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SS of the Future: Bogaerts or Marrero?
danr
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Post by danr on Jun 24, 2014 15:44:02 GMT -5
WMB still is having problems recovering from his injury.
I remain completely mystified about the signing of Drew. He has made the team worse by adding another zero to the batting order. This surely was the year to give a player like Bogaerts the opportunity to play SS. I don't think they were thinking very clearly when they did this.
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Post by jrffam05 on Jun 24, 2014 15:56:06 GMT -5
I've been beating the Betts to SS drum for a while now, and I'm sure you guys are sick of hearing it from me, so I'll refrain from saying it again except for passive aggressive inserts in posts about different subjects. I don't buy the runs lost by moving Bogaerts. He personally loses that value, but the team does not. Removed to reduce quote size The team indeed loses the value. Your various hypotheticals demonstrate the complexity of the situations that can result. Before you move a guy, you have to determine that you wouldn't be better off keeping him where he is, and trading the resulting excess guy for a player who plays the position you were going to fill by the shuffle. In your last example, you've essentially made Marrero the LF. You've added maybe 10 runs of defense in the process, but, in theory, LFers who can hit like Marrero are easy to come buy. I say in theory because I really don't assume that the trade markets are all that liquid, or the FA markets all that robust. But a simple way to look at is this: imagine Xander, Marrero, and WMB are all as great as we dream of. You want to play Marrero at SS, WMB at 3B, and Xander in LF, where he loses 21 runs of value - 2 wins. But I would use Marrero as the centerpiece of a Stanton trade. And that's obviously better. You're maybe 10 runs weaker defensively, but Stanton's bat is going to be a lot more than 10 runs better than Marrero's. If you can turn Marrero's value into the equivalent portion of Stanton's value, you have 21 extra runs of value from keeping Bogaerts at SS. Xander is a great SS and a good 3B because when you move him to 3B, you're moving him to a much tougher peer group of hitters. Removed part to shorten quote First of let me say my hypotheticals are hard to follow, because I vary the talent levels of the players involved often... Sorry about that. Yes I get your point but it still doesn't change mine. Marrero for Stanton is implausible, you would have to add more value from your farm system to get that trade, now although it doesn't affect any runs directly to the team (this year) it is still value moving. But lets assume we trade only prospects to get Stanton. Lets assume we have Stanton, Bogaerts, and Middlebrooks as the players they are today and Marrero as an average hitter for SS with a top 5 in the league glove. Assuming Middlebrooks is going to continue his atrocious 2014 line the best lineup is Stanton LF, Bogaerts 3B, Marrero SS. Now I believe what you are saying is that you can trade an average SS (for AL batting is 252/310/356) for an average 3B (for AL 252/318/400) (I really thought there would be a bigger difference but maybe it's just the year sample size) and gain 52 points of OPS, but it doesn't just work like that. In reality the balancing act of putting together a team is not a cut and dry, trade this for that scenario, and most decisions are settled internally. Let's take a look forward to the 2015 free agent class (I am still in hypothetical mode). Ramirez, Sandoval, and Hardy will be free agents. Let's assume those are our only options to fix the open spot at 3B/SS. Of those Hardy might be the best bargain per dollar, and also might be the only one without draft compensation. If the Red Sox feel that way, the best alignment is Hardy at SS, Bogey at 3B. You are not going to want to put Hardy at 3B because Bogaerts has more value there.
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Post by theaveragefan88 on Jun 24, 2014 16:04:26 GMT -5
Marrero is my personal favorite prospect in the system. His defense is outstanding with his smooth actions and amazing instincts. You will not see a ton of flashy plays, because he reads and reacts so well he is already in a good position to make the play. At the plate he has shown vast improvement. He is never going to be Xander with the bat, but he is not going to be JBJ either. I can't wait to see him play for the big club and finally solidify the SS position.
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Post by onbase on Jun 24, 2014 17:24:25 GMT -5
Let me further opine that anyone who has watched the Boston Red Sox baseball club this year and who doesn't think that Xander Bogaerts has the tools to be a solid average MLB defensive SS, and maybe even a good one, should question their understanding of the game. When he fails to make plays, it's almost always because of lack of technique or experience: lack of developed instincts which leave him caught in between, questionable footwork, unnecessarily rushed throws, and so on. And none of that has been epidemic, just occasional (more frequently than desired, though). He has shown the ability to make very good plays by dint of having more than enough athleticism for the position. In the absence of having seen Marrero, I'd agree totally. But those of us who have seen them both seem to be in agreement that Marrero's significantly better than Xander. What I'd love to have is a defensive metric that tells me how much better, but as far as I know that single number doesn't exist. In its absence, I'd love to hear your opinion after you've watched Marrero play a few games (I'm assuming you'd have mentioned it if you had). It's not that Xander can't do a good job, it's your high school star actress vs Uma Thurman.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Jun 24, 2014 18:04:53 GMT -5
I think Marerro's every bit as good a defensive SS as Andrelton Simmons who has a UZR/150 of 22.1 compared to Xander who has a UZR/150 of -4.
I'll grant that it's SSS for UZR but neither of those is unrealistic to their current talent levels. Simmons career UZR/150 is 24.8
24.8 is a bigger number than 10.5 and would require a huge difference in offense between Marrero and whatever 3B we would have by comparison to justify. Tulo would do better, however, but Marrero is free, Tulo is not.
Marrero's major league defense is pretty much a given. Defense (and speed) doesn't diminish. Bradley's defense isn't going to diminish. It's a surer thing than Xander's offense.
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Post by jimed14 on Jun 24, 2014 18:12:09 GMT -5
So SS to 3B is -10.5 runs. But what about the positional scarcity of 3B?
I mean this year for instance, there were zero 3B available and we were able to sign Drew at the end of May.
3B seems to be pretty tough to fill these days. It's why I expect to be able to get something better than expected for WMB if we trade him, especially with the ultra-rare power.
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Post by chavopepe2 on Jun 24, 2014 18:47:10 GMT -5
I think Marerro's every bit as good a defensive SS as Andrelton Simmons who has a UZR/150 of 22.1 compared to Xander who has a UZR/150 of -4. I'll grant that it's SSS for UZR but neither of those is unrealistic to their current talent levels. Simmons career UZR/150 is 24.8 24.8 is a bigger number than 10.5 and would require a huge difference in offense between Marrero and whatever 3B we would have by comparison to justify. Tulo would do better, however, but Marrero is free, Tulo is not. Marrero's major league defense is pretty much a given. Defense (and speed) doesn't diminish. Bradley's defense isn't going to diminish. It's a surer thing than Xander's offense. You're dreaming if you think Marrero is as good defensively as Andrelton Simmons.
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Post by jmei on Jun 24, 2014 18:50:59 GMT -5
What chavo said. Simmons is probably one of the three or four best defensive shortstops in baseball history. Marrero is certainly above-average, and I can even believe that he's as good as Iglesias, but he doesn't hold a candle to Simmons.
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Post by terriblehondo on Jun 24, 2014 21:13:33 GMT -5
I do not think the Red Sox see Xander as an obvious answer at SS. They moved him off the position for Drew and when Drew sits Herrera plays short. If they thought he would get better with more reps you would think they would play him there on Drew's off days. He sure isn't going to get better for next year by not playing there this year. They expressly said that they would have him play 3B exclusively to begin with in order to settle in at the position. I think it's obvious that they plan to have him play SS versus LHP when Middlebrooks returns (WMB platooning with Drew), especially so since Herrera is almost certainly getting optioned to make room for WMB, and they don't like Holt at SS. Let me further opine that anyone who has watched the Boston Red Sox baseball club this year and who doesn't think that Xander Bogaerts has the tools to be a solid average MLB defensive SS, and maybe even a good one, should question their understanding of the game. When he fails to make plays, it's almost always because of lack of technique or experience: lack of developed instincts which leave him caught in between, questionable footwork, unnecessarily rushed throws, and so on. And none of that has been epidemic, just occasional (more frequently than desired, though). He has shown the ability to make very good plays by dint of having more than enough athleticism for the position. You are right of course the 50% of scouts that said he is not a SS and would need to move were obviously wrong. I am sure that playing 3rd will fix his horrible 1st step and lack of range. I was worried because a lot of good or great athletes were not good SS. But the fact that you see him as an above average SS has allayed all of my worries. I personally cannot wait to see this 280 25hr 80rbi Gold Glove SS. When prey tell will I see him.
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Post by theaveragefan88 on Jun 24, 2014 21:41:22 GMT -5
What chavo said. Simmons is probably one of the three or four best defensive shortstops in baseball history. Marrero is certainly above-average, and I can even believe that he's as good as Iglesias, but he doesn't hold a candle to Simmons. I think above-average is selling him short. He should be a gold glove caliber SS at the major league level. No, he is not Simmons, but Simmons has been compared to the ALL TIME greats at the positions.
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Post by thelavarnwayguy on Jun 24, 2014 21:57:21 GMT -5
I agree on Simmons being off the charts and Marrerro is not even in that conversation. Ever.
And I second this statement by Eric: "anyone who has watched the Boston Red Sox baseball club this year and who doesn't think that Xander Bogaerts has the tools to be a solid average MLB defensive SS, and maybe even a good one, should question their understanding of the game."
We signed Drew because Cherington knew Middlebrooks would be out for a while and we were not going to get a pick from Drew anyway. It wasn't, in my opinion, because Drew was definitely a better player than Middlebrooks. Middlebrooks just wasn't coming online any time soon. And that extra month of having to go with someone like Brock Holt was not expected to be as good as the Drew option.
It's probably a wasted sign but Victorino hasn't been much help this year at all. After an outstanding year in 2013. It's a total guess sometimes.
I think the most likely scenario is still Xander at SS for the next 4-6 years and Middlebrooks/Cechinni/Betts/Coyle at 3rd. We have tons of options. I don't think Marrerro will ever hit more than league average at SS for more than a year or 2 in his career. With very little pop. And Xander is still real young and his pop should grow. A lot over time.
Look how hard it is to get a good offense in today's game. For whatever reason, be it increased PED testing or whatever. It is tough to put a top offense on the field. Getting a cheap, league leading offense from the SS slot gives you an opportunity to put together a league leading team offense without breaking the bank.
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ericmvan
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Post by ericmvan on Jun 24, 2014 22:06:37 GMT -5
Let me further opine that anyone who has watched the Boston Red Sox baseball club this year and who doesn't think that Xander Bogaerts has the tools to be a solid average MLB defensive SS, and maybe even a good one, should question their understanding of the game. When he fails to make plays, it's almost always because of lack of technique or experience: lack of developed instincts which leave him caught in between, questionable footwork, unnecessarily rushed throws, and so on. And none of that has been epidemic, just occasional (more frequently than desired, though). He has shown the ability to make very good plays by dint of having more than enough athleticism for the position. In the absence of having seen Marrero, I'd agree totally. But those of us who have seen them both seem to be in agreement that Marrero's significantly better than Xander. What I'd love to have is a defensive metric that tells me how much better, but as far as I know that single number doesn't exist. In its absence, I'd love to hear your opinion after you've watched Marrero play a few games (I'm assuming you'd have mentioned it if you had). It's not that Xander can't do a good job, it's your high school star actress vs Uma Thurman. There are two minor league defensive metrics based on play-by-play data, like Total Zone is. Clay Davenport has Marrero at +18 / 150 the last two years and Baseball Prospectus has him at +8.
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ericmvan
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Post by ericmvan on Jun 24, 2014 22:13:58 GMT -5
You are right of course the 50% of scouts that said he is not a SS and would need to move were obviously wrong. By the end of last year, there was 100% agreement among scouts that he could play SS in MLB, and a clear majority thought he would be able to stay there for a decent while, rather than outgrowing the position in a year or two. (Aside: I've only blocked three users on this site for uselessness, and this is the second in 2 days, the first being dmaineah. Is that a SSS, or are the clueless starting to come out of the woodwork?)
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Post by jimed14 on Jun 24, 2014 22:19:52 GMT -5
The scouts who said Xander probably will have to move to 3b are the ones who were guessing about his body type and what his athleticism would be in the future. It has nothing to do with now.
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ericmvan
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Post by ericmvan on Jun 24, 2014 22:21:41 GMT -5
Now I believe what you are saying is that you can trade an average SS (for AL batting is 252/310/356) for an average 3B (for AL 252/318/400) (I really thought there would be a bigger difference but maybe it's just the year sample size) and gain 52 points of OPS, but it doesn't just work like that. In reality the balancing act of putting together a team is not a cut and dry, trade this for that scenario, and most decisions are settled internally. I think that bolded point is absolutely correct and important. What I'm actually saying is what you have me saying, with the all-important "in theory" inserted. And that means that when you're in this situation, you don't take the easy route and shift a guy off his natural position to his easier one, without first exploring all the trade and FA options that might allow you to keep him there and maximize his value, and hence produce a better team. But I well understand that those trade and FA options might be limited and unrealizable. That's the basic first point of this thread, and the second basic point is that there are far too many moving parts right now to even start to guess how it will play out a year or 16 months from now.
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Post by jimed14 on Jun 24, 2014 22:27:15 GMT -5
Now I believe what you are saying is that you can trade an average SS (for AL batting is 252/310/356) for an average 3B (for AL 252/318/400) (I really thought there would be a bigger difference but maybe it's just the year sample size) and gain 52 points of OPS, but it doesn't just work like that. In reality the balancing act of putting together a team is not a cut and dry, trade this for that scenario, and most decisions are settled internally. I think that bolded point is absolutely correct and important. What I'm actually saying is what you have me saying, with the all-important "in theory" inserted. And that means that when you're in this situation, you don't take the easy route and shift a guy off his natural position to his easier one, without first exploring all the trade and FA options that might allow you to keep him there and maximize his value, and hence produce a better team. But I well understand that those trade and FA options might be limited and unrealizable. That's the basic first point of this thread, and the second basic point is that there are far too many moving parts right now to even start to guess how it will play out a year or 16 months from now. The main problem with that, is that you never see prospect for prospect trades. So what you're also doing is reshaping the team in terms of age and likely financial maneuverability. Like let's say that Betts' best position is 2B. But maybe he can only play LF other than 2B. Just because we're losing so many runs from moving him, if he's an incredible hitter, he should play LF for us rather than us trading him along with 3 other prospects for Stanton (who we have to pay $30 million/yr for). Now if we could trade Betts for Polanco, I'm all over that. This seems to get way more valid when the entire team has a ~90 wRC+.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Jun 25, 2014 3:37:47 GMT -5
I do not think the Red Sox see Xander as an obvious answer at SS. They moved him off the position for Drew and when Drew sits Herrera plays short. If they thought he would get better with more reps you would think they would play him there on Drew's off days. He sure isn't going to get better for next year by not playing there this year. They expressly said that they would have him play 3B exclusively to begin with in order to settle in at the position. I think it's obvious that they plan to have him play SS versus LHP when Middlebrooks returns (WMB platooning with Drew), especially so since Herrera is almost certainly getting optioned to make room for WMB, and they don't like Holt at SS. Let me further opine that anyone who has watched the Boston Red Sox baseball club this year and who doesn't think that Xander Bogaerts has the tools to be a solid average MLB defensive SS, and maybe even a good one, should question their understanding of the game. When he fails to make plays, it's almost always because of lack of technique or experience: lack of developed instincts which leave him caught in between, questionable footwork, unnecessarily rushed throws, and so on. And none of that has been epidemic, just occasional (more frequently than desired, though). He has shown the ability to make very good plays by dint of having more than enough athleticism for the position. I'll even further opine that anyone that has actually watched both Xander and Marrero play and doesn't think there's a significant difference between Marrero now and the best Bogaerts will ever be should also question their understanding of the game. A month ago posters in general thought it was crazy to consider Marrero in the same conversation with Iglesias but too many people started saying it and now it seems like rather than elevating Marrero's stature it seems more like people think Iglesias couldn't be that good. Straw man criticism accepted. Forget my opinion, I'm just another yahoo with an extra $19.99 for an internet connection. Bottom line, the Sox will eventually show us what they think. Here's what Rosenthal said when the Sox signed Drew: “if Marrero is what (the Red Sox) think at shortstop, then Bogaerts stays at third base.” Here's what he wrote prior to that on May 13th when he did a piece on Sox infield prospects: "In the Red Sox’s view, Double-A shortstop Deven Merrero is an elite defender who is showing improved offensive capability."ADD: MiLB.TV is down to $39.99 for the rest of the season. You will get to see the PawSox, SeaDogs and most of the Drive. They've apparently mercifully spared us from watching Salem.
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ericmvan
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Post by ericmvan on Jun 25, 2014 7:45:06 GMT -5
They expressly said that they would have him play 3B exclusively to begin with in order to settle in at the position. I think it's obvious that they plan to have him play SS versus LHP when Middlebrooks returns (WMB platooning with Drew), especially so since Herrera is almost certainly getting optioned to make room for WMB, and they don't like Holt at SS. Let me further opine that anyone who has watched the Boston Red Sox baseball club this year and who doesn't think that Xander Bogaerts has the tools to be a solid average MLB defensive SS, and maybe even a good one, should question their understanding of the game. When he fails to make plays, it's almost always because of lack of technique or experience: lack of developed instincts which leave him caught in between, questionable footwork, unnecessarily rushed throws, and so on. And none of that has been epidemic, just occasional (more frequently than desired, though). He has shown the ability to make very good plays by dint of having more than enough athleticism for the position. I'll even further opine that anyone that has actually watched both Xander and Marrero play and doesn't think there's a significant difference between Marrero now and the best Bogaerts will ever be should also question their understanding of the game. Nobody disputes the defensive gap. But history is littered with guys who didn't hit much in the minors except for one year (let alone half a year), and then never repeated it. Marrero's glove will make him at least a solid MLB SS. But we literally have no idea whether he will be a good enough overall SS to warrant moving Xander to 3B. And that decision also depends heavily upon the available 3B options. That's the point of this thread. Even opinions as to how it may play out are, IMHO, a waste of time. I'm not taking either side of this argument; I'm arguing that taking a side as to how you think it will play out is self-delusional. I'll also add that if you want to dream about how it might play out ideally, every such dream scenario involves trading Marrero because WMB or Cecchini or Coyle has turned out to be a ridiculous 3B stud (or Betts ends up there). If you're dreaming about Marrero as our SS because you are smitten with him, whether you know it or not you're refusing to dream about any of the 3B trio having as rosy an outcome. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, BTW, given the year that various guys are having. But I think many would agree that such a stance -- continuing to dream on Marrero while essentially writing off WMB and Cecchini and dismissing Coyle as a SSS fluke -- would be too optimistic about Marrero and too pessimistic about the 3B candidates. For me, the error bars on everyone are so large that my dreams have everyone being magnificent, and my opinions as to what actually will happen are pointedly absent. YMMV, of course.
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Post by wcsoxfan on Jun 25, 2014 8:17:02 GMT -5
I'll also add that if you want to dream about how it might play out ideally, every such dream scenario involves trading Marrero because WMB or Cecchini or Coyle has turned out to be a ridiculous 3B stud (or Betts ends up there). If you're dreaming about Marrero as our SS because you are smitten with him, whether you know it or not you're refusing to dream about any of the 3B trio having as rosy an outcome. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, BTW, given the year that various guys are having. But I think many would agree that such a stance -- continuing to dream on Marrero while essentially writing off WMB and Cecchini and dismissing Coyle as a SSS fluke -- would be too optimistic about Marrero and too pessimistic about the 3B candidates. For me, the error bars on everyone are so large that my dreams have everyone being magnificent, and my opinions as to what actually will happen are pointedly absent. YMMV, of course. Agreed - the best 'upside' SS/3B combo in the system still appears to be Xander/Middlebrooks. (not to say that I think Middlebrooks will ever reach his upside - but it's there) Iglesias' admittedly SSS defensive UZR/150 at SS is still 16.3 UZR and I would be amazed (although hopeful) if Marrero could match that. Most of the reports I have read about Marrero range from 'good' to 'great', but I've never seen a report on Iglesias that would rate him anything less than 'great' and many which contend that he is an 'all-time great' defensive talent. Has Marrero really progressed so far defensively that he is in Iglesias' league? Or with the recent Iglesias injury, has everyone forgotten just how good he can be? - Gordon Edes - ESPN BostonMarrero: - soxprospects.comIglesias: - soxprospects.com
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Post by mgoetze on Jun 25, 2014 12:57:12 GMT -5
Iglesias' admittedly SSS defensive UZR/150 at SS is still 16.3 UZR and I would be amazed (although hopeful) if Marrero could match that. Most of the reports I have read about Marrero range from 'good' to 'great', but I've never seen a report on Iglesias that would rate him anything less than 'great' and many which contend that he is an 'all-time great' defensive talent. Has Marrero really progressed so far defensively that he is in Iglesias' league? Or with the recent Iglesias injury, has everyone forgotten just how good he can be? I haven't watched Marrero except for a couple of innings in Low-Def and I have a lot of trouble believing anyone could be as good as Iglesias. Nevertheless I'd like to offer a third possible explanation: people writing reports are naturally going to get a SSS on which they evaluate prospects, and the flashiness and style with which Iglesias shows up in these samples, but they may often not be long enough to truly appreciate a less flashy but very consistent defender.
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Post by bbscouts on Jun 25, 2014 13:54:35 GMT -5
I think Bogaerts looks great at 3rd while only average at SS. He reminds me of Beltre with his range and reactions at 3rd. He just needs to tighten up a few things like his throws. He can backup at SS when needed. I'd like to see Marrero get a chance at SS and see what he offers in the field and hitting. WMB has been a total enigma. I think he is slow footed reacting at 3rd and was hopeful to see some improvement this year. The injuries have set him back. I think if we're out of it in the second half WMB needs to get a lot of at-bats to see what he can be, maybe in LF.
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Post by oilcansman on Jun 25, 2014 15:11:27 GMT -5
I do not think the Red Sox see Xander as an obvious answer at SS. They moved him off the position for Drew and when Drew sits Herrera plays short. If they thought he would get better with more reps you would think they would play him there on Drew's off days. He sure isn't going to get better for next year by not playing there this year. They expressly said that they would have him play 3B exclusively to begin with in order to settle in at the position. I think it's obvious that they plan to have him play SS versus LHP when Middlebrooks returns (WMB platooning with Drew), especially so since Herrera is almost certainly getting optioned to make room for WMB, and they don't like Holt at SS. Let me further opine that anyone who has watched the Boston Red Sox baseball club this year and who doesn't think that Xander Bogaerts has the tools to be a solid average MLB defensive SS, and maybe even a good one, should question their understanding of the game. When he fails to make plays, it's almost always because of lack of technique or experience: lack of developed instincts which leave him caught in between, questionable footwork, unnecessarily rushed throws, and so on. And none of that has been epidemic, just occasional (more frequently than desired, though). He has shown the ability to make very good plays by dint of having more than enough athleticism for the position. Lou Merloni was critical of Bogaerts and questioned whether he could play ss. Merloni said he was concerned that Boggie is simply too flatfooted to play ss. Said Boggie got lousy jumps on balls as a result. Merloni knows more about shortstop defense, Eric, than you can ever hope to know. He actually played the position in the majors.
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Post by oilcansman on Jun 25, 2014 15:14:26 GMT -5
Peter Abraham, a very good baseball writer and pretty down the middle, opines that maybe Boggie could use a stint in AAA to getting his hitting back. I don't agree but it's a legitimate concern and potential solution for a month or so. twitter.com/PeteAbe
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Jun 25, 2014 15:42:44 GMT -5
I'll even further opine that anyone that has actually watched both Xander and Marrero play and doesn't think there's a significant difference between Marrero now and the best Bogaerts will ever be should also question their understanding of the game. Nobody disputes the defensive gap. But history is littered with guys who didn't hit much in the minors except for one year (let alone half a year), and then never repeated it. Marrero's glove will make him at least a solid MLB SS. But we literally have no idea whether he will be a good enough overall SS to warrant moving Xander to 3B. And that decision also depends heavily upon the available 3B options. That's the point of this thread. Even opinions as to how it may play out are, IMHO, a waste of time. I'm not taking either side of this argument; I'm arguing that taking a side as to how you think it will play out is self-delusional. I'll also add that if you want to dream about how it might play out ideally, every such dream scenario involves trading Marrero because WMB or Cecchini or Coyle has turned out to be a ridiculous 3B stud (or Betts ends up there). If you're dreaming about Marrero as our SS because you are smitten with him, whether you know it or not you're refusing to dream about any of the 3B trio having as rosy an outcome. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, BTW, given the year that various guys are having. But I think many would agree that such a stance -- continuing to dream on Marrero while essentially writing off WMB and Cecchini and dismissing Coyle as a SSS fluke -- would be too optimistic about Marrero and too pessimistic about the 3B candidates. For me, the error bars on everyone are so large that my dreams have everyone being magnificent, and my opinions as to what actually will happen are pointedly absent. YMMV, of course. And history is littered with guys that hit in the majors, you're better than that. As far as Marrero only being the better option if WMB or Cecchini fail, you're way too hung up on maximizing Xander's value rather than the left side infield value. That's 100% not true. All Marrero needs to be is a better combo, utter failure on the part of Middlebrooks, Coyle and Cecchini are not required. Moving Xander to 3B does not change his offense. I have yet to say that the jury is in, Marrero is improving with the bat but yet you seem to think it is. There's only one of us that's dreaming, and only one of us that actually sees him play. YMMV, of course. ADD: We're not seeing the forest for the trees here. The equation is simple. Which combination of SS and 3B gives the Red Sox the greatest run differential. Everything else is just noise.
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Post by ctfisher on Jun 25, 2014 16:11:17 GMT -5
Also, although I believe someone else has said this already, Mookie is not a 3B. And won't be. If they moved him off SS because of a fringy arm, he's obviously not getting moved to 3B, where his arm would likely be well below average
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