sk7326

He's a middle of the road first year Red Sox manager by the standards since 2004

Price is not opting out - that is a lot of money. When i saw him getting misty eyed talking about the value of being a teammate, he has the right to enjoy this. He hasn't been the most cuddly person media-wise, but you see how willing he was to do anything to win, and how much his arm was able to bounce back. It was great to see.

You are right about the present day - and the likeliest outcome. Dalbec will start in Portland next year - by definition that is close enough to have a 2019 impact. That will involve a leap on his part. I find he has the most interesting tools and upside of the position players. A name that is interesting and a bit of a dark horse for 2019 impact is Tanner Houck. He started getting swings and misses again once he went back to his old delivery etc. It would not surprise me if he were pegged as a bullpen option by the 2nd half of the season and moved quickly.

It is uncomfortable talking about this so quickly - we just witnessed an all-time great team mow down arugably the toughest road a playoff team has ever had to go. That said: 1. QO Kimbrel - If somebody bites, thanks for 2016-2018 2. Offer Kelly 3 years at something like $25M. 3. Offer Pomeranz a 2-year prove-it sort of contract. If he gets more guarantees elsewhere, thanks for 2017. 4. Go 1-year at a time with Pearce. Puts him on the same timeline as Moreland - it should still be a useful first base combination 5. Let Kinsler go. If Brock Holt is healthy, he and whatever we get from Pedroia is perfectly fine at 2B 6. See what is out there for Bogaerts. Obviously I like him a lot, and would be happy with him returning for us - and if they want to re-sign him, awesome. However, quality free agents of his age do not make it to market that often. If the Red Sox are not prepared to pay $25M+ a year for Bogaerts, now is the best time to deal him for significant value. 7. Swihart probably is the odd man out at catcher. That said, I'd be inclined to keep Vasquez and Swihart over Leon myself. But Leon has certainly been a terrific receiver. My preferences here are pretty weak. As far as the farm goes - Dalbec has a ton of variance but is clearly the most interesting prospect of the guys who could make a 2019 impact. (and if Dombrowski sees it - that he is not at AAA is not a detriment)

The Red Sox have set a very high standard for first year managers clearly ...

I'd favor 2004 in a 4-team tourney ... but 2018 is the firm 2nd seed.

the best team in baseball from wire to wire - just like their last title. What a team.

Dominate the first 18 years of a century - wait 86 years, dominate the first 18 years of another century ... let's hope the pattern doesn't hold.

The most dominant start to finish of our champs ... I would probably favor the 2004 team in a four team tournament of the 4 Red Sox champs ... but this is a firm number two ... It never gets old ...

We won!!!

even better it was ...

really awkward swing there ... 1 to go

see how the slider looks - that's a good start ... 2 to go

If Joe Kelly's command is not SSS - this is career altering

Surprised there was not a double switch here. That said given that the Sox have not burned any pinch hitters yet, it probably won't matter.

If you are going bullpen - Joe Kelly also deserves a hat tip ... but let's get these next 6 outs ... I expect a JBJ double switch in either now or next inning

with Martinez getting his last time up, good time to double switch in Bradley

1981 had a 3-headed MVP iirc

(whispers) David Price - fingers crossed - would be a pretty good choice too.

You know, deciding MVP was actually going to be tough for me - but Steve Pearce might have wrested it away.

Fun fact - at this second, Alex Cora has delivered a below median result for first year Red Sox managers since 2004.

if the bases are loaded and there's a chance to drive another run home - I wouldn't blame Cora for pouncing. Third time through - have to have a quick exit strategy. Price is out there anyway.

he'll probably opt out - but diminished velocity, he's a command guy now - can still be good but less margin for error

It's the 3rd time through the order blues