Victorino or Middlebrooks are liable to be activated in the next week or so, and someone has to go down. I don't want to see Mookie Betts sitting on the bench, so I expect it will be him, but it could also be Bogaerts if he continues not to hit.
Xander Bogaerts Offense : Warmer than Orlando in January
- Thread starter ScubaSteveAvery
- Start date
- Status
My problem with the handling of X is that with his talent, a slump of this magnitude is out of the ordinary and more than any adjustment phase or anything else normal.
He looks so dejected and out of sync, and it is snowballing on him. Hard to believe that the kid out there the last few weeks is the same kid from May or last post season.
While he is ultimately the #1 person responsible for the funk, I really question whether the Red Sox organization is taking the proper steps to address and move past it. He has a much more limited memory bank of success to draw on, and getting a 20 year old out of this kind of rut in the Majors is a rather unique challenge that doesn't fall under the typical job description of the Major League Hitting Coach. But until they send him down, the Major League coaching staff has to find a way to take on this challenge, and push reset, and get him back to who he really is.
You really have three choices to evaluate what the coaching staff has done (and I obviously have very little information into the specifics):
#1) They are powerless to do anything of consequence and he has to find his own way out.
#2) They have done a lot and it would be worse/last longer without their significant helpful actions.
#3) They haven't done a good enough job with this situation, and they need to do better or someone else has to tackle the task.
I think #1 is a cop out, and I think the right person with the right approach can have a significant positive impacts on both the mechanical and the psychological causes of this big a slump on this young a player.
I think #2 is unlikely, and he has been failing so significantly on both action and outcome for such an extended amount of time that I can't believe that they are doing the best any guru/mentor/coach could possibly do.
So I think it comes back to #3. You aren't going to fire a hitting coach over something like this, but as we start a youth movement and have watched JBJ look lost as well, we need to make sure our staff is up to the challenge of giving young players every possibility to stay on track and thrive and learn and avoid prolonged slumps.
I also recognize the possibility that a major league hitting coach might not be best trained/experienced to deal with unusual struggles by the very youngest of players, and those talents might be more likely concentrated in some of the minor league coaching staffs.
So while I think the best course is for him to stay in the majors and press the coaching staff to take a different course in righting the ship (including extended benching while he works on things, or trying to limit him to favorable matchups whether strict platoon or more creative), I also acknowledge that after a month of being unable to reset himself at all at the MLB level, he could need a drop down. If he does that, I would want to see him playing shortstop in Portland, not third base in Pawtucket, and while not quite to the Roy Halladay style demotion to single-A, let him take a step that is further from the limelight and a return.
I'm still disappointed with how Bard was handled as a talent dealing with some major mechanical and psychological failure (and think Farrell would have been useful in that case).
While I have complete faith in Xander getting back to being himself at some point in the future, I question our coaching staff's approach and success with this particular challenge, and think there are hitting gurus in this sport who could have helped him get back on track more quickly, and I'm disappointed we don't seem to currently employ one of them.
He looks so dejected and out of sync, and it is snowballing on him. Hard to believe that the kid out there the last few weeks is the same kid from May or last post season.
While he is ultimately the #1 person responsible for the funk, I really question whether the Red Sox organization is taking the proper steps to address and move past it. He has a much more limited memory bank of success to draw on, and getting a 20 year old out of this kind of rut in the Majors is a rather unique challenge that doesn't fall under the typical job description of the Major League Hitting Coach. But until they send him down, the Major League coaching staff has to find a way to take on this challenge, and push reset, and get him back to who he really is.
You really have three choices to evaluate what the coaching staff has done (and I obviously have very little information into the specifics):
#1) They are powerless to do anything of consequence and he has to find his own way out.
#2) They have done a lot and it would be worse/last longer without their significant helpful actions.
#3) They haven't done a good enough job with this situation, and they need to do better or someone else has to tackle the task.
I think #1 is a cop out, and I think the right person with the right approach can have a significant positive impacts on both the mechanical and the psychological causes of this big a slump on this young a player.
I think #2 is unlikely, and he has been failing so significantly on both action and outcome for such an extended amount of time that I can't believe that they are doing the best any guru/mentor/coach could possibly do.
So I think it comes back to #3. You aren't going to fire a hitting coach over something like this, but as we start a youth movement and have watched JBJ look lost as well, we need to make sure our staff is up to the challenge of giving young players every possibility to stay on track and thrive and learn and avoid prolonged slumps.
I also recognize the possibility that a major league hitting coach might not be best trained/experienced to deal with unusual struggles by the very youngest of players, and those talents might be more likely concentrated in some of the minor league coaching staffs.
So while I think the best course is for him to stay in the majors and press the coaching staff to take a different course in righting the ship (including extended benching while he works on things, or trying to limit him to favorable matchups whether strict platoon or more creative), I also acknowledge that after a month of being unable to reset himself at all at the MLB level, he could need a drop down. If he does that, I would want to see him playing shortstop in Portland, not third base in Pawtucket, and while not quite to the Roy Halladay style demotion to single-A, let him take a step that is further from the limelight and a return.
I'm still disappointed with how Bard was handled as a talent dealing with some major mechanical and psychological failure (and think Farrell would have been useful in that case).
While I have complete faith in Xander getting back to being himself at some point in the future, I question our coaching staff's approach and success with this particular challenge, and think there are hitting gurus in this sport who could have helped him get back on track more quickly, and I'm disappointed we don't seem to currently employ one of them.
Every split I've looked at with Bogaerts screams his issues are mental.
None on: .283/.354/.419/.773
Leading off inning: .333/.432/.492/.924
As SS: .296/.389/.427/.816
Runners on: .168/.252/.248/.500 (23 for 137)
RISP: .128/.213/.167/.380 (10 for 78)
RISP, 2 outs: .081/.209/.135/.344 (3 for 37)
Bases loaded: .000/.000/.000/.000 (0 for 6, 3 GIDP, K)
As 3B: .140/.181/.225/.406
It's like looking at two completely different players.
None on: .283/.354/.419/.773
Leading off inning: .333/.432/.492/.924
As SS: .296/.389/.427/.816
Runners on: .168/.252/.248/.500 (23 for 137)
RISP: .128/.213/.167/.380 (10 for 78)
RISP, 2 outs: .081/.209/.135/.344 (3 for 37)
Bases loaded: .000/.000/.000/.000 (0 for 6, 3 GIDP, K)
As 3B: .140/.181/.225/.406
It's like looking at two completely different players.
These numbers are simply unbelievable. However, the lack of hitting by his surrounding hitters has been one important issue, and pitchers learning that he can be gotten out has lead to walks preceding his at bats - so it's a vicious circle including the pitching world's confidence that they can get him out with their best stuff, sometimes out of the zone. I believe that the key involves getting X to single-mindedly trying to hit oppo. He hasn't hit a line drive to right field in ages, thus the sliders which get him out when he tries to pull. And he tries more mightily with runners on base. Given his earlier, clearly demonstrated ability to hit to right field, this is the adjustment which will make a difference.Hank Scorpio said:
Nava has a .420 OBP since he was recalled from Pawtucket. Getting your confidence back against Triple-A pitchers CAN really help a player.*
Cherington has admitted the goal now is preparing for April 2015. One thing the Sox definitely need for April 2015 is a productive Bogaerts -- no matter where he's playing in the field. I was hoping the break might help him clear his head, but he's .267/.290/.400/.690 since he came back, and is so messed up last night he forgot how many outs there were, leading Farrell to give him a "day off" today.
Send him down a couple of weeks, let him rake, and he'll probably starting playing better in Boston. It would be nice to send the kid into the offseason off a strong September.
* I realize that Nava and Bogaerts are polar opposites in pedigree, but still think X would benefit from rediscovering his stroke (and hitting approach) at Pawtucket.
Cherington has admitted the goal now is preparing for April 2015. One thing the Sox definitely need for April 2015 is a productive Bogaerts -- no matter where he's playing in the field. I was hoping the break might help him clear his head, but he's .267/.290/.400/.690 since he came back, and is so messed up last night he forgot how many outs there were, leading Farrell to give him a "day off" today.
Send him down a couple of weeks, let him rake, and he'll probably starting playing better in Boston. It would be nice to send the kid into the offseason off a strong September.
* I realize that Nava and Bogaerts are polar opposites in pedigree, but still think X would benefit from rediscovering his stroke (and hitting approach) at Pawtucket.
An added bonus to sending him down is being able to bring up Middlebrooks to see if he can put up an acceptable major league OBP. I'd leave Xander down until rosters expand or Drew finds a new home.
It's incredible how bad he's been, considering how good he looked early in the season.
On May 31 he sat at 304/397/438.
From June 1 on, which actually includes the mini-tear when he first moved to third, he has been 159/195/250 over 174 PA.
He has 6 BB against 47K. He has almost as many GDP (6) as he has XBH (7).
For reference, Stephen Drew, making a case for the worst hitting performance by an everyday player ever, has put up a 172/256/328 in his 129 PA.
Xander's slug is worse than Drew's OBP in that time. That's amazing.
Xander has had a positive WPA in only 8 games since June 1. In 42 games, he has had a positive offensive impact just 8 times.
In the same time period, JBJ is 265/333/331, with 12 BB against 37K and 8 XBH. He's had positive WPA 20 times.
The way the two of them have seemingly crossed paths is a strange thing to watch.
On May 31 he sat at 304/397/438.
From June 1 on, which actually includes the mini-tear when he first moved to third, he has been 159/195/250 over 174 PA.
He has 6 BB against 47K. He has almost as many GDP (6) as he has XBH (7).
For reference, Stephen Drew, making a case for the worst hitting performance by an everyday player ever, has put up a 172/256/328 in his 129 PA.
Xander's slug is worse than Drew's OBP in that time. That's amazing.
Xander has had a positive WPA in only 8 games since June 1. In 42 games, he has had a positive offensive impact just 8 times.
In the same time period, JBJ is 265/333/331, with 12 BB against 37K and 8 XBH. He's had positive WPA 20 times.
The way the two of them have seemingly crossed paths is a strange thing to watch.
soxfan121 said:
Scott Boras will be happy to forward that message to Xander and, in the next breath, remind him of the riches that await him in free agency.
Peter Abe trashed bogie in his notes article today saying if the Sox are a meritocracy he should be off the roster and comparing his situation to Daniel Nava.
Daniel Nava and X are in no feasible way comparable. Nava was unplayable and awful before he went down. Bogie is your cornerstone prospect. Can we at least give him the year before we say he's done?
He has struggled for sure but is this team honestly getting better for the future with WMB at third and Holt playing SS once they move X to AAA to "work on things" ? I would say no. WMB is the poster boy of frustratingly stalled prospect development.
X didn't simple lose all the talent that made him a great prospect. Everyone needs to calm down and focus their anger on underperforming and injured veterans( there is a long list) and the FO that decided to not augment the offense at all while it was painfully obvious it needed help all year.
Daniel Nava and X are in no feasible way comparable. Nava was unplayable and awful before he went down. Bogie is your cornerstone prospect. Can we at least give him the year before we say he's done?
He has struggled for sure but is this team honestly getting better for the future with WMB at third and Holt playing SS once they move X to AAA to "work on things" ? I would say no. WMB is the poster boy of frustratingly stalled prospect development.
X didn't simple lose all the talent that made him a great prospect. Everyone needs to calm down and focus their anger on underperforming and injured veterans( there is a long list) and the FO that decided to not augment the offense at all while it was painfully obvious it needed help all year.
HriniakPosterChild said:
Fine. Both messages reaffirm to the player he is good enough, he is smart enough and goshdarnit, people like him.
Since I believe the player to be a super talent with a confidence problem, even Scott Boras undermining the Red Sox desire to sign him long term would be a good thing as it would give X something to think about besides his inability to hit right now.
Nava from the beginning of the year to being sent down: .149/.240/.269 in 75 PA, 6 BB, 17 Kjimbobim said:
Bogaerts since June 1: .159/.195/.250 in 174 PA, 6 BB, 47 K
Bogaerts since June 8: .139/.172/.190 in 145 PA, 6 BB, 39 K
Bogaerts has been given 100 more PA than Nava and has been significantly worse. This season is done but you really run the risk of messing Bogaerts up for next season and breaking records for negative batting WAR if he continues to play.
No one is angry with Bogaerts, or saying he is done, but this is a really, really awful slump. We are perplexed and concerned that this may impact the development of what everyone expected would be at least a solid starter and at best a superstar.
Toe Nash said:
There are at least signs he is getting out of the slump. For example, post-ASB he is hitting .267/.290/.400. Certainly not great but much better than 9 for 99. His K rate is down a bit to 23% from almost 30% during the worst periods, and just to my eyes he seems to be getting some better ABs together. Changes and improvement came in small ways at first for JBJ as he started to "figure it out" over the last month and eventually he rebuilt his confidence.
Our alternatives are not fantastic anyways. Holt looks terrible at 3rd more often than not - he's far better-suited in RF to my eyes. Maybe Mookie can fill that spot but he's also a big question mark. Middlebrooks is basically posting the same line in AAA as Bogaerts has posted post-ASB (.245/.290/.409 with a 26% K rate).
It seems clear that the FO and Farrell don't think this is killing Bogaerts' psyche long-term. He was touted as a guy with great self-confidence and maturity for his age and perhaps he is taking it in better stride than we all fear. If that is the case, then I'd rather he try to sort it out at Fenway than in Pawtucket.
Rob Bradford @bradfo 1m
If Drew does get moved plan would be to move Bogaerts back to shortstop
https://twitter.com/bradfo/status/494217019269857280
Im not sure how I feel about this. Would the sox move Bogaerts back to 3rd again, once Deven Marrero gets called up? I would give him a position and stick to it
If Drew does get moved plan would be to move Bogaerts back to shortstop
https://twitter.com/bradfo/status/494217019269857280
Im not sure how I feel about this. Would the sox move Bogaerts back to 3rd again, once Deven Marrero gets called up? I would give him a position and stick to it
soxhop411 said:
I agree. I understand that he has been moved around up to this date out of necessity; however, at present they are in a unique position to evaluate where they are as a team and where he fits in to that puzzle. So, IMO, figure out a role for the kid and stick with it.
Very impressive AB in the fifth tonight. .353 in his last five games. Sure, small sample, but he hasn't even had a stretch like that in two months.
Since the ASB, he's hitting .317/.334/.537 in 42 PA.
Perhaps a shade early to say he's turned it around, but he's on the right track.
Perhaps a shade early to say he's turned it around, but he's on the right track.
Papelbon's Poutine said:
It was printed on the shrink-wrap quality seal, not the actual product.
Go back and look at last September's posts...you might find it there.
I assumed it was a joke about people claiming that the move to 3B was responsible for his slump.Papelbon's Poutine said:
Follow
Peter GammonsVerified account@pgammo
Phillies have Charlie Kerfeld bearing down on Xander Bogaerts. Don't think he'd be traded, but...
I generally like Gammo but the number of things wrong with this tweet makes me wonder about him a bit.
Peter GammonsVerified account@pgammoPhillies have Charlie Kerfeld bearing down on Xander Bogaerts. Don't think he'd be traded, but...
I generally like Gammo but the number of things wrong with this tweet makes me wonder about him a bit.
Phillies probably just trying to decide whether to take Theo's package headlined by Addison Russell for Hamels, or whether to wait for the offseason in hopes that the Sox will offer Bogaerts.
Bet Amaro waits and doesn't take the Russell-plus package, then gets even less in the offseason.
Bet Amaro waits and doesn't take the Russell-plus package, then gets even less in the offseason.
He should wait, he should be able to get more in a competitive bidding environment. But Ruben will probably mess it up some how. t.
So Xander is now up to 3-35 since moving to SS.
I guess the impact of being moved to third on his hitting was a bit overstated. Or is he still suffering from that indignity?
JBJ's 0-35 is getting a lot of play but the can't miss kid on short looks pretty lost too.
That these two prospects are 3 for their last 70 is a sad little microcosm of this last place season. Can the Sox afford to roll with either of them next year as a starter? Until now, I think most people have viewed Xander as a given and looked at his woes this season as not indicative given his immense talent. And that may be the correct way to look at it. But I'm starting to think that Xander should not be a lock to be the starter on SS next season. Unlike JBJ, his D is not spectacular, and if he's not going to hit....
Thirty-five at bats is of course a small sample. But the fact remains that Boegarts is hitting .230 over 404 at bats this season. His OPS is .644 and his OBP is .295.
I guess the impact of being moved to third on his hitting was a bit overstated. Or is he still suffering from that indignity?
JBJ's 0-35 is getting a lot of play but the can't miss kid on short looks pretty lost too.
That these two prospects are 3 for their last 70 is a sad little microcosm of this last place season. Can the Sox afford to roll with either of them next year as a starter? Until now, I think most people have viewed Xander as a given and looked at his woes this season as not indicative given his immense talent. And that may be the correct way to look at it. But I'm starting to think that Xander should not be a lock to be the starter on SS next season. Unlike JBJ, his D is not spectacular, and if he's not going to hit....
Thirty-five at bats is of course a small sample. But the fact remains that Boegarts is hitting .230 over 404 at bats this season. His OPS is .644 and his OBP is .295.
I agree that X's season has been troubling but they're going to sink or swim with X as a starter at 3B or SS next year. If he stinks again next year they will re-evaluate, but they aren't going to go out and money or prospects on both a 3B or SS this offseason. He'll be given more rope than Bradley.
EDIT: added the word both for clarity
EDIT: added the word both for clarity
I don't understand why that's a given.Stitch01 said:
They already sunk this year with Xander's lack of production being PART -- though hardly the only part -- of the reason.
I know the organization is extremely high on him, but Marrero has had a strong season and is highly regarded, as well. I see no reason why he shouldn't be given a shot to unseat Boegarts and like Bradley, it's possible that a season in the minors might do Xander good at the plate. That Boegarts was terrific in the playoffs last year and was seen as very blue chip prospect on the way up is very nice, but I don't see that his actual play has earned a free pass.
Marrero isn't anywhere near the prospect X was, but if the Sox think he's ready and the SS of the present and future, which I think is unlikely to occur by Spring Training 2015, they will slide X over to 3B. They aren't going to go out and sign a vet to a multi-year free agent deal or trade prospects because they are still viewing X as a long-term answer at either SS or 3B and, given X's pedigree, its going to take more than one poor season at age 21 to change that viewpoint.
If they can find competition by adding a good veteran 3B or SS (preferably someone who can play both) that doesn't cost a draft pick and is willing to come here on a one year deal with the understanding they might not actually end up playing, great, seems unlikely to me that will occur though.
If they can find competition by adding a good veteran 3B or SS (preferably someone who can play both) that doesn't cost a draft pick and is willing to come here on a one year deal with the understanding they might not actually end up playing, great, seems unlikely to me that will occur though.
This is the free agent class. Unless they're going to give Hanley or Sandoval big money, its pretty slim pickings.
They need to upgrade the rotation, figure out CF long-term, figure out what they have in Marrero, and figure out who is going to replace Ortiz and Napoli (or, if that's Cespedes and Craig, who is going to be replace Cespedes and Craig) long-term, so I don't really see upgrading X's spot as a good use of resources this offseason, but YMMV. I am completely on board with you that this season has been disappointing and troubling, but I think betting on his improvement in '15 is just a risk the team is going to have to take (unless they want to really change the core of the team by signing Hanley or Sandoval long-term and spinning X for a young starter with big league success and an ace ceiling or something like that)
Shortstops
Mike Aviles (34) – $3.5MM club option with a $250k buyout
Clint Barmes (36)
Asdrubal Cabrera (29)
Stephen Drew (32)
Rafael Furcal (37)
Tyler Greene (31)
J.J. Hardy (32)
Jed Lowrie (31)
John McDonald (40)
Hiroyuki Nakajima (32) – $5.5MM club option with a $500K buyout
Nick Punto (37) – club/vesting option
Hanley Ramirez (31)
Third Basemen
Alberto Callaspo (32)
Jack Hannahan (35) – $4MM club option with a $2MM buyout
Chase Headley (31)
Donnie Murphy (32)
Nick Punto (37) – $2.75MM club/vesting option with a $250k buyout
Aramis Ramirez (37) – mutual option
Hanley Ramirez (31)
Pablo Sandoval (28)
Ty Wigginton (37)
Kevin Youkilis (36)
They need to upgrade the rotation, figure out CF long-term, figure out what they have in Marrero, and figure out who is going to replace Ortiz and Napoli (or, if that's Cespedes and Craig, who is going to be replace Cespedes and Craig) long-term, so I don't really see upgrading X's spot as a good use of resources this offseason, but YMMV. I am completely on board with you that this season has been disappointing and troubling, but I think betting on his improvement in '15 is just a risk the team is going to have to take (unless they want to really change the core of the team by signing Hanley or Sandoval long-term and spinning X for a young starter with big league success and an ace ceiling or something like that)
Shortstops
Mike Aviles (34) – $3.5MM club option with a $250k buyout
Clint Barmes (36)
Asdrubal Cabrera (29)
Stephen Drew (32)
Rafael Furcal (37)
Tyler Greene (31)
J.J. Hardy (32)
Jed Lowrie (31)
John McDonald (40)
Hiroyuki Nakajima (32) – $5.5MM club option with a $500K buyout
Nick Punto (37) – club/vesting option
Hanley Ramirez (31)
Third Basemen
Alberto Callaspo (32)
Jack Hannahan (35) – $4MM club option with a $2MM buyout
Chase Headley (31)
Donnie Murphy (32)
Nick Punto (37) – $2.75MM club/vesting option with a $250k buyout
Aramis Ramirez (37) – mutual option
Hanley Ramirez (31)
Pablo Sandoval (28)
Ty Wigginton (37)
Kevin Youkilis (36)
Is Xander's problem that he's too passive? He's 16th in MLB in pitches seen per plate appearance, but he doesn't walk especially frequently.
I think there is something to this. Anecdotally, I recall an at bat recently where X was ahead in the count 2-1 and watched a straight fastball go by on the inner half.Danny_Darwin said:
I wonder if X guesses the pitch. It seems like he does not or if he does, he's guessing wrong a LOT. For all the talk about sliders giving him problems, there have been plenty of times where he worked an at bat, got a good fastball to hit and then just missed it.
I wonder if he's just plain tired at this point--as much mentally as physically. Last season must have seemed like a marathon to him, then this year he's been under a microscope, changing positions, feeling a lot of pressure as a rookie on a first-to-worst team in a baseball-obsessed city. It may be there's nothing wrong with him that an offseason won't fix.
According to fangraphs he's seeing sliders 19.5% of the time. League average is 13.9%. It looks like pitchers have found a weakness and Xander has not been able to adjust. There was also a fanpost on their community board showing the rise in breaking pitches he's seen since his slump began. Based on the pitch breakout it seems to be mostly sliders.
Notes on Xander's defense from the game thread:
And here's the video link about the play on Fri. Tough play to second with runners going.
http://m.mlb.com/bos/video/topic/63817564/v35398305/houbos-petit-eludes-tag-for-run-on-wild-sequence/?game_pk=382361
I'm rooting for the guy to turn it on. He's got the rest of the year to settle in with little pressure.
Madmartigan said:
DennyDoyle'sBoil said:
And here's the video link about the play on Fri. Tough play to second with runners going.
http://m.mlb.com/bos/video/topic/63817564/v35398305/houbos-petit-eludes-tag-for-run-on-wild-sequence/?game_pk=382361
I'm rooting for the guy to turn it on. He's got the rest of the year to settle in with little pressure.
I believe that people are reading too much into one play. The force out at 2nd is usually the easier play in that situation but X failed to account for the running start and speed of the runner.
I have no doubt Xander will turn things around and make us forget about his abysmal 2014. No doubt at all. I wouldn't have traded Freddie Freeman for a package made up mostly of him otherwise. I'm not just trying to convince myself either. Nope. That's not what this is.
Ugh.
Ugh.
LOL! No one EVER overreacts here.JimBoSox9 said:
X is going to be here for the foreseeable future. He is NOT going to AAA again. He will sink or swim the rest of the way. This is the program we have adapted for the rest of the season. Same goes for JBJ. These guys should play every day the rest of the way. So to get worked up over it is a waste of energy.
maxotaur said:
Really? Seems to me the major difference between X and JBJ is that one of them is playing world-class defense, and the other is a daily defensive adventure. Offensively, Xander may have more talent, but JBJ has if anything looked like a better bet for short-term improvement. So while it may be true that Xander is the more likely of the two to have a long and distinguished MLB career, JBJ looks like the one less likely to merit--and benefit from--a demotion for the rest of 2014.
I get your point and I don't necessarily disagree. It's just that X has shown he can hit in the league (even if not consistently). JBJ has not. Just thinking if he has another span of 7+ games without a hit they might make a decision.Savin Hillbilly said:
Another slump could well put him under the Mendoza line. Not to suggest that a sub .200 is anything automatic, but it is hard to ignore.
Granted they have a pretty good chance at the playoffs, but Pawtucket's season ends September 1st. The window for sending guys down to find themselves has pretty much closed.maxotaur said:
However, neither should assume they have a job at the ML level next season.
I highly doubt after one season the Sox are going to give up on the young players and start bringing in aging veterans. In Xanders case he has shown some glimpses of being able to handle shortstop and he does show promise at third base. Combine that with the fact that he has shown the ability to hit major league pitching he is pretty much guaranteed to be on the roster in 2015. JBJ is different though. While he has given world class defense he has not shown any ability to hit Major league pitching. Couple that with the fact that the Sox have two young guys in Holt and Betts who can man center next year in addition to Cespedes and Victorino I highly doubt he is going to start the year with the big club barring a rash of injuries.
Giving them a place and time to gain badly-needed experience =/= "giving up" on them. Xander is completely lost, and his instincts at SS are, in a word, terrible. He's 21, and the organization came to the incorrect, but understandable conclusion that he was ready for the ML based on a really good half-season at AAA. He's got plenty of time to go back and work on his game, and I will cheerfully point and laugh at anyone who's watched him this year and still believes "he has nothing left to learn" at that level.OptimusPapi said:
As for the second bolded, your definition of "shown the ability to hit major league pitching" reminds me of WMB's comments that he had "proven" himself at the ML level.
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