SOME of the murkiness is lifting off the 2023 Starting Rotation. It's not too dissimilar to last season's disaster except our two best starters are likely gone. A few of the injured and some of the kids are a little further ahead of where they were last year. I see 9 guys in the rotation mix and 4 more soon to be on the 40-man Roster for protection.
A lot of issues in play here ranging from 40-man roster crunches to durability to endless individual player question marks. The way I see it, the best of what we currently have is a $40M rotation filled with flyers(Injuries), unproven youth(experience and injuries) and a spirited 5th starter.
If we keep this group as is, that's 13 out of the 20-ish pitching spots on the 40-man roster. One obvious consideration is to swing guys like Houck and Crawford. That can only go so far, though and puts a player's development into a risky place. (Darwinson Hernandez, anyone?) We'll need a bunch of BP guys from the outside world to come in.
So yes, some of this staff has to go. Bloom is going to have to trade, non-tender and DFA a few of his player "currency" or "collateral" or whatever he likes to call them. Right now, we have a stable full of 8th-9th organizational starters and no room for an experienced bullpen. Another lop-sided Bloom 40-man roster, coming right up!
As everyone knows from yesterday's news.....
- James Paxton exercised his player option. (I was hoping he would, albeit for the right reasons. Obviously TBD.)
- Whitlock has been told to train as a starter.
- Houck has been told to train as a starter, but his role is less certain. (Again)
And what we already knew:
- Nick "Mr Consistency" Pivetta Well, he does at least start every time his spot rolls around. He's got one more plateau to climb - quality starts on a more regular basis.
- The Chris Sale health saga. He hopes to be ready - again.
- Brayan Bello seems to be everyones favorite up and coming starter. As others have pointed out, historically, we don't fare well in that department.
- Connor Seabold hoping to break through.
- Josh Winckowski hoping to break through.
- Cutter Crawford hoping to break through. (I think he became a serious candidate to stick after developing that Curve.)
In the wings, probably on the 40-man to avoid being snatched up on Rule-5 day.
- Thad Ward
- Bryan Mata (40-man Roster)
- Brandon Walter
- Chris Murphy
External considerations
- Does Nasty Nate comeback via QO, one year recovery deal, mid-grade Free Agent despite slowing velocity?
- Does Wacha - There's still far too many questions around Wacha.
- Rich Hill - Just mentioning him because we sort of liked him about every 3rd start?
- Chasing after other free agents
- Chasing Trade options
Nobody expected anything by this point yet. It's early. I was trying to make some sense of the mess over coffee this morning.
Free agenc y kicks off at 5PM today. Sox and Angels now showing interest in Tyler Anderson one of. LAD s top pitchers. Of note he likely comes with a QO. Sox being over the LTT, the QO costs us draft picks(s) and $1 mil in international signing budget.
Another pitcher Boston is engaging is Kodai Senga from the Japanese league (140 IP, 3.54 era, 2.9 WAR). Also looking at Seth Lugo (Mets) and Heaney(LAD), but he has had health issues over the years.
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 10, 2022, 08:49:03 AM
SOME of the murkiness is lifting off the 2023 Starting Rotation. It's not too dissimilar to last season's disaster except our two best starters are likely gone. A few of the injured and some of the kids are a little further ahead of where they were last year. I see 9 guys in the rotation mix and 4 more soon to be on the 40-man Roster for protection.
A lot of issues in play here ranging from 40-man roster crunches to durability to endless individual player question marks. The way I see it, the best of what we currently have is a $40M rotation filled with flyers(Injuries), unproven youth(experience and injuries) and a spirited 5th starter.
If we keep this group as is, that's 13 out of the 20-ish pitching spots on the 40-man roster. One obvious consideration is to swing guys like Houck and Crawford. That can only go so far, though and puts a player's development into a risky place. (Darwinson Hernandez, anyone?) We'll need a bunch of BP guys from the outside world to come in.
So yes, some of this staff has to go. Bloom is going to have to trade, non-tender and DFA a few of his player "currency" or "collateral" or whatever he likes to call them. Right now, we have a stable full of 8th-9th organizational starters and no room for an experienced bullpen. Another lop-sided Bloom 40-man roster, coming right up!
As everyone knows from yesterday's news.....
- James Paxton exercised his player option. (I was hoping he would, albeit for the right reasons. Obviously TBD.)
- Whitlock has been told to train as a starter.
- Houck has been told to train as a starter, but his role is less certain. (Again)
And what we already knew:
- Nick "Mr Consistency" Pivetta Well, he does at least start every time his spot rolls around. He's got one more plateau to climb - quality starts on a more regular basis.
- The Chris Sale health saga. He hopes to be ready - again.
- Brayan Bello seems to be everyones favorite up and coming starter. As others have pointed out, historically, we don't fare well in that department.
- Connor Seabold hoping to break through.
- Josh Winckowski hoping to break through.
- Cutter Crawford hoping to break through. (I think he became a serious candidate to stick after developing that Curve.)
In the wings, probably on the 40-man to avoid being snatched up on Rule-5 day.
- Thad Ward
- Bryan Mata (40-man Roster)
- Brandon Walter
- Chris Murphy
External considerations
- Does Nasty Nate comeback via QO, one year recovery deal, mid-grade Free Agent despite slowing velocity?
- Does Wacha - There's still far too many questions around Wacha.
- Rich Hill - Just mentioning him because we sort of liked him about every 3rd start?
- Chasing after other free agents
- Chasing Trade options
Nobody expected anything by this point yet. It's early. I was trying to make some sense of the mess over coffee this morning.
Winkowski, Crawford and Seabold???????? They were absolutely shitty to the max this past season and their chances of "breaking through" depends on breaking through what. If it through the horsepucky performances of this season....FORGET IT!!!!!!!! They showed little or nothing except jerking their heads when balls went screaming past them over them and under them. and no more of Rich Hill. He belongs in a pasture somewhere. Did Isay that Verlander is now a free agent as is Rodan? We need solid starting pitching, not a bunch of worthless turds that disgraced themselves, the fans and their teammates in 2022. Prune Face has to open his wallet and start spending some real money on some real talent.
News that Sox gave the qualifying offers to Eovadi and Bogey, of course. I’m surprised Wacha was not QO’d. He was a very effective pitcher IMO this year. Nate seemed to have lost a lot of velocity coming off his recent injury.
“Red Sox have extended the qualifying offer to Xander Bogaerts and Nate Eovaldi, per sources. As of late last night, there had been some early, early conversations between the Sox and Eovaldi about a multi-year deal but nothing close.â€
Here is a creative thought Eovaldi as closer.
Quote from: elktonnick on November 10, 2022, 06:21:11 PM
Here is a creative thought Eovaldi as closer.
They tried that and it didn't work. I forgot which season.
On a similar notion, I think lots of folks would like to see Sale make that switch.
Quote from: Sea Dog 23 on November 10, 2022, 02:29:12 PM
Free agenc y kicks off at 5PM today. Sox and Angels now showing interest in Tyler Anderson one of. LAD s top pitchers. Of note he likely comes with a QO. Sox being over the LTT, the QO costs us draft picks(s) and $1 mil in international signing budget.
Another pitcher Boston is engaging is Kodai Senga from the Japanese league (140 IP, 3.54 era, 2.9 WAR). Also looking at Seth Lugo (Mets) and Heaney(LAD), but he has had health issues over the years.
Leave it to Boston to chase after a 32 year old semi-Journeyman with exactly one good season under his belt. Granted, it was a GREAT season. Before that, he had a career that looked like Pivetta's mid-4 ERA.
Quote from: Sea Dog 23 on November 10, 2022, 04:59:36 PM
News that Sox gave the qualifying offers to Eovadi and Bogey, of course. I’m surprised Wacha was not QO’d. He was a very effective pitcher IMO this year. Nate seemed to have lost a lot of velocity coming off his recent injury.
“Red Sox have extended the qualifying offer to Xander Bogaerts and Nate Eovaldi, per sources. As of late last night, there had been some early, early conversations between the Sox and Eovaldi about a multi-year deal but nothing close.â€
I'm surprised, too, that Wacha did not get one. Disappointed might be a better word, actually.
Quote from: SeaBeachFred on November 10, 2022, 03:47:12 PM
......
Winkowski, Crawford and Seabold???????? They were absolutely shitty to the max this past season and their chances of "breaking through" depends on breaking through what. If it through the horsepucky performances of this season....FORGET IT!!!!!!!! They showed little or nothing except jerking their heads when balls went screaming past them over them and under them. and no more of Rich Hill. He belongs in a pasture somewhere. Did Isay that Verlander is now a free agent as is Rodan? We need solid starting pitching, not a bunch of worthless turds that disgraced themselves, the fans and their teammates in 2022. Prune Face has to open his wallet and start spending some real money on some real talent.
I'm in absolute agreement about Seabold and close to it on Winckoski.
I think Crawford rebounded well from his all fast pitch arsenal start when he came back with that nice curve-ball. He had some effective outings.
Seabold got hit hard with his control being not what it was in AAA. That said, they also hit his good pitches(Change-up. IIRC) that did drop well OR they let it go for a Ball. To me, he's a Chris Weber type. Organizational depth at best.
Winckowski is the tough one for me to decide on. Like Seabold, he needs to be a great control pitcher. It was not there. His AAA out pitch might not have gotten creamed like Seabold's did, but it got nobody out, either. Batters fouled it off and waited for the forthcoming cement-mixer to cream and drive in the runners on base that had just been walked.
Both of these guys were the real prizes for two our current regime's trades. Just thought another jab was in order. LOL
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 11, 2022, 09:08:12 AM
Quote from: SeaBeachFred on November 10, 2022, 03:47:12 PM
......
Winkowski, Crawford and Seabold???????? They were absolutely shitty to the max this past season and their chances of "breaking through" depends on breaking through what. If it through the horsepucky performances of this season....FORGET IT!!!!!!!! They showed little or nothing except jerking their heads when balls went screaming past them over them and under them. and no more of Rich Hill. He belongs in a pasture somewhere. Did Isay that Verlander is now a free agent as is Rodan? We need solid starting pitching, not a bunch of worthless turds that disgraced themselves, the fans and their teammates in 2022. Prune Face has to open his wallet and start spending some real money on some real talent.
I'm in absolute agreement about Seabold and close to it on Winckoski.
I think Crawford rebounded well from his all fast pitch arsenal start when he came back with that nice curve-ball. He had some effective outings.
Seabold got hit hard with his control being not what it was in AAA. That said, they also hit his good pitches(Change-up. IIRC) that did drop well OR they let it go for a Ball. To me, he's a Chris Weber type. Organizational depth at best.
Winckowski is the tough one for me to decide on. Like Seabold, he needs to be a great control pitcher. It was not there. His AAA out pitch might not have gotten creamed like Seabold's did, but it got nobody out, either. Batters fouled it off and waited for the forthcoming cement-mixer to cream and drive in the runners on base that had just been walked.
Both of these guys were the real prizes for two our current regime's trades. Just thought another jab was in order. LOL
RIGHT NOW MONGO EVERYTHING POINTS TO BLOOM LOOKING FOR BARGAINS AND DOING SOME DEEP SEA DUMPSTER DIVING. I HAVE HEARD NOTHING ANYWHERE THAT POINTS TO THE TEAM MAKING A CONCERTED BID FOR THE LIKES OF RODAN, VERLANDER OR DEGROM, JUST SOME INTEREST IN MIDDLINGS OR SUSPECTS. SO FAR, NOT SO GOOD AT ALL.
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 11, 2022, 09:08:12 AM
Quote from: SeaBeachFred on November 10, 2022, 03:47:12 PM
......
Winkowski, Crawford and Seabold???????? They were absolutely shitty to the max this past season and their chances of "breaking through" depends on breaking through what. If it through the horsepucky performances of this season....FORGET IT!!!!!!!! They showed little or nothing except jerking their heads when balls went screaming past them over them and under them. and no more of Rich Hill. He belongs in a pasture somewhere. Did Isay that Verlander is now a free agent as is Rodan? We need solid starting pitching, not a bunch of worthless turds that disgraced themselves, the fans and their teammates in 2022. Prune Face has to open his wallet and start spending some real money on some real talent.
I'm in absolute agreement about Seabold and close to it on Winckoski.
I think Crawford rebounded well from his all fast pitch arsenal start when he came back with that nice curve-ball. He had some effective outings.
Seabold got hit hard with his control being not what it was in AAA. That said, they also hit his good pitches(Change-up. IIRC) that did drop well OR they let it go for a Ball. To me, he's a Chris Weber type. Organizational depth at best.
Winckowski is the tough one for me to decide on. Like Seabold, he needs to be a great control pitcher. It was not there. His AAA out pitch might not have gotten creamed like Seabold's did, but it got nobody out, either. Batters fouled it off and waited for the forthcoming cement-mixer to cream and drive in the runners on base that had just been walked.
Both of these guys were the real prizes for two our current regime's trades. Just thought another jab was in order. LOL
Mongo, I read a synopsis of all of the Bloom trade results from the beginning. Only Verdugo, who they are somewhat unhappy with his 2022, and Pivetta were his pluses. Pivetta is a tough, reliable starter until he pitches against the AL East. All those other minor leagues from trades are stuck in the mud.
Quote from: Sea Dog 23 on November 12, 2022, 06:44:25 AM
Mongo, I read a synopsis of all of the Bloom trade results from the beginning. Only Verdugo, who they are somewhat unhappy with his 2022, and Pivetta were his pluses. Pivetta is a tough, reliable starter until he pitches against the AL East. All those other minor leagues from trades are stuck in the mud.
Is it the Red Sox, Press or both that are somewhat unhappy with Verdugo?
My take on him is overall positive, but there were a few areas of improvement I didn't think we'd be talking about at this point.
Pivetta, too. He might be the one dumpster-diving trade return that worked out so far. He makes his starts and competes. Question is, does he have the proper development and coaching staff around him to help make him better? He'll mature and settle down a bit. He's the kind of pitcher I always wondered why the Red Sox never seemed to be able to get. The 4th and 5th rotation spots always seemed to be elusive in terms of quality. Perhaps a year without being the defacto ace will help?
Look at what Dombrowski traded away over the years.
Quote from: SeaBeachFred on November 11, 2022, 02:59:06 PM
RIGHT NOW MONGO EVERYTHING POINTS TO BLOOM LOOKING FOR BARGAINS AND DOING SOME DEEP SEA DUMPSTER DIVING. I HAVE HEARD NOTHING ANYWHERE THAT POINTS TO THE TEAM MAKING A CONCERTED BID FOR THE LIKES OF RODAN, VERLANDER OR DEGROM, JUST SOME INTEREST IN MIDDLINGS OR SUSPECTS. SO FAR, NOT SO GOOD AT ALL.
Indeed, it does look like the same old Bloom so far. I've seen nothing to indicate otherwise.
It looks like the Sox have a glut of players in and around the 40 man, and no way they can protect all the talent we want to keep. Some rumblings of a trade of 3 for 1 to get an outfielder.
Alex Speier of the Globe says inquiries have been made for Bryan Reynolds of Pirates, Haniger of Seattle and a group outfielders with the Diamondbacks, including Jake McCarthy and Alec Thomas, a young CF that would cost less than Reynolds. Also exploring Sean Murphy of Oakland to be our catcher. The Reynolds deal would have an asking price of possibly two of , Bello- Casas - Mayer - York - Bleis, primarily because Reynolds still is under control for 3 years. Alec Thomas batted only .231 for Arizona in 2021, but has been a consistent .300+ hitter in the minors. Value, value, value, that's the first the chapters of Bloom's bible.
Quote from: Sea Dog 23 on November 13, 2022, 08:44:44 AM
It looks like the Sox have a glut of players in and around the 40 man, and no way they can protect all the talent we want to keep. Some rumblings of a trade of 3 for 1 to get an outfielder.
Alex Speier of the Globe says inquiries have been made for Bryan Reynolds of Pirates, Haniger of Seattle and a group outfielders with the Diamondbacks, including Jake McCarthy and Alec Thomas, a young CF that would cost less than Reynolds. Also exploring Sean Murphy of Oakland to be our catcher. The Reynolds deal would have an asking price of possibly two of , Bello- Casas - Mayer - York - Bleis, primarily because Reynolds still is under control for 3 years. Alec Thomas batted only .231 for Arizona in 2021, but has been a consistent .300+ hitter in the minors. Value, value, value, that's the first the chapters of Bloom's bible.
Some teams are taking it cautiously in the beginning of the Hot Stove League goings on and for the decent teams that may be a good way to approach things, BUT IT IS NOT A GOOD WAY FOR THE REDSOX to go about it. We were absolutely shitty this past season and the moves dumbo Blommer Boy made mostly blew up in his stupid face. He has already filled up our 40 man roster with a bunch of those bums he traded for who for the most part shit the bed this past season. He needs to climb out of the dumpster and make some serious moves for some solid players. Murphy and Reynolds look like good pickups if the rumors are true that Bloom is looking into them but knowing what we know about that bum he will probably decide on more prospects to load us down with too many and wind up trading the better ones and keeping the turds. He either needs to barf away his miserable performances in those areas or get out of dodge. And what is Henry doing except playing hide and seek with those who want to know what the hell he is up to and what he is going to do about his miserable team that he helped destroy?
When one opens the draw of the Red Sox 40 man roster cabinet, what does one find, 35 Swiss Army knives, 3 or 4 decent knives and one all star hunting knife which we will probably lose some time in the next 12 months. Bloom likes Swiss Army Knives.
Quote from: elktonnick on November 13, 2022, 07:16:04 PM
When one opens the draw of the Red Sox 40 man roster cabinet, what does one find, 35 Swiss Army knives, 3 or 4 decent knives and one all star hunting knife which we will probably lose some time in the next 12 months. Bloom likes Swiss Army Knives.
I hope somebody in MGT drew a line in the sand for Boy Genius Bloom. Sox don’t play in the ALCentral. The ALEast has three great teams ahead of Sox - a marginal fourth if you count the O’s with some good drafts and trades behind them. It’s going to take more than “Swiss army knives†to win our schedule. It’s going to take cold blooded sluggers and pitchers to even get closer. One ray of hope, we only play the ALEast 13 times each this year.
Quote from: Sea Dog 23 on November 14, 2022, 06:23:35 AM
Quote from: elktonnick on November 13, 2022, 07:16:04 PM
When one opens the draw of the Red Sox 40 man roster cabinet, what does one find, 35 Swiss Army knives, 3 or 4 decent knives and one all star hunting knife which we will probably lose some time in the next 12 months. Bloom likes Swiss Army Knives.
I hope somebody in MGT drew a line in the sand for Boy Genius Bloom. Sox don’t play in the ALCentral. The ALEast has three great teams ahead of Sox - a marginal fourth if you count the O’s with some good drafts and trades behind them. It’s going to take more than “Swiss army knives†to win our schedule. It’s going to take cold blooded sluggers and pitchers to even get closer. One ray of hope, we only play the ALEast 13 times each this year.
From his silence and hiding out like a cheap thief from the angry Red Sox hordes of fans, the miserable conduct of Prune Face will more than likely try and fool the fans and pink hats with more mediocrity. The hope is he can reel the suckers into his ballpark to see another year of miserable baseball while the press and media stay silent about this rotten development that has engulfed our team. Very very sad.
Today is Qualifying Offer acceptance day. Eovaldi is the one we're waiting on. If his arm was right this past season, he would be mentioned amongst the big boys on the FA market. He could take the QO to establish a rebound year to go for a bigger pay day next season. Alternatively, the Red Sox have offered him a multi-year contract. I've not heard the terms.
Taking the QO could be awful for us or it could be a really good thing for us. That, of course, means it's a risky, iffy thing for us.
--------
In other starter topics, our old friend Martin Perez found the Fountain of Not Pitching For the Red Sox in Texas last year. He likes the water and is said to be accepting his QO. I mean, why not? If he shows a second great year, he's gonna combine that with a recent history of being reliable and parlay all that into one heck of a payday. Good for him.
This afternoon reports came out that Eovaldi declined the QO. Nothing said if he might go for the multi-year offer.
The Japanese pitcher, Kodai Senga, is said to be favoring a major market team. Boston has scouted him for quite awhile. Projected contract terms are 5/$75m (fangraphs?).
The minor league players that will be protected and were added to the 40-man today are Brandon Walter, Ceddanne Rafaela, Murphy, David Hamilton, and Wilyer Abreu. Enmanuel Valdez was added to the 40 last week. Of note pitchers Thad Ward, #9 prospect Eddinson Paulino, and #13 Wikelman Gonzalez were not protected. Jake Reed and Caleb Hamilton were DFA’d.
Sox were in touch with pitcher Tyler Anderson, but Angels signed him tonight.
I’m afraid Bloom is going to sit on his butt this year and let a good number of FAs get gone before he realizes he’s not working for Kansas City or Detroit.
Quote from: Sea Dog 23 on November 15, 2022, 07:56:08 PM
Sox were in touch with pitcher Tyler Anderson, but Angels signed him tonight.
I’m afraid Bloom is going to sit on his butt this year and let a good number of FAs get gone before he realizes he’s not working for Kansas City or Detroit.
Hell. What do you expect from a guy who majored in the classics in college. Studying the classics does not inculcate one with a sense of urgency. It isn't like one is waiting for Homer or Plato to come out with a new book any time soon.
All I see is the same 💩 warmed over.
Seriously this isn't that tough. You identify guys you want and spend the money to get them. Period. Waiting around leaves you with leftovers. Sox need a top of the rotation starter and a solid #2. Right now all they have is #2 and I don't mean a pitcher. They need a shutdown closer. They barely have a setup guy and their two best relievers are starting to train as starters. So weakness added to both the rotation and the pen.
We don't have a SS. We are stuck with a 1B we don't want, blocking one of our most promising players. We have an expensive 2B who isn't very good and if Bogey is signed, I'm expecting Devers to sulk and at least get off to a slow start. We don't have a Major League caliber OF. We have a poor, weak hitting CF. We have Verdugo who is fine with two other good outfielders. But we need power and defense in at least 2 OF positions and we won't have that on this team.
Seems like Bloom has no plan other than to see who is available for short term deals at low money.
Quote from: longgame on November 16, 2022, 08:14:57 AM
All I see is the same 💩 warmed over.
Seriously this isn't that tough. You identify guys you want and spend the money to get them. Period. Waiting around leaves you with leftovers. Sox need a top of the rotation starter and a solid #2. Right now all they have is #2 and I don't mean a pitcher. They need a shutdown closer. They barely have a setup guy and their two best relievers are starting to train as starters. So weakness added to both the rotation and the pen.
We don't have a SS. We are stuck with a 1B we don't want, blocking one of our most promising players. We have an expensive 2B who isn't very good and if Bogey is signed, I'm expecting Devers to sulk and at least get off to a slow start. We don't have a Major League caliber OF. We have a poor, weak hitting CF. We have Verdugo who is fine with two other good outfielders. But we need power and defense in at least 2 OF positions and we won't have that on this team.
Seems like Bloom has no plan other than to see who is available for short term deals at low money.
Looks that way to me too Ted but you have to remember what a cheap bastard John Henry has turned out to be, and if he isn't willing to put up some serious money we're going to be left with a bunch of second rate Swiss Army knives and very few, if any, swords or hatchets to slay the dragons of the American League. So far Bloom hasn't done a damn thing to improve our team and I'd be surprised if anything happens in the next couple of weeks. I also insist Prune Face is betting on enough naive pink hats, flunkie fans and apologists to join his band of pollyannas to go bald face to the fans and try to convince them that black is white.
I'm very surprised they didn't protect Thad Ward. I'm not saying he's MLB ready for a whole season, but I'm not saying he isn't either.
So far, hasn't most of the signings been guys re-signing? To sign this early is usually over an early boat load of money or a guy wanting to stay where he is. As far as our own, why would he want to stay if his team was being dismantled around him and we're getting cast offs. Pffffttttt!!!
Oh, speaking of guys who should be cast offs - The latest publicity hype machine on Franchy is that he's immensely popular in the clubhouse. That kind of hype doesn't grow on trees for guys about to get released. Damn it!!!
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 16, 2022, 10:24:48 PM
I'm very surprised they didn't protect Thad Ward. I'm not saying he's MLB ready for a whole season, but I'm not saying he isn't either.
So far, hasn't most of the signings been guys re-signing? To sign this early is usually over an early boat load of money or a guy wanting to stay where he is. As far as our own, why would he want to stay if his team was being dismantled around him and we're getting cast offs. Pffffttttt!!!
Oh, speaking of guys who should be cast offs - The latest publicity hype machine on Franchy is that he's immensely popular in the clubhouse. That kind of hype doesn't grow on trees for guys about to get released. Damn it!!!
If the Red Sox are insane enough to trot out French Fry Franchy as a new face of the Red Sox we might as well encourage to jump into a ditch and let us thrown dirt over them because this guy is a total shit, can't hit, can't field, can't run the bases worth a damn and is a total strikeout machine. However, I remember Bloomer Boy actually saying that he saw a David Ortiz type in the guy. The only type of thing he saw in Frenchy even resembling Big Papi is the stuff that comes out of his rear end.
Quote from: SeaBeachFred on November 16, 2022, 10:38:42 PM
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 16, 2022, 10:24:48 PM
I'm very surprised they didn't protect Thad Ward. I'm not saying he's MLB ready for a whole season, but I'm not saying he isn't either.
So far, hasn't most of the signings been guys re-signing? To sign this early is usually over an early boat load of money or a guy wanting to stay where he is. As far as our own, why would he want to stay if his team was being dismantled around him and we're getting cast offs. Pffffttttt!!!
Oh, speaking of guys who should be cast offs - The latest publicity hype machine on Franchy is that he's immensely popular in the clubhouse. That kind of hype doesn't grow on trees for guys about to get released. Damn it!!!
If the Red Sox are insane enough to trot out French Fry Franchy as a new face of the Red Sox we might as well encourage to jump into a ditch and let us thrown dirt over them because this guy is a total shit, can't hit, can't field, can't run the bases worth a damn and is a total strikeout machine. However, I remember Bloomer Boy actually saying that he saw a David Ortiz type in the guy. The only type of thing he saw in Frenchy even resembling Big Papi is the stuff that comes out of his rear end.
I agree with you on all counts except the base-running. That freak can fly. I've had more than one 'how the heck did he score from 1st on that?' type of moment. That said, I'm sure he's done some odd things on the basepaths to make one shake his head.
I tell you, that image of Bloom losing his cool while celebrating Franchy's walk-off last year still haunts me. It will haunt me all of us if Thad Ward is Rule-5'd somewhere and has a good season if Franchy doesn't have some sort of bust out year. There are a few others that could go, but everyone's gotta have a poster child.
Bogey is popular and the team leader. By that logic on Franchy, they should be backing up an armored car to Bogey's house with his windfall. Bloom likes him for hype and cheapness. He doesn't live up the hype, but he's cheap.
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 17, 2022, 06:10:07 AM
Quote from: SeaBeachFred on November 16, 2022, 10:38:42 PM
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 16, 2022, 10:24:48 PM
I'm very surprised they didn't protect Thad Ward. I'm not saying he's MLB ready for a whole season, but I'm not saying he isn't either.
So far, hasn't most of the signings been guys re-signing? To sign this early is usually over an early boat load of money or a guy wanting to stay where he is. As far as our own, why would he want to stay if his team was being dismantled around him and we're getting cast offs. Pffffttttt!!!
Oh, speaking of guys who should be cast offs - The latest publicity hype machine on Franchy is that he's immensely popular in the clubhouse. That kind of hype doesn't grow on trees for guys about to get released. Damn it!!!
If the Red Sox are insane enough to trot out French Fry Franchy as a new face of the Red Sox we might as well encourage to jump into a ditch and let us thrown dirt over them because this guy is a total shit, can't hit, can't field, can't run the bases worth a damn and is a total strikeout machine. However, I remember Bloomer Boy actually saying that he saw a David Ortiz type in the guy. The only type of thing he saw in Frenchy even resembling Big Papi is the stuff that comes out of his rear end.
I agree with you on all counts except the base-running. That freak can fly. I've had more than one 'how the heck did he score from 1st on that?' type of moment. That said, I'm sure he's done some odd things on the basepaths to make one shake his head.
I tell you, that image of Bloom losing his cool while celebrating Franchy's walk-off last year still haunts me. It will haunt me all of us if Thad Ward is Rule-5'd somewhere and has a good season if Franchy doesn't have some sort of bust out year. There are a few others that could go, but everyone's gotta have a poster child.
Correction noted Mongo. I should have emphasized Franchy's less than astute running while on the bases, but either way when you start hearing rumors that Bloom plans to give this guy another shot with the team you have to wonder where the guy is coming from. He has already had three tries with us and has failed miserably all three times despite one of those times when he showed some promise only to completely disintegrate with a plethora of strikeouts that made him utterly useless to the team.
Quote from: SeaBeachFred on November 17, 2022, 10:58:18 AM
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 17, 2022, 06:10:07 AM
Quote from: SeaBeachFred on November 16, 2022, 10:38:42 PM
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 16, 2022, 10:24:48 PM
I'm very surprised they didn't protect Thad Ward. I'm not saying he's MLB ready for a whole season, but I'm not saying he isn't either.
So far, hasn't most of the signings been guys re-signing? To sign this early is usually over an early boat load of money or a guy wanting to stay where he is. As far as our own, why would he want to stay if his team was being dismantled around him and we're getting cast offs. Pffffttttt!!!
Oh, speaking of guys who should be cast offs - The latest publicity hype machine on Franchy is that he's immensely popular in the clubhouse. That kind of hype doesn't grow on trees for guys about to get released. Damn it!!!
If the Red Sox are insane enough to trot out French Fry Franchy as a new face of the Red Sox we might as well encourage to jump into a ditch and let us thrown dirt over them because this guy is a total shit, can't hit, can't field, can't run the bases worth a damn and is a total strikeout machine. However, I remember Bloomer Boy actually saying that he saw a David Ortiz type in the guy. The only type of thing he saw in Frenchy even resembling Big Papi is the stuff that comes out of his rear end.
I agree with you on all counts except the base-running. That freak can fly. I've had more than one 'how the heck did he score from 1st on that?' type of moment. That said, I'm sure he's done some odd things on the basepaths to make one shake his head.
I tell you, that image of Bloom losing his cool while celebrating Franchy's walk-off last year still haunts me. It will haunt me all of us if Thad Ward is Rule-5'd somewhere and has a good season if Franchy doesn't have some sort of bust out year. There are a few others that could go, but everyone's gotta have a poster child.
Correction noted Mongo. I should have emphasized Franchy's less than astute running while on the bases, but either way when you start hearing rumors that Bloom plans to give this guy another shot with the team you have to wonder where the guy is coming from. He has already had three tries with us and has failed miserably all three times despite one of those times when he showed some promise only to completely disintegrate with a plethora of strikeouts that made him utterly useless to the team.
I had forgotten all about that stretch. 17 out of 20-ish, or some crazy thing like that?
Being a good upstanding Northenern, I had more than one pre-season workout in the gymnasium during HS and Jr Hs. I mean to tell you, I could not hit a single fake baseball lobbed at me. Watching that stretch last season reminded me of how bad I was a few early practices. One time it carried to the field, too. oy!!! No wonder I forgot it. I must have tried to forget it. LOL
Either the MGT. is conducting their own lockout with the MLBPA or they’re just taking the month off, but Jamie Gatlin thinks Sox are progressing with a deal for Eovaldi. Only Seattle looks to be active in the market.
I don't think Bloom works during November, December and January. He'll scoop up the bargain bin when all the good guys are gone.
A pair of relative moves, the Red Sox non-tendered Franchy and Yu Change. Hopefully this breakup will last and it's not a way to save $200k - $400k by bringing him back.
Somewhat surprising is that means they are bringing back Brasier, at least for the time being. I agree with those who say Brasier would be a good depth piece as long as they don't insert him in a pressure situation. Beyond that, it's been a long time since he was a reliable late inning go to guy.
So, IF we were going to let those two go, why not protect Thad Ward? The other day I was rather critical of this move. Soon thereafter, it occurred to me that we already had a glut of not quite ready for the big leagues starting pitchers in addition to the stable full of injury and depth pieces. 11-12 in all, depending on Houck's status, with designs on bring Eovaldi back.
Speier of the Globe says we have < “interest” > in Rays FA Kluber
According to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have expressed interest in free agent starter Corey Kluber.
His 2022 line was 10-10, 4.44 era , 1.31 WHIP.
I recall Sox had good games against Kluber.
I do not know about anyone else but I am getting a little sick and tired of Henry's employees in the media dropping these little tid bits about the Sox being interested in this players or that and then crickets. I would not feel this way if I had any confidence that Bloom will actually make a significant move that improves the team.
Quote from: elktonnick on November 19, 2022, 06:14:20 PM
I do not know about anyone else but I am getting a little sick and tired of Henry's employees in the media dropping these little tid bits about the Sox being interested in this players or that and then crickets. I would not feel this way if I had any confidence that Bloom will actually make a significant move that improves the team.
Simply put Elk, it pisses me off no end as well. All talk and rumors and then zilch or garbage.
This is a balanced write up on where Sox seems to be going for pitching. From Mark Polishuk of MLBTR.
The pitchers they are looking at would not rival Houston, NYY. They might go .400 against Rays and Jays. I think 2023 is another bridge year. A bridge to what?
“While the Red Sox are actively seeking out more arms, Alex Speier writes that it doesn’t appear the team is aiming for the very top of the pitching market. This means that Justin Verlander, Jacob deGrom, Carlos Rodon, and Chris Bassitt are unlikely to be landing in Boston, for a variety of reasons. In the view of most pundits (including MLB Trade Rumors’ own top 50 free agent list), these are the four established Major League starters likely to score the biggest contracts on the open market this winter, and it seems as though the Red Sox aren’t eager to make quite such a big commitment to a single player. “The Sox are more likely to spread spending across several targets,†Speier writes, so hypothetically, Boston could sign the likes of Heaney and Eovaldi for less than it would cost to sign Verlander alone just in 2023 salary.
“Singe could be something of an exception, as the Japanese ace is drawing enough widespread interest that it now looks like he could land one of the bigger contracts of any pitcher this offseason. MLBTR projects Senga for five years and $75MM, and while the Red Sox have interest, it is possible the bidding could get beyond their comfort zone.
“The Red Sox have already been linked to multiple free agent pitchers, with such names as Kodai Senga, Andrew Heaney, Seth Lugo, and Tyler Anderson (since signed by the Angels), all reported as names on Boston’s radar, and the Sox also have interest in re-signing two of their own free agents in Nathan Eovaldi and Rich Hill.
“Corey Kluber is also on this list, as the right-hander tells Alex Speier of the Boston Globe that he had had some talks with Boston this winter. After previously negotiating with the Red Sox in each of the right-hander’s previous two trips to the free agent market, Kluber ended up signing with the Yankees for the 2021 season and then with the Rays in 2022. Kluber posted a 4.34 ERA and a league-best 1.2 BB/9 over 164 innings with Tampa Bay, and pitching in Boston would have some extra appeal since Kluber and his family live in Winchester, Massachusetts.â€
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/11/latest-on-red-sox-pitching-targets-2.html
Not having a true ace works when you've got a staff of studs. Look at 2007 - Beckett, Schilling, Wake, DiceK. It doesn't work when you've got nobody that can get past 4 or 5 innings and you have no bullpen.
Do the Sox really have a clue as to how far off they are right now?
Two years ago Sox were said to have been the high bidder for Corey Kluber, whose family lives in Mass. However he signed with NYY.
There could be a disconnect between the culture of Boston (and NY) and Free Agent players. I saw this observation today, with respect to players attracted to teams on Florida and Texas, notably the very good Japanese and Korean players who have posted. The California teams are an exception to the high taxes I think because of geography. Senga is the latest Japanese star pitcher who avoided Boston during his tour of US cities last week. Sox had scouted him for quite awhile. Jon Morosi did say 11/21 that Sox have contacted Senga’s agent.
“Why play in high tax areas, far away from home, only to get eviscerated by toxic fanbases if you get off to a slow start.“
Wow, I looked it up and was surprised that Mass is considered more expensive than California. But LA has much higher taxes than Boston, both income and sales taxes although I know there was talk about some sort of super tax for millionaires.
Bottom line is the west coast has a lot of Asian people and a lot of Asian press, plus the weather is better! Plus who knows what Chaim will do to you after a year or two.
Renfroe got traded again. Three minor-league pitchers including two that have had call-ups the past couple years with unimpressive results and a 5th rounder from two years ago that played three levels last season and did well.
Why is Renfroe traded and/or released so often? He had another decent year. Is he an attitude problem or a trouble-maker? I've not heard of anything bad about him. Ever.
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 23, 2022, 07:08:57 AM
Renfroe got traded again. Three minor-league pitchers including two that have had call-ups the past couple years with unimpressive results and a 5th rounder from two years ago that played three levels last season and did well.
Why is Renfroe traded and/or released so often? He had another decent year. Is he an attitude problem or a trouble-maker? I've not heard of anything bad about him. Ever.
All I can say is Renfroe is a so-so outfielder. He was a bit of a punch line on Sox boards at end of 2021 with his brain farts in RF. Of course playing RF at Fenway is like playing CF at Fenway.
Quote from: Sea Dog 23 on November 23, 2022, 07:49:51 AM
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 23, 2022, 07:08:57 AM
Renfroe got traded again. Three minor-league pitchers including two that have had call-ups the past couple years with unimpressive results and a 5th rounder from two years ago that played three levels last season and did well.
Why is Renfroe traded and/or released so often? He had another decent year. Is he an attitude problem or a trouble-maker? I've not heard of anything bad about him. Ever.
All I can say is Renfroe is a so-so outfielder. He was a bit of a punch line on Sox boards at end of 2021 with his brain farts in RF. Of course playing RF at Fenway is like playing CF at Fenway.
I still can't believe he was a finalist for the GG that year. One of the worst I've seen at balls bouncing around below his knees, but does have a canon and can chase a fly ball down decently for a big dude.
Still, being traded, non-tendered, traded and traded the past 4 off seasons. Dang!
He has that great arm, he just can't play fly balls very well. Sort of strange guy with a weakness a team like the Sox, with no other good outfielders, can afford. Of course replacing him with JBJ was a step backwards. Sox need to make some forward steps but I have no faith this will happen.
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 23, 2022, 07:08:57 AM
Renfroe got traded again. Three minor-league pitchers including two that have had call-ups the past couple years with unimpressive results and a 5th rounder from two years ago that played three levels last season and did well.
Why is Renfroe traded and/or released so often? He had another decent year. Is he an attitude problem or a trouble-maker? I've not heard of anything bad about him. Ever.
Renfroe was a standout for the Red Sox in 2021 and to me it is because he is a coveted player that he is wanted by so many teams. I never heard one negative thing about him when he played for the Padres in San Diego and his time in Boston elicited no negative stories from what I have heard. Once again Bloom blew a chance to get a power hi tting outfielder that he claims we need so badly. And for what did we trade him for in the first place---to get their beloved Jackie Bradley back for another year of shitty play for our team? And by the way, after traded to Toronto he actually hit worse than the 204 he was hitting for us----and don't be surprised if he winds up back with us again. We owe him money due to Blooms' stupid trade for him last winter and knowing Bloomer for the mo ron he is he might as well sign him back up since we have to pay him. Nothing Bloom and Henry do surprise me any more in the least and it shouldn't surprise any of you either because the guy is just an incompetent bum.
Fred, he screwed up routine fly balls. Great arm, if he got the ball. And he took care of business at the plate. But the Sox are chock full of flawed players so adding another one to the mix isn't the answer.
Bloom looking in the weeds today. Signed a former Mets reliever, lefty Joely Rodriquez. Was a NYY in 2021, fwiw we need a LH in the pen. For $2mil ($1.5 on the books) and a recent injury bug, probably just a depth piece in the middle innings. Maybe Sox are not sure about Josh Taylor’s health,
The #RedSox today signed LHP Joely RodrÃguez to a one-year contract for the 2023 season, with a club option for 2024. $2ml, option for 2024
2022 50.1 IP, 4.43era, 1.35 WHIP
He only has three years of service time, so he can stay through 2025, as we have his arb rights.
He had a shoulder injury at the end of last year , and the Mets non-tendered him, so that's a little worrisome.
Quote from: longgame on November 23, 2022, 11:22:47 AM
Fred, he screwed up routine fly balls. Great arm, if he got the ball. And he took care of business at the plate. But the Sox are chock full of flawed players so adding another one to the mix isn't the answer.
Right you are on that Ted and I knew you or someone would call me on it. Flawed he might be but he is a power hitting RF who produces at the plate and compared to what we had this past season he would have been more of an asset than a drag since he has the power we needed so badly. Now what do we do for that power hitter we need? What about this Joely Rodriguez character? Know anything about him as a reliever. He was at 4.47 at a reliever for the Mets this season in 50+ innings. Hope he is not one of those dumpster dumps we usually get s tuck with, and when are we going to start signing some real ballplayers. I've heard rumors that we're going to spend a lot of money this off season but pardon me if I'm a mite skeptical. Hopefully we will.
BTW, in case I may forget, may you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day tomorrow.
Holy Crap! This is such a typical Bloom signing. Pathetic. 4.42 this season, 4.66 in '21. Yeah, that's not a BP arm we need. We have depth. We need impact BP. Crap depth is Feb/March minor league contracts. Who cares if we have control over a 4.xx ERA guy? It's absurd.
Renfroe would have made a mighty fine extra OF/DH player. One could do worse for an extra OF'er unless we needed a glove for late innings.
Back to our lefty signee. He's no better than what we had last season before they threw Austin Davis under the bus with a lot of late runs before being jetissoned. And he's a roster spot for a team chock full of needs.
It would be hysterical if it wasn’t so pathetic. In addition to Rodriguez on Wed. Sox traded with Pirates for an INF/OF Hoy Park. hit .212 for Pitt in 2022, in 23 games 51 PA ( former NYY minor leaguer). Takes a 40 man slot. Boston traded a pitcher named Lobo in the Dominican SL.
Then Sox signed a FA named Crook (I kid you not) for AAA depth to play OF. In the Cubs organization last year.
Signing out for now. Hope you guys have a pleasant Thanksgiving day.
One must conclude that Bloom is making these moves just to look busy.
Quote from: Sea Dog 23 on November 24, 2022, 05:02:21 AM
It would be hysterical if it wasn’t so pathetic. In addition to Rodriguez on Wed. Sox traded with Pirates for an INF/OF Hoy Park. hit .212 for Pitt in 2022, in 23 games 51 PA ( former NYY minor leaguer). Takes a 40 man slot. Boston traded a pitcher named Lobo in the Dominican SL.
Then Sox signed a FA named Crook (I kid you not) for AAA depth to play OF. In the Cubs organization last year.
Signing out for now. Hope you guys have a pleasant Thanksgiving day.
Holy crap!!! That guy hit .225 in AAA with - get this - 99 K's in 316 AB's. Ouch!!! He did draw a boat load of walks and he's got some pop. That pop will be wasted because he's a not very big LH batter.
It's obvious now what they're doing. Kids got some pop. He's a 2b'man. He walks a lot. They retained Abreau instead of leaving him unprotected. They're rededicating themselves to on base percentage. This might be part of our XB replacement therapy.
Let's just call it what it is----a disgusting and sickening display of malfeasance by and incompetent buffoon who not only is a crappy judge of talent but who thinks he can put together a solid team by taking the garbage off of other teams and pretending that a new venue is all the need to perform feats of daring and greatness. Is Bloom as useless as I believe or is John Henry holding the puppet strings behind the wall?
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, thanks for the holiday wishes, Fred.
Bloom better have some hidden tricks up his sleeve because it gets uglier by the day. My buddy the Mets fan called me yesterday to wish me a happy Thanksgiving and then said "Joely Rodriguez" and started laughing hysterically. It's a sad day when Mets fans can laugh at Red Sox fans.
What do you guys think of Bellinger. I think he has lots of upside, it's only one year, but the downside is the Sox can't afford another swing and miss. He could be the answer or just another anchor. Still wonder what they plan to do with Hosmer as he could possibly give some lift but seems a shell of the player he was in KC. The Sox are in a tough position, they need to hit on every move or risk being run out of town with pitchforks.
I hope this "Crook" guy can at least steal bases!
Quote from: longgame on November 25, 2022, 11:49:41 AM
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, thanks for the holiday wishes, Fred.
Bloom better have some hidden tricks up his sleeve because it gets uglier by the day. My buddy the Mets fan called me yesterday to wish me a happy Thanksgiving and then said "Joely Rodriguez" and started laughing hysterically. It's a sad day when Mets fans can laugh at Red Sox fans.
What do you guys think of Bellinger. I think he has lots of upside, it's only one year, but the downside is the Sox can't afford another swing and miss. He could be the answer or just another anchor. Still wonder what they plan to do with Hosmer as he could possibly give some lift but seems a shell of the player he was in KC. The Sox are in a tough position, they need to hit on every move or risk being run out of town with pitchforks.
I hope this "Crook" guy can at least steal bases!
Ted, I’ve seen some plausible explanations for two of the low end signings. “They are housecleaning moves to address filling the Worcester roster, which was reduced by several DFAs.â€
However the Rodriguez guy was signed to a $2 mil deal. That displays a downward trend for the bullpen â€" in 2021 Ottavino at $10m, in 2022 Deekman and Straub at $7 and $3. Now that looks like bargain hunting, and that’s bad if you’re having to play Rays/Jays, not to mention the buzz saws in NY and Houston.
Quote from: elktonnick on November 24, 2022, 08:30:51 AM
One must conclude that Bloom is making these moves just to look busy.
I think most of us thing of it that way Elk, but how can any of us be fooled. He has signed three duds pure and simple, not of whom look able to help us positive in any way---dumpster diving at its best. Either Bloom is even dumber and more worthless than even we think or Henry is once again holding up the flow of money for either a pleasant surprise that will make him look good or is going to tell us this is a bridge season. If this is true the only bridge worth seeing is the one he and Bloom jump off.
Ah-ha, the “interest†mode this weekend. In another year I would say Kenley Jansen would be a big jump from the Rodriguez types. But he is now 36 yo, and he seemed to not be a high leverage choice out of the pen for Atlanta in the NLDS.
Boston Strong
@BostonStrong_34
·
Follow
Per source, the Red Sox are showing interest in closer Kenley Jansen. They also showed interest last season before he signed with the Braves.
For Braves in ‘22 a 3.38 era off of a 2.22 at LA in ‘21.
Well, Jansen would be an improvement in that there would be SOME successful save bids. 7 blown with 41 saves. 3.38 ERA, though. Some of them gonna get hairy.
Quote from: longgame on November 25, 2022, 11:49:41 AM
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, thanks for the holiday wishes, Fred.
Bloom better have some hidden tricks up his sleeve because it gets uglier by the day. My buddy the Mets fan called me yesterday to wish me a happy Thanksgiving and then said "Joely Rodriguez" and started laughing hysterically. It's a sad day when Mets fans can laugh at Red Sox fans.
What do you guys think of Bellinger. I think he has lots of upside, it's only one year, but the downside is the Sox can't afford another swing and miss. He could be the answer or just another anchor. Still wonder what they plan to do with Hosmer as he could possibly give some lift but seems a shell of the player he was in KC. The Sox are in a tough position, they need to hit on every move or risk being run out of town with pitchforks.
I hope this "Crook" guy can at least steal bases!
I've been thinking of this Bellinger situation a bit. Everybody knows his game. He came onto the scene with that massive swing and hit big as in MVP big. He lost it and looked downright silly at the plate with 150K's in 144 games. I saw him against playoff caliber pitching this past post season and was in awe at how bad he sold out on breaking balls. Then it all made sense. GG caliber glove and no bat. JBJ. We been down that road.
If XB flies the coop and we overpay for this reclamation project per our current MO, would Bellinger use Fenway as JBJ did this past season? The next question will apply to every lefty out there. How much of his batting average will come back with the shift being gone? Adding a hit a week with last season's numbers and he's a .260 hitter. Two hits a month turns into .235. Do the strikeouts go down because he knows he can get some base hits now? IF he uses the Monster to make up for the bigger Right Field, he could easily be a 20HR, .240 hitter with strong CF defense.
Now we add him to the lineup of big swingers. In no particular order and assuming 1b/DH sporting our 1b tandem most of the time, he would join Verdugo, Story, Devers, Hosmer, Casas and Kike. (LF and C still TBD in that scenario) That's a lot of
big huge swings and high strike out rates in there so far. Modern baseball. ugh!
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on November 27, 2022, 09:29:45 AM
Quote from: longgame on November 25, 2022, 11:49:41 AM
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, thanks for the holiday wishes, Fred.
Bloom better have some hidden tricks up his sleeve because it gets uglier by the day. My buddy the Mets fan called me yesterday to wish me a happy Thanksgiving and then said "Joely Rodriguez" and started laughing hysterically. It's a sad day when Mets fans can laugh at Red Sox fans.
What do you guys think of Bellinger. I think he has lots of upside, it's only one year, but the downside is the Sox can't afford another swing and miss. He could be the answer or just another anchor. Still wonder what they plan to do with Hosmer as he could possibly give some lift but seems a shell of the player he was in KC. The Sox are in a tough position, they need to hit on every move or risk being run out of town with pitchforks.
I hope this "Crook" guy can at least steal bases!
I've been thinking of this Bellinger situation a bit. Everybody knows his game. He came onto the scene with that massive swing and hit big as in MVP big. He lost it and looked downright silly at the plate with 150K's in 144 games. I saw him against playoff caliber pitching this past post season and was in awe at how bad he sold out on breaking balls. Then it all made sense. GG caliber glove and no bat. JBJ. We been down that road.
If XB flies the coop and we overpay for this reclamation project per our current MO, would Bellinger use Fenway as JBJ did this past season? The next question will apply to every lefty out there. How much of his batting average will come back with the shift being gone? Adding a hit a week with last season's numbers and he's a .260 hitter. Two hits a month turns into .235. Do the strikeouts go down because he knows he can get some base hits now? IF he uses the Monster to make up for the bigger Right Field, he could easily be a 20HR, .240 hitter with strong CF defense.
Now we add him to the lineup of big swingers. In no particular order and assuming 1b/DH sporting our 1b tandem most of the time, he would join Verdugo, Story, Devers, Hosmer, Casas and Kike. (LF and C still TBD in that scenario) That's a lot of big huge swings and high strike out rates in there so far. Modern baseball. ugh!
And too damn left handed for my money. We need some RH power for the short porch over in Green Monster territory.
With Eovaldi said to be ready to sign his deal in the next seven+ days, Bloom has played his cards. How aggressive was he signing a position of need, a starting pitcher? He has Kluber (4 yrs older) as an option. Also lefty Strahm is probably signing this week as a BP type, but it appears Bloom did not offer him when his contract ended, instead signing lefty Jayle Rodriguez last week. IMO that move was looking for ‘bodies for bargains’ as Strahm was a steady hand in ‘22.
Failure to sign Strahm strikes me as total incompetence. It is as if Bloom did not watch any ball games for the last three months of the season.
Quote from: elktonnick on November 28, 2022, 07:38:57 AM
Failure to sign Strahm strikes me as total incompetence. It is as if Bloom did not watch any ball games for the last three months of the season.
Seems like that should have been an easy one. One of the few decent arms we had, why take a gamble on someone else.
I think Strahm was holding out for an opportunity where he could become a Starter again. No way he was going to come back as a reliever without exploring that avenue at least once more.
Bloom blew it again. No excuse for not signing Strahm his wish to be a starter or not.
Lots of talking between Sox and Marlins for a trade. First it was for a SS Ruiz or Wendle.
Now the Marlins are supposedly offering a pitcher but want our 1B Casas, or might settle for our #3 Rafaela. The pitchers available are Trevor Rogers (2.64 in 2021 rookie of year votes, 5.80 era in 22) and Pablo Lopez ( 3.75 era 10-10 w-l in 2022). That’s a high price for a middle rotation pitcher. Maybe if they throw in pitcher and Wendle for Raphaela and Dalbec? Bloom could be showing he’s desperate in a bad off season
I shudder at any and all trade talk with the Red Sox right now.
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on January 02, 2023, 03:15:26 PM
I shudder at any and all trade talk with the Red Sox right now.
I know what you mean. I shudder at the idea of Bloom making any more moves even though they are needed. Let’s get through 2023 without destroying the franchise further at this point.
So, an interesting look at the MLB starting pitching numbers from last season. I landed on Quality Starts(QS). It's a stat that has seemingly gone astray in the MLB broadcast booths. You hear it mentioned with disclaimers of being an old, outdated way of looking at things. Not a valid stat anymore, right?
Wrong. 10 of the first 10 MLB leaders in Quality Starts(QS) made the playoffs last season. The Cardinals(15th) and the Rays(19th) were the outliers. The WS winning Astros led the way with 94 followed by the Phils with 84. The other 8 landed between 68 and 79. The league average was 59(37%), which is 3 less than the Cardinals had.
Is there anyone who can see Quality Starts as unimportant? This is as plain and obvious as any starting pitching stat as I can remember seeing. This is the age of the relief pitcher, yet here we are. What's left of the age of Starting Pitchers might be small, but it still matters. Getting good starts might be relative, but it still matters.
And so, the Red Sox. We finished 25th with 46 QS, which worked out to 28%. Pivetta led the way with 12, which was probably helped a great deal with the result of a very good month of May. Look at the pitchers lost, the one gained and the ones we hope either take that next developmental step or rebound from 2+ years of injuries and map a path to 68 Quality Starts. It's gonna take a ton of good fortune.
It makes sense that it would be a good indicator as it has become a threshold for pitchers these days. A few years back when they started using it, a QS was probably one more inning and one less run. But now it’s rare a guy goes past 6 innings so a team that has more starts getting them past the 6th would likely do better than one that is using its bullpen a lot more.
Quote from: longgame on January 17, 2023, 07:44:44 AM
It makes sense that it would be a good indicator as it has become a threshold for pitchers these days. A few years back when they started using it, a QS was probably one more inning and one less run. But now it’s rare a guy goes past 6 innings so a team that has more starts getting them past the 6th would likely do better than one that is using its bullpen a lot more.
I was thinking earlier this afternoon that it might have replaced Complete Games in our collective line of thinking.
Quote from: MongoLikeSox on January 17, 2023, 03:46:32 PM
Quote from: longgame on January 17, 2023, 07:44:44 AM
It makes sense that it would be a good indicator as it has become a threshold for pitchers these days. A few years back when they started using it, a QS was probably one more inning and one less run. But now it’s rare a guy goes past 6 innings so a team that has more starts getting them past the 6th would likely do better than one that is using its bullpen a lot more.
I was thinking earlier this afternoon that it might have replaced Complete Games in our collective line of thinking.
Well said. I always look at Roger Clemens career as an indicator of the decline in complete games. When he was young he pitched double digit CGs multiple times (and it was already on the decline then). By the end he’d maybe have one or none in a season.