poppysox

As long as Ricky doesn't bat Madrigal in cleanup...this lineup looks good no matter who bats where.

Must be very gratifying work.

That's the same skill that makes him ideal for #2. Fox like.

Happy with Mazara.

I like your thinking!

Both have a chance...they certainly have the stuff.

Easy no...doable yes.

The GM job is not easy. Most of us follow just one team very closely. We know who is on the 40 man roster and have strong opinions on players strengths and weaknesses. Even with that easy task of following one team...we don't all agree on very much. Rick and his staff need to track 30 teams and 1200+ players. It's easy for us to zero in on the names the national writers are tossing around like Keuchel and EE. When a name like Mazara comes out of the blue it's hopefully because RH and his staff have been searching for the RF answer. If Mazara bombs... the posters will all agree it was a dumb signing. If Mazara is the greatest thing since sliced bread it will be referred to as an obvious pickup. After player selection they can negotiate ridiculously expensive contracts & extensions that will also be criticized. I don't know why we have struggled for the years proceeding the rebuild...but I do know that I like where we are at currently. Obviously...I think RH is doing a very good job. Go Sox!

My preference would be Engle in the RF platoon but I liked your post.

Agreed! Posters should try to disagree without being disagreeable.

Fair weather fans are in the majority. In another year all sorts of former Cubs fans will be scampering aboard the bandwagon.

Star Power! First WS team ever with so many potential stars.

A few more tweaks and this WS team will go through this weak division like a hot knife through butter. I would be extremely disappointed with 85 wins.

Count me in the group who wants to keep all three catchers. Depth at the most physically taxing position on the field is a great thing to have. Two solid major league catchers mentoring Collins will help his development as well.

The Sox players are pulling for each other. Often see them on the bench showing each other how they grip the ball or talking about baseball stuff. Abreu and McCann are like having additional bench coaches. EE, Gio and Keuchel will add to this coaching culture IMO.

It's safe to say that Ricky will look a lot smarter in 2020 with this lineup.

If Puig doesn't get along with Abreu he won't be coming here. This is Abreu's team.

Agreed! A strong backup catcher is necessary on good teams. The mentoring from two good catchers will do lots for Collins development as well.

A trend!

If you are content with 82 wins...you should be purring like a cat.?

I think extension offers will be made to both Madrigal & Robert. RH wants to hit the ground running in 2020.

I agree...depth at catcher is a real luxury that we can afford. Things happen in a long season. Quality backups at all positions are needed to win consistently.

I'm surprised how little love Pence has received on this board.

Ya...sure...you betcha!

Yolmer, Engle & Garcia were overmatched as regulars with the WS. I think it has earned them bad raps from some fans. Late inning defensive replacement and pinch runners are role players needed on a good team. Fabulous players aren't available to sit on the bench. Players like the 3 mentioned are happy to be in the majors and their skills are less affected by long periods of non play. I am open minded to anyone who would make the bench better... but I don't know who that would be. Just my opinion.