turnin' two

Like when the team wants you to wear uniforms that prevent you from doing your job well? I think I will gladly take the elite talent every time. Sale is a H-O-F type player and the best pitcher the Sox have had in my 36 years. The fact that they had to trade him because they couldn't build around him still irritates me.

Roberts used some chemical enhancement to get to those numbers though.

Did Dunning have surgery? It was my understanding that he did not and that rest was his prescription at the current point. Maybe he will at some point, is that what you are predicting? As for Cease, I was, I believe the first one to mention him for next year. I think the service time will be handled differently because the team will be in a different place. At some point the team will have to get their pieces lined up and can't just keep guys down for control. While this is sub-optimal when they all become free agents at similar times, if they want to really contend in 2020, having their guys get some MLB innings under their belts will be important.

I wouldn't be surprised if we see Dylan Cease in the rotation by mid-year next season. He has been obliterating AA, and could be moved up to AAA this season, though he probably will just start there next season. If he performs close to the level there that he has since arriving the the Sox organization, he could be due for a call-up in the middle of next season. It would be a fun rotation down the stretch with Rodon -- Kopech -- Lopez -- Giolito -- Cease By that time you may have some help arriving in the bullpen as well with Burdi -- Hamilton -- Burr -- Frare -- Burr -- Ruiz and maybe some old friends in Bummer and Fulmer (?!?) While that pitching staff may be a little raw, boy would there be some pure "stuff" on the mound on a nightly basis. Though guys like Stephens, Guerrero and Adams are getting close to getting their shots as well, and will likely all factor into the pitching staff at some point next season.

He has really put himself back on the map after a lost season last year. I think he is in the mix in that 2nd tier of OFers.

Simmons does more than "plays defense". He may be the best defensive player at the most important defensive position. Projecting that for Madrigal doesn't seem fair, or right.

Yolmer is an easy guy to really like.

If the Sox are willing to do this, they made a mistake by not just drafting him.

Wise man once said (many times actually) that power is the last tool to develop. I would have a very difficult time find 15-19 prospects in the Sox system that I would rate above Rutherford. Gonzalez is doing some things better than Rutherford, but he is also a year and a half older in the same league. I think having them rated pretty close together makes a lot of sense.

For the 80- 100 games he plays per season? Not counting this season, he had played in 55% of the games since 2014. I have a hard time betting on him being more durable playing into his 30s.

Fulmer will almost certainly get into the game.

I mean, maybe they are right, as he was traded for basically nothing, but people put way to much credence into their opinions.

I get being down on Sheets, not a lot of space for a 1B that hasn't showed pop. Not that I am down on him, mind you as he has shown pretty well, but if the power doesn't come, I get not buying into his prospect status.

I kind of disagree with this as Sale has to be the favorite to win the Cy Young at this point.

It is a slap in Rodon's face to have him pitch this well and then bring in Minaya when he has guys on base. Pretty ridiculous.

Not to mention that Groome just had TJ and Chavis had a roid suspension, so their value may not be quite what it was a year ago.

The Brewers are a good fit for Leury, Soria and Shields. Leury and Soria give them additional control and Shields can eat some innings and pitch respectably towards the back of their rotation. Not sure AA and high A OFers are the best fit for the Sox right now though.

May still be essentially a rehab assignment. Could be that AAA is just really crowded right now. Could be a little both.

Couldn't agree more. Even if it isn't junk. He shouldn't have to become worse at a great skill (zone judgement) because the Umps are bad.

This season is really a freaking pain in the butt.

Nevermind...

If not, I am quite good with Witt, or a player like him. I think a young, toolsy HS SS would be a perfect fit in the make-up of this farm system right now.

If I am his hitting coach (I'm not) I would never advocate a young hitter with a discerning eye expand the zone because umpires aren't getting it right. You would have to really study the film and make sure he isn't taking pitches that are legitimate strikes, but his eye may end up being one of his best assets. I feel like he is getting the benefit of the doubt 0% of the time right now, but if he stays disciplined, that will change.

Familia

That is definitely true, but I have to say, I would rather he not give in and start swinging at bad pitches. Unless you are Vlad Guerrero, swinging at pitches out of the zone usually ends up in a bad result for the hitter.