Benintendi talk

Tyrone Biggums

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“@JMastrodonato: Benintendi has started once in three games, might not start at all in Dodgers series, depends on matchups.”
I don't understand this at all. Brentz has been pretty dismal the last few weeks. So what if Benintendi faces a lefty? You don't call this guy up to sit.
 

Savin Hillbilly

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The wrong side of the bridge....
I don't understand this at all. Brentz has been pretty dismal the last few weeks. So what if Benintendi faces a lefty? You don't call this guy up to sit.
No, but you don't just toss him into the volcano either, considering his inexperience. Give him some time to acclimate on this road trip before you put too much on his shoulders. The difference between Brentz or Holt and Benintendi isn't likely to be critical over a handful of games.
 

soxfan121

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Yikes.

Help us brandonchristensen. You're our only hope.
Those who can't do, post on internet message boards.

I'm pretty sure brandon is A.) not a GIF guy, and B.) pretty busy with his booming business these days. Dude is a great artist. I wish he were around more, too.
 

Tyrone Biggums

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No, but you don't just toss him into the volcano either, considering his inexperience. Give him some time to acclimate on this road trip before you put too much on his shoulders. The difference between Brentz or Holt and Benintendi isn't likely to be critical over a handful of games.
Is it good his development to sit on the bench in LA when he could be receiving actual at bats in Portland? I disagree on if it could be critical since we have seen rookies before help push a team past the finish line. I'm not sure Brentz is a competent hitter in the bigs. He had 20 something good at bats and the last few weeks once these pitchers had a book on him has been pretty lousy. I guess maybe Holt can get the majority of the time but right now they're trying to keep Pedroia Shaw Hanley fresh and Holt could be the guy to give them a breather.

Farrell has to put the best 9 guys in the lineup every night and if you aren't convinced AB is one of those 9 then why bring him up and start his clock now? Just seems like a waste.
 

joe dokes

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Is it good his development to sit on the bench in LA when he could be receiving actual at bats in Portland? I disagree on if it could be critical since we have seen rookies before help push a team past the finish line. I'm not sure Brentz is a competent hitter in the bigs. He had 20 something good at bats and the last few weeks once these pitchers had a book on him has been pretty lousy. I guess maybe Holt can get the majority of the time but right now they're trying to keep Pedroia Shaw Hanley fresh and Holt could be the guy to give them a breather.

Farrell has to put the best 9 guys in the lineup every night and if you aren't convinced AB is one of those 9 then why bring him up and start his clock now? Just seems like a waste.
You're getting awfully worked up over a tweet that said "might." Was that a quote from the manager or just an observation?
 

rembrat

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Red Sox manager John Farrell said he is sticking to his original plan to play the left-handed hitting Benintendi only against right-handed pitchers and will use the right-handed hitting Bryce Brentz against lefties. Brentz was in left field Thursday night against Mariners lefty Ariel Miranda.

“I wouldn’t rule it out that (Benintendi) would play against left-handers at some point to keep him involved,” Farrell said. “He’s got a swing that works very well. He’s had success in the minors against left-handers. But, in remaining consistent with what has been communicated to him and to (the media), the initial transitioning him in would be against right-handers.”
The move to call up Benintendi is one ultimately made by Dombrowski, the Red Sox president of baseball operations, but Farrell is the one who writes the lineup card.

Dombrowski told the Herald on Thursday he had no concerns about Farrell’s decision to platoon Benintendi and does not believe playing part-time will stunt his development.

“No, he’s played a lot this year,” Dombrowski said. “And that’s what (Farrell) says now, but it depends how he does. In the minors he was hitting .320-something against left-handers. So if he gets that edge, John could very well (play him regularly). But I think part of it is you got Chris Young coming back (from the disabled list), who is very good against left-handed pitching. So not at this point, no, I’m not concerned.”

Link


It sounds like everyone is on the same page. Tyrone Biggums is just getting ahead and laying the groundwork for his next anti-Farrell schtick.
 

joe dokes

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It sounds like everyone is on the same page. Tyrone Biggums is just getting ahead and laying the groundwork for his next anti-Farrell schtick.
“I wouldn’t rule it out that (Benintendi) would play against left-handers at some point to keep him involved,” Farrell said.
Thanks for the link. That sounds more like the at least somewhat equivocating Farrell I expect.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

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Is it good his development to sit on the bench in LA when he could be receiving actual at bats in Portland? I disagree on if it could be critical since we have seen rookies before help push a team past the finish line. I'm not sure Brentz is a competent hitter in the bigs. He had 20 something good at bats and the last few weeks once these pitchers had a book on him has been pretty lousy. I guess maybe Holt can get the majority of the time but right now they're trying to keep Pedroia Shaw Hanley fresh and Holt could be the guy to give them a breather.

Farrell has to put the best 9 guys in the lineup every night and if you aren't convinced AB is one of those 9 then why bring him up and start his clock now? Just seems like a waste.
It's three games in an NL park with NL rules. Benintendi is bound to get into two out of the three whether he's in the starting lineup or not. He was brought up with the express intent of being the LHH half of the left field platoon, and the Dodgers are likely starting at least two LHP in the series. It's not the end of the world that he's not expected to start every single game, and it isn't going to hurt his development either.
 

Al Zarilla

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The difference between Brentz or Holt and Benintendi isn't likely to be critical over a handful of games.
You could say that about the difference between Brentz, or Holt and Betts, or Bogaerts as well. Small samples and all that. Thing is, I'd want to get the guy who has an obviously gifted swing the experience of plate appearances to make him better in October, if we get there of course. Brentz isn't going to be around in October. Again, I see this as Farrell managing by the numbers.
 

dbn

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They should sell the naming rights, make some extra dough:

The Barclays Bashers
BPlayers
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The Black & Decker pitch-wreckers
Boeing, Boeing... gone!
Bayer Pharm-system boys

... I could go on all day (but, mercifully, I won't).
 

Tyrone Biggums

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It sounds like everyone is on the same page. Tyrone Biggums is just getting ahead and laying the groundwork for his next anti-Farrell schtick.
It has nothing to do with being anti-Farrell. It's attempting to make sense of why the kid is being wasted so far. Having people on the same page doesn't necessarily make it the correct decision. I mean AB just got to the majors what the hell is he going to do? Argue with the manager for playing time? Look, it could end up being the best thing for him so who knows. But on the surface how is this a better option for him than getting every day at bats in Portland and breaking camp next year? I think he's one of the best 9 hitters on this team. However, if you aren't committed to playing him on a regular basis then what is the rush to call him up?
 

joe dokes

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It has nothing to do with being anti-Farrell. It's attempting to make sense of why the kid is being wasted so far. Having people on the same page doesn't necessarily make it the correct decision. I mean AB just got to the majors what the hell is he going to do? Argue with the manager for playing time? Look, it could end up being the best thing for him so who knows. But on the surface how is this a better option for him than getting every day at bats in Portland and breaking camp next year? I think he's one of the best 9 hitters on this team. However, if you aren't committed to playing him on a regular basis then what is the rush to call him up?

They called him up near the beginning of a stretch of 43 games in 44 days so that Holt didn't have to be the regular LF and could sub for Pedroia, et. al. He's never played above AA so they're working him in slowly. A logical way to do that is by platoon. I think that "you'll be starting vs RHPs" is pretty "regular." At the same time, its a better option for the Boston Red Sox, even its not necessarily the best best best option for Him. IMO, unless you're talking about somehow ruining a rookie's career, "what's best for the big club" is what matters above all else.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

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It has nothing to do with being anti-Farrell. It's attempting to make sense of why the kid is being wasted so far. Having people on the same page doesn't necessarily make it the correct decision. I mean AB just got to the majors what the hell is he going to do? Argue with the manager for playing time? Look, it could end up being the best thing for him so who knows. But on the surface how is this a better option for him than getting every day at bats in Portland and breaking camp next year? I think he's one of the best 9 hitters on this team. However, if you aren't committed to playing him on a regular basis then what is the rush to call him up?
The "rush", if you want to call it that is that he's easily the best LHH outfielder they have in the organization that is both healthy and ready to contribute (in the opinion of the FO/management) at the big league level. He's been up for all of three games and played 10 innings in the field and had 5 PA. He's unlikely to start tonight or tomorrow because the Dodgers are starting lefties and his role for now is to be the LHH half of a platoon. That doesn't mean he's going to rot away on the bench in either game. He could pinch hit for a pitcher (or Brentz), get inserted into the game in a double switch, etc.

If he were getting the Castillo treatment and sitting on the bench for a 6-7 straight games without seeing the field, I could understand the concern about his development or "wasting" him. That hasn't even remotely been the case, particularly since tonight will be just the fourth game he's been on the roster. The panic and frustration is entirely unwarranted at this stage.
 

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I would argue that they should be doing all they can to get AB comfortable playing LF now while they are on the road in relatively easy Left Fields (and in games that are mostly played after most Red Sox fans are in bed) before he gets back to Fenway where not only will the Green Monster be looming over his shoulder, but also the eyes of Red Sox Nation will be far more intensely focused.
 

joe dokes

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I would argue that they should be doing all they can to get AB comfortable playing LF now while they are on the road in relatively easy Left Fields (and in games that are mostly played after most Red Sox fans are in bed) before he gets back to Fenway where not only will the Green Monster be looming over his shoulder, but also the eyes of Red Sox Nation will be far more intensely focused.
Given the number of balls hit to LF in an average game, I'd guess that most of that is going to come during BP and other practice time.
 

FanSinceBoggs

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It makes sense to sit Benintendi against lefties when Chris Young is around. As everyone knows, Young excels against lefties.

It doesn’t make sense to sit Benintendi against lefties for Brentz. The Red Sox would be better served giving Benintendi experience against major league left handed pitching. The Red Sox would be better served giving Benintendi more experience in LF.

Benintendi is 22 years old, it is not like he needs days off to stay fresh. This is an example of over-managing a situation.
 

Cesar Crespo

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Is it good his development to sit on the bench in LA when he could be receiving actual at bats in Portland? .
Maybe? He's still practicing, and now he is practicing with the best. Even if he doesn't play much, he is getting a feel for the game and the experience itself is worth something. Plus, he'll play anyway. When Brentz starts, he'll get pulled when a R enters the game. I doubt the same will happen for Benintendi when a L comes in.

edit: I think Ben should be playing every game.
 

Hee Sox Choi

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Brentz has a career of raking lefties in the minors (sorry, I can't seem to find cumulative stats vs. splits in the minors, checked B-Ref, cube, milb.com, etc.). Brentz also has hits Ls in his SSS MLB career: .319/.360/.447 in 50 PAs). A platoon for now is fine.
 
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Cesar Crespo

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Brentz has a career of raking lefties in the minors (sorry, I can't seem to find cumulative stats vs. splits in the minors, checked B-Ref, cube, milb.com, etc.). Brentz also has hits Ls in his SSS MLB career: .319/.360/.447 in 50 PAs). A platoon for now is fine.
His career line vs L in the minors: 680PA 609ab 181h 39 2b 4 3b 36HR 127rbi 75bb/162k .297/.381/.552
 

Plympton91

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It sounds like everyone is on the same page. Tyrone Biggums is just getting ahead and laying the groundwork for his next anti-Farrell schtick.
Actually it sounds like if Dave Dombrowski were managing Benintenti would be playing everyday.

If they were only going to start him once in the upcoming week of games and they were going to keep using Holt as the pinch hitting option when Brentz starts, count me in the group that figures sending him to Pawtucket for these past week of games would have made more sense.
 

brandonchristensen

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Those who can't do, post on internet message boards.

I'm pretty sure brandon is A.) not a GIF guy, and B.) pretty busy with his booming business these days. Dude is a great artist. I wish he were around more, too.
I'm not a GIF guy, but I've gotten better recently.

I'm actually heading to Canada to direct my first feature in 4 hours. Can't sleep. My schedule will indeed be messed up for the next two months.
 

HomeRunBaker

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I don't understand this at all. Brentz has been pretty dismal the last few weeks. So what if Benintendi faces a lefty? You don't call this guy up to sit.
No you don't. He was called up to initially be used as part of a platoon which is how he's being used. He's still available for late inning high leverage PH based on matchups. This isn't developmental time we are in a pennant race. If he's successful in the platoon role he may earn greater opportunity based on that and Brentz' success vs LHP.
 

Tyrone Biggums

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No you don't. He was called up to initially be used as part of a platoon which is how he's being used. He's still available for late inning high leverage PH based on matchups. This isn't developmental time we are in a pennant race. If he's successful in the platoon role he may earn greater opportunity based on that and Brentz' success vs LHP.
Pinch hitting is kind of an art though wouldn't you agree? Asking him to come up in a clutch late game situation over say someone like Hill is doing damage to the team and maybe his development as well.
 

HomeRunBaker

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Pinch hitting is kind of an art though wouldn't you agree? Asking him to come up in a clutch late game situation over say someone like Hill is doing damage to the team and maybe his development as well.
A late-game emergency situation vs a RHP is damaging the team yet giving him multiple at-bats against a LHP who is nasty vs Lefties is ok? Interesting.
 

Tyrone Biggums

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A late-game emergency situation vs a RHP is damaging the team yet giving him multiple at-bats against a LHP who is nasty vs Lefties is ok? Interesting.
The guy was able to hit lefties at a solid clip in the minors. I doubt he's been a pinch hitter more than a small handful of times in his career
 

HomeRunBaker

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The guy was able to hit lefties at a solid clip in the minors. I doubt he's been a pinch hitter more than a small handful of times in his career
We already know he is here to platoon only though as to not completely throw him to the wolves. If he is successful in a more limited role then he'll have the full time job fairly quickly. What is the rush to annoint a kid who a week ago hadn't seen a single pitch above AA? If he earns it the position will obviously be his sooner rather than later.
 

Tyrone Biggums

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We already know he is here to platoon only though as to not completely throw him to the wolves. If he is successful in a more limited role then he'll have the full time job fairly quickly. What is the rush to annoint a kid who a week ago hadn't seen a single pitch above AA? If he earns it the position will obviously be his sooner rather than later.
My point is that it's a massive waste of a call up. Just promote him next season if it's between the current situation and him getting regular at bats in Boston.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

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My point is that it's a massive waste of a call up. Just promote him next season if it's between the current situation and him getting regular at bats in Boston.
He's been up for 5 games. He's gotten into four of them, getting nine plate appearances. How many more plate appearances would have had at this point if he were still in Portland? Four, maybe five? And a handful more innings defensively as well. Hardly worth worrying about.

Something else to consider in terms of playing time and regular action. He played 61 games two years ago at Arkansas. Between college and the minors last year, he played 119 games. As of today, he's at 101 games. Assuming he'd stayed in Portland, he might have gotten to what, 125 games or so before their season finished? He stays with the big club the rest of the year as the strong side of a LF platoon, it stands to reason he should get into another 35-40 games putting him around 135-140 in total. And in a platoon, he's more apt to get enough rest to not hit the proverbial wall at some point. Basically, it's reasonable to argue that from a development standpoint, he's losing nothing by playing 3-5 games a week in a big league environment rather than 6 games a week for the Sea Dogs or Paw Sox.
 

judyb

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Just because they happened to face several LHSPs last week? It looks like the next one scheduled isn't until Friday and the next one after that isn't until the 20th.
 
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E5 Yaz

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This silliness reminds me of the "Why did they sign Chris Young?" kvetching of April.
 

E5 Yaz

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And here I was, a naive waif believing the "Steven Wright could have been hurt pitching the ninth inning of a three-hit shutout" debate was the dumbest discussion we'd have all week.
 

judyb

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So you bring him up when slated to face a bunch of lefties in that week? It doesn't seem like something that an intelligent organization would do.
The first one was the day he arrived, they probably didn't want to start him the day he traveled across the country, anyway. A second was still TBD when they called him up, and as it turned out, the Dodgers only ended up starting one.
 

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And here I was, a naive waif believing the "Steven Wright could have been hurt pitching the ninth inning of a three-hit shutout" debate was the dumbest discussion we'd have all week.
Drew Pomeranz read this thread and had to schedule extra appointments with his therapist.

EDIT--hypothetically, of course
 
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Harry Hooper

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And here I was, a naive waif believing the "Steven Wright could have been hurt pitching the ninth inning of a three-hit shutout" debate was the dumbest discussion we'd have all week.
The fainting couches need a good re-upholstering.
 

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Just for shits and giggles I did a quick look for some Red Sox players who had relatively little experience in AAA (after going through the AA teams back to 1963: Reading, Pittsfield, Pawtucket, Bristol, New Britain, Trenton and Portland)...so I missed anyone who wasn't in AA.

The list is short-ish. 4 "stars" went right from AA to the majors (Hanley, Hillenbrand, Bagwell and Scott). This is not a a comprehensive list.

Hanley: Skipped AAA
Shea Hillenbrand: Skipped AAA
Jeff Bagwell: Skipped AAA
George Scott: Skipped AAA
Ellis Burks: 11 GP in AAA before call up
Nomar: 43 GP
Betts: 45 GP
Bogaerts: 60 GP
Ellsbury: 87 GP
Fisk: 94 GP

To be meaningful, I'd need to find guys with relatively little AAA experience that went on to shit the brick in the majors. I'd also need to look at teams other than the Red Sox. I have time for neither.
 

Tyrone Biggums

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Why are you having such a difficult time with the concept of easing him in?
There's a difference between easing him in and bringing him up when the team is playing nothing but lefties. The service clock ticks every day. Could have just left him down or brought him up August 30th or something
 

JimBoSox9

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There's a difference between easing him in and bringing him up when the team is playing nothing but lefties. The service clock ticks every day. Could have just left him down or brought him up August 30th or something
Worrying about the service time of a prospect like Benintendi is not something intelligent organizations do. If it becomes an issue, he's already a disappointment.