SoxHawk1980

I prefer fan realism over blind homerism. Anyone can say, "Everything's going to be just great, Rah! Rah! Rah!". That isn't a "real fan". That is a blind optimist. A real (intelligent) fan recognizes the reality of the situation and hopes and prays for the best.

Right now the Sox are rolling over and playing dead. It was a 2-run game and now it looks like they have just given up.

Where are all of the apologists who assume that everything is going to be just fine, regardless of how badly the Sox are playing? If this is how they respond to adversity, I don't see them overcoming a 6.5 game deficit in 2+ months.

What does he do? He makes sure that Widger, Mackowiak, Cintron and Ozuna get into the game as much as possible. He also makes sure that the bench coach doesn't somehow persuade him to pull the starting pitcher when he's getting shelled. It's hard work. It was once called "smartball". Now, no one can say that with a straight face.

He can be the next Gload! Yes, let's keep him and not upgrade the team this year with a midseason trade so we can have Gload II.

Again, you are putting way to much value in a half season of "raking".

Exactly. One of many examples of highly ranked prospects which turn into nothing in the majors.

And what the heck is Fields "curve" going to be? He has a lot more to prove. Maybe he won't do this well ever again. Maybe he'll do better. My point is that one great season in the minors does not a great prospect make. Do you get this dewy over ever prospect who has a great half season?

I think he was, but I could be wrong. Does anyone remember how highly Joe Borchard was ranked? You don't want to know. Highly ranked prospects OFTEN don't pan out. That's why you trade them to make your team better when you have the chance to win the WS this year.

And has Fields shown anything more than one good half season? He's going to have to show more than that for me to conclude that he's a great prospect and the best Sox hitting prospect in recent memory.

Are you just talking about one half season, or their entire minor league career? Do you think he is this once-in-a-lifetime prospect because of just one half season? Because Reed and Crede certainly had better minor league careers than Fields. Check the stats. Face it, you overstated...by a lot.

I love fan exuberance. I appreciate the hyperbole, but I prefer realism.

First, I'll believe it when I see BA rank him that highly. Second, Jeremy Reed was a top 10 MLB prospect too. Prospects are just maybes. If we can trade him to upgrade the team, we have to do it.

My point is that he isn't a great prospect. He's a good prospect. And if we can trade him to upgrade this team because we have a shot at the WS this year, then we should. Have I not been clear about that?

Is he even a top 50 MLB prospect? No. He shouldn't be untouchable. This team CAN win the WS this year. If we can upgrade the team by trading him, then we should.

You don't need to hear Ozzie's answer. I have them for you: 1. These guys all need playing time. 2. If these guys are on a major league roster, then they are good enough to play. 3. These guys are key contributors and deserve playing time. 4. These guys help us win.

I'd be sickened if we limp through the remainder of the season, standing pat with this team and holding on to great prospects like Fields.

It means something when the team you are 5.5 games behind is better than you are (including a better manager). THAT is the problem.

I think your analysis of Garcia's value is heavily tainted by homerism. But I don't want to argue about this any more. Feel free to continue if you like.

I don't mean to be a broken record, but with our starting pitching, the Yanks are definitely good enough to sweep us.

I think you're being overly optimistic and homeristic, but maybe I'm wrong. We'll agree to disagree.

Ok, I'll correct myself: He's been a guy who almost always need massive run support in order for his team to win when he starts. Basically, you can get that from your best AAA starter.

Garcia isn't a guy who is pitching the same as he always has, but just isn't getting the job done. For the entirety of this season, his stuff has been completely different from how it used to be. Do you think that is just going to magically turn itself around? I'll guarantee you that no other GM thinks it will. Anyone who thinks there is a good trade market for Garcia and that GM's are lining up to give away key players for him is living in the most interesting and odd fantasy world.

I don't mean to insult, but are you kidding? A team in a pennant race would trace FOR Garcia? Do you think a team in a pennant race would trade for a pitcher who has been nearly an automatic loss spot in the roation? No team in a race would want him. No one could risk it. You don't pick up a reclamation project and put him in your rotation for a stretch run.

And it is mostly hypberole. It certainly is in my case. In reality, I wanted him traded for whatever we can get for him. He's a liability for the Sox, particularly with his contract.