Red Sox/MLB 2023 Regular Season IV - 71 games to go - 119-43 still possible

[N o o d l e s]

Last game before the break wasn't worthy of being called major league baseball.

Sox start minor league battery, A's an almost minor league lineup.

A's starting pitcher (JP Sears) was as good as shortstop Tyler Wade was bad.

Yoshida's HR looked like a Yogi Berra homer. Classic bad ball hitting. With power.

Outhit 11-6, Sox had no business winning this one.

Sears has been very good lately

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Sears has been very good lately

A's will probably trade him.

 

[Fenway]

New York, New York!!

IF the Red Sox make the playoffs and the Yankees don't Henry, Wener and Bloom will feel justified.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

IF the Red Sox make the playoffs and the Yankees don't Henry, Wener and Bloom will feel justified.

And that's all most of the fan base asks for.

 

[quietbruinfan]

Dude, I'm not a Bloom fan, but you may want to get yourself checked for CBDS (Chaim Bloom Derangement Syndrome). I wish you well in your recovery.

He is a useless scavenger who is good for almost nothing. For every 38 year old Turner, there are three Yu Changs. He is probably not the worst general manager in Red Sox history, but it is close, and with this franchise that is saying something.

 

[DKH]

Last game before the break wasn't worthy of being called major league baseball.

Sox start minor league battery, A's an almost minor league lineup.

A's starting pitcher (JP Sears) was as good as shortstop Tyler Wade was bad.

Yoshida's HR looked like a Yogi Berra homer. Classic bad ball hitting. With power.

Outhit 11-6, Sox had no business winning this one.

This was Bruins at Oakland Seals 8-6 (Stanfield Hattie????) hung over and down 5-1

Is this correct ?

I’d love to hear @Fenway and @Dennis Bonvie on this game if I got it right

Oakland Seals ? Oakland A’s

Yoshida is the WEIRDEST hitter I’ve ever seen

He has an elite batting eye - phenomenal

But he’s a bad ball hitter

He sometimes makes no sense

I wish he was 24 he would have 2-3 batting titles as long as that guy stays in Florida

Dude, I'm not a Bloom fan, but you may want to get yourself checked for CBDS (Chaim Bloom Derangement Syndrome). I wish you well in your recovery.

You a Cheevers fan ? If only Tom Johnson started him game 2 in 1971

Bloom irks me but I think he is learning and getting better

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

This was Bruins at Oakland Seals 8-6 (Stanfield Hattie????) hung over and down 5-1

Is this correct ?

I’d love to hear @Fenway and @Dennis Bonvie on this game if I got it right

Oakland Seals ? Oakland A’s

Yoshida is the WEIRDEST hitter I’ve ever seen

He has an elite batting eye - phenomenal

But he’s a bad ball hitter

He sometimes makes no sense

I wish he was 24 he would have 2-3 batting titles as long as that guy stays in Florida


You a Cheevers fan ? If only Tom Johnson started him game 2 in 1971

Bloom irks me but I think he is learning and getting better

Great memory!

It was actually 6-1.

Espo did nothing the whole game and then scored the tying and winning goals.

No power play goals in the game.

Orr a goal and 4 assists and +5. Coach told him "go win this game. They've got enough of a head start now."

Who was hung over, you and/or B's?


Game 2 was in the bag for Canadiens, right?

 

[DKH]

Great memory!

It was actually 6-1.

Espo did nothing the whole game and then scored the tying and winning goals.

No power play goals in the game.

Orr a goal and 4 assists and +5. Coach told him "go win this game. They've got enough of a head start now."

Who was hung over, you and/or B's?


Game 2 was in the bag for Canadiens, right?

I was a few years away from hangovers

They were out partying late

 

[GatorMike]

He is a useless scavenger who is good for almost nothing. For every 38 year old Turner, there are three Yu Changs. He is probably not the worst general manager in Red Sox history, but it is close, and with this franchise that is saying something.

I don't know... I kind of like the general direction they're headed in.

I kind of like the cost-controlled starting pitching they've got between Bello, Whitlock, Houck, and Crawford. Between the four of them, I think that's probably 3/5ths of a pretty decent rotation. They probably need to figure out how to get their hands on another higher end starter or two.

I like Yoshida. I think Casas is improving and is likely to get even better moving forward. Duran is starting to look like he might be a guy. I like Verdugo playing the 2nd CF in Fenway role (...and I'm hoping there's an extension in his future.) Devers is having a rough season by his standards (...due in large part to an unsustainably low BABIP in road games), but he's locked up long-term and you pretty much know what to expect out of him. They need to improve the middle infield spots, but it looks like there might be some long-term answers on the horizon.

They have payroll flexibility, and they're not locked in to a ton of long-term contracts for guys that are unlikely to give them a substantial return.

The farm system is in much better shape than it was four years ago.

I kinda think there's a lot to like.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I don't know... I kind of like the general direction they're headed in.
I kind of like the cost-controlled starting pitching they've got between Bello, Whitlock, Houck, and Crawford. Between the four of them, I think that's probably 3/5ths of a pretty decent rotation. They probably need to figure out how to get their hands on another higher end starter or two.
I like Yoshida. I think Casas is improving and is likely to get even better moving forward. Duran is starting to look like he might be a guy. I like Verdugo playing the 2nd CF in Fenway role (...and I'm hoping there's an extension in his future.) Devers is having a rough season by his standards (...due in large part to an unsustainably low BABIP in road games), but he's locked up long-term and you pretty much know what to expect out of him. They need to improve the middle infield spots, but it looks like there might be some long-term answers on the horizon.

They have payroll flexibility, and they're not locked in to a ton of long-term contracts for guys that are unlikely to give them a substantial return.

The farm system is in much better shape than it was four years ago.

I kinda think there's a lot to like.

I would hope so.

 

[quietbruinfan]

I don't know... I kind of like the general direction they're headed in.

I kind of like the cost-controlled starting pitching they've got between Bello, Whitlock, Houck, and Crawford. Between the four of them, I think that's probably 3/5ths of a pretty decent rotation. They probably need to figure out how to get their hands on another higher end starter or two.

I like Yoshida. I think Casas is improving and is likely to get even better moving forward. Duran is starting to look like he might be a guy. I like Verdugo playing the 2nd CF in Fenway role (...and I'm hoping there's an extension in his future.) Devers is having a rough season by his standards (...due in large part to an unsustainably low BABIP in road games), but he's locked up long-term and you pretty much know what to expect out of him. They need to improve the middle infield spots, but it looks like there might be some long-term answers on the horizon.

They have payroll flexibility, and they're not locked in to a ton of long-term contracts for guys that are unlikely to give them a substantial return.

The farm system is in much better shape than it was four years ago.

I kinda think there's a lot to like.

What direction? Honestly they do not have one, except down. I would say 2/5 of a starting rotation: Bello and Whitlock-if his arm holds together. Their lineup is a mess. (I think they trade Verdugo, which is fine if they get quality pitching in return.) The bullpen stinks and will probably be their undoing thanks to continued waiver wire scavenging.
There is no direction here, it is just who is waiver wire filler tomorrow.

 

[GatorMike]

What direction? Honestly they do not have one, except down. I would say 2/5 of a starting rotation: Bello and Whitlock-if his arm holds together. Their lineup is a mess. (I think they trade Verdugo, which is fine if they get quality pitching in return.) The bullpen stinks and will probably be their undoing thanks to continued waiver wire scavenging.
There is no direction here, it is just who is waiver wire filler tomorrow.

What direction? Honestly they do not have one, except down.

They won 78 games last year, and they're on pace to win 85-86 games this year. How is that heading "down"?

I would say 2/5 of a starting rotation: Bello and Whitlock-if his arm holds together.

I think you're underrating Kutter Crawford. He gave up 7 ER in his first start of the year, but since then he's got a 3.30 ERA and a 3.68 FIP. If he's your 5th starter, you're in pretty good shape.

Their lineup is a mess.

They're 7th in the league in runs scored per game.

I think they trade Verdugo, which is fine if they get quality pitching in return.

I don't know what motivation they would have to trade Alex Verdugo at this point.

The bullpen stinks and will probably be their undoing thanks to continued waiver wire scavenging.

The bullpen is statistically average. And bullpens are probably the easiest part of a team to "fix" when it comes to the deadline.

There is no direction here, it is just who is waiver wire filler tomorrow.

I was speaking more about the overall health of the franchise rather than the 2023 season specifically. Bloom inherited an organization that was in decline. I feel as if he's righted the ship, to some degree. It hasn't been without its bumps and missteps, but I feel better about what the next five years have in store right now than I did when he took over.

 

[CDJ]

What direction? Honestly they do not have one, except down.

They won 78 games last year, and they're on pace to win 85-86 games this year. How is that heading "down"?

I would say 2/5 of a starting rotation: Bello and Whitlock-if his arm holds together.

I think you're underrating Kutter Crawford. He gave up 7 ER in his first start of the year, but since then he's got a 3.30 ERA and a 3.68 FIP. If he's your 5th starter, you're in pretty good shape.

Their lineup is a mess.

They're 7th in the league in runs scored per game.

I think they trade Verdugo, which is fine if they get quality pitching in return.

I don't know what motivation they would have to trade Alex Verdugo at this point.

The bullpen stinks and will probably be their undoing thanks to continued waiver wire scavenging.

The bullpen is statistically average. And bullpens are probably the easiest part of a team to "fix" when it comes to the deadline.

There is no direction here, it is just who is waiver wire filler tomorrow.

I was speaking more about the overall health of the franchise rather than the 2023 season specifically. Bloom inherited an organization that was in decline. I feel as if he's righted the ship, to some degree. It hasn't been without its bumps and missteps, but I feel better about what the next five years have in store right now than I did when he took over.

I fortunately don’t even know who you’re talking to but this a thorough demolition. He is the baseball and you are Roman Anthony


I genuinely feel terribly for the people who want this team to suck. Shitty existence to lead but that is their life and their prerogative. There are many of them and all they’re doing at this point is making an ass out of themselves. The team may or may not make the playoffs but fans are showing up and there is energy in the park again. There is a lot of young talent both on the roster and on the farm that gives hope for the future. This all must kill the “boycott” crowd. Eats them alive.


The fact of the matter is that if they think this organization is trending down as a whole THEY DONT KNOW BALL.

 

[McGarnagle]

I love the Teel pick, by the way.

I've always felt that an elite catcher is the most important position in baseball. That's why in 2021 prior to the draft when it wasn't settled who the top 4 picks would be that I was hoping Henry Davis would be the guy (the PIrates definitely agreed at #1).

Nowadays it's not difficult to find a decent shortstop who can hit a little. But with catchers either you get an offensive-leaning one who can't call a game or throw out a runner, a defensive specialist who bats .180m or the average MLB catcher who is basically Kevin Plawecki, hitting about .220 or .230 and passable defensively. But if you fall into having a Buster Posey who can do it all and fill out the rest of your lineup without having the black hole that is most catchers, you're set for a decade.

 

[Chevalier du Clavier]

 

[N o o d l e s]

The franchise has no direction


Lmao

 

[CDJ]

The Mayor!

Can’t speak to him as a hitting coach but I know he’s basically universally beloved in baseball by those that know him

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

What direction? Honestly they do not have one, except down.

They won 78 games last year, and they're on pace to win 85-86 games this year. How is that heading "down"?

I would say 2/5 of a starting rotation: Bello and Whitlock-if his arm holds together.

I think you're underrating Kutter Crawford. He gave up 7 ER in his first start of the year, but since then he's got a 3.30 ERA and a 3.68 FIP. If he's your 5th starter, you're in pretty good shape.

Their lineup is a mess.

They're 7th in the league in runs scored per game.

I think they trade Verdugo, which is fine if they get quality pitching in return.

I don't know what motivation they would have to trade Alex Verdugo at this point.

The bullpen stinks and will probably be their undoing thanks to continued waiver wire scavenging.

The bullpen is statistically average. And bullpens are probably the easiest part of a team to "fix" when it comes to the deadline.

There is no direction here, it is just who is waiver wire filler tomorrow.

I was speaking more about the overall health of the franchise rather than the 2023 season specifically. Bloom inherited an organization that was in decline. I feel as if he's righted the ship, to some degree. It hasn't been without its bumps and missteps, but I feel better about what the next five years have in store right now than I did when he took over.

Bullpen bitching and no direction? By God, that’s QBF Music!

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

Sox first selection of Day 2 is Antonio Anderson — SS / HS GA

Rankings:

Baseball America: 68
MLB Pipeline: 77
Perfect Game: 75
Kiley McDaniel: 72
Fangraphs:

Anderson is an explosive rotational athlete with a high-waisted frame in the Jonathan Schoop mold. His size may move him off of shortstop. A huge arm bar from the left side of the plate complicates an otherwise exciting, switch-hitting infield package.

— FG

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 45 | Arm: 60 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45

Jay Austin went in the second round of the 2008 Draft to the Astros, and 15 years later, Anderson could match him as the highest pick in North Atlanta (Ga.) HS history. He has a chance to hit for power and average, though his future defensive home remains in question. The consensus is that his offensive prowess alone will get him drafted high enough to divert him from a commitment to Georgia Tech.

Scouts prefer the switch-hitting Anderson's left-handed swing because he turns it loose more often than his right-handed stroke. He has a balanced approach, shows the ability to make adjustments and can handle breaking balls. With his bat speed and projected strength gains, he should develop at least 20-homer power.

Anderson is a fringy runner and lacks the twitchy athleticism to remain at shortstop, his high school position. The best-case scenario is that he becomes an offensive second baseman, though he may not have enough quickness to play up the middle. He does have a strong arm that has clocked fastballs up to 91 mph on the mound, so third base is his likely destination.

— MLB

 

[CDJ]

just absolutely loving the drafts the last few years. Some trades and signings can be scrutinized but this scout team/FO knows how to put together a good draft plan

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

just absolutely loving the drafts the last few years. Some trades and signings can be scrutinized but this scout team/FO knows how to put together a good draft plan

perfectly put.

 

[McGarnagle]

Drafting is half the battle, you gotta sign the kids (or strategically pass to collect future comp picks)

 

[McGarnagle]

Gerrit Cole has backed his way into starting the ASG.

Not that he's not having a good year, but everyone better than him got ruled out for some reason or another. With Ohtani, Framber Valdez, and Shane McClanahan unable to pitch, Dusty Baker basically had to choose between Cole, Eovaldi, and Sonny Gray. I'd have given it to Nate, but Dusty decided to go with the biggest name on the list (I'm sure Manfred may have pushed him to start the big name Yankee pitcher over the journeyman Texas or Minnesota guys).

NL's roster looks superior to the AL's this year, maybe they'll finally break the streak. But it's all just an exhibition so we'll see.

 

[DKH]

What direction? Honestly they do not have one, except down. I would say 2/5 of a starting rotation: Bello and Whitlock-if his arm holds together. Their lineup is a mess. (I think they trade Verdugo, which is fine if they get quality pitching in return.) The bullpen stinks and will probably be their undoing thanks to continued waiver wire scavenging.
There is no direction here, it is just who is waiver wire filler tomorrow.

Got bad news for you they have jumped to 10 from 27 in organizational rank in 3 years Bloom GM

I fortunately don’t even know who you’re talking to but this a thorough demolition. He is the baseball and you are Roman Anthony


I genuinely feel terribly for the people who want this team to suck. Shitty existence to lead but that is their life and their prerogative. There are many of them and all they’re doing at this point is making an ass out of themselves. The team may or may not make the playoffs but fans are showing up and there is energy in the park again. There is a lot of young talent both on the roster and on the farm that gives hope for the future. This all must kill the “boycott” crowd. Eats them alive.


The fact of the matter is that if they think this organization is trending down as a whole THEY DONT KNOW BALL.

speaking of Roman Anthony. He’s cracked top 100. They’ve now had 4 OF in last 16 months show up - Duran, Rafaela, Bleis and now Anthony

Duran looks legit - they nail even one of other three the OF is in great shape

 

[DKH]

just absolutely loving the drafts the last few years. Some trades and signings can be scrutinized but this scout team/FO knows how to put together a good draft plan

It’s definitely their strength

Letting Bogaerts go when a 5 year deal in March 22 for $27 M per gets him - and going with Kluber over Eovoldi and or Wacha

They need to be better

Fortunately they got a group of high end kids led by Mayer coming

If Duran is a 300/350/500 60+ EBH with 30+ SB things just got very interesting

Losing RH Betts Bogey & JD tough as they are so lefty up and in organization