Kimmi

The move worked out fine. More than fine. We really didn't miss Hanley at all. That said, DFAing him was all about the money.

Esteban Quiroz, we hardly knew ye. I'm a little surprised he was traded, but I guess relief pitching depth is a bigger need than 2B depth. And who knows, Brewer might actually be good.

In case you missed it, Bradford mentioned this moment in an article on WEEI today, titled How Analytics Helped the Red Sox Win Their World Series. Of all the regular season moments that helped pave the way for the Red Sox' World Series title, what happened in the sixth inning back on June 21 in Minneapolis has to be pushed to the top of the list. With the Sox holding a 2-0 lead over the Twins, Rick Porcello delivered his 0-2 offering to Joe Mauer. The lefty hitter jumped on the pitch, sending into the right-center field gap, almost exactly where Mookie Betts was standing. In fact, the right fielder had to take exactly three steps back before casually hauling in the liner. After throwing the ball back in and signaling the first out, Betts couldn't help himself. The right fielder who had been adamant that he and his Red Sox' outfield-mates didn't need those cards and analytics being thrown the infielders way since spring training -- going so far as telling WEEI.com back in April, "It doesn't seem like baseball sometimes with all of the extreme shifts," -- couldn't help himself. He took the card out of his back pocket and waved it toward the Red Sox' dugout with a huge grin. I am just glad that someone else enjoyed that moment as much as I did.

The Yankees will be good, but the Red Sox are scary good.

I was sad to read this. He was really a lot of fun to watch.

I'm sure that if he's offered a major league deal, he'd take it over a minor league one. OTOH, if he's given a mid June opt out he might be willing to give it a whirl with the Sox for the chance at another ring. All that said, I'm not sure that Buchholz would be eager to rejoin the Red Sox even if they did offer him a big league contract.

There are probably better options in terms of pitchers who can stay healthy, I doubt that there are better options in terms of talent and pure stuff who will potentially take a minor league contract. I guess the question is, would you rather have another #7, 8 type pitcher who is more likely to stay healthy or a potential #1, 2 type pitcher who carries concerns about staying healthy? I'll go with the latter.

Correct. It doesn't have to be Eovaldi, but I really think we need a RHP, and Eovaldi seems like the most logical choice.

Get it done Dave!

Lester also cost considerably more than Porcello. I think the Sox FO screwed up big time in their negotiations with Lester, but once Lester became a free agent, I did not think it was a good idea for the Sox to try to top the Cubs offer.

Porcello's ring > Lester's ring.

I never liked not being able to extend Lester before he hit free agency, but once he was gone, I absolutely loved the Porcello deal. At times it's been hard to defend the deal, but IMO, it was a good deal to make at the time. Thanks Ben!

Mookie has had one whirlwind of a season. Along with being a WS Champion, he has won pretty much every individual award that he was eligible for. Not to mention he became a father. How is he going to top that next year? LOL FTR, bowling was very cool way before Mookie.

There are some posters who are opposed to signing him to a minor league deal. I agree that it would be foolish to count on him for anything. But as a depth piece, he can potentially be very, very good.

I would still give JD reps at 1B. What would it hurt? He can play there in games at NL parks, and that would give us another option if Moreland or Pearce either get injured or do not perform up to task.

I agree with this. IMO, Dombrowski makes a splash for the closer role.

I would love Eovaldi back, but not for 4 years. If he can't be re-signed for 3 or fewer year, then I'd look elsewhere.

You, Sir Notin, are the man.

I really don't understand the angst in giving Clay a minor league deal. There is literally almost no risk involved.

100% in, as I was last year.

I don't disagree. If you ask me, that's the biggest culprit of what's wrong with today's game. Not the shift, not the pitcher taking too long between pitches, etc., but all those freaking ads.

The beauty of the one year contract. Pearce can absolutely stink and the Sox would be able to eat the contract fairly easily.

Ha.

The fact that Pearce obviously wanted to be back with the Sox and probably left a 2nd contract year on the table gives me a whole new respect for the guy. Good for him.

I think it's a hometown discount in terms of years. I was pretty sure Pearce would get a 2 year deal. So far this offseason, Dombrowski is 2 for 2, extending Cora and re-signing Pearce.