Bold May predictions…Robert, Montas, AL Central

[caulfield12]

2. Luis Robert will awaken

A popular AL MVP pick prior to the start of the season, Robert -- much like the White Sox, as a group -- has had a dreary first month. He slashed .205/.222/.386 in his first 11 games before joining Chicago’s absurdly long list of walking wounded with a right groin injury. He returned to action Friday.

In May, a healthy Robert will help kick the Sox into gear. He has been a victim of bad luck on both the health and performance front. The difference between his batting average (.188) and expected batting average (.338) is the second-largest among qualified hitters in the big leagues, and the difference between his slugging percentage (.354) and expected slugging (.737) is the largest.

 

6. Every team in the AL Central will spend at least one day in first place

The White Sox injuries have created an early opportunity in the Central, and so far only the Twins, behind a surprisingly stout performance from their starting staff, have seized it. The Guardians have been erratic offensively, and the Tigers and Royals have major rotation questions and haven’t shown any power at the plate.

But until or unless the Twins prove their staying power and the Sox get it going, none of these five clubs looks like a juggernaut. Any of them could conceivably get hot enough for a week to at least touch the top in what has been a sluggish division so far.

 

[Chicago White Sox]

Where is the Montas nugget?

[DirtySox]

Lol.

Caulfield posts a free article, doesn't link to it, includes something about Montas in the title and proceeds not to post anything about Montas.

Here is your article:

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-predictions-for-may-2022

It's about the Rays trading for Montas.

[GreenSox]

Thinking this was a predictions thread with strange Caulfield numerology:

11.  The Sox will stabilize in May with a 16-12 record against a tricky schedule.  But they will fall to 5.5 back of the Twins, who will go 19-11 against a modest schedule.

 

Edited May 1, 2022 by GreenSox

[caulfield12]

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-predictions-for-may-2022
 

“Look, we all seem to think this dude is going to be dealt between now and the Aug. 2 Trade Deadline, so let’s get on with it.

We saw the value of the earlier-than-expected strike when the Brewers and Rays made the swap last May that sent shortstop Willy Adames to Milwaukee and pitchers J.P. Feyereisen and Drew Rasmussen to Tampa Bay -- a beautiful baseball trade that immediately benefited both parties. The A’s stronger-than-expected start is a mirage, every Montas start is precious, and there is no reason why they shouldn’t at least continue talking about a trade at a time when contenders are scrambling for innings and assistance.

The Rays are as good a pick as any to make another early impact deal, because while their predominantly young rotation has pitched well (and will hopefully get Shane Baz back before long), their lack of length is putting a lot of pressure on a bullpen that entered Saturday leading the Majors in innings (98 1/3). Sure, that’s the Rays’ style, but a difference-maker like Montas, who is under reasonable arbitration control through 2023, fits their organizational framework and is worthy of depletion from a strong farm system if it helps them repeat in a brutal American League East. The Rays would be loath to part with right-hander Taj Bradley or the versatile Vidal Bruján, but either of those prospects would make sense as the centerpiece of a return for the A’s.”

[caulfield12]

The White Sox never had a shot at Montas without Vaughn.

As many were concerned about coming into the season, Sheets is far from a sure thing (at the most replaceable position in the game), and now the Sox need to hold onto Burger for Moncada insurance as well as picking up the slack for Sheets as well.

Essentially, all one needs to do is look at the career of Daniel Vogelbach.  All he does is hit decently but not quite consistently enough to generate a 775-800 ops clip wherever he goes, so he just ends up drifting from team to team without ever finding a permanent home.  If Sheets was an above average defender at any position, he would have at least SOME trade value.

We shall see if Sheets makes it to Vogelbach’s 1000ish career MLB at-bats.  So far Gavin is at a 784 ops in the majors after being a 769 hitter across four minor league seasons.

Edited May 1, 2022 by caulfield12

[Kyyle23]

I'm not sure if that is caulfields own post or if he posted another middle three paragraphs from an article with no link 

[Soxfest]

Need some wins

Edited May 1, 2022 by Soxfest