Lillian

Assuming that both Rollins and Jackson are going to be in the regular lineup, and that Avi doesn't get traded or sent to AAA, I'd like to see this: RF Eaton SS Rollins 1B Abreu DH Melky 3B Frazier 2B Lawrie LF AVI C Avila/Navarro CF Jackson Rollins is a smart hitter, who would be able to handle the 2 hole, leaving Melky to provide the LH bat in the middle of the order, to break up all the right handed hitters. Of course, this would have to be altered until Eaton's shoulder is completely healthy. LaRoche would then have to be a pinch hitter and defensive replacement for Abreu. It would be better if he weren't on the roster, but it is, what it is. I like having the 3 speedsters in succession, 9TH, Leadoff and 2ND.

I'd rather see Sands get that time in CF, until Eaton is ready. It's too early for Jacob May. He needs at least a year at AAA. Moreover, he has no power, which the Sox outfield really could use. It's also too early for Engel. Sands has already proven his Minor League credentials. He needs to get Major League at bats. If he establishes himself, and depending upon how Avi does, once Eaton is ready, he could slide over to RF. I just reread this old scouting report: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1311284...or-josh-beckett This guy has serious power, and has a very impressive Minor League career. He really hasn't had a chance to play much in the Majors. In just 66 games, last year at AAA Columbus he hit 14 homers and put up this line: .287 .409 .538 .948 He looked pretty good yesterday, both on defense and at the plate. Given our poor defense and the lack of power, in the outfield, why not give him a good look in Spring Training? I understand that he is not really a centerfielder, and that he would play much better in a corner OF spot, but playing CF until Eaton can return, is one way to get him at bats. Avi needs to play and I'd certainly rather see Sands in CF, than Avi. Yikes!!

Now that the Dodgers have lost one of their lefty starters, Brett Anderson, could this be a chance for a Danks/Ethier trade?

Can anyone here provide a definitive answer to the question: Who is the better fielding SS, Saladino or Desmond, and by what degree? This thread has over 50 pages, but it seems to contain a lot of conjecture, with no real assessment of the comparative defensive of the two players. Do the Sox really want to spend money and a draft pick, to acquire a SS, who is not as good defensively as a young, inexpensive rookie, especially with Anderson waiting in the wings? As has been argued, the middle of the infield defense has probably been downgraded already, with Lawrie, in place of Sanchez. Downgrading the defense at SS may be to the team's detriment, even if Desmond puts up his career average offensive numbers.

Latos didn't sign for that kind of money, without some kind of guarantee to get plenty of innings. That's fine, as he is probably a better pitcher than E. Johnson. Nevertheless, the Sox need the depth. They didn't have a single starter lose significant playing time, last year. It would be unusual to go two years in a row, with all 5 starters not having any down time. Come to think about it, I don't remember any Sox starter missing a lot of time in 2014 either. Sale had that ankle injury in Spring training last year, but he didn't miss much time. That is the only instance that I can remember, in the last two years. Am I forgetting something?

Well, if we must resign ourselves to the probability that LaRoche will be the DH, I suppose it's realistic to expect him to be better than last year. It's hard to imagine him being that bad, again. He was always a pretty good hitter against RHP. You know, if he could just hit .250 with an OBP around .350, with 20 homers, all obviously vs. righties, that would be fine. We just have to hope that Robin will make sure that he sits vs. LHP. There is no reason to expect him to be anything other than a black hole, vs. lefties. But then, what gives us any reason to be confident that Robin will not start him every day? Has Ventura said anything about platooning him?

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Jan 29, 2016 -> 08:23 AM) Who exactly is the Sox 2 hole hitter currently? It seems like a mighty big hole to me. Now Fowler is not great at it and is not worth the draft choice in my view. But I suspect they will do something I like even less, like clearing out the prospects not named Fulmer or Anderson for yet another proven NL veteran. As for the front office, it really should've been cleared out after last year's debacle. Just Williams getting a presidency somewhere elwould have give Hahn more freedom to make certain other adjustments. But whoever's in the front office, they are dealt a tough hand. They don't want to take the time to build the organization, but don't have the budget to get the necessary free agents. And when they trade for/ sign proven veterans, their hit rate is ridiculously low. They've got to cut down on the misses in the proven veteran category It's hard to argue against your point. I just prefer trying to improve the clean up spot, rather than the #2 hole. It's pretty hard to be optimistic, with La Roche there, again.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jan 29, 2016 -> 07:01 AM) The walks/OBP have clear value, but $15 million per year and a top 30 draft pick's worth? Exactly, and please note, even his OBP has not been that good vs. RHP. Over that same last three years, it's under .350

Sorry if this has been recently stated by others, as I haven't read the entire thread: Over the last 3 seasons, Fowler is around a .245 hitter vs. RHP. His numbers are terrific vs. lefties, but he won't face many southpaws, playing for the Sox. He does hit for more power from the left side, but he's still not really a power hitter. I don't think he is the answer, and he would cost that draft pick. The biggest offensive hole is still someone to hit between Abreu and Frazier, and Fowler isn't suited to bat in that spot. Everyone seems to agree that he would profile as a leadoff or 2 hole hitter, which is not the Sox' greatest need.

Just a reminder of Desmond's Career Inter League Stats, in 428 Plate Appearances: AVG OBP SLG OPS .220 .268 .379 .647 Not very impressive.

There are two big remaining holes on this roster: 1) One good defensive outfielder, for CF or RF, who is at least an average hitter. 2) A respectable OBP, power bat, preferably left handed to bat between Abreu and Frazier. If he hits RHP exceptionally well, it would be acceptable if he were right handed I continue to think that SS is not a hole, as Saladino is a good defender with good speed, and some modest offensive potential. That should be adequate, if the other 2 holes are filled. Frazier at 3RD, Lawrie at 2ND & Abreu at 1ST provide enough potential offense for the infield. Defense at SS is more important. Austin Jackson is my favorite remaining Free Agent, without the loss of a draft pick, for the outfield. That leaves the middle of the order left handed bat. I wish someone could provide hope that La Roche would not be a total black hole again, in that spot. However, I doubt that anyone can make a credible argument for that. Who is out there, who might fill that hole, in a trade, or free agent acquisition? The only open spot is DH, if they sign Jackson. I'd still like to have Ethier, if trading for him didn't cost much in talent. At his age, he would be fine as a DH, or a corner outfielder, with Melky moving to DH. Andre isn't of much use vs LHP, but he is a solid professional hitter vs RHP.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Jan 22, 2016 -> 03:36 PM) Why? The Royals hit three more HR's than the Sox last season and they seemed to do OK. People have to let go of their obsession with HR's, usually the guys that hit the most also create the most unproductive outs which makes it more of a negative than a positive. The Royals had 116 more hits and 102 more runs while the Sox gave away 258 more K's and despite having what most consider a superior pitching staff the Sox gave up 60 more runs mostly due to shoddy defense. Isn't the Royal's stadium a big factor in this consideration? The home run stats for Kaufman vs. the Cell are difficult to compare. Opponents are going to hit homers at the Cell, even with good pitching. I don't think that the Sox can have very limited power, and still win, in their ball park.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jan 22, 2016 -> 01:57 PM) I'm sure I'll get roasted for this, but what about signing Desmond and then trading Anderson for a cost-controlled outfielder? I like Anderson, but he's far from a lock to be a quality MLB player. That makes sense to me, primarily because I don't think Anderson will be an elite defensive SS. He has speed and a good bat, but only becomes a big success if he can play SS, at a high level. If he has to move to the outfield, having acquired a true outfielder, with more power would be regarded, in hindsight, as a good move.

QUOTE (Vance Law @ Jan 22, 2016 -> 12:52 PM) Offer Cespedes 4 years with an opt out after 2. Done. That is what I've been advocating, except I would go 5 years, heavily front loaded. What numbers would you suggest? Do you think that the 1ST two years at $25 million, and the last 3 years at $20 million would be enough to entice him? That's only $5 million more than the 5 year, $105 million, rumored to be on the table from the Nationals. I think it all depends upon how that offer is structured. If it's the same annual salary every year, with no opt out, then the deal I'm advocating could be enticing.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Jan 22, 2016 -> 01:43 PM) Why would the Sox have interest in Desmond? He makes zero sense considering he would cost a draft pick and would be blocking the Sox top prospect. Add to that, it would complete a total defensive downgrade of one of the worst defenses in baseball. Hes declined offensively every year since 2012 and bringing him to the AL is going to reverse that? This is the backwards thinking that keeps the Sox as a bottom rung team in its division. My sentiments, exactly, which I've expressed earlier. I want a ++ defensive SS. It is true that the Sox need another bat, but it shouldn't be from the SS position. If Saladino is as good of a defender as he is touted to be, he should be fine, until Anderson is ready. Who knows, maybe by the time Anderson joins the Major League club, he will be a better candidate for CF, and Tyler will remain the SS.

Have you seen this?: http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2015/12/09/159247...mp-to-instagram If Lawrie keeps this up, he's likely to spend considerable time on the DL. Sanchez may see more playing time than we think. Look, I'm very impressed, but that kind of workout is very dangerous. He's jumping toward a hard wall, on a very flimsy stack, and from a hard floor. He really should have some spotters close by, at the very least.

For my part, I hope that they don't sign him, unless it's the kind of deal, which I have been advocating. If a team wants to guarantee him big money, for several years, they can have him. The Sox may not be able to fill their perceived holes, but that is a separate issue. This guy is not the answer, unless his deal is one which will keep him focused and motivated.

The current roster does not include a single outstanding defensive outfielder. Jackson would fill that hole, and not cost a draft pick. Forget about Desmond, who will cost a pick. Saladino should be able to provide plus defense, at a key defensive position. That would still leave a void at the clean up spot. I agree with those who advocate bringing in P. Alvarez to DH, as a platoon, as he could hit between Abreu and Frazier, vs RHP. On those few days, when the Sox face a tough left hander, Alvarez would sit, and one of the bench players could take his place. Our 4TH outfielder, would be a candidate to platoon with Alvarez. I assume that it would be Shuck, as Avi would probably go back to AAA. It seems unlikely that they would keep Garcia on the Major League club, just to face LHP, and making him the 4TH outfielder, is not feasible, because he is not a viable defensive replacement. The biggest problem with this scenario is that there would not be any room on the roster for La Roche, with Alvarez there. Many of us have suggested that the Sox need to just cut their losses, even if it means eating his salary. A bigger issue with cutting La Roche is that with Alvarez, there wouldn't be any defensive back up for Abreu. If there were room on the roster for one more position player, Adam could provide that insurance. Unfortunately, there isn't. If Jose were injured, and La Roche were gone, who could play first?

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 05:55 PM) Oh, like Tyler Flowers? Yes, I agree that Flowers had a pretty good OBP, drawing considerable number of walks, earlier in his minor league career, and that he has never been able to maintain that skill. However, he still was never as consistently good in the Minors, at drawing walks as Hernandez has been in his career. Nevertheless, I would still like to hear your opinions on the basic premise of my question; "Is plate patience and a having a good eye, one of the more projectable skills for a hitter? Perhaps I am incorrect in that assumption.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 05:39 PM) Well over 100 points? His .obp was .509! You are acting like .350 to .370 is no big deal! I didn't put any words in your mouth, all I'm saying is you are projecting these guys like its a seamless transition and the leagues are comparable No, I am not "projecting these guys like its a seamless transition and the leagues are comparable". If I were, I'd suggest that he would have an OBP of close to .500 and that his walk rate would be 20%. Moreover, I think an OBP of .350 to .370 would be great. That is precisely why I find his potential intriguing.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 05:23 PM) Do you normally say that a player in high A is going to translate directly to the majors the exact same way that you just inferred that Yadiel Hernandez would? The fact is we know very little about how these guys will translate and projecting them like that is probably going to lead you more to disappointment I did not suggest that he would have anywhere near the same batting average, or power production. My point is merely that patience at the plate, and a good knowledge of the strike zone, are skills that translate better than most hitting skills. Putting the bat on the ball is decidedly more difficult, as the quality of pitching improves. However, a ball is still a ball, at any level, and if a player can resist swinging at it, that is going to have a positive impact on his performance. It is arguable that the more wicked movement on pitches, the more difficult it becomes to judge whether or not they are strikes, however a good eye is still a good eye. This player walks an extraordinary amount, and that should translate into a decent OBP. That's all I'm saying. If you disagree with that premise, fine. I respect your opinion. However, please don't "put words in my mouth". I did not say that his total offensive numbers would translate well. In fact, I even projected his OBP to be well over 100 points lower than his recent numbers in Cuba.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 05:11 PM) There is really no way to tell how his numbers would translate. Come on now, Abreu hit over .400 in their top league Isn't knowledge of the strike zone, and patience at the plate, one of the most translatable skills? If a player could draw walks at a 20% clip, in AA, wouldn't you be impressed?

The guy sure seems to have a good idea of the strike zone. His last 4 seasons, he averaged about 70 walks per 85 game seasons. He walked in about 20% of his plate appearances, over that 4 years. His 2014 OBP of .509 would likely translate to a pretty decent OBP in the Majors, probably at least .350 to .370.

If the front office does not acquire a clean up hitter, likely for the outfield, then I hope that they do not spend any more money, or make any moves, which would require giving up a draft pick. I'd prefer to simply go with what they have, and see how various players develop, especially Saladino at SS, Avi in the outfield, Rodon, Fullmer and E. Johnson. Hopefully, a couple of Minor Leaguers will take a significant step forward, as well. Given the poor free agent class, next year should be a good environment in which to trade established players for young, cost controlled talent. Teams needing a piece or two, are not going to be able to acquire them in the free agent pool, and will have to go the trade route. That could be an opportunity to go ahead with the "full rebuild". If they are not going to go all in, then why not? That is what many of us argue, and it seems perfectly valid. They are going to lose the little fan base they have, in any case, if they don't finish this "half assed" effort to go for it. In anticipation of next year's poor free agent talent, teams in the playoff hunt, might also be interested in trading, before this years trade deadline. In any case, the opportunities for deals should be numerous. Danks and La Roche will be off the books, Lawrie and Frazier would be good rentals for the right contenders, or could be held one more year, and offered QO's, in order to acquire still more draft picks. Who would you trade next off season, if this scenario were to come to pass?

Don't worry fellas, we have Adam La Roche as a clean up hitter. Who needs Upton or Cespedes?