moonslav59

If they can extend Castillo, it will be even better. I always hoped we'd get him.

Being that he is free and gives a veteran presence to a young, "rebuilding team," I think many of the cheap teams might take a freebie like Hosmer. Maybe, not.

I don't think Vaz and Plawecki were ever part of our longer term plans, and maybe for good reason. Word is, they are looking to add a catcher to the mix.

It seems like the Marlins are the best fit for us to make a trade- perhaps to fill 2-3 slots, but it all comes down to how they value our prospects. They have a young SS that is highly rated, so Mayer may not be who they want. They may want Bleis over Rafaela. They may insist on Bello. They may prefer Mata or Walter over Wikelman. They may laugh at a Duran offer or want him, assuming we take Soler or Garcia as a salary dump. They may want Hosmer or someone else we value lowly- like Wink, Seabold or Dalbec.

I meant more birthdays, this month.

Maybe they just don't value Bogey like we do. They have a long history of letting some of our stars and semi-stars go when their control years end. They've been right more than wrong in this area, but this does reek of the Lester fiasco. They could have at least saved face by offering about what they gave Story, but maybe they don't even feel he's worth that.

BTV accepted: Rafaela, Wikelman, Wink & Hosmer for Lopez, Cabrera, Cooper & Soler

That's what I thought you felt, but then I question why you seem to think I'm wrong when I say I think (not know) they will reset in '23 or '24.

So, no opinion.

So, again, you don't think they will spend big and sign one or both of these guys? If they sign both, do you think they will spend big to fill out the rest of the holes?

So, you are saying they will not spend big?

We have never gone 3 years straight over the tax line. Yes, I'm making an assumption we won't, this time, either. BTW, there have been statements made about being fiscally responsible. We can both read into that what we want. If we go over the tax line for 3 straight years or more, it will not only cost Henry money, but there are draft and bonus pool penalties involved- making it harder to maintain a longer term success strategy. I do not think resetting means more last place finishes. It doesn't have to be all in or all out, and I don't think top Sox management has ever felt like we'd finish in last place, except for maybe 2020. They don't plan for last place, but they don't plan for a ring every year, either. Unless you have a Dodger payroll or a Braves farm system, you screw yourself by trying to go all in, every year. IMO, we are trying to build up a farm system that can maintain a consistent winning tradition with no cliffs, no rebuilds and no more last places, but certainly with some restes scattered every 2-3 years along the way. It is possible to win it all in reset years, if the plan is sound and in place. We have done it before. Keep wishing JH changes his ways, if you want. It is a plan that should work. I'm just saying I won't believe it, until it happens. There is too much to lose by going over for that third year. Had we reset, this year, our next 2 years would be more encouraging, IMO. I'm fine knowing you and others see it differently.

That's your opinion, and if the Sox feel they can sign both, then yes. Bogey comes first. if a reset is in the plans for 2023 or 2024, it still makes signing both possible, but the rest of the team n eeds will suffer greatly. This is where an either or situation mat arise, and a higher priority may be given to Devers, if they value him more.

Yes, but that does not change what your top priority might be, until one says no to your top offer.

Too bad you can't have several more birthdays. Congrats on your team's advancement.

But, if they know, now, they will not sign both, Devers becomes the top priority. We don't know the thinking on this.

Big hope on NOT!

Some wild games

Close. I would, if he agreed to an extension. BTV accepted this: Mayer, Wikelman, Walter & Hosmer for Rogers, Garrett & Berti

Then I do t trade Mayer just now.

Certainly posters did use the word "decimate." My point was I have not heard it in a long time. The term "strawman" is easy to understand, and may not apply to this case, since there were real posters who said DD decimated the farm. No doubt, Bloom has a long way to go to reach the peak DD met, and he's been handed a different situation and set of priorities, so it's understandable the end results are not equal.

I don't necessarily disagree, but Mayer is the only consensus best draft pick of a draft the Sox have ever had. We better get 4+ years of control for him.

Not anymore. You are right.

Maybe. Maybe we trade Bogey in 2-3 years, but he will likely want a no-trade clause.

Sox want to sign Bogey... https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/10/red-sox-notes-devers-hosmer-casas-catcher-coaching-staff.html