Red Sox in season discussion

MtPleasant Paul

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So I guess Casas finishes the year in AAA?
He only has 225 AB's this year (33 in AAA last year) and the AAA season lasts this year until only four days before the end of the MLB regular season. Plus they would have to clear a space for him on the 40 man roster. After the season he will be added soon enough since he is Rule 5 eligible in December.

Meanwhile, let him be.
 

NDame616

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As of today the Red sox have had $53 million dollars worth of payroll money spent while on the IL




Broken down by position

$22,063,060 of that SP money alone is from Chris Sale, while 3.5M+ is from Nate (and bound to go up if he is done for the year)
https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/disabled-list/cumulative-player/boston-red-sox/starting-pitcher/
I'd say that's slightly misleading. They're about 9th in total days spend on the IL. The higher salary is more if a function of their total payroll being very high. While we've had tons of injuries, we are right in the bottom of the top 3rd in games missed.
 

BravesField

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I'd say that's slightly misleading. They're about 9th in total days spend on the IL. The higher salary is more if a function of their total payroll being very high. While we've had tons of injuries, we are right in the bottom of the top 3rd in games missed.
I agree, this graph is a tad misleading, while accurate. Sorting by dollars lost really is a function that the front office cares about. I'm sure Cora is more concerned with number of players and days lost than money.

However, I really like the graph and the numbers. I think it applies more to the Rays and Jays organization than the Sox. Rays lose 28 players and 1809 days while Jays lose 15 players and 730 days....and they have almost identical records this year.

Rays, if healthier, would probably be right on the heels of NY right now. Jays are an enigma. How can a team so talented on paper underperform. They also should be on the heels of NY
 

scottyno

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Somehow lefty relief might be the Sox biggest need this offseason. Especially because who the fuck knows what's up with Josh Taylor and if he'll ever be anything again.
 

E5 Yaz

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Verdugo vented after Tuesday's loss to the Twins, during which he made a critical error:

"It pisses me off when I make mistakes, when I mess up, when I hurt the team. I take it heavy. It’s not something I take lightly … I’m definitely pissed off about it.”

"Just got to be better. It's a play I make 99 times out of 100. Last minute took my eyes off the ball a little bit. Hey, fucking up happens. We'll be better. We'll make the next play."

"We've got to clean up everything. We've got to obviously clean up the defense. Pitchers have attack the zone; we've got to come through clutch with hitting. We can't just get a couple of hits and call it good ... Right now we're not firing on any of the cylinders."

He likely meant the underlined comment generically, speaking about everyone. At least, I hope so.

comments from PeteAbe's twitter
 

streeter88

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Verdugo vented after Tuesday's loss to the Twins, during which he made a critical error:

"It pisses me off when I make mistakes, when I mess up, when I hurt the team. I take it heavy. It’s not something I take lightly … I’m definitely pissed off about it.”

"Just got to be better. It's a play I make 99 times out of 100. Last minute took my eyes off the ball a little bit. Hey, fucking up happens. We'll be better. We'll make the next play."

"We've got to clean up everything. We've got to obviously clean up the defense. Pitchers have attack the zone; we've got to come through clutch with hitting. We can't just get a couple of hits and call it good ... Right now we're not firing on any of the cylinders."

He likely meant the underlined comment generically, speaking about everyone. At least, I hope so.

comments from PeteAbe's twitter
Nice to see one of the players making some attempt at leadership, even if it is taking accountability. I’ve been wondering lately who the leaders of this team actually are, and why we don’t hear any of them calling out unacceptable behavior. No one spoke up after that ridiculous centerfield miscue by Duran for example, and I can’t remember anyone speaking up since then.

A few years back there were players who had the role of “Captain” - that sort of leadership is sorely missing currently. Kudos to Verdugo for at least trying.
 

Sandy Leon Trotsky

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Verdugo seems the type of player with legitimate fire, but too young for a leadership role.

Accountability is a good start though.
Verdugo is way more heart than brain. Every team needs at least one and they can make a good lieutenant to get energy up but a leader needs to be more levelheaded. Seemed last year it was Kiké by default. Xander never seemed interested and Devers is too much of a goof. Vazquez was always too sloppy and lazy and I always felt that wore off on others. Don’t want him back!
 

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Verdugo is way more heart than brain. Every team needs at least one and they can make a good lieutenant to get energy up but a leader needs to be more levelheaded. Seemed last year it was Kiké by default. Xander never seemed interested and Devers is too much of a goof. Vazquez was always too sloppy and lazy and I always felt that wore off on others. Don’t want him back!
Vazquez was lazy? What does that mean?
 

RobertS975

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Nine games out of a playoff slot with 36 to play...the Red Sox can plan out the final month without regard to remaining competitive this year.
 

Mueller's Twin Grannies

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Vazquez was lazy? What does that mean?
His catching style left a lot to be desired, even if it was partially encouraged within the organization. He probably stole a lot of calls for his pitchers, in the wrong direction, with his poor framing. And I have never thought he was any good at calling a game. I don't think he took the time to memorize hitter strengths and weaknesses like 'Tek did, or those of his pitchers. I think he just called whatever he thought would be best in the moment and it either paid off or it didn't. If he couldn't hit a little bit and didn't have that arm), I'm not sure he would have stuck at the position.
 

absintheofmalaise

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His catching style left a lot to be desired, even if it was partially encouraged within the organization. He probably stole a lot of calls for his pitchers, in the wrong direction, with his poor framing. And I have never thought he was any good at calling a game. I don't think he took the time to memorize hitter strengths and weaknesses like 'Tek did, or those of his pitchers. I think he just called whatever he thought would be best in the moment and it either paid off or it didn't. If he couldn't hit a little bit and didn't have that arm), I'm not sure he would have stuck at the position.
I'm curious about what you mean by his style and the organization partially encouraging it. It would also be helpful if you posted some evidence about his framing, which is readily available on different sites. Why do you think he didn't bother with memorizing hitters and pitchers strengths and weaknesses?
 

billy ashley

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So... he'll be up in September for a cup of coffee. Sounds like Cora may not be very high on him.

A little late to this, but I don't think Cora likely has that deep of an impression of him. They've only interacted during Spring Training. Unless there were major character issues during camp, Cora would probably have only internal reports to go off of. The team has been high on him for a long time, and there's not been a whisper of character issues in his time in the minors.

I think more likely, the organization sees Casas as a guy who had a really solid year in 2022 but missed significant time. His ETA is absolutely 23 (it would have been this year if not for the ankle injury). Given that he is currently on his hottest stretch of the season, they may think it's better to have him enjoy that success, play everyday and work on some of his development areas in an environment that is comfortable and absent of any drama or acrimony.

Finally, they also may want to give Cordero one last run of PAs in this season. Guy continues to mash in AAA. While we're sick of him, there's still talent in there. They might see this month as his last chance to tap into it before cutting bait this off-season.
 

Smiling Joe Hesketh

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Also, apropos of nothing, while Verdugo continues to be a frustrating player I do not doubt his burning desire to win in the slightest, his remarks last night after his screwup point to a player who will always strive to be better and who cares about winning. I have waffled on him quite a bit and he has glaring flaws, but the attitude has been refreshing and I'm very happy to see it.
 

Sandy Leon Trotsky

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Also, apropos of nothing, while Verdugo continues to be a frustrating player I do not doubt his burning desire to win in the slightest, his remarks last night after his screwup point to a player who will always strive to be better and who cares about winning. I have waffled on him quite a bit and he has glaring flaws, but the attitude has been refreshing and I'm very happy to see it.
Since a very shitty start he’s put together a decent if not good season together at the plate too
 

Mugsy's Jock

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Verdugo is way more heart than brain. Every team needs at least one and they can make a good lieutenant to get energy up but a leader needs to be more levelheaded. Seemed last year it was Kiké by default. Xander never seemed interested and Devers is too much of a goof. Vazquez was always too sloppy and lazy and I always felt that wore off on others. Don’t want him back!
I'd guess JD Martinez would be a good candidate for the team leader post, given veteran status, a track record of professional success, and the respect he commands as a dedicated hitting expert. I can only guess (HOT TAKE ALERT) he's so wrapped up in his own hitting that he doesn't have the mindspace to take on a broader purview.

Aside from Verdugo (who I find myself really rooting for), the best candidates for "Team Leader" now would be the new guys -- Hosmer or Pham. But they probably lack the tenure for anything to emerge anytime soon.

Of course there's a hell of a "Team Leader" hiding in plain sight right in the dugout -- Jason Varitek. But he must be on a tight leash (either imposed or of his own design) because he has a super low public-facing profile. And of course a coach can't really inspire in the same way one of the 26 can.
 

Sandy Leon Trotsky

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Vazquez was lazy? What does that mean?
Just an impression I guess honestly. He never seemed to really be prepared batter to batter or how to manage the pitch selection. Maybe I'm just still spoiled by Varitek. His game awareness and what runners were doing seemed sub-par. I'm probably being unfair since these are likely on the pitching coaches and Cora also.
 

jwbasham84

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Brasier has to be one of the most frustrating relievers for me to watch. We all know his stuff can be electric and he was integral in 2018. But it's 2022. He has an ERA over 6 and has been worth -1.4 WAR thus far in 2022. I never liked watching Sawamura pitch, feel he is WAY to slow and couldn't strand a runner to save his life, but he was head and shoulders above Brasier. Add in the past character issues that don't need to be rehashed, Brasier has no business on this team or a part of its future going forward.

As for Verdugo, he's not the all-star we had all hoped for, but he plays hard and certainly has talent. Additionally, when he doesn't make a play, he owns it instead of saying things like it was lost in the sun or it was dusk and it's hard to see. I think he enjoys being in Boston and I definitely see him being a piece of a winning team. He may never get to the status of team leader. But he certainly could get to veteran presence that leads by example. He may not always get things right, but he will always put forth the proper effort.
 

walt in maryland

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I'm curious about what you mean by his style and the organization partially encouraging it. It would also be helpful if you posted some evidence about his framing, which is readily available on different sites. Why do you think he didn't bother with memorizing hitters and pitchers strengths and weaknesses?
I don't want to criticize Vazquez, but I will say this. McGuire has more than compensated for what the Sox gave up in CV.
 

billy ashley

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I don't want to criticize Vazquez, but I will say this. McGuire has more than compensated for what the Sox gave up in CV.
I think one can be other agree with this statement and also acknowledge that Vazquez is a solid major league ball player.

McGuire at almost no cost and club control is probably worth Vazquez alone. Apart from the whole episode in his personal life a couple years ago, it blows my mind that the White Sox gave him up in exchange for a bad reliever that's currently being paid like a solid one.

Getting back McGuire, two 40-45 FV assets and an interesting PTBNL for Vazquez and Diekman is a nice haul.

But yeah, none of appreciating that requires dumping on Vazquez without evidence.
 

Max Power

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Vazquez did look like a lazy player last year. He didn't block balls well, he didn't chase them down, and he made some really dumb throws. I think there were reports that he had some personal stuff then that was causing problems on the field. He looked a lot better overall this year, so that checks out.
 

YTF

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Vazquez did look like a lazy player last year. He didn't block balls well, he didn't chase them down, and he made some really dumb throws. I think there were reports that he had some personal stuff then that was causing problems on the field. He looked a lot better overall this year, so that checks out.
Yes, I would call it more of a lack of focus rather than him being lazy, especially during portions of last season as you mentioned.
 

Mueller's Twin Grannies

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I'm curious about what you mean by his style and the organization partially encouraging it. It would also be helpful if you posted some evidence about his framing, which is readily available on different sites. Why do you think he didn't bother with memorizing hitters and pitchers strengths and weaknesses?
The one knee thing is, or was, reported as being the organization's preferred stance, spearheaded by Varitek.
 

absintheofmalaise

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The one knee thing is, or was, reported as being the organization's preferred stance, spearheaded by Varitek.
I don't know the exact number of teams, but from games I've watched across MLB the majority of catchers are using the one knee down technique. I would think that if that technique led to more passed balls that the teams would know that, and if it were true, have their catchers go back to the traditional stance. If something that a player, or players, were doing that is easily correctable, that led to more runs being scored against that team don't you think that the teams would make that change?
Baseball America did a study on this. I don't have access right now. I also saw a graph the other day that showed that the passed ball rate was down for the past couple of years. I'll try to fid that too.
 

jon abbey

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I don't know the exact number of teams, but from games I've watched across MLB the majority of catchers are using the one knee down technique. I would think that if that technique led to more passed balls that the teams would know that, and if it were true, have their catchers go back to the traditional stance. If something that a player, or players, were doing that is easily correctable, that led to more runs being scored against that team don't you think that the teams would make that change?
Baseball America did a study on this. I don't have access right now. I also saw a graph the other day that showed that the passed ball rate was down for the past couple of years. I'll try to fid that too.
Passed balls in general are a wildly overrated thing in terms of impact, no MLB catcher currently has more than 8 for the season. Vazquez was tied for the AL ‘lead’ last year at 10, but that seems to me like essentially a rounding error in a 162 game season.

Also I just saw a study in the past week or so that the one knee approach actually lowers passed balls, although I don’t remember where.
 

Mueller's Twin Grannies

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I don't know the exact number of teams, but from games I've watched across MLB the majority of catchers are using the one knee down technique. I would think that if that technique led to more passed balls that the teams would know that, and if it were true, have their catchers go back to the traditional stance. If something that a player, or players, were doing that is easily correctable, that led to more runs being scored against that team don't you think that the teams would make that change?
Baseball America did a study on this. I don't have access right now. I also saw a graph the other day that showed that the passed ball rate was down for the past couple of years. I'll try to fid that too.
I'm sure you're right and would love to see that study. It just feels like it might make them a bit lopsided by being slightly off-balance/coiled, which could affect where the umpire perceives the glove to be when the ball is caught, which can affect the call. I'd be curious to see how umpiring crews are responding to the change in approach.
 

Cesar Crespo

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Since a very shitty start he’s put together a decent if not good season together at the plate too
First 190 PA: 227/.263/.335, .237 BAbip,
Last 324 PA: .317/.367/.443, .354 BAbip
All 514 PA: .284/.329/.403, .310 BAbip, 104 OPS+, 11.7% K%/6.0% BB%
Career: .288/.342/.432, .320 BAbip. 108 OPS+, 14.7% K%/7.4% BB%

He's right around his career average and trending in the right direction. Baseball Reference hates his defense though. -1.3 DWAR.
 

Big Papa Smurph

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I'm sure you're right and would love to see that study. It just feels like it might make them a bit lopsided by being slightly off-balance/coiled, which could affect where the umpire perceives the glove to be when the ball is caught, which can affect the call. I'd be curious to see how umpiring crews are responding to the change in approach.

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/one-knee-catching-doesnt-lead-to-wild-pitches/
So here’s the hypothesis. If one-knee catching had an impact on passed balls and wild pitches, we would see an increase in MLB’s league-wide data. In 2017, we had catchers all using traditional stances. In 2022, we have a large number of catchers using one-knee stances.

So here’s the key number: 0.05.

As helpfully recorded by Baseball Reference, in an average MLB game in 2022, there are 0.05 passed balls. So if you watch 20 games, you will see a passed ball. That rate is the lowest in the history of the major leagues. The wild pitch rate is 0.34. That is lower than the rate in any year since 2012, five years before the idea of one-knee catching began to proliferate in any way and is right in line with wild pitch rates of the past few decades.

If you look at that graphic, the steady growth of one-knee catching in 2019, 2020 and 2021 should have led to a spike in wild pitches and passed balls if one-knee catching leads to more balls that get away from the catcher. No such spike was recorded. Even more so, in 2022 (with one-knee stances growing ever more popular), the wild pitch and passed ball rates have plunged further.