Outside of Sale and Kimbrel, they really don't get my blood up one little bit. For whatever reason, they are just getting harder and harder for me to watch. I am losing interest and that really is unusual for me. So be it. i like vanilla ice cream so probably I should like these guys too right. They are plain very plain vanilla in my book. The only good thing about them losing is that I don't have to watch that foolish outfield dance.

Sadly, it is something the Red Sox have done before.

Just going to suggest that Alex Speir (sp) isn't using any of my little pearls of wisdom.

it is exactly what I have been trying to say. I don't think this sort of strict adherence to prescribed roles is even good for the game.

latest rumor that I just read said that if the Celtics were able to sign Hayward, then a trade for Paul George very likely could be done with him signing a contract extension. If Danny could pull that one off, it would certainly get my attention.

I agree with this too. Drafting any 19 year old AAU All Star is a huge gamble. One year of college basketball in no way prepares these guys for the next level. If I am going to draft any one and done, I probably would go after the one that came out of Duke even if it was for one year. Tatum has learned something. I like this kid and I don't think that we needed another (might be great someday) guard. Danny didn't get screwed by anyone who wanted to trade with us either.

It actually could be argued that what you got in Pomeranz for a trade that cost you Espinoza was all you were going to get. If you can get anyone to trade you a young #2 or #3 guy in your rotation for a young (teenager) who has not accomplished much at any level (just starting out) you might want to keep trading with them. With his "high ceiling", Espinoza may someday develop but it was a big gamble to take him regardless of his potential. Now don't get me wrong - I want to see him develop. With his recent injuries, what would his timetable be to appear again at any level?