Nick

You're only 2 1/2 behind the Sox with everyone hurt.....You need a CF.

"Cora loves his speed"...needs to get on base more...

Hey Moon PTBNL from Mets....it's Valdez, 19, OF, 14th prospect for the Mets.

Per mlb.com Ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 29 international prospect during the 2018 signing period, Valdez inked a deal for $1.45 million with the Mets that July 2. He was big for the class then and that remains the case as he stands in at a listed 6-foot-3, 212 pounds. The Dominican Republic native showed off some power and ability to take a walk in his first taste of the pros in the Dominican Summer League in 2019, hitting .268/.357/.432 over 57 games. That prompted a first stateside move to the Gulf Coast League that season, and he returned to the U.S. for the instructional league last fall. The Mets like Valdez for his above-average hand speed that can result in some impressive exit velocities when he makes a solid connection. He also shows an impressive eye at the plate for someone his age, though he can get too passive at times. His swing can also get long, which holds down the overall hit tool. Valdez is a solid runner but is decidedly a corner outfielder, due to his size and struggles at times with routes and jumps. His arm is a potential above-average tool, though that too will take work as he works on his release to make the most of his arm strength. There was plenty to build on for Valdez in 2020, and that will continue to be the case for him when he returns to game play in 2021. The power and arm make him a standard corner-outfield candidate at the top level, and the other holes in his game could be improved with experience.

Per MLBTradeRumors, The Red Sox will acquire outfield prospect Freddy Valdez from the Mets as one of the three players to be named later from February’s three-team Andrew Benintendi trade, reports Chad Jennings of The Athletic (Twitter link). The Red Sox and Royals will reportedly settle on the two players heading from Kansas City to Boston within the next week or so. Sorry if its been posted already. He was the 14th ranked prospect for the Mets. He's 19 years old.

Per MLB.com Aaron Hicks’ likely season-ending wrist injury means the Yankees -- who traded Mike Tauchman to the Giants last month -- are currently starting Brett Gardner and his .559 OPS in center field. Not good. Where could they turn to find a new center fielder? Ketel Marte of the D-backs would be the best solution, though he is signed through 2022 (with affordable club options for 2023 and ’24), so the price tag to acquire him could be more than Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is willing to pay. Pittsburgh’s Bryan Reynolds is another player who could be on the trade block, though he’s arbitration-eligible for four years beginning this winter, so he won’t come cheap, either. Starling Marte fits the rental category, but he figures to draw interest from a number of clubs, which could spark a bidding war that drives up his price, too. Michael A. Taylor has been playing well for the Royals after signing a one-year, $1.75 million deal last offseason. Kansas City has been hovering around .500 to remain in the mix in the AL Central, but he could prove to be a cheap alternative if he becomes available. Bottom line: finding a new center fielder won’t be an easy task for the Yankees, but if they believe such a move is necessary, there are options out there if they’re willing to pay the freight. Do we have a center fielder we can trade? Poor Yankees.

Per MassLive BOSTON — Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Ryan Brasier was struck in the side of the head with a line drive during a simulated game Friday morning in Fort Myers, Fla. He was taken to the hospital where he is in stable condition and will be under observation for 24 hours, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said during a pregame Zoom availability Friday. “He’s stable. We’re going to have more information throughout the day and tomorrow. From what I just ask from you guys is pray for him and your thoughts for his family,” Cora said. It's probably good thing that we picked up Workman. Giving up solo home runs don't bother me. It's the two, three run homers as result of walks/errors that will absolutely kill you.

It's going to be a great weekend! Best thing about 2021 Sox is that there's plenty more room for improvements. They've not hit their stride in all facets of their game. Right now, strongest improvement is coming from our relievers. Ottavino is inching closer to his top form, Darwinzon and Taylor are hitting their strides, Workman will be better than any #14 pitcher we have in our system and Brasier will return in couple of weeks. Barnes will get his biggest test this weekend against a team he's struggles against. But this is new Barnes. Taylor is used in high leverage situations, Darwinzon comes into clean inning, walking one and striking out two seems to be his mo. We could use better outings from Sawamura. Arroyo has chance to take control of second base. Who would have thought Richards will gives us better chance to beat the Yankees than Eovaldi and E Rod? It appears Bloom picked the right guy from free agency pool, high reward, low risk guy with second year club option.

Health wise he's just fine. Hell he's touching 95's with his fastball. The problem I think has been with his command and not executing his changeup. Not sure if he's been throwing much changeup. He threw over 100 pitches the other day. You don't do that if you're puny.

5 Runs of 7 hits...ooops don't forget 7 walks....walks ALWAYS bite you in the ass

4 AB 4 K's...not getting better

Yep...67 pitches after 7 innings. Once a pitcher establishes strike zone command, hitters will not wait to get a walk. Pretty good for our #5.

Good contract with Perez...team option for 2022 at $6M after $4.5M this year with innings pitched bonuses....

I know they had to but kudos to Sox for being decisive in Workman situation....hell try them all and see if someone sticks...that is ALL I'm asking...

Now I feel bad for him.....he's completely lost......7/8 HR last year, again in spring training, he just can't hit right handers.

Robo umps needed...

49 pitches through 5 innings....this is how you do it....staying positive today.

I doubt anyone will pick up Colten Brewer....he came up for one game as our 14th guy. He'll be back and sent to AAA.

You had me laughing.......thanks for that.

Is Houston still cheating? I just had to ask.....

I don't have much issue with Kike playing. As Moon has said frequently he is what he is...

Keeping it simple.... Upgrade needed? DH No C Maybe 1B Yes to 2021 version of Dalbec 2B Yes, only because I have no idea who our 2B is SS No 3B No RF Verdugo, NO CF Kike, Probably RF Renfroe, Maybe, Maybe Not Staying positive, how about Richards and Pivetta? It would be cool to get the old version of Workman back after using him as bait to snare Pivetta.

Good Morning you all Looking at the bright side Richards, Pivetta and Perez have pitched well and beyond expectations. It they were our numbers 3, 4 and 5, we'd be in great shape. Chris Sale is progressing, expected to pitch this year. Brasier is close to going on a rehab assignment. 180 from 2020.

I just can't believe OBP isn't a major factor for leadoff hitters. I've watched money ball one hundred times. Base hit, walk, it doesn't matter. Get on base.

Cora looks silly clinging on to his belief that Kike, having never lead off, is the leadoff guy for Sox. Has anyone asked Kike how he likes it? I know several of you always talk about feeling comfortable in batting order is the most important thing. Maybe a journalist should ask Kike.