poppysox

Colome is the first member of the 26 players going to Chicago that is concerning me at this point.

Interesting game with Robert, Mazara, Vaughn, Madrigal and Keuchel playing a role. We seem to play more interesting lineups on days without TV.

This is how I see it as well.

It's obvious that we have a really good top to bottom offensive with a great mix of power and speed. Starting pitching looks great if Cease & Lopez take a step forward and I believe they will. Relief guys look to be somewhere between good and excellent. No way do I see any point in starting the season as a Gloomy Gus. I predict the playoffs in our future. Of course...in reality...we will go as far as the pitching takes us. I am encouraged that we have some nice pitching depth with Kopech, Rodon and Dunning in the wings.

McCann was the AS catcher last year so I think it's fair to say he is a capable backup at this point. Catchers tend to develop later so Collins catching everyday at AAA would be my preference. If someone wants to overpay for McCann I am open to Collins being the backup for sure. I'm one of those people that thinks the catcher position is super important and depth at catcher is a wonderful luxury to have.

Today's victory over the Cubs moves us to a record of 8-5. I know that ST wins don't count but still nice to play reasonably well while getting the team in shape for the regular season.

Engel, Garcia and McCann are all excellent for how we plan to use them. I'm not clamoring to extend them...but I'm certainly not clamoring to trade them either.

Hope so. Time to start seeing the regulars on an everyday basis.

It's a long season...thing can happen. For all we know ...he might catch 80 games.

Now Adam is just rubbing it in to the naysayer's.

Nice play by Nicky.

We can hope.?

If I was a Cub fan I would be concerned that this will be typical of the Cub/Sox games for the next 6 or 7 years.?

I didn't say he belongs on the team because of his bat. I repeat...he belongs on the team for his GG defense and speed. Additionally...his bat has improved since second half last year which is factual.

Bench players are not going to be Mike Trout quality. They have a skill set that comes into play several times a week. Engel happens to pocess several tools that play at a high level...primarily speed and defense. He actually has been hitting since second half of last year.

He was seeing the ball real well in his last at bat.

Engel quietly hitting .318 and field his usual GG game. What a nice bench piece he has become.?

I agree 100% with everything you said. McCann will get plenty of playing time to keep Grandal fresh. Collins should be catching full time at AAA and Mercedes would be my 3rd catcher because of his PH abilities. Only trade McCann to a desperate team willing to overpay for his services.

I agree...and part of all this is that the guys on the team like each other.

Moncada has acquired generational wealth even if he should break his leg tomorrow. A player is on a team he is comfortable with and is being paid more than any human can spend in 3 lifetimes. Seems like a very smart move to me...just not greedy. I admire him for it.

Hope we get that kind of break when the games count.

Pitching has been encouraging throughout ST.

Vaughn can flat out hit.

Now that's cool.

He was obviously raised right.?