poppysox

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.

Steve & Jason have a much easier job now. Actually have baseball to talk about without relying on the standup routine.

Thanks...I made the edit.

Looks to me that Mazara was signed to be the regular right fielder. Engle and Garcia will be his late inning replacements and occasional platoon partners.

I obviously am not saying it's desirable. How do you think the fan base is going to like Bryant for a couple of trash players? Our fan base excepted the trades of Sale, Q & Eaton quite well. Everyone understands you can't be left empty handed when dealing with these star players. I want to make every effort to extend virtually all core players...but if it can't be done you turn it over. Bryant's situation is unacceptable and avoidable.

When a team has a Bryant who announces up front there will be no extensions...I strongly believe that player needs to be put on the block while the team has 2 years of control left. Cubs are going to get bubcus for Bryant instead of a pretty nice haul which would have been available had they moved him earlier. RH needs to work very hard to get extensions for Gio and Moncada types. RH has been very good at this by the way.

Well reasoned post.

Grandal is a huge plus for our young pitcher development IMO.

I don't know...this lineup should make anyone realize the guy behind you can pick you up. Batting Jose 4 through 6 would quite possibly help as well. With this lineup the concept of pitching around someone is a lot less likely.

I wish him well. Has speed, power, can catch the ball and a good arm...just couldn't put it all together. Seemed like a very nice guy.

Sanchez needs time to realize 6 million isn't in his future. Patience grasshopper.?

I agree with you. My belief is that Mazara was brought in to be the full time right fielder. Puig is intriguing because of the Cuban connection and probable low price tag. Can't help but be curious if Jose & Yoan could unlock Puig's potential.

Three weeks til Sox Fest and six weeks until Spring Training. Time to get the last pieces in place. Maybe there will be some bargains available soon. Puig is a good possibility as is Sanchez.

Boy do I hate relievers who walk people. Come to think about it....I also hate starters who walk people.?