Lillian

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jun 14, 2016 -> 06:49 AM) Lillian, your expectations of Justin Morneau seem to be sky high. Think we need to be a bit more restrained in our projections for him, at least until he can prove something on his rehab assignment. Pinning the second half hopes on a career comeback, and adding Braun/Lucroy to go along with him...well, I guess it's no crazier than adding James Shields, but. Also, Anderson at leadoff so quickly with his lack of walks is the same logic (which everyone questions until he finally changed) of Yost placing their lowest OBP guy in Escobar at the top of the line-up. Anderson's better off hitting 9th with little to no pressure on him to ignite things, or at least hitting second, which will get him more fastballs to hit with Eaton on base and also forces him to focus on just doing the "little things" in terms of moving runners along instead of trying too much to be a hero or force things. And that Braun/Lucroy package is going to wipe out the remainder of the farm system, too. Honestly, if you were the Brewers and building towards the future, who would you be excited about getting back? Fulmer and Adams? I'm not even sure you can see that to their fans as being enough, because you're trading away their 2 best remaining players. In the short-term, they just need to figure out a way how to limit Shuck/Coats at-bats and Avi Garcia appearances in the outfield. To respond to a few of your valid points: My expectations for Morneau are not really that high, although I never actually stated them. I would expect him to be a decent average hitter, with an OBP of .350 or better, and represent at least a power threat. "Wiping out the remainder of the farm system" is a legitimate concern, but then what exactly is there that is so valuable? That brings us to the more valid question regarding what the Brewers would be willing to accept. I think the key would be taking on all of the Braun salary. Where Anderson bats is not an issue for me. I merely put him at the top, because that seems to be the plan. If he bats 9TH, that would mean that the top 6 hitters would all potentially be .350 OBP hitters. OBP is perhaps the biggest problem with this current roster.

QUOTE (Lillian @ Jun 11, 2016 -> 03:13 PM) The Sox entered the off season needing several players to fill some glaring holes. Unfortunately, their less than impressive acquisitions have not really improved the team very much. Jackson was not one of the coveted top tier choices for an outfielder, who could also provide offense. Now he is gone for a good portion of the remainder of the season. They still need a left handed, middle of the order bat, which they probably never had in La Roche, and when he left that removed any doubt. They got two catchers, in an attempt to upgrade over Flowers and Soto, but that isn't proving to be a success either. At this point, they have signed Morneau, who will have to DH. Therefore, Bruce is not a viable acquisiton target, because he would have to play the outfield, and that would severely weaken the defense. Next year, they will still need another outfielder, as Melky and Eaton would be the only proven outfielders on the roster. The Brewers seem intent on trading Lucroy and are hoping that someone will take Braun and his salary, in the deal. That would fill two holes on this roster, and transform this pathetic offense into something pretty respectable. What would it take in young talent, if the Sox agreed to take on all of Braun's salary? Line up for a second half post season run: CF Eaton DH Morneau 1B Abreu LF Melky RF Braun C Lucroy 3B Frazier 2B Laura SS Anderson Regarding Braun's ability to play RF, this might be of interest: http://www.brewcrewball.com/2016/2/15/1099...ryan-brauns-arm The alternative would be to switch Melky and Braun, with Cabrera moving to RF. Neither option is very appealing defensively, but they both catch the ball, albeit with limited range. I see that the Giants are discussing Braun, with the Brewers. I still think that Braun and Lucroy would look awfully good in this lineup. When Morneau is activated, it could look even better. If Ventura wants to continue the Anderson leading off and Eaton in the 2 hole experiment, it might look like this: SS Anderson CF Eaton 1B Abreu DH Morneau LF Braun RF Cabrera C Lucroy 3B Frazier 2B Lawrie That would transform what has been one of the League's most inept offenses into one of the best. I especially like having decent average and OBP hitters bunched together, from two through seven. It wouldn't be unrealistic to expect OBP's of .350 or better from all 6 of those hitters. Let Frazier hit his solo homers, further down in the lineup. It would be a nice mix of average, OBP and power, as well as adding at least one more badly needed left handed bat. If JR is willing to open his wallet, it might not take much in prospect talent, something which this organization severely lacks. It would upgrade the offense in the outfield, catcher and DH, without significantly downgrading the defense, or further depleting the farm system. Concerns over Braun's age and past use of PEDS are understandable. However, if the Sox are really serious about competing, they need to make this kind of a bold move.

I'm not watching. I'm not a masochist. However, the way Shields has suddenly become unable to get anyone out suggests that something is wrong with him. Maybe the Padres knew that and were therefore eager to dump him. If that is the case, how could the Sox not see the same thing? Did they do their due diligence? This loss will certainly be more on Hahn than Ventura.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jun 12, 2016 -> 04:41 PM) I can't answer that any more because I'd have never let it get to this point. The real answer depends on how desperate RH and company (whoever is making the actual decisions today) are to save their jobs. If I were not desperate to save my job, I'd have let the next month play out and see if guys can break their way out of their funks. However, I also wouldn't have added Shields's salary while cutting Latos, and I wouldn't be calling Anderson up, etc. If the GM is as desperate to save his job as those moves suggest to me he is, then you've got to take the chance to move some of those guys. That all makes sense to me and I think that I agree with you. It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jun 12, 2016 -> 04:13 PM) The Sox could do it. They just have to trade Adams, Anderson, and Fulmer. That's enough to add several major pieces. Ballooning the payroll to $140-150 mil probably wouldn't hurt either. If they took on that much payroll, from a team anxious to dump salaries, I doubt that it would take all 3 of those prospects. In any case, would you try, or simply accept this futility?

Ok guys, you fill in the blanks, in order to get this team to the point of something other than complete offensive ineptitude: The only players who should be penciled in the lineup, unless injured or traded are: RF or CF Eaton 1B Abreu LF or DH Cabrera 3B Frazier DH Morneau, when he is activated That leaves room for another outfielder, upgrades at catcher, second base and short. Good luck with that.

Hey, why not bring up Jason Bourgeois, to play CF? I've always liked the guy, going back to his first tour with the Sox. He's tearing up the International League, hitting almost .400, between Reno and Charlotte. The best part is that he's hitting RHP even better than lefties, albeit in only 62 at bats. But he has always hit RHP pretty well. Is he still running pretty well? He used to be a speed burner. Could he provide adequate defense in CF? Hell, he can't be much less productive at the plate, than Jackson was.

The Sox are near the bottom of the League, in almost every offensive category. It's hard to argue with those who assert that there are just too many holes to fill. However, the front office is obviously determined to try. You have to admire Quintana's ability to just go out and do his job, in spite of the unbelievably poor offensive support that he has received, over the last 3 seasons. When you consider how underpaid he is, at least by MLB standards, he could justifiably have plenty to complain about. Sometimes I almost wish that the front office would fix this pathetic offense, just for him. He certainly deserves much better. There hasn't been much clamor, or speculation, regarding a new hitting coach. What has Steverson done for this group? There needs to be some accountability somewhere. We all love to complain about Ventura, but what the hell is he supposed to do with the offensive production, with which he has had to work? Is there anyone, any where, who might help these hapless hitters? "Where have you gone" Walt Hriniak? I just learned that he is still alive, and just turned 73. Maybe they should give him a call. Seriously, is there anyone who could help? Start hitting more to the opposite field, move around in the batter's box, choke up, swing at more first pitch strikes. Do something different, because whatever they are all doing, is not working. It's getting really hard to watch this team. When you consider that the North Siders have the best record in baseball, it's remarkable that the Sox have any fans left, at all. Well, I feel much better, now that I got that "off my chest".

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Jun 11, 2016 -> 07:21 PM) Lucroy is a righty I'm sorry. I was thinking that Lucroy batted left handed. I don't know how I missed that. Thanks

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jun 11, 2016 -> 06:44 PM) Then a general question would be...where are they going to get the second one? As I suggested in the post, Lucroy is the left handed bat, which the Brewers are willing to trade, preferably to a team that will take Braun's salary. Lucroy would only be signed through next year, if the team exercised the very reasonable option. Hopefully, Collins could be ready to provide the left handed bat, by 2018, although it's very unlikely that he would be ready to catch.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jun 11, 2016 -> 06:16 PM) Saving his job, he might, especially with the argument the new pitchers in the fold will compensate from the anticipated losses of Fulmer and Adams in that deal. For the long-term future of the Sox and JR's perspective, no way he okays that deal. I think a lot of determinations on both Ventura and Hahn have to be made this season before they can figure out a plan for 2017 (all-in/rebuild) and beyond. Adding Shields, Braun and Lucroy would force all-in, and I'm not sure JR's ready to commit to that much extra money. Plus, you have the PED's issue with Braun. Lucroy makes sense, in that Collins could be ready in 2018 to replace him. Braun also makes sense, but ONLY if his performance this year is indicative of future performance and not an anomaly. Too risky, IMO. When was Braun's production ever not impressive? He has been one of the Major's most consistently good hitters, his entire career, with or without PEDS. This team needs some offense, and the outfield is as good of a place to start, as any. There is no one in the organization who is expected to provide outfield offense, in the next couple of years. They will be looking for another free agent, in the off season, if they don't acquire someone now, and next year's free agent class doesn't offer much. I'd just as soon have Braun, for the next 4 seasons. He is probably worth the $19 million per year and if he gets suspended over PEDS, they would not have to pay him. It's obvious that this team has no intention of rebuilding, so if they are going to go for it, the next couple of seasons, they better acquire some offense. They are at least two solid bats away from having a respectable offense, and one of them needs to be left handed. Does anyone disagree with that?

"Balta," would you give up Fulmer, and take on all of Braun's contract? I would. Next year, when Morneau leaves for free agency, Braun goes back to LF, Melky DH's and the Sox sign a good defensive centerfielder, so that Eaton could go back to RF. With Braun and Lucroy added to the offense, they could go with an Austin Jackson type centerfielder, with not much offense.

The Sox entered the off season needing several players to fill some glaring holes. Unfortunately, their less than impressive acquisitions have not really improved the team very much. Jackson was not one of the coveted top tier choices for an outfielder, who could also provide offense. Now he is gone for a good portion of the remainder of the season. They still need a left handed, middle of the order bat, which they probably never had in La Roche, and when he left that removed any doubt. They got two catchers, in an attempt to upgrade over Flowers and Soto, but that isn't proving to be a success either. At this point, they have signed Morneau, who will have to DH. Therefore, Bruce is not a viable acquisiton target, because he would have to play the outfield, and that would severely weaken the defense. Next year, they will still need another outfielder, as Melky and Eaton would be the only proven outfielders on the roster. The Brewers seem intent on trading Lucroy and are hoping that someone will take Braun and his salary, in the deal. That would fill two holes on this roster, and transform this pathetic offense into something pretty respectable. What would it take in young talent, if the Sox agreed to take on all of Braun's salary? Line up for a second half post season run: CF Eaton DH Morneau 1B Abreu LF Melky RF Braun C Lucroy 3B Frazier 2B Lawrie SS Anderson Regarding Braun's ability to play RF, this might be of interest: http://www.brewcrewball.com/2016/2/15/1099...ryan-brauns-arm The alternative would be to switch Melky and Braun, with Cabrera moving to RF. Neither option is very appealing defensively, but they both catch the ball, albeit with limited range.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jun 10, 2016 -> 11:03 AM) Unfortunately left handed bat middle of the line up, gold glove SS with OBP of .450 aren't available at the present time. You do have a way of twisting one's words. I don't think that is what I said. Is that what you inferred? The point is that this team is not failing because of anything that a young, budding SS could fix. Therefore, why risk damaging his confidence, by bringing him aboard this sinking ship? Let Saladino play, and provide good defense at a crucially important defensive position, and try to fix the problems elsewhere.

I don't understand the front office's thinking here. They certainly have gone to extremes here. First they want the veteran leadership, so they bring in a guy who is clearly "washed up". Then they reverse course and bring up a kid who they admit is a little raw, and still learning. I wan't crazy about the Rollins acquisition and even less in agreement with this one. It's too soon to be calling up Anderson. He is not a "savior" for what ails this team, and they are risking damaging his confidence. If he becomes a really great player, it will very likely be in a couple of years. In the meantime, he should be getting much more experience in AAA. His skill set is not what this team needs. He has no plate patience, which means that his OBP is not likely to be anywhere near .300 in the Big Leagues. He is not an elite defensive SS, as I have stressed in prior posts. He isn't even a left handed bat, and certainly not a power hitter. So what exactly does he bring to the table, that suggests that he needs to be rushed to the Majors, in order to help right this "sinking ship"?

You can imagine how happy I am with this pick. Finally, someone in the organization who may actually be a future left handed, middle of the order hitter. I love his knowledge of the strike zone and his patience. It's also a plus that he is old enough that we won't have to wait around 4 or 5 years to see him in Chicago.

QUOTE (CB2.0 @ Jun 6, 2016 -> 07:24 AM) It sure is a good thing we're going to spend $27M on Shields when Detroit just showed the entire division (and league) all you have to do is trot out RH pitching against the Sox to sweep them. My 2 year old daughter can see the Sox need LH hitting...what is the FO doing?? THANK YOU VERY MUCH. How long have I been beating that drum? LaRoche was not a good choice, in the first place, but now that he's gone and the money from his salary available, Hahn is clearly trying to acquire a middle of the order, left handed bat. I'm confident that he will get someone, but not optimistic about how good he will be.

"Caulfield", that is precisely my point. They should try to explore the various options, and playing Rollins provides no added insight. If Tyler could be counted upon to fill one of the holes created by the departure of Frazier and, or Lawrie, the front office might have a better idea of how to proceed.

This issue should be relatively simple to resolve. Here are the reasons to let Saladino play: 1) SS is a defense first position and, at this stage of his career, Rollins cannot provide even average defense. Saladino is a plus defender, with better range and a better arm. 2) Platooning them doesn't make sense because Rollins can no longer hit RHP and Saladino is actually a better hitter vs. RHP. If Robin insists on platooning them, it should be reversed, with Rollins facing lefties and Tyler the right handers. At least that would get him the majority of the bats. 3) There is little doubt about what can be expected from Rollins, at his age. There is always the potential for a young guy like Saladino to evolve into a pretty good player. 4) Management should be trying to find out what they have in Tyler, going forward. Although he can play several positions, he is probably best suited to SS or 2ND and those two positions could belong to Anderson and Lawrie, next year. If Tyler can establish himself as a regular, they could trade Lawrie, or at least not try to resign him. Or, they might even consider Lawrie as Frazier's replacement at 3RD, when both of them become eligible for free agency, at the end of next year, and giving 2ND to Tyler. Rollins does not enter into that future equation, therefore playing him accomplishes nothing, going forward. 5) At least according to Harrelson, Saladino has a very high baseball acumen, which along with his speed and versatility make him a very useful utility player, at the very least. What am I missing here, aside from some preference for "veteran leadership," or some other dubious notion?

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ May 30, 2016 -> 09:13 AM) http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/batvspitch/_...8/jimmy-rollins There's Ventura's argument for the presence of Rollins in the line-up. Kind of hard to argue with those numbers, and the amount of familiarity he has with the NL in general for so many years. However, aren't a lot of those at bats during his prime? He is obviously not the same player.

What is the solution? Who inside, or outside, of the organization could provide some "relief" to this beleaguered bullpen? How does Shields represent any help? Maybe the best solution is to have the starters pitch deeper into games, thereby limiting the use of the pen. If they can get to the 8TH, instead of the 7TH inning, that would leave just 6 outs to be covered by the relievers. So, how might Shields help achieve that goal? In his first 10 starts, he has gone 7 innings 4 times, and 6 2/3 once. He gave the Padres 6 innings, in the other 5 starts. Is it realistic to expect that he might be able to go 7 innings, on at least half of his starts? The other two questions are; Whom would he replace, Latos or Gonzales, and could either of those guys provide help to the bullpen?

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ May 29, 2016 -> 08:35 AM) The reality here is the Sox need another starter and can't really afford to use their prospects to get one. I'm not sure that Shields is the right guy, but I like the underlying idea. The Padres would definitely have to eat some money (maybe $10M) for this to work. And no doubt it would be risky, but given where the team is at, I'm not against rolling the dice and taking a shot at a playoff run. If you miss the playoffs, I think you really have to consider blowing this thing up. We can't keep trying to patch-work the holes around our stars, especially with the next two free agent classes being garbage. One possible strategy would be to accumulate a couple more veteran pieces, with the idea that they could become good trade "chips," going into this coming off season. With that dearth of talent in this year's coming free agent market, teams seeking to fill holes will likely be more open to trades. We would have a few players that other teams would covet, and for whom we might get some pretty good young talent. Does Shields meet that description? I suppose that at the right price, and assuming that he stays healthy, he could be a player that teams might want. Adopting such a strategy would seem to necessitate holding on to the few remaining young prospects in the organization. Therefore, if they acquire Shields, it doesn't make sense to give up Anderson, but rather take on more salary, instead. Any rumors including Anderson don't make much sense, in any context regarding a trade for Shields.

I can't imagine that the Sox would take on that contract, and give up young talent. That would be very foolish.

All of that nonsense about the closer not being able to pitch with a big lead, because of the absence of adrenaline. Hey, I think he put himself in a big enough jam to muster up some adrenaline. Maybe it was more than adrenaline, that was missing.

The thing to remember, "Chitown" is that if he can't draw walks, he will need to be a .300 plus hitter, in order to have an acceptable OBP. That is a pretty high bar for a young player, even one with a much longer professional career track record. His current OBP is only .21 above his average. That is fine if he can keep hitting .321. Moreover, I think some overlook how hard it is to get extra base hits, unless you are hitting balls in the strike zone. You will note that an awful lot of his hits are singles. Of course, if he can steal enough bases, that would help boost the number of his total bases.