Hitch

That's McCaffery's line not mine. Regardless, it is what it is right now.

What are you talking about? Who was promoting Paredes with less control as a viable trade for Duran (PLUS MORE!) when he has more control? Spier, Jen Mc, Cotillo, McAdams and multiple national commentators all said multiple times across different podcasts and articles that Astros wanted him for Paredes. A simple google shows this up straight away - "Meanwhile, Houston would jump at a chance to acquire Duran in exchange for Isaac Paredes," McCaffrey writes. Sending Paredes to the Red Sox for Duran would be a big win for the Astros. Meaning, they'd likely need to attach a bit more to this trade to get the Red Sox to bite. But landing Duran, a left-hitting outfielder who would be a massive upgrade over their current group, would be a no-brainer if they could pull it off. And while sending away Paredes would be sad, he'd be more than worth moving on from if it meant that Duran would be coming to Houston. However, McCaffrey notes that Paredes, with his 115 OPS+ and below-average defense, might not be as enticing for the Red Sox in a trade. While she isn't shutting down the notion of a deal, the Red Sox would be more likely to explore other infielder additions than that of Paredes. He's a one-year rental, and while he's tailor-made for the Green Monster in left field in Boston, this swap doesn't fit the Red Sox's needs as much as it does the Astros." ____ The reason it didn't happen is not because anyone in their right mind thought the Sox had to give more. At the very least it is clearly not true to say there was no interest in Duran.

Lots of people want lots of things. Wanting doesn't make it happen. I don't know why these things have to be so definitive. Any player can be wanted and end up not moving. And the Sox obviously value him very highly. A never ending cascade of reports from national to local journos said the Astros wanted Duran for Paredes but the Sox wouldn't do it one for one and that they couldn't come together as Boston wanted a lot more value in return. This is perfectly reasonable.

I'm not sure that's true. I think plenty of people wanted Duran, just not at the piece we set. A price that may look foolish at the end of the season.

Questioning a pitcher with two starts and a disjointed ST. Worrying about a player with a concerning injury record. Yeah... they're the same. 🙄

If we get to the position of questioning players ever few weeks, this game will turn us crazy. Let's see where he is after 6 or 7 starts. My only ever concern with pitchers like him is if the ABS system makes it harder for them to nibble on the lines.

I think it is. He's got a sustained run of missing injuries through smaller issues. I think this is who he is. I'd happily trade him at some point as long as we fill the hole.

The lack of patience in the modern world is something else. A guy with a good track record is now looking questionable after two starts and a disjointed Spring? Crazy.

Much needed. Been better the last two games. I like Monasterio.

What a weird start to the season. We could easily have won the Cinci and Padres series. And despite this horrific opening, are only two behind the Oriels and one behind the Jays. We're nowhere near as bad as this start suggests and if it had happened in mid season it would have hurt, but not as much as it does now. We also have had a hard start to the season schedule wise, but that's no excuse, we've been poor. I'm with Notin in that I have never called for a manager to be sacked, but Cora is on seriously dicey ground. Why do we always look so underprepared coming into a season? Yes we had a lot of players at the WBC, but this ins't new and has to be down to the coaching staff. It's ridiculous that our fundamentals are so utterly abject. At this point I don't know what Cora and his staff brings to the team. We really need to win tonight, and hopefully it fires something and we go into Cardinals and Twins and get back on the horse. Because it is tough again after that.

You need a new post.

Unless we trade Duran for Paredes and a bull pen arm/top prospect and start Mayer in AAA. But yes, I agree, we're set now, while still trying to move Masa if something comes up.

I feel the opposite. Romy is great against Lefties. Matches up nicely with Mayer. Assuming health, of course.

Not for me. Keep him developing his arsenal and bring up to be (hopefully) eventually a top end starter.

"The Red Sox have a policy of not doing this." "But they did this..." "I didn't say never!" And rinse and repeat.

Not loving IKF as our starting 2nd baseman, but yeah, I've no problem with Mayer starting in AAA. He has a lot to prove right now. But this is almost certainly the starting lineup with 2nd up for grabs.

I didn't buy a word they said on Masa playing outfield. It seemed designed to say - hey look everyone, he is worth something, honestly. If he gets 5 games in the field, I'd be genuinely stunned, or sad because someone died.

Yeah, I think this year is going to be heavy platoon however (assuming he makes the team). Then given the full runway next year if he proves to be healthy and good this year.

I don't see any evidence of that. I don't think anyone wants Masa in the field, outside of Masa himself.

He looked lost in every way at that stage of his career. His one full year in CF he looked very good, with the odd weird decision. He did not look good in Left at all. I sure trust him the least out of all the outfielders (Masa excluded).

I reckon it's for the same reason Durbin will be at 3rd - Romy. He's going to be the platoon for Mayer when he's healthy, and rather than move Story back to SS when Romy comes in for Mayer (Romy will have to play 2nd), they just live with Story's D for one more year (which isn't terrible) and not move parts around continuously to manage Mayer. If Mayer proves he can stay healthy and move on from platoon status they make the switch next year.

I think an extended lockout is all but a guarantee at this point. This has been building since about 20 minutes after the previous collective bargain. I'd go as far as saying I'd be quite surprised if we don't lose at least a quarter of the season. I imagine quite a few of the owners are hopeful the Dodgers win again this year, so they can further hold them up as the reason why a cap is needed.

I don't do that deal either. I'd have done Mayer and Harrison, but no more. The Marte contract is good but we were getting the lesser years of him. I've no problem the Red Sox telling them to go away when asking for both Mayer and Tolle/Early.

I think there is still enough speed in the team that if we got a power bat in for Duran it would lead to a nicely balanced attack. Whether that player is available is another thing. The answer seems to be no right now.

Agreed. He seemed far more comfortable in CF than LF where he looked lost on times. He's great cover, which is what you want from your DH/4th outfielder I guess.