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MLB Final Roster Options out of Spring Training


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ROSTER and Players up for Consideration for White Sox MLB 2020 Roster out of Spring Training

Total Non-Pitchers 14

1B    Jose Abreu

2B   Nick Madrigal either out of ST or very soon

SS   Tim Anderson 
 
3B   Yoan Moncada (S)

LF    Eloy Jimenez

CF    Luis Robert

RF    Nomar Mazara (L) 'NEW'

C      Yasmani Grandal (S) 'NEW'

DH   Edwin Encarnacion 1B 'NEW'
 
BENCH     Leury Garcia (S) Utility IF-OF Super Sub
                  Adam Engel OF
                  James McCann C
                  Danny Mendick Utility SS-2B-OF
                  Yermin Mercedes C-1B-3B-DH-PH or Nicky Delmonico (L)
 

Total Pitchers 12

SP-5  Lucas Giolito

          Dallas Keuchel (L) 'NEW'

          Reynaldo Lopez

          Gio Gonzalez (L) 'NEW'

          Dylan Cease

 

RP-7 Alex Colome
 
         Steve Cishek 'NEW"

         Evan Marshall

         Kelvin Hererra (i) damaged goods for 2019

         Jimmy Cordero

         Aaron Bummer (L)

         Jace Fry (L)

 

AAA  Michael Kopech TJ recovery ready by June

         Carlos Rodon (L) Surgery recovery ready post All-Star break
 
         Dane Dunning Surgery recovery
 
         Jonathan Stiever

         Carson Fulmer 86'd the glasses - looks like last chance

         Ian Hamilton (i) recovery from car accident / shoulder and broken jaw 

         Ryan Burr TJ recovery

         Matt Foster

         Zack Burdi Still not fully back from TJ

AA    Tyler Johnson

         Codi Heuer

 

Detailed analysis below

 

1B   Jose Abreu Team leader.  Loves being with White Sox.  Dick Allen. Frank Thomas. Paul Konerko.  Jose Abreu. Top White Sox first basemen in the past half century.  With a more balanced lineup with a few lefties should make Abreu that much more valuable at the plate.  Underrated fielder. Class act who wants to only play for one MLB team in his career. Seems so much more content and confident since his son is in America.  Uncle Jerry signing him was a sign of respect for all Jose has meant to White Sox. Rarely do you see any athlete basically say I would sign myself to be here and play for free if I have to.  Will be in the White Sox Hall of Fame. Very good ball player. Really good guy and team captain.

      Zack Collins DH-C (L) Drafted as catcher and if he makes it there has a long ways to go. Bat first player with very good batting eye resulting in walks. Collins has a hitch in his swing. One major thing I noticed when he went down to Charlotte was when he started hitting he kept his left top hand over the top through the follow  through. Sadly too many players today are under the influence of taking the top hand off the bat as well as this adjustment called launch angle a major reason why there are so many strikeouts.  If he makes the team is a backup 1B, DH and third catcher.  (Is he a trade candidate?) Still LH bat on bench to backup at First (Abreu) and DH (Encarnacion). Likely projection opens back at AAA-Charlotte.
          
       A.J. Reed (L) May become pitcher.  Former College Player of the Year at Kentucky where he played first base and was the number one starting pitcher for the Wildcats.  Former top power hitting prospect 1B drafted in Second Round by Astros. One Yordan Alvarez (Rookie of the Year) with Astros came up they had no spot for Reed.  Had an atrocious 2019. With Encarnacion signing if Collins goes to AAA Reed is an unlikely long-shot to make club but team may seek a LH bat out of spring training.  Nicky Delmonico could also have a shot for that extra LH bat if Collins is sent back to AAA as can Daniel Palka all presuming the team wants another LH bat.  

 

2B   Nick Madrigal Rookie Small spark plug who has excellent bat control and rarely strikes out ala Nellie Fox.  Very smart ballplayer. High IQ. Leader by example. Might best be suited to batting one or two in lineup.  Potential Gold Glover. Will be fan favorite.  Does he break camp with club or does he come up in a month.  Is a long term contract coming soon?
 
       Leury Garcia SS-OF (S)  Good all-around switch hitter who has played all outfield positions including CF and has the skills to play SS, 2B and perhaps 3B in a pinch if needed. Good personality and a value player that is a jack of many trades and has good speed and has improved his game. Strikes out too much. Wish he and others would learn to hit with two strikes by choking up, shortening the swing with the goal of making contact.  See Juan Soto and perhaps even Hunter Pence. Whenever someone has two strikes it becomes necessary to alter how one approaches the count.  If Madrigal goes back to AAA-Charlotte Garcia opens at 2B.
 
        

SS   Tim Anderson Much improved player and the guy on the club with swagger.  This one time starting guard on his Alabama High School basketball championship team has really improved his game particularly at bat including much better pitch selection as well as improvement in the field but this latter aspect of his game is still a work in progress.  Has excellent speed and quick hands at bat. Has become pretty efficient hitting the other way.Tim exudes great confidence and he and his wife love the Chicago area where they do much outside of baseball off the field. Tim has shown a deep respect for Jackie Robinson and the fact he is the team's lone black American on the club and is keenly aware of what responsibility goes with that.  Mention to Tim losing out on Manny Machado or trading Marcus Semien and Fernando Tatis and he is the guy who seems to like being challenged and proving doubters in error. Might be big things in his future. Is signed long term and really blossomed after the death of his best lifelong friend. Father of two young children also seems to have aided in his maturity. He is truly interested in and encouraging of young kids particularly in the inner city.  (Something that needs pointing out is that the White Sox outreach to those in need is as  good as it gets and Jerry Reinsdorf and the entire organization should feel proud of all the players and coaches do off the field for the good of the community and children including those in need). 

     Danny Mendick 2B-OF Former 22nd Round Draft choice out of Lowell, MA.  Danny is a tweener/gamer who has made himself relevant to a potential spot on the 2020 White Sox. Not a great glove but his bat and hustle could get him to the show. He consistently swings down on the ball using his top on over top on his swings.  He offers depth and a spark plug presence.  Very enthusiastic. 
 

3B  Yoan Moncada (S) Highly improved.  Big time talent. Superior speed.  Could likely play anywhere on field.  Nice guy. If he could swing more down on ball could cut way down on strikeouts and be a doubles and triples machine.  Due to being a switch hitter might be best suited to hitting third in lineup though likes hitting second.  Is very close to Jose Abreu and with Luis Robert and perhaps others this team has a noticeably Cuban flare. Needs to improve two strike hitting. All current players need to review Juan Soto's changes with positioning of hands and feet with different counts.  Moncada was a pleasant surprise at his natural position of third base. Great athlete. Cutest son in Robinson. 

 

LF   Eloy Jimenez Big league power with 40 plus every year.  Great persona to go with a young player that goes to all fields.  Fielding lacks top flight performance but will be a fan favorite with personality off the charts.  Tremendous dedication to be the best he can be.

 

CF  Luis Robert Rookie Superstud potential.  Best WS prospect since Frank Thomas.  Saw as a 17 year old amateur and saw the wow of a premium talent with a high baseball IQ. The most talented all-around six tool player I have yet seen in the organization. Major talent and a CF who has chops in the field.  Can run, hit, hit with power, field, throw and has the special mind / High baseball IQ / understanding of the game. Once he learns the language and due to his demeanor is going to be truly taken in by the fans in Chicago and across the nation.  Pippin/Jordan/Rodman type talent in a different sport. May not be Mike Trout but like Trout at a young age this is what dreams are made of. Was tremendous leading off last year. A natural even if his name isn't Roy Hobbs. Most gifted athlete to lace up a pair of spikes since Dick Allen on the Southside.

        
 
RF  'NEWNomar Mazara (L) trade Still only 24 this is one of the most powerful young hitters in the game.  Sox need a LH hitter and Mazara plays RF so he fills two needs.  Thing is he has not much improved since coming up but Sox fans and team officials remember all too well the 500 foot HR he hit last year against Reynaldo Lopez that if not for the upper deck might still be going.  He is a fine young man out of the Dominican and he speaks fluent English. He has two years left of control.  This is the kind of guy KW likes.  Will make like $6.5 for 2020. Has a nice throwing arm. Platoon situation for RF.  Believe agent is Boras.  Very nice soft spoken guy with a good sense of humor.  Light tower power ala Jimenez and Robert. May have had a bad thumb last season something that Luis Robert had to deal with.  Good OPS of better than .850 of second half of 2019.  Has yet to show he can hit lefties. The second #2 acquisition in trade from Rangers for Steele Walker and needed LH bat.
 
      Adam Engel  Very good outfielder with excellent instincts.  Bat is well below average. That said he works very hard and was reasonably competent after going to minors working with Menchinno at Charlotte and did well particularly versus left handers. Possesses good speed and is very athletic.  Was a top Ohio HS QB who could have played major college football but opted to Louisville to play baseball. Is he a candidate with Mazara as a platoon player?  Engel does not quit.  Could be 25th man as backup OF.  Possible RF platoon with Mazara but this is poor offensive production player option.  Did hit better against LHP last season. Believe a RH RF for platoon is needed.  Can play all OF positions.  Has once again changed his batting stance, angle of bat and hands in batters box.  Plays very hard.  Works to improve his game.  Good upstanding guy.  

         

C     'NEW' Yasmani Grandal FA (S) ($73M  Major FA signing with White Sox).  Another Cuban who happens to have  a deep friendship and connection to Zack Collins.  Was surprised with the signing but Sox now have top catching duo in the game with McCann.  Very committed player who has a reputation for being a top pitch framer. This switch hitting catcher was someone on my personal radar going back to his early days.  Bold move signing him. Has good power and has caught some of the game's top pitchers for contending teams. The first signing. #1. 

        James McCann In my view the team MVP in 2019.  Superior knowledge of the game. Prepare like few others.  Solid bat last year. Like how he chokes up on the bat     and is willing to go with pitches. Very solid player. Team leader.  Lucas Giolito credits McCann so much for his improvement. Will one day manage in the big leagues if he wants to.  Super smart player who is as good a defensive catcher the Sox have had in years. Under no circumstances should he be traded.  One of the best catchers in the game who knows how to use his footwork to block the plate and is excellent blocking pitches. Was catcher to Verlander and I believe Scherzer for a brief time in 2014 while catching for the Tigers.  A good leader who has good skills behind the plate is tough to find. Molina, Posey, Perez, Contreras and few others. Speaks with a southern accent despite being from Santa Barbara, CA and while at Arkansas caught Dallas Keuchel for one season.

       Yermin Mercedes DH-3B-1B Watch this guy as he can flat out hit and with power and has a high degree of confidence and swagger. A stocky version ala Manny Ramirez.  This guy really can hit. Strong throwing arm but has difficulty blocking pitches. Maybe Grandal and McCann can teach him.  Keep an eye on this guy in the box.  Had 23 HR's last season and 80 RBI's in just 95 games with a .647 SLG and OPS of 1.033 at Charlotte.  Go ask Robert and Madrigal their opinions of Mercedes.  Ask the team's current and new hitting coach.  Had even higher numbers with the Knights than did 2020 ROY candidate Robert.  He hits to all fields.  One to watch.  Highly confident with swagger.

 

DH   'NEW' Edwin Encarncion FA 1B Sox want a value and experienced DH this might be the guy.  With more than 400 HR's and more than 1200 RBI's EE has the experience and with some good ball clubs to really add a nice veteran presence and bat in the lineup.  Hit some 34 HR's last season in just over 400 AB's. Probably in the $8-12M range. Encarnicion is an experienced asset to a playoff potential team.  Some lineup they would have. EE is an established big time power numbers guy who has hit more than 32 HR's for eight consecutive seasons. The fifth. #5 (signed with White Sox $12M with second year club option)
 
       Daniel Palka Two seasons ago Palka looked like a coming LH power hitter where the ball just jumped off his bat.  Then hit a massive slump last season at the MLB level.  Really has no position on the field and might be a long shot option as a LH bat off the bench as a pinch hitter which would be his primary role if he makes the club.  Hit 27 HR's at Charlotte last season in 106 games and an .900 OPS.  Hit best option is he hits left handed.  Is he a 26th man option?  Proven pinch hitter from 2018.  Not likely.  Likely projection opens back at AAA-Charlotte.
 
SP   Lucas Giolito SP Went from outhouse to the big house in one year.  Turned to his HS pitching coach from Harvard Westlake in Sherman Oaks (same team with Max Fried and Jack Flaherty) Ethan Katz (now with SF Giants) who caught flaws in Giolito's delivery.  Dramatic change in where he keeps his throwing arm and release point. It really showed as he made his first all-star appearance. Hid the ball making harder for hitters to pick up pitches.  Great confidence and a very nice guy. Wife is studying to be animal doctor at UCDavis. Family were/are in entertainment business. Credits also James McCann behind the plate. Looks the part of being a top flight starter.  Really into the mental preparation aspect of the game. Really dedicated himself to be a better player and seeks being excellent. Good student of pitching. Like him also as a person. Nice guy who has class and a good sense of humor.  Good teammate.  May soon be known as 'The Mentor' as he has helped other pitchers including Lopez and Cease with their motions and preparation.   
 
       'NEW' Dallas Keuchel FA-SP (L) Soft throwing control lefty.  Former Cy Young but that was some time ago. Would be nice second and likely looking for a minimum of three years.  Was with Astros when they won World Series. Uses a classic over the head windup unlike most pitchers today. This lack of stretch of the arm may be a major factor in so many TJ surgeries.  Former Cy Young Award Winner. Had the opportunity to discuss my observation/hypothesis with Bob Feller. Agent is Boras. The fourth. #4 (signs with White Sox 3 years for $55M with a vesting option for year four and a total of $74M)
 
        Reynaldo Lopez SP A quandary of a pitcher who at times looks like a world beater ace and other times appears to lose concentration and focus and just loses it.  Kid seems to want to be good and if the Sox sign FA starters it will be time to shit or get off the pot and move to the pen or be sent in a trade something I do not believe the White Sox want to do.  The talent is there plus he has stamina. Maturity is a key and he has deep family roots with his grandparents. Late in the season Ricky Renteria really gave him a talking too and Lopez just looked into his manager's eyes and listened.  Seems to be a good young man and has all the talent in the world. Perhaps like Giolito he will breakthrough this season. We shall see. The kid has the talent.
        
        'NEW' Gio Gonzalez FA-SP (L)  Former White Sox number one draft choice traded twice in Nick Swisher deal and Jim Thome deal.  Has won 130 games in career. Excellent curve ball. Had dead arm last season so we shall see if anything is left in the tank.  Spot kept warm until Kopech returns. Good veteran presence presuming his arm is OK. Balances starting staff with a second southpaw.  The third. #3 (signs with White Sox one year for $5M) 

        Dylan Cease SP The second piece with Eloy Jimenez in the Jose Quintana deal with the Cubs.  At times exhibits ace ability but the consistency with control has not yet been there.  Then again Cease was a rookie last year. He possesses one of the best wipe out curves in the game.  Has a slow deliberate motion. But key to him is control. Was hit pretty good when he came up but the last part of the season he started getting his act together.  Would have been a first round draft choice but had TJ surgery in HS and fell to Cubs in Round 6. With time, patience and experience Cease has the chance to become a top three in the rotation.

        *Michael Kopech SP (TJ) June.  Big time power pitcher.  Came in the Chris Sale deal along with Yoan Moncada and Luis Basabe.  Very hard worker. Training warrior. One of the hardest throwers in all of baseball.  Had TJ surgery last year and is throwing again and is not missing a beat. Thing is when will Kopech be ready to join  the MLB club. Spring training may be pushing it to come up with the big league team. I expect we are looking at around June for a call up.  Will he be in rotation or pen when he does arrive. If he masters control he has chance to be potential ace. Has an aura who wants to be great.  Reminds me of a Turk I grew up with with an independent flare knowing he is good.  Likely projection opens at AAA-Charlotte for now.

        *Carlos Rodon SP (L) (i) I expect to see Rodon as a member of the bullpen when he returns by midseason.  Sox will have numerous starters but will not risk injuries.  Rodon has a wipe-out slider but has been hurt multiple times.  Another factor with injuries to pitchers is that very few wind up any more leading to flexibility issues that lead to DL and multiple surgery stints.  Plus Rodon is not built really like a pitcher.  Likely projection when ready opens at AAA-Charlotte for now.
 
        *Dane Dunning SP (TJ)  Sort of a RH Mark Buerlhe type pitcher.  Throws strikes. Another TJ surgery. Was the third cog in the Adam Eaton deal with the Nationals along with Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo
Lopez.  Won't pitch until mid to late season or so it appears.  Team has patience to not rush pitchers back from injuries.  When healthy likely opens at lower level to get ready and will move to AAA-Charlotte.
 
        Jonathan Stiever SP Top pitching prospect originally from Wisconsin where he was a top football prospect who played defensive back.  He pitched at Indiana University and was a fifth round draft choice.  Has really progressed through the system and ranks so much so that many teammates called him Verlander because his style was so similar to the former Cy Young winner.  Stiever is a very good athlete who has developed consistency in repeating his motion.  Some believe he may have the highest upside of any starting pitcher outside of the name of Michael Kopech.  Watch him as he starts at AA-Birmingham and can he jump up to AAA-Charlotte by mid season?  Likely projection opens at AA-Birmingham.
 
        Bernardo Flores SP (L) Good command of the strike zone.  Nice easy and smooth delivery.  Student of the game.  Control is key to his game.  Since team is so thin on lefties keep an eye on this former Southern California pitcher.  Personally like him much more than Konnor Pilkington who does not close his hips or hide the ball well.  Since Flores is not a power pitcher he uses his entire body and it is more challenging to pick up the ball.  If he stays healthy might make it to the bigs sometime later in the season.  If Gonzalez falters due to injury or lack of gas in the tank Flores would be likely call up with Rodon out.  Likely projection opens at AAA-Charlotte.
 
        Kyle Kubat SP (L)  Jamie Moyer type control pitcher who went undrafted out of Nebraska signed by the Royals and acquired by the White Sox.  Has been a sleeper throughout the minors up until call up to AAA Charlotte last season where he struggled. Then again with the juiced ball who did not get challenged.  Still he has shown some strong signs and could compete for a long relief spot start role. Is a character. Could he be a sleeper? Unlikely but one never knows with his rise through the system. Likely projection opens at AAA-Charlotte.
 
                
 RP   Alex Colome RP Lights out closer with fabulous cutter.  He was dominant in the first half of the season.  Second half he came back down to Earth. Still Colome is the White Sox best closer since Bobby Jenks.  Has ice in his veins and loves pressure closing situations. Got a salary bump up to $10M. Nickname is The Horse and any game that Colome comes in he has a shot to put the game away.  If Sox are going to contend for a playoff spot Colome is going to be a key to teams potential success.
 
        Aaron Bummer RP (L) Lights out eighth inning reliever who once he found his control became a real pitcher.  Bummer was a 19th round draft pick originally out of the University of Nebraska. When Bummer is in the zone which now has become commonplace he is a very good set up man to get to the ninth.  Last year in discussions for Pederson his name came up.  Amazing when getting the ball in the strike zone can do.  (Just signed $16M five-year contract)
   
'NEW' Steve Cishek FA-RP Submarine pitcher who is a competitive set up man.  Last with the Cubs where Joe Maddon relied on Cishek heavily.  Solid guy in 7th or 8th inning.  The sixth. #6 (signs with White Sox one year for $5M) 

        Jace Fry RP (L) Looked every bit the part of a poor man's Andrew Miller when he came up in 2018.  However, Fry regressed in 2019 not hitting his spots plus the opposition started making adjustments.  That said this former third-round draft choice out of Oregon still has the upside of a quality reliever. 

       Evan Marshall RP Good pick up going into 2019.  Marshall turned in good performance as a seventh inning set up man.  Seems to have a rubber arm. Another of the many who seem to have benefited from Don Cooper.  Value pitcher. 

       Jimmy Cordero RP Surprise pickup who pitched well as the RH used prior to Marshall and Colome.

      Kelvin Herrera RP Top bullpen signing last season.  Was dinged up virtually all season and was highly disappointing.  Was dominant as member of Royals against White Sox. If he can come back to his old self he could be a welcome addition.  So far he looks like a bust signing owed more than $8M for 2020.  Can he return to his former glory?  Would be a welcome bonus.

      Carson Fulmer RP Last chance ? Trade candidate as throw in at this point.  Has been a bust so far. Very small guy. Does not move ball around.  Far too easy for a hitter to pick up. Throws a straight fastball that does not move.  Questionable control. Seemed like a bulldog but has more tendencies to throw more like a batting practice pitcher.  At this point he looks like a bust. Seems very competitive and confident but the results are just to date not there.  Has had numerous opportunities and if he is going to make it the clock is ticking with the White Sox and soon their may be no longer a barn for this horse to go back to.  No longer is wearing glasses.  (If anyone wants the former first round draft choice (#8-) out of Vanderbilt he is available unless he proves himself worthy of one more chance).  MLB or claimed as I do not believe he has any more options left.

       Ian Hamilton RP (i) Top bullpen arm who had a freakish 2019 from side effects of auto accident that affected his shoulder and then was hit in the face by line drive in dugout.  If he can come back could be a valuable asset in pen. Hamilton was an 11th round draft choice out of Washington State despite being listed at six feet is a shorter pitcher and not up to the listing in real height in the guide.  He has a very good wipeout slider. Bulldog mentality.  Likely projection opens at AAA-Charlotte.

      Ryan Burr RP (TJ) Good bullpen piece.  Former Arizona State closer and fifth round draft choice.  Sox acquired from the Diamondbacks. Throws straight over the top. Had TJ surgery last season.  The second half of Hamilton and Burr. Likely projection opens at AAA-Charlotte.

      Matt Foster RP Former 20th round choice out of Alabama Foster is a bulldog who throws strikes.  Has a shot at making club at some point next season and maybe out of spring training.  Good numbers since entering the organization with reasonable consistency. Likely projection opens at AAA-Charlotte.

      Zack Burdi RP (TJ) Former first round choice out of Louisville and Chicago, Illinois.  Had TJ surgery and has not hit his numbers since. I do not like the fact that he does not hide the ball and rotate his hips well but he once threw near 100 mph.  Wait and see here. Too many pitchers today do not know how to hide/protect the ball including not having a leg kick making it more challenging to pick up the pitch.  Likely projection opens at AAA-Charlotte.

      Tyler Johnson RP Interesting former fifth round pick out of South Carolina.  Unusual delivery release point that can be challenging to pick up for hitters. Missed much of last season.  Appears to be top RP in organization.  Likely projection opens at either AA-Birmingham or AAA-Charlotte.

      Codi Heuer RP Former Wichita State starting pitcher who has thrived in relief role.  Did not give up HR.  Likely projection opens at AA-Birmingham.

       

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12 minutes ago, ron883 said:

Not sure about listing Yermin as a 3B or comparing him to Manny Ramirez 

M-P-A gave more detail and insight then most professional writers.  I am not going to nitpick a couple of small points I might view differently. It takes real effort to state your views so thoroughly IMO.

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If you prefer call him a poor man's Manny Ramirez.

Mercedes like Ramirez is on the short side with short arms.

Like Ramirez Mercedes has good bat control and hits the ball with consistency on the barrel.

Like Ramirez, and the sample is primarily via MILB and now a preview in ST, Mercedes likes to hit in pressure situations something he has flourished in his entire career outside of MLB.

Actually Mercedes is larger in body size and height than Manny.

The comps are an opinion but warranted not necessarily the results at the major league level.

Merecedes has played at a variety of positions but with the current White Sox club he would likely be delegated to being primarily a pinch hitter.

One aspect about Yermin Mercedes is that he is a very confident player particularly with his bat in clutch situations and his arm behind the plate and has a high degree of confidence in his ability to play.

For any player and in particular one who has never played at the ML level stating he believes he will be the 26 is unusual.

So far he has hit two monster home runs including a Grand Slam today.

The guy is very strong and built like a truck.

A nice problem to have as to whether team carries another LH bat (Delmonico, Palka, Reed or the mostly unlikely which is Collins) or go with Mercedes.

More AB's like today and the recent Dodger game and Yermin Mercedes is going to put himself into the mix.

His numbers at Charlotte were actually slightly better than Luis Robert who in my view in the most talented player I have seen in the White Sox organization.

The shot Mercedes hit against the Dodgers was one for the ST ages albeit against not the best.

Yet still he hit one to clear the bases today and one wonders if he has the Right Stuff to be a nice hitter off the bench and a good third string catcher and 1B off the bench while providing a catcher in the pen.

He is 27 and possesses a swagger rare for someone who has yet to play in the bigs.

What Ramirez was so good at was in the clutch he would hit the ball solid to all fields with pop and like Manny Mercedes has an excellent eye and in particular in crucial situations.

That said he is a rookie never playing at the big league level but still there is a lot to like.

Have a good weekend.

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I doubt Reed is part of any contention outside of being a left handed  hitting option in the event the team wants a LH bat on the bench.

Hence why Delmonico, Collins and Palka are mentioned.

Collins will likely be catching at AAA-Charlotte.

This does not mean this is the direction the team will go but it even if remotely is under consideration even if that is a remote one.

It may be more likely the team will consider moving him into a pitching role in the minors as he was the top starter at UK when Reed was player of the year in the nation as a two-way player.

Bottom line is that he is one of a number of LH options if the team chooses to go that way for 26.

One can analyze different players even if that choice is a reach.

As of today it would look as though Delmonico, Palka and Mercedes are in contention.That said it is early.

This last spot likely would go to someone who can hit coming off the bench when a pinch hitter comes up in a crucial situation.

If Reed had some sort of an injury based upon the body of work and his prior status as a top prospect one might look at Luis Robert post thumb injury and though the team overpaid for his services.

It is possible Reed had an injury last season as at no time in his MILB career did he have such a slump.

At this time is does not look likely beyond a certain set of circumstances that Reed is in the hunt.

I hope you can distinguish between possibility versus say a lock and this clears up the distinction.

 

 

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1 hour ago, Minoso-Pierce-Allen-HOF said:

I doubt Reed is part of any contention outside of being a left handed  hitting option in the event the team wants a LH bat on the bench.

Hence why Delmonico, Collins and Palka are mentioned.

Collins will likely be catching at AAA-Charlotte.

This does not mean this is the direction the team will go but it even if remotely is under consideration even if that is a remote one.

It may be more likely the team will consider moving him into a pitching role in the minors as he was the top starter at UK when Reed was player of the year in the nation as a two-way player.

Bottom line is that he is one of a number of LH options if the team chooses to go that way for 26.

One can analyze different players even if that choice is a reach.

As of today it would look as though Delmonico, Palka and Mercedes are in contention.That said it is early.

This last spot likely would go to someone who can hit coming off the bench when a pinch hitter comes up in a crucial situation.

If Reed had some sort of an injury based upon the body of work and his prior status as a top prospect one might look at Luis Robert post thumb injury and though the team overpaid for his services.

It is possible Reed had an injury last season as at no time in his MILB career did he have such a slump.

At this time is does not look likely beyond a certain set of circumstances that Reed is in the hunt.

I hope you can distinguish between possibility versus say a lock and this clears up the distinction.

 

 

What I’m saying is there is zero chance Reed makes the OD roster because he offers zero defensive flexibility and the bat has shown very little in his time with the Sox.  Both Delmonico & Palka would be added over him if a lefty was needed for that last spot.  Discuss all you want, just find it a little odd that you’ve mentioned his name in multiple threads now.  I mean, the dude wasn’t even invited to big league camp.

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Just now, Minoso-Pierce-Allen-HOF said:

Your observations are well taken.

And I concur.

If they choose a LH the others are more logical.

Reed had his shot and regardless of any injury he did not get the job done.

At this point the LH are Delmonico and Palka while if a RH who has upside with power is Mercedes.

 

 

Agreed and it’s all good.

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12 hours ago, ron883 said:

Not sure about listing Yermin as a 3B or comparing him to Manny Ramirez

He did play a few games at third in the minors.The Sox realize he can hit so they tried to make him more valuable by playiing him at 1st and 3rd also.

Edited by CaliSoxFanViaSWside
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7 minutes ago, CaliSoxFanViaSWside said:

Ge did play a few games at third in the minors.The Sox realize he can hit so they tried to make him more valuable by playiing him at 1st and 3rd also.

Just look at the guy. There is absolutely no way he can play 3rd. It doesn't matter if they experimented with him there. Quite frankly I'm surprised he can even catch with all that mass he is packing

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9 hours ago, ron883 said:

Just look at the guy. There is absolutely no way he can play 3rd. It doesn't matter if they experimented with him there. Quite frankly I'm surprised he can even catch with all that mass he is packing

Agreed.  Just look at him jogging the bases after his two homers this spring.  The earth is trembling due to his mass.  And he doesn’t simply look fat.  He just looks gigantic and beefy.  He’s a DH first guy.

Edited by Moan4Yoan
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3 minutes ago, Moan4Yoan said:

Agreed.  Just look at him jogging the bases after his two homers this spring.  The earth is trembling due to his mass.  And he doesn’t simply look fat.  He just looks gigantic and beefy.  He’s a DH first guy.

This is what hurts. He is GOING to hit. Vaughn is obviously going to hit too. We have no room for Yermin with Abreu's contract. If father time catches Abreu and Yermin is the better hitter, i hope they actually let him play over Abreu.

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20 minutes ago, chitownsportsfan said:

Yermin is the latest in a long line of positionless AAAA types to get the fanbase excited.  Oof.  Davidson...Palka...Yermin.  Yermin slightly more intriguing than those guys, but not by much.  ZIPS essentially sees him as a replacement level DH.

I get the uncertainty with him.. But my goodness Palka nor Davidson had anything on the Yerminator.  

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20 minutes ago, chitownsportsfan said:

Yermin is the latest in a long line of positionless AAAA types to get the fanbase excited.  Oof.  Davidson...Palka...Yermin.  Yermin slightly more intriguing than those guys, but not by much.  ZIPS essentially sees him as a replacement level DH.

I mean, he's going to be so great (for another team, probably the Orioles or something) I just had to change my name to honor him.

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Yermin Mercedes C-1B-3B-DH-(PH)

The Fridge wore 72 and The Truck wears 73 and this ST 75.

If he makes the club out of camp or during the season he will be there for the bat.

And minus a 20 plus inning game where Renteria runs out of players there is no realistic way Yermin is going out at the hot corner at third base.

If he keeps hitting he will continue to be in the hunt to make the club.

Here is a podcast from Chuck Garfien interviewing Yermin Mercedes, Chris Getz, Carson Fulmer and Danny Mendick.

Enjoy.

 

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