Texsox

So when you bring in someone like Katz with different ideas do you explain the approach he has to teach to match the rest of the organization, hope the coaches below him adapt quickly to his ideas, or fire them all and allow him to hire a staff of pitching coaches? Or do you reject any candidate with ideas different than what had been taught in the minors to avoid the major changes like Fulmer is talking about? I like the idea of hiring a new guy and firing everyone. I think it's an interesting organization question. Next thought, let's say the organization is all in on vertical integration, would it fail because these players and coaches just aren't that good or is it that simple of a change for a dramatic improvement?

That's great old school coaching and probably will be in fashion again soon. Modern coaching is based on the idea you have to find an approach that works for each unique player to reach their potential. Different people are motivated in different ways, learn in different ways, and improve in different ways. I believe that's where the coaching staff is failing. They force players into molds they aren't fitting. Regardless obviously it's not working. The ultimate goal is winning at the MLB level. I don't care where the system ranks if the MLB team is winning. Using an extreme example to illustrate this point. If you emptied all the talent from the system in a trade for three All Star level players, winning a WS, the system would bottom out, but have served it's primary function. We're at the worst situation, failing at the MLB level and have a shitty farm system.

I agree the organization's coaching doesn't produce results as well as other organizations. I'm not exactly clear what you mean by coach consistently across all levels.

From high school.

Our first question of the staff is who are the local writers and what are they writing about? The second is what fiction do you have that is set here? I'm a promiscuous reader.

I cherish independent book stores. It's a vacation stop in every town.

If I can't get books in heaven, I'm not going.

When I'm not a suffering Sox fan I'm a high school golf coach. For us to play in tournaments there are 10 steps that need to be completed. Tracking them all is getting more stressful each year as more requirements are placed on me. So I'm trying to figure out how to automate the process a bit more. Once I decide on a tournament I need to 1. Email Tournament Director 2. Download entry form 3. Fill out Purchase Requisition (Adobe Acrobat) 4. Verify PO entered by bookkeeper (received email?) 5. Arrange Transportation (on line form) 6. Notify Players (SportsYou chat for just those players) 7. Notify Attendance (email with names and student ID) 8. Enter Substitute Request (online system) 9. Create sub plans 10. Enter expense in ledger. Two possible accounts kept currently on a Google Sheet. Rinse/lather/repeat 70 times per year. I'm willing to invest in software, hardware, whatever to make this easier. I tried to have the school lower my coaching stipend so I could officially add a second assistant but was turned down. I may just pay someone on campus to handle it. I tell myself I coach kids for free, the pay goes for this.

Exactly. I think we all know everything wrong is his fault and anything positive was just luck. Let's get back to Kenny making the decisions.

Make a bobblehead and host his retirement party.

Announcing the #1 draft pick on his own network. The man has been playing chess and the rest of us checkers. Brilliant.

Agreed. What team couldn't use them? The real challenge is get them (and a couple others of similar pedigree) plus have championship caliber replacements available if they get hurt.

This year how many teams do you believe if things went right for them could win the AL? 15? 10? 5? How many can survive major injuries? I'm think there are two teams that remain competitive with major injuries, and three or four that could win but key injuries would end their chances, and nine that don't have a chance. I think elite franchise are what you call winners, winning franchises keep giving themselves chances in that second tier, and finally there are the worst of the worst franchises like the Sox that occasionally get to winning chances but never elite. You more than anyone has proven to me what a horrible franchise this is. I've grown to absolutely loath them. I no longer innocently just cheer for whomever is out there.

Yep, then overcoming injuries is the difference between winning and losing. And 2/3 rds of the teams don't win.

How are you defining winning team?

Yes, some clubs can overcome injuries. Most cannot.

I think he's an average GM in a really bad organization that experiences the worst luck imaginable. He built a roster that everyone (fans, Vegas, baseball insiders) thought would contend for several years and watched it implode from injuries and the worst managing imaginable. He's the figurehead and needs to go. But without a wholesale clearing the systemic problems will always be there.

Trading for MLB ready talent doesn't bother me. I wouldn't be bothered trading picks or younger players for MLB ready talent. But we suck at that also.

Imagine the Sox announcing they took a guy that was projected to be a mid to late first round in the four spot. Lol.

Go back and look at the draft projections. Nick was a safe pick at the time. Many considered him the best player in college baseball. Easily one of the top five players in the draft. I'm not debating Bill as an owner. I'm just pointing out that we love everything he did and hate everything the current ownership does.

Fitting Fitting that this picture is in the fire Hahn thread. It would have been another reason to fire everyone. No plan! This team has become a laughing stock!

In general thinking outside the box and experimenting in practice is a solid strategy. For all we know Burger has been asking for an opportunity to work out at 2nd and find more playing time. I doubt the plan back in March was to wait until June and have him be the everyday guy at second. But adapting during the season is a necessity.

Wasn't he moved to 3rd when we drafted Madrigal?

I'm all for giving guys opportunities to improve their versatility and ultimately their paychecks.