Will Middlebrooks: Now or never

[jasail]

 
So who, really, is WMB displacing if he's reinstalled as the regular 3B?  Holt?  

 
Exactly. Holt was given the opportunity to play this season and he ran with it. Accordingly, if JF is trying to establish a semblance of meritocracy among the young players, then Holt should get the playing time because WMB has done absolutely nothing since August 2012 to demonstrate that he's more worthy of everyday playing time than Brock Holt. So, WMB gets ABs against LHP and against favorable RHP match ups when Holt spells other players or when he needs a breather. While limited, if WMB uses those favorable match ups to demonstrate he can put together an MLB at-bat and field his position - something he has struggled with both at AAA and MLB since April 2013 - he may get more playing time.
 
IMO, he's not trying out for the Sox 3B job in 2015. If not Holt, there are numerous free agent options that are available that are better than WMB. What he is doing is auditioning for a job in another city so the Sox can sell him as fodder in a trade.   

 

[mabrowndog]

 
To me it seems like they're trying to get Holt as much playing time as possible, and if they want to get Betts in there too, then it leaves Middlebrooks a bit out in the cold. There's only so much playing time to go around. It could be that they're trying to prioritize time for Holt/Betts/Nava so as to be in a good position for a trade this winter. I'm guessing no one's going to want to give up too much for Middlebrooks, so maybe the thinking is play the guys you might be able to get something good for. 

 
There's some validity to all of those, and to the many other reasons suggested by others in this thread as to why WMB's playing time is being stifled. But even if we acknowledge all of them as contributing factors, then:
 
1) Farrell shouldn't be shooting his mouth off about how "the opportunity is right there in front of him". When, you know... it really isn't.
 
2) For the times WMB actually is playing, Farrell shouldn't have him pinch-hit for a ex-NL pitcher who's a skilled bunter, with runners on base, in a tie game, against a lefty, AND HAVE HIS THIRD BASE COACH FLASH THE BUNT SIGN.
 
Farrell is contradicting himself in both words and actions.

 

[lexrageorge]

 
There's some validity to all of those, and to the many other reasons suggested by others in this thread as to why WMB's playing time is being stifled. But even if we acknowledge all of them as contributing factors, then:
 
1) Farrell shouldn't be shooting his mouth off about how "the opportunity is right there in front of him". When, you know... it really isn't.
 
 

 
I disagree.  Farrell really cannot say "no comment" or "he's inactive" when being asked about Middlebrooks.  The reality is that WMB is going to get playing time.  It may not be the playing time we want him to have, but that's not Farrell's concern.  No matter how limited, it will be incumbent on WMB to make the most of what he does get if he wants a guaranteed roster spot for the Red Sox in 2015.  This isn't Houston.
  

2) For the times WMB actually is playing, Farrell shouldn't have him pinch-hit for a ex-NL pitcher who's a skilled bunter, with runners on base, in a tie game, against a lefty, AND HAVE HIS THIRD BASE COACH FLASH THE BUNT SIGN.
 
Farrell is contradicting himself in both words and actions.

I agree that the situational use last night made zero sense.  But I don't think there's any more to read into it other than a random brain fart.  

 

[joe dokes]

 
There's some validity to all of those, and to the many other reasons suggested by others in this thread as to why WMB's playing time is being stifled. But even if we acknowledge all of them as contributing factors, then:
 
1) Farrell shouldn't be shooting his mouth off about how "the opportunity is right there in front of him". When, you know... it really isn't.
 
 
 
Farrell is contradicting himself in both words and actions.

 
 
The "opportunity" might go beyond what happens between 8 and 11 pm. Maybe it has somethng to do with how he is dealing with the situation. Or how he dealt with AAA or MLB attempts to help him.  Just because he isn't (by any accounts anyway) an asshole, doesn't mean that he's "coachable" or whatever term you want to use for not "getting with the program."
 
(The bunt *was* silly.)

 

[jasail]

 
There's some validity to all of those, and to the many other reasons suggested by others in this thread as to why WMB's playing time is being stifled. But even if we acknowledge all of them as contributing factors, then:
 
1) Farrell shouldn't be shooting his mouth off about how "the opportunity is right there in front of him". When, you know... it really isn't.
 
2) For the times WMB actually is playing, Farrell shouldn't have him pinch-hit for a ex-NL pitcher who's a skilled bunter, with runners on base, in a tie game, against a lefty, AND HAVE HIS THIRD BASE COACH FLASH THE BUNT SIGN.
 
Farrell is contradicting himself in both words and actions.

 
With regards to #1, what is he supposed to say? "The kid hasn't performed in two years, so his playing time is going to be limited, but we'd like him to stay focused so he doesn't further erode his trade value in the off-season." He's really limited in what he can say, plus we shouldn't take the words of coaches/management to the media as the God's honest truth. Saying the opportunity is in front puts the impetus on him to demonstrate his worth and take the job, it doesn't mean that they are going to spoon feed it to him.
 
With regards to #2, I agree. JF absolutely failed in using his roster last night; poor performance.  

 

[arzjake]

No excuse not to play Will everyday!  Has Cherington been asked why this not happening?
 
If the lack of a true leadoff hitter has Farrell handcuffed in regards to playing Holt everyday, well John, look at the standings, were playing for 15. Holt can platoon in the OF and spell Pedrioa or XB..
 
Headley pickup by NYY is looking real good at the moment. Playing great defense despite the average. Maybe worth a look on FA market if WM continues to regress..

 

[Drek717]

No excuse not to play Will everyday!  Has Cherington been asked why this not happening?
 
If the lack of a true leadoff hitter has Farrell handcuffed in regards to playing Holt everyday, well John, look at the standings, were playing for 15. Holt can platoon in the OF and spell Pedrioa or XB..
 
Headley pickup by NYY is looking real good at the moment. Playing great defense despite the average. Maybe worth a look on FA market if WM continues to regress..

If the rest of 2014 is used as the testing ground for WMB that it should be and he fails the test I'd rather go after Pablo Sandoval.  He'll only turn 28 next Monday, is a solid defensive 3B, and he can play 1B.  Pretty much the ideal guy to throw a 3/$39M offer to a la Vic/Napoli.  If Cecchini or Coyle are better options for 3B during the deal they'll likely have 1B and DH both free up in that time period anyhow to move Sandoval over.
 
Plus with the Yankees already staking out some ground on Headley by trading for him the market for Sandoval might not develop real strongly.  I could definitely see the Giants passing on giving him a QO after what happened with Drew, Morales, Cruz, etc. last off-season.  Sandoval is a comparable tier player and would be a real risk to accept a QO the Giants might not have the budget to afford.

 

[mt8thsw9th]

If the rest of 2014 is used as the testing ground for WMB that it should be and he fails the test I'd rather go after Pablo Sandoval.  He'll only turn 28 next Monday, is a solid defensive 3B, and he can play 1B. 

 
I say this as someone who isn't a fan of Sandoval given that his conditioning is so terrible at such a young age, but I think the Red Sox should sign that contract in an insulin heartbeat if it was possible. Which is to say there is no chance he's signing for that little. Even the Giants' initial contract offer was greater than that in years and dollars when he was asking for a 5 year, $100 million extension.
 
If/when this test fails, there aren't a ton of options out there, but Aramis Ramirez would be worth a gamble on a one year deal if his option isn't picked up. However, even if Middlebrooks plays every game from here on out, and doesn't capture his 2012 glory, I can still see shouts that he needs more time. 2012 was a nice run, but it was an outlier compounded with injury issues and the fact that he chooses not to address his vision problems. I haven't seen any indication that the front office nor Farrell think very highly of him. I'd love to see him turn it around, but he's a sum of his parts. It's not going to happen if he doesn't commit to overcoming his vision issue (which is something so damn easy it's mindboggling that he's resisting).
 
I can see Middlebrooks being a perfect change of scenery type, in that I imagine him getting traded/released and having the drive to prove the team wrong by ...simply wearing contacts. It's just really frustrating that he chooses to handicap himself this way.

 

[Al Zarilla]

 
I say this as someone who isn't a fan of Sandoval given that his conditioning is so terrible at such a young age, but I think the Red Sox should sign that contract in an insulin heartbeat if it was possible. Which is to say there is no chance he's signing for that little. Even the Giants' initial contract offer was greater than that in years and dollars when he was asking for a 5 year, $100 million extension.
 
If/when this test fails, there aren't a ton of options out there, but Aramis Ramirez would be worth a gamble on a one year deal if his option isn't picked up. However, even if Middlebrooks plays every game from here on out, and doesn't capture his 2012 glory, I can still see shouts that he needs more time. 2012 was a nice run, but it was an outlier compounded with injury issues and the fact that he chooses not to address his vision problems. I haven't seen any indication that the front office nor Farrell think very highly of him. I'd love to see him turn it around, but he's a sum of his parts. It's not going to happen if he doesn't commit to overcoming his vision issue (which is something so damn easy it's mindboggling that he's resisting).
 
I can see Middlebrooks being a perfect change of scenery type, in that I imagine him getting traded/released and having the drive to prove the team wrong by ...simply wearing contacts. It's just really frustrating that he chooses to handicap himself this way.

The Giants will probably pay Sandoval because their offense gets as bad as any team can when Posey and Pence have a few ohfers. Right now, Pablo is something like 15 for his last 28 with RISP. And, he's having the best fielding year of  his career. As for his conditioning, he's something like Kirby Puckett in that he's never stepped on a MLB diamond in anything close to great shape. But if he stays in this year's shape, and not 30 - 40 pounds heavier, which he has been some years, he's a very good ballplayer. Again, I'd be close to shocked if the Giants don't pay him. They've got some good sized salaries to pay next year with Cain, Lincecum, Hudson, Posey, Pagan, Pence, anybody else? They can afford it though. 
 
Edit, I'd like to see him in a Sox uni. Somebody photoshop.
 
Edit again, you know that Pablo is the ultimate hacker and that can tick off a lot of people here. He sometimes swings at pitches around his ankles or up to his eyeballs. Thing is, he's so strong and limber (yes, limber) that he can get to and drive balls way out of the zone. Current best bad ball hitter, like a Vlad. Crazy player. Except when he's in a bad slump, like all of April of this year, he's a kick and lot of fun to watch.

 

[derekson]

The Giants will probably pay Sandoval because their offense gets as bad as any team can when Posey and Pence have a few ohfers. Right now, Pablo is something like 15 for his last 28 with RISP. And, he's having the best fielding year of  his career. As for his conditioning, he's something like Kirby Puckett in that he's never stepped on a MLB diamond in anything close to great shape. But if he stays in this year's shape, and not 30 - 40 pounds heavier, which he has been some years, he's a very good ballplayer. Again, I'd be close to shocked if the Giants don't pay him. They've got some good sized salaries to pay next year with Cain, Lincecum, Hudson, Posey, Pagan, Pence, anybody else? They can afford it though. 
 
Edit, I'd like to see him in a Sox uni. Somebody photoshop.
 
Edit again, you know that Pablo is the ultimate hacker and that can tick off a lot of people here. He sometimes swings at pitches around his ankles or up to his eyeballs. Thing is, he's so strong and limber (yes, limber) that he can get to and drive balls way out of the zone. Current best bad ball hitter, like a Vlad. Crazy player. Except when he's in a bad slump, like all of April of this year, he's a kick and lot of fun to watch.

 
I think you're right that the Giants at least make him a credible multiyear offer and try to retain him. And even if they fail to get him signed, he seems like a strong candidate to get the QO, and thus not the most desirable target for the Sox to pursue. Even with a protected first round pick, I don't think he's quite the caliber of player that I'd want to sacrifice a 2nd round pick and corresponding pool money to sign.

 

[foulkehampshire]

I'm a fan on Kung Fu Panda if the years are right.
 
Think he'd put up some good numbers in this division. He's like a fatter Adrian Beltre; freakish hand-eye cordination/physical ability. 

 

[RetractableRoof]

At this rate won't they finish in a place where they don't lose a pick if they sign a qualified free agent?

 

[Buzzkill Pauley]

The Sox are going to be flush with MLB-ready RH hitting in 2015: Napoli, Cespedes, Craig, Middlebrooks, and Bogaerts all look capable of producing a 25+ HR season...potentially.  In fact, the Sox shockingly now project to field a RHH "regular" at every position of the diamond next season, with Pedroia, Vazquez, and Victorino (in CF).
 
Something's gotta give.
 
Replacing one or two of them (at least) with a LH/SW to balance the lineup has to be a FO priority.  Based on the 3B FA market, WMB definitely looks most vulnerable.  Though IMO Headley's a better target than Sandoval because he'd require less commitment in years, money, and draft picks. 
 
Just have to outbid the Yankees, right?

 

[Stan Papi Was Framed]

The Sox are going to be flush with MLB-ready RH hitting in 2015: Napoli, Cespedes, Craig, Middlebrooks, and Bogaerts all look capable of producing a 25+ HR season...potentially.  In fact, the Sox shockingly now project to field a RHH "regular" at every position of the diamond next season, with Pedroia, Vazquez, and Victorino (in CF).
 
Something's gotta give.
 
Replacing one or two of them (at least) with a LH/SW to balance the lineup has to be a FO priority.  Based on the 3B FA market, WMB definitely looks most vulnerable.  Though IMO Headley's a better target than Sandoval because he'd require less commitment in years, money, and draft picks. 
 
Just have to outbid the Yankees, right?

did not realize Headley's contract is up this year...wow, interesting opportunity.  crowded on the left side of the infield to say the least, but he is intriguing

 

[foulkehampshire]

did not realize Headley's contract is up this year...wow, interesting opportunity.  crowded on the left side of the infield to say the least, but he is intriguing

 
How is Headley intriguing? He has very little power and struggles to make contact.  Not to mention the health maladies he's had over the years. 
 
2012 is the outlier of his career, fueled by an unreasonable HR/FB rate. (21.4%!)  

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

At this rate won't they finish in a place where they don't lose a pick if they sign a qualified free agent?

 
They'll finish in a place where they can't lose their first round pick if they sign a qualified free agent.  But they still lose a draft pick for signing that player.  It's just a later pick.

 

[RetractableRoof]

 
They'll finish in a place where they can't lose their first round pick if they sign a qualified free agent.  But they still lose a draft pick for signing that player.  It's just a later pick.

Thank you

 

[Buzzkill Pauley]

 
How is Headley intriguing? He has very little power and struggles to make contact.  Not to mention the health maladies he's had over the years. 
 
2012 is the outlier of his career, fueled by an unreasonable HR/FB rate. (21.4%!)  

 
Headley wouldn't require compensation, could likely be signed to a 2-3 year deal at reasonable money, and his BIP overlay charts from PETCO between 2010-14 shows him as a standout candidate for a positive Fenway Park adjustment with no net loss of HR power, unlike most LH/SH acquisition targets (including Sandoval).
 
[edit]: Fangraphs also shows him with a consistently, if moderately, positive defensive value at 3B.
 
Unless there's some chronic injury such that the Sox could expect him to to play less than 130 games per season for the term of his contract, I don't see why he should be considered any more of a risk to stay on the field than Sandoval or Middlebrooks, or whomever.  

 

[nvalvo]

Unless there's some chronic injury such that the Sox could expect him to to play less than 130 games per season for the term of his contract, I don't see why he should be considered any more of a risk to stay on the field than Sandoval or Middlebrooks, or whomever.  

 
Well, Sandoval's clean out of hamate bones, so he has that going for him. 

 

[Van Everyman]

Nick Cafardo: Now or Never:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/08/08/onball/HxDS96IxlsKULaySYKoIrO/story.html

Interesting quote:

He also had the reputation of being too into himself. He turned some teammates off at times. And that’s a big part that he wants to change.

“I also have to concentrate on being a good teammate, too,” he said. “You learn a lot when you’re down. You can learn from guys like Ross and [Mike] Napoli. I’m gonna take the cards I’ve been dealt and make the most of it. I’m back and I need to contribute to winning and to being a supportive and good teammate. Because that’s who I am. That’s what I want to be known for.”

What's this? I thought all we heard about Will was that he was too good of a community guy—that he "got it"—and needed to focus on his game instead.

 

[Doctor G]

Nick Cafardo: Now or Never:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/08/08/onball/HxDS96IxlsKULaySYKoIrO/story.html

Interesting quote:



What's this? I thought all we heard about Will was that he was too good of a community guy—that he "got it"—and needed to focus on his game instead.

This might be a carry over from his Twitter presence as a rookie. You know, the wake and rake campaign.

 

[BornToRun]

I was thinking, if WMB continues to struggle against righties, how plausible is the suggestion that we could turn him into a Gomes replacement on the bench?

He's got a 288/340/491 line against lefties for his career and is at 308/357/423 this year albeit in an extremely small sample size. Maybe we get him some reps in the outfield and at first and turn him into a righty Nava?

Obviously, it's preferable for him to completely figure himself out and become a solid starter for the Sox at third but could this be a way for us to extract some decent value from him if he never fully figures it out?

 

[arzjake]

Im a fan of WMiddlebrooks. I hope he turns it around but after watching the first 2 games vs Angels  and Im no Scout, to me he doesn't generate any bat speed? He doesn't attack the pitch like Ortiz, Trout and even Angels Outfielder Calhoun.. Swing as Eck would say is long much like JBJ..
 
Anyone else see this?

 

[jhogan88]

Will Middlebrooks is just always late to the party. Behind on fastballs. Chases sliders. He's a cat with nine lives who seems to have four left but it won't matter because he can't hit.  

 

[mabrowndog]

Oy. Now hitting .138/.167/.207/.374 with 9 K & 1 BB in 30 PA since his activation/call-up after the trade deadline.
 
And yeah, he's looked as absolutely awful as those numbers suggest.

 

[Sprowl]

And yeah, he's looked as absolutely awful as those numbers suggest.

 
Wherever that quick wrist action and all-fields power have gone, they've gone far, far away.

 

[ehaz]

Oy. Now hitting .138/.167/.207/.374 with 9 K & 1 BB in 30 PA since his activation/call-up after the trade deadline.
 
And yeah, he's looked as absolutely awful as those numbers suggest.

 
So... Headley, Hanley or Sandoval?

 

[knucklecup]

Tulo at SS, Boegarts/WMB at third.

 

[Plympton91]

Oy. Now hitting .138/.167/.207/.374 with 9 K & 1 BB in 30 PA since his activation/call-up after the trade deadline.
 
And yeah, he's looked as absolutely awful as those numbers suggest.

He was hitting .231 on his rehab at Pawtucket, he's still hurt, I'm not sure why anyone would have expected him to play any better in the majors.

 

[Cuzittt]

He was hitting .231 on his rehab at Pawtucket, he's still hurt, I'm not sure why anyone would have expected him to play any better in the majors.

While I agree that no one should have had any expectations (given his numbers in AAA)... it might just mean he isn't that good as opposed to still injured.

 

[IpswichSox]

Tulo at SS, Boegarts/WMB at third.

 
 
Tulowitzki when healthy would be huge benefit to the lineup, no question. But factoring in acquisition cost plus injury history, Tulowitzki also would represent a lot of risk. With legitimate 2015 projectibility questions surrounding Bradley, Middlebrooks, Bogaerts and Vazquez, can we afford to layer on more risk in the starting lineup?
 
Forget about competition for Middlebrooks in spring training, I think the default position needs to be that Middlebrooks starts 2015 in Pawtucket, and we find a short-term third-basemen while we figure out what we have with Middlebrooks, Cecchini and Marrero. It's possible we may have cheaper internal options with (hopefully) less risk.

 

[MyDaughterLovesTomGordon]

While I agree that no one should have had any expectations (given his numbers in AAA)... it might just mean he isn't that good as opposed to still injured.

 
In the last 41 games of 2013, after he came back from the sojourn in the Bucket, he went 276/329/476/805 - a line bettered this year by only Napoli (830) and Ortiz (825). 
 
He was horrible at the beginning of the season. Was it hangover from the injury, or just his general skill level? Hard to know. But 41 games of 805 OPS is nothing to sneeze at. 
 
Yes, the beginning of this year was atrocious, but it was only 82 PA, about half of the sample from the end of last season. And he still had a 305 OBP, despite the 197 average. 
 
It doesn't seem like he can hold the bat right yet. Same problem that crippled Napoli's effectiveness earlier this year. 
 
Maybe he isn't good enough for MLB, but he still only has 114 games at the AAA level. The injuries have kept us from getting a true sample of his talent level, unfortunately. 

 

[LoweTek]

Rory McIlroy has been on fire since he broke up with Caroline Wozniacki. Prior to that he was missing the cut regularly. Now he's a four time Major champion, winning two straight.

Just a thought WMB may wish to ponder.

 

[The X Man Cometh]

Rory McIlroy has been on fire since he broke up with Caroline Wozniacki. Prior to that he was missing the cut regularly. Now he's a four time Major champion, winning two straight.

Just a thought WMB may wish to ponder.

 
But is that because he broke up with Caroline Wozniacki or because he's now banging Nadia Forde?

 

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

I think Headley is the guy if we can get him and I think we had a little discussion about it in the game threads during the Yankees series.  But think it's going to be a lot more expensive than people seem to think.  Switch with a fantastic glove.  He's going to get paid like a 3-win player, and anyone thinking a 3 or 4 year deal will work is fantasizing.  5/75-80 probably won't get it done, but would be a good deal.  Not sure if the Yankees will be after him.  Has there been any discussion what they plan to do with A-Rod?  Back to SS?  DH?
 
Except for the last month he's played his whole career as a Padre, and away from Petco he's a .285/.360/.442 player with 1950 PAs.  He's really consistent from both sides of the plate, without a major drop off from either side, which is really important I think for a quality infield glove.  
 
I'd love to see him as a Red Sox.  

 

[gammoseditor]

I think Headley is the guy if we can get him and I think we had a little discussion about it in the game threads during the Yankees series.  But think it's going to be a lot more expensive than people seem to think.  Switch with a fantastic glove.  He's going to get paid like a 3-win player, and anyone thinking a 3 or 4 year deal will work is fantasizing.  5/75-80 probably won't get it done, but would be a good deal.  Not sure if the Yankees will be after him.  Has there been any discussion what they plan to do with A-Rod?  Back to SS?  DH?
 
Except for the last month he's played his whole career as a Padre, and away from Petco he's a .285/.360/.442 player with 1950 PAs.  He's really consistent from both sides of the plate, without a major drop off from either side, which is really important I think for a quality infield glove.  
 
I'd love to see him as a Red Sox.  

 
I would take way under 5/75 on his next contract.  He was just traded for very little.  He has been better with the yankees but still only hitting .250/.354/.382 in a tiny sample size.  His defense is good but he also just turned 30.  I think he's clearly behind Sandoval and Hanley in the offseason market which will hurt his market.

 

[ehaz]

I'd take Sandoval in a heartbeat. Yeah, the body isn't ideal but good defense and bat, 28 years old. bWAR last 6 years:

4.3
1.5
6.1
2.1
2.7
3.9 (so far)

 

[Al Zarilla]

Rory McIlroy has been on fire since he broke up with Caroline Wozniacki. Prior to that he was missing the cut regularly. Now he's a four time Major champion, winning two straight.

Just a thought WMB may wish to ponder.

Girl friend/fiance vs. wife. 

 

[AB in DC]

Fun fact: Middlebrooks's slugglng % (.287) is basically the same as the Reds' starting pitcher today (.283).

 

[barbed wire Bob]

 
But is that because he broke up with Caroline Wozniacki or because he's now banging Nadia Forde?

  Rory credits single life with his success.
 
End of hijack.

 

[JohntheBaptist]

Girl friend/fiance vs. wife. 

Exactly. That and it was fucking stupid.

 

[E5 Yaz]

The pinch-hitting appearance today against Cincinnati was dreadful. The swings themselves appeared completely out of whack.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

I'd take Sandoval in a heartbeat. Yeah, the body isn't ideal but good defense and bat, 28 years old. bWAR last 6 years:

4.3
1.5
6.1
2.1
2.7
3.9 (so far)

Part of the long term contract would be to project how Kung Fu Panda fits into the long term plans of the Boston Red Sox. His numbers up to this point is very solid but the physical condition bothers me. Anyone who signs him and doesn't have a weight clause in his contract is asking for it.

I don't think his body holds up at 3rd over the course of a 5 year deal. 3 years you're probably pushing it unless something drastic happens with his conditioning. To be honest I would be stunned if he didn't head to the Dodgers or the Yankees. Both teams seem very willing to overpay guys like Panda.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Fun fact: Middlebrooks's slugglng % (.287) is basically the same as the Reds' starting pitcher today (.283).

Are you implying that the Reds starting pitcher is also injured?

 

[mt8thsw9th]

Are you implying that the Reds starting pitcher is also injured?

No, they are probably implying that Middlebrools' SLG is in the ballpark of the Reds' starting pitcher.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

 
In the last 41 games of 2013, after he came back from the sojourn in the Bucket, he went 276/329/476/805 - a line bettered this year by only Napoli (830) and Ortiz (825). 
 
He was horrible at the beginning of the season. Was it hangover from the injury, or just his general skill level? Hard to know. But 41 games of 805 OPS is nothing to sneeze at. 
 
 

We had a rookie SS last year who had a .990 OPS after his first 41 games which was also higher than Napoli and Ortiz at that point. WMB's small sample can be sneezed at as much as Iglesias' for the simple reason of 41 games being a very small sample to draw any long term conclusions. Anyone can get hot for 6 weeks...... well, except JBJ.

 

[OptimusPapi]

I am not sure any of the third base or shortstop free agents are the answer. With Holt, Betts Cecchini and Marrero in the fold maybe it is better to go with a short term answer and see what shakes out. Perhaps Aramis Ramirez on a one year deal. Would it be crazy to suggest Headley on a one year contract. He hopes he has a better year in 2015 and then when he hits the free agent market in 2016 he is far and away the best third baseman available.

 

[arzjake]

Ramirez is 36 with a mutual option at 14 mil with a 4 mill buyout. Brewers operate much like the A's. I doubt they waste 4 mill on a buyout for the level of production he brings.

3B to make a run at is our old friend ABeltre. Yes, age 35, stats are evident that he is not slowing down and shouldn't with only 2 yrs 32 mill left on a deal which is a bargain.
Why would TX trade him? #1 prospect Gallo is a 3b hitting with power.
In 2 years time the sox have a few upcoming prospects showing flashes in JBetts and RDevers.

 

[BornToRun]

We had a rookie SS last year who had a .990 OPS after his first 41 games which was also higher than Napoli and Ortiz at that point. WMB's small sample can be sneezed at as much as Iglesias' for the simple reason of 41 games being a very small sample to draw any long term conclusions. Anyone can get hot for 6 weeks...... well, except JBJ.

I'd settle for JBJ getting lukewarm for 6 weeks. Baby steps.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

I'd settle for JBJ getting lukewarm for 6 weeks. Baby steps.

At this point I'd settle for him to simply thaw.