Kimmi
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Everything posted by Kimmi
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I do not remember who wrote it, but it was neither a sourced statement nor a prediction. The writer did not state that Henry was dead set against acquiring someone like Price or that Henry would not approve such a contract, just that his preference is to get a younger, cost-controlled pitcher. Really, that's no secret. That has always been Henry's preference. Where Ben was more reluctant to trade away prospects, I think Henry is more willing to part with them.
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Any club would be willing to give up a solid young starter for the right price. I don't think Henry is dumb enough to think he's going to get a young starter for peanuts. He knows that it is going to cost him one way or another.
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It's my understanding that most catchers hit their stride defensively at a later age than any other position. Swihart simply was not ready to take over full time catching duties at the big league level. From the scouting reports I've seen, his defense should end up being very good.
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I don't think the Sox have any intention of turning Swihart into a first baseman. That said, perhaps they have notions of trading Sam Travis?
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While it's very likely that Clay will not finish the season, it's not a foregone conclusion. Having him on the team offers the team some depth and flexibility. IMO, he's a mediocre option at worst. At best, he's an ace caliber pitcher.
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I read today that Henry's preference in acquiring a #1 pitcher is for the Sox to trade for one rather than hand out a huge contract through free agency. He is still looking for the young, cost-controlled arm versus giving a mega contract to a 30+ year old pitcher.
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This is not a knock on Swihart because I am a fan of his, but I don't think it's a coincidence that our pitching improved when our defense improved, including getting Hanigan back behind the plate. In addition to Swihart having a negative DRS, he also ranked negatively in pitch framing. I really don't want to give up Swihart, but if we're not trading Betts or Bogaerts, it will probably be necessary to part with him.
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I have said before that I like the idea of letting Swihart move to 1B and having a 3rd catcher on our team. However, while his bat projects to be very good for a catcher, it becomes more or less average for a first baseman, thereby losing its value. I don't think that's the route the Sox want to go.
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I said that Swihart would become the better overall catcher between the two, when combining offense with defense. The reports I have heard say that Swihart projects to be a pretty good defensive catcher in his own right, combined with strong offense, and that his overall value to the team would be greater than Vazquez'. Vazquez is undoubtedly the better defensive catcher. I am in love with his defense, what little we've seen of it. My preference for a catcher is always to go with the elite defender, provided that he can hit enough to stay in the line up, which I think Vazquez can. If I had to pick one, I'd go with Vazquez, so I think we agree there.
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I understand the frustration with his frailty, but I will take that half season of dominant pitching from him next season. Mind you, he cannot, by any means, be counted on as our ace next season. However, a half a season of a dominant Clay in addition to our newly acquired #1 (and maybe newly acquired #2/3) would be tough to beat. If/when Clay gets injured, Owens could be called up or the Sox can acquire another pitcher before the deadline.
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Dombrowski stated today that Barnes will be converted to a full time reliever and he should come into camp prepared to pitch in that role. He also more or less said that Castillo, JBJ, and Betts will definitely be the starting outfielders to start next season. A trade of JBJ sounds very unlikely.
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Perfect example. I had forgotten the specifics of that game until you reminded me. The idea of a 'save' isn't necessarily a bad one. It just needs to be redefined in a way to give more weight or value to a one run, 4 out save than it does to a 3 run, 1 out save.
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Personally, I hope he is on my team. I don't know why there is so much hate for Clay. Either way, picking up the option offers the Sox some flexibility.
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Well said.
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Solid post Dojii. You bring up many good points. Because of what he brings defensively, I think Vazquez' offense will be good enough carry in the 8-9 hole, even if it isn't very good.
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I would hate to lose Swihart, but I would rather trade him than either Bogaerts or Betts. Also, I have always preferred a defensively oriented catcher over an offensive one. I really like the idea of a Vazquez/Hanigan tandem for next year. The defense would be elite, and any offense they provide would be gravy. So, trading Swihart would be the lesser of the evils. That said, I keep hearing that Swihart's defense is good enough that he will eventually be the better overall catcher between the two. If that's the case, maybe Dombrowski plans on trading Vazquez after he shows he's healthy. Who knows?
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From what I recall, Swihart was below average this year in DRS, in blocking pitches, and in pitch framing. I am sure catching Wright doesn't help. IMO, Swihart will be fine defensively. He was just put into a difficult situation, one that he was not ready for, and it showed. That said, I think he did a very admirable job considering the circumstances.
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His defense is bound to improve. He was thrown into the fire before he was ready, and he is still developing. He won't be Vazquez-esque, but he should be above average defensively.
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You know I speak the truth.
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Just read that the Sox had 3 players who were the worst in the AL at their position defensively in terms of DRS. Hanley and Pablo, whom we all know about, and Swihart was the third.
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I don't disagree with any of that SK. Unfortunately many of the voters do. The race between Trout and Donaldson is very close this year. It will be interesting to see who wins it.
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It's the right move to pick up Clay's option. A no brainer, really. The value that Clay can give is very much worth the $13.5 million, whether the Sox keep him or end up trading him. The mistake would be in relying on Clay to be the leader of the staff. I don't think Dombrowski has any intention of doing that.
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The "save" stat is bad enough. The "blown save" is even worse. I remember Papelbon getting a blown save in a playoff game in a situation similar to what you described. He came into the game with bases loaded and no outs. He gave up a sac fly, then induced a ground ball double play. To be charged with a blown save in a situation like that is criminal.
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Good stuff Youk. Yet another reason to hate on the Yankees - they can't leave well enough alone. I am not surprised that most clinching games were won with less than 5 runs. The teams are going to have their best pitchers out there, and on short leashes, in a do or die game.
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It might have been soon forgotten because the Royals were likely to win the series anyway, but I do think he would have taken heat over it. It was a risky play. It worked (due to a bad throw), so we heard a lot of praise for Hosmer for being a heads up baserunner, etc. Had he been thrown out, the reaction to the play would have been very different.
