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Vaughn just wasn't ready to play a full season. He was essentially still a college player because of circumstances beyond his control. Sheets had the advantage with his experience of coming up through the minors, working on his game and when he arrived he took full advantage of that experience and the chance to hit against a lot of RHP. I thought it was great the way he stepped up. If you like Vaughn you don't have to be anti Sheets and if you like Sheets you don't have to be anti Vaughn. They both honestly have a shot at 30 HR's this year if the Sox can find the playing time for both of them. Vaughn has the pedigree and seems likely to be the one to take a massive leap forward. Him stepping up would be huge. If Sheets just does what he did last year over a full season he hits 30 HR's this year. Sheets doesn't have the pedigree so he has more doubters . Him stepping up and filling that LH power void would be huge. We all know the what the problem was last year. Lack of power because of injuries. This could be a very powerful team if they can all stay on the field . Robert, Eloy, Vaughn and Sheets all need 550+ plate appearances. Vaughn and Sheets both appear to know the strike zone well while Eloy and Robert are both not as choosy with what they swing at. They all need to stay on the field and mature to offset any decline from guys like Abreu and Grandal. Find spots for the young guys to play. Rest Abreu and Grandal more and don't let them play DH. Keep them as fresh as possible. DH should be Eloy, Vaughn and Sheets primarily and not necessarily in that order. Vaughn and Sheets should get some 1st base time too. Vaughn should get some LF time. RF playing time for both Vaughn and Sheets is up to the coaches if they see some improvements or if the lack of a true RF is not forthcoming.

I feel like I would have to be an expert to answer the poll question and I'm not. I do think fans have a tendency to forget what a weak division we play in. They also forget that despite the weak division we had a terrible road record. It wasn't any surprise they lost to Houston. Might've had a shot with the Rodon of the 1st half but realistically it's not just the roster you have to evaluate. Sox don't have any true superstars of the game. No Trout , Soto, Harper, Acuna ,Altuve, Betts, Correa, Freeman, Peak Scherzer, Verlander,Kershaw, DeGrom. Eloy or Robert need to have a monster season. Mocada is capable of one. If Abreu is their fatherly influence the apple has fallen far from the tree to find any Abreu like durability. Show up , work hard. Celebrating during the season is great entertainment but the biggest celebration of all is the big prize . Stay focused.

Gio is a huge guy 6'6" maybe 260.

But that was last spring before he put up a bad year after having some hamstring issues.

And from that point on I always wore #16 Berry's number. Ward I think was 8, Horlen was 20.

My Favorite Sox were Ken Berry and Joel Horlen. My older brother's was Ward.

The big 3 Tommy John, Joel Horlen and Gary Peters.

RIP Pete. His name was very familiar to me and my family growing up on the South Side.

Game over . Sox win 4-3 Mieses is a big LH Bat at 1st and looked good in the field too making 2 plays in the hole and making accurate throws from his rear . Announcer said he reminds them of Fred McGriff.

I like the way he pulled his hands in on that swing.

Is that the pitcher #89 ? If it is reminds me of the pitcher they found on Trouble With the Curve.

Both against lefties Not time to draw any conclusions. He won't face many lefties.

He'd have to torch AAA but I like Yolbert. Slick fielder but since he joined AA he's torched the ball there and in the AZL.

2-2

4-1 Sox

2-0 Sox

Mercedes single to RCF , Collins and Adolfo K , Rutherford grounded to 2b

I got both on my computer . Nothing needed but the internet.

Got both games on my computer at the same time. Both broadcasts just started.

Why? Don't need him and he's still in a role he doesn't want to be in. More better MILB players means more trade bait and minus Kimbrel's salary means more money for something else.

Outman isn't bad choice among those 4. I don't think the Sox would have to eat much of Kimbrels contract either for him. Made a big leap at AA last year. Got some MLB time with the Dodgers. Could be used in a trade for a pitcher with Oakland. Line at AA in 166 AB was .289 , .369, .518 .887 K's too much. Maybe get a 2nd piece and eat more contract.

McKinstry, Outman, Raley, Beaty all LH OF on the Dodgers 40

Kelenic confirmed

Half a season of Minor league baseball changes things just like 1/2 a season of Kimbrel being great changed his value at the TDL. It's just the way they think and it is prudent thinking at this point .Jerry isn't going over the CBT and they probably prefer >< $10M under it in wiggle room.

I don't think the Sox wanted to get this close to the Tax in the 1st place let alone go over it. They are planning to be able to make moves at the TDL too so they feel something has to be in reserve. Kimbrel's the move that has to get done 1st. If we are $17M away from the cap anything freeing up $10M+ leaves the Sox able to afford $20M a year more and leaves some for the TDL. Might even get a prospect to use in a trade.