CWSpalehoseCWS

I'm worried about that as well. Fucking Alonso....

Big year for this guy. He needs to show results this year IMO if we're going to count him towards being a key cog in the rebuild.

Exactly. I could be wrong on this explanation, but basically in order to send a player who is on the 40-man roster to the minors, you have to use one of their options. There are a limited amount of times you can do this to a player. Then they have to either make the team, or pass through waivers allowing any of the teams a chance to claim them for themselves. I fully believe Banuelos is here to stay unless he gets shelled. They traded for him, so they clearly saw something in him and he has had a solid spring thus far. I don't think he's going to be the 5th starter, but more likely a long relief option that can go multiple innings when needed; maybe a spot-start here or there (i.e. Hector Santiago). I'd be pretty surprised if we don't see Banuelos and Santana both on the Sox within a few weeks of the regular season.

Banuelos is out of options, and considering he had a solid spring, I doubt he would pass through waivers. Santana may not necessarily be ready to break camp next week and there is no need for a 5th starter immediately.

That's true. And that's where using that analogy begins to fail. MLB teams' ultimate goal does not align with a car salesmans' ultimate goal. MLB teams don't have to make moves for the sake of making moves. Salesman do. Read this hypothetical take and if you can honestly say with 100% certainty you can't see this as being a *possible* timeline of events, then we'll have to agree to disagree. Let's say the Dodgers have zero intent on moving Pederson (this is a team after all that values having depth on the roster). Let's say Hahn approaches them because maybe a new hire (Matt Lisle) who helped attribute to a better 2018 season for Joc (massive improvement to K% compared to career norms) pushed for the Sox to try to buy low on him before another positive season. Maybe the Dodgers were intrigued by the offer, and eventually came to an agreement with Hahn on what they perceived as fair value. Then the supposed deal leaks before the deal can officially agreed on. Multiple teams now approach the Dodgers because they had no idea Pederson was available. Now the Dodgers realize there is a potential market for Pederson. What if the Indians approached them and tried to build a deal around Pederson/Kluber. What if the Marlins tried to land him as part of a Realmuto package. Does Fulmer/Bummer/+ really seem that good now? Those things obviously didn't happen, but now the Dodgers realize they might be able to get more value for a guy if they wait until the trade deadline. Hence, why Hahn was angry it didn't get to the finish line.

When you try to buy a car, do you counter the salesman and say, "let me give you more than that. You're being too one-sided in my favor." ? Why wouldn't he be mad if a deal fell through that he felt ultimately made the Sox a better team? I'd be pretty pissed too if something out of my control prevented me from being able to complete something.

I never said it was a good deal for the Dodgers. Bummer + Fulmer + Laz is nothing to be excited about. It was a bad deal. But you don't think it is possible that the Dodgers might have undervalued Joc, only to come to their senses and realize that they might be acting prematurely regarding his trade value? That's a reasonable scenario if you ask me. In fact, it happened when the Sox dealt Sergio Santos to the Blue Jays. There was even a GM on record saying he had no idea Santos was even available. That was a terribly weak return.

Dodgers aren't allowed to change their mind? Maybe they felt no one met their asking price once multiple teams got involved. It isn't like they had to move him.

Certainly seemed that way. Sounded like they had a deal agreed to in principal, it leaked, then the asking price changed and other teams got involved.

Moncada having a game.

Exactly what I was thinking. Probably put Abreu at 1B, Alonso at DH.

I really wish they'd let Rondon get the majority of AB's at 2B. We already know what Leury and Yolmer provide the Sox.

Not exactly official....

I hope your right, but even so - we’ll be having this discussion again once that 5th starter is needed and someone needs to go. I really want to see Rondon get a chance. I liked what I saw last season.

I expect them to carry 13 pitchers + Eloy. You have to figure Jay and Engel are locks unless a phantom injury appears. So that leaves 2 bench spots for Palka, Garcia, and Rondon. I guess Palka could end up in Charlotte, but would the Sox really do that?

This is gross. Almost makes me think the Sox are going to try to sneak Rondon through waivers and expect to lose him.

I remember hearing an interview with him where he specifically mentioned nutrition as being a focus for him while going through the rehab process. Not sure what happened during that process but he certainly doesn't look like he followed through with it. I wonder if maybe this is one of the factors the Sox were exploring Moncada at 3B? It's nice to see he's at least back on the field. I can't say I really have any expectations for him this season, so hopefully his bat speaks for itself and strengthens the minor league depth. Certainly looks like a Matt Stairs clone destined for 1B/DH right now.

I'm fine with it. There isn't anyone banging on the door for the near future, and Madrigal at 2B makes too much sense long term. Unfortunately means they probably aren't going after Rendon next offseason if he were to become available. That's a guy I would have loved (even over Arrenado).

Makes sense.

Is it me, or is anyone else getting the impression McCann is actually the starter over Castillo? He seems to be playing way more this spring.

He certainly didn't come off that way in Garfien's podcast when he was interviewed. I actually thought it was a rough listen. He's one odd dude.

I'm not saying he'll make the team out of ST. He shouldn't. But he's been impressive this spring. He could be a guy that allows the Sox to move on from Rondon or Yolmer. I don't think he's every going to be starter material. I view him as a solid future infielder off the bench.

I think Mendick makes Yolmer and Rondon expendable later in the year. He seems like a guy who will have a solid bench role in the Sox future.

This honestly is something to recognize and celebrate to a certain degree. As terrible as the Sox were this offseason in being able to land a premium FA talent, they did just set the record for a rookie contract. It doesn't absolve them for their massive fumble, but I honestly never thought we'd see this with the current ownership/FO group.