SoxProspects News
|
|
|
|
Legal
Forum Ground Rules
The views expressed by the members of this Forum do not necessarily reflect the views of SoxProspects, LLC.
© 2003-2024 SoxProspects, LLC
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Home | Search | My Profile | Messages | Members | Help |
Welcome Guest. Please Login or Register.
Recent Posts
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 29, 2021 5:34:15 GMT -5
For a team that tries to have fun, think laundry rides, they sure seem to get overly tight when things aren't going well or the pressure is on. This is where they miss Mookie the most and Ortiz for that matter. Just nobody other than Sale has the cache and leadership qualities to keep them loose. Maybe it's just that when the bats quiet down it is contagious and they all slump together. Then again we have seen it in other parts of the game also, defense and running the bases have been bad during their down swings also.
I think we all realize this is a flawed team. It might not happen this OS as I think Bloom will add some pieces for next year and they could very well be really good. But if they don't show considerable improvement there could be some serious turnover after next season. A lot of that is on the defensive side. Moving X to 2nd and investing in one of the top FA SS would be a titanic move but it could also be the smartest and most impactful move he could make.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 28, 2021 18:27:37 GMT -5
Schwarber!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 28, 2021 12:07:09 GMT -5
Sadly, a lot of players tune coaches out but respect and listen to other players. Kind of silly considering the coaches are former players.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 28, 2021 12:05:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the extra effort. I didn't attach it as their is a paywall.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 28, 2021 10:51:37 GMT -5
Great article in the Athletic about how Schwarber played a big part in Bobbys turn around in August. They spent an hr in the cage going over stuff and it quickly took hold. Also Schwarber talked to the whole team in a meeting early on that helped the whole team become more patient at the plate. Sounds like he is a keeper so I hope to see him on the Sox next year. I am a fan of the Athletic and find it worthy of the cost, it is the only source I pay for. This is cool, but it kind of makes me wonder what the Red Sox hitting coach has been doing all season. Presumably he has tried to get them to be more patient (Cora has talked about it throughout the season)... why did it take Schwarber for the message to get through? I was thinking the same thing while reading it. What the hey, the hitting coach is quoted in the story but he might be looking for a new job soon. I think Schwarber had some very strong pointers that helped a lot. I guess when he wasn't able to play he studied tape of Dalbec and approached him.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 28, 2021 7:23:50 GMT -5
If Denver can stay healthy that is a formidable lineup for years.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 28, 2021 7:15:28 GMT -5
Great article in the Athletic about how Schwarber played a big part in Bobbys turn around in August. They spent an hr in the cage going over stuff and it quickly took hold. Also Schwarber talked to the whole team in a meeting early on that helped the whole team become more patient at the plate. Sounds like he is a keeper so I hope to see him on the Sox next year. I am a fan of the Athletic and find it worthy of the cost, it is the only source I pay for.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 27, 2021 16:15:08 GMT -5
I think this might speak to my stating that their needs to be fewer 1 inning guys, more relievers that can go 2 helps spread the workload. I just read that Richards seems to be embracing his new role as a reliever, that is good news. He could have a great ending to his career in a 2,3 inning role. Maybe. But Whitlock — their multi-inning guy — is hurt, even as they’ve been especially careful with him. The multi-inning guy is hardly new, of course. But many of the rubber arm guys in the ye olde were sinker ballers. It’ll be tough to have guys come out and throw 96+ for 2 innings a few times a week AND keep them healthy for the season and beyond. It seems like a formula for short careers. The truth is that guys spinning it and velocity to get guys out will shorten careers. Can't blame the pitchers for doing what they have to to get guys out. Their are no more easy outs and the hitters are better than ever. It is what it is. With all the money involved you don't have guys getting out of shape in the offseason, they are all playing to win and throwing meatballs doesn't work PERIOD.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 27, 2021 10:55:01 GMT -5
I have been MIA for a while and have not kept up with the conversations but had just one thought about what I have seen.
It is so bad that it seems like the other teams D knows what the Pats are trying to run on just about every play. Very little to be happy about so far and I'm afraid I will be losing my wager on total wins for the season. They have a long way to go and this upcoming TBay game isn't going to help things.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 27, 2021 10:38:07 GMT -5
All you guys referring to the BP being gassed and the rotation not pitching enough innings I refer you to the TBay pitching staff. Get used to it, it is the new normal in baseball and it isn't going back. Gerrit Cole arguably the #1 starter in the AL is averaging 6 innings a game. Average for the league is less than 5. Not many guys out there can get thru the lineup 3 times without getting lit up. This is a site full of guys who are into the advanced analytics so you should understand that it makes sense, like it or not. As I have said numerous times, what a staff needs is more guys that can go more than 1 inning. This is also a Chaim Bloom creation to a degree. I’m not sure those examples entirely disprove the fatigue issue. The Rays have three of their top relievers on the IL right now. They have also spread the innings better with other guys than the Sox, though. Darwinzon’s 47 games would be 2nd on the Rays. He is 5th on the Sox. Sawamura, Taylor, and Barnes would all lead that team in games even having missed time. Whitlock’s 72 innings is… a lot. More than anyone in the Rays pen who hasn’t started double-digits. (More than Kittridge, their leader, who has 4 starts, too). One of the things I wonder is how much Sox relievers warm up relative to other bullpens. That adds to wear and tear, too. I think this might speak to my stating that their needs to be fewer 1 inning guys, more relievers that can go 2 helps spread the workload. I just read that Richards seems to be embracing his new role as a reliever, that is good news. He could have a great ending to his career in a 2,3 inning role.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 27, 2021 9:38:03 GMT -5
All you guys referring to the BP being gassed and the rotation not pitching enough innings I refer you to the TBay pitching staff. Get used to it, it is the new normal in baseball and it isn't going back. Gerrit Cole arguably the #1 starter in the AL is averaging 6 innings a game. Average for the league is less than 5. Not many guys out there can get thru the lineup 3 times without getting lit up. This is a site full of guys who are into the advanced analytics so you should understand that it makes sense, like it or not. As I have said numerous times, what a staff needs is more guys that can go more than 1 inning. This is also a Chaim Bloom creation to a degree.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 25, 2021 6:38:02 GMT -5
Something I find interesting is the scoring differential between the Sox, MFY and BJays.
Sox +79 MFY +39 BJays + 164
If I am a Bjays fan I am scratching my head at that. IMO they win blow outs and lose close games and if they invest in a better BP they are going to be tougher next year. Their young core is impressive and cheap. They will have some FA issues that will be expensive but they should realize the opportunity they have now while they have the cheap core of mashers.
Sox brass has their challenges in keeping the Sox competitive in the east, they might see they need some upgrades. I hope they can't find some magic this year, considering the expectations to start the season it has already been a great season.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 22, 2021 7:47:53 GMT -5
As has been discussed ad nauseam since the Sox slump and the Jays, TBay, MFY winning streaks guess who seems to be peaking at the right time? That's right it is our Sox as they get players back from the covid issues they are taking charge. Get into the playoffs and anything can happen, especially with some renewed confidence and momentum.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 17, 2021 4:21:58 GMT -5
No do not go with a 4 man rotation. The Sox can't tire out the rotation before the playoffs even start, be confidant that they will get in. The schedule is going to work in their favor and they are getting guys back at a good time.
I know it would be better for us Sox fans if they were already in but it is great for baseball and pretty interesting to see the Sox, MFY and Jays all in a virtual tie for the last playoff spots. This is such a tough division to compete in and the future is looking like it could get even tougher. Yankees will be in spend mode again after a yr going under. The Jays have some great young players and TBay is always a threat, some how with 80M dollar rosters.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 16, 2021 6:15:16 GMT -5
One more thought about the opening day loss after looking at the standings, lot's of teams in the AFC that were expected to be playoff contenders lost also. Small but not so small a fact as the season goes on, it will be tight in the end. Pats just need to take care of business and win the games they are supposed to win, starting with NY this Sunday.
Buffalo, Tenn, Browns, Indy, Ravens.
Mac Jones getting a lot of praise around the league after week 1.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 15, 2021 19:09:01 GMT -5
This is getting off track. The question is how much is it going to cost and what are the risks that go into it. If it takes 30per for X and 35per for Raffy do the Sox do it. And yes who is coming up from the farm matters but how much? Xander is going to move off SS at some point and as Chris pointed out Raffy was league average for 2 months and one of the worst for 3 months this year at 3rd. Everything matters when talking about 10 yrs and 300+ million. What will Raffy take and does he have the makeup to be elite vs great, he is great now but not elite. As far as the HOF goes, both guys would have to do what they are doing for a LONG LONG time. Between them they have been #5 for MVP once and a couple others in the teens as far as voting goes. Also they are not perennial all stars which you need quite a few of for hall consideration. The numbers they put up need to be done for a very long career to be hall worthy. I don't want to put our 2 stars down but Manny and Papi they ain't. Maybe I need to temper my optimism for the prospects but I would rather dream big, it's more fun. My main point was this: it is essential to consider $:WAR, sure. So obviously players can price out. But there comes a point when you need… WAR. So if you let your best players walk, you improve the ratio, but you still need to make up the gap. Where does it come from? Who do you sign? Yes!! And I am optimistic that Bloom will find WAR either with our guys or not.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 15, 2021 17:00:03 GMT -5
This is a rather pessimistic take IMO. To say that none of the big 3 in the minors project to hit as well as the big 3 on the Sox is based on what, your projections? Yorke has put up as strong a stat line as anybody in the Sox minors that I have ever seen so to not believe he could be that good is wrong IMO. Their is really no reason to believe at this point that all 3 of those guys will be well above average hitters for the Sox. And I expect all three will be in Boston in 3 years. Casas next yr, Yorke the yr after and then Mayer in 24. The Sox won't really be in a rebuild at all. I guess it seems like I am against signing Raffy or something because I bring up his D but I am not really, he is great obviously. I am just thinking out loud about what Bloom needs to consider when building LT. And Boggy at 30M and Raffy at 35M for 10 years might be the right move and they could validate those contracts but their is also the chance that they don't. And D is a big reason that those contracts could become a problem when they are 31+. Xander is definitely going to move off of SS, maybe Raffy can stay at 3rd but it is a question. Wait… X and Devers are on HOF paces. JDM was an elite DH. I don’t think it is pessimistic to say we probably aren’t developing HOFers at the moment. There is a difference between likelihood and pessimism. But the idea that 2 teenagers and a 21-one-year are a big factor in an extension for a 25-year elite player seems kind of crazy. This is getting off track. The question is how much is it going to cost and what are the risks that go into it. If it takes 30per for X and 35per for Raffy do the Sox do it. And yes who is coming up from the farm matters but how much? Xander is going to move off SS at some point and as Chris pointed out Raffy was league average for 2 months and one of the worst for 3 months this year at 3rd. Everything matters when talking about 10 yrs and 300+ million. What will Raffy take and does he have the makeup to be elite vs great, he is great now but not elite. As far as the HOF goes, both guys would have to do what they are doing for a LONG LONG time. Between them they have been #5 for MVP once and a couple others in the teens as far as voting goes. Also they are not perennial all stars which you need quite a few of for hall consideration. The numbers they put up need to be done for a very long career to be hall worthy. I don't want to put our 2 stars down but Manny and Papi they ain't. Maybe I need to temper my optimism for the prospects but I would rather dream big, it's more fun.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 15, 2021 16:09:20 GMT -5
I’d hate the thought of not signing Devers or Xander but watching these last few weeks I could definitely see some sort of positional shake up to improve the team D. I’d be surprised if both are signed when control ends. I'd love them both to stay but just don't see how you pay market value of SS/3B for both. I hate losing home grown guys. Not trying to revisit this but it makes Mookie sting a little harsher since his D will buoy his value for longer. Devers HAS to come in lower than the more recent young guys, given that he's a lesser hitter than peak JDM and bigger fielder risk than most of the other big contracts. Is 8/230 (buying out arb) too little? I'd be okay with that. If they could get him to sign that contract I am all in!!
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 15, 2021 5:57:02 GMT -5
OK so maybe my thoughts on some throws lacking zip was a figment of my imagination, I did have those thoughts though.
Umass I am going to disagree on Jonnu not being elite athletically at TE. He made that one play and he looked like a WR with his run after the catch, to me that was elite. On the other hand as jmei pointed out, the LBs looked slow. They might have to game plan around teams locking in on that with more snaps for Phillips and Duggar.
The Patriots have gone to the Super Bowl the last 4 times they lost an opener, heard that on the radio so if I am wrong again I blame it on them. Sure it has a tangible effect but it is game 1 of a 17 game season and don't overlook the positives of out playing a good team. They were dominant in time of possession and first downs and with how they plan on playing this year that is very important. They made too many mistakes and they still should have won if not for the last one. And yes maybe that last one happened because BB had Stevenson in the doghouse and Harris was tired, who knows. One thing BB can do is coach those mistakes out of a team.
Although Miami didn't look great offensively I think they are going to surprise some this year. Flores has them playing great D and we could look back on this game and realize our O is better than they showed in that game and the Fins D is why.
I put a large chunk on the seasons win total going over 9.5 and I am not concerned yet.
I do hate the Brown injury situation and hope it doesn't linger and cost multiple games.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 15, 2021 5:46:03 GMT -5
I started to reply to this yesterday and decided not to. Then an error last night cost the Sox the game, 7th inning Schwarber. Your comment about not moving is comical if not irritating. Errors matter, defense matters and yes Bloom needs to and will take that into consideration when thinking about who he gives a 35 million/yr contract offer to. Devers leads the league in errors for 3rd basemen every year and you want to talk about the great plays he makes. All third basemen make great plays and the good ones make even more, it's the hot corner great plays are bound to happen and I don't see Devers making some crazy amount of great ones. Bottom line is the teams D has been bad this season and that needs to be addressed moving forward, it is not something that Bloom will overlook. Over the last 3 seasons, Devers has been exactly an average 3B according to statcast. Identical to Manny Machado. You cannot only look at errors. OK I will stop, but I want him to be more consistent. That is where the problem lies, he loses focus or something because he does make some great plays and then he boots some easy ones or air mails a throw too often. Which leads me to think he can still improve. Would you be in favor of a 10 yr 350 million dollar contract? That is probably what it is going to cost right? Mookie was a better player and they didn't go there with him.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 15, 2021 5:39:50 GMT -5
My question is this: if you don’t resign X and/or Devers, with an aging JDM, where are you? No one in the minors projects to match those three at their best (even Casas). So now you need to look outside to make up a *lot* of offense. Who is that? How much is it? Even if you assume Yorke and Mayer are an all star combo, that could easily be 4-5 years from now. I do not want to be in a rebuild that waits on 18-year olds. This is a rather pessimistic take IMO. To say that none of the big 3 in the minors project to hit as well as the big 3 on the Sox is based on what, your projections? Yorke has put up as strong a stat line as anybody in the Sox minors that I have ever seen so to not believe he could be that good is wrong IMO. Their is really no reason to believe at this point that all 3 of those guys will be well above average hitters for the Sox. And I expect all three will be in Boston in 3 years. Casas next yr, Yorke the yr after and then Mayer in 24. The Sox won't really be in a rebuild at all. I guess it seems like I am against signing Raffy or something because I bring up his D but I am not really, he is great obviously. I am just thinking out loud about what Bloom needs to consider when building LT. And Boggy at 30M and Raffy at 35M for 10 years might be the right move and they could validate those contracts but their is also the chance that they don't. And D is a big reason that those contracts could become a problem when they are 31+. Xander is definitely going to move off of SS, maybe Raffy can stay at 3rd but it is a question.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 14, 2021 7:11:26 GMT -5
I saw somebody criticizing that throw he made that got defended well by Jason McCourty acting like he has a noodle arm…..to me it was pretty clear he was throwing a touch pass and isn’t 100% used to nfl playing speed It’s not a cannon but it’s definitely good enough from what I’ve seen. I’ve seen guys win Super Bowls with less. Common denominator? They’re all elite processors. I think Mac is too There’s nothing wrong with his arm strength and it will improve. I saw that too; was an amateur hack wannabe analyst Sorry but I wasn't even listening to the game and I saw more than one throw that I was thinking was in the air a little too long. Not a big deal and yes it can improve. He has great touch and throws a lot of guys open hitting the perfect spot but will need to put more zip on some throws. The wheel route over the shoulder to White was a thing of beauty, like a loaf of bread dropped in his hands.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 14, 2021 7:05:00 GMT -5
Perhaps Devers should just stand there at 3B and not move so he doesn't make errors. You can't make an error if you don't try to make plays. Since errors and therefore fielding percentage are all that matters, why doesn't Xander get as much credit as Devers gets blame? Xander is 6th in MLB in fielding percentage for SS. Much better than Andrelton Simmons and Lindor. I started to reply to this yesterday and decided not to. Then an error last night cost the Sox the game, 7th inning Schwarber. Your comment about not moving is comical if not irritating. Errors matter, defense matters and yes Bloom needs to and will take that into consideration when thinking about who he gives a 35 million/yr contract offer to. Devers leads the league in errors for 3rd basemen every year and you want to talk about the great plays he makes. All third basemen make great plays and the good ones make even more, it's the hot corner great plays are bound to happen and I don't see Devers making some crazy amount of great ones. Bottom line is the teams D has been bad this season and that needs to be addressed moving forward, it is not something that Bloom will overlook.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 13, 2021 15:21:20 GMT -5
Do they spend that much money on 2 guys that aren't great defensively at their positions, very important positions obviously, that could hamstring you later. They certainly aren't going to be better fielding 3rd and SS in their 30's when they are marginal in their 20's
And for the people thinking that the bashing is uncalled for you need to take it in the context it is being discussed. It isn't a question of whether they are great players or not. It is a question as to the long term cost vs value that you expect to get along with LT roster building. If Raffy continues to lead the league in errors every year then that is an issue and affects his value regardless of how many great plays he makes. they all make great plays once in a while.
Now if Bogey can play left field that is different but it is hard to see both of them being worth 30 and 35 for the next 11 years.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Sept 13, 2021 15:02:14 GMT -5
Also, regarding Stephenson, he was in after his fumble and got steamrolled by Roberts so I’m not so sure we can blame the benching on the fumble. Welcome to the NFL big guy, tough first game but hopefully a few lessons learned.
|
|
|