CWSpalehoseCWS

Probably the most fun opening day game in a while. Great to see the offense explode with Anderson and Davidson getting it done. Also, really impressed by Engle. He had some good AB's. This team definitely has a different attitude than years past. Two years ago, this team would have rolled over and died after the 1st inning Shields meltdown.

Great to have the site back in time for the season!

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Mar 28, 2018 -> 02:43 PM) They are cannon fodder. They are there until someone needs the spot, and then who cares. Exactly. Why rush anyone and potentially hurt their development if they aren't ready?

1 surprise - Adam Engel He sticks in CF all year, and makes an argument that he has a place on the team. 1 disappointment - Reynaldo Lopez I think he's in for a rough year. He'll stay in the rotation all year, but it's not going to be what fans want to see or are expecting. After this year, there will be talk on this board about moving him to the pen. 1 dark horse - Tim Anderson He still isn't going to walk, but he's going to break out this year. Solid to plus defense at SS with at at least 20 HR's and 20 SB's.

I'm honestly a little surprised a grievance wasn't filed against Miami sooner.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Feb 27, 2018 -> 09:52 AM) Why are people so opposed to Moustakas, but seemed to really dig signing a 30 year old catcher to a 2 year deal, which certainly doesn't fit with the rebuild? - Castillo didn't cost the Sox a draft pick, therefore it doesn't hurt the rebuild to add him. - It's nice to have a veteran catcher be on hand to help with the young pitchers coming up. - Obviously Castillo is Renteria's boy - and I'm ok with that. - He played with and is friends with Machado (it's a stretch, but it couldn't possible hurt their chances).

They both have options left, so the Sox won't lose either of them unless they flay out release them, which I don't see happening due to the lack of depth at catcher. I think it's going to come down to whoever has the better spring. I'd be surprised if the Sox view either of them as having a role on the team within the next few years.

QUOTE (ptatc @ Feb 26, 2018 -> 06:37 PM) I know your being sarcastic but there really should have been something to find with Burger. Ruptures of the achilles tendon in 22 year olds dont happen from one instance. He had to have previous issues. Could it be something as stupid as a young, eager baseball player over-doing it and overexerting himself to make a good impression on the organization? That triple yesterday looked brutal, could he have hurt himself rounding the bases and then his effort today pushed him over the edge? We've seen injuries happen before when players hit the bag the wrong way, can the same be said for the Achille's?

QUOTE (ptatc @ Feb 26, 2018 -> 05:00 PM) The injury that mitchell suffered would be much worse than the achilles for burger due to his size. Well that's good to hear. I was under the assumption they were similar if not the same (I couldn't remember).

I would almost take the opposite opinion that the injury to Burger and Adolfo only help enforce the idea of how valuable the Sox good draft positioning is this year. I still think I'd lean towards keeping that 2nd round pick and continue to strengthen the farm with players that will more than likely contribute to the estimated competitive window (either as a player or as a trade piece to acquire a player).

Went with Eloy. I think they'll both be All-Stars, but Eloy's power potential does it for me.

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Feb 26, 2018 -> 04:48 PM) Howard tore his left, not right. And he's a lefty. I think Caulfield is right about luckily it's Burger's left ankle and not his right. Howard was also 31. Gotta hope for the best. At least Burger's value isn't as a speed guy like Mitchell.

QUOTE (Lip Man 1 @ Feb 25, 2018 -> 05:52 PM) And Ynoa gives up another run today. Why he is even on the team let alone getting spring innings is beyond me (when there are actual kids who may contribute in the future who can actually use the work.) He's a spring training invite. I don't think we'll ever have to worry about seeing him in a Sox uniform ever again. Lot's of other guys in camp.

QUOTE (bmags @ Feb 25, 2018 -> 10:33 AM) Officially broken. Wonder how much that will affect his draft position.

Man does that suck. Kid is either made of glass or has the worst luck.

QUOTE (turnin' two @ Feb 21, 2018 -> 10:52 PM) I think he still works as a pillow contract candidate as well. I know you can't tag him with the QO, but you can trade him midseason and probably get more value, and guys closer to the bigs than they will be able to get with the 2nd round pick. Last year at the break he had .270/25/54 with an OPS of .863. That gets you some talent back. Even significant dropoff from that gets you talent. I'd sign him for 1/15 with an option for year 2 at 18 and year 3 at 22(or something like that, haven't explored it too much). That way the team to whom you are trading him has some more control if they want it. Scott Boras would hang up the phone before Hahn could even finish that offer. No chance in hell a Boras client takes such a team friendly deal that will eventually screw him over when he starts entering his mid 30's.

I love when players react to trades.

Braves are DFA'ing Mauricio Cabrera. Guy used to hit 101 mph. Sox need another flamethrower, right, right?!?

C: Castillo, Smith 1B: Abreu 2B: Moncada 3B: Sanchez, Saladino SS: Anderson OF: Leury, Delmonico, Avi, Engel DH: Davidson SP: Shields, Gonzalez, Giolito, Lopez, Fulmer BP: Soria, Jones, Minaya, Avilan, Gomez, Farquahar, Infante, Santiago DL: Rodon

QUOTE (KnightsOnMintSt @ Feb 19, 2018 -> 05:30 PM) It's pretty expected that Nicky will be the LF in 2018, but during the 2019 season and beyond, where do we think he will end up? Assuming the Sox have Avi/Jimenez in the corners, I could see him splitting time between 1B/DH with Abreu. Pretty sure he has played 1B before in the minors, though I have no idea what his glove is like there. If Avi is gone, then I don't think it's going to be a problem. Jimenez in RF, Delmonico stays in LF.

It'll be interesting to see the years on this.

QUOTE (flavum @ Feb 18, 2018 -> 01:19 PM) Can't remember who it was, but I seem to remember the same thing happening last year and it wasn't for an imminent move. Eventually one or more of the NRIs are going to be added as well. But they won't add those guys until ST starts to come to a close. Plus it seems like it would be even easier to get a player through waivers at the end of ST.

Has to be foreshadowing a move, why outright someone before ST even starts?

QUOTE (Two-Gun Pete @ Feb 15, 2018 -> 11:50 PM) Is it really "amazing," though? I'll grant that the defensive metrics aren't all that great (yet). But, his DRS was negative last year, while Leury's was +3. I too am not sold on Engel, & I don't get the love for a guy whose bat makes him look like a future starting CFer. In Korea. Especially when there are so many other options in the system with better overall credentials. You have to admit he made some pretty awesome plays in CF last season. I would put his entire defensive value in half a season's worth of defensive metrics. He's always been known to have a very solid to above average glove as he came through the minors. I'm far from sold on him too. The guy needs to hit or he's nothing more than a 4th OF'er of late-inning defensive replacement. But I wouldn't write him off yet.