SCCWS

It might not be 30+ years old. LaRussa had a role as an assistant to Dombrowski in Boston. Maybe when the Boston investigation is completed, LaRussa may have had some role in it.

How about " Another World Championship"

I do think it can influence an umpire to a degree. But obviously they read about pitch framing and may be more aware of it. I would think late in games a good framer may get a couple of close pitches. FWIW --As others have said, I think the pitching staff is still the key to how successful framing is. Grandal joined Milwakee in 2019 and they saw their walks go up slightly and their SO drop slightly over the previous year. I would bet that had more to do with the staff and the games themselves.

I do think SS play is affected by 3B. A SS playing alongside a 3B w limited range will be forced to shade more to his right than one playing w a 3B who moves well to his left.

No, last year he still had over 400 lead-off ABs. They tried Benintendi at one point but that failed and Betts returned to lead-off.

Red Sox won a World Series w Betts leading off He had 32 HR

As this roster takes shape, I think Grandal's starts usuage becomes more important. He normally catches 130ish and usually has a post all-star drop-off. Hopefully the Sox manage his catching starts while giving him DH ones in place. The Sox may very well be in contention down the stretch and we will need his bat in September.

I am not sure they are lowered to a .500 team. There are way to many variables. I think w the assumed improvement of Eloy and Moncada and a very solid year again from Anderson this could be a .500 team. The addition of Grandal, Robert and Madrigal as well as a RF and the quality of the Central Division should mean .500 is very realistic. Then the pitching staff determines how much better than .500 we will be. Will Gio be as good as his 2019 , will Cease jump to a #2 type or drop to a #5 and how big of an impact will Kopech have. Finally, who will the 2nd SP be. Yes it could be a .500ish team but in this division it could also challenge for a playoff spot. Way too early before the roster is even finalized to fold the tents yet.

makes sense. This year's FA market has been very active early on. But Boras held out till the end last year and he may try and extend this until a team caves in.

I would assume the preference would be to add a LH since we need at least one especially w the uncertainty of Rodon. So another plus w Keuchel or Ryu or even Price.

He got hurt in July and played but ended up on IL in August. I doubt they will want Madrigal or Vaughn looking at their top prospects. Rumors of the Dodger trade says they will most likely want an OF and SP in return. My guess is they will want Cease and Hahn says no. Not sure if Lopez is an option.

Boston's top MLB prospect is Chavis who is a 2nd baseman who has a pretty good rookie year. Boston needs a RH-SP if Price goes. I would love Benintendi in RF especially w him also being a LH bat. My gut is they won't trade him though.

It probably is mentioned somewhere in a postingon this site. But I have seen several articles on a Robbie Ray trade. Maybe he is an alternative to Price at a cheaper" price ".

Boston has to find a RH starter to replace Porcello. I would assume they will try and get one dealing Price or Bradley. Doesn't seem to be any other rumors floating although new GM seems to be playing things close to the vest which is to be expected.

Kluber to Rangers. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28304613/sources-rangers-agree-trade-indians-ace-corey-kluber