A Realistic View at 2023: Part I

[moonslav59]

I thought at the time Middlebrooks tripped him up on purpose…

I did, too. My only point was that Craig chose to veer towards 2B not home and forced the need to step over Middy. IT doesn't change the fact that the right call was made, but at some point the runner can't just go out of his way to run into a fielder just to get the call- not that that was what Craig did. I think he was in an awkward position to get up off 3B facing home, so he sprung up off track. Had Middy not lifted his legs, no call would have been made, and he'd have been safe, unless he tripped anyway.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Offense was not the primary reason for last year’s disappointing season…

No one said it was, but a heart of the order that averages 14 HRs from JD, X and Dugo was no Murderers Row... or even Hurterers Row.

All facets of failure need improving.

[Old Red]

No one said it was, but a heart of the order that averages 14 HRs from JD, X and Dugo was no Murderers Row... or even Hurterers Row.

All facets of failure need improving.

Raffy wasn’t exactly pounding the ball the last few months either.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Raffy wasn’t exactly pounding the ball the last few months either.

We have to assume his leg will heal and his bat will produce more like the first half.

The legs of JD and Bogey, however, were made for walking... and I don't mean to first base.

[mvp 78]

I'd rather have Conforto for 1 than Gallo or Bellinger for 2-3 or Beni for 3-4.

Any GM that gives Bellinger a multi-year deal needs to be committed.

[mvp 78]

This makes sense considering Kike's one-year deal... unless he has to play shortstop in '23 -- which may really be 50-50 right now. Then maybe a Kiermaeir placeholder for Rafaela is the bridge. They'd still need Conforto or Haniger and probably both to replace the bats of Bogey and JD.

And that basically gives them the same offense as last year's cellar dwellers.

I could see it. Both options have been mentioned. Plus, with Kiermaier going out for his usual 40-50 games at some point, it could give Rafaela a little bit of a taste.

[mvp 78]

Offense was not the primary reason for last year’s disappointing season…

No, but you can't slide back on offense and hope the pitching improves by some miracle. Every hole needs to be filled.

[mvp 78]

I did, too. My only point was that Craig chose to veer towards 2B not home and forced the need to step over Middy. IT doesn't change the fact that the right call was made, but at some point the runner can't just go out of his way to run into a fielder just to get the call- not that that was what Craig did. I think he was in an awkward position to get up off 3B facing home, so he sprung up off track. Had Middy not lifted his legs, no call would have been made, and he'd have been safe, unless he tripped anyway.

Why are you attacking Red Sox legend Allen Craig?

[mvp 78]

Raffy wasn’t exactly pounding the ball the last few months either.

Devers:
JUL 22 987 OPS
AUG 22 515 OPS
SEP/OCT 22 901 OPS

He had more RBI in SEP/OCT than any other month and 2nd best batting average as well.

[a700hitter]

The Winter Meetings start today. Bloom was spotted buying sunscreen (he is very fair skinned) and he picked up San Diego Zoo tickets and Sea World Tickets from the concierge desk.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

The Winter Meetings start today. Bloom was spotted buying sunscreen (he is very fair skinned) and he picked up San Diego Zoo tickets and Sea World Tickets from the concierge desk.

And the most lopsided comment in the Boston Globe yesterday got 135 likes and 6 dislikes: "Bloom continues to work hard to make the Red Sox a small market team no one cares about."

Rebuttal with the highest responses at 109 likes, 4 dislikes: "Correct but he's doing exactly what he was hired to do. The anger should be with ownership"

The most almost unanimous comment with 37-1 likes: "Sox management think their fans are stupid."

One that made me laugh, 20-3: "Sam never tells the truth."

[moonslav59]

Rebuttal with the highest responses at 109 likes, 4 dislikes: "Correct but he's doing exactly what he was hired to do. The anger should be with ownership"

So, the sports talk show majority may not mean what some think it means.

[moonslav59]

MLBTR

Bloom speaks...

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/...additions.html

Globe reports: Tommy Kahle is another pen target. Reports are that the Sox offered Abreu low to mid 40's. (He signed for $59.5/3) It appears we were not close. (Not a good sign.)

Bloom says we may add 2+ pen arms.

Team wants to add 7-9 players, including 3-4 position players.

One SP'er who "can bring upside, leadership and consistency to the rotation, as well as innings."

Bloom pushed back on the notion of "no competitive offer" made to Bogey, saying " “have certainly made offers to him, we’ve been engaged, and we’ll stay engaged.” Bogey is still "a chief priority."

Bloom also noted Story or Kike could play SS, if Bogey departs.

Nate and Wacha are "both still possibilities."

[notin]

No, but you can't slide back on offense and hope the pitching improves by some miracle. Every hole needs to be filled.

Maintain the offense. Improve the pitching. Improve the defense…

[notin]

Any GM that gives Bellinger a multi-year deal needs to be committed.

Per his agent, Belllinger is seeking a one year deal…