poppysox

Why? He hit .260 with 1 HR in 150 ab's and would cost 2 or 3 times Yolmers anticipated 3 or 4 million.

I don't know...how much interest has there been in the other 4 guys you have mentioned. It's getting late in the offseason for all of them. These are filler pieces...no one is knocking down any of their doors.

I didn't imply that Yolmer was better defensively than Moncada or Madrigal. I say he is an outstanding defensive player who can give a break to several everyday players.

I said when we have a "big lead". Most bench players are not great hitters and they sure don't usually catch the ball like Yolmer. IMO a bench player has a first priority of do no harm. For sure...Yolmer won't hurt us.

We will have a big lead in a number of games with this offense. Yolmer will have lots of opportunities to mop up and save the wear and tear on Moncada and Magic in addition to a very occasional start. His hitting from both sides is also useful. I like that he and Engle already know the WS so well...and will fit right in.

What I like about Yolmer is the defense he brings to the infield. I actually hope he gives up that Gatorade dumping stuff ...but still like the baseball skills.

Yolmer!

I am sure RH will be moved to action do to your generous offer.?

I would prefer to focus on baseball rather than beat this 30+ year old dead horse. This is Houston's problem....let's not make it ours.

If we are building a team capable of winning Division, League and WS titles we need to be good enough to win against good teams. When we win the Central this year...we don't need to listen about how we didn't have to beat anyone. The season just got more interesting. Go Sox.

And a very good bench it would be.

We don't "have" to anoint anyone. Just making a prediction.

Yep...Jirschele is our manager of the future.

Looks like I have some company in the optimism department.?

I would have agreed with you until we signed Grandal. Now framing gives us an edge.

Hawk would say todays players are bigger, stronger & faster. In your fathers and my day there were only 16 teams and you didn't get to the major leagues without knowing which base to throw to, etc. Fewer jobs meant you better show up and do your job or you wouldn't have one. Very hard to judge players across generational lines since equipment, rules, travel, money, training facilities and the Union have changed the game dramatically. I'll tell you one thing for sure...I would love to have Koufax pitching for the Sox in 2020. I have no doubt he could still get them out today.

I agree with the above grades and would give Mazara a C+.

Anderson Moncada Abreu Eloy Grandal Encarcion Mazara Robert Madrigal

Agreed...I would rather have Engel.

Practically a baby.?

Leyland was the guy I wish we had in the organization for 30 years.

Just an observation...when we got rid of Larussa I was delighted. I hated his slow micro managing ways. Apparently he got better with time.

I'm not nuts about RR's bunting escapades and lineup ideas but today is a new day with a whole different arsenal of weapons. RR has been around professional baseball for 40 years. Do we really think we know so much more than he does about the game. I think Ricky may be a pleasant surprise when managing a good team.

Baloney!

I agree with you that Pence is custom made for this platoon situation. Pence is a hard working veteran that the fans would love. I am starting to believe RH traded for Mazara thinking he would be the full time guy.