hogan873

So, let's say the Sox hire LaRussa (which seems likely now). What would we want to see to make us feel better about it? Who they hire as supporting staff? Bringing in a bench coach to learn under LaRussa and take over after a couple years? Promising to spend this off season? Essentially, what's the silver lining?

Texas is now being discussed as a toss-up, but I'm not sure I believe that. I think Trump wins FL, OH, GA, and possibly NC. Biden wins PA, WI, MI, MN, and AZ. If two of FL, OH, and PA go to Biden, I think it's over. Hell, if FL goes to Biden early on election night it could be called pretty quickly. Going to be a crazy night and most likely days after.

Thanks. My hope was to get some real feedback on what folks think will happen because I really don't know. So many variables. If it gets nasty, however, I'll understand if it's 86'd.

That's amazing. I know that COVID has a lot to do with it, but I still think turnout would have been high without it.

This could devolve into a bickering mess, but I would hope we could have some good discussions. What do you think will happen next week? Who will win the presidency? Will it be close or a landslide? Will there be court battles? Do the Republicans maintain control of the Senate, or do the Democrats take over? Thoughts on why you think what you predict. I believe Biden will win, but it won't be a landslide despite some polls. I think Florida and/or Pennsylvania go to Biden, and that will be the nail in the coffin. If early voting is any indication, people are fed up and want change. Indications are that the Democrats take the Senate, but there are a couple races that are too close to call. I believe McConnell wins but Graham may lose. The Senate seats in Maine and Arizona may very well flip. Like with the presidential race, voters want change. Voter turnout is key. I think that the more people vote, the greater the chance of a blue wave. Early voting certainly makes it seem like there will be more people heading to the polls this year, but who knows what election day itself holds.

I love McCann, and I would hope he can be brought back. But he will most likely go somewhere that he can be the starting catcher. For those ready to trade Grandal and sign McCann to a long-term deal, remember how much this board hated second half McCann in 2019. Who's to say if 2020 had been a regular year that he wouldn't have been the same. I do think he and Grandal make a great team, and the Sox would have the best catching tandem in the majors. But as I said, McCann deserves to be a starter somewhere, and someone will pay him to be one.

That's a solid counterpoint. He was good and basically performed like...well, like Yasmani Grandal.

Did greg create a couple new accounts under new names?

Ah...I must have typed that pre-coffee this morning. Sorry about that.

No

Surprised Abreu was named a finalist. He had a really nice year defensively. It's wild that Grandal and McCann were both nominated. Their time behind the plate wasn't split 50/50, was it? Mendick's nomination was a surprise, especially since he finished the season in the minors. Maybe it was the dancing?

Maybe if TLR is hired, he'll demand that Hawk is brought back to the booth. Then after the first series, he'll hold a press conference and state that he has asked the Sox to dismiss Hawk.

He relates to people...in an asshole-ish way, and he in turn is hated for it. It's a disdain-hate relationship.

They're interviewing, but is he really their number one choice? I just don't see it. I'll be really surprised...and not happy.

Remember that Hahn said they wanted a manager with RECENT championship experience. That does not describe LaRussa. And can we just put a mute button on Nightengale's tweets? Why do we think he's right?

Someone is going to hire Hinch (and Cora for that matter), and maybe it will be the Sox. Whoever hires him will be questioned - by the media, by the fans of that team, by fans in general. Cheating aside, Hinch has proven himself to be a very good manager and will most likely be a great manager for a new team. He knows that he has to rebuild his reputation, and he also knows that managing a young, exciting team will be a good way to do that. There will be some noise early on; right after the hiring, before the season starts, and early in the season. But driving a team to success will go a long way to make people forget (or at least forgive). The Sox are really close to being a perennial contender and force within baseball. They need the right person at the helm to get them there. If Hinch is the right guy, he should be hired.

What's exciting is that there will be plenty of guys who will want to manage this team. The Sox will have their pick or qualified individuals who can take this team to the next level. Anyone have ideas on who a potential manager might want to bring on board as a pitching coach? Who does Hinch, Cora, Alomar, etc. bring along?

What a great day for the Sox. RR is a great guy, but he showed that he was not able to take this team to the next level. The team that will be a perennial contender is going to need someone with experience. I'll be really surprised if the Sox don't end up hiring Hinch or Cora. Then, who would the new manager bring in as the pitching coach? Hopefully someone who will be willing to use statistical analysis and be ready for new technology.

I'm going to break out the crock pot soon, maybe as soon as this weekend. Along with the standard meals I make each year (Mississippi pot roast, beef stroganoff, chicken alfredo, salisbury steak), I may try some new ones this year. Also thinking about trying Chex mix in the crock pot.

Could not agree more.

We are seeing, very publicly and essentially live, how contagious COVID is. It's spreading through the White House like wildfire, and also being traced back to the mask-less SCOTUS ceremony. Chances are someone who either was directly affected at the WH or at the ceremony, or affected by someone who was there will die. It's just terrible that this is happening and how the brainwashed still think it's essentially the flu.

I've been thinking about this, and I'm torn. If this had been a regular season with no COVID, several things would have been different. Moncada would have been healthy and probably would have played like 2019. Kopech would have pitched. EE and Mazara would have had more time to get into the swing of things (I'm less confident about this). Overall, I think the team would have competed and could have qualified for the playoffs. However, seeing RR mismanage the bullpen and roll out some questionable lineups, especially over the last week of the regular season, the team could have been managed right out of the playoffs.

His handling of the bullpen (and lineups to a degree) over the last week of the regular season should be reason for firing alone. Yesterday's handling of the bullpen wasn't completely his fault, but in hindsight pulling Dunning after 15 pitches was a mistake that led to an avalanche of shit. I'm really concerned that the Sox will go out and pick up another SP or two and a real right fielder and be a very good team next year...with a subpar manager. Ricky seems like a nice guy, but nice doesn't win championships. He needs to go, but I don't see the Sox firing him unfortunately.

Good season with a hobbled third baseman, a lack of starting pitching, several glaring holes on offense, and a manager who isn’t ready for a playoff team.

Playoff Nomar is good.