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If he's one of the Top Ten hitters in mlb history his first 7-8 big league seasons, it will be quite the story. Completely different offensive approaches and contact skills.

Antonacci still arguably needs more time in the minors. Unless he just blows Meidroth away in ST and looks better than expected defensively, but Chase was lousy for most of his time in AZ as well last year. Also don't see them carrying three catchers. Sosa and Mead are clearly most at risk...but maybe Lenyn DHs unless they pull Benintendi out of LF.

he looks like a “moose.” can we call him moose?

Frank Thomas part 2? Methinks so

Between Colson, Murakami and Braden there should be some serious savagery in this lineup. Meidroth/Antonacci platoon at leadoff, Teel 2nd to get guys on base and then a wave of savages after that.

The roster opens up way more if Benintendi would get the hell outta here.

Funny how these clowns are NOW posting Japanese market rumors

Right now, I’m assuming Quero is the primary DH (and backup catcher). As bad as Baldwin was in the OF corners last year, I think he’s worth giving an extended look there to see if he can improve with more repetition. I think there is still room for Sosa on the 26 man roster, but they need to see if he can play some LF along with filling in at 2B, 1B, & DH. His ability to crush LHP is still super valuable.

For comparison in how they performed in Japan: Shohei’s K rates in his age 20-22 seasons in Japan were 36%, 26%, and 27%. His career K rate in MLB is 25.5% with a low season of 22.2% and a high season of 29.6%. His BB% over the same ages were 7%, 14%, and 10%. His career BB% rate in MLB is 12.5% with a low season of 7.8% and a high season of 15.2%. Munetaka Murakami’s K rates in his age 20-22 seasons in Japan were 22%, 21%, and 21%. The last 3 seasons it was 28%, 29%, and 29%. His BB% over the same ages as Ohtani were 17%, 17%, and 19%.

And on top of it, you aren't picking a guy at that stage who you don't already have an agreement 99% done with.

College freshman aren't draft eligible. Only some sophomores are. Depends on birthdate/age.

Theoretically yes? I don’t really have an answer for you, it just seems less common, which makes me think it’s more difficult. I’m just a guy on a message board, though.

Draft eligible sophomores can do it, but most Freshman and Sophomores are not draft eligible. Juniors that don't sign destroy all leverage, so most take any reasonable offer.

Can't college freshman and sophomores do the same ?

I agree that Baldwin looks much better in CF than the OF corners and I think he’s going to improve with the bat but if the Sox keep Robert then Brooks is the odd man out or he can be a DH. Actually with the signing of Murakami my guess is Sosa might be the main DH. Since we need a rightfielder, maybe they trade Sosa.

And Michigan TN Missouri. They hardly had a soft schedule. MI was very highly ranked at the beginning of the season. Mateer was just never really the same after that hand injury...and they never developed a consistent ground game. Defense/turnovers and special teams were the reasons for most wins. Never got to face Vandy.

I’ve been a Sox fan over 7 decades and I think that Robert is the best centerfielder we’ve had in that time and we’ve had guys like Busby, Landis, Berry and Lemon. What drives me crazy with him of course is he can’t stay healthy and he continues to have lousy at bats, I haven’t seen him try to adjust, I’m sure the coaches have worked with him but for some reason it’s not working. It’s really a tough decision to make with what to do with him, the guy has so much talent, I keep hoping that he finally figures things out. At this point, I would keep him and if he doesn’t improve with the bat, they can trade him at mid-season and get whatever they can for him. Of course some team might come up with a deal that we can’t refuse but I’m not holding my breath on that happening.

Another reason to watch the WBC. At least the Japan games.

846 ops there is far from bad. We shall see.

This is a nice surprise. Hope he translates.

I'd rather have him kill RHP.

Use the Popemobile for pitching changes.

Holy Moses! We have reasons to watch this team and be interested in the future. Wow.

"Splitters particularly give Murakami fits, as he’s done very little damage against them. Despite some of the worst contact rates in NPB..." Very few splitters/forkballs in MLB. Roki Sasaki with one of the most hyoed/famous ones. Creates significant health concerns for pitchers.