Random Thoughts 3.5

[Mingo]

I think the Red Sox would be the best trade prospect for the Sox and Crochet. The Red Sox need pitching and a CF - they have a couple of highly touted prospect who play CF, but why not take Crochet and Robert - and give the Sox - 3-our of the 5 positions players the Red Sox (all top 10 prospects) have already - with a couple of well scouted A league types thrown in?

 

[Mingo]

I wonder what is to become of Eloy Jimenez. He had the most curious career decline - so serious - there had to be more to it than what we saw on the surface. I have a sneaking suspicion that he's going to det a minor league contract and surge as a DH somewhere. I wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole - but someone else will.

 

[Mingo]

I think if the Sox had their druthers they would have Crochet traded before they have to tender or non-tender Vaughn - that way they could get a 1st base power hitter type (Konerko - Abreu types) in the trade.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

I'm only posting this article because I never would have guessed.....

Why the Red Sox should be all in this winter: Talented core, MLB-ready top prospects mean Boston's time is now

The AL East is tough but the Red Sox have a chance to force themselves into the conversation

www.cbssports.com

The bullpen, conversely, weighed down Boston's pitching staff. Not only did the Red Sox have one of the highest relief ERA in the majors, they ranked second-to-last in meltdowns, ahead of only the historically pathetic Chicago White Sox.

LOL, kidding of course. We all knew our beloved team had the worst pen in the Majors this past season - maybe even one of the worst of all time. I just wish there were some actual stats/analytics that would formally support what we all knew. We need help everywhere on this roster and I mean everywhere. But upgrading the pen should be priority one this offseason.

 

[Mingo]

I'm only posting this article because I never would have guessed.....

Why the Red Sox should be all in this winter: Talented core, MLB-ready top prospects mean Boston's time is now

The AL East is tough but the Red Sox have a chance to force themselves into the conversation

www.cbssports.com

The bullpen, conversely, weighed down Boston's pitching staff. Not only did the Red Sox have one of the highest relief ERA in the majors, they ranked second-to-last in meltdowns, ahead of only the historically pathetic Chicago White Sox.

LOL, kidding of course. We all knew our beloved team had the worst pen in the Majors this past season - maybe even one of the worst of all time. I just wish there were some actual stats/analytics that would formally support what we all knew. We need help everywhere on this roster and I mean everywhere. But upgrading the pen should be priority one this offseason.

The Sox had plenty of relievers down in AAA and AA - ready to go. What happened?

1) Rhinesdorf wanted the veteran pitchers with contracts to play them out.
2) The Sox couldn't decide which young pitchers to move to a MLB bullpen shot - of Instead of taking the mound as a starter.
3) Even with that - the Sox had two really - ready to go minor league relievers - in Payton Pallette and Adler. I don't know if playing time was a concern, but in terms of development it was stupid to pitch ineffectual vets - instead of young guys getting a shot.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

The Sox had plenty of relievers down in AAA and AA - ready to go. What happened?

1) Rhinesdorf wanted the veteran pitchers with contracts to play them out.
2) The Sox couldn't decide which young pitchers to move to a MLB bullpen shot - of Instead of taking the mound as a starter.
3) Even with that - the Sox had two really - ready to go minor league relievers - in Payton Pallette and Adler. I don't know if playing time was a concern, but in terms of development it was stupid to pitch ineffectual vets - instead of young guys getting a shot.

You may be onto something. It's possible he and the organization didn't want to waste one year on some of these higher end prospects, thinking nothing was going to do much to help this shitfest of a season. Plus the added benefit of an extra year of experience before being thrown to the wolves.

I also don't think an average to better than average pen could have prevented a 100 loss season, but it's fair to assume that 2024 wouldn't have been as historically bad like it was. Been following the Sox for decades now and honestly I don't ever recall us having such a garbage bullpen. Ever.

 

[idseer]

hey! sox pick up a .209/2hr/18rbi guy in 31 yr old austin slater. expect a big difference!

 

[Mingo]

hey! sox pick up a .209/2hr/18rbi guy in 31 yr old austin slater. expect a big difference!

The new hitting director wanted him as a reclamation project.

 

[Jiddy]

The new hitting director wanted him as a reclamation project.

Trying to think of how many "reclamation projects" have actually worked out for us in the past decade...Drawing a blank.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Trying to think of how many "reclamation projects" have actually worked out for us in the past decade...Drawing a blank.

Let's also throw in how many of our minor leaguers have gone on to have great careers with us. When I think of small market teams like the Guardians and Rays or even a big market team like the Dodgers, all who seem to have almost bottomless wells of young talent, it always makes me wonder why can't we duplicate even half of their successes.

 

[Mingo]

Trying to think of how many "reclamation projects" have actually worked out for us in the past decade...Drawing a blank.

How about you?

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

How about you?

Jiddy is unreclaimable!!!

 

[Jiddy]

How about you?

I've watched every Bears game and ATTENDED a White Sox game this year.

I actually paid to see the worst team in Modern history.

I'm a lost cause man. There is no reclamation here. Only sadness and false hope.

 

[Mingo]

I've watched every Bears game and ATTENDED a White Sox game this year.

I actually paid to see the worst team in Modern history.

I'm a lost cause man. There is no reclamation here. Only sadness and false hope.

As a group we Sox fans are not interested in instant gratification.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

As a group we Sox fans are not interested in instant gratification.

Well, there are some exceptions.........

 

[Jiddy]

Beltin Bill Melton passed away.

 

[Mingo]

Beltin Bill Melton passed away.

Sadness. I was a fan.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Beltin Bill Melton passed away.

Sadness. I was a fan.

Same here. He had three or four solid seasons with the Good Guys, but couldn't duplicate such for the remainder of his career. He was also a knowledgeable analyst for the Sox in his post-playing career. See you down the road, Beltin' Bill.

 

[idseer]

Beltin Bill Melton passed away.

the first white sox hitter to hit 30 homeruns. that was a really big deal at the time.

 

[msgkings322]

the first white sox hitter to hit 30 homeruns. that was a really big deal at the time.

Also the first Sox to lead the league in home runs