GreenSox

The ESPN potential draft lists for the Sox and Braves were similar; but for the Braves they mentioned that they could sign one of them underslot. Underslot seems like it would work for the Sox too, considering the volume of college pitchers in the 1/2 round category (recognizing they draft 6 spots later and that underslot in early rounds is not in Sox MO).

Who's the other guy with Ozzie and Garfien?

Pilkington's going to pitch the game of his life today, isn't he?

No argument here. I thought he was over his head in 2013 and my opinion has gotten only more steadfast.

By all accounts, Hahn made a serious run at Wheeler. Machado - no. That was an embarrassing effort. No one knows exactly which, if any, of Hahn's numerous howlers were forced upon him. The Leury contract smells of LaRussa, but otherwise, most of the moves have been Hahn-level stuff he's been doing for a long time. But he's been GM for over a decade and he has had 2 winning seasons. He just needs to run along.

One can dream. Heck Haber may show that he's more than the Hahn footman he appears to be.

Which would be ridiculous. But when you don't think 2 moves ahead, this happens. Last year the #30 farm waived its #12 (or so) prospect.

Taking pitches is certainly a new tune coming from Ozzie, compared to when he was manager. This just isn’t anything that the org prioritizes.

I think what you said is true. But, with this organization, the reliever risk is heightened...by a lot. I really don't want the Sox to draft anyone in in the first few rounds (until they start punting) that has any resemblance to a reliever.

Kenny Williams should have given a longer speech.

If a pitcher pitches well, Ks will come naturally. Otherwise, an out is an out. The top analytics orgs have moved beyond Ks. I just don't get this org.

To say the least....

What??? A bag of balls would get it done. Although why in the hell the Sox would want it done is beyond me.

This is really heartening. What a fast-riser. And now that there's tangible outside confirmation, the Sox will for sure know what they have.

The telling thing to me is that .400 avg allowed to lefties. That suggests to me that while he throws hard, he doesn't have much movement on the fastball, and/or that that slider generally breaks off the plate (which won't fool lefties; nor pro hitters either side; a Fulmer issue). And he'd be required to learn, really, 2 more pitches. And, of course, the FO willingness to use first-round choices on relievers.

Sounds more like something dropped by the FO to take the focus away of an offseason of adding utility infielders and relief pitchers.

Horton has great stuff, only 2 pitches, can't get lefties out, was only good for a month. Looks like a rush-to-the-bullpen candidate. I hope the Sox look elsewhere.

Yes, Sox would add 6 or 7 wins per season. And to get him, Sox would give up probably 10-12 wins per season, dispersed over 3-4 players. That could work if they had talent who they could replace those players with; but the #30 farm system does not have that talent. So, in all, trading for Soto would probably make the Sox worse.

I like Leury because he can play OF and IF. Just a nice backup, and, backup, of course, is precisely where he has value. As you said, the manager insisting on starting him will screw things up in the "step back and retool" scenario; and it will ensure failure in the "let's play this out and see what happens" scenario. I think there are a couple of crazy/"out of the box" things they could still do with essentially this roster to give this a fighting chance.

Love Vera's delivery. Sousa has a 10 ERA in Charlotte. Good gracous.

Yea, I know. Just to create some room, which they'll need (could use some now).

And it's particularly galling because they put a lot (too many) resources into the supporting cast. It's probably a result of the #30 farm plus the long-time preference of this FO for utility players and old veterans. But the good news is, that it shouldn't be that hard to fix (although a couple of bad contracts are in the way).

Interesting. I think you nailed the 3. I would move Harrison and Pollock along to create some room. Some team could use a utility infielder, and Pollock has been good enough recently to take a flyer on for a 2nd half rebound. 2nd half used to recapture value of some of the veterans (some of these guys need to be moved in the offseason if for no other reason to freshen up this operation) and to give more time for young players. Whether Tony is down with that, is another question. After all, the Sox closed the 1983 season at 50-16.....

Isn't Hostetler in charge of pro scouting?

Probably shouldn't sell, because there is slim chance that Hahn will get Hostetler to dispatch his scouts to adequately evaluate the minor league systems of teams that would be interested in Sox players. He'd be trading off of prospect ranking lists.