Rounding_Third

They have allowed young players to play and develop; some have developed, some have not. Those that have not should not be counted on to contribute to a championship. They need further development in the minors. The catch-22 problem with Kopech is that the better he is, the more likely he is shut down in late summer. Then what? If he experiences issues, he gets shut down. Then what? Combine that with a TOR regression or injury. Then what? If Grandal has a problem and misses games, then what? If Abreu has a problem and misses games, then what? Kopech should be treated as an added luxury, not a dependent. Have you counted the then whats? Do you want more?

Yeah, we know. For me, its all about the lie that this year would be different. But I guess that's really old news too. They made a special effort to convince us this time. Somehow, I fell for it again.

Not at all! Their plan is to be reactionary, if needed. Not to say "we're the king of the hill, come knock us off". This is a very good team but with several depth flaws. If those flaws get exposed by regression, injuries, covid, etc, their current plan is to have unproven or flawed-proven young players come to the rescue. And, at the same time, keep the promised spending in the bank while others keep building. They call this "all in".

Yeah, I think the fact that, as of this moment, the division is weaker than they originally expected has changed their spending expectations. So now just coast into playoffs, get the added revenue of a couple of home playoff games, then fingers crossed for more easy money.

Have you looked there recently? Those new arb#'s are accounted for and factored in the total. Now just 5 pre arb dudes estimated at $9m. I est about $3.5m for them leaving $5.5m overstated. Make sense or did I miss something?

Oh I see, thx Still, I believe that $130 at RR is overstated by $5m.

& Bmags, I think the payroll is ~$125m right now but points well taken. Spotroc doesn't include all the pre arb contracts in its total. Roster resource has it at $130.5m but over-estimates the pre arb contracts by ~ $5.5m.

Its the lie that this year's spending would be different is what's drawing the anger. We shouldn't have trusted & believed him again. We're mad at ourselves for doing so and lashing out.

Okay thanks! A little shadowy but, if true, Mazara probably didn't want it to be known. Though its still pretty odd that he only missed a week when quarantine was 14 days.

Agreed!

Why do you think Mazara had covid? No indication that's true.

Not really, only 9 games and 6 starts in 4 seasons. Cabrera's play it before though not since 2018 but he did play it 75 times combined 2017 & 2018. Really like that he's a SH and nice OPS from left side. More versatility.

and nothing against Madrigal, really like him, but La Stella would have given flexibility to possible Madrigal trade for SP.

Why not Asdrubal Cabrera instead?

I saw him as primary DH against RHP (usually > 70% of games) and utility as 2nd role.

I was in his camp but one of many who's 1st reaction was "3 yrs - no way for Sox". After I slept on it, "why not"? Would have been very happy with 3 year stability with him.

He would have given the Sox 2 needed rolls, LH DH & 2nd Util IF with just 1 roster spot.

Hector, is that you? Don't know just having fun.

4) Yomiuri Giants

If the Sox chose the Miller mold, Asdrubal Cabrera would be a better choice for roughly the same $; maybe a hair more.

Yeah, perhaps not. I thought I had read about mutual interest a few weeks back but looked again and it was just an opinion that they should. It will be interesting to see just how many NL teams will show it if NL DH happens. Maybe not that many, given NL contender spending already high.

I'm thinkin' that if NL goes DH, Padres won't waste any time bringing him onboard for 2 years. I'm sure Cruz would be very happy there.

I prefer Asdrubal Cabrera. His 2020 contract was for $2.5m. Good SH, good but not great stats from both sides, very good LH OPS, both O & D versatility. Could DH every day from either side. Plays every IF position. But, apparently the Sox FO feels that IF utility depth and/or LH bat are not weaknesses and not worth spending $2-3m to have it.

Particularly at BUC. Not everyone agrees about that need, I'm a yes, definitely. 3 of the best are now gone; Ramos, Romine, and Suzuki, each for >=$2m. Sox were spoiled with McCann and now I believe undervalued his contribution. We're going from a great defensive BUC with an .896 OPS to .292 with Collins and his crappy defense and they're fine with that. Like I said before, Yaz, please, please, PLEASE stay healthy. Btw, that's Sox FO strategy too.

100% agree! Still a few out there but being picked off every day and they just do nothing.