BlackSox13

I do agree. Thompson should be the odd man out when Avi returns. Hmmm, he might be the odd man out once Leury returns.

Just stop... you're inner statnik is showing! ?

The Sox hit Sale around last year so ya never know.

Nah, Stephens should be up when he forces the issue. His timeline has been pushed back starting in '14 with TJ surgery and again last year when he missed the first two months with elbow tendinitis. He only logged 91.2 innings last year because of the tendinitis so by no means should he be pushed to the majors. When he's ready, and I believe he will be at some point this season, Shields can be released to make room for him. Until then let him continue to get more starts in Charlotte, he's only had five of them anyway.

I thought Cooper had fixed Shields? What's up with that!!!

As often as the Sox have needed to use the pen I'm going to guess Beck gets sent down. Having two long relievers in Santiago/Volstad makes alot of sense.

Well done, you called the Bummer move yesterday.

I would be furious, no doubt about it. I really don't see how a contender would look at Shields and think he would somehow upgrade their rotation.

Yep. The list of successful short players continues to grow. Many of the players named in this thread didn't have as many tools as Madrigal. I really do not understand the criticism. I can't speak for those Sox fans but maybe the problem is picking a short guy so high in the draft? I dunno. I'm one of those that have gotten sick of the station to station baseball players and am elated with the Sox picking Madrigal.

I don't necessarily disagree but that's how little value Shields has on the trade market IMHO. His value to the Sox as an innings eater is more than it would be to a contender. There's a better chance of Santiago netting the Sox something in a trade than Shields.

I think Shields has more value to the Sox than another team. Having Shields here prevents the Sox from forcing Kopech or Stephens to be called up before their time. If one of those guys shows they are ready then Shields is simply released.

I think he will be, without a doubt. To me Madrigal has more speed and should easily hit for more power. That's who I was thinking of. Thanks!

Yeah, there's a better chance of Shields attracting flies than trade interest.

I think another interesting comp for Madrigal would be David Eckstein.

I was a big fan of Ray as well. Loved the diversity of his game. He could hit, run like the wind, throw some leather and flash some power on occasion.

Lol, don't know how I forgot about Omar. D'oh! Wasn't Ray a minor league coach at some point for the Sox?

It's funny because Ray popped in my head and was looking him up in another window to see his height (5'8") and when I came here to mention his name I read your post. Ya beat me to it!

I love Ray Durham!

Shields fixing himself takes alot of balls!

I like Trayce's defense in RF but his bat just can't come close to Avi's.

100% agree. Funny how nobody complained about Pods game when he had literally nopower despite being about 6'. The only tool Pods had better than Madrigal is speed. Every other tool Madrigal has is better, including power. There's just way too much focus on Madrigal's size.

Good. Anything that can help Giolito get back on track I'm all in favor of.

Amazing how some are focused on the one thing Madrigal lacks and completely ignore the other things he excels in. For some, the Sox can't do anything right.

Assuming Santiago does go to the pen to join fellow lefties Avilan and Fry, Bummer would make the most sense going to Charlotte.

Yeah I think Santiago is better in the role of long man in the pen. Question is who gets sent down, Bummer it Beck?