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
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 17, 2018 15:44:29 GMT -5
Sale would never do this but the only way I would do anything with Sale is if they do a Wakefield, a year to year deal. Maybe start two years then go year to year. You know he would be an awesome closer. He could end up getting Chapman money. Just throwing hat out there. After seeing what he did to the Dodgers . You can’t justify giving him 30 million a year or 25. It kills me to say but I rather get Betts and Xander tied up. If you look at the titles we won we went from Schill and Pedro , to Beckett, Lester and now really Price and Evoladi ,thank the lord we didn’t really need Sale. So my point is we move on the next one . it looks like Price figured it out to me. If you can handle the Yanks, Astros and Dodgers like that it is pretty impressive . I totally see it the same way as jrrusso. Few, if any, team can afford to have two 30-million dollar pitchers on their team, and believe me, if Sale wants that kind of money over staying with the Sox....he WILL get it. I love Chris Sale. I love everything about him, but we have placed ourselves in a bind where we have to make some hard choices, and in my opinion you go all out to sign those two 26-year olds (Mookie and Xander). Beni and Devers will be part of the discussion soon enough also. I wish we could keep this team totally together for the next 3 to 5 years, but it is not possible. We pushed all of our chips to the center of the table and won, but these decisions will need to be made rather soon. Two 30+ million pitchers or sign Betts and hopefully Bogie too? Sign the kids. (I guess they are not kids anymore) |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Nov 16, 2018 10:00:43 GMT -5
As much as I like Craig Kimbrel, I'd really like to see the Sox sign two relievers to handle the 8th and 9th in a different manner. No idea what it would take, but signing Andrew Miller and David Robertson would make my day and give Cora a great deal of flexibility.
Count me, as one who is sold on the idea of seeing who is coming up in the 8th, when leading, and bringing in your best reliever depending on that situation. With Miller and Robertson, you have two guys who have closed and who have show the ability to thrive in the 7th or 8th inning, and not let it effect their performance.
Kimbrel always blows my mind that he can't seem to come in a forget that it isn't a SAVE opportunity. This saving your best pitcher for the 9th inning, in my opinion, is ridiculous. If the heart of the order is coming up in the 8th, what are you waiting for to bring in your best option??
Many so called "experts", think the SAVE category is over emphasized. Have your best ready for their best!
|
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Oct 6, 2018 7:30:50 GMT -5
Wow....I didn't know that. Well if anyone wants me to send you the photos and you insert them, let me know. Let me put it this way about Casas, when I saw Travis Shaw.....I was sure after looking at his body and performance for the 1st time, he had no chance at all. When I saw Lin, I was sure he was a waste of such a large bonus. I have to say, Casas looked poor at 3rd and not terribly athletic. He is really gawky. But I will say, he really takes his job seriously. When everyone else had finished their warm-ups, he alone stayed out in the outfield, before the game, running and stretching for an extra 10 minutes. I'm sure he will grow into that large body of his, and make me hit my words once again (I hope he does!). What a complex job scouts have. Looking at a "kid" and projecting is hard. Danny Diaz is a big kid who reminded me physically of Miguel Cabrera. But his swing is real long and raw. He played at 1st base the whole game. He is somewhat soft looking currently, but a year into their weight program will change that. Trey Ball shocked me how he has changed physically since the 1st time I saw him in Port Charlotte soon after he was drafted. Full beard, lots of hair, and much stronger. He hit twice and was unimpressive. Flores played short and looked fine. Few chances in the field, but a quick bat with no hits. Nick Decker blew me away! Huge forearms and super hustle. His 1st at bat, he hit a short liner into right center that the centerfielder didn't get back in quickly, and was running out of the gate and slide in safely at 2nd with a hustle double! Very impressive legs. The next time up, against a lefty, he hits a shot up the middle for a solid single. On the 3rd pitch to the next batter, the catcher has a passed ball, and Decker when from 1st to 3rd!! From where I was sitting, he was safe. Our 3rd base coach was quite upset, but just sort of hugged Nick for his display of awareness and hustle. |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Oct 4, 2018 14:45:44 GMT -5
Wow....I didn't know that. Well if anyone wants me to send you the photos and you insert them, let me know.
|
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Oct 4, 2018 7:20:33 GMT -5
I have some photos from yesterdays Instructional game in Sarasota. I haven't done this for awhile, and when I click on "insert photo" it makes no sense to me asking for a URL. I want it to look at my photos on my computer for uploading. Anyone tell me how to do this?
Casas, Decker, Flores, and Danny Diaz all played. Decker looked phenomenal. Hit the ball real hard and showed excellent speed by hitting a liner into right center that was cut off quickly and he somehow hustled it into a double. Later after hitting a hard single up the middle and being on first, there was a pass ball and he went from 1st to 3rd!! Close play and I believe he was safe, but the base umpire called him out. When you have only 2 umps, things are missed.
Anyway....if someone can tell me how to insert photos...I will do it.
|
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Sept 1, 2018 17:54:47 GMT -5
Wondering if Steve, or sarasoxer got to see him more than just the cpl games i did this summer? Maybe more info on what they noticed about him? I remember the 1st time I saw him, I was actually with Sarasoxer, and mentioned how impressive he was physically for an 18 year old. In the limited amount I saw him, only twice, he totally stood out. I did see one of his homers, and it was impressive, but I keep going back to his maturity. He sure didn't come off as a recent HS grad. It will be interesting how 2019 goes for him. Would certainly think he will be sharing 3rd with Northcut or Casas in Greenville. With Diaz coming to the GCL next year, we seem to have an abundance of 3rd baseman! Can't forget Chavis and Dalbec |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Aug 25, 2018 13:49:25 GMT -5
I see Casas and Decker will be at Instructionals. WHEN will this be starting exactly?
|
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 31, 2018 15:11:13 GMT -5
Wow the Rays did very well for Chris Archer. I guess the Bucos think they have a decent shot. At least, the Pirates have Archer under control for quite a while. Boy the Orioles know how to blow up a team quick, but they really had no real option. Their team, and organization, needs a facelift. Maybe a lobotomy!
|
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 31, 2018 11:12:46 GMT -5
SSS, but Kinsler has a .941 OPS v. J.A. Happ, 2d behind Pearce (1.405). Kinsler has always been one hitter I didn't want to come up to the plate. He was a real tough out in Texas, and other than Miggy, I hated having him come up in a big spot in a game with the Tigers. To me, he is like that pest Gardner in the Bronx. I just hate him leading off an inning or coming up with runners in scoring position. Him and Kinsler always seem to scare the blank out of me. I totally LOVE the trade! Kinsler, in my opinion, will lengthen the line-up (something we really need), hit really well in Fenway, and tighten our infield defense bigly (that is a word now?). Amazing that DD was able to add Evoldi, Pearce, and Kinsler for some prospects that, almost certainly, would not have played much if any role in Boston. I hate it that Pedroia can't join in the fun this year, but it definitely takes the pressure off him for pushing it and maybe re-injuring himself. LOVE IT!! |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 24, 2018 18:19:58 GMT -5
Met up with SteveofBradenton for the Sox GCL tilt today at Ed Smith Stadium. With an air conditioned cafe, attendance at these games is up from 5 or so to maybe 100. The ambiance and cameraderie is great. Northcut 'looks' like a player in stature and by his play. He was at 3b and made good plays on a soft topper by the pitcher and 2-3 plays to his right far behind third throwing runners out from foul territory. His arm is good but not a Devers like cannon. He also displayed quick twitch by snagging a rocket liner. At the plate he had a sharp single up the middle and a homer over the 366' sign in left. He had sharply lined the prior pitch about 320' to right that just curled foul....HR in Fenway. Again, he is well put together and has 'the look'. Abreu also homered on the same course. Both balls were aided by a 10 mph wind. Tobias is chunky and did not look particularly adroit at second FWIW. Every year I wait for reports from my men over there. John, Steve and Sarasoxer are the best. Love you guys! Appreciate that!! As Sarasoxer mentioned, Northcut looked really good. Impressive homer and he also walked twice along with a single, but what stood out to me was his range and hands at 3rd. Gentlemen (and ladies), this kid can definitely stay and probably thrive at the hot corner! |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 17, 2018 13:09:22 GMT -5
Both Sarasoxer and myself took in a game at Ed Smith (Sarasota) several days ago. I was hoping to see Northcut and Howlett. Howlett did play and has a very strong and athletic body. He made one play at 3rd that stood out for me. He took a slow grounder coming in quickly and threw a seed for the out at 1st. Nice footwork and a very impressive arm. For one so young, this is a kid not to snooze on.
|
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 13, 2018 12:15:24 GMT -5
Eduard Bazardo with another fine start: 6IP 3H 0ER 0BB 6K In 32 innings this year, he has 37K to 4BB. I looked at Eduard Bazardo's numbers. They are amazing. I know he is not real big and I've never seen him, but how is his K/BB ratio and WHIP so good for several years? Is he using mirrors? Nobody seems to hit the guy! He is not in our top 60, so I gather his "stuff" is not impressive, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has experienced El Bazardo! |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 9, 2018 7:32:15 GMT -5
I don't think there is a dedicated thread yet, if so, apologies to the mods... Wondering if anyone has put eyes on this guy at Lowell yet. The numbers are dominating. I don't think the Sox need to rush him in an attempt to get ML help this year, but it sure seems like there's little point in keeping him at Lowell and wasting any more pitches at that level. Think he's up a level in the next week or two? I do! And I think he should skip Greenville and go directly to Salem. BUT that is where he should just settle in and get ready to take off next year. |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Jul 9, 2018 7:28:33 GMT -5
Don't know that I'd go plus with the glove. Maybe 55. Certainly potential it keeps developing, but I don't know that he's a wizard over there necessarily. I really like what I see from Dalbec - when you see him at a time he's locked in, like he is right now, he looks like he should be the number 1 guy in the system, for real - but look at anyone in this system who's ever struck out at the rate he's striking out. It's not a good list. There's no need to promote him this year. He's not getting to the majors before like, late next season. Spend the rest of this year in Salem, start 2019 in Portland. That's a fine timeline. I have to agree with Chris. When a couple of you said he had 3 plus tools, I was surprised. Great arm and great power are two for sure. I've been fortunate to see him 3 times, and he looks fine over at 3rd, but I'm not sure he is plus. He definitely looks the part. Remember Scott Rolen? Anyway, I totally agree about him making or breaking on how his hit skill goes. To his credit, he does seem to be improving over the last month. I have picked him last year and this one to be my break-out candidate. If he can just stay healthy this year, stay in Salem and put up some big numbers, and improve his 2 strike approach....we may have something in 2020. I was thrilled when we drafted him because of his 2 plus tools. Hopefully he adds to his list. |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Jun 20, 2018 19:54:40 GMT -5
Arnold with a 2-run jack in the 1st inning for the GCL Sox Mentioned this kid last year. I was very surprised that he signed as an undrafted player. I know he is back in the GCL this season, at least, to start. I wouldn't snooze on him. Good body and decent athlete. Hope he has a great start, and can move up this year to Lowell. |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on May 25, 2018 12:48:16 GMT -5
Rotating guys thru the DH position is not a bad idea at all. The way Cora is thinking, saving these guys a little by taking them off the field and just hitting may keep them fresher. With Pedy back and Moreland now the 1st basemen, our defense, especially on the right side, has jumped up several levels. We all know how poorly Nunez and Hanley were range wise.
I like it for several reasons. One big one for me is not "giving" Swihart away. Over 162 games, often a catcher goes down. With what is at Pawtucket, we might have had to go out and pick up someone elses 3rd best catcher. No thanks!
Nunez may get the reps at 1st against lefties, but I hope they use Swihart there for an extended period of time.
NOW....with us not having to pay Hanley 22 million next year, let's hope DD goes all out to extend both Mookie and Xander.
|
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on May 25, 2018 10:55:06 GMT -5
Also, who is the backup 1B now. This has to be Pedroia countermove, so that assumes they won't be calling up Travis. Swihart, Nunez, and if necessary Holt. All are as good, if not better 1st basemen |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Apr 24, 2018 14:13:08 GMT -5
Kutter Crawford has looked real good after 4. I unearned run and 7 K's
|
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Apr 23, 2018 13:34:59 GMT -5
Cash considerations could be international money also, right? I really wish DD went after more International dollars. Some clubs seem to do this much more than us. |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Apr 21, 2018 10:08:50 GMT -5
I suspect one of the reasons they’ve kept Swihart around is the lack of catching depth in the high minors. An out of options Dan Butler is not terribly reassuring as the next man up. Totally true, and one of the reasons you drive a hard bargain with any team that wants him. I know most of the staff love throwing to Leon, but I would love to have them work Swihart in as the 2nd catcher. |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Apr 21, 2018 10:05:50 GMT -5
Vazquez just signed a very team-friendly extension, so he's not going anywhere. That said... it'd be nice to get Swihart some games at Leon's expense. Swihart's lack of PT has been my lone issue so far. The problem is that the less he plays, the less trade value he's going to have. Cora said yesterday that they'll give him a start in the Oackland series without precising which position. Boy I hope that is true....and he catches. His greatest value is behind the plate. |
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Apr 20, 2018 14:46:14 GMT -5
Swihart is one of my favorite players, but it seems like there is really little future for Blake with the Red Sox. It might seem strange to say this, but at the moment I look at Swihart's purgatory as a sort of Rule 5 situation. He really has no place to play and contribute currently, is a talented player we don't want to lose, but we have to keep him on the roster because we will lose him otherwise.
Again, I think Swihart is a talented player who I like, but the best thing for him and for the Sox is a trade. I congratulate the Red Sox for seeing Swihart as a valuable piece and not doing something reactionary. I think the Sox are going to wait this out to get the best trade value as possible. They don't need to be in any hurry, the way the Red Sox are playing. He may be the most interesting #25 player on any roster in either league.
I'm sure by the trade deadline someone is going to want to trade for Blake. It could come early (May or June) or it may wait till July, but DD does not have to just do something. He has a player who many teams in both leagues would like to place in their line-up and see what he could do. And I mean as a catcher!
In my mind, with the Sox not needing much at the big league level, a top prospect would be a fair swap. I hate to see Swihart go, as I have followed him closely from the GCL to being on the roster, but he is too talented to just ride the pine. Hope DD waits it out. The Mets are hurting some right now, but other teams will be considering making a bid as the season moves a long.
|
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Apr 16, 2018 18:24:39 GMT -5
He looks so different from his GCL days to me. Certainly his swing path has changed, but he has added some bulk. When I saw him this spring I was actually surprised. No idea how much muscle he has added, but his legs especially are larger. It is always amazing to see a "kid" in the GCL grow into a man over 3 to 4 years. At 24, Lin has just matured and that has added to the hard hit balls we are seeing.
|
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Apr 14, 2018 14:16:56 GMT -5
6 strong by Mike Shawaryn!! 3 hits. 1xbh by Tebow
|
|
steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
|
Post by steveofbradenton on Apr 12, 2018 10:40:29 GMT -5
Kutter Crawford's best pitch is probably his cutter as well. Joking aside, I think the story of last year's draft will be that its high-end guys will underwhelm, while its sleepers will overachieve. Tyler Dearden and Andre Colon were two of the guys I came away from camp most impressed with, and I got good reports on Crawford, Hunter Haworth, and Zach Schellenger. On the other end, though, I have to say that Cole Brannen was very underwhelming. And to settle something on him, we put a 65 on his speed - he's not the 80 runner that some people were trying to say he was based on that one 60 time at PG. Ian and I will get a podcast in at some point soon recapping what we saw. I had seen Brannen 4-5 times last summer...very limited of course...but had commented on SP that he did not jump out at me. I didn't see any pop to the bat, especially strong arm or lightning speed. Overall he didn't hit for average either. On the thread identifying breakouts, I had him for a disappointment....Again I had limited observation and am no scout. I have to agree! Nothing jumped out at all last summer. Certainly hope I'm wrong. |
|
|
