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Blake Swihart's Future in Boston
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Post by pedey on May 10, 2016 21:36:38 GMT -5
Swihart was optioned back to Pawtucket very early in the year. To me, this is very disappointing. I want to see him back in Boston.
I have followed Swihart closely since he was drafted, one of the first prospects I have followed all the way to the big leagues. Always been a big fan of him. He was very solid in a half season of play last year. He didn't hit well when he was called up for the first time. The reason being, he was focusing on defense and learning how to handle the pitching staff. Once he adjusted to those things, his offense picked up. He hit .303 in his second major league stint last year (July 20-end of season). The team had an ERA of 4.17 after July 20th, with Swihart catching most of those games. I am not saying Swihart is an elite defender. I would say right now he is average, with room for improvement, which I think he can improve upon at the big league level. Swihart only played in six games this year. It's hard to blame the terrible pitching in week one on Swihart. He had no chance to prove himself defensively this year.
I have nothing against Vazquez, he is a good player. But Swihart is clearly a superior hitter, and his defense will come around. This year, in AAA, Swihart has 12 starts at catcher and 5 start in left field. Swihart projects to be approximately a .280 hitter with around 15 home run power. Great for a catcher. Very average for an outfielder. His value severely is diminished when moved to the outfield. Also, I don't think he can learn much more defensively in AAA, being in the major leagues would probably be much better for him. I would like to see him be the starting catcher, because I honestly believe his defense will come around. Swihart already has a great arm for throwing out runners, his pitch framing and game calling will improve with experience.
Although I would like to see Swihart starting, I don't see an easy solution. Does anyone have any idea or would like to speculate what Swihart's future is in Boston? Is he the catcher of the future, will he be moved to a different position and stay with the Sox, or will he be traded?
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Post by sox fan in nc on May 11, 2016 7:42:04 GMT -5
Swihart was optioned back to Pawtucket very early in the year. To me, this is very disappointing. I want to see him back in Boston. I have followed Swihart closely since he was drafted, one of the first prospects I have followed all the way to the big leagues. Always been a big fan of him. He was very solid in a half season of play last year. He didn't hit well when he was called up for the first time. The reason being, he was focusing on defense and learning how to handle the pitching staff. Once he adjusted to those things, his offense picked up. He hit .303 in his second major league stint last year (July 20-end of season). The team had an ERA of 4.17 after July 20th, with Swihart catching most of those games. I am not saying Swihart is an elite defender. I would say right now he is average, with room for improvement, which I think he can improve upon at the big league level. Swihart only played in six games this year. It's hard to blame the terrible pitching in week one on Swihart. He had no chance to prove himself defensively this year. I have nothing against Vazquez, he is a good player. But Swihart is clearly a superior hitter, and his defense will come around. This year, in AAA, Swihart has 12 starts at catcher and 5 start in left field. Swihart projects to be approximately a .280 hitter with around 15 home run power. Great for a catcher. Very average for an outfielder. His value severely is diminished when moved to the outfield. Also, I don't think he can learn much more defensively in AAA, being in the major leagues would probably be much better for him. I would like to see him be the starting catcher, because I honestly believe his defense will come around. Swihart already has a great arm for throwing out runners, his pitch framing and game calling will improve with experience. Although I would like to see Swihart starting, I don't see an easy solution. Does anyone have any idea or would like to speculate what Swihart's future is in Boston? Is he the catcher of the future, will he be moved to a different position and stay with the Sox, or will he be traded? It's a conundrum. If Hanigan keeps hitting .140, I would bring him up, but then we have to release (or trade) Hanigan. I guess Blake could catch Wright, but can he? Wright is the most productive SP at this point. Give CV 4 or 5 starts, & Blake the other 2 or 3 per week. Plus he can pinch hit for CV in late innings.
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steveofbradenton
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Post by steveofbradenton on May 11, 2016 8:10:36 GMT -5
Swihart is easily one of my favorite prospects also. The situation is complex to say the least for how he can get back to Boston this year in my opinion. I disagree that he can't improve in Pawtucket as a catcher. I'm not, at all, crazy about him moving around position wise at this time. His value is, as you said, behind the plate. Not sure what the outfield experiment is about. To me he needs to put ALL of his time and focus into to being the best backstop he can be.
I have always been a big supporter of Blake, and dream on his potential of being an elite 2-way catcher. Maybe an All-Star! But.....the way this is heading, I think he will eventually be traded for an upgrade in our rotation. That possible trade may not happen until this winter, but I can see things heading that way.
As much as I love Blake Swihart, the Sox and their current success are more important. Vazquez is a real force behind the plate, and it will very difficult for Blake to take the job back as things stand. Christian is also quite young, so the Sox future is still in good hands. I hate predicting a Blake Swihart trade, but it may be the best thing, eventually, for the Red Sox and Blake's career. I just wish they quit screwing around with his playing leftfield.
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Post by sibbysisti on May 11, 2016 8:15:16 GMT -5
Offense at the catcher position is not a critical need at this point. With Vasquez at .208 and Hanigan at .143, the team is still in good shape with the bat. Given their outstanding defense I see no need now to disrupt this tandem.
Swihart was demoted to work on his play behind the plate, blocking and calling pitches, framing, etc. I too, don't see much value in playing him in left field unless it's to increase his plate appearances. With his improved defense I Have no doubt he'll return next year better equipped to partner with Vasquez.
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Post by mandelbro on May 11, 2016 8:38:43 GMT -5
Swihart is easily one of my favorite prospects also. The situation is complex to say the least for how he can get back to Boston this year in my opinion. I disagree that he can't improve in Pawtucket as a catcher. I'm not, at all, crazy about him moving around position wise at this time. His value is, as you said, behind the plate. Not sure what the outfield experiment is about. To me he needs to put ALL of his time and focus into to being the best backstop he can be. I have always been a big supporter of Blake, and dream on his potential of being an elite 2-way catcher. Maybe an All-Star! But.....the way this is heading, I think he will eventually be traded for an upgrade in our rotation. That possible trade may not happen until this winter, but I can see things heading that way. As much as I love Blake Swihart, the Sox and their current success are more important. Vazquez is a real force behind the plate, and it will very difficult for Blake to take the job back as things stand. Christian is also quite young, so the Sox future is still in good hands. I hate predicting a Blake Swihart trade, but it may be the best thing, eventually, for the Red Sox and Blake's career. I just wish they quit screwing around with his playing leftfield. Any scenario involving Blake Swihart, trade or keep, has to start with him playing better though. The window to trade him was open before 2015.... when it didn't make sense to us either. Now that it makes more sense for us to trade him, other teams won't have nearly as much interest for the same reasons we're willing to trade him. There's a reason these don't get done often! The only obvious trade partner I can think of as is, would be Atlanta. They can afford to run Swihart out there, and they don't have a catcher of the future. Their most notable catching prospect is Lucas Herbert who is 19 and in the Sally league. The flip side is that Teheran strikes me as the kind of fly ball pitcher who needs a big NL park to manage contact for him.
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nomar
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Post by nomar on May 11, 2016 8:47:42 GMT -5
I don't trade Swihart unless/until he starts to rake, and even then I'm not sold on Vazquez. His framing numbers aren't what they were in 2014, and his 55 wRC+ is probably not going to get that much better either. Swihart wouldn't hit much better either at this point, so I'm fine with CV starting this season, but I don't think the case is closed on who we want long term.
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Post by scottysmalls on May 11, 2016 8:53:26 GMT -5
I don't trade Swihart unless/until he starts to rake, and even then I'm not sold on Vazquez. His framing numbers aren't what they were in 2014, and his 55 wRC+ is probably not going to get that much better either. Swihart wouldn't hit much better either at this point, so I'm fine with CV starting this season, but I don't think the case is closed on who we want long term. I disagree that Swihart wouldn't hit much better at this point. I know he's struggling in AAA, but everything he's shown so far in the Majors suggests he's around league average (or at least 90 wRC+). I hate that he's in left because I want him improving his defense as much as he can behind the plate, but when he starts to pick things up in AAA offensively, at least that flexibility could get him a spot back on the Sox roster where he could continue Major League adjustments and working with this pitching staff which is also an important part of his development.
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nomar
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Post by nomar on May 11, 2016 8:56:49 GMT -5
I don't trade Swihart unless/until he starts to rake, and even then I'm not sold on Vazquez. His framing numbers aren't what they were in 2014, and his 55 wRC+ is probably not going to get that much better either. Swihart wouldn't hit much better either at this point, so I'm fine with CV starting this season, but I don't think the case is closed on who we want long term. I disagree that Swihart wouldn't hit much better at this point. I know he's struggling in AAA, but everything he's shown so far in the Majors suggests he's around league average (or at least 90 wRC+). I hate that he's in left because I want him improving his defense as much as he can behind the plate, but when he starts to pick things up in AAA offensively, at least that flexibility could get him a spot back on the Sox roster where he could continue Major League adjustments and working with this pitching staff which is also an important part of his development. Playing him in left will never make any sense to me either. I don't think he'd hit well enough to compensate for the gap in defense between he and CV at this point in time. Maybe in July he'll be mashing in Pawtucket, in which case I'd have more faith.
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Post by telson13 on May 11, 2016 9:00:45 GMT -5
Swihart is easily one of my favorite prospects also. The situation is complex to say the least for how he can get back to Boston this year in my opinion. I disagree that he can't improve in Pawtucket as a catcher. I'm not, at all, crazy about him moving around position wise at this time. His value is, as you said, behind the plate. Not sure what the outfield experiment is about. To me he needs to put ALL of his time and focus into to being the best backstop he can be. I have always been a big supporter of Blake, and dream on his potential of being an elite 2-way catcher. Maybe an All-Star! But.....the way this is heading, I think he will eventually be traded for an upgrade in our rotation. That possible trade may not happen until this winter, but I can see things heading that way. As much as I love Blake Swihart, the Sox and their current success are more important. Vazquez is a real force behind the plate, and it will very difficult for Blake to take the job back as things stand. Christian is also quite young, so the Sox future is still in good hands. I hate predicting a Blake Swihart trade, but it may be the best thing, eventually, for the Red Sox and Blake's career. I just wish they quit screwing around with his playing leftfield. Any scenario involving Blake Swihart, trade or keep, has to start with him playing better though. The window to trade him was open before 2015.... when it didn't make sense to us either. Now that it makes more sense for us to trade him, other teams won't have nearly as much interest for the same reasons we're willing to trade him. There's a reason these don't get done often! The only obvious trade partner I can think of as is, would be Atlanta. They can afford to run Swihart out there, and they don't have a catcher of the future. Their most notable catching prospect is Lucas Herbert who is 19 and in the Sally league. The flip side is that Teheran strikes me as the kind of fly ball pitcher who needs a big NL park to manage contact for him. Well, you could always try squeezing two of Newcomb, Allard, Toussaint, Blair and/or Albies or Swanson out of them, and either keep or flip those players. I'm still not convinced that the Sox *need* another starter. I think that once Price is pitching well, if ERod is at all like last year they'll be plenty strong enough. Ryan Dempster was the #5 in 2013 (and they had Peavy and Doubront in there too), and that team did alright. Personally, I'd like to see them develop Swihart themselves. I think he should be catching as much as he normally would (110 games or so), and then play left to get reps and PAs. Positional versatility is a good thing, but I absolutely agree that his value is much higher as a (solid defensive) catcher.
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radiohix
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Post by radiohix on May 11, 2016 9:08:46 GMT -5
I think CV will hit at league avg clip, he always done that in the Minors: Rough in the begining, then the K/BB starts approaching 1, then begin hitting at .800 clip OPS. Now I don't think he'll end up OPSing .800 or anything but considering his MiLB track record, I'm convinced he'll be around .710-.730 in the 2nd half. He always done it, and his defense is so so good that I'm willing to wait.
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Post by scottysmalls on May 11, 2016 9:09:07 GMT -5
I disagree that Swihart wouldn't hit much better at this point. I know he's struggling in AAA, but everything he's shown so far in the Majors suggests he's around league average (or at least 90 wRC+). I hate that he's in left because I want him improving his defense as much as he can behind the plate, but when he starts to pick things up in AAA offensively, at least that flexibility could get him a spot back on the Sox roster where he could continue Major League adjustments and working with this pitching staff which is also an important part of his development. Playing him in left will never make any sense to me either. I don't think he'd hit well enough to compensate for the gap in defense between he and CV at this point in time. Maybe in July he'll be mashing in Pawtucket, in which case I'd have more faith. Oh yes, I agree that Vazquez is a better player at this point because of the defense and should be the starter and given some time to work on his offense up here. Swihart needs to force the issue and both improve his pitch blocking and framing and start raking.
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Post by sox fan in nc on May 11, 2016 9:51:10 GMT -5
I disagree that Swihart wouldn't hit much better at this point. I know he's struggling in AAA, but everything he's shown so far in the Majors suggests he's around league average (or at least 90 wRC+). I hate that he's in left because I want him improving his defense as much as he can behind the plate, but when he starts to pick things up in AAA offensively, at least that flexibility could get him a spot back on the Sox roster where he could continue Major League adjustments and working with this pitching staff which is also an important part of his development. Playing him in left will never make any sense to me either. I don't think he'd hit well enough to compensate for the gap in defense between he and CV at this point in time. Maybe in July he'll be mashing in Pawtucket, in which case I'd have more faith. It's amazing that EVERYONE on these posts 100% agree that playing BS in LF is ludicrous. I'm curious what the media thinks (Merloni/Speier/Edes, ect). Swihart is not Kyle Schwarber. I believe, right now, Blake would make the big club better. Just trade Hanigan. There are several big league catchers hurt right now. As we speak, IMO, Swihart adds more to Boston than Hanny.
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Post by jerrygarciaparra on May 11, 2016 10:53:41 GMT -5
Blake was forced into service to early last year. I don't really like the idea of LF, but am willing to give the FO some leeway here. Let him continue to work on his skillset(s) in the minors, like he would have done last year. He's good depth...I don't see where trading Hanigan is at all beneficial to this team this year....we have a good thing going...don't overthink it.
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Post by ancientsoxfogey on May 11, 2016 11:10:22 GMT -5
I guess I think differently about Swihart than others right now.
The Sox have never abused their catching prospects in the minors, preferring to split duties to reduce wear and tear, and do a significant amount of the teaching during practice time. Thus, if they want to get Swihart lots of AB he needs to be DH or play somewhere else, and he'll get the catching reps he needs playing halftime, it seems is the organization's philosophy.
I think it's significant that the position they gave him as an alternative was LF. As I recall, in past years it was thought that if he needed to move off C, 2B or 3B might be a position for him, or alternatively, OF. So putting him in LF may actually be saying something -- as in, if Castillo never comes around, Holt gets overexposed or otherwise fades in the 2nd half, and Young is who he is, I wouldn't be amazed to see Swihart brought up to take over as the regular LF down the stretch, if he shows he can handle it. No, he doesn't profile as a stud out there, but if the alternative is a corpse .....
Save our trade bullets at the deadline to get pitching, because if we're in contention we're going to need more of it. Don't expend resources to pick up a LF if we can avoid it.
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danr
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Post by danr on May 12, 2016 3:13:47 GMT -5
Vazquez is a significantly better catcher defensively than Swihart. He is a weapon on defense. He makes the Sox a much stronger team. It really doesn't matter what he hits but I think he will hit decently. Swihart should not be a backup to him. He has to play regularly. I think Swihart's value to the Sox will be realized in a trade. I have no idea when that will happen. The first thing that has to happen is for Swihart to start hitting again. If he does that, then he will be a prize for some team. I don'[t think he will catch for the Sox.
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Post by costpet on May 12, 2016 4:55:58 GMT -5
Agree with that. He may become a good hitter, but never a great catcher. His value is as a trade piece. Vazquez makes the team better, Swihart does not. He'll make some other team better. If the right deal comes along, jump on it.
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Post by rjp313jr on May 12, 2016 7:35:17 GMT -5
It's not really fair to say a 23yr who works hard and has great athletic ability will never become a great catcher. Varitek wasn't a great catcher at his age either. A lot of catchers develop this part of their game in their mid 20s. It's the time when they settle into their brains better and mature which helps them a lot, especially with the game calling.
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Post by sox fan in nc on May 12, 2016 7:55:47 GMT -5
Agree with that. He may become a good hitter, but never a great catcher. His value is as a trade piece. Vazquez makes the team better, Swihart does not. He'll make some other team better. If the right deal comes along, jump on it. I'm with you on this. CV is the long term starter. Right now CV & Hanny are catching 60/40%. Hanny is becoming to be an automatic out. The other 8 guys aren't going to maintain this offense. BS for Hanny would be an upgrade right now. I understand if we flip BS @ the AS break, Hanny won't be there which becomes a problem. Perfect scenario would be to phantom DL Hanny till the break.
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Post by okin15 on May 12, 2016 10:33:46 GMT -5
There is absolutely no reason to trade Swihart right now unless you get your ears blown off with an offer. You've already needed him to be the starter for a chunk of the season, and there's a very good chance you'll need him again to play either C or I guess LF. It's not like the Sox have a ton of MLB ready talent at AAA in case of emergencies, so you want to keep the talent you do have.
Furthermore, If Swihart is on option for the majority of this year and next, then he will be a very affordable backup catcher and/or starter in a couple of years. Even if you have anointed Vasquez as your starter, Swihart could still have a very important place in an organization with little in the catching pipe-line, and at a position where offense is hard to come by, not to mention one where your backup typically plays nearly one third of the games over the course of a season.
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Post by tjb21 on May 12, 2016 10:52:49 GMT -5
Agree with that. He may become a good hitter, but never a great catcher. His value is as a trade piece. Vazquez makes the team better, Swihart does not. He'll make some other team better. If the right deal comes along, jump on it. What are you basing this on?
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brisox
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Post by brisox on May 12, 2016 13:44:02 GMT -5
It's not really fair to say a 23yr who works hard and has great athletic ability will never become a great catcher. Varitek wasn't a great catcher at his age either. A lot of catchers develop this part of their game in their mid 20s. It's the time when they settle into their brains better and mature which helps them a lot, especially with the game calling. Agreed and nobody feels that Swihart wont be a very good player and a better than average hitter and if we were struggling offensively as a team the decision may be different , but the value of CV is his defense if he can hit his weight he is a value to the team , Pitchers love working with him and his baseball intellect is Molina level which is who he works out with in the winter. Hannigan's work with Wright is really exceptional his quickness blocking balls behind the plate is as good as I've seen since Mirabelli for a knuckler it is critical to have that guy you can trust and Wright has responded in a way that you just don't mess with, so that leaves us with BS in AAA, which solves a number of problems . it gives the young guys a chance to work with a catcher who knows how things are done on the big league club, it gives him time to work on framing and ball blocking and get comfortable at the plate after a slow start. Everyone believes he will hit and be a great player , a catcher with a plus hit tool and speed will not stay down long. Hannigan is likely gone next year So without injury he will get a long leash as he is still very young.
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Post by mgoetze on May 12, 2016 15:24:12 GMT -5
Hanny are catching 60/40%. Hanny is becoming to be an automatic out. Hanigan has a 2000 PA track record of hitting in the majors but yeah the last 20 PAs obviously change everything.
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Post by grandsalami on May 12, 2016 20:19:08 GMT -5
PawSox @pawsox 48m48 minutes ago #PawSox left fielder @blakeswihart_1 has two outfield assists tonight. (And he nearly had a third earlier in the game.)
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fenwayfaithful
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A prospect is fun to watch, but trading him for a sure thing in the Majors is never a losing deal.
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Post by fenwayfaithful on May 13, 2016 0:05:01 GMT -5
Swihart is easily my favorite prospect. That being said I don't understand everyone. What do you mean you don't know why he's playing LF? CV obviously is Farrell's catcher so unless you want to trade him you move him into a position where he can start on the major league team. Well we have only 1 that's going to be available next season. LF. If you don't like it oh well you don't need to. Swihart is not built like a catcher and he sure as hell has the opportunity to focus on hitting if playing LF. Why would you want a switch hitting LF who can maybe bulk up and focus on his bat and hit .300 with 20 homers in the near future. Guess what guys!? Bryce Harper use to catch. good thing they didn't trade him huh. It's the best move for him. Move Brock back into the super utility role giving guys rest. Right now it seems we arnt resting players enough and at the end of the season it will show. Hanley is doing so well at 1st it's improving his hitting. Shaw is ecstatic he's getting the chance to play 3rd a position he wants to play. Unfortunately Sandoval will be our DH next year. I would love to see BS in LF!!! Good move Boston I love you guy!
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Post by jimed14 on May 13, 2016 6:22:39 GMT -5
How do people not understand that at this point in time, Swihart does not hit well enough to be anything but a catcher? He is a below average major league hitter. Give him time to improve as a catcher and as a hitter. I don't understand why people think he needs to be in the majors as the Red Sox LF now or as the catcher. He's not ready. You wait for him to develop. Nothing has to be decided now and they don't have to change his position. Let him stay in the minors all year and maybe next year as well.
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