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Post by p23w on Sept 23, 2014 12:55:17 GMT -5
Don't you then take something of a step back offensively (negating the purpose of acquiring Cespedes in the first place) by going back to Nava in left field and Ortiz and Napoli as the main sources of power in the lineup? Based off of Latos's interleague stats, I would not be too excited to acquire him. Not too sure how his stuff would translate. In agreement with respect to Latos. I just don't see him transitioning well to the AL, let alone the ALE.
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Post by p23w on Sept 22, 2014 20:19:29 GMT -5
6 more losses would help our draft position in a big way. Man, I just can't go there. I'd prefer to see the kids gain some confidence, win some games and close out this dismal season on a high note. There are only a handful of Strausburg's and Trout's available in any given year. We draft a Harper and the expectation/pressure will ruin it for all involved. FWIW, I'd be happy with a monster power 1Bman pick and hope for a George Scott or Mo' Vaughn as opposed to mid level pick a-la Lars Anderson.
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Post by p23w on Sept 22, 2014 20:05:53 GMT -5
p23w....Brentz has always been a favorite of mine. I honestly think that had a succession of injuries not occurred, he would be in the 2015 outfield discussion. IMO, he is an underrated fielder and has a Bradley-like arm. Power (a current rarity especially on the Sox) is that of WMB a few years ago. If we don't trade him, I look for major advances at AAA in 2015 and consideration in the 2016 Sox outfield. He is like what was said about Rocky Marciano....."even when he misses, he hurts you". This is very little to go on but I'll put it out there anyways. Last week, I was sort of half paying attention to a game while doing other things when I heard the announcers say Brentz coming up. I watched the AB and found myself astounded by the way the ball jumped off his bat for a line-drive hit to LF. I have followed him since he was drafted and agree that injuries (including the one caused by his own stupidity) have held him back. Saw Bremz at Fort Meyers in February. Totally agree about his arm. I like his form/follow through as well. Dare I say.... I thought Dewey. Yes, the ball does jump off his bat, reminiscent of WMB prior to his wrist injury. Got to have a few words with him. First impression, this kid is mentally tough. Not Pedroia tough, but quiet tough. I'd be happy if he flies under the trade radar and gets a full season at AAA with a September 2015 call up. I'll go out on a limb and postulate that Brenz could be a right handed Trot Nixon.
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Post by p23w on Sept 22, 2014 12:06:00 GMT -5
sarasoxerI still don't think this year's team is that far off from being a PO competitor. What it needs is for Bogaerts and Betts to have another season under their belts, Castillo a full season, the team to make up it's mind at 1b, move the extra parts in the OF it has no use for. They wasted over 1 month with Middlebrooks when Cecchini could have been getting a long look at 3b, that was costly. Taking 1 season to fill in the final pieces that can be from within, then after 2015 the rest via FA the team would be in a much better situation youth wise and seemingly a stronger team for that reason alone, not to mention payroll wise. Possibly look to retain Cespedes, get rid of Victorino (even paying off the contract) Craig, even attempting to send him back to Stl as damaged goods in order to get out from under his remaining salary. Well, I don't think the time spent with WMB was wasted. We had to find out if he could be resurrected and what better time than a down year? Maybe he needs another address at this point or maybe he needs a full offseason playing ball somewhere. I am not sold on Cecchini as yet. He is not (to me) overly athletic at 3B. I see him more at 1B. The jury will remain out on Castillo. On balance I think that realistically it will take few years for the 'Mookies' of our system to arrive and get acclimated. I am willing to wait and enjoy watching the evolution. Kelly looks like a keeper and Rodriguez shows promise too. With Buch and perhaps Lester/Shields, we could look ok at SP. Miller would be a huge get for the pen which needs significant reinforcements IMO. BTW, I have not given up on Craig. Man, this guy had great stats in the minors and majors before this year. If he is injured, why are the Sox trotting him out there. I look forward to his revival next season...You wait... I am sold with respect to Betts. I have lowered my expectations in regards to Bogaerts, but I remain optimistic. Need to see more of Castillo before I will venture an opinion. Middlebrooks, dare I say this, warrants further patience. I say this only because his injury may have temporarily sapped some of his power. I know, I know.... his numbers were attrocious and his pitch recognition and selection seem to have only marginally improved, BUT, when the boy squares the ball he hits it hard. Many loud outs came off his bat since his return to Boston. We agree on Cecchini. As well as with Cespedes. Not sure what to make of Craig. I dislike making judgements on players with nagging injuries, unless they prove perennial. I was never as high on Victorino, as most, for this very reason. For me 2015 ST will amount to one stays, one goes between Craig and Victorino. I venture no guesses. The pitching staff is another discussion altogether, although I will cast my vote on resigning Miller. I am pleased with Kelly, and would love to see the return of Jon Lester but my desire is purely one of loyalty and without consideration of the fiduciary wherewithal of management. One final note. Brenz has impressed me. Too soon to form a solid opinion, but reason for optimism.
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Post by p23w on Sept 21, 2014 15:48:49 GMT -5
Nice win. I'm really starting to believe that this team is headed for better things. Watching September baseball for a team that is not in contention is proving to be enjoyable. I am looking forward to the removal of some dead wood, to the return of a fully healthy Pedroia and to the continued development from the cast of characters that have emerged from the farm.
Almost forgot.... who says this team is nothing without Papi?
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Post by p23w on Sept 19, 2014 21:52:48 GMT -5
Nice. Take away Breslow, and already this is a better team. And as this Board is fond of saying..... this team is nothing without Papi.
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Post by p23w on Sept 18, 2014 19:02:02 GMT -5
Mookie is my new Nomar.
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Post by p23w on Sept 4, 2014 22:04:27 GMT -5
The numbness returns.
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Post by p23w on Aug 30, 2014 9:43:03 GMT -5
Mookie has "Soleresque" bat speed. Haven't seen that since Nomar in a Red Sox prospect. AND, the kid can play some D. Whether or not you choose to rank him ahead of Xander is akin to the debate of ranking Kalish over Reddick. Just enjoy the results and stay immune to the hype. (you know, the JBJ, WM, Lavarnway, stuff). I'm thinking 2015 will be a better season than the current one, but not so much that the RS will contend, Mature and improve. This observation applies to both the position players and the pitching staff. Of coures BC could change that prognostication with one trade, but since I am an advocate of home grown talent rising to the top, I hope he can resist the pressure to pull the trigger. I'd really like to see another championship fielded by a home grown team.
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Post by p23w on Aug 27, 2014 20:04:14 GMT -5
DOH!
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Post by p23w on Aug 25, 2014 21:17:47 GMT -5
Sigh. Feeling is back to my fingers. Too bad about Buchholz though.
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Post by p23w on Aug 25, 2014 20:50:24 GMT -5
The numbness grows....
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Post by p23w on Aug 22, 2014 21:38:35 GMT -5
Mind numbing.
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Post by p23w on Aug 10, 2014 17:10:31 GMT -5
Deja vu.... all over again.
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Post by p23w on Jul 27, 2014 22:54:28 GMT -5
It's for sure his muscles haven't quite remembered it all, yet. Given that he only started repeating those motions, and developing those secondary pitches since he signed up for the minors, it's not all that surprising. I'm inclined to stay away from the deeper synaptic meaning, but that's just me. The average male attains his full physical height at 23.9 years of age. At some point after that age is reached "muscle memory" develops on a body that is no longer changing. It remains static (more or less) for the next 15-20 years. Lanky pitchers have more difficulty harnessing their physiques until they reached this point. Randy Johnson comes to mind. More recently Andrew Miller. IMHO Allen Webster may indeed fall into this category. Maybe not to the extreme that Johnson and Miller came under but not far from it. Webster has shown improvement with his command/control. Perhaps not to the point we would have all hoped to have seen by now, but I view his progression positively. Is he a #2 MLB starting pitcher? Far from it at this point, but he is a serviceable # 4 or #5 at present with a #1/#2 ceiling in the foreseeable future. Does he have a "mental problem"? Did Jon Lester in 2012? Frankly I'm glad that we have a former pitcher as manager. I think this bodes well for Webster, RDLR, Barnes, Owens, etc. I am at a loss to understand why Farrell has not brought along Doubrount in better fashion. I am bullish of Red Sox pitching. I think we can "loose" up to 3 more pitchers on the current roster and actually improve the staff for 2015.
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Post by p23w on Jul 13, 2014 13:31:14 GMT -5
I don't think JF is a good manager, but I don't think he is bad either. He is very average. Which is fine for a manager as long as the players are playing well. JF's shortcomings are further in the spotlight this season because the players are not performing well, which is by far the bigger concern. Pretty much in agreement. I this this board wants a scapegoat. Meh. Farrell is not going to inspire what has proven to be a dismal offense. From what I have seen the trend to shift on defense in MLB has taken a real toll on the RS offense. That's on the players to adjust, has nothing to do with JF. I'm not inspired by his pics out of the bullpen, this applies to both his timing and selection. Not horrible, but not enlightened, IMHO. I further believe that the farm system is slightly overrated. I like much of what I see from the call-ups, but for me the bloom is off the rose with respect to Middlebrooks, and both JBJ and the X-man need work on their offense. Learning on the job, in the show, can be painful. I remain bullish on the arms on the farm. I think this will be our saving grace going into the future. Unfortunately Ben is going to have to bite the bullet to bring at least one professional power bat into this line up, and they are a costly commodity. Another strategy would be to trade for bat with only a minor league (AA/AAA) resume and hope for the best. Then again we have Swihart, Coyle, Gibson, etc, etc, Still no power elites have shown themselves in Portland or Pawtucket. Sigh. I remember when we were all salivating over Lavanway''s power numbers. Given the cards that were dealt to Farrell this year, I cannot fault his performance. Might even be a good learning experience. I seriously doubt that any other manager in MLB would/could have gotten more from this roster. Perhaps 2-3 games better, tops. Then again it's not the nightmare that 2012 was, when it was obvious that the players seemed to mail it in by the AS break. I'm not into the blame game. Too many variables in beisbol. Besides this year has given us a chance to see many pieces that will figure prominently in the future and gives us the opportunity to gauge how the front office will address the shortcomings. The only issue I have, which may have been addressed by the "coming out" of Brock Holt, was the loss of Ellsbury at leadoff. If Betts makes up for the draconian loss of team speed created by Jacoby's departure, this will no longer be an issue for me. To be blatantly realistic, 2013 was a fantasy year. Glad it happened, but the residual expectations from the fantasy has far more to do with whether John Farrell is up to the job in 2014 or not.
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Post by p23w on Jul 5, 2014 14:54:29 GMT -5
I believe, in all the above!
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Post by p23w on Jun 29, 2014 17:59:05 GMT -5
The look on Tanaka's face after Napoli went deep was priceless. Uehara slamming the door was sweet. Let's do it again, gentlemen.
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Post by p23w on Jun 18, 2014 15:38:31 GMT -5
Dr. Proton, when somebody makes stupid or insulting statements towards me, then I shoot back. I am use to "street" fighting' (organizing) and am rough around the edges. Don't drink tea. In your case, you simply will not let anything falsify what you say, and you tend to be a tad zealous defending management. Then you repeat and repeat, almost to the point of shouting down, very fascist like. I respond accordingly. Don't hide behind your niceties. But then again you are a pro management person, just your perspective. I am usually anti-management. Silly boy, don't bother lecturing me. Who do you think you are, a moderator? I could not have illustrated my point better if I'd tried. [/quote +1
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Post by p23w on May 21, 2014 13:35:22 GMT -5
Reading his postgame comments it sounds like they've successfully destroyed Xander's confidence. I admit that this move makes them slightly better but I'm not convinced it's worth the collateral damage of screwing with the best prospect you've had in like 40 years. That said, if Xander's makeup is all it's cracked up to be he should be able to deal with it and not be making errors in the field because he's upset (something he basically admitted to after the game). This is going to sound insensitive, and in some ways it is, but he needs to suck it up. If he's going to be the player we want him to be, he's going to have to learn how to deal with adversity. Do the names Dwight Evans, Jim Rice, Roger Clemens, Curt Shilling, Mo Vaughn, Nomar Garciaparra ring any 40 year old bells? Absolutely. Suck it up Xander, you are young, you are talented. Machado came up as a SS and due to the veteran Hardy, he transitioned to 3B and earned a "platinum" glove. Same age, same expectations. The real fly in the ointment has been Will Middlebrooks inability to adjust offensively, which, I suspect has had an adverse affect on his defense. That and the god awful trade of Morales for Herrera.
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Post by p23w on Mar 19, 2014 17:49:25 GMT -5
FWIW Ryan Kalish has a stat line of .320 .433 .360 for Theo's Cubbies this Spring. HE is 5/6 in stolen bases. Pave paradise......
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Post by p23w on Mar 19, 2014 17:40:54 GMT -5
In keeping with the "God's Plan" quote, 2011 marked the second year in a row that Gonzalez's team was eliminated on the final day of the season. Enough reason for a player to "get religion".
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Post by p23w on Mar 19, 2014 17:31:36 GMT -5
Well lets just remember when Buchholz was the same age he was stealing 29 laptops from a middle school. Denney has maturity problems but what 19 year olds don't? Lets not throw the baby out with the bath water here. +1
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Post by p23w on Feb 21, 2014 23:13:09 GMT -5
We have all applauded the work of Ben Cherington and the ownership for getting our house in order with respect to ridiculous long-term contracts. THE trade with LA was a huge windfall for us in so many ways. Starting last off-season, we showed a lot of restraint with respect to giving out anything that resembled too many years. This winter has been more of the same. With our farm system somewhat bursting at the seams with close to ready talent, we could definitely be patient and watch how simply stupid the Yankees seem to be every year. BUT our policy and restraint may be really tested if a certain player does not get extended in the next couple of years. That player, who many believe including me, is the best player in the world. That player is Mike Trout. That player will break the bank. That player, if the Angels are nuts, will be a free agent during his 25th year on the planet! This article, insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/10470101/los-angeles-angels-pay-more-wait-give-mike-trout-contract-extension-mlb, sums things up rather well. Every year the Angels don't extend him, the more he will be worth if he keeps being Mike Trout. The figures that are thrown around in this article are scary. But for the best player in the world and one hitting free agency this early, they may be right on. Question: would the Red Sox get in on signing Mike Trout? Do you believe this would be the time to break the bank for a player?I do certainly agree with the new policy enacted by the Sox brain trust, but I personally would love to see Trout patrolling Fenway for a decade or more. +++ Absolutely not interested.
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Post by p23w on Feb 19, 2014 21:31:19 GMT -5
My explanation is: pitch recognition is the ability to recognize the spin of the ball, if it's a fast ball, curveball etc. Plate disciple is having a sense of the strike zone, wether is gonna be a ball/strike. That's how I look at it. That's the simple of it, the question though is how do you know what the batter's problem is and what's the effect. I would hope that any discussion of midddlebrooks' ab's has both some numbers and some learned observations and doe not dissolve into a battle of "semantics". I have my own personal thoughts observations and hypothesize on Middlebrooks' offense complete with expectations. I welcome the pitch count numbers as a yardstick, but IMO Middlebrooks' performance is also representative of 3 vastly different approaches that I have witnessed during his major league tenure to date. Only one of these approaches showed real promise. The other two do not project well. I am sorry to say. But the optimist fan in me is hoping to see Middlebrooks display his "good approach" this Spring. I am not enamored with Middlebrooks, but I am concerned in part because he is one of two upper level prospects that I consider has plus-plus power potential (the other being Brenz). I would like to see a homegrown power prospect develop, due in large part to what I consider to be an unsavory market for free agent power hitters and the realistic expectation that Ortiz is on a downward slope with respect to his power output. Given the above, I am very interested in any and all analysis of Middlebrooks' offense this Spring.
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