OF Options

[Dick Allen]

There are guys that should be platooned without a doubt, but in today's game with 12 pitchers on a roster and 7 relievers, actually thinking you are going to get great match ups all the time is a reach.

 

Say the Sox are down 1 with the bases loaded and Melky up in the 5th or 6th. They bring in a lefty. Pinch hit for him, say Avi. He better get a hit and give the Sox the lead for good, or Avi is going to be seeing RHP his next AB. So there is that, and you don't have an endless supply of possible pinch hitters.

Edited February 16, 2016 by Dick Allen

[BlackSox13]

There are other players more in need of platooning than Adam Eaton.

 

How many left handed pitchers are in the ALC? Not enough for me to be concerned with regards to Eaton. LaRoche is a no brainer but Eaton? Come on, that just nitpicking.

[GREEDY]

There are other players more in need of platooning than Adam Eaton.

 

How many left handed pitchers are in the ALC? Not enough for me to be concerned with regards to Eaton. LaRoche is a no brainer but Eaton? Come on, that just nitpicking.

 

 

In my first post I said it was a stretch but what I was really trying to demonstrate was how shallow our OF is when you pencil Avi everyday into RF.

 

Worse than rolling the dice on Garcia everyday and praying he lives up to his potential, is starting the season without platoon partners for LaRoche, Melky and to a significantly lesser extent Eaton.

 

Trying to demonstrate that the Sox getting another OF is not giving up on Avi. He'd face LHP and be the backup for 4 positions. If that doesn't still get him 300+ plate appearances I'd be very surprised.

Edited February 16, 2016 by GREEDY

[southsider2k5]

There are guys that should be platooned without a doubt, but in today's game with 12 pitchers on a roster and 7 relievers, actually thinking you are going to get great match ups all the time is a reach.

 

Say the Sox are down 1 with the bases loaded and Melky up in the 5th or 6th. They bring in a lefty. Pinch hit for him, say Avi. He better get a hit and give the Sox the lead for good, or Avi is going to be seeing RHP his next AB. So there is that, and you don't have an endless supply of possible pinch hitters.

 

With 12 pitchers on most rosters now, plus two catchers, you get 11 roster spots for the 8 other every day players, if you include a DH in that total. Out of that group, you need to cover the infield and outfield in those three players.

 

[bmags]

So, bucket said we may trade for an OF.

 

One of the very available OFs now is De Aza.

 

What would your response be? Mine would be shrieking.

[Thad Bosley]

So, bucket said we may trade for an OF.

 

One of the very available OFs now is De Aza.

 

What would your response be? Mine would be shrieking.

Lol - so in the past couple of years, our outfield defense has gone from De Aza/Viciedo to Cabrera/Garcia. I am sick to death at puking over our outfield defense! Time to start catching the ball out there. So a big "De NOza" to De Aza!!

[OmarComing25]

So, bucket said we may trade for an OF.

 

One of the very available OFs now is De Aza.

 

What would your response be? Mine would be shrieking.

Going by 2013-2015 numbers, they wouldn't make the worst RF platoon on offense (.276/.332/.436 against LHP, .267/.332/.416 against RHP), but I hope it's a last resort type of plan. Still would prefer it to having Avi start though.

[bmags]

Yeah, I think he's fine. He's definitely a starter in MLB, but, would just be super mentally draining.

 

We could get him for peanuts thou.

[Al Lopez's Ghost]

I'd have problems accepting De Aza. Doesn't seem like progress to me.

[SoCalSox]

I'd have problems accepting De Aza. Doesn't seem like progress to me.

 

Seems like the Sox type of move.

[LDF]

More like "We have just as much of a sample saying Eaton is good against lefties as the one saying he is bad so let's not write him off as a platoon player."

In most cases below average defenders with lopsided splits should. And just not starting vs LHP is far from making Eaton a part timer. He pinch hits (and likely stays in the game) the minute a RHP enters the game. He also would likely be the first backup for all three OF positions and the DH vs LHP.

 

i am posting to both of yous guys. this platooning and having players hit with lhp or rhp is sometimes an over kill.

 

i mean, i know squat on this advance metrics but some times a key player needs to be in there at all times. like you would with Jose A. and players of that caliber.

 

the #1 hitter is just as important, ok he suck in the field, move him to another position, PAY for a replacement player via fa or trade.

 

just my POV and hope you don't take offense.

[LDF]

So, bucket said we may trade for an OF.

 

One of the very available OFs now is De Aza.

 

What would your response be? Mine would be shrieking.

 

great scenario.

 

i like deaza. but i would make a royal pisey rant. i guess i would laugh at the news of when the sox FO will mention the attendance number of season tickets not buying tickets. ....

 

but when the season starts, i will grudgingly cheer the south side and hope.

[LDF]

Seems like the Sox type of move.

 

 

oh yeah.... all about the $$$$$

[BlackSox13]

DeAza just signed with Baltimore this winter so is he even eligible to be traded yet?

 

No matter, I still say no fricken way to DeAza. He's the Mets problem. Now if the Mets want to talk about Granderson, for a reasonable price, I'm all ears.

[LDF]

DeAza just signed with Baltimore this winter so is he even eligible to be traded yet?

 

No matter, I still say no fricken way to DeAza. He's the Mets problem. Now if the Mets want to talk about Granderson, for a reasonable price, I'm all ears.

 

i am with you on this, the sox needs a player, a player that has at least 3 or 4 yrs on his contract.

 

why, in 2 yrs+ there is going to be a mass exodus of players leaving via fa's and the farm is not there to replenish the team.

[BlackSox13]

i am with you on this, the sox needs a player, a player that has at least 3 or 4 yrs on his contract.

 

why, in 2 yrs+ there is going to be a mass exodus of players leaving via fa's and the farm is not there to replenish the team.

There's alot riding on Anderson, Michalczewski, to lesser extents May and Engel to develop between now and the end of the '17 season. I still believe it's possible Frazier and/or Lawrie could be extended at some point over the next year or so. If Trey develops, Frazier should make a fine 1B.

 

As of right now, I see Melky as LaRoche's replacement at DH for '17 with May taking over LF for Melky.

 

I'm actually hoping for Saladino to hit his into being the permanent SS and develop Anderson into a CF. Not that I don't think Anderson can play SS, but his arm and speed could make for a very good CF and that would help with the outfield situation. Only problem with that is were talking about May, Anderson, Eaton as the outfield which would be great for range and speed but very little power. I would be fine with a lack in power in the OF for the sake of defense and if the Sox are getting power from the infield.

 

OK, back on track. I doubt Granderson would be available but if he was, I wonder what the cost would be.

Edited February 16, 2016 by BlackSox13

[LDF]

There's alot riding on Anderson, Michalczewski, to lesser extents May and Engel to develop between now and the end of the '17 season. I still believe it's possible Frazier and/or Lawrie could be extended at some point over the next year or so. If Trey develops, Frazier should make a fine 1B.

 

As of right now, I see Melky as LaRoche's replacement at DH for '17 with May taking over LF for Melky.

 

I'm actually hoping for Saladino to hit his into being the permanent SS and develop Anderson into a CF. Not that I don't think Anderson can play SS, but his arm and speed could make for a very good CF and that would help with the outfield situation. Only problem with that is were talking about May, Anderson, Eaton as the outfield which would be great for range and speed but very little power. I would be fine with a lack in power in the OF for the sake of defense and if the Sox are getting power from the infield.

 

OK, back on track. I doubt Granderson would be available but if he was, I wonder what the cost would be.

 

well at least someone is thinking.... and of course being fans, this is like anything else a make shift plan.

 

but the huge question mark for me is, will they, the prospects develop as hope ???? no one knows and therein lies the problem. no viable option after them.

 

good post.

[BlackSox13]

well at least someone is thinking.... and of course being fans, this is like anything else a make shift plan.

 

but the huge question mark for me is, will they, the prospects develop as hope ???? no one knows and therein lies the problem. no viable option after them.

 

good post.

Of course we don't know if they will develop, that's why they are called prospects.

 

Anderson and May will be at Charlotte this year so we'll have a better idea about them by the end of '17. Michalczewski and Engel, IIRC, will be at AA so its too early to speculate on them, especially Michalczewski who won't even be legal to drink a beer until the 27th of this month. I look at it this way, Michalczewski starting the '17 season for Birmingham at the age of 21 is encouraging.

 

In all honesty, its just too soon to be concerned about the '18 season. There's just too many things that can happen between now and then.

 

OK, back to OF options for this year. How about Matt den Dekker from Washington? LHB and plays a tick above average RF...

 

I'm starting to wonder if the Sox already have the LHB/platoon partner they need for RF with JB Shuck.

 

 

[buckweaver]

Why not us? Edited February 16, 2016 by buckweaver

[LDF]

Of course we don't know if they will develop, that's why they are called prospects.

 

Anderson and May will be at Charlotte this year so we'll have a better idea about them by the end of '17. Michalczewski and Engel, IIRC, will be at AA so its too early to speculate on them, especially Michalczewski who won't even be legal to drink a beer until the 27th of this month. I look at it this way, Michalczewski starting the '17 season for Birmingham at the age of 21 is encouraging.

 

In all honesty, its just too soon to be concerned about the '18 season. There's just too many things that can happen between now and then.

 

OK, back to OF options for this year. How about Matt den Dekker from Washington? LHB and plays a tick above average RF...

 

I'm starting to wonder if the Sox already have the LHB/platoon partner they need for RF with JB Shuck.

 

dang it, i was hoping you wouldn't ask me.

 

but in all honesty, we have one of him already.... jb shuck. mdk is faster, maybe a better defender, however shuck is a better hitter and maybe with a tad more power.. they both remind me a a lh hitting TT, who was both of my description.

 

but then again what in hades do i know.

[BlackSox13]

dang it, i was hoping you wouldn't ask me.

 

but in all honesty, we have one of him already.... jb shuck. mdk is faster, maybe a better defender, however shuck is a better hitter and maybe with a tad more power.. they both remind me a a lh hitting TT, who was both of my description.

 

but then again what in hades do i know.

I just looked them both up on fangraphs. Dekker has the edge in power and fielding but Shuck has the edge in OBP, K rate, BB rate. After looking at both players, there's really nothing to gain by trading for Dekker since, like you said, they are similar players. I'm just trying to think of players Hahn might have his eye on.

 

Oh well, my search continues as well as my faint hope for Jackson.

[LDF]

I just looked them both up on fangraphs. Dekker has the edge in power and fielding but Shuck has the edge in OBP, K rate, BB rate. After looking at both players, there's really nothing to gain by trading for Dekker since, like you said, they are similar players. I'm just trying to think of players Hahn might have his eye on.

 

Oh well, my search continues as well as my faint hope for Jackson.

 

oh now i see what your thinking is.... excellent... thinking out side the box.

 

here are my opinions and reasons.

 

padres - kemp and player, a prospect. they have some really nice players to be had. the sox do not have assets for those prospect, but money to take on kemp

 

brewers - one or 2 of the young level 3 tier pitchers and or add a possible pen pitcher. there they may want to trade one their ace OF plus MI.

 

cards, - the emergence of a couple of their minor league prospect may force the cards to trade an OF for a pen guy in the major now.

 

pitt. - same with the cards, but they have a really nice OF'er who may kick that door down in ST. marte may be pack off for pen pitcher plus a future sp.

 

the mets.... they really need 2 pen pitchers. they have some really nice OF'er and MI'er prospects.

 

ref AL, like Bowman idea, keep the players you trade out of the league you are playing in. so i never look into the AL.

[BlackSox13]

oh now i see what your thinking is.... excellent... thinking out side the box.

 

here are my opinions and reasons.

 

padres - kemp and player, a prospect. they have some really nice players to be had. the sox do not have assets for those prospect, but money to take on kemp

 

brewers - one or 2 of the young level 3 tier pitchers and or add a possible pen pitcher. there they may want to trade one their ace OF plus MI.

 

cards, - the emergence of a couple of their minor league prospect may force the cards to trade an OF for a pen guy in the major now.

 

pitt. - same with the cards, but they have a really nice OF'er who may kick that door down in ST. marte may be pack off for pen pitcher plus a future sp.

 

the mets.... they really need 2 pen pitchers. they have some really nice OF'er and MI'er prospects.

 

ref AL, like Bowman idea, keep the players you trade out of the league you are playing in. so i never look into the AL.

SD- Kemp is far worse in RF than Avi and Kemp should be a DH so there's no space for him on the Sox.

 

Milwaukee- they are rebuilding so the only players they are trading will be veterans with a high salary such as Braun.

 

Cards- they have an OF opening and were linked to Heyward and rumored about with other FA outfielders so I'm not sure they would trade an outfielder away.

 

Pitt- they aren't moving any outfielders until after this season when they can demand a kings ransom due to a lack of high quality FA outfielders next winter. Pitt will need what they have to contend while their minor league outfielders develop this year. I think Austin Meadows becomes the new CF for Pitt in '17 after Pitt trades McCutchen next winter for all of ancient Egypt's gold.

 

Mets- they do have some young talented outfielders but that's probably why they would like to trade DeAza. Those young outfielders wouldnt come cheap if the Mets were willing to trade one of them.

 

I think the Sox need to work something out with Houston.

 

[LDF]

SD- Kemp is far worse in RF than Avi and Kemp should be a DH so there's no space for him on the Sox.

 

Milwaukee- they are rebuilding so the only players they are trading will be veterans with a high salary such as Braun.

 

Cards- they have an OF opening and were linked to Heyward and rumored about with other FA outfielders so I'm not sure they would trade an outfielder away.

 

Pitt- they aren't moving any outfielders until after this season when they can demand a kings ransom due to a lack of high quality FA outfielders next winter. Pitt will need what they have to contend while their minor league outfielders develop this year. I think Austin Meadows becomes the new CF for Pitt in '17 after Pitt trades McCutchen next winter for all of ancient Egypt's gold.

 

Mets- they do have some young talented outfielders but that's probably why they would like to trade DeAza. Those young outfielders wouldnt come cheap if the Mets were willing to trade one of them.

 

I think the Sox need to work something out with Houston.

 

first, i will address the hou idea. i totally agree for only one reason, they may have what the sox needs. but i really doubt the sox have the assets to pull it off, plus my not wanting to trade in the AL. but that second part is foolish, if the sox can get that OF'er.

 

ref to all the other comments, that was great and that is what is fun. the point-counter point discussion and exchanging pov's . either way, i will not bore anyone else now with my ideas .....

 

great discussion.

[southsider2k5]

 

Logan @LPattack13

@BenBadler Who do you think ends up signing Alexei Bell?

 

Ben Badler ‏@BenBadler 1m1 minute ago

Don't sense much interest from many teams. Interesting given background, but not sure what role he has at this point