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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 Jun 1, 2021 7:48:14 GMT -5
Nice seeing 4 starters that I have some level of interest in. This is, in my opinion, often not the case. Bello, of course, is interesting, but I like Drohan also.
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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 Jun 1, 2021 7:45:38 GMT -5
Great news that Casas and Duran have made this team. I'm curious how you all perceive this experience to them just continuing playing and improving their skills at their current team.
For one thing, I can see the potential of them seeing different pitching and a different atmosphere. But part of me wants them to stay in Portland and Wooster, improve their numbers, and get promoted quickly. Not sure which is my preference.
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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 May 30, 2021 17:22:23 GMT -5
I have been very high on the 3 high school shortstops (Lawlar, Mayer, and House), but I'm starting to believe Bloom will strongly consider something like this if Lawlar, Mayer, and Henry Davis are taken before getting to us. The College World Series will be huge for Rocker and Leiter. If they "shine", they still could be the pick. I'd be surprised if Bloom isn't talking with the agents of guys like Frelick, Watson, and maybe even Jobe about taking somewhat less at #4. I would gather all of us would like the ability to draft one of them and at the same time pick up another highly thought of prospect at #40. More and more, I can see this materializing. Bloom has, in a very short time, shown the ability to think differently to bring in as much talent into the organization as he can quickly. The depth in the majors and below has improved, in my opinion, quite a bit. I really like what he has done and believe the organization is in very good hands. Something not mentioned because we aren’t In a bubble... I believe 1 or more other teams will look to do exactly this in top 4. So who pushes to us?? And equally who WANTS to push to us and makes that abundantly clear to those other 3 teams.... I fully expect at least 2 players 3 weeks ago we expected to not have a shot at will be there. And what’s crazier... it wouldn’t shock me if neither of those 2 are picked Lol. That would make things interesting. Frankly, if Lawlar or Mayer get to us and we pass, I'd be upset, but fine otherwise. |
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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 May 30, 2021 10:54:07 GMT -5
Really happy Cordero is in AAA. There is a slim chance he can help us in the future. Without him playing everyday, there really was no chance he would ever progress and improve. Great tools but little idea how to unlock them. Maybe, Franchy, will look back at this moment and see how this turned things around for him. Let's hope!!
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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 May 30, 2021 10:50:10 GMT -5
Still have some hope for a guy like Gonsalves. Control seems to come and go. Has anyone seen one of his outings? Best secondary? Velo presently?
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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 May 30, 2021 10:46:52 GMT -5
Anyone think there's a chance the Sox will take Frelick at 4 with an under slot bonus and use that money to get another first round talent later. Maybe one of the TJ surgery guys. This fits the concept of adding quality depth to the minor league developmental system and spreading the risk. This is what they did with Yorke and Blaze Jordan. I have been very high on the 3 high school shortstops (Lawlar, Mayer, and House), but I'm starting to believe Bloom will strongly consider something like this if Lawlar, Mayer, and Henry Davis are taken before getting to us. The College World Series will be huge for Rocker and Leiter. If they "shine", they still could be the pick. I'd be surprised if Bloom isn't talking with the agents of guys like Frelick, Watson, and maybe even Jobe about taking somewhat less at #4. I would gather all of us would like the ability to draft one of them and at the same time pick up another highly thought of prospect at #40. More and more, I can see this materializing. Bloom has, in a very short time, shown the ability to think differently to bring in as much talent into the organization as he can quickly. The depth in the majors and below has improved, in my opinion, quite a bit. I really like what he has done and believe the organization is in very good hands. |
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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 May 17, 2021 11:50:34 GMT -5
The chart on Kumar's velo made me feel better about him. I always worry about "hurlers". But he wouldn't be a terrible consolation prize! Lol
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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 May 17, 2021 11:38:40 GMT -5
Dam......that was quite impressive! Lots of movement. I could see a high floor for him.
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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 May 2, 2021 13:36:24 GMT -5
Not sure what the rest of you think, looking at Greenville roster, but it is VERY under-whelming to me. There is like 2 or 3 players who have potential. That is disappointing for us who would like to believe the system is getting stronger. Portland is interesting but not the DRIVE. |
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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 Apr 24, 2021 18:06:03 GMT -5
I'm somewhat worried, as Sarasoxer, about taking a pitcher this high. I know there is NO guarantee with any of these players, but I do believe one of the young shortstops has a better chance of being a real contributor for the SOX over a 10-year period.
I love Lawlor and Meyar. There is a good possibility both will be gone before we pick. I like Leiter but he WILL go in the top 3 in my estimate.
I'm actually pleased with Rocker's last start. He was electric! I won't be depressed if he stays at that level and we take him, but as stated I would prefer a positional player. I know Brady House still has his detractors but he is my 3rd pick at number 4. His footwork in the infield his pretty good. He may have a decent chance to even stay at short and hit 30 bombs! He may have to move to 3rd. Big deal! He potentially could be very good over there.
I hope Rocker keeps up his performance. There is a better chance a Detroit may take him at 3, but he will still excite our base if we end up with him.
I WISH THE DAM DRAFT WAS IN A COUPLE WEEKS!
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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 Apr 6, 2021 11:05:16 GMT -5
I never get why teams mess with the traditional look. For example: the LA Chargers should always wear the sky blue/lighting bolt look. Can't imagine the Yankees wearing yellow or orange. As much as I hate the Yanks, the pinstripes look 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 Feb 11, 2021 10:43:24 GMT -5
There’s no way to judge this trade reasonably until we find out who the final 3 players are. That being said, I’m fine with it. The Red Sox have more information about Benintendi than anyone. If they’re willing to trade him, that means they think the trade helps the team more than Benny does. It sucks, but that’s the only logical answer. As for the return, I can see their thinking. Cordero is toolsy as hell with power and speed with the ability to play all three outfield positions. The ceiling is there. Work with him and see what you can do. It’s the kind of high upside move that needs to be done. Winckowski has a chance to stick as a starter, but worst case scenario I see a cheap major league reliever in a year or two. He’s been young for every level he’s been at, so there’s plenty of time for development. The 3 PTBNLs will be the key. Based on the other pieces moving around, the Mets one will probably be the best of the three and could possibly be a pretty decent prospect. Not a top prospect, but a decent prospect nonetheless. I think Speier said all three would end up 11-20. So Bloom turned one player with 2 years of service time left into a major league outfielder with a high ceiling and 3 (I think) years of service time, a potential starter (probably reliever) that’ll slide somewhere in 20-30 if I had to guess, and three top 20 prospects. That’s the glass half full picture but that’s a damn good trade if it works out like that. Any time you can turn one player into 5 is a pretty good trade in my book. We’ve been on the other end of 4 for 1 trades and now we’re on this end. The quality of players isn’t the same, but the same principles apply. Overall, not bad. THIS is how I see things.....and I really liked Beni! Cordero's talent has been known for a long time. Don't anyone sleep on this guy. If healthy, he could be a beast. I know he is 26 and has not yet established himself, but I believe it is because of injuries not because of talent. I may be one of the few, but I love how Bloom is going about his business. And did I tell you I like Beni a lot? If I was a betting man, I would almost guarantee eventually we will come out of this looking really good. I'm glad Bloom is playing it like he is. We mentioned, last year, over and over with Sale and Erod missing the season that things would get rocky. Bloom has gone about changing the organization in a very rational way. I love Verdugo. I believe Downs will be, at least, a solid player. Pivetta and Richards are just two pitchers he has acquired that actually excite me. Last year? Name one pitcher that excited you until Houck looked good? I really like the latest Rule 5 pick up. Everyone needs to give him a couple of years, and I think you will look back on his dealings as being brilliant. I see hope finally for a much stronger farm system, real depth, and some players I'mm looking forward to competing this year. In my opinion, this will be a VERY interesting season as we get closer and closer to using our financial muscle.....when it counts!! |
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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 Feb 1, 2021 11:32:00 GMT -5
In my opinion, a Hall of Famer!! What a shame. Hope to see him in Boston someday back in the uniform as a coach or manager.
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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 Jan 22, 2021 11:15:27 GMT -5
It seems like every day someone I followed religiously in my childhood dies. Aaron, especially, is a real smack to my head (and heart). Great ambassador to baseball and a real gentleman. Holds so many records but for me, holds so many memories. I was a HUGE fan of his starting in Milwaukee.
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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 Jan 16, 2021 11:56:59 GMT -5
I love both Rocker and Leiter. However, I really think when drafting this high it's hard to pick an arm. I have flashbacks to Trey Ball and while I realize no pick is ever a sure thing, I think college hitters are far easier to project than college arms and aren't nearly as volatile. I agree totally. Being in Florida, I went to Port Charlotte the day Trey Ball debuted. I walked away very unimpressed and hoping I was wrong. Poor velo, poor command, and his secondary pitches were flat. To me the top 3 are HS position players. #1 is Lawlor, #2 is Meyer, and shocking to most of you....#3 is House. Castillo has no position and I can't see any other positional player worth our 4th pick. |
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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, 2020 14:28:52 GMT -5
Obviously at this point the best fit for the Red Sox is having JBJ return to play CF and utilized Renfroe as a #4 platoon OF. But it seems to me that it's not out of the realm of possibility that one of JBJ's suitors might hand him a 3 year deal and if that does indeed happen, then I would anticipate the Sox wouldn't nor shouldn't be one of those teams. I think it's more likely than not that JBJ winds up elsewhere because of the duration of a deal that another team is more likely to give him. The Red Sox need JBJ for this season and probably next season but should not need him for 2023. By then Duran should be ready and Jimenez might be knocking on the door. I think the Sox will turn to Almora as plan B because they do need a guy on the roster who is a true CF but isn't an automatic out at the plate. I've enjoyed watching Jackie play center, but I believe, considering dollars and length of contract, that it would be in the Sox's interest to do one of two things: 1) bring back Pillar on a 1-year contract, or 2) sign Almora I've always thought we need another righthanded bat in the outfield. This way he have a true centerfielder on just a 1-year and the ability to platoon effectively. |
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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 Oct 24, 2020 14:25:18 GMT -5
Calling them screwups is preposterous, but it’s been one of the strangest runs of dominance in any sport. During that stretch of four World Series, they’ve had so many moments of being a circus - Theo leaving Fenway in a monkey suit, the Bobby Valentine debacle, multiple runs of worst to first, smearing several players and managers on their way out the door, etc. I think a lot of the dislike for Henry and co. is justified (particularly for the smear campaign they ran against Francona), but they’re one of the most successful ownerships in all of sports. Personally, my biggest issue with them is that they seem to change their organizational philosophy whenever the wind blows. One year, they want to build the farm system and be fiscally responsible, and then after one down season, they’re pushing for the team to throw money at guys like Pablo Sandoval. That has to make it hard for any GM to build the organization his way. I don't agree they change their organizational philosophy whenever the wind blows. They have been constant for 20 years in that we go for it in spurts. Then retool, reset, bridge years whatever you want to call it. Then go for it again. Like if Bloom thinks he has five years to build this team through the farm he's dead wrong. He'll get a few years and then be forced to go for it. Yet how he goes for it will be one the GM. Don't blame ownership for Sandoval, that's on Cherington. They never said sign him, he did because his marching orders are to win and he thought that was the best way. It's why if I'm Bloom you should take this free agency period seriously. If they aren't good again next year, our owners will demand he make big moves. We know this already because our owners marching orders have never changed. They don't mind some down years, yet you only get a few and you have limited time to get us back to being title contenders. Our owners have been great, they went against their plan in 2019 because the GM talked them into it. It turned into crap, made things even worse. Yet as a fan, after that 2018 team I respect the hell out of our owners for going for it. When it failed, it was right back to the grand plan. I get it, it sucks having down years. Yet it seems what most fans bitch about is exactly what makes our owners so good. It's not that they just change the plan, it's that they always stick to it. I've complained about so many moves over the years, like letting Pedro walk, trading Nomar, the Lester mess, the Lackey mess, letting Papelbon leave, firing DD, etc. Yet you can't complain about them not having a long-term plan. We know exactly what that is. Bloom knows exactly what his marching orders are. He also knows what will happen after this next cycle ends, we'll restart it. How many owners keep learning from their mistakes and keep at it like these two? We have owners who always have the goal of being the best. They self-correct a lot. They quickly found out Valentine was worse then a dead-end and changed (one example). They pour millions into making the Sox a contender, and somehow, because they aren't perfect, we have folks get on their butts. I will always appreciate their efforts and yes their championships!! I love the latest change....bringing in Bloom to attempt more consistent outcome. Some of you sound like DAN SHAUGHNESSY. |
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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 Oct 22, 2020 18:02:34 GMT -5
They have overspent to deliver us titles and the ppl around here still complain its laughable. Its like ppl ripping brady on his way out. I'm not sure where the bashing is you're talking about. I don't see where anybody said that having Henry and Werner for owners has been bad or anything remotely close. What's being said is that if what Felger says isn't true (I really don't believe it), then the Red Sox made mistakes offering Betts an obviously much lower figure (if Merloni's sources are correct) than it would take to secure his services and forced themselves into a situation where they had to trade their franchise player. Great owners make mistakes all of the time. Just like great GMs. Great managers. I don't think anybody is bashing their overall body of work. I don't see why you can't offer a valid criticism when it warrants it.
I'll give you another criticism. While I would trade 4 last place finishes for 4 trophies any day of the week, and a million times on Sunday, they still have those valley years....and the Red Sox know this, which is why they're taking steps to remedy this with the hiring of Chaim Bloom, with the goal in mind to make their winning sustainable, the way it was during the Theo era - Theo never had a team finish worse than 86-76. Ownership knows that fans tune out when the team stinks. Back at you. There has definitely been a lot of negativity on ownership, and some of it is warranted. But they have not ever been cheap. Yes everyone makes mistakes. I just like focusing on the good much more than you! |
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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 Oct 22, 2020 14:01:03 GMT -5
If you are going to evaluate a trade from the Red Sox point of view, how it works out for the Dodgers doesn't matter. The question becomes are the Red Sox better off having made the swap or aren't they. They are clearly better off when you consider the entire situation. AGREE! In many ways, this season and all of its ups and downs will be looked as a plus one day. Bloom had no choice. The organization could not afford another 30+ million dollar contract. I do believe the Sale contract was the last straw in being able to sign Betts. Dombrowski paid the wrong guy. |
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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 Oct 22, 2020 13:49:26 GMT -5
I don’t understand the “Red Sox owners are screwups” narrative being pushed by some. Fallible sure...but is this not the most successful franchise this century save maybe like the patriots? I mean Jesus every other city would kill for Henry and company”s results...what am I missing? So darn true. I, as a Red Sox fan of over 60-years, will take this ownership group over ANY we've ever had. It is down right silly we even have this conversation. For many years the Sox were a joke. I would gladly take another period from 2004 to 2018 over the next 15 to 20 years. Sign me up! Some of the posters are spoiled. Give me Henry and Werner anytime! |
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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 Oct 19, 2020 12:01:07 GMT -5
Being from this area, that is offensive. I don't root for either of these teams, but the area has a lot going for it. It does! I enjoy the area. But you are a great case in point, defending the place even as you say you are not a fan of either team! HOW does that make any sense? I guess you'd be surprised that there are a lot of fans.....A LOT....for both teams. One person, me, does not make your point. There are many people who follow these teams. The Lightning ticket is extremely hard to get and the Rays, because of that awful Trop, have record TV viewing. Yes I'm a Red Sox fan, so 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 Oct 19, 2020 11:01:16 GMT -5
The Lightning and the Rays winning titles might be the sports equivalent of the tree falling in the woods. They could share a parade on golf carts and get a few curious, accidental on-lookers. Being from this area, that is offensive. I don't root for either of these teams, but the area has a lot going for it. |
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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 Oct 12, 2020 13:22:52 GMT -5
Joe was one of my favorite players to watch. And personally, I enjoyed his input as an analysis on TV. As stated above, a terrible year for losing players I looked up to when growing up. Man you know your own days are numbered when guys like this leave us.
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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 Oct 11, 2020 11:12:27 GMT -5
Thanks for the "shoutout" Soxin8! Yeah I was a lot smarter 8 years ago, but I still can give back 5 words given to me an hour later. Lol. Let's see...man, women....on s&$t I forgot! I better REV up my helicopter and get to Walter Reed.
WAIT....I don't have one. VOTE everyone.
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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 Sept 28, 2020 13:29:06 GMT -5
Am I missing something? When I watch the videos, and yes I know about a short-sample recently, on Lawler and Brady House, there is no comparison. I'm sure Lawler is faster. But House already has big-time power and makes the throws from deep in the hole. I see a Tulo with him. He has been ranked at the top for too long for anyone to snooze on him as our potential choice.
Take a pitcher in the 2nd round!
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