tray

Hernandez doesn't change anything? I disagree. Hernandez might be a better defender than Madrigal and he is on pace to hit 25+ home runs. I was a fan of Madrigal, did not like the trade, but it is what it is so we move on.

The acquisition of Cesar Hernandez likely change Hahn's calculation.

I hate to admit it but the Cubs did very well in starting their rebuild and if they tank they will get high first and second round Draft picks, Ricketss has unlimited money to salt the roster with free agents, including re-sgning a few of the old guys including Bryant who already indicated he would consider signing with the Cubs next year.

Almost every major league player or pitcher gets injured at some point, and some end up having numerous surgical procedures, especially pitchers.Grandal has been hurt since Spring Training. He had a recent surgery and had back issues last year, Burger had two torn Achilles. Engel hamstring injury and re-injury has put him on the shelf most of the year, Eloy with the torn pec in the Spring and the recent groin injury. Luis Robert hand injuries and the leg injury this year. The concern for injury often gets exaggerated but even is it isn't, you let these guys play and whatever happens is going to happen. It is part of the game. The thing many are wondering because of so many hamstring and leg injuries this year, is whether players are properly conditioned and whether they warm up enough before games.

Trevor Bauer not looking so golden now though Ron, know what I mean?

I agree that adding a veteran catcher is probably a wise move. One hopes Grandal can recover to the point where he can catch and throw a runner out, but understandably, that might be a challenge given his leg injury.

I've read the entire thread to this point. Setting aside some of the typical sniping there are valid opinions for and against this trade. If the Sox win the WS and Kimbrel is a key, then, of course, this trade will be viewed in hindsight as having been prescient. If the Sox fail early in the playoffs, then the trade may boil down to comparing Madrigal vs Cesar Hernandez or whoever else the Sox have at second base for the next several years. I do not think anyone, including Steve Stone, needs to make negative comments or cast aspersions about Madrigal in order to comment on the trade. It is going to work out one or another over time. I was and am of the opinion that Hahn should have looked beyond the North side to address bullpen needs. There was no need to give up a top prospect like Madrigal. There were other options. You don't need two Closers. Just one good one and a couple of decent L/R set-up men. And what about Cody Heuer? Hahn just throws him into the deal ? And Hahn offered Crochet at one point? Hearing that makes one suspect that Hahn just needed to get this deal done, and offered options for Hoyer to feast on. And what about catcher? What if Grandal comes back and can only DH (like the Sox need another DH) but not catch ? Collins and Zavala? OK..

OK. Whatever. I'm kinda sick of all the one-upmanship here and the need to get the last word in. Well go ahead.

I'd think you we're a little wise ass.

No Fn Way..

The Cubs picked the Yankees pocket for two of their top prospects in exchange for Rizzo, who was absolutely worthless to them. Rizzo would have been entitled to the balance of the money on his contract anyway, so the Cubs got prospects for essentially nothing.

OK..

Cubs stole two of the Yankees top prospects for a few months of Rizzo at the end of a lost season on the North side. I would be wary of any trade with the Cubs. They have set their sites high. In fact the Mets, who have expressed trade interest in some of the Cub players, have called the return ask almost laughable.

Frankly. I do not care what makes sense to you. The Sox are not going to trade Vaughn, period.

I meant that the Sox do not have the trade capital to make a major deal....like the Dodgers just did getting Scherzer and Trea Turner. Instead the Wsox are dumpster diving.

You know...Andrew Vaughn and that isn't going to happen so dumpster diving is the last and maybe the only option.

Phillies/Nats game cancelled because of a Covid outbreak,

MLB should mandate vaccination and periodic testing for every player. coach, manager and employee in contact with the team. Hundreds of millions of people across the world have been vaccinated to protect themselves and also to help battle a worldwide pandemic. Anti-vax ideology is a joke...just like geocentric, flat earth bullshit and the belief that the Earth is 6,000 years old. If we allow anti-vax ideology to stand we risk losing the battle to a novel virus and its variants. If feels like we are right now looking at the numbers.

Sheets appears to have good plate coverage and above average bat-to-ball skill for a LH power bat. He is a smart hitter which is no surprise given that his father was a major league player and he has listened to and patterned himself after Jim Thome. I hope the Sox keep him on the track he is on.

Players with positional flexibility increase their value to the team and at the same time, their potential trade value.

Kittle's ROY year (1983) .254 with 35 HR His power numbers kind of faded after that magical year.

Hendriks has become a little too predictable.

Benetti called game over. What a tool.

Good morning to you as well Tony! ------------ In the post-game, Benetti asked Eloy what he did to improve his defense all of a sudden. LOL. Eloy appeared to be taken aback by the question ,paused for a moment, then answered that he just continues to work hard.

You posted half-truths adding minor injuries that had nothing to do with playing outfield....anyway, I will let Eloy's play speak for itself. Sometimes you learn, sometimes you get taught. Oh well, sorry you can't enjoy this win or the Eminem song. Have a nice rest of your non-soxtalk evening. I'm gonna listen to more music.