oldtimer

I do as well although who knows with his personality. From what I hear, he is a really hard worker but it would be difficult to know that from his demeanor. I think the best bet is to avoid his return in 2019 and go with a safer prospect. Some great ones will come on the market then.

I was kidding you about the the use of the word compliment instead of complement. I guess this slow season just gives me too much time and brings out the kidder in me.

This will be a complicated set of dealings, with age, length of contract, QO's and financial and prospect/player commitments. Hope DD plays it smartly.

What Hernandez hasn't shown is any real power, even though he is a strong looking young man. I have always liked him as a player, but don't expect HR's although he may make contact more often than some of the other possibilities.

I thought you teach ESL classes?

I care. Many guys would hit more HRs if they would swings from their heels on every AB. I prefer a Nunez type who hits for average and still can give you HRs as well. Thats why we let Napoli go, too many strikeouts with occasional power.

Playing Hanley at first base would probably mean his contract would vest for 2019. I certainly hope we can avoid being tied down for another $22 million for an ageing player of average skills.

We were close last year and need improvements but not necessarily of the mega type (which also includes mega risk). For that reason I would take Sanatana over the others. I believe you meant to say were were dead set against Hosmer and I agree with that position.

With Cora in as manager and a new coaching staff, there won't be the same attachment to Holt that JF seemed to feel. I expect he will be gone before the season starts. Leon, on the other hand would need to replaced and I am not sure Swihart is that guy, so that remains an open question to me. With the Sox question marks at this point, it would be good if at least some will be acted on by DD before we get into the new year.

Interesting article up today that has both Holt and Leon being moved in some way. Swihart may get a chance as backup to Vazquez. Brentz as our 4th outfielder with a 5th being someone with a special talent like Maybin or santanfor their baserunning. The article postulates getting Kim from Baltimore as a backup player and going with Henrnadez while Pedroia is out. Do we go with Duda or Santana at first? The article is posted under red sox news.

Pedroia has been a great player for the Sox and has given his all during his career to date. Knowing the kind of guy he is, I totally expect him to try to comeback from this serious problem but there is a chance he won't be able to.If not, I would want to keep him around the organization in some capacity.

Based on the age of those players, the relative performance (both offensive and defensive) and the cost and length of contracts, I would favor Carlos Santana. The trouble is getting him.

I'll disagree with you on that. It was a serious injury and repair and his age may mean a little longer recovery period. I am guessing the all star break.

A lot will depend on how DD plans to handle his young talent. If there is an intent to move someone, then possibly Santana and Cozart but it will depend on circumstances. There are options, it just depends on the Sox management thinking.

There is a distinct possibility that a change in emphasis by the manager and hitting coach could bring additional run production. The question is whether it would be enough to keep us in contention with the top teams. There are some FA's who won't command the huge financial commitments and longer term contracts who might give us the added run production that we need. both Santana and Cozart are available on 3 year contracts for roughly $15 million a year each. Could we get either or both for that matter? As for Pedroia, I have always held him in the highest regard, but saying that it is hard to put him at the top of the depth chart at second as he might well not play until after the AS break. We could fill in for him with a lower potential player for half the season, but will that put us in a hole vs the better teams? A lot will depend on how serious DD is about holding onto his young talent or whether Bogey or JBJ may be made available. Another question to answer is whether the team is considering moving Devers to 1st in the future. I look forward to management moves which will improve the team in the field and also in the pitching staff.

He said he had constant problems until JH finally said he would get the extension and that he would get paid. So credit JH for keeping him for the last 3 years .

You can find out a lot about the way Papi felt if you read his book, "Papi-My Story". Thats where I got the reference.

You are giving some front office individuals perhaps more credit than they deserve. Yes, to be successful they have to follow a logical process. On the otheer hand, these guys have egos and opinions and my well want to have a say into what might be thought of as the managers perogative. Papi pointed out that it happened to Farrell and it might also happen to Cora.

That comment was made in relation to how Papi felt when they were playing with him while bringinng in expensive FA for huge contracts. Why not pay the proven player in your system what he's worth before going out and spending like a drunken sailor on questionable talent.

If you believe what DD was saying about Brentz being given a solid chance as our 4th outfielder, how does that impact our need for Holt. We have betterIf's, so is he more likely to be mved/

Good observation. The question is whether the analytics are sent down for use by the manager in making decisions or the decisions are sent down to the manager for implementation. I would hope it is the first and that the hiring of younger analytics based managers means that they can benefit from the myriad of information that can be made available. Farrell was well liked by many of the players but may have overstayed his time and I support trying something new.

Your missing Brentz, who DD has said should get a chance as 4th outfielder.

In Ortiz book, "Papi-My Story" he talks about daily lineups being sent down by the front office in past administrations. Was it Theo, Luchino, or others. Is it still happening with Dombrowski? Not a very good thing to have happening with the manager being usurped. The behind the scenes activities we don't often hear about have a profound impact on the spirit in the dugout for managers, coaches and players.

I'd be interested in how Ortiz feels about the signing of Stanton.

The front office should consider the effect on our young high performance players of bringing in very highly paid FAs while finagling to keep their salaries low. That happened to Ortiz and others when Crawford was brought in. Maybe you pay the big money and the guy you bring in is not able to deal with the spotlight you get in Boston and he under-performs. Not everybody is cut out to thrive in this environment. We have seen Price bristle when criticized. We as fans also get on players ans sometimes unfairly, so if we think getting a guy in is just a game of adding his stats then we are missing part of what makes this game complex. We have 1st or 3rd base to fill depending on Devers and 2nd base to fill for about 1/2 the season assuming Pedroia can make it back to anywhere near his past capability. We probably also need a relief pitcher and possibly a starter. Santana is a tough get but would be very suitable. Nunez if he has recovered would also be good, but also may be a tough get. Stanton is a generational talent who should be considered but caution should be used due to the financial commitment, the length of contract, the opt out possibilities and the loss of young players from our organization. I question the sanity of going in that direction.