Snopek

*When needed. But yeah, I imagine that's how that would go. Gross.

No 4th (actual) outfielder?

I imagine there’s resentment that he didn’t pan out as the face of the franchise superstar that the hype of being the #1 overall prospect tends to generate, so some people are just waiting for reasons to criticize him. Which is silly, of course.

They've been relatively healthy thus far, so something was bound to happen. Injuries are more or less a guarantee, which is why it's incredibly stupid to have the approach of "if we stay healthy..."

Is it vague leg season already?

Basically Stay Healthy Night. First 10,000 fans get wacked upside the head with a rubber mallet upon entrance. If you're fine, congrats, carry on. If not, I don't know, maybe you should've crossed your fingers or something because there is no backup plan.

Wrong thread

80-grade spring training lineup.

Ugh, that sucks. Cue the obnoxiously smug 'told ya so's.

It’s funny how the point was to take the blame off Tony, but it did the opposite. How exactly does an ENTIRE TEAM collectively play with less effort, less focus and a shitty attitude? If it’s just a few guys struggling like that, okay, that seems like it would be something more specific to those guys. But the whole team? Surely it’s just a coincidence!

But by that logic, it's the same for the Twins. Correa and Buxton. Maybe Polanco if he stays healthy. Gallo had 19, so if we get the same baseball as last year, not him.

I'm not all that optimistic about the Sox, but how can you say the Twins lineup is superior without, you know, overrating the crap out of the Twins hitters?

I must have missed when he demanded to be the leader of the team and everything that comes with it. But yeah, he should take some responsibility, as should every other damn guy. He was the default leader of the team that didn’t have many other candidates, not a miracle worker.

I don't understand this take at all. It wasn't in his contract to overcome any amount of dysfunction that arose. Having unrealistic expectations about what Abreu was capable of as a leader is nobody's fault but those creating those expectations.

It wasn't his job, though. Any time a player provides leadership, it should be considered a bonus rather than something they are supposed to do.

I’m gonna get a jersey with “Pitch Clock” on the back

Terrible move. Padres will regret this in 2033.

I'd say it's pretty comparable. "Shut up and play, unless you're saying something I agree with." I'd prefer to hear players talk and show their personalities while saying things I may not agree with, rather than have them robot style giving cliché responses or not talking at all.

I assume that meant the generic cookie cutter response where he says he's seen the Sox a lot from being on Cleveland and they have loads of talent and he's thrilled to be here etc etc...

Maybe I’m setting my expectations for Grifol too high, but I think we’ll see Leury being used much more in his intended utility role, Elvis or not.

Blocking non-elite prospects is not a bad thing. Let Sosa force their hand by raking in Charlotte for a few months. This move is fine.

Why spend money on players when hoping everything works out is free?

I had to read that first sentence at least five times because I thought it was closer (distance) and not closer (pitcher). What? He wants a seat closer to the field in the dugout? What are talking about here? I am so smart. S-M-R-T.

It’s such a damn chore being a fan of this org.

Counterpoint: Rick and co are going to hope harder than they’ve ever hoped before. Don’t you dare underestimate the power…of trying to get the universe to fix your problems for you.