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vegasbob

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Everything posted by vegasbob

  1. vegasbob
    The prodigal son returns and none too soon to rescue the image of JH. Will he become de facto CBO ? Not likely , because that implies Breslow is not up to it. Now if Henry had brought Theo in about 2 years into Bloom's stint, we might be somewhere now instead of looking up the tailpipe of the newly owned Orioles, and the rest of the AL East.
  2. vegasbob
    First time in several seasons ( 15+?) I have unsubscribed to MLB.com/Red Sox broadcast . Just not worth the time to watch this team daily over the season . I can get highlights/lowlights in recaps on the website and ESPN. Good luck to the guys because they will probably need it. Maybe just read Game Threads the next morning for the humor value.
  3. vegasbob
    The Red Sox are not setting us up for disappointment because now that bummer is fully expected. So, instead they have set us up to be excited and thrilled when the team makes a slight move ( 5 game win streak? ) to get within striking distance of of the 4th place AL East team. There is no downside, in ownership eyes, for this team . It can only get better or at worst, be the cover for starting a lot of "promising" rookies and 2nd year guys. The 10 game west coast opening schedule will keep us glued to our seats, I'm sure. Just removing the nervous energy of July's trade deadline anticipation takes away one of the major critiques of Bloom's era. This is clearly all about another bridge to maybe 2-3 year's out, built around cost controllable home grown studs. Personally, I'm just waiting for the ST injury bug to further erode the failure to lineup about 8-10 legitimate/potential MLB starters.
  4. vegasbob
    Reading that article closely and between Breslow's lines, you can quickly see what "ownership" told the CBO. "We have some good to better prospects that may mature into players in a couple years. Stay the course of internal, organic development and maybe by 2026 we will competitive with a low payroll for a few years. Then go buy a pitcher or two, but not now." As Wyo says, this team is quickly becoming uninteresting and ownership is short term (2024-2025) unwilling to commit to winning.
  5. vegasbob
    Jen McCaffrey offers the best explanation of why ownership may be tight and reluctant to go all out on Sox spending . If CBOs/GMs can elevate mid market-mid income teams to consistent competitiveness, then why can't JH's quants do the same? Having been in top roles in multi-billion dollar developments, it is not inconceivable that the FSG spend more than the entire Red Sox organization budget before even breaking ground on redevelopment of the neighborhood around the Park. BTW, kudos to Jh , Globe owner, for being able to pull off an in city development program with so many self appointed "stakeholders" all angling for their own signing bonus. One thing to discount economically somewhat is the fan fallout factor. Attendance could easily stay in the high 27,000s and NESN's ratings may hold even if fewer people actually attend games. Ticket pricing, more than player spending, could have a bigger factor in 2024 if the oft predicted recession materializes. Enlightening to read a piece by someone who can assess the situation without the fanaticism that defines fans.
  6. vegasbob
    Chris is still laughing all the way to the bank and finally eligible for some post-season bonus. My only question, because I do not care about the money paid to Atlanta, is whether Sale might have been worth more at the deadline , assuming he could have helped the rotation through July. The risk was that he self immolates before July and is worthless.
  7. vegasbob
    Feels a lot like Bloom Redux , except ,like Turner, a good season and the player only opt out leaves your cupboard bare in '25 . On the other hand a bad year and the Sox will spend another approximately $19MM carrying Giolito's ex alimony award for '25. I guess the answer to the first scenario is that '24 gives Breslow a year to see and improve any MiLB talent the Sox may have, solidify Bello as a real MLB pitcher, and trade Sale at the deadline, while Lucas racks up 180 innings. The second scenario really has no good outcome.
  8. vegasbob
    Among other attributes, the majority of them have the ability to speak, read and write English, enhancing their chances of actually understanding Breslow's development program and terminology.
  9. vegasbob
    Firing Bloom was a stall move by JH & Co to get fan forbearance by being able to say that Breslow has a new plan that will take 4 years to reach fruition. Kick the can down the road. I understand that if the deals being offered don't make sense , then don't participate in craziness. The price of poker is what it is for big market ( national fan base ) teams , so it looks like the Sox ownership has lost interest and folded. But the line is moving and nothing to improve the team ( Dugo by subtraction?) has been done. In fact, the roster is less by multiple players ( Turner, Duvall, Verdugo ) than it was September 30.
  10. vegasbob
    The paralysis of the analysis continues. Think too much and you get a headache
  11. vegasbob
    So Yamamoto goes to the Dodgers, where Japanese will be a second language. Another near miss, just a little off center mass for the Sox . Well try again next time. Other than hire execs, what has Breslow or any F.O. and ownership elite done about pitching. Oh , I forgot we traded Dugo for 3 more depth pieces. Maybe, just maybe we could spinoff Yoshida to LAD for one of their now surplus pitchers . The Japanese players do like the sushi in LA better than Legal Seafood.
  12. vegasbob
    Yes, an excellent article to outline the theoretical basis for a team's pitching program. It may take a few years to truly produce measurable results . Reminds me of the phrase, there's nothing more wasteful than unrealized potential. Along the lines of Moon's "very soon", I do hope Breslow realizes that he only has about 46 months left to realize his potential.
  13. vegasbob
    It is interesting to see how the sub-manager coaching positions have become the FO's business. Bailey does sound like his approach to getting MLB performances out of throwers has had success in SF. What does Cora think ? Does Bailey work for Breslow or AC ?
  14. vegasbob
    One thing sticking in my mind with the references to Erod. I think he has shown some signs of mental instability , most recently walking on his Tiger contract with $48 million to go. Didn't he take a couple months during 2022 or'23 to deal with issues? Erod may be an 'idiot" but not a funny one.
  15. vegasbob
    If Anderson was injured, then Bloom would have chased him all around the Loop trying to sign him... Let's see if Breslow goes fishing in the Chicago River
  16. vegasbob
    Well, consider that Breslow and family lived in Newton , MA , not Chicago. He now lives closer to his work, so may drop in once in awhile.
  17. vegasbob
    And does anyone wonder if the full truth be known that Cora probably hated Bloom who may have rationalized all of the above mismatches by trying to gain flexibility in the roster. Generally not the way high level MLB gets played. Oh, and the rest thing. Marcus Semien played in every one of the Rangers 172 games this year.
  18. vegasbob
    Reading some stories today about Chris Young, the former pitcher, who GM'ed Texas to a WS title , also an Ivy League grad ( Princeton) . Some similarities to Breslow's background, except for height (6'-10" to CB's 6'-0") , and same age bracket (43+-) . The key point I took away and alluded to earlier is the background and relatability as a former MLB player . This was one of the factors Bloom did not have , as seen in the relationship with Cora. Whether that has a positive effect on signing free agents, or in assessing trades ( outside of BTV) will be seen over the next few months. I do think Craig will need to put Cora on the spot for best using the roster they assemble. Under the current arrangement , Cora should not be able to blame Breslow for any performance shortcomings that originate with lack of focus, attention to fundamentals, etc. And Breslow/Cora better get a pitching coach that would have recognized that Brasier needed a cutter . If Breslow's advanced intellect turns out to turn off 20 something Dominican born young players, well then that's on him. Maybe he does speak Spanish.
  19. vegasbob
    Now with the WS over, the 5 day waiting period commences after which , say November 7-8, Craig Breslow will be on the clock and begin shaping this team to his liking. Let's see what he can do with no real independence of action due to the clogged arteries in the ownership, existing/continuing front office staff and dugout. Good luck , Craig, just don't step on any toes with your pitching spikes on.
  20. vegasbob

    Playoffs

    vegasbob replied to jad's topic in Boston Red Sox Talk

    So glad to see "Big Game" Nate perform well in the Series winner. Goes 5-0 in the playoffs/WS. This guy may not be able to go 32 starts or 190 innings but if you need a competitive pitcher out there in a must win game, Nate is one of the few to call on. I doubt he could have self elevated the 2023 Red Sox to the WC#3 but it is worth noting that Yalie Bloom couldn't rationalize Eovaldi's value vs Kluber's, and still had lux tax room leftover. And to all the Stat Masterson's who would "prove" Nate isn't worth the price, just understand the difference between guys that can handle the pressure and those that fold like cheap circus tents. Players like Eovaldi are invaluable to teams who want to win.
  21. vegasbob

    Playoffs

    vegasbob replied to jad's topic in Boston Red Sox Talk

    Well, Torey Lovullo , so much for the idea of a competitive bullpen game in the WS. Sounds like something Bloom would have backed into, but looks like Mike Hazen left you short a legit starter Some would still expand the leagues and the playoffs further ???
  22. vegasbob
    The outcome of the crapshoot playoff system shows that once you qualify you can win a championship. A little more challenging in the AL ( currently) to get there, but the D'backs with 84 wins are on TV Friday night. Who knew ? Breslow and Cora need to find about 12 more wins than the '22 and '23 teams to get it going the right way. Two good pitchers and a RH bat from having a shot . I add the RH bat only because I don't think Turner nor Duvall will be the best candidates for a multi-year deal. Consider getting Mitch Garver as a FA after he plays in the WS to split catching with Wong, drop McGuire , and make Yoshi the DH .
  23. vegasbob
    Truthfully, I don't care how Breslow performs to somebody's liking or is regarded by fans, as long as the team he puts on the field plays like it matters and learns to win at a high level. I do think Chaim's quiet personality and studious look didn't portray that he was in it to win it. He was managing a budget not a baseball team. Cora probably cut Bloom's nuts off with ownership after August 1 anyway. I, for one, will expect a whole new enthusiasm and much better results because I think JH will give Bressie leeway and budget to make a good first impression and recharge the fan base, as well as Cora too.
  24. vegasbob
    I wanted to start the Fire Craig Breslow thread just to get it going as you suggested, but was concerned whether he actually signed a contract yet or not. Plus he needs to get all his new logoed casual wear in the right size. As far as measurable action on the roster, he's made 2 calls ; One, to Chaim to ask , what were you thinking ? ; and the other to Alex Cora to reminisce over the days when they were on the same roster as players. Beyond that, he is waiting to meet the Fenway night watchman on Ipswich St to see how to get in and work late tonight.
  25. vegasbob
    Given the timing and situation, Breslow is not exactly an insider promotion to the head of the "committee" but close. His overall intelligence (molecular biology ?) and actual playing experience, plus becoming a pitching guru makes him a potential right guy/right place/right time . The action starts very soon as the WS will be over triggering FA time, December meetings not far away. Actual time in the Red Sox organization and NE's emotional fascination with this team will help Breslow understand the nuances of why it is a tough job.
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