cp176

A major reason Ellsbury was not re-signed was the emergence of JBJ at that time. Everything written and said about him pointed to an absolute can't miss future. If he had not looked like such a can't miss prospect would Ellsbury have been resigned? I think yes. Now, JBJ is only 26. Could he still become that player who's enormous potential said that he would. I think so. It might not be in Boston, but I think he could still get there.

When Ortiz hugged the kids, I really didn't understand what was going on. Now I do. I know that he will but I really hate to see this personality retire. I have seen them all play really since the late 50's - just for the record age is a relative concept and I know that I am actually younger than most of the people who post here regardless of what they think- Ortiz moves to the top of my list. If you watch this short series of videos and do not have to dry the tears from your face after, you might not be actually alive. Papi's legacy has already been written in New England. He just keeps adding to the story. All the best to Maverick - it really is all about the kids. Nice when someone as genuine as David Ortiz just sort of comes along.

Porcello is (has) pitched a beauty. Maybe he'll try to renegotiate that contract. get some of that number 1 pay. Wait - he already almost does. he does look good.

Ams what i ams. wish that made me somewhat unique here - but oh well.

the future looks bright doesn't it.

I agree prospects are definitely about potential. That potential probably will mean different things to different people based on team needs. I will never let actual evidence cloud my thoughts. That fact s*** just confuses my thinking.

To me, as happy and as contented as he has looked in the past, he looks more so now. He has an absolutely adoring fan base none of whom are going to turn their backs on him if he slumps. The stars seem to be in perfect alignment for him. If retiring is what he wants, then he deserves the send off that a player/person like him should get. I would add though that if he continues doing what he is currently doing with no major slow downs, DD will sit down with him just to see if there is any chance!

Are you trying to convince me that Swihart is a better ml catcher than he is right now or that Vazquez is a better ml hitter than he is right now? I don't need to be stat beaten once again. I have served my probationary period and don't need these stats to help me along. Simply saying that Swihart because he is not a competent everyday catcher right now, that his trade value is not as high as some think that it is. I absolutely feel that it is less now than when his name came up in talks last year. Now with all of that, if in fact Vazquez's name came up as being available there would be very few teams that would not be in on that one. Most could care less if he hits at all right now. The value of a catcher is simply at what level does he catch. Not to mention the fact that the Sox will probably be keeping Vazquez around for a long time.

Well there you I guess. I would not have hung up the phone on that one.

Just a little point here for people who think that trading a player like guerra could have a significant impact on our future. Dubon could possibly be a better player right now!

Not everyone has a problem with your post. Stick around and you'll find people here who you can communicate with.

when the Sox do make a move, i would be willing to bet that Dubon will move right on up as well. Those 3 have been playing lights out.

I truly get all the stuff people say about protecting and not rushing these kids but the flip side is that you want to make sure that they are challenged and that they are playing at the appropriate level. Moncada and Benintendi will be on the move.

I love Holt like all us do but I can't come to grips with calling him an All-Star. Technically he was for sure but I'm not sure other franchises see him as All-Star caliber. Somebody had to make the AS team for Boston. With respect to Swihart (let me hear it), I don't think that he is as valuable in a potential trade as others here do. How long is his learning curve behind the plate going to take? Is he really going to be a good enough hitter to warrant a move to lets say left field. Better than Benintendi? I don't think so. Better than Moncada? probably not. He is a trade chip for sure but are other GMs foaming at the mouth to get him? I kind of hope the Sox keep him at this point. If and when he is ready to catch we may have a need for a solid backup who can swing the bat a little.

it's what I wanted to say - AGREE

Brock Holt is one of the best utility players in the game today. That's it. Glad we got him but that's it. I wish that he was only used in the infield though.

You certainly don't want to rush a player of Benintendi's talent or even Moncada's but you also don't want to retard their growth by holding them back. I see Benintendi very possibly in left field soon. Next year? - maybe.

If he continues to play like he has been - 2 things - he won't be in Salem much longer and he won't be playing second base.

Depends on the player or players you get in return. We all know about the system's pitching shortage. Like a I said, personally I would like to see them all kept. That being said, if trades were made for young players (of course including pitcher) of somewhat proven quality, I would understand it.

It isn't even a remote stretch to at least mention Benintendi as a possible candidate for our outfield next year.

You very likely might be right. it would not be the first time that this has happened. I think that it is possible that he still loves the game but not all of the crap that goes along with it. He has to be smart enough to know what people think of him and what is expected of him everyrtime he takes the ball. If you feel as though you can never get things right, all the money in the world won't make things better.

That is a particularly difficult question to address. I don't want to see any of them moved but I try to see where there current needs are and will be within a year or two and go from there. Moncada is a second baseman and until he starts playing another position, he won't be seeing Boston for a few years. Devers is a particularly talented young third baseman. We have one there right now although I still think that Shaw winds up at first quite possibly. Espinoza is a pitcher with what appears to be great potential but he is years away from Boston. I think that Benintendi is the closest of the bunch to being in Boston. I also think that the Sox need an outfield upgrade. He has a great chance of being in Fenway next year. I see Moncada as possibly a once in generation talent and Benintendi being close already. If a trade was made for a young talented pitcher I think that they could absorb the losses of both Espinoza and Devers. Might regret it later on but oh well. I also happen to think that they could get what they want in a trade without moving any of these 4.

What makes this all the more unbelievable is just how good he has been at every level he has played at including college. Numerous player of the year awards.

Benintendi - on the move soon.

Somebody has to play left field for us on a regular basis and it won't be the best utility player in the game. Get him back in the infield where he belongs. I don't know where Benintendi will wind up playing but he is going to be in our outfield before anyone expects him to be. Watch him move!