cp176

Over the course of the winter discussions we had it driven in to us that players performing at this level are the best the world has to offer. I believe that as well. We also heard from some that they don't choke nor do they perform in "clutch" situations any differently than they would under normal circumstances. I don't believe that one. I believe that coaches still can make a difference but to blame this debacle on the backs of this coaching staff I'm not buying. I'm not a big Farrell guy - don't get me wrong - but I don't think that Francona was any better. The people responsible for assembling this team as a whole are the ones who should be sharing the pain with the players here I think. I'm reasonably sure that Farrell would have at least had some involvement when determining who stayed and who went. Players at this level can still be helped by good coaching for sure but no way am I blaming a coach for someone getting picked off base in an important situation or for some moron forgetting how many goddam outs there are in an inning. I think that a coach has a right to expect some degree of intelligence from his athletes. This group is a product of questionable signings without a major consideration for the type of player (as in character) that was being brought in. In 2013, I always wondered about the talent level but I never questioned the mental toughness of the group that was assembled. You always learn more about a person when they are losing as opposed to when they are winning. We are going to learn a lot about this group over the next few weeks. When dealing with rich, spoiled, over rated athletes, I'm not sure that anybody will do a better job than Farrell. This isn't all about baseball issues. Character and mental makeup do in fact count. We have been down this path before with this franchise.

So - ZIPS and Steamer projected that the rotation would be as good as last year. What were the projections for how they would do in the field? I only ask because I am questioning all projections made by any of us using whatever we use to measure them by. Personally I think that a lot more attention should have been paid to the character quality of the acquisitions that we made this year.

I think that most of us were hoping that he had matured since the early days. He is who has always been. That was one of the risks you hope was considered when he was signed.

If the Reds cannot afford to keep Cuerto, it makes sense to deal. With respect to the rest of our young prospects, you might be right - they may be good someday. Maybe not. Any team dealing would have to consider the risk involved. I have gotten to excited about our current group of prospects. I think that most teams would demand much more than the Red Sox would be willing to give up to get anyone of significance.

What prospect muscle are you talking about? i'm assuming you want them to keep Rodriguez.

I think that they were making an honest effort to bring in some offense and weren't thinking much about anything else. XB has turned in to an all-star shortstop. He shouldn't be going anywhere. there really is just one place for Ramirez and that spot is occupied. They won't move him either. He is going to be in left field or the dh position. The only other option i see is for him to be left out. For the time being, it looks as though they are stuck with Sandoval and Ramirez.

Henry Owens pitched well for the Pawsox.

I think that you must have had some information about Sandooval that I guess I was too lazy to look up. I guess I assume that they did their homework before they signed him. We needed a third baseman. Even though he is fat I still think that he looked like a definite upgrade. The signing of Hanley Ramirez came with many more question marks for me. When healthy, he can hit. That is good for sure but his track record has said that he has had some injury issues. We knew we weren't signing a fielder but nobody thought I think that it is safe to say that his fielding would be this bad. It is scary bad. His attitude has been questionable at every stop he has made. I was always a Johnny Gomes fan. I can't tell you how much i miss players like him now. Accept your role - show up to play hard everyday - have the character it takes to be a leader in the clubhouse. Also - I have asked this question before - why did we sign Castillo? He plays with Ramirez in our outfield while JBJ sits in Pawtucket.

He is a superior outfielder currently hitting over 330 at the AAA level. At the major league level you have an inferior outfield with players who are not hitting to the level that whatever somebody thinks that they should be hitting to. How could anybody really argue against not giving this guy another shot at an everyday experience?

The players are not that good.

they stand to lose a lot more than that if they don't make some moves.

Johnson goes tonight for the Pawsox.

What would a package of JBJ, Johnson, and Barnes bring? JBJ is a nowhere man in Boston. Barnes is replaceable if his role is projected to be a reliever. It is a complete waste of time to keep Johnson in Pawtucket.

I don't really disagree with you here, I just think that you go into the dugout kick or throw or hit something. You pitched like a piece of s*** - I don't think it is a good idea to go after your manager for taking you out finally. wouldn't have mattered to me if he had broken his hand but don't go in there and try to blame somebody else because you sucked. That being said, i still like his toughness. He is a great back of the rotation starter or maybe even an addition to the bullpen at some point.

Don't need Ozzie Guilen - I actually think that farrell is a better disciplinarian behind those closed doors than we think.

Kidding right - even william howard taft ripped one out. My God! It is great.

I cannot imagine why Johnson has not at least been given a cup of coffee. Bring him up or trade him. Don't keep that kid around just for security sake.

I'm older than you both (chronologically of course). I had more fun listening to day games with my Grandfather in 1960 in the barn. I want the young guys. Swing a deal for one more really good young arm. Together with E-Rod the future would look good. Make sure that roster has leaders with good character.

It is a waste. I'm at the point where if someone isn't getting the job done I would like them to step aside for a while regardless of the money they make. JBJ should be back up there, Johnson should move before Masterson, and in all honesty as much as I like Napoli he should be sitting. Someone needs to have the balls to make to make the tough calls. It isn't about computer or scouting projections anymore. It is all about what have you done lately and some of these guys really have done nothing. Management have painted themselves into a corner they will have to get nasty to dig their way out. As much as I like Miley's toughness, his tirade last night was ridiculous. If anything he was left in too long. Acting like he did doesn't make him competitive in my mind - it makes him look like a loser. I would love to see Johnson get his next start.

I am beginning to doubt that the people managing this franchise truly are capable of making the decisions that need to be made to turn the program around. It can't be just all about bad luck here. I may sound a little entitled but I find it difficult to understand. Supposedly our minor league system is one of the best in baseball. We have one of the very highest payrolls in the game. We aren't competitive. I don't get it. The situation sounds so good.

Pat Light - another young arm that could be a big lift for the bullpen. He is worth watching. Right now I would give him a chance sooner than giving another one to Robbie Ross. I think that Masterson will still get an opportunity but I think that his train has left the station as well.

Over ! shitbag - 4 down.

If somebody thinks that Masterson is a 2 or a 3, then they must think that we are loaded! He is a bullpen guy at best.

That is interesting. I thought that the Sandoval signing was necessary. I was very much in favor of it. I was not in favor of the Ramirez signing at all. He has had a negative effect on every clubhouse that he has been in. Never heard anything good about the kind of person that he is. I have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised by his approach since he has been here. Everybody knows that he can hit and that is a good thing but secondary to the qualities that make up a good teammate. That being said, I don't think that he is going to be an issue at all. I hate seeing him in left field and have a hard time understanding why the transition has been so tough but I still have to say that I am happy that he is in our lineup. If he can stay in the lineup, I think that he will help.

With respect to Sandoval in left probably not but after watching Holt play all over the place it does make me wonder about some things. You could make a case for your ss being the best athlete on your team. You take a guy who has been a career ss/third baseman and move him to left. You know that there is going to a bit of a learning curve but c'mon really.