Lillian

Agree, entirely. Thank you.

Yes, Mr. La Russa, there are players in the organization who can handle RF. The problem is, there aren't any who can handle both RF and right handed pitchers. We don't need a right fielder, as much as we need a LH bat, who happens to play a decent RF. We hear that there's one, who is unsigned. His name is Michael Conforto. Ever hear of him?

Amongst all of this complaining, has anyone mentioned that it was actually a pretty nice catch? Yes, I know that a right fielder with average speed, would likely have caught the ball on the run and stayed on his feet. Nevertheless, that play, as well as several that he made last year, demonstrate that he's more than adequate with his glove. He just can't overcome his lack of foot speed. If he were to try another position, other than first base, he would probably be better suited for the "hot corner". I wonder if he ever muses; "Maybe I should have been a catcher".

Bellinger has 19 at bats, so far this Spring. He has struck out in 14 of them. There is clearly something wrong with him. However, early last month he stated the following: “I feel really good. My shoulder is feeling better. I’ve just been doing the proper lifts to feel good and I’m swinging the bat. I’m feeling pretty good about it. My body is feeling good and my shoulder is feeling a lot, a lot better.” Quite a mystery.

Maybe Adolfo should go to Japan, for a year. LOL. Seriously, there is no room on this roster for him. Would that be allowed? Release him, have him sign a 1 year contract with a Japanese team, and then bring him back, if deemed ready, after that year. I have no idea if that's plausible.

I might. It would be an interesting gamble. However, in fact, there is the second year, when he would get the arbitration money.

Speaking just for myself, the reason that acquiring Bellinger is plausible, is that he will be a free agent in 2 years, and could represent another even higher notch over the salary cap, and thus a big tax hit. The Dodgers have first base covered with Freeman, and the outfield covered with Pollock, Taylor and Betts. It would probably take more than Kimbrel, but if either money, or talent were included, it might be feasible. L.A. could now use a closer. I understand that sometimes it appears that the Dodgers' front office really doesn't care about money, but I suspect that they do. There is a limit.

That would be plausible, if it weren't for the fact that TLR came out of retirement, for the expressed purpose of bringing a World Series to his old team and friend, Jerry. It doesn't make much sense to do that and then intentionally settle for just contending. They could have very easily done that with Rick Renteria. Even if J.R. were satisfied with that goal, Tony wouldn't be. It just doesn't make sense to fire R.R. and hire Hall of Famer TLR, with the goal of contending. That is not rendering anyone a favor, neither Tony, nor Mr. Reinsdorf.

Yes, that was my point, in alluding to the Colorado thin air. I would think that the more difficult adjustment would be for players who are used to normal air, when they have to breath in the thinner air. I doubt that it's much of an issue, in a sport like baseball, which really doesn't tax the respiratory system. I always thought that the only real significant issue was that the ball carries further in Colorado and pitchers can't be as effective throwing breaking pitches. Both being advantages to the hitters. Am I missing something?

It seems hard to believe that TLR is not insisting upon creating better balance in the lineup, and if that is the case, J.R. would probably try to accommodate. If not Conforto, perhaps there is someone, in the last year, or two, before they reach free agency, whom Hahn could acquire, via a trade. Joey Gallo is the only one that comes to mind, and he is too flawed of a hitter to provide what the Sox need. Who else could be a candidate?

If Story's home/away splits are indicative of how he will fair, away from that mile high Colorado air, the Red Sox just overpaid, "bigly". Maybe the "Green Monster" will help offset the heavier air disadvantage, and allow him to maintain some similarly great numbers, at home. Just seems like a lot of money, considering the question marks.

That seems to be the most plausible suggestion, I've heard yet. It would explain a lot. If it is indeed a fait accompli, Boras would have no reason to be pulling his usual tricks, in order to create more interest. They may all have a hand shake agreement, and will announce the deal, once Kimbrel is dealt. One might ask; "Yes, but what if they don't find a taker?" Perhaps there is some time limit, and Hahn is merely waiting to see which team has the best offer. It's likely that he could certainly, at least, find some team to simply take him and the contract. That would clear the money and the roster spot.

That seems to be the most plausible suggestion, I've heard yet. It would explain a lot. If it is indeed a fait accompli, Boras would have no reason to be pulling his usual tricks, in order to create more interest. They may all have a hand shake agreement, and will announce the deal, once Kimbrel is dealt. One might ask; "Yes, but what if they don't find a taker?" Perhaps there is some time limit, and Hahn is merely waiting to see which team has the best offer. It's likely that he could certainly, at least, find some team to simply take him and the contract. That would clear the money and the roster spot.

Bellinger won't be a free agent until 2024.

I can't see any reason for the Dodgers to trade Lux. He is their future second baseman, and is one place that they can avoid a big salary hit to an already mammoth payroll.

The Dodgers are still considered to have one of the better farm systems. I think that it's ranked #12. They aren't hurting for prospects and always seem to some how replenish their system. Moreover, there aren't a lot of spots on their roster for youngsters, the way they sign free agents. Their bullpen looks to be one of their few weak spots, with the loss of Kelly and the prospect of losing Jansen, who is said to be seeking a lucrative 3 year deal, Kimbrel could be viewed as a valuable piece. However, who knows how they view him. Just look at the disparate opinions here, regarding Kimbrel's value.

Yes, but it would only be for one year. It's the long term big contracts that are justifiably considered imprudent. The Sox front office routinely squanders that kind of money. A one time hit of $15 million is "chump change" for the owners. How the Dodgers view Bellinger is probably the biggest question. What do they expect from him? He was a world beater, and then his production collapsed, last year. If they think that he is going to provide the kind of production, he gave them in 2019, Kimbrel, plus a boat load of money, wouldn't be enough. He was an MVP and played out of his mind, that year. He's still so young that it would be hard to give up on him. On the other hand, he will be a free agent in just two years and the decision to award him a huge free agent contract, could be a difficult one. L. A. could move Muncy to DH, where he is better suited, than he is at second base. That would make room for Lux at the keystone position. Their outfield would be fine with Pollock, Taylor and Betts. It would probably still be the best lineup in the National League, while improving the bullpen, providing that they view Kimbrel as still a viable closer.

Good point. Perhaps the front office could accept a one year, small luxury tax, if they agreed to send back some money for Kimbrel's contract. The Dodgers probably wouldn't care that much about prospects, as they still have one of the better farm systems. Moreover, there isn't much in the Sox system that they would covet. A swap of Kimbrel and money, for Bellinger could certainly solve a few problems ie; move Kimbrel, fill the hole in RF for two years, and balance the lineup with some LH power. Nevertheless, the Sox would still need another starter.

Now that the Dodgers have added Freeman's LH bat, and a lot more payroll, could they be interested in moving Bellinger and his $17 Million salary, before he becomes a free agent, in 2024? It might not take that much to get him, considering his recent struggles and the upside is enormous, albeit a big gamble. L.A. could move Taylor to center and put Pollock back in the outfield, instead of using him as a DH, which is suggested to be their current plan. They could probably use Kimbrel, and the money would be pretty much a wash.

Tyler Naquin is going to be a free agent next year and is scheduled to make $1.45 Million this season. I posted the suggestion, earlier. I have no idea what the Reds would ask, in return. However, it probably wouldn't be that much, given it's only a 1 year rental.

My suggestion of trading for a right fielder, on a cheap contract, in his last year before free agency, is looking more appealing, by the minute. These contracts are just nuts. Save the money, maintain longer term flexibility and see what we have in Colas. Some of these contracts might be shopped, in the not too distant future.

I'd be open to that, wouldn't you?

I still covet a LH power bat, however I don't think Conforto, at the price and length of contract that has been discussed here, is the one that Hahn should pursue? He will cost a draft pick, will probably be ineligible to play, when the Sox travel to N.Y. and Toronto, and is said to be seeking a 4, or 5 year deal at $20 million per year. I prefer a shorter term commitment, with the hope that Colas, or someone else can provide better value. If Conforto would sign a shorter contract, I'd be quite satisfied with him in RF. If he is the best value available, I'd certainly rather the Sox acquire him, than no one. I just don't think that he is the guy to whom Hahn should be committing $100 Million. Tyler Naquin for his final year before free agency, at $1.45 Million seems like a better value. Most seem to agree that he wouldn't cost much in draft capital. That would provide the front office with an opportunity to see if Colas shows enough promise to be a viable long term candidate for RF.

As much as I want that LH power bat, I don't think that giving Conforto a 4 or 5 year contract is a good idea, especially at around $20 million per year. I'd prefer a shorter term solution. I'm still intrigued by the thought of trading for Tyler Naquin, for the final year before he becomes a free agent. He hits RH pitching, and plays a pretty decent RF. The cost in prospects should be minimal and it leaves more money for additional starting pitching.

Just to clarify: While I have been one of those clamouring for a right fielder, it is not because I believe that the roster lacks a player capable of playing RF. The issue is, as many of us have often expressed; the lineup needs better balance and RF is the only position currently open to insert a LH power bat. I would be very happy to have Engel play RF, even if he didn't provide a lot of offense. The problem is that he's another right handed hitter. The only way that this roster has a chance to achieve better balance, would be if Sheets can find a position to play and continue to hit RH pitching, like he did last season. That's taking a pretty big gamble, for a team with World Series aspirations. If they can sign, or trade for, a solid LH power bat, on a short term contract, that would be ideal. They seem very high on Colas and if he could be ready in a couple of years, that would solve the problem. In the meantime, it just doesn't seem plausible for this roster to have much post season success, versus tough RH pitchers. It would also help if Moncada could get back to being the guy he was in 2019. Without his power, this current lineup has one serious LH run producer, in Grandal. That is simply not a good formula for success. It seems hard to believe that TLR and Hahn do not understand this obvious need and therefore I expect something to get done.