Benintendi back on the roster

[Savin Hillbilly]

Looking ahead, there are only six lefties max in the four rotations the Sox are likely to face down the stretch (Liriano and Happ in Toronto, Sabathia in NY, Miley in Baltimore, and Snell and Smyly in TB), and looking at the way the schedule shakes out, the Sox probably won't face a lefty more than 4-5 times the rest of the way. So there won't be very many games where playing Young is a given. Benintendi is likely to play as much as Farrell's judgment of his readiness permits.

Of course Holt is still very much in the mix as well, but Benintendi's return should allow Farrell to return to using him as supersub. There's really no reason to start Holt over Benintendi unless Benintendi is struggling or has played several days in a row--and in fact, SSS artifact or not, Young has hit RHP better than Holt has this year, so if Benintendi needs to sit, Young might be the better choice, even against a RHP.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

Looking ahead, there are only six lefties max in the four rotations the Sox are likely to face down the stretch (Liriano and Happ in Toronto, Sabathia in NY, Miley in Baltimore, and Snell and Smyly in TB), and looking at the way the schedule shakes out, the Sox probably won't face a lefty more than 4-5 times the rest of the way. So there won't be very many games where playing Young is a given. Benintendi is likely to play as much as Farrell's judgment of his readiness permits.

Of course Holt is still very much in the mix as well, but Benintendi's return should allow Farrell to return to using him as supersub. There's really no reason to start Holt over Benintendi unless Benintendi is struggling or has played several days in a row--and in fact, SSS artifact or not, Young has hit RHP better than Holt has this year, so if Benintendi needs to sit, Young might be the better choice, even against a RHP.

The reason given for activating Benintendi tonight rather than tomorrow (when they expect to give him the start in LF) is because Holt is nursing a shoulder injury. I take that to mean that in the short-term, Holt is out of the mix either in LF or the infield.

 

[AB in DC]

There's also zero benefit to keeping someone on the 15-day DL at this time of year. If there's even a 1% chance he'll play, he might as well be active.

 

[SpaceMan37]

I wish they would have PH hit with AB for Hanigan in the 6th with one out and Chris Young on 1st last night.

 

[Hee Sox Choi]

I wish they would have PH hit with AB for Hanigan in the 6th with one out and Chris Young on 1st last night.

I couldn't believe it when it happened because we have three catchers. Then I realized we have four. Hanigan has been horrendous with the bat all year rocking an 18 wRC+.

 

[The Filthy One]

I couldn't believe it when it happened because we have three catchers. Then I realized we have four. Hanigan has been horrendous with the bat all year rocking an 18 wRC+.

My guess is that they want Hannigan to be the backup catcher on the potential post-season roster and need to get him at-bats between now and then. Balancing that with wanting to win every game is a challenge.

 

[Dahabenzapple2]

I couldn't believe it when it happened because we have three catchers. Then I realized we have four. Hanigan has been horrendous with the bat all year rocking an 18 wRC+.

I was beside myself when he let Hanigan bat in the 6th last night. No excuse so I guess this comment should be in Farrell thread.

 

[SpaceMan37]

My guess is that they want Hannigan to be the backup catcher on the potential post-season roster and need to get him at-bats between now and then. Balancing that with wanting to win every game is a challenge.

Things have gone really wrong if the backup catcher is playing in the playoffs. Is getting a catcher with an 18 wRC+ extra at bats in September going to improve the odds they win a championship?

 

[Buzzkill Pauley]

My guess is that they want Hannigan to be the backup catcher on the potential post-season roster and need to get him at-bats between now and then. Balancing that with wanting to win every game is a challenge.

Yeah, this. With 4 catchers on the roster, Hanigan really ought never bat after the 5th inning no matter what the score, but he will be. Regardless how useless he's been at the plate over the last 12 months.

And anyone who hasn't already done so really should get used to the idea of Chris Young, everyday LF. Historical splits be damned, Benintendi won't be placed into any sort of platoon role at this moment in time, even if both his knees were 150%. Because veteran hitter Chris Young has grabbed hold of the "playing LF, batting 6/7th" role for the playoffs, and so that's where he'll be. We saw this exact scenario with Jonny Gomes, we're seeing it now, and I expect we'll end up seeing it again.

OTOH, the playoff pinch-running spot is going to come down to Benintendi or Moncada, and I think the smart money should be on the former. Moncada's faster, but also more careless.

 

[Dahabenzapple2]

Yeah, this. With 4 catchers on the roster, Hanigan really ought never bat after the 5th inning no matter what the score, but he will be. Regardless how useless he's been at the plate over the last 12 months.

And anyone who hasn't already done so really should get used to the idea of Chris Young, everyday LF. Historical splits be damned, Benintendi won't be placed into any sort of platoon role at this moment in time, even if both his knees were 150%. Because veteran hitter Chris Young has grabbed hold of the "playing LF, batting 6/7th" role for the playoffs, and so that's where he'll be. We saw this exact scenario with Jonny Gomes, we're seeing it now, and I expect we'll end up seeing it again.

OTOH, the playoff pinch-running spot is going to come down to Benintendi or Moncada, and I think the smart money should be on the former. Moncada's faster, but also more careless.

I mostly agree unless Benny hits in the few opportunities he's likely to receive in the next 3 weeks. It also depends on Young's performance as well. Good observation/analogy to 2013.

fwiw, I see 2016 Young as a stronger option than 2013 Gomes but I also personally see Benny as a stronger option than 2013 Nava despite Nava's very strong numbers especially as a RH hitter. That Benny > 2013 Nava opinion is simply gut level as the numbers don't back it up. The numbers in 2013 say Gomes over Nava VS. RH pitching = idiocy

 

[luckysox]

Yeah, this. With 4 catchers on the roster, Hanigan really ought never bat after the 5th inning no matter what the score, but he will be. Regardless how useless he's been at the plate over the last 12 months.

And anyone who hasn't already done so really should get used to the idea of Chris Young, everyday LF. Historical splits be damned, Benintendi won't be placed into any sort of platoon role at this moment in time, even if both his knees were 150%. Because veteran hitter Chris Young has grabbed hold of the "playing LF, batting 6/7th" role for the playoffs, and so that's where he'll be. We saw this exact scenario with Jonny Gomes, we're seeing it now, and I expect we'll end up seeing it again.

OTOH, the playoff pinch-running spot is going to come down to Benintendi or Moncada, and I think the smart money should be on the former. Moncada's faster, but also more careless.

Did not Farrell bench Salty and WMB , for the most part, in the 2013 World Series, which he, you know, won? I don't think we can expect him to toss CY aside right now because CY is hot at the plate, and what the hell is wrong with playing the guy who has hit .462 over the last 7 days? But when he cools off, which he likely will, I am sure 10D will get some AB's down the stretch to make sure he is good to go for the playoffs.

 

[JohntheBaptist]

Chris Young has been pretty excellent holding down the fort for the time being and Benintendi literally just came back from a scary knee injury. I know its fun to think you were "first" on a narrative but maybe pump the brakes on the exasperation there.

Buzzkill likes to glance at tea leaves and then get in on the Red Sox fan-fiction, but this is a bit much.

 

[JohntheBaptist]

The numbers in 2013 say Gomes over Nava VS. RH pitching = idiocy

And yet... it worked. And we won. He was right.

He has a number of factors to consider, he makes a decision, it goes wrong: he's an idiot.
He has a number of factors to consider, he makes a decision, it goes right: I know better. He's an idiot.

The analogy sucks, by the way, because despite BP telling you it "will" happen and it is as simple as that... it hasn't even happened yet.

 

[Buzzkill Pauley]

Did not Farrell bench Salty and WMB , for the most part, in the 2013 World Series, which he, you know, won? I don't think we can expect him to toss CY aside right now because CY is hot at the plate, and what the hell is wrong with playing the guy who has hit .462 over the last 7 days? But when he cools off, which he likely will, I am sure 10D will get some AB's down the stretch to make sure he is good to go for the playoffs.

Sorry, I was under the impression managers got too much credit for the team's players' performances. I guess I didn't realize Farrell won the 2013 World Series.

Rembrat and E5Yaz and all the others have convinced me that it was Koji, and Papi, and the starting rotation who won...and, of course, Brandon Workman.

But that aside, I made no judgment about whether Benintendi losing his role because of Young's hot bat was a good or a bad thing. Only observation that it happened, and that people should probably adjust their expectations accordingly.

Benintendi and Moncada may be the future, but that doesn't mean the now should be ignored.

 

[JohntheBaptist]

But that aside, I made no judgment about whether Benintendi losing his role because of Young's hot bat was a good or a bad thing. Only observation that it happened, and that people should probably adjust their expectations accordingly.

He's been back for one. Game.

Is this a joke?

 

[rembrat]

But that aside, I made no judgment about whether Benintendi losing his role because of Young's hot bat was a good or a bad thing. Only observation that it happened, and that people should probably adjust their expectations accordingly.

Funny because the quote below has a clear and distinct tone to it.

And anyone who hasn't already done so really should get used to the idea of Chris Young, everyday LF. Historical splits be damned, Benintendi won't be placed into any sort of platoon role at this moment in time, even if both his knees were 150%. Because veteran hitter Chris Young has grabbed hold of the "playing LF, batting 6/7th" role for the playoffs, and so that's where he'll be. We saw this exact scenario with Jonny Gomes, we're seeing it now, and I expect we'll end up seeing it again.

Anywho, I think Farrell has shown he'll play whoever is getting the job done. From playing baby Xander in the World Series to going with a veteran Gomes in that same World Series. He played Shaw over Panda. He played Benny pre injury when he showed his poise at the plate. He played De Aza over the trainwreck that was Castillo. And the list literally could go on and on.

 

[JohntheBaptist]

Yeah there is no credible argument whatsoever that Farrell is a "veteran's manager."

 

[C4CRVT]

Since this is a message board and there's really only two people here in this thread who's posts are worth the bandwidth they're taking up, I'm going to offer my worthless opinion. Watching the video it didn't look that bad. He's going to rest for a week and a half, do some rehab for two weeks and be back doing baseball stuff, playing games for the big league club less than one month from today. Book it.

Blind squirrels, find your nuts. Broken clocks, it's your time. Where do I collect my internet points and what can they be redeemed for?

 

[Buzzkill Pauley]

Funny because the quote below has a clear and distinct tone to it.

What tone...Certainty? Chris Young has definitively seized an everyday role for himself. I thought that should be obvious.

You're starting to jump at shadows now.

 

[JohntheBaptist]

Blind squirrels, find your nuts. Broken clocks, it's your time. Where do I collect my internet points and what can they be redeemed for?

Nice work here. I was firmly convinced of the opposite. Awesome to see. Too bad he's never going to play over Chris Young now, apparently.

 

[JohntheBaptist]

What tone...Certainty?

Looks like you've got me on ignore, but the tone of judgment about good/ bad thing re: Young's role and a hot bat. I mean, its clear as day.

You have entirely too much faith in your own prognostication skills and basing arguments around their certainty is a tad ridiculous. None of what you're writing in this thread here today makes sense, sorry.

[he said to everyone but Buzzkill]

 

[Hee Sox Choi]

Yeah there is no credible argument whatsoever that Farrell is a "veteran's manager."

Just yesterday, a Fangraphs writer called Farrell a "veteran's manager" in a chat. It's his job to write about baseball and I'm guessing he's not a member of SOSH.

 

[JohntheBaptist]

Just yesterday, a Fangraphs writer called Farrell a "veteran's manager" in a chat. It's his job to write about baseball and I'm guessing he's not a member of SOSH.

Fair enough. I think there's a wealth of evidence to the contrary (highlighted in part by rembrat above), I feel free to disagree with a writer from Fangraphs, and it is entirely possible, given the context, that we're referring to different things.

If he's describing his usage of players and favoring veterans over younger players I don't find that particularly credible.

 

[BestGameEvah]

Fair enough. I think there's a wealth of evidence to the contrary (highlighted in part by rembrat above), I feel free to disagree with a writer from Fangraphs, and it is entirely possible, given the context, that we're referring to different things.

If he's describing his usage of players and favoring veterans over younger players I don't find that particularly credible.

I agree that he has shown that he will plays the kids before the vets. And this writer from Fangraphs (Swden?)just ranked our players and you should see the order of THAT list. Doesn't sound like he actually gets to talk to the mgr., or coaches or players....

 

[DJnVa]

Things have gone really wrong if the backup catcher is playing in the playoffs.

Well, I can definitely see a situation where we pinch run for Leon late--Hanigan may get some action in those situations.

 

[Buzzkill Pauley]

Well, I can definitely see a situation where we pinch run for Leon late--Hanigan may get some action in those situations.

It's possible. But frankly, even that doesn't appear to justify keeping him in during a key spot.

Hanigan's unlikely to bat more than a handful of times a series, given all the off days in the playoffs.

 

[rembrat]

Benintendi starting tonight and hitting 9th putting to rest the idea of Chris Young, everyday LFer.

 

[JohntheBaptist]

But that aside, I made no judgment about whether Benintendi losing his role because of Young's hot bat was a good or a bad thing. Only observation that it happened, and that people should probably adjust their expectations accordingly.

For posterity. Posted after AB had been back on the roster for one day.

 

[pantsparty]

According to the guys on the ESPN broadcast last night, they asked Farrell why he chose to start Young against Gausman and Farrell explained that it was because Gausman has a reverse split over his career.

 

[Buzzkill Pauley]

Benintendi starting tonight and hitting 9th putting to rest the idea of Chris Young, everyday LFer.

How about this: if Chris Young starts in fewer than 7 of the next 10 games, I'll apologize for being wrong on a sports messageboard.

Based on the probable pitching matchups, they should all be RHP except Sabathia and Snell. So Young would only get 2 starts in a strict platoon role.

I'm stunned you're so adverse to the idea, though. Young's been on fire at the plate recently, and the Sox really could use more power in the lower-mid lineup since Leon's been scuffling.

 

[JohntheBaptist]

You might be right, you might be wrong--certainly not the issue.

Making the call when you did, considering all the factors discussed here and based solely on your own WAG again is sort of an obviously foolish position to take.

No one cares about an apology.

 

[paulb0t]

Benintendi also has an avulsion fracture below his knee, and will continue to wear the brace. This could be one of the main reasons his PT has been pretty limited since his return. Hopefully the Sox can continue to separate in the East, and get him as close to 100% as possible before the playoffs.

Source: Boston Herald.

 

[Buzzkill Pauley]

Benintendi also has an avulsion fracture below his knee, and will continue to wear the brace. This could be one of the main reasons his PT has been pretty limited since his return. Hopefully the Sox can continue to separate in the East, and get him as close to 100% as possible before the playoffs.

Source: Boston Herald.

It's a damn good thing there wasn't any structural damage!

 

[Lowrielicious]

quoted in gamethread by E5 just now but thought this was worthy of a mention here:

http://www.gammonsdaily.com/peter-gammons-game-3-brings-a-deserved-celebration-and-an-unforgettable-goodbye/

"They were cautious with Andrew Benintendi, who they admitted worried them; John Gibbons had said he thought Benintendi made the loudest sound hitting the ball in the league, a sentiment backed by the Indians esteemed pitching coach Mickey Callaway.."

Not a bad compliment.

 

[BillMuellerFanClub]

purely anecdotal, but i found him to have the best strike zone judgement of anyone in the lineup. seldom did a ball go by without a swing that i felt merited a healthy hack. His presence really lengthened the lineup, it's too bad JBJ and Leon had to crater at the worst possible time.