CWSpalehoseCWS

Moncada having a game.

Exactly what I was thinking. Probably put Abreu at 1B, Alonso at DH.

I really wish they'd let Rondon get the majority of AB's at 2B. We already know what Leury and Yolmer provide the Sox.

Not exactly official....

I hope your right, but even so - we’ll be having this discussion again once that 5th starter is needed and someone needs to go. I really want to see Rondon get a chance. I liked what I saw last season.

I expect them to carry 13 pitchers + Eloy. You have to figure Jay and Engel are locks unless a phantom injury appears. So that leaves 2 bench spots for Palka, Garcia, and Rondon. I guess Palka could end up in Charlotte, but would the Sox really do that?

This is gross. Almost makes me think the Sox are going to try to sneak Rondon through waivers and expect to lose him.

I remember hearing an interview with him where he specifically mentioned nutrition as being a focus for him while going through the rehab process. Not sure what happened during that process but he certainly doesn't look like he followed through with it. I wonder if maybe this is one of the factors the Sox were exploring Moncada at 3B? It's nice to see he's at least back on the field. I can't say I really have any expectations for him this season, so hopefully his bat speaks for itself and strengthens the minor league depth. Certainly looks like a Matt Stairs clone destined for 1B/DH right now.

I'm fine with it. There isn't anyone banging on the door for the near future, and Madrigal at 2B makes too much sense long term. Unfortunately means they probably aren't going after Rendon next offseason if he were to become available. That's a guy I would have loved (even over Arrenado).

Makes sense.

Is it me, or is anyone else getting the impression McCann is actually the starter over Castillo? He seems to be playing way more this spring.

He certainly didn't come off that way in Garfien's podcast when he was interviewed. I actually thought it was a rough listen. He's one odd dude.

I'm not saying he'll make the team out of ST. He shouldn't. But he's been impressive this spring. He could be a guy that allows the Sox to move on from Rondon or Yolmer. I don't think he's every going to be starter material. I view him as a solid future infielder off the bench.

I think Mendick makes Yolmer and Rondon expendable later in the year. He seems like a guy who will have a solid bench role in the Sox future.

This honestly is something to recognize and celebrate to a certain degree. As terrible as the Sox were this offseason in being able to land a premium FA talent, they did just set the record for a rookie contract. It doesn't absolve them for their massive fumble, but I honestly never thought we'd see this with the current ownership/FO group.

You’d think. Unless they want him to get his timing down in Charlotte? Seems odd to sign him after sending him down. He’s the best OF right now.

Thanks, just wanted to throw this in here there too but you responded already: Full article here: Link

This is very important, but isn't always 100% fool proof. We don't know the intricacies of what each one of these guys are doing as they prepare for the season. I recall a few Buehrle outings in ST where he literally threw nothing but fastballs just so he could get a good feel for the pitch, and he got hammered. For all we know, Lopez was told by Cooper to initiate contact in this start. Guys are still in preparation mode for the season. Positive takeaways from this start is Lopez is healthy, appears to be fully stretched out for the season, and left the Sox in position to win.

I really hope this happens. The NL Central is going to be a hell of a ride this season.

This blows. Giolito, Kopech, Cease, Fry, Bummer, Burdi, and now Dunning. Has there ever been that many key guys for a rebuilding team go under the knife?

I hope not. I don't see what the Sox see in him other than another body.

This doesn't seem like a Sox move at all. I'd be shocked if this was real.

Probably opens the door for someone like Fulmer or Marshall to make the team. Not the most ideal, but whatever.

Rock bottom would be Moncada, Lopez, Cease, and Eloy going down with major injuries. Could always get a whole lot worse. Sox aren't at that point.