poppysox

Like most young players...if he signs an extension he will be up with the big club on OD. Without the extension...he will need a month or two of adjustment time.

This is a first-class effort at the analysis of where our team is at. I agree with almost everything and refuse to minimize your fine effort by quibbling.

Ain't it the truth.

Living wage arguments fall on deaf ears when you talk about millionaire ballplayers vs billionaire owners. If this was an argument that ballclubs should hold down the cost of a hotdog, ticket, parking, beer, and soda I would be all in. I really fear that we are approaching when fans are in decline because they can't afford to attend it. For those of you who haven't gone to a minor league game...you're missing a treat. A great seat costs $10 and the food price is like fast food pricing anywhere. Parking can be free up to a few bucks. No wonder they have nice crowds where I have gone. The fan pays the freight on this great sport...owners and players should do more to be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

I like both of your picks.

Got to love this kind of attitude. Makes me think well of each of these guys.

Very good attempt at explaining a very difficult (IMO) subject. I especially got a better grasp of the utility player vs full-time player. The Moneyball image I had was that fWAR was used by FO types to uncover the hidden gems among players being underutilized. In any event...thanks for your efforts.

Very few teams have a #4 and #5 with TOR potential. I think it would be malpractice not to explore that potential. By the way...are you fired up and ready to go??

The complaint would be we didn't extend him when he would have been cheap. RH just can't win.

Maybe "we" were all wrong and this Rodon signing is a thing of genius. Yeah...I know...probably not.?

The concept is correct...but we never "all" agree on anything.

So...does this mean we're not getting Bauer??

I like the signing and Rodon getting to work with Katz. Surprised the Sox would go 3 million for him, however. I think it is a real sign that Katz has faith of the FO.

That would shock the hell out of me.

Fortunately...nobody on this site is getting a vote.

Sad but true.

I won't be surprised if we do use a variation of openers coupled with what does look like a dominant pen. Kopech, Lopez, and Cease are openers + until they show an ability to go six + innings with every start IMO.

I would make that trade. Crochet makes me far more nervous than Kelley.

I know...feels good. We felt that way about Coop for a long time as well. Let's face it...Soxtalk is loaded with optimism. ?

Thanks for a well thought out post.

I can guarantee JR is not a figurehead. Years ago I had a meeting with Roland Hemond and I was asked to step out of the meeting 3 separate times for confidential calls to Hemond from JR. I definitely got the impression JR is the type that wants to be in the loop. We are seeing even now with the TL hire that JR still is a very active part of what goes on in the WS organization.

Fortunately, this board won't be making that call.

Your assessment of JR is spot on IMO.

Our FO isn't as dumb as some seem to think.

I still think it would be wise to sign Flowers as a backup catcher. Collins needs to catch every day after last year's shortened season.