CentralChamps21

I would think a lot depends on how Houston values the QB options. If they have a strong preference for one particular guy, they may trade up. If they value two guys very close together, there's no incentive for them to trade up.

Leury had a 39 wRC+ and -1.1 fWAR last year. If they aren't willing to DFA him before the season starts, I doubt it happens at any point during the season.

That would be my preference too, but Manfred made it pretty clear in that article that they would go with 8 divisions of 4 so that's what I based my plan on. That alignment would leave 5 divisions getting essentially no national TV/media coverage and I think the teams in those divisions would veto that.

https://theathletic.com/4216205/2023/02/16/mlb-commissioner-manfred-rsns-blackouts-expansion/?source=twitterhq&access_token=9657465 So, how would it work? Here's what I think would happen: I give the nod to Montreal and Charlotte for expansion. This is based on the A's most likely moving to Las Vegas. Eight divisions of 4 teams A1: Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Rays A2: Mets, Montreal, Phillies, Nationals B1: Tigers, Guardians, Blue Jays, Pirates B2: Braves, Marlins, Reds, Charlotte C1: White Sox, Royals, Twins, Rangers C2: Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers, Astros D1: Mariners, A's, Angels, Rockies D2: Giants, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Padres Rationale: 1) Time zones: four divisions entirely in Eastern, two entirely in Central, and two spanning Mountain and Pacific 2) Six largest market teams (NY, LA, Chi) all in different divisions to "spread the wealth" of TV ratings 3) Keep AL and NL teams grouped together as much as possible given 1) and 2) above The season would involve 14 games against each division opponent (42), 7 games against each "companion division" opponent (28), and 3 or 4 games against each of the other 24 opponents (92). Top two teams from each division make playoffs. First round is best of 3 with division winner hosting all 3 games: A1 #1 vs B1 #2, C1 #1 vs D2 #2, B1 #1 vs A2 #2, D1 #1 vs C2 #2. Second round is best of 5, third round best of 7, and World Series best of 7.

I'd 100% keep Romy over Leury, but I don't see how you can keep both unless Leury is your 4th OF and that's bad.

Zavala and Leury are going to be on the team. I don't believe the Sox will DFA Leury. One spot will go to Colas or Sheets. One will go to Hamilton or Marisnick. Burger might very well force his way onto the team if he keeps hitting.

Inevitable consequence of the explosion in TV money. Far, far more people watching at Noon ET than at 7pm PT.

Ghost of Menechino alive and well.

Whatever. He can play every position.

They really need a switch-hitting 2B, preferably one they could get just by taking on salary and not having to give up any real prospects in return.

Had to be a balk.

I can't imagine the Bears accepting an offer before free agency begins and a couple teams miss on their primary targets.

If the Sox don't at least advance to the ALCS, then I really don't care whether they make the playoffs or not.

Has to be one of the higher launch angles on a homer there.

Sorry, I wasn't suggesting that online education is for everybody. I think some elements of it (not having "lecture" time in every class 3-5 times/week, more individualized curriculum, etc.) need to be incorporated into physical schools. If you have the ability to have your kid at home full time and the kid is an above-average student, I highly recommend online learning though.

Robert swings at first pitch, Moncada walks. Midseason form for both.

I did high school entirely online from home. Not just once COVID hit but all four years. Between interactions and assignments combined, I averaged about 5 hours per day on school and graduated in 3 1/2 years with over a year's worth of college credit. Not saying all this to brag but to point out that traditional school is a huge waste of time and I get why kids behave so badly. We need to trash everything we know about K-12 education and start from scratch.

Better than being in Orange County right now apparently.

Wait, I thought they DFA Sousa.

There's no way they can keep him on the roster and not play him, especially given the 13 pitcher limit. Cutting him before MLB finishes their investigation would probably be a union violation.

Sheets has one quality that no other bench player is going to give you-mashing right handed pitching. As I said, unless you are trying to develop him into an every day player by giving him reps vs LHP, there's no reason to have him in AAA. There are going to be a minimum of 150 PA and possibly more for someone to play 1B/DH in place of Eloy/Vaughn and giving them to anybody other than Sheets hurts the team.

You get four bench spots. One has to be a catcher (likely Zavala) and one has to be someone who can play CF well (probably Marisnick or Hamilton). If the Sox see Sheets as a potential everyday player, then he could use a year in AAA where he gets to face left-handed pitching. If they're resigned to him being a platoon bat, then he needs to be on the roster as the DH/1B any time Eloy or Vaughn are not in the lineup. If you don't keep Sheets that leaves two more spots and you can keep both Leury and Romy. If you keep Sheets that leaves only one spot left and Leury gets it unless the Sox DFA him, which they should do because I think Romy would provide more value in that role.