GreenSox

Graveman was not good last year; neither was Ruiz. And certainly not Diekman. One pitcher who was good was Tanner Banks (he's 31; they're effing around because of options?); so was Davis Martin.

Negative WAR in 2021 and in 2022. Who could have known?

Thanks, I missed that Lynn option. Anyway, we will have a need for starting pitching next year (and hopefully not before).

The 3 batter rule also minimizes the necessity of a lefty in the pen.

Really hoping for a big year from Burke. 60% of the Sox' starting rotation contracts-out after this season (although I think they have an option for a 2nd year of Clevenger).

Of all of the talent squandering that the Sox have done over the past decade, I can't see any scenario in which dumping a 32 year old 11-year veteran with a .644 OPS will cause serious lamentations. LaRussa perhaps messed up his game, putting him in situations where he had little chance of success. But LaRussa also made him rich.

Our starters really don't need subbing anyway. Last year, we had 2 corner OFs that needed subbing.

What is the source here?

I don't know what to expect; but they absolutely need him to be a productive player. He and the Cease improvement are it the last few seasons. Baseball teams get old and stale fast If he doesn't, it's hoping and praying that the rest return to 2023 form and that other teams haven't gotten better around them.

They would, but obtaining value in quickie July trades isn't the strong-suit of the Sox front-office. And if a collapse happens, they will salary dump whoever's still walking among Giolito, Hendriks, Lynn, Clevenger, Grandal, Lopez, Kelly. This org. definitely doesn't need a pre-deadline collapse. I think if the pitching holds up the Sox might win it; but there really isn't much room for error (or injury).

He also caused the need to infuse the team with talent, by trading away young talent that they already had on hand for pennies on the dollar (mis-evaluting both the players he traded away and those he traded for). And then the little move to pick Kimbrel over Rodon arguably cost the team the division (despite the myriad of other issues such as injuries/LaRussa). But it's a new season, the team looks fresh and improved, and so does the farm (if things need shaking up).

It doesn't need either one of them.

Good to see Romy making a late push.

Well Billy and his .317 OPS is still within range of Marisnick and his .374 OPS. Don't give up hope yet!

If his defense is up to par, why not?

Certainly not thinking of it as a permanent move...just some spot play. Showing some versatility might help his FA outlook (not that that is a prime concern anyway). Anyway, I think he's a really good player and I hope the Sox are able to keep him long-term.

Glad to see him playing well.. I'd like to see the Sox use him in the OF some; he's an excellent athlete, we have little depth in the OF and most of our good prospects are IFs. Some time there once in a while will be easier on his body. He's arguably our best player, and letting him go after his contract should not be easy (especially if it's due to this "clubhouse" nonsense).

Hopefully, Vaughn solidifies that spot this season. But I also hope that Sosa has a great first couple of months in Charlotte and can move into 2B and at least split time with Andrus that would elevate the team (including bench) over what appears will be a bench with 3 no-hit defensive replacement types.

And a new 2B (Sosa?). 3 rookies in the IF

I would put the Sox as slight favorites to win the division. If Cease, Gio, Lynn, Kopech and Clevenger each pitch 150+ innings, they will win it and have a chance to do a lot more.

None of Hamilton, Alberto, Leury or Marisnick can hit. That has been established over long careers and large sample sizes with career OPS' below .700 (and in most cases, well below). Alberto has been pretty good against left-handed pitchers, so perhaps that's enough for him to make the cut. Otherwise, these are defensive replacements, utility infielders and and 5th OF types. Romy hasn't hit yet, but it's a small sample size, so perhaps he will. But how many of these types of players do we need? An our starting 2B, who can play multiple positions, has struggled with the bat most of his career as well (I hope he repeats what he did in Chicago last year, but it's tough to count on that). Burger and Sheets will each be 27 this season; they aren't prospects anymore. They don't need nurturing. Use them as needed; perhaps that's in AAA to start, but with 4 spots open and with the other candidates being unable to hit, and with starters needing regular rest, there should be room for one of them, if not both.

He was a lot of fun on the pregame. May he rest in peace.

Good Sosa at-bat v. Urias.

Marisnick, Leury, Alberto, Romy, Haseley, et al. I'm lumping 5th outfielders with utility players. None of them can hit.

At least one guy on the bench has to be able to hit. 3 utility players would be ridiculous.