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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 3, 2015 9:49:51 GMT -5
I'm pretty set against signing any pitcher to a huge deal this winter (Cueto, Price or Zimmermann). If I was to hand out a big contract, I would sign Heyward. Heyward will be just 26 next season, and plays great RF defense giving him a high floor. If he doesn't hit his offensive peak, he's still a 3+ WAR player with a slightly above average bat and plus glove. He doesn't have big K rates or plate discipline issues. He's low risk compared to the moves we've been making. Moving Hanley to 1B and filling one OF spot with Heyward could really solidify our defense (which will aid the pitching) and our lineup. Heyward would also get likely 5M per season less than a Cueto which would be useful for us to aggregate somewhere else. An argument to make is that Bradley could perhaps give you what Heyward brings to the table currently. But Heyward has much higher power potential and offensive upside. The remainder of the season will give us a better sense of what to expect from JBJ though. If things go well you could package/trade him for a SP like Ross, or hold onto him because of his production and low salary. Regardless, I think Heyward should be an intriguing option for us. Possibly the front office may even be thinking of Chris Davis at first, but that would just add to the blockage. I like Heyward, but he will get HUGE dollars and has never really put up big numbers. Not sure we can stay with the idea of not giving out contracts for 30+ year old pitchers. IF, and that is a giant if, we want to compete in 2016, we may have to go after one of those guys. |
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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 3, 2015 6:54:52 GMT -5
IMO Miley is a very solid 5, and maybe a 4. He has a lot of value. The only way you move him with a fairly team-friendly contract is part of a package for a top of the rotation starter. He is what he is. He will give us close to 200 innings and keep us in MOST games.
I hoping Porcello will do that, at least, and hopefully more next season. He should be a solid #3. He will be more comfortable next season I believe.
CUETO should be targeted BIG TIME this off season. I'm all for a trade that nets us a #2 also, and yes it will have to be painful. The rotation has to be a strength next season for us to finally get back to competing. If it is only marginally better in 2016, don't expect much improvement. We also badly need another "power" arm in the pen, and it would seem to me that getting Joe Kelly comfortable out there NOW.....would be smart.
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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 2, 2015 17:19:35 GMT -5
They are totally FREE. Everyone is welcome to go to the game. Some venues give more freedom to roam than others. The Pirate GCL games are very restrictive for example in Bradenton. That would be a good thing to point out which teams allow the most freedom Steve. Never been to Bradenton before, so good thing to know (and avoid for future reference) that they are very restrictive there to access. Lakeland isn't restrictive at all, you can mingle everywhere. Games are played on the minor league fields being one reason and there are NO fences denying access, plus among the 3-5 fans that generally show up? Nobody ever abuses the privilege by harassing anyone. Yankees also play on Minor league fields, but fans are herded and chain linked fenced into a small bleacher section. Maybe like in Bradenton? I consider it restrictive. Fort Myers is really nice, entire run of Jet Blue stadium. Yeah John......Pirate City (actual name) is off Rt 64. You feel like you are herded into a pen. |
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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 2, 2015 13:05:43 GMT -5
Portland, so far, is putting on a good whopp'n on price prospect Lucas Giolito. 6 earned runs in the 1st two innings
Let the rumors begin.......Brian Johnson taken out after just 60 pitches and 4 innings.
4.0 2 1 1 3 3 0 2.53 3 walks and 3 K's
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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 2, 2015 13:03:14 GMT -5
Can the public attend the GCL games? They are totally FREE. Everyone is welcome to go to the game. Some venues give more freedom to roam than others. The Pirate GCL games are very restrictive for example in Bradenton. |
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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 2, 2015 9:30:44 GMT -5
It will be interesting if they replace some of Larry's responsibilities. Sam Kennedy will not be fulfilling all of Lucchino's skills. Many of us on here think another strong personality with in-depth major league knowledge will be helpful to Ben Cherington. Just make sure it is not Bowden.
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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 2, 2015 9:24:19 GMT -5
Two points:
1) another start by Brian Johnson that SHOULD be in the major leagues
2) the GCL team does not need a Sunday off. They have games to play that need made up. These "kids" are professionals now. These draftees need repetition...not wandering around their dorm or hotel another Sunday.
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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 1, 2015 14:48:06 GMT -5
Henry Owens First 12 Starts 61.1 IP 26 ER 42 BB 51 SO 3.64 ERA .196 BA .632 OPS Last 9 Starts 58.0 IP 17 ER 14 BB 52 SO 2.64 ERA .190 BA .531 OPS To start the fixing process, Owens along with Johnson need to be called up. From day 1 Henry has always made the adjustments necessary to get better and advance. As you can see from these figures, Owens is always somewhat difficult to hit. He always has. The improvement control wise of course helped tremendously. I sure wish after Kelly's start today, we decide to let Johnson and Owens receive consistent starts. I would not be surprised if one (maybe both) shows enough to be seriously considered for a rotation spot. August is here front office. Start figuring out if these two can be able contenders for the rotation going forward. |
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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 1, 2015 10:38:12 GMT -5
Sam Travis has certainly turned some heads this season. I remember some here were not enthusiastic about him. Can anyone give me an idea of his defense at 1st base? I would think if his "D" is solid we may have a right-handed lite version of Mark Grace. Sign me up for a first baseman who can hit for a solid average, get on base, hit a lot of doubles, and play good defense.
Sure we'd all love a Paul Goldschmidt, but Travis isn't ever going to be that type of player....but he may be pretty valuable in his own way.
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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 Jul 31, 2015 14:55:18 GMT -5
Having better luck will help. As of now the Sox have hit 5 homers that would have been homers in fewer than 5 parks, while giving up 15. At Fenway, they've hit 2 while giving up 8, on the road, it's 3 and 7. By comparison, the Yankees have 19 cheap home runs and have given up 13. The Orioles are 13 and 3. The Diamondbacks, 2 and 4. # of cheap Fenway homers in past years: 2014: 11 2013: 6 (4 by Pedroia); gave up 5 2012: 9 (3 by Aviles) 2011: 13 (gave up 18) 2010: 15 When the season is over I'll do a complete breakdown by team, home and away. And I think I'll expand that history, showing RF Fenway, LF Fenway, Road, for hitters and pitchers, and go back to 2006 (when HitTrackerOnline debuted). In All the Madness that is going on at this very moment......thanks for your information! I always enjoy 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 Jul 30, 2015 10:10:25 GMT -5
We have two choices. 1. Ride it out. Our guys have to play better right? Gambling with tv revenue if we do that. Will take 2-3 years to get the younger prospects up and going. 2. Do something bold. Sign Cueto or Price. Would be a gamble. Good-bye to Clay. Make a baseball trade. Really good prospects for a really good young pitcher. This board will hate trading prospects. But, it might work for the right pitcher. I'd bet the Sox split the difference and try to trade for a veteran pither who makes some cash they get a good deal on. Sell it. Someone likes James Shields. We will suck again next year. Why do you get rid of Clay? That doesn't make sense at all if you're going for it. Also, I think in a deal for the right pitcher, people would be on board with dealing prospects, but "really good young pitchers" don't show up on the trade market very often, and you tend to have to overpay. Personally, I'd part with a Swihart or Margot along with some other decent to good prospects if it got us Sonny Gray or one of the Mets good young arms, but I wouldn't be willing to package those two or deal Bogaerts or Betts I've been totally against moving Blake Swihart. He is easily one of my favorite prospects over the last 15 years, but if we could get a pitcher like Gray or Sale in a package.....I'd do it now. Christian Vazquez should be healthy and solid and we need to consider every possibility of getting better. We need really good young pitching badly. I like several of the Mets pitchers also, but they have a couple of young catchers that may be above average. |
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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 Jul 30, 2015 10:01:23 GMT -5
Mets looking for an of on the cheap. Would anyone move Holt for Wheeler? YES! |
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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 Jul 30, 2015 7:31:13 GMT -5
Have liked the way the Braves have re-organized over the last 6 months, but I'm shocked about this latest trade. Peraza and Wood? Both young with LOTS of upside. I don't understand how picking up a 30-year old Cuban bat is worth losing talent like that!
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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 Jul 30, 2015 7:26:58 GMT -5
What a sorry night for the Red Sox organization!! Other than Owens and Travis not much to get excited about. Add in the putrid play up in Boston, and you start inching towards the edge. I guess I better start working on those affirmations again.
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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 Jul 29, 2015 19:02:18 GMT -5
I'm a Red Sox fan.....a huge one. I like Holt. Would everyone who agrees that Holt is better defensively explain how you got to that result. NOW I want to make it clear.....that taking age and years of control..... Holt is a better value for sure. And it is not close. But over the next 2 months Zobrist may very be an outstanding player for the Royals. I made this statement yesterday: Ben Zobrist is a VERY good defensive player, a REAL tough out, and he has driven me crazy over the last 4 seasons living in southwest Florida. Holt is an excellent player, but too many of you under-estimate Zobrist's complete game and value. Think I did above in my post. Nothing about OF. That's probably a tossup. 1b, Zobrust doesn't play. The difference maker is the IF positions in general and not going back several years ago, when Zobrist had a tad more range than he does now. I think Holt has him and especially so at both SS/2b, the 2 that require the most movement to both your L/R. I also have watched, cringed at how good Zobrist has been over the years.. One of THE best, if not THE best, though think age is catching up on him a bit now. John you may be right about age catching up.....not sure. Not sure mentioning 1st base gives Holt any advantage. It is a position that Zobrist could handle easily! I've seen him play all 3 outfield positions well and 2nd really well. Until this year, Holt was not a player you'd want at short either.....but he has made some nice plays there this year especially. The point I'm trying to make is.....Zobrist is a very good defensive player.....and some are being less than complimentary of his abilities. My decision between the 2 is simple, if I had to make that call. Holt's age and control are very valuable and "trump" (starting to hate that word) Zobrist. |
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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 Jul 29, 2015 17:45:59 GMT -5
I'm a Red Sox fan.....a huge one. I like Holt. Would everyone who agrees that Holt is better defensively explain how you got to that result.
NOW I want to make it clear.....that taking age and years of control.....Holt is a better value for sure. And it is not close. But over the next 2 months Zobrist may very be an outstanding player for the Royals.
I made this statement yesterday: Ben Zobrist is a VERY good defensive player, a REAL tough out, and he has driven me crazy over the last 4 seasons living in southwest Florida. Holt is an excellent player, but too many of you under-estimate Zobrist's complete game and value.
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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 Jul 29, 2015 13:58:31 GMT -5
Most of us were "stoked" about the moves for Panda, Hanley, and Ricky (Porcello). It is very possible that all 3 will be much better next season. Baseball is a crazy game that doesn't always turn out the way you'd think. Their track record is such that a year of getting comfortable may make a world of difference.
The biggest worry I have of those 3.....is the "defense" of Sandoval and Ramirez. BOTH, IMO, are too heavy!! No reason to go over the Panda story once again, but he needs to really look in the mirror this winter.
As for Hanley, his athletic ability has suffered greatly with all of that extra mass he has put on. Huge muscles do not necessarily mean huge power numbers. I would like to see him drop some of that heavy muscle and get back to being able to move faster in the field and on the base paths.
Hopefully all 3 will come back next February with that "glint" in their eyes.
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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 Jul 29, 2015 10:49:39 GMT -5
Dodgers to acquire Mat Latos and Mike Morse (incl. taking on their salaries) and a CBT pick for three minor league arms. Another move I really like from the Dodgers. That may eliminate the Dodgers from acquiring Hamels. I am NOT advocating us picking him up.....just saying. |
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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 Jul 28, 2015 15:27:39 GMT -5
I think Holt is better defensively than Zobrist but Zobrist has more power. I have been among a number on this site who under-estimated Holt. Based on two years now of him confounding us, I think if he gets the chance he can be a regular 2B for a lot of teams. That's probably his best position and his bat would play there. Hate to disagree with you danr, but Zobrist is one hell of a solid defensive player at 2nd and in right field. He can play a decent 3rd and is OK at short. I'm not a Rays' fan. Not even close. I have always rooted against them because they are in our division. They are on TV every night here, and he has driven me crazy for the last 5 years. NOW I have not seen him this season. Maybe he has regressed, but Zobrist has made Joe Maddon look really smart for years. Some years he was the Rays' best player and that was when Longoria was playing well. |
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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 Jul 28, 2015 13:56:00 GMT -5
So that means anyone who was trying to get him is now on the clock for Holt, right? If Ben is smart, he goes to the remaining teams (WAS, PIT, NYM, CHC) and offers Holt. Huge return for OAK for Zobrist. Very much agree. I like Holt, but he can be adequately replaced to some degree. Lets face it....he will never be a starter for us and his value is sky high |
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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 Jul 28, 2015 13:54:00 GMT -5
Jerry Crasnick @jcrasnick 4s4 seconds ago #Royals are getting Aaron Brooks and Sean Manea, source says. Brooks isn't much, but surprised about the Royals giving up Manea. Boy K.C. is going 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 Jul 27, 2015 10:36:36 GMT -5
Reds did very well. The outcome is MUCH better than receiving a draft choice. |
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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 Jul 27, 2015 9:11:12 GMT -5
I'm still major pissed that we demoted Brian Johnson to Pawtucket. I know he can't be brought up yet because of the 10-day rule, but what is the front office thinking about. Steven Wright should not be getting that start.....it should be Johnson for the remainder of the season!
Wright could actually be a solid weapon being able to pitch on multiple days out of the pen. IMO he is not one of our 5 starters going forward.
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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 Jul 27, 2015 9:06:24 GMT -5
.317 BA on a .372 BABIP. This season has been a nice step forward for him, but I kind of feel like he'd better get the power and walk rates up because I doubt he can keep up that average with the way he's been hitting the ball so far... I REALLY wish I could disagree with this, but I don't, especially as his strikeout rate inches up. Still, I think he does look like a good bet, barring injuries, to be an above average regular for the near future. And if the power DOES come . . . . Agreed! He has made GREAT strides this season both offensively and defensively, but he is settling on singles almost every plate appearance. I think his adjustments for pitches on the outside corner or slightly off is admirable. He is 100% better in all ways from last year except one. But that one is very important for his continued success and the Red Sox. He has very good power, but you'd never know it. I wish he would pull the ball, at least, once per game in the air. Xander should be hitting at least 12 to 15 homers, and more in a few years, but with what he is settling for presently, it wouldn't happen. PULL Xander!! I look at his homer total as his biggest fault currently. The rest of his game has been very very good! NOW Mookie.....may be the complete opposite. He needs to hit the other way more when in a slump. Too many ground balls to 3rd and short. |
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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 Jul 26, 2015 17:09:22 GMT -5
Good seeing Austin Rei have a good game finally today. 3 for 4, 1 double, and his 1st professional homer. He will be a real interesting prospect to watch going forward.
Margot finished with 3 hits of his own. One a triple.
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