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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 Sept 4, 2015 12:42:21 GMT -5
From Speier's 108 Stitches: I just saw that also............wow! Now that is what I call praise. I already was cuckoo for Beni, and now I'm thinking he may become a clone of my favorite Sox player of all time.......Fred Lynn. |
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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 Sept 4, 2015 9:23:50 GMT -5
From Alex Speier's article, Ben Crockett presses auto-generate on the generic front office quote machine: I'm sure Anderson will enjoy playing at night further north with the temperatures less than 90 degrees. I doubt he will miss the heat we are experiencing in Florida. Never thought about it, but coming from his country....has he ever pitched under the lights? |
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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 Sept 4, 2015 9:16:26 GMT -5
I always worry when a prospect also has a poor second year. Both Matheny and Rei will have a much better idea of their faults and their conditioning level after Lowell. As with all kids, they either have it in them to be able to make adjustments or not.
A few of us on here worried about Devers, as an example, over the last 6 weeks.....but until someone really experiences professional baseball and all that it entails, know one can understand. Even Tate and Rei have played much longer this season than ever (college season plus). Lets see next year if they have the mental ability to understand how to be better.
Now with all that I said, if we are still discussing them this way next year at this time.....color me "red" and label me pissed!
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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 Sept 2, 2015 12:33:35 GMT -5
Wooo! GCL Red Sox wins again. The 12 GCL Sox fans in Florida are so spoiled. We thank you.......but there are 15. Actually I'm sure there are many! Congrats guys. 2 championships in a row......wow! This year......was the year of the pitcher in the Fort. |
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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 Sept 1, 2015 18:52:18 GMT -5
Sorry I don't care to play
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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 Sept 1, 2015 18:49:29 GMT -5
Excellent news and another perk from the FO change. We are officially off our duff and making the correct calls going forward. Hanley probably has re-occurring nightmares of a big green monster.
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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 Aug 31, 2015 9:23:32 GMT -5
As Arnie Johnson would say......very interesting!
For you young-ins.........that was a big hit on TV many years ago.......called Laugh-In.
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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 Aug 31, 2015 9:21:44 GMT -5
Something that should be a matter of concern given benintendi's ongoing rampage in the SAL: What happens next year (or the year after) when he graduates? Seems like a whole 'nother outfield "problem" on our hands. Is Castillo the one to go? Or mookie for a young cost-cont. Ace? Oh shudder! I know your kidding. That will certainly never keep anyone of us up at night. |
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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 Aug 30, 2015 11:45:09 GMT -5
I'm guilty of being cynical about this myself but, yeah, if the pitch count allows it and they have a lead, let him get the win. He's said himself that he wish he could, last start of the year, why not. They can let him get the win when he's pitching in the playoffs for Greenville. AH......reverse psychology. Let him pine all off season for a win. Very sneaky. |
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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 Aug 30, 2015 11:25:57 GMT -5
Espinoza through 2: No baserunners, five groundouts, 1 flyball. Quite possible he will have a lower pitch count and go 5 or 6 innings! |
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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 Aug 29, 2015 10:18:24 GMT -5
I think the better questions should be who would you least like to part with? Xander, Betts, Vasquez, E-Rod & JBJ and prospects Devers, Moncada, Benintendi and Espinoza. This list is positionally heavy and Espinoza is only 17, therefore using assets to acquire pitching becomes both good here and now and for down the road. Or who is most likely to be traded? (not who you would like to be traded that is a different question as contract length and overall value hamper some trades from happening. Margot, 1 between Johnson and Owens, 1 between Kelly & Miley, J. Guerra, Swihart, and 1 veteran between Hanley, Pedrioa and Sandoval. Not on board, at all, with moving Swihart unless we can pick up someone like Sonny Gray. Also feel the same way about Bradley JR (acknowledge he is not on your list). And finally, in the right deal, we can part with Devers. The other 3 prospects are the ONLY ones, for me, that are untouchable. Beni and Moncada will coming real fast next season and could potentially be ready for Boston in 2017, and Espinoza.....no way would I ever consider trading him. No way! Vasquez could be added in the right deal, but we would probably (because of the TJ) be selling low. I'm sure Dombrowski's list is as short, if not shorter who he would not consider. |
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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 Aug 29, 2015 10:07:52 GMT -5
Really like the Dombrowski move on "forcing" the issue with Hanley. Cherington was fine with kicking the can down the road until Spring Training. That was worrisome when your dealing with someone perceived (universally) as being less than a tireless worker. Taking a look at Hanley's effort and aptitude now makes decisions easier. Here's hoping for a miracle with this experiment.
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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 Aug 28, 2015 10:43:49 GMT -5
I knew that Moncada's last 2 months were quite impressive, but I was even more impressed when I decided to extrapolate those figures over 6 full months. Certainly this is not a great way to figure future production, but what IF he is the type of player we have seen in Greenville in July and August?
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB K
In July....25 95 23 30 6 1 4 13 13 1 14 23 .316 .419 .526 .945
In Aug....16 64 17 24 7 0 3 10 21 3 11 13 .375 .467 .625 1.092
41 159 40 54 13 1 7 23 34 4 25 36 340 Last 2 Months
123 477 120 162 39 3 21 69 102 12 75 108 .340 Extrapolate Over a 6 Month Season
He is at 63 extra base hits in only 123 games with 120 runs scored and 102 stolen bases.
Can't wait to see what he does next season with a year behind him and full off-season to make some adjustments.
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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 Aug 27, 2015 9:16:39 GMT -5
Bradley is one of the best defensive outfielders I've ever seen, maybe the best. It is just stupid that he is not playing CF all the time. If Betts could make the transition from 2B to CF as easily as he did, almost certainly he could move to LF without much difficulty. I think he would be a better defensive LF than he is a CF. Well said. And if Hanley can start taking grounders at first base, why not start trying Mookie in left NOW? Mookie would be exceptional in left and Rusney does have a strong arm for right. Bradley in center can make up for some of the poor routes that Mookie and Rusney once in a while make. With the speed of those 3, any catchable fly ball.......would be CAUGHT! |
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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 Aug 27, 2015 9:09:33 GMT -5
Having him attempt to play first base now is a win win.
It gives the brass a chance to see if he is committed and if he is capable of the transition.
It gives the rest of MLB the possibility he could play there next season for their organization.
For me the latter is the most important because I really doubt he has the commitment to work on any aspect of his game. Truly I hope I'm wrong. We could use his bat, the 2013 version, next season at first. And it would be nice to have him potentially around to handle the lion's share of DH in future years. Not very confident at this point after seeing his effort(?) this year.
Never understand why I can't get it into my thick scull that most people can't or won't change. Hanley is Hanley. Butter will probably be committed somewhere after 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 Aug 26, 2015 15:08:39 GMT -5
Did you all see this quote? I found it pretty hilarious. "We got Jackie, we got Mookie, we got the Cuban guy -- what's his name? I know his name -- they cover a lot of ground out there," Ramirez said. "It's what we need. You want young blood out there, hustling and diving all over the place." This is Ramirez reading the handwriting on the wall, even if he can't quite make out all the words. Speier had a link to a Globe story about Shaw in a recent 108 Stiches post, about how dis-respected he felt in college and coming up through the minors. Lots of comments about how he wasn't making it on talent but because of his father Jeff, who'd played in the majors. He used that as constant motivation. This move with Hanley should re-ignite that old flame. Two possible scenarios here, both of which have been mentioned on the site: - If Ramirez looks like he can handle first, he would have more trade value.
[/b] [li]The team could sell high on Shaw if Hanley proves out.[/li] [/ul]The FO may be playing it by ear on this, with either option eventually possible. [/quote] This totally the reason I am all for the "attempt". IF, and certainly that is a BIG IF, he can play 3 or 4 times at first before the season ends and doesn't embarrass himself....it is big help trying to "pan" him off to someone else. " Can't you see Hanley does have a position! The best scenario is he is adequate in the field and he comes back next year killing it at the plate, but IMO the next plan is to move him. Shaw would be a nice back-up for both Panda and the new Dr. Strangeglove. |
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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 Aug 26, 2015 14:58:16 GMT -5
On a slightly-related note... given the money some of these guys get, and the money going around baseball general, how is it sensible to have basically a four-team league? I mean I get that Florida is a big place and that buses are expensive, but wouldn't it be better to evaluate these players if MLB kicked in a little gas expense. Paying $3 million for a 16-year-old but having trouble evaluating how good he is - or more importantly, what he needs to work on or what his specific weaknesses are - because he maybe only pitched against two teams? That's insane. And build them domes to play in down there. Yes please! Make them 70 degrees 24/7. |
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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 Aug 26, 2015 12:10:18 GMT -5
You got to love those 3 kid pitchers we have in Fort Myers (Espinoza, Raudes, and Logan Allen). The combined runs they have given up is simply amazing!
GCL Stats Only:
Espinoza 40 innings, 24 hits, 3 earned runs, 40 K, 9 walks
Raudes 20 innings, 13 hits, 2 earned runs, 16 K, 6 walks
Allen 20 innings, 12 hits, 2 earned runs, 24 K, 1 walk
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steveofbradenton
Veteran
Watching Spring Training, the FCL, and the Florida State League
Posts: 1,840
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Post by steveofbradenton on Aug 26, 2015 9:49:10 GMT -5
It is noticeable that a number of the good prospects have trended down some in the past few weeks. I suspect that fatigue is part of it. That's my take also danr. I hate that guys like Devers and Margot are finishing poorly, but it is a VERY long season and some of these guys are just finding this out. Xander last year found this out even more so and adjusted his workout routine. |
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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 Aug 25, 2015 15:41:25 GMT -5
Steve, Great stuff and thanks. I am missing not being there 95 degree heat with 90% humidity notwithstanding!! Yeah I bet Ken!! I love Florida, but there will not be any real relief until the middle of October. Hope ya all have a good time in New England. |
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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 Aug 25, 2015 15:28:22 GMT -5
Thanks for the pics and report, Steve! By the way, question for you, johnsilver or whoever - do you know if Carlos Tovar ever actually left the club when he was "sent" back to the DSL this season? We've guessed that this was just a paper move, but I was just wondering if either of you had noticed. Same with whether Kevin Kelleher is still with them now (he's technically on the Lowell roster, but I'm assuming he's just working out whatever kinks there were that led to his completely forgetting where the strike zone is). Sorry Chris.....I did not see either of these players. |
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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 Aug 25, 2015 15:27:41 GMT -5
Max Watt is a really nice guy isn't he Steveofbradenton? When we were at Ft Myers and chatting with him, he was a very courteous young man. Said after took his picture that just let him know if needed anything, or something cold to drink even. Just a very nice man. He was very nice John and helpful. I definitely appreciate it when someone is courteous when I "bother" them with a question when they are keeping track of the game. |
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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 Aug 25, 2015 13:51:34 GMT -5
Would love to see Eck be the color guy. I love his insights on the pitching. Jim Palmer does the color in Baltimore and he's amazing on pitching analysis. As for play by play, just give me the cheese. Totally agree! Palmer is outstanding and Eck is quite good. I understand everyone does not want to hear about obscure stats, etc., but there are times it is very useful to make a point. I like some silliness from the booth, but when half of their broadcast is giggles and interviews about some charity, I miss the continuity and flow of the game. I'm sure Don will quickly get a new gig, and I feel for Jerry Remy's last few years.....but a new direction is OK with me. |
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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 Aug 25, 2015 13:41:52 GMT -5
I enjoyed watching our stream of 17-year olds today of Yomar Valentin, Yoan Aybar, and Nicholos Hamilton. All 3 are athletic and have some potential. Hamilton hit the ball real hard twice with nothing to show for it. Aybar is a stick but puts good wood on the ball and was very impressive in his steal of 2nd as the throw was right on the bag. I also like our young catcher who is all of 18 in Noviello . Threw a couple of "seeds" to 2nd and look good at bat.
Valentin's error was a throwing error in which he went in the hole to his right, back-handed the ball nicely, and then proceeded to show off his arm by throwing it into the stands behind 1st. Strong arm, but he rushed. All these kids have potential. I could see all of them except Aybar stay in the GCL next season, but who knows.
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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 Aug 25, 2015 13:31:22 GMT -5
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