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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 Aug 25, 2015 13:24:12 GMT -5
Here are some photos of Raudes during today's game in Sarasota at Ed Smith Stadium. His high velocity today was 92, but he threw over 40% breaking balls. He INSISTED on throwing his curve on any count.....therefore the high walk total. Great mound presence. REALLY skinny dude, but easily has the potential to add 20 "good" pounds. According to the Red Sox pitcher (Watt) I talked to, he has less of a pitch limit than our friend Anderson Espinoza because he actually started in the DSL later. He marveled at a 17 year old who had so much faith in his secondary stuff. To me Raudes' mechanics are somewhat violent. I'm sure the extra weight will add some velo, but his willingness to mix up his pitches is impressive.   |
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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 9:30:41 GMT -5
It is possible he would have been a lot better without Jerry Remy. Constantly Don has had to fill in with mundane stuff or just repeat the count endlessly because Remy sometimes goes "silent". Even their humorous moments often take away from who's batting or what is happening on the field. Some of that is great, but I always felt that without it, Remy would be adding less to a conversation. I'm not a big fan of Orsillo, but I think a major problem was a few feet away from him.
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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 Aug 25, 2015 7:12:16 GMT -5
It seems to me that there is really no good outcome for 2016 with Hanley. Placing him back in left really hurts our defense and maybe more importantly our pitchers psych. You are probably right that we would be selling him low coming off this season. Ortiz is our DH for next season. Hanley may be our best option for DH after that......although I'd rather NOT have a player be just a DH after Ortiz heads off into the sunset.
Our best club is with the 3 youngsters in the outfield. Hanley does need a "position".....even if he is eventually designated as just a DH. I say no to 1st base.
Let's say we can't move either Sandoval or Ramirez. Have Hanley ALSO play 3rd and just 3rd next year. He has taken grounders his whole life. He will probably be below average, but having him play there say 25% of the time and be our DH 25% of the time may be better than selling low......and definitely allowing him any where near the outfield next year is a boost.
Certainly paying him $20 mill for that type of playing time is bad.....but I'm looking for a way of having both still with us for 2016.
Hanley defense (and effort) should not be placed ahead of the defense (and offense) we would get from a Betts, Castillo, and Bradley Jr. outfield. I'd prefer to trade Hanley, but it is possible no one will find him desirable.
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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 6:49:53 GMT -5
Maybe its precisely because they handled him the way they did that he's doing well now. You'll never know otherwise. Then there was the Victorino factor. They were hoping that he would either regain his 2013 production or showcase enough to secure a better trade return. Moving Victorino has been HUGE for not only Rusney but Bradley. I wish we could put Hanley on the 60-day DL and allow them both, along with Mookie, to play everyday. |
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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 24, 2015 11:09:49 GMT -5
I've thought for a while that Trout looks like a big DB, or a small linebacker at his current 235 lbs. Maybe we need an all baseball NFL team. Sandoval is a little small, but we could try him at nose tackle. Machi could be a "pulling" guard! |
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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 24, 2015 8:36:10 GMT -5
As of 8/23pm, with 38 games left, Red Sox have the 8th pick (10th worst run differential). COL, PHI and MIA are in a virtual tie for the 1st pick, with COL winning the tiebreaker. The top six picks are NL teams. Thank God for Oakland! There seems to be so much more parity in the American League. Those last 6 teams in the NL are atrocious. Hard to compete with them |
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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 23, 2015 13:51:12 GMT -5
As of 8/19pm, with 42 games left, Red Sox have the 8th pick (T-8th worst run differential). If it is protected, I think it is great seeing some of these kids get their confidence and produce! They have definitely given a boost of energy to the team. Certainly we are seeing some of the best baseball of the season now. It would be nice to have a top-5, but being protected and getting a high pick is just fine 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 23, 2015 13:45:29 GMT -5
We have two players who could have a "Mookie" season next year. Both Moncada and Benitendi could rocket through the system like Betts did. I suppose both may start 2016 in Salem, but I wouldn't be surprised if one or both will play in Pawtucket next year. They both have that "it" factor and we are, as an organization, fortunate to have them in the system. Don't be surprised if they are "knocking" at the door soon.
I'm personally hoping they move Moncada to 3rd next year, especially if Devers is traded. I'd like to see Chavis get some time at 2nd. As for Beni, some time in the corner outfield positions may be helpful for him when his time comes. 2017 is pretty ambitious for them in Boston, but I could see it happening.
Those are really the only two position players in the minor league system I wouldn't move (I feel Espinoza is a keeper also). Anyone else in a trade for an ace or a potential ace is on speed dial IMO.
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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 22, 2015 18:58:30 GMT -5
Doesn't anyone remember the year Dustin Pedroia was having before the hamstring? He had erased all doubters about his power showing up again and had looked like the player of several years ago. Yes his defense had regressed from "superman" to very good. Robbing a part of the team that has given his all for so many years seems to be of poor judgment IMO. I love my kids as much as anyone, but there does need to be some balance and some experience in our line-up and in our clubhouse.
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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 22, 2015 18:46:48 GMT -5
Benitendi gets a hit 1st time up and records an RBI. Average is at .438!! Kid is become my favorite. No Moncada. Is he banged up?
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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 22, 2015 18:13:39 GMT -5
HOW...............HOW.........can anyone get down on the improvement of Xander after what happened last season. He is 22 and has learned, already, how to adjust to pitches on the outside third of the plate. He has made HUGE steps defensively over the shortstop we saw last year. Yes he has things to learn and improve on. Yes I'd agree some of his hits have been weak contact. BUT how can we be ripping him for HOW far he has come in 12 months? I would bet the ranch, from the baseball intelligence he has shown, he will make further adjustments and become a truly outstanding player for us. Most players who don't succeed can't pin point their weaknesses and then make the changes necessary. Being able to do this is extraordinary. Few do it and therefore few become exceptional. With all of the weaknesses we have, to pick on him is ridiculous! A few years ago we said we would love to have 8 Pedroia's and we would compete with anyone......and I would love now to have 8 22-year old Xander's right now.....and we'd kick some you know what.
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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 22, 2015 16:07:36 GMT -5
Somewhat surprised that management is not, at least, had Hanley taking ground balls at first. The idea that we NOW start working harder in improving in left field is somewhat ridiculous. Ben was adverse to the possibility in season, and I guess so is Dave. Why? What are we going to lose? I would appreciate them giving Hanley the message that you either work your tail off at becoming a decent first baseman, or we are sending you to the Anchorage Eskimos. Where does it seem rational to coddle a player who has so under-performed. Lets forget this leftfield experiment and see if there is anyway of "saving" this signing. NO WAY would I ever want him in left next year. NO WAY should he be hurting the development of those 3 young outfielders we have. Bradley and Betts should be playing everyday. I even feel Rusney should. This is probably impossible, but have him START the transformation now or, at least, find out he is a stiff and can't make the move.
Dave is evaluating everyone currently. He better start evaluating whether Hanley Ramirez even has the "guts" and effort to make that change now. IMO Hanley Ramirez should not be in the outfield next year unless there is 40 days and 40 nights of continual rain. Get him taking grounders NOW!!!
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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 21, 2015 19:07:14 GMT -5
Boy Benintendi is having a rough time. 2 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 .385 All ready 2 for 2 with a ribby
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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 21, 2015 14:53:13 GMT -5
Is that largely because you think Chavis' stock will go up? It's hard to find a scenario where he ever starts for us -- if Devers ends up at 1B, and by all reports he's becoming a very good defensive 3B, Moncada probably ends up at 3B. Nor does Chavis look likely to break into the OF. I think Chavis' stock may go up, but I cannot see why he is unlikely to break into the OF. He is 2-3 years away, at a minimum, and we cannot possibly assume that who will be in our outfield in 2018. The kid's bat speed is elite and his power is real. He is not Jason Place. I know being a 2-strike hitter is never easy, but he is young and hardworking. He could, even next year, learn how to go the other way and put the ball in play. He does have some real tools, but certainly he could make a big jump next year. A sale this offseason could be at a real low value for him. I don't see him currently as a valuable trade piece. |
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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 19, 2015 8:13:44 GMT -5
I'm likely in the minority, but I'm glad E-Rod got left in to tough his way through the 8th inning. Kid's gonna be an ace, might as well start training him for it. I'm glad they let him go 8. They can shut him down for the season anytime. Last night was good experience. Also liked the 0 walks. Same here. I would think all teams want their starters to be geared to go at least 7 innings in today's climate. I like "good EROD". Me not like "bad EROD". Thankfully we get more of the former. |
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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 19, 2015 6:50:00 GMT -5
It's funny reading the reaction of the saber crowd to the impending doom. Agreed.........and I was a math major. Baseball and life is all about balance. Is it possible we went a little to far one way? IF Dombrowski hits a happy medium, we will probably be better off for 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 Aug 19, 2015 6:47:13 GMT -5
For weeks dozens of us have been trying to figure out how to fix the Sox and there was very little consensus. Mostly, we scratched our collective heads about what to do about Hanley and Sandoval, a terrible bullpen and lousy starting pitching without spending a fortune on free agents or trading away the farm. It didn't seem that the team management had any better idea than most of us. Well, folks, that's about to change. Things are going to happen. And I am all for that. I always have believed that when things are not going well, make changes even if the changes are not obviously better. Change is better than standing still. Surprised about all of the moaning on here. Many of us have been very unhappy with the way things have gone. Lets face it, we were really worried about how to move ahead with the organization's philosophy. Well this opens up many more possibilities for the Sox. I love Cherington, but this may be the best thing that could have happened......and I'm all about the prospects!! I like the idea greatly that our farm system is ranked number 1 by many of the so-called experts, but it is hard to keep playing that card when the team in Boston, with all of their advantages financially advantages, is this bad and for this many years. This year broke the camel's back. 2012? Understood and the outstanding "Punto" trade. 2014? Injuries and under-performance......OK. But 2015? Enough became enough folks. NO WAY should the Boston Red Sox finish last 3 out of the last 4 years and we be able to accept this. Again, I really like Cherington and what he has done for the complete system, but really this change is understandable........and could be quite exciting. Time to shake things up! |
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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 19, 2015 6:33:19 GMT -5
Remember: Dombrowski built excellent farm systems when he was GM of the Expos (Cliff Flord, Rondell White, Charles Johnson) and Marlins (Miguel Cabrera, Josh Beckett, Edgar Rentaria). It would be unfair to say that he does not understand the importance of building a strong farm system or that he is unable to build such a farm system. Agreed. As I understand it his Detroit tenure was shaped by Mike Ilitch desperately wanting a World Series in his old age. Operating under those specific conditions shouldn't speak to his perceived inability to build a farm. Great quote. Ilitch has been all about winning now......before he dies. DD did everything in his power to make this happen. Expect a more rounded approach. |
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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 18, 2015 17:34:45 GMT -5
I'm afraid getting rid of all 3 will be highly impossible. We need to pick our "poison" and that word is probably a good one. Porcello will never be a $20 million pitcher, but I do believe he will come back next year a be, at the least, decent. Sandoval HAS played an OK third before and third is a tough spot to find a replacement. I think he too will be better next year (.270/.325/.425). Hanley is the one I have no idea what to do with. There are no great solutions. IMO if he stays, he would have to play a position (and who knows if Papi will call it quits after 2016), and of the choices.....I think he may hurt us the least at 3rd. We can't be sure Ortiz is out of the picture in 2017....so then what? Sandoval or Hanley needs to play 3rd, and the other moved. Don't keep them both. THAT is a lot of DEAD MONEY! So you don't move them and possibly wind up with another combined -2 fWAR next season? Do we just not try to win to keep them on the 25 man roster? That's a lot of dead roster spots. I mean they're not even just dead roster spots. They're worse than dead this year. I with you about moving them, I just wonder who would take them off hands. Paying 75% of their salaries is always going to come back and bite us. There is relief and there is RELIEF. Certainly those 3 guys have sent us up a river without a paddle this season. I do think we need to move either Sandoval or Ramirez. I'm voting on moving Hanley for sure. |
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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 18, 2015 17:07:09 GMT -5
We're going to have to pay the piper and eat some cash but yeah, we definitely need to trade Hanley, Sandoval and Porcello. Those three represent nearly 1/4 BILLION dollars in payroll over the next four seasons. You can't have that much dead money on your books and hope to compete. I'm afraid getting rid of all 3 will be highly impossible. We need to pick our "poison" and that word is probably a good one. Porcello will never be a $20 million pitcher, but I do believe he will come back next year a be, at the least, decent. Sandoval HAS played an OK third before and third is a tough spot to find a replacement. I think he too will be better next year (.270/.325/.425). Hanley is the one I have no idea what to do with. There are no great solutions. IMO if he stays, he would have to play a position (and who knows if Papi will call it quits after 2016), and of the choices.....I think he may hurt us the least at 3rd. We can't be sure Ortiz is out of the picture in 2017....so then what? Sandoval or Hanley needs to play 3rd, and the other moved. Don't keep them both. THAT is a lot of DEAD MONEY! |
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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 Aug 18, 2015 13:18:29 GMT -5
You certainly explore the idea of trading him, but what has already been said.....who would take him?
For awhile I thought first base, but more and more I would be absolutely scared with him there. We got spoiled with guys like Napoli and Adrian Gonzalez. These guys covered up some poor throws and picked some sure base hits over the last several years. Both were excellent for making adjustments, catching foul balls, scooping up short throws, and even holding runners on. Hanley, who to me seems dis-interested, would be a disaster in all of those ways. We would be cringing on ALL ground balls. We would be pissed off all season when he FORGOT to cut off the throw from the outfield, and we'd have a heart attack when Buch and Miley throw over to first time after time.
Sadly, with Papi still our DH, third base MAY be the best place for him......although teams would be bunting like crazy for hits over the course of a season.
The reason I would rather move Hanley rather than Panda (who I would like to trade also) is the ATTITUDE. Maybe it is just his mannerisms but he looks confused, uninterested, and oblivious to baseball situations. I still can't see WHERE he could be traded to. Usually the Dodgers could be counted on, but they've already had their time and want nothing more to do with him. The money would have to be pretty big going back, but I think in the long run for the organization it may be the best investment.
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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 18, 2015 13:00:26 GMT -5
It would be nice to see him start a couple of games this year in Greenville. I agree he will not be in Lowell next year. He will be in full season ball for sure. But, once again, it would be great for his comfort and progression to be promoted to where he will almost certainly start next 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 18, 2015 10:27:54 GMT -5
Shelby Miller would have a lot more trouble in the AL East. Maybe. What is the thing about the Braves considering moving Julio Tehran? |
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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 18, 2015 10:24:47 GMT -5
Say we can pry a starter via trade (hopefully with 2 or more years of control) how would you feel about Kazmir as a signing? He isn't going to command the money of Price, Cueto, Grinkie or even Zimmarman. I think if we have a 2/3 of him and Buch with a similar type arm in a trade the rotation could be fine with Porcello and Erod at the end. More and more I have thought he may be a solid addition on say a 3-year contract. It's amazing that you could have had him for a song 3 years ago (or less). I for one think we need TWO STARTERS for next season. KAZ would be a great 2. I'm on the record for us breaking the bank for Cueto already. I'm not sold on either Johnson or Owens being quite ready, and who knows about Clay. Would 3 years get Kazmir? |
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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 18, 2015 6:47:22 GMT -5
HOPEFULLY the brain trust saw how important their outfield defense is after the latest Hanley misplay. De Aza or Bradley Jr. would have made that one play last night and actually given Matt Barnes a shot of confidence instead of a bitter taste in their month and a blow to their confidence.
You have to move (trade) either Sandoval or Ramirez, and the winner (?) plays third next year. It could be really scary having Hanley handling so many throws next year, if he was the one at first. I think, of the two, Sandoval has the best chance of a being a plus WAR player moving forward. Put a great defensive ball club out there. That alone will help keep some of our pitchers away from a psyche ward and laying on a couch.
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