Where do we think he will end up 2019 and beyond?

 

Left Field? DH? Utility Player?

Edited February 19, 20188 yr by KnightsOnMintSt

It's pretty expected that Nicky will be the LF in 2018, but during the 2019 season and beyond, where do we think he will end up?

 

Assuming the Sox have Avi/Jimenez in the corners, I could see him splitting time between 1B/DH with Abreu. Pretty sure he has played 1B before in the minors, though I have no idea what his glove is like there. If Avi is gone, then I don't think it's going to be a problem. Jimenez in RF, Delmonico stays in LF.

We have to see how he progresses defensively this year. If he can become average or better in LF, he could quickly become a viable long-term solution. Otherwise, he’s probably going to have to up his offensive game to stick at 1B or DH.

Assuming the Sox keep Jose or Garcia (or both) and assuming the outfield kids develop Nicky could be part of a trade deal, assuming he does well in 2018/19.

I think Nicky ends up at 1B with Abreu moving to DH.

Don’t want to be the downer here, but I feel there was some of this same hype after Saladino flashed some decent signs a few years ago. I honestly see him as the 24/25 man on our roster at best. In a perfect situation he’s a guy who can offer flexibility at 1b/dh and corner of. But if I had to guess, I’m putting him as not onthe team in 2020.

Don’t want to be the downer here, but I feel there was some of this same hype after Saladino flashed some decent signs a few years ago. I honestly see him as the 24/25 man on our roster at best. In a perfect situation he’s a guy who can offer flexibility at 1b/dh and corner of. But if I had to guess, I’m putting him as not onthe team in 2020.

 

Difference is Saladino had already seen quite a bit of time at the major league level before that one season. I see steady improvement with Delmonico. Avi seems like a better bet to turn into Saladino

With the A's or some s***.

With the A's or some s***.

 

Many of the players we audition this year will not be with the team after 2018 I'm feeling. The ones who prove themselves will stick, but many of the fringe guys will be replaced with better players via free agency, the farm or trade.

My guess is that he’ll be bouncing between AAA and the majors...no idea why so many are high on Delmonico. Just not enough of a track record consistently hitting well to think that he’s a major league player in my opinion, and not sure his D is good enough to keep him as a bench player...hopefully he can prove me wrong and he sticks with the team but I’ll be surprised if he’s ever more than the 25th man on the roster.

Edited February 21, 20188 yr by TheFutureIsNear

My guess is that he’ll be bouncing between AAA and the majors...no idea why so many are high on Delmonico. Just not enough of a track record consistently hitting well to think that he’s a major league player in my opinion, and not sure his D is good enough to keep him as a bench player...hopefully he can prove me wrong and he sticks with the team but I’ll be surprised if he’s ever more than the 25th man on the roster.

 

Just one of those things where it seems like our brains value a hot start higher than a hot finish.

It would be really nice to have a guy like this bust out. He looks like a DH to me, but I'm thinking he's going to hit.

My guess is that he’ll be bouncing between AAA and the majors...no idea why so many are high on Delmonico.

Because we finally have someone who can take pitches and walks, without hitting .202. That's why I'm excited about him.

 

Several players (beyond the elite prospects) have to break out for this rebuild to work. So far, so good with Delmonico

Edited February 21, 20188 yr by GreenSox

Just one of those things where it seems like our brains value a hot start higher than a hot finish.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’ve been high on Nicky for a while. Was interested in him when we first picked him up given his backstory (talented over-slot pick who dealt with personal issues). Was more interested in him when he destroyed AA (in a park where offense goes to die) & made the KOTAH top 100 list. And finally became a believer last year when he cut his K rate to 17% to coincide with a 11% BB rate. No doubt his power numbers with the Sox were a bit flukey, but I think overall offensive package will play in LF. Just have to see how the glove progresses, I believe he has the physical tools to be above average but that may not overcome challenges he may face with his routes/instincts.

I just kinda think he's Ross Gload.

If I remember correctly, he played a bit (a game here and there) at 1st base last year. I could see him ending up there either splitting time with Abreu or being the primary there with Abreu moving to DH. However, that's all dependent on him hitting consistently. There is plenty of talent in the minors that could be better than him. I like Nicky, and I'd like to see him do well and stick somewhere. I'll believe it when I see it, though.

I just kinda think he's Ross Gload.

 

Agreed. With his patient approach he could be effective as a pinch hitter leading off an inning, and

 

with his gap power he could knock in some runs later in a different situation.

With the A's or some s***.

 

If he hits well why would you move him he's under control until at least 2024. Abreu and Avi are free agents in two years and DH is still open there are spots if he can hit if he can't he's worthless so who cares.

I like that he hits left handed. That will keep him around the league as a 4th OF / 1B if he can hit enough. He probably can but he needs to learn a cromulent 1B. Can't just be a 1 WAR DH/LF to stick on a roster.

 

Maybe one of five times he actually is a 130 wRC+ hitter and in that case hell, go out in LF everyday Carlos Lee style.

Edited February 22, 20188 yr by chitownsportsfan

I just kinda think he's Ross Gload.

 

That actually wouldn't be a bad thing.

My guess is that he’ll be bouncing between AAA and the majors...no idea why so many are high on Delmonico. Just not enough of a track record consistently hitting well to think that he’s a major league player in my opinion, and not sure his D is good enough to keep him as a bench player...hopefully he can prove me wrong and he sticks with the team but I’ll be surprised if he’s ever more than the 25th man on the roster.

 

He actually has a pretty solid track record of hitting. He never hit for as much power as he did last season, but he's always had a good BB% and wOBA. Projection systems are optimistic of his offensive profile as well. I dont think he will be a star by any means, but I think he has the skills to be a regular contributor from the left side on a playoff team.

Edited February 22, 20188 yr by Dunt