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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 18, 2015 14:18:32 GMT -5
Boy every time I see this particular name......And Frank Montas? Really? We're talking about guys on Kimbrel's level. Do I like Montas? Yes, a lot. Do I think they wanted a guy with little MLB track record considering the plethora of under control back end relief options they have cluttering the 40man? No. I cringe! I've been wrong before, but I can not see the love for Montas. I gather the Dodgers think a lot of him too.
I have probably seen him pitch 4 times, and other than the velo.....I don't see it. I know he has supposedly improved his command....but I'll wait to see it. I just don't see the 'love".
That 3 way trade was crazy in so many ways. They could have easily (the Dodgers) picked up Frazier for themselves. The package they got is a bunch of utility and back-ups.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 18, 2015 14:00:58 GMT -5
A little football shake up here. ESPNs 8th rated prospect Brandon Mcllwain (probably high) has decided to enroll early at South Carolina to play football and baseball and forgo the draft. On the flip side Kyler Murray from last years draft is transferring from Texas A&M and rumored to be looking at JuCos to try the draft in June. I saw Murray and the other QB (Allen) decided to transfer from A&M. Coach Sumrlin better find out what the offensive coordinator is doing wrong quick, or his program will dissolve quickly. Everyone wanted Kyler Murray, including all 30 MLB teams. If he actually is thinking of going to junior college, he would be an interesting possibility for anyone in the June draft. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 17, 2015 12:12:50 GMT -5
I don't think its a certainty that Bogaerts is the #3 hitter. He's got 20 HR in 1300 PA; that's not an ideal #3 hitter Watching the adjustments this "kid" made last season, I'm willing to bet he hits, at least, 15 homers this year and maybe increase his doubles to 40+. THAT is a fine #3 hitter, especially if he can still hit close to .300. I would not be surprised thursty if both Xander and Betts hit 20 this season. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 16, 2015 18:59:09 GMT -5
Trades are supposed to make each team fell some pain. It would be a scary move, but what worries me after 2016 is we lose David Ortiz and it creates a large vacuum. I acknowledge that teams have won and been successful without having a big bopper hitting 4th, but we will need to replace some of that power some how.
I love our farm system, but we are like most organizations....void of big power bats. Yes there are some possibilities coming. Devers especially may be that kind of force, but I sort of see Benitendi and Moncada has guys who will give between 20 and 25 homers....and hopefully a boatload of doubles. That is great, but we've gotten a little spoiled with Papi and Manny.
Certainly ii is hard to project that Jorge Soler will hit 30 plus, but in Fenway he may. The Cubs in their wisdom 2 years ago went above the wisdom of that draft day, passed on the "stud" potential starter, and took a power bat in Kris Bryant. Boy that worked out well. I like our line-up moving forward. I would just like it somewhat more with a guy like Jose Batista in the middle scaring the hell out of the other team. Can Soler be that type of guy? No one knows. No one knew Batista could be either.
Don't get me wrong....I don't know what is the right decision.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 16, 2015 15:23:25 GMT -5
Joon Lee of Over the Monster had a good article (http://www.overthemonster.com/2015/12/16/10270972/red-sox-outfield-free-agent-trade).
It got me to thinking, never a good idea. Actually when the Cubs signed one Jason Heyward for over $180 mill and I looked at their potential everyday line-up, one thing stood out. Heyward is an adequate center fielder and an outstanding right fielder, and Kyle Schwarber is currently terrible as their left fielder (although I really like his bat).
Having an above-average center fielder for the Cubs is REALLY important with Schwarber needing help, and with Heyward back in right, that new center fielder would be able to concern themselves with worrying more of what goes on to his right. Currently the Cubs have no one who can make this happen.
The Red Sox have 3 center fielders on their 25-man roster. Betts is ticketed for right field.....and is not going anywhere. Castillo is marked for left, and his performance and contract will not permit the kind of return we would like. This leaves us with Jackie. I love Jackie. I would be fine if Jackie plays center for us this year and many years after (if he ever gets consistent with the bat).
If we traded Bradley Jr. for Soler, we could easily move Betts back to center where he is quite comfortable. Jorge Soler is 23 and will be 24 when the season starts. He has potentially outstanding power. He hit 10 homers (29 extra base hits) last year in limited action (366 at-bats) with Chicago last year. His biggest concern is his K's. Jorge struck out 121 times last year! In the minors this was not a big problem. Can he correct this problem? Soler is young, athletic, and a decent outfielder. He smacks with potential and the possibility of being a middle-of-the-order bat.
His minor league stats in 2014 were 62 200 42 68 23 2 15 57 33 48 .340 .432 .700 1.132 (G AB R D T HR RBI BB K AVE OBP SLG OPS)
Chancy? For sure. Worth it? Don't know, but he is so intriguing. We are a perfect match for the Cubbies, but would you do it?
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 14, 2015 16:31:10 GMT -5
Enjoyable article. I'm a big fan of Henry. Another couple of months in AAA improving his command would be optimal. I really like Owens and Brian Johnson. I'd be surprised if at least one of them doesn't have a long solid career. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 14, 2015 16:23:00 GMT -5
I can't see this as anything more than organizational filler....28 years old, definition of a journeyman. Pretty bad we have to pick up a Phillie reject (although they now have a decent farm system from what I've heard). At least he has a cool Boston name. That's true. I'm on the outlook for a toolsy outfielder by the name of Sam Adams. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 12, 2015 14:02:48 GMT -5
The Ken Giles trade was just announced. It wasn't as reported. It was a 5 for 2 and the Phillies got both VV AND Mark Appel in the deal. Wow. Craig Kimbrel deal doesn't look nearly as steep anymore. I just saw that myself. WOW once again! Boy those Phils sure look a lot smarter after replacing Ruben Amaro! Man that is some deal for the Phillies. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 9, 2015 20:49:04 GMT -5
Am I the only one that thinks the Yankees are actually hurting themselves by trading away first Adam Warren and now Justin Wilson. Both of them gave the Yanks a lot of good innings last season. I'm certainly glad, but surprised. Their rotation is a potential disaster, and their main strength has already been weakened....and now they are rumored to be shopping one of their 2-headed monster at the end of the game. Sounds good!
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 9, 2015 15:41:32 GMT -5
Rob Bradford @bradfo 13m13 minutes ago Team that recently asked about Bradley Jr. was told by Red Sox they are hanging on to him That is excellent news. Does he have some flaws? Yes. Does he have any plus skills? Yes once again. I believe he will hit enough and get on base enough to be a very plus player for us this year and going forward. Now that may be .245/.320/.380, but with that glove....I'll take it. If you were a pitcher for the Sox, you can imagine how better you feel when a ball is hit to the outfield with him and his friends are out there. With our new additions and our improved defense, our games will be shortened to a 6 or 7 inning game. I can see us winning quite a few 3-2, 4-3, and 5-4 games this year. Jackie is a big part of that. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 9, 2015 15:35:19 GMT -5
The grievance is symbolic and quite frankly a non-issue. If the players want a change in the service time rules, they'll have to negotiate for it in the next CBA. Until then, it's just a couple of players and their agents crying over spilt milk. Yes! BorASS has got to stick up for his clients, but his clients helped create the current CBA. Does it need some changes? Probably, but these agents and players would "run" a team the same way under this version. It doesn't matter, but Kris Bryant and his employer (the Cubs) need to have a respectable relationship. I'm sure Scott Boras is behind this, but there are times I doubt he cares about forging good relationships. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 9, 2015 15:27:41 GMT -5
Carson Smith will probably get Tommy John! booo! I hate Clay Buchholz because he won't throw more than 160-170 innings! (then) Let's trade our most valuable assets for Jose Fernandez! A guy who will most likely be on a 160 innings cap! Who had arm troubles last year after needing Tommy John after not really throwing that much at all! /sox fans I'm pretty confident that no one poster has expressed all three of those opinions. Is your point just that Red Sox fans sometimes disagree about things? That can't be true!! One of the reasons, I do read this blog like crazy, is that we have different opinions and it makes me think about other views. But yeah, Red Sox Nation does do a lot of 2nd guessing. I'm surprised we haven't replaced Tom Brady with that guy I keep hearing about....you know....the Arm Chair Quarterback. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 9, 2015 13:24:04 GMT -5
Astros have made George Springer available. Not sure we match up, but damn he's an intriguing player. Agreed. Like the power/speed mix A LOT! Not sure why the Astros would consider moving him....even for a second. We got the wrong U-CONN player in that draft. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 8, 2015 14:15:06 GMT -5
I thought that last paragraph was the money line in the piece. It's clear that business is being done much differently, but I think it's more than that the "he's gunna trade all the prospecktz" thing many were worried about. Kind of. What he isn't afraid to do is pay sticker price for the guy he wants even if he might get a better deal elsewhere. I'm still waiting for the next one. If he holds our top 4 prospects right now, I wouldn't complain about a thing. But I don't want them dipping into those top 4 guys for someone like Shelby Miller. They could afford Price because of those guys. You can't sign Price and then also trade them. I've been very happy with DD's performance so far, but when I saw they were interested in Shelby Miller....I got real worried! I like Miller OK, but the Braves have been adamant about receiving top young talent and there is no way.....NO WAY....he interests me enough to give our top guys for him. Now if you are talking Jose Fernandez....different game. I do like what he has achieved so far. Really looking forward to the season again, but hopefully (unless we are talking Harvey or Fernandez) leave Bennitendi, Anderson Espinoza, Moncada, and Devers alone. And I'm against touching Swihart too for someone like Miller. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 7, 2015 16:18:23 GMT -5
Joel Sherman thought the trade was outstanding for the Sox, and said this: In his first full season in the majors last year, the 26-year-old Smith had a 2.31 ERA in 70 games, allowing 49 hits in 70 innings with 22 walks and 92 strikeouts. He was at 2.1 Wins Above Replacement, according to Fangraphs. Among those at 2.0 were Andrew Miller, Wade Davis and Trevor Rosenthal. If his WAR was better than those 3, I guess I love it! Here is the article link: nypost.com/2015/12/07/red-sox-build-their-own-monster-pen-by-snagging-mariners-gem/ |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 4, 2015 20:34:54 GMT -5
That is a shocker about Greinke going to the D-Backs. I really like several of their players, and that will certainly make them interesting. WOW!
Maybe for a Cueto, etc. they will have a bidding war for their signature. The Dodgers especially, and the Giants, are going to be really busy this weekend.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 2, 2015 20:38:46 GMT -5
Hey guys, long time reader first time poster. (Not sure why it took me so long to make an account) I am happy with the deal overall. We got our ace and we didn't have to give up the farm, give up our core players (Betts, Bogaerts, etc..), OR give up a first round draft pick. There are no health concerns and we know that Price can pitch extremely well in the AL East and also at Fenway Park. All it costs us is money and even that shouldn't be too much of a problem, as we have room to add him for 2016, in 2017 Ortiz, Uehara and Buchholz (assuming $500k buyout) come off payroll, in 2018 Kimbrel and Miley come off payroll (although our budget might be tight that year because Xander, Bradley, Betts, Swihart will all be arbitration eligible), and in 2019 Hanley's albatross of a contract will then be off our shoulders....so Price's deal won't impede us from keeping our team together although it might prevent us from pursuing another high dollar FA. (Which is fine because we will have a lot of talent coming up through the system by then) I think a good comparison to Davis Price would be Roy Halladay. 'Doc' used to be the top pitcher in the AL like Price is today. Both were 6'6" pitchers with lower effort deliveries who were workhorses (Price: over 1400IP pre-30 / Halladay: over 1300IP pre-30) who had 1 CY and a handful of AS appearances to their name. Here are the numbers from Doc's 30-36 seasons: Roy Halladay (7 years): 108-57 3.17 ERA 1.12 WHIP 1413 IP 4.54 K/BB 33.7 WAR (4x AS/3 top 3 CY) What's a WAR worth nowadays, about $6m? If so Halladay from 30 onwards would have been worth a hair over $202m. I could definitely see Price following a similar career path and if so, I will be very happy with the contract. (Even though it seems a bit excessive dollar-wise at the moment) I either read it or heard it on the radio but supposedly last season Price had the highest swing and miss % (12% iirc) of his career, while throwing the lowest % of fastballs of his career (40%? i think). That shows me that he is becoming more of a pitcher and he should be able to keep pitching at a high level even when his velocity starts to diminish. If you look at it that way the back end of the deal doesn't look so bad. Now onto the real question. What is our rotation looking like for 2016? 1. Price 2. Rodriguez 3. Buchholz 4. Porcello 5. Miley Does this mean Kelly will be in the bullpen, and Owens in AAA? Welcome Joe Cronin!! Very nice 1st post. You are right about Price's evolution. I read someone's comments today (who should know better) that Price is really just a fastball/changeup guy. How wrong that is! His cutter alone has improved his stock and performance. Yeah....I think you are right....he will age much better than Sabathia. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Dec 1, 2015 19:39:33 GMT -5
David Price has helped countless pitchers while in Tampa Bay. Ask Alex Cobb, Matt Moore, and especially Chris Archer. I can see Eduardo Rodriquez really blossoming over the next year or two, just because Price is there. Love the signing, and like the op-out. After 3 PRIME years of David Price anything can happen, including Anderson Espinoza being a real "beast" at this time.
Dombrowski has delivered! In does sort of make the Winter Meetings less important, but I'm fine without the stress of checking every few moments if the Sox had done something.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Nov 30, 2015 17:21:24 GMT -5
One thing I hope to see more than anything else - Chris Young pinch hitting for Pablo Sandoval against lefties. LOL....hadn't thought about that....but that would be a good bet with Shaw able to also play some 3rd. I'm coming around on the signing. I can see the reasoning. Our bench should be very strong with Hanigan, Holt, Shaw, and Young. With Holt playing 7 positions, we can use a 12 man staff and carry guys like Layne for that special lefty in the 7th or 8th. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Nov 30, 2015 13:54:35 GMT -5
He is a platoon candidate and nothing else. No way he starts. But with that......who would he platoon with? Jackie? I doubt it. At least not a full platoon.
I guess Holt and/or Shaw could potentially platoon with Chris Young in left field if necessary. I know they were looking for a right-handed 4th outfielder, I just hope they don't have real grand plans for Young. The way Castillo finished last season, it seemed like a platoon with him may be considered. Now.....I'm not sure. If not pricey, it's ok.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Nov 26, 2015 18:50:50 GMT -5
The arm strength or lack there of when talking about betts, is why I think betts should be in left and castillo in right next season. I am good with leaving Bradley in center, I would normally agree based on arm strength but Castillo really did a great job in Left at Fenway. So I would leave Betts in right. He did play that wall well, and he got the ball into 2nd quickly holding a few runners. He may have a slightly stronger arm that Mookie, but he just looks more comfortable in left for some reason. |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Nov 24, 2015 14:25:55 GMT -5
I'm all for, if we don't sign Price or Grinke, that we, at least, consider Mike Leake for 4 years and no QO or Doug Fister on a 1 to 2 year contract with no QO. Not sexy, but would improve the rotation slightly and allow us to move someone like Miley, Owens, or Kelly if necessary in a trade.
I have no interest in losing our 1st round pick for anyone not named Greinke. Even if we don't get the so called "ace", I'd like to see them upgrade some. Bringing in another decent relief pitcher and adding some depth to the rotation will not thrill anyone, but it could strengthen us enough if Porcello makes a comeback and Buchholz holds up for 2/3 of the season.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Nov 24, 2015 14:12:13 GMT -5
I saw that list yesterday, and I believe you are right Chris that they may pick up one of those high velo guys and bring them to Spring Training. There is a good mix of righties and lefties to choose from. Certainly some have control problems, but why not? To only lose $25K? |
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Nov 23, 2015 19:34:55 GMT -5
I'm all for him playing in the Dominican League this winter. Hopefully he plays a little more first base and less DH than what is said, but either way....I'm glad. Maybe, just maybe we can still salvage this! It would certainly be our best outcome, if he could play first next season and be closer to the real offensive force he can be.
Trading him at this moment was never going to be easy and would definitely be at his lowest value. I like it. Now lets see how things go with him playing winter ball before we give up on him (even further). He definitely is not high on my list, but I'd prefer him to recoup some value anyway possible.
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steveofbradenton
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Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Nov 23, 2015 9:39:29 GMT -5
I'm probably MUCH more sensitive to this because of the idiotic shape Hanley Ramirez came to camp this last year. Granted, I want Moncada working out and getting stronger. I'm just hoping he is working out correctly.
Do any of you remember when folks were surprised and some worried because Brady Anderson was doing most of his off season workouts using stabilizing balls? It turns out that stuff made his core much stronger and he went on to have a few really good years.
There are so many different ideas out there on what is baseball "shape". I'm certainly against going back to the ideas of the 1960's and before about staying away from weight training. Guys like Yaz actually showed how one off season can make a huge difference by changing their habits.
As someone who has worked out all of my life, I just want our prized prospect, Yoan Moncada, to be real smart. Some exercises are just for looking good!
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