A Realistic View at 2017 Part I

[moonslav59]

This from MLBTR...

Considering they’re not on the Red Sox’s 40-man roster, outfielder Rusney Castillo and first baseman/outfielder Allen Craig are already facing uphill battles to achieve relevance in Boston. Moreover, their onerous contracts make even short promotions to the majors unlikely, notes WEEI’s John Tomase (via colleague Rob Bradford). Castillo, for instance, would cost the Red Sox $56,596 per day to keep on their 25-man roster. Thus, a two-week stint with the Sox would cost $800K and push them over the luxury-tax threshold, which they’ve been careful to stay under. Castillo and Craig have upped their stock this spring, writes Bradford, but the team unsurprisingly sent the pair back to Triple-A on Sunday. They’ll combine to make $21.5MM in the minors this season.

How can $800K "push them over the luxury tax threshold"?

I thought we had millions to spare after dumping Buch.

[Bellhorn04]

This from MLBTR...

Considering they’re not on the Red Sox’s 40-man roster, outfielder Rusney Castillo and first baseman/outfielder Allen Craig are already facing uphill battles to achieve relevance in Boston. Moreover, their onerous contracts make even short promotions to the majors unlikely, notes WEEI’s John Tomase (via colleague Rob Bradford). Castillo, for instance, would cost the Red Sox $56,596 per day to keep on their 25-man roster. Thus, a two-week stint with the Sox would cost $800K and push them over the luxury-tax threshold, which they’ve been careful to stay under. Castillo and Craig have upped their stock this spring, writes Bradford, but the team unsurprisingly sent the pair back to Triple-A on Sunday. They’ll combine to make $21.5MM in the minors this season.

How can $800K "push them over the luxury tax threshold"?

I thought we had millions to spare after dumping Buch.

I believe you're right. The MLBTR statement seems to be counting Castillo's full salary for 2017 for tax purposes.

[Thunder]

Sounds like porn.

It's owned by Twitter, so that is quite possible.

[Kimmi]

It is questionable whether Ramirez will get any playing time at 1B before the season starts, due to lingering shoulder issues. He may start the season as a full time DH.

[moonslav59]

I believe you're right. The MLBTR statement seems to be counting Castillo's full salary for 2017 for tax purposes.

The way it's worded it sounds like they think a two week stint would cost $800K, and $800K would put them over.

[moonslav59]

It is questionable whether Ramirez will get any playing time at 1B before the season starts, due to lingering shoulder issues. He may start the season as a full time DH.

If that's true, could Swihart be viewed as an eventual Moreland platoon at 1B option?

Also, does that mean Young plays LF vs LH'd starters and JBJ or Beni sit?

Young HAS TO PLAY vs LHPs.

[cp176]

If that's true, could Swihart be viewed as an eventual Moreland platoon at 1B option?

Also, does that mean Young plays LF vs LH'd starters and JBJ or Beni sit?

Young HAS TO PLAY vs LHPs.

If they use anyone other than Holt on occasion, I would think that it would likely mean a call up for Sam Travis. My guess is that they will do everything that they can do to keep Swihart behind the plate.

[Fisk]

I'm not sure why they haven't given reps at first for Chris Young.

[Spudboy]

It is questionable whether Ramirez will get any playing time at 1B before the season starts, due to lingering shoulder issues. He may start the season as a full time DH.

That's okay with me as long as he does not aggravate the shoulder hitting, running, and sliding.

[Bellhorn04]

The way it's worded it sounds like they think a two week stint would cost $800K, and $800K would put them over.

Cot's Contracts has us under by about $15 million. That piece by Bradford/Tomase is inexcusable gibberish.

[Thunder]

It is questionable whether Ramirez will get any playing time at 1B before the season starts, due to lingering shoulder issues. He may start the season as a full time DH.

I thought he was going to be the full time DH? Did I miss something here? Wasn't Moreland supposed to be playing 1B for the majority of the season?

I guess this is what happens when you don't really follow Spring Training.

[Bellhorn04]

I think the plan was for Hanley to play first against lefty starters. Young would probably DH those games.

[Thunder]

I think the plan was for Hanley to play first against lefty starters. Young would probably DH those games.

Alright, I like the sound of that. But, still we're not talking about anything long term here with Hanley, so at worst, he can only DH for what, all of April?

[oldtimer]

This from MLBTR...

Considering they’re not on the Red Sox’s 40-man roster, outfielder Rusney Castillo and first baseman/outfielder Allen Craig are already facing uphill battles to achieve relevance in Boston. Moreover, their onerous contracts make even short promotions to the majors unlikely, notes WEEI’s John Tomase (via colleague Rob Bradford). Castillo, for instance, would cost the Red Sox $56,596 per day to keep on their 25-man roster. Thus, a two-week stint with the Sox would cost $800K and push them over the luxury-tax threshold, which they’ve been careful to stay under. Castillo and Craig have upped their stock this spring, writes Bradford, but the team unsurprisingly sent the pair back to Triple-A on Sunday. They’ll combine to make $21.5MM in the minors this season.

How can $800K "push them over the luxury tax threshold"?

I thought we had millions to spare after dumping Buch.

Based on their ST performances, is it possible someone would propose a trade for either if we ate part of their contracts?

[Fisk]

Based on their ST performances, is it possible someone would propose a trade for either if we ate part of their contracts?

They are stuck in limbo if we trade them and eat part of that contract, the part we eat will count on the luxury tax.