oldtimer

I agree that the results of a loss tonight were likely and that Sale was put into a situation where he couldn't give up any runs at all and expect our weakened lineup would give him much support. Missing both Betts and Nunez left us with our other likely hitters of Bogey, Beni and Devers a heavy lift, especially against a good lefty who has been pitching well. Sad to see our team disintegrate after such a nice run, but when we were winning we were only getting 5 or 6 hits most days. The pitching carried us. The funning thing is that Young actually got a couple of hits tonight after not doing anything at all for a long time.

Morrison is another interesting guy. If he can repeat something close to this year he would be better than Moreland. Also, if we can't pick up Nunez, we should look at Cosart. They both aren't gooing to come cheaply. Their values are listed at around $14 million for next year. What they get offered may be something different, but it would be good to have a backup plan for Nunez.

You could be right, but I am a sucker for a top athletic type. It will take him time to come up through the levels. Hitting will be his biggest hurtle but I think if he can put on 10 to 15 pounds he could well be a top flight outfielder. The hitting is the thing. Whatever, don't trade this kid.

I must have seen Duda at the wrong times as he didn't look like that good a hitter against good pitching. Maybe Alonso for a short contract would be better.

Devers is likely to improve his defense and he needs to do that. His hitting is already a plus on the team. I don't expect Bogey to improve much as he has enough years of play now to define who he is defensively. His hitting really fell off a cliff this year in the second half but looks now like he is coming back a little at season's end. My hope is that we get a hitting coach who can do a better job with our team next year. Maybe Bogey and JBJ would respond to a different approach.

I've got my eye on Cole Brannen who needs to mature and gain some weight and strength as a Sept call up in 2018. He fits the bill as a very fast and athletic outfielder who could also play center. At 6' 170# aand 19 yo he needs to gain 10 pounds and his power may respond a little. To me, he is a possible diamond in the rough type. I agree that we have elements in our system that can fill the utility spots as well as they were filled this year. I know you have been less than enthusiastic about Hosmer, but he might just be so much better than what we have that he would be a major improvement. i believe in continuous improvement.

Yes, we have to get used to the fact that Hanley will remain here next year, despite his less than stellar production. I don't expect another year older Hanley will show any improvement, so whatever plan we have should make 2018 his last with the Sox. I prefer that any player we get in his place will be able to play a position and would not advise taking on any playing who can only be a DH. Going forward for next year and beyond, we need to realize that Pedey is likely to be a 90 games a year guy just due to age and wear and tear. So we need a capable replacement for him for the other 70 games or so a year. Pedey when right can hit and contribute enough to fill in as DH. Not much power but a good way to use him to give him days off in the field. As far as priority players going forward, I think Betts, Beni, Devers and Vaz should be our key signees. If Nunez is healthy, I would love to sign him for 3 years as well. That would solve the expected partial void at 2nd and allow for rest to other infield players, plus, he too could be an effective DH. On a second tier, I am ambivalent on JBJ, Bogey and Leon. All have good points and weaknesses but could be replaced with players of equal capability. If signing money or length of contract gets too high then say goodbye. Our current utility players aren't getting it done enough to hang onto them. Young, Holt and Davis. We should look for younger and adequate utility guys to replace them. Maybe we could find a diamond in the rough or two. Travis certainly has upside. Clearly we need some pop in the lineup and 1st base seems to be the logical place to find it. There are several guys out there better than Moreland. If we have to pay a FA, then we should do it.

Now, Nunez seems to have more of an injury than first suspected. That was an ominous sign last night with him in pain during an AB. Add to that, Mookie had a sore wrist and was removed. Not good news at this point.

Lets hope that Nunez is going to be back and that we are getting straight talk in that regard. Young is definitely not playing well enough to get a spot in the post season, whereas Travis can play first and has at least a chance of getting a hit. Marrero for his defense and his upbeat attitude. The problem going that way is that there is no backup outfielder. Right now we have Pedey, Moreland, Rameriz and Bradley all hitting poorly. Lets hope that some of them can come out of their hitting doldrums to add some positive at bats to the team.

Without Pomeranz imploding, this would have been another win.

Youngs third strikeout in a row. I guess Farrell must think Beni needs the rest.

I thought Young was a decent defensive outfielder and did enough at bat to be a utility outfielder. Over time though, he has apparently lost what hitting skill he had and now is a total loss at bat. No way they should bring him back nor include him on a playoff roster. If Farrell also thinks that way, then why play him in any games leading up to the playoffs. He has an alternative in Davis. Why not play the guys who will continue on the roster?

Didn't use his curve ball and it cost him

Yes, and tonight we will see Nunez return. He may well be rusty, but it is good to see him back in the lineup.

I don't think Stanton is a good fit for us either, even though he is a special player. Personally, I can't see giving any player a long contract with mega bucks involved. Talking about signing just a designated hitter under those circumstances makes less sense to me. Better to sign a very good power hitter who can also play in the field for a shorter and more reasonable contract. Sale and Kimbrel have turned out to be very smart pickups while Price, no so much at this juncture. While DD has thinned out our minors, most of his acquisitions have made sense. I trust him to make the best moves for the organization.

Foxx wrapped up his baseball career in 1945. I was a boy but too young to be concerned about him at that point. He's got to be into his 80's. I guess he gets a break for that.

Very amusing post

Would the Yankees take the contract? Can you imagine Judge and Stanton in the lineup together, not to mention their other power hitters.

You are putting up a false premise. We can increase our offensive production without a 10 year contract. I would doubt if any sane Baseball general manager will be offering very long term contracts in future. They just don't tend to work out.

We are winning despite many guys not doing the job. You can be sarcastic about it all you want, but it can easily catch up with us. We have Devers, Betts and Vaz as our primary hitters with a hope that Nunez can come back tomorrow. We are in the playoffs so now we have to figure a way to win against the really good teams.

Magic number for the pennant is now 3 with 7 games left.

Double the excitement as the Patriots won on a heart stopper from Brady. Big day for New England. Looks like the Yankees will go down.

Really no hitting from our top 5 and JBJ. 3 walks is all they have mustered so far. Got to do better. Maybe Nunez will help. Hanley pinch hitting struck out as well. Pretty anemic stuff.

Fister started to implode. Gave up a hit to the pitcher on a two strike count and then another hit on a 2 strike count. Hope Farrell replaces him now, while we are still in the game.

True, and so far no one has bitten on the Stanton waiver.