SCCWS

Probably was. But that happens quite often when you think you have a shot at a World Series and end up trading at the deadline.

As I posted in a separate thread, looking at the bullpens in ALCS and WS, Hahn made the right move. But Kimbrel's woes resulted in a bad result of a good move.

It is not spending. The Sox spent a ton on Kimbrel. My point is that we keep hearing about 2B and RF and they need to be addressed. But so far this postseason, the bullpens are really determining the outcomes. The starters are not playing a major role. Maybe our top priority should be the bullpen before 2B and RF. We talked a lot on this board of what we thought was the ability of our pen going in to this season. Unfortunately our pen was not a factor in the playoffs based on the Astros . Hopefully next year we have the right pieces in our pen.

We have to fill 2B and RF. But watching this year's WS and even the ALCS,, the bullpen staff is really key. Braves / Astros have use 12-11-10-11 pitchers in the games played. Last 2 games have been 3-2 and 2-0 using the 12 and 11. Now the lack of DH does have a minimal effect. In Boston/Houston, 12-10-10-10-16. Some of the games may be inflated w some blowouts. But it is safe to say, a team this year will use at least 5 pitchers per game while still playing back to back games which limits some pitchers in the pen. Although it backfired w Kimbrel, maybe Hahn had the right idea at the trade deadline. Also don't forget defense when we add at 2B and RF

Since Semien had an excellent year at the plate while playing 2B, do we think Semien will agree on 2B for his next destination or is playing SS his priority. With the SS candidates potentially relocating this offseason, teams may look at MS as an alternative if they lose their SS.

I do think there is another problem. If the Sox keep Kimbrel with the thought he is movable, what role does he serve in the interim? If he continues as a set-up man and fails, he is not move-able for $14. If he closes and rediscovers the magic then do you move Hendricks? Does having both again affect Hendricks as a closer? Not sure it is as easy as we keep him and he is movable with no affect on Hendricks. Relief pitchers are quirky guys whose performance can be very roller-coaster like. I think Hahn has a tough decision financially and possibly chemistry wise as well

I think he can be a special hitter. But I think he will be injury prone. Now making him a DH will help but he is a big guy like Aaron Judge. He has had nagging injuries limiting his games played for NY. .

If they change it, those jerseys increase in value down the road

Not sure that is true. Not getting a RF and adding Kimbrel sound like FO decisions and not TLR moves. Cesar Hernandez was a move that didn't work out ( so far) regardless of whose input was used. Tony made blunders but he also brought an injury filled roster through the season petty well.

I do also. I end up seeing a lot of Alex Cora and Kevin Cash and I think both guys have an impact on their teams.

Of course they did but so did Boston's Rodriguez(s) and Robles.

But in the end, Garcia and Valdez stopped the Red Sox raking.

Agree. Philly was at least over .500 but the AL Central did not have any team as bad as the bottom of the NL East

Look at the NL East. That was just as bad a division as the AL Central. Yet the Braves survived and are in the Series.

Actually Kike got 2/$14 from Boston.

I will say that opponents can spot tipping and take advantage of it. However for the last month means 3-4 teams spotted it. If multiple teams spotted Cease tipping and the White Sox brain-trust didn't see it , we shouldn't be trusting those brains for too much.

Red Sox don't do a lot of hit and runs. In fact hit and runs are declining around baseball. https://thestadiumreviews.com/blogs/info/what-is-hit-and-run-baseball/

You have lost some off your fastball. Teams were trading for available Cubs in 2021 to bolster their playoff chances. Eloy and Cease were not acquired to bolster the White Sox 2017 Playoff chances. Quintana was acquired to bolster the Cubs playoff chances in 2017. In case you missed it the Cubs fell short .

I will add I think Smoltz is very knowledgeable. But it takes him 50 words to say what should take 10. That wasn't always the case. Probably why there is only 2 of them in the booth instead of 3

Balta-- His HR( 23) might be tarnished by Coors but 86 RBI are very good numbers for a 2B. Strikes out similar to Moncada but walks are low. Looks like he had a very good year defensively as you noted. I think they will need a better offer than you propose. Seems like he is a guy they will keep in a rebuild

I think McMahon would be a great addition. But you want to acquire guy who had WAR value similar to what Moncada had this season (but who makes less money) and a catcher. What would you trade w similar value? That package has a 6+ War w limited salary attached. My gut is McMahon is a keeper for them although I assume he needs a new contract.

Do not trade with the Cubs at the deadline. They are bad luck. Bryant SF, Rizzo NYY, and Kimbrel CWS all led their teams out of the playoffs.

But Mets, Tigers, Marlins are #2, #5, #7 in shift rate, Is that a coincidence?. But Cardinals at #26 and Brewers at #29 did not hinder their success. Tampa #16 and SF # 23 were not near the top of list and they had the best records in each league. Maybe it is not the number of times a team shifts but how good a team is at knowing when to shift.

The team had a very profitable year and JR is extremely loyal. JR will not fire Hahn.