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Post by bluechip on Dec 23, 2016 13:07:07 GMT -5
That's a strong move by Cleveland. Makes them the favorite for the AL pennant; if Brantley is the 2014-15 version (a big if), I'd say they're a significant favorite (better top-3 starters, better infield, way better back of bullpen) Only place Red Sox clearly are better is the OF (and that's largely due to a Mr. Betts) Better top three starters? I wouldn't go that far... I wouldn't say the Red Sox top three starters are massively better, but I would prefer the Red Sox pitchers as a group over Cleveland top three. I also think the back end of the Red Sox rotation is superior.
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Post by Oregon Norm on Dec 23, 2016 14:13:24 GMT -5
It's very close when it comes to starters, if we want to get objective about it. Using BR's numbers: Cleveland's top three at 13 wins above replacement; the Sox - with the addition of Sale - at 12.9. Both teams have some depth as well. KC and Detroit fans take note: any attempt to climb past the Indians in that Central Division, may end up feeling like a trek up Mt. Everest. Encarnacion is a very quiet and a very good hitter, vastly under-rated apparently from the lack of offers. The Indians keep muscling-up.
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Post by James Dunne on Dec 23, 2016 14:32:59 GMT -5
That's a strong move by Cleveland. Makes them the favorite for the AL pennant; if Brantley is the 2014-15 version (a big if), I'd say they're a significant favorite (better top-3 starters, better infield, way better back of bullpen) Only place Red Sox clearly are better is the OF (and that's largely due to a Mr. Betts) Better top three starters? I wouldn't go that far... I wouldn't say the Red Sox top three starters are massively better, but I would prefer the Red Sox pitchers as a group over Cleveland top three. I also think the back end of the Red Sox rotation is superior. In a three-game series where I knew all of them would be healthy, I might take the Indians top three. Over the course of the season, the Red Sox trio is a solid bet to push 600 innings - Sale, Price, and Porcello topped 675 this year. That's tremendously valuable.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Dec 23, 2016 20:53:16 GMT -5
Love this tweet:
Buster Olney @buster_ESPN 1h1 hour ago Indians at about 200 full season ticket accounts added in less than 24 hours.
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Post by mattpicard on Dec 27, 2016 9:24:28 GMT -5
Interesting interview with former MiLB (and briefly MLB) player Mark Hamilton, who spent 2013 with the PawSox as a DH/1B/LF. An excerpt: His answer to why he decided to pursue his degree in neuroscience/MD is particularly interesting.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Dec 28, 2016 10:05:18 GMT -5
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