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March 10, 2020March 10, 2020

Red Sox 2020 Roster Projections

With the 2020 MLB season two_weeks away, the Red Sox are facing many questions moving forward. Interim manager Ron Reoenickie has many difficult questions to solve. Starting pitcher Chris Sale’s future is in doubt. Star player Mookie Betts is a Dodger along with David Price. Pitcher Rick Porcello is a Met. Popular utility man Brock Holt is a Brewer. In this post, we will examine three areas facing the Red Sox this season.

Red Sox 2020 Roster Projections Starting Pitching With starting pitcher Chris Sale’s future in doubt finding a starting pitcher is need number one. Currently, the team’s top three starters are Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi,, and Martin Perez. Fighting it out for athe fourth and fifth spots are Ryan Weber and Brian Johnson. Johnson has been injury_ prone for the past two years. Weber has been impressive in spring training and may earn himself a spot. If all goes as planned, the Red Sox could start the season with five starters. Relief Pitching So far this spring training, relief pitching, has been one of the club’s strengths. With no closer, the Sox will turn to Brandon Workman. Workman was Stellar in 2019 with a 10-1 record. Fighting it out for the middle relief are, Heath Hembree, Matt Barnes, Marcus Walden, Josh Oscich, Chris Mazza, Josh Taylor, and Darwinzon Hernandez. With rosters set for 26 players, look for the organization to take twelve pitchers north. Look for Hernandez to stick with the club. Hernandez joined the team last season and made an immediate impression. Offensive Production The loss of star player Mookie Betts will hurt. The club was third in the league b hitting 269 last summer. Replacing Betts is injured Alex Verdugo, obtained in the deal from the Dodgers. The team still has JD Martinez, Xander Bogarts, and Rafael Devers to supply the power. If the team does not get off to a good start, there is depth in Pawtucket. Prospects Bobby Dalbec and Josh Okimey are ready. Both supply power. The future The key to any winning season depends on the pitching. The uncertainty of Chris Sale could determine the outcome of the season. Depth wise the team does not have much in the minors. Interim manager Ron Roenicke has an arduous task of putting together a playoff_ caliber team.

February 14, 2020February 14, 2020

What The Red Sox Receive In Return For Mookie Betts And David Price

With last week’s blockbuster trade between the Dodgers and Red Sox fans are apprehensive. In 2019 they finished in third place at 84-78. Injuries to the starting pitching hindered any hope of repeating. Hopefully, Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi can stay healthy. In this post, we will examine three areas why the organization benefitted in the Mookie Betts trade. What The Red Sox receive In the Mookie Betts And David Price Trade Prospects Their is a saying in baseball that prospects mean nothing. This may be true with this trade. On the flip side, Dustin Pedroia’s career is over. The club has no real back up catcher behind Christian Vazquez. Kevin Plawecki was signed during the off_ season. Plawecki is a career 218 hitter spending time with the Mets and Indians. In return for Betts and Price, the Sox receive Catcher Connor Wong and infielder Jeter Downs. In three minor league seasons, Wong is a career 275 hitter. He has some pop with 48 home runs. Downs can play either shortstop or second base. In a couple of years, Downs could be the starting second baseman The third player Alex Verdugo is a fourth outfielder. In two seasons with the Dodgers, he is a career 282 hitter.

Cap Flexibility In 2019 the Red Sox had the highest payroll in baseball. Overall, the club spent 244 million dollars on David Price, Chris Sale, Nathan Eovaldi, and Stephen Pearce. All four players suffered season_ ending injuries. By moving Betts and Price, the Sox payrolls down to 193,000,000. Granted, the club has to pay 14,000,000 dollars of Prices contract. The deal does give the club some wiggle room to add another pitcher or two. Fresh Outlook If anything the Red Sox have a fresh outlook for the upcoming 2020 season. the 2019 team was heavily criticized for being non _likable. Pitcher David Price lashed out at broadcaster Dennis Eckersley. This did not sit well with fans and the media. If Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi can stay healthy, the club should be better in 2020 even without Betts. Looking Ahead With a new manager in Ron Roenicke and a healthy pitching staff the Red Sox should have a successful 2020. Depending on the outcome of the cheating scandal the Red Sox will move on from this grey cloud.

January 12, 2020January 12, 2020

Why The Red Sox Receive A Failing Grade This Offseason

http://bobphaneuf1957.com/2020/01/12/why-the-red-sox-receive-a-failing-grade-this-offseason/Thus far, this offseason the Boston Red Sox receives a failing grade trying to put a winning team on the field. Do not expect the team to make a serious run against the Yankees or Blue Jays. Both the Yankees and Blue Jays got better, while the Red Sox regressed. In this post, we will examine three areas that the organization needs to do in order to be a playoff contender.

Why The Red Sox Receive a Failing Grade This Offseason

Lack Of A Proven Closer The team never replaced former closer Craig Kimbrel. Kimbrel was a vital cog in the Red Sox championship season a year ago. Closer by committee was the strategy last season. Relievers Brandon Workman and Ryan Brasier held the bulk of the load. Overall, the bullpen was a disaster. The club also lost free_agent Rick Porcello to the Mets.With no one in the farm system ready look for Boston to sink lower in the standings. No New Additions The only significant offseason moves were adding catcher Kevin Pawlicki and infielder Jose Parada. Pawlicki the ex _Met is younger than Sandy Leon. Numbers _wise he is not a huge improvement. Jose Parada was a Rule 5 transaction from the Reds. Parada is less expensive than current free agent Brock Holt.a hits for more power and can play every infield position. Look for the club to move on from Brock Holt. Lack Of Starting Pitching Currently, the Red Sox has four starting pitchers. Two are coming off an injury _riddled season. If David Price and Chris Sale are healthy the team may have a chance to compete.

The Red Sox finished third in the East at 84-74 Rick Porcello departing sets them back farther. With no help in the farm system, it will be a long summer at Fenway. Starter Eduardo Rodriguez had a career year winning 19 games. Trading David Price has been a constant rumor this winter. Price only pitched in 22 games last season compiling a 7-5 record. At 33 years old he is not in the team’s future plans. The Season Ahead With the signing off Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley for a year the club can focus on winning. Whether or David Price stays in Boston, the pitching is thin. Owner John Henry is committed to reducing the payroll to 208,000,000 dollars. With no help in the farm system and lack of commitment from ownership fans can expect a disappointing 2020. With Toronto and New York getting better look for the Red Sox hover near the bottom of the division.

November 25, 2019

Three Reasons Why Mookie Betts Will Resign With The Red Sox

Now that the 2019 MLB Hot Stove season is in full swing, the Red Sox have one of the most challenging offseasons in recent memory. The number one topic around Fenway Park is where will Mookie Betts after he becomes a free agent after the 2020 campaign. A gut feeling is the team and new GM Chaim Bloom will solve the riddle. In the end, Mookie Betts will sign a long _term deal with the Red Sox. In this post, we will review three areas why Mookie Betts will resign with the Red Sox. Three Reasons Why Mookie Betts Will Resign With The Red Sox

Homegrown talent Since being recalled in 2011 Betts has a 301 _lifetime average. His other statistics include 139 home runs,47o rbi’s, a 519 slugging percentage and a 370 OBP. Players with Betts talent are few and far between. Finding comparable talent will not be easy. If the return does not pan out the organization will be the laughing stock. The farm system is thin and the starting pitching is questionable. With the organization’s goal not to exceed 208 million look for the club to consider other alternatives. Arbitration Eligible Players This offseason the team needs to critical decisions with several players. Players such as Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley, Sandy Leon, Steven Wright, Marco Hernandez, and the most important Mookie Betts. Also eligible are Heath Hembree, Matt Barnes,qnd Gorky’s Hernandez.

Team Needs To Get Younger Aside from a hefty payroll, the club also needs to get younger. One alternative to resign Betts is to try to deal David Price and Nathan Eovaldi. Price is in the middle of a seven _year 28 million dollar deal while Eovaldi is on the hook for a four _year 17million dollar deal. Price would bring value in return as would Eovaldi. The offseason Trying to resign Betts will be a difficult task. New General Manager Chaim Bloom has several decisions to make. With the team goal not to exceed 208 million dollars per year, next year’s team will look totally different. Expect the best outfield in baseball to be broken up. Not to mention a major shakeup of the pitching staff. Resigning Betts will be challenging, but possible. With several holes to fill in the pitching staff and second baseball fans can expect a very exciting offseason.

October 24, 2019October 25, 2019

Why Red Sox Fans Can Expect A Quiet Offseason

Red Sox fans can expect a quiet offseason while preparing for the 2020 season. The organization has three challenges facing them in the next few months. Priority number one is to hire a General Manager to replace Dave Dombroski. Dombrowski was dismissed two weeks after the 2019 season ended.. Priority number two is to resign outfielder Mookie Betts. And goal number three is to find a closer for baseball’s worst bullpen. In this post, we will examine three areas that the Red Sox need to focus this offseason. Why Red Sox Fans Can Expect a Quiet Offseason Resign Mookie Betts Challenge number one this offseason is to resign Mookie Betts. Betts a six _year veteran has played in 794 games a 301 career batting average. One Hundred thirty_ nine home runs and 470 RBIs. Not to mention a 374 OBP. Betts may not have the numbers that Manny Machado has but posts similar numbers compared to Bryce Harper. Both players signed on ef the most lucrative deals last season. Betts is under contract through the 2020 season for about 20.000,000 per year. One option is to trade Betts for prospects. By trading Betts the Red Sox would land some legitimate Major League prospects. Option number two is to sign Betts to a long term deal similar to that of Machados and Harpers. Signing Betts would mean a long term deal for at least 30,000,000 per year for ten years. If they were to resign him the club would have restructure contracts of players currently under contract. The Red Sox have one of the most critical decisions this offseason in the history of the franchise.

Find A Replacement For Dave Dombrowski Just two weeks after the season the club dismissed GM Dave Dombrowski. Dombrowski the team’s GM since 2016 brought ace Chris Sale and acquired Nathan Eovaldi midway through last season. Both Sale and Eovoldi played key roles in the 2018 championship. But injuries hampered both players last season. Some names to keep an eye on are Astros GM Jeff Luhnow and Indians GM Mike Chernoff. Find A Closer Not resigning a closer for Craig Kimbrel benefited the Red Sox. Brandon Workman replaced Kimbrel and had a career year 10-1 15 saves. Workman is up for salary arbitration this offseason. Expect the team to resign Workman for 2020. Notable relievers that could be available are Kelvin Herrera Royals, Joe Jiminez, Jeury’s Familia Mets and Trevor Rosenthal of the Cardinals. The Upcoming Offseason The 29/20 offseason will be one of the most historic in recent memory. With 60,000,0000 dollars coming off the books it will still be very difficult to go over 208 Million dollars. Decisions needs to be made on JD Martinez who can opt _out now despite a seven_ year deal. Priority number one is to find a way to resign Mookie Betts.

July 11, 2019

Three Quality Relievers That The Red Sox Will Target At The Trade Deadline

With Major League baseball’s 2019 All _Star game in the books, the Red Sox find themselves in second place nine games behind the Yankees. The difference this year, compared to last season, has been the pitching. In this post, we will review three relievers that may be available at the trade deadline. Three Quality Relievers That The Red Sox Will Target At The Trade Deadline Brad Brach Orioles Like his former teammate Zach Britton, Brach could be the next Oriole on the chopping block. The catch with Brach is he is under contract through next season at 9,000,000. Which means the Red Sox would have him for a year and a half. Red Sox fans can recall that five years ago, the team sent Andrew Miller to Baltimore and in return the club receiver Eduardo Rodriguez. Rodriguez has developed into one of the clubs most dependable starters. Joakim Soria Soria is another candidate who could be dealt for the right price. Boston traded with Chicago three years ago that netted Chris Sale. Soria is a veteran who owed 10,000,000 dollars for next season. The White Sox of 2019 is vastly improved. It would take a quality prospect or two to acquire Soria. Soria brings value to a club fighting for a playoff spot. He has been both a setup man and reliever during his career. Despite a 1-4 record and a 4.75 ERA this year, he has 220 career saves. Adam Conley Marlins With the Marlins once again basement dwellers, they will be a team moving players. One player, in particular, pitcher Adam Conley. Conley is flexible who can either start or relieve and would be a perfect fit for the Red Sox. At 1-7 and a 774 ERA this season Conley would add depth to a starting rotation or bullpen.

The Second Half The Red Sox starting pitching has been a disappointment. Chris Sale and Rick Porcello have not received the run support needed to win.

The organization has begun preliminary talks with the Mets, regarding starter Zach Wheeler. Wheeler is 6-6 and a 4.69 ERA in 2019. The other suitor is the Yankees. With the Red Sox farm system razor_ thin look for GM Brian Cashman to obtain Wheeler’s services. The Red Sox lost big shoes in losing Joe Kelly and Crag Kimbrel. Plus the injury to Nathan Eovaldi hasn’t helped. Look for GM Dave Dombrowski to make a move or two at the deadline.

April 20, 2019April 22, 2019

Top Red Sox Pitching Prospects for 2019

With, the Red Sox off to their slowest start in franchise history, pitching in the main area of concern. With Chris Sale struggling /850 ERa and Nathan Eovaldi on the 10_ day disabled list the team may have to look into the farm system for help as the season lingers on. In this post, we will review the organization’s top pitching prospects. Top Red Sox Pitching prospects for 2019 Jason Groome; Jason Groome has been in the Red Sox system for three years. Injuries have taken a toll on the young lefthander. Groome however, is still ranked highly by the teams scouting department. Gromme possesses a strong fastball _curveball to add fastball. Control has been his main issue as he does have a high strikeout ratio. If Groome can work on his command 2019 could be a realistic projection for him to make the rotation. Darwinian Hernandez: The lanky lefthander is perhaps the most likely prospect to be recalled this summer. Hernandez saw a substantial amount of innings in spring training. Look for Hernandez to start the season in Double_ A Portland this season. Hernandez best pitches are his fastball and changeup. If he can work on his command, he may be in the rotation sooner than expected. Bryan Mata: Only 18 years old Mata is one of the top_ ranked prospects in the system. Mata throws a strong fastball and curveball. Projected as a reliever he is rapidly rising through the system. If Mata can stay healthy, he should make the 40 man roster by 2020. TannerHouck: Tanner Houck is the 6th ranked prospect in the organization. A former first_ round draft pick last season Houck quickly climbed the ladder reaching Class A Salem. A strong fastball and curveball Houck needs to work on his control. In one stretch, last season Houck struck out 38 batters in40 innings. Despite an ugly 6.16 ERA Houck is projected to reach the big leagues in 2021. The Future: Despite a poor start the 2019 Red Sox do show some light with their farm system. The organization has resigned lefthander Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi to long term contracts. Also, shortstop Xander Boagaerts has also committed to a long_ term deal. With the team in dead last in the AL East do not be surprised if the organization starts recalling its prospects sooner than expected.

March 25, 2019March 25, 2019

The Four Teams That Will Be Fighting It Out For The 2019 American League Playoffs

With the 2019 Major League Baseball season underway here is a projection of which teams will be fighting it out in October. The 2018 Boston Red Sox are frontrunners to repeat. In this post, we will examine which team’s will be standing in Oct

Four Teams That Will Be Fighting It Out For The 2019 American League Playoffs

1st Place AL East Boston’ The World Champions had a relatively quiet offseason. General Manager Dave Dombrowski resigned World Series MVP Steve Pearce. and starter Nathan Eovaldi. As of last week, the organization rewarded ace Chris Sale with a five _year contract extension

Bullpen _wise, closer Craig Kimbrel still remains a free agent. As it stands now, the opening day closer remains veteran righthander Matt Barnes.

Offensively; Offensively the team will open the season with the same lineup as last season. Overall, in 2018 the team finished 6th in the league in home runs /208 and 1st in every other department. The only change in the lineup is catcher Sandy Leon who was released in spring training. Wild Card Yankees; The Yankees had a successful 2018 season winning 100 games. In 2018 the Yankees landed the biggest free agent fish n Giancarlo Stanton. Apparently, Stanton was not enough as the team lost to Boston in round one of the playoffs.

This offseason the Yankees were one of the busiest in baseball. The club acquired Seattle southpaw James Paxton. Resigned JA Haap and Zach Britton. Also coming to terms were infielder Troy Tulowitzki, Outfielder Andrew McCutcheon, Infielder DJ LaMahieu pitchers Lace Lynn and Gio Gonzalez. The Yankees will be serious challengers to the Red Sox as the club added depth to their 2019 roster. One thing is for certain they will be active at the trade deadline.

AL Central Minnesota; This may seem a long shot but the Twins are committed to winning. First_year manager Rocco Baldelli takes a team that finished in third place a year ago with visions of a championship.

In the offseason, the Twins added CJ Cron, Nelson Cruz, and infielder Johnathan Schoop. With an established pitching staff and deep bullpen look for the club to be the surprise of the American League.

Offensively the Twins have a talented group of Max Kepler, MIguel Sano, and outfielder Byron Buxton. Despite Joe Mauer, retiring Twins fans have high hopes for a serious championship run. AL West Houston Astros; The Astros won five games less than the Red Sox in2018 finishing 103-59 and a 636 winning percentage. Considering the fact that they lost starter Charlie Morton to Tampa Bay, they still have an intriguing pitching staff. Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole give the Astros a reliable one and two punch. Collin McHugh and Brad Peacock round out the staff. As for depth, the club has two studs ready in the minors. Youngsters Josh James and Forrest Whitley should join the staff at some point

Peacock rounds out the staff. Depth_ wise, the team has two young studs in the minors. Youngsters Josh James and Forrest Whitley will be recalled at some point during the season.

The organization announced that they had resigned pitcher Justin Verlander and third baseman Alex Bregman to contract extensions. Despite losing Marwin Gonzalez in free agency, they still have plenty of punch with Jose Altuve and George Springer

January 25, 2019January 29, 2019

Three Free Agent Pitchers Still Available That Could Help The Red Sox In 2019

The 2019 MLB Free Agency season is still very much alive. Thus far, teams have been focusing on pitching primarily relief pitching. Several examples are the Mets acquiring closer Edwin Diaz from Seattle. Relievers Zach Britton, Doug Robertson and Adam Octavio, are all signed for next season. In this article, we will discuss three pitchers still on the market who could bolster the Red Sox bullpen in 2019. Three Free Agent Pitchers Still Available Who Could Help The Red Sox In 2019

Ryan Madson; The nine-year veteran is still one of the most attractive pitchers left on the free agent market. With the loss of setup man, Joe Kelly to the Dodgers Madson is a perfect fit.

For seven million dollars per year, Madson brings a 7-1 postseason record to the table and 1 World Series win under his belt. The Red Sox are very familiar with Madson with his World Series appearances in 2018.

Sergio Romo; If the organization cannot come to terms with Craig Kimbrel the next logical solution maybe Sergio Romo. Romo the former San Francisco Giants pitcher has an impressive 30-31 career record and 109 lifetime saves. At, thirty- five years old Romo had an effective 2018 posting a 3-4 record and 25 saves. The price for Craig Kimbrel may be too high for the Red Sox to agree on. Look for Romo to stay in the AL East after spending the last two seasons with Tampa Bay.

Craig Kimbrel; As free agency approaches the end of January, Craig Kimbrel is still available on the open market. The eight_ year veteran compiled a 5-2 record last season plus, 42 saves. Although Kimbrel was inconsistent in the second half he still was a valuable contributor in the postseason.

At the beginning of free agency General Manager, Dave Dombrowski presented Kimbrel with an offer. With Kimbrel seeking a six _year offer, the real picture is a two-year deal. In eight years Kimbrel has a record of 31-19 and 333 career saves. At this stage of free agency look for Craig Kimbrel to sign elsewhere.

The Red Sox In 2019; So far, this offseason the only notable signings were pitcher Nathan Eovaldi, first baseman Stephen Pearce,. and signed league MVP Mookie Betts to a one-year contract. With free agency waning down, look for the club to add a reliever or two.

October 6, 2018October 7, 2018

Time For The Red Sox Pitching Staff To Step It Up

With game one of the ALDS scheduled tonight, it’s time for the Red Sox pitching staff to step it up. Although the team had a franchise high of 108 wins, in 2018 this is where the players earn their salary In this post, we will review three areas why the pitching staff needs to step it up. Time For The Red Sox Pitching staff to Step It Up Eliminated by Houston The Past Two Years; Although the organization enjoyed a franchise record of 108 wins, no postseason series celebrations the past two years. The past two seasons the team has gone down in defeat at the hands of the Astros. With free _agent signee, David Price and Chris Sale winless in a postseason series the pressure are on the team and first_ year manager Alex Cora to deliver a playoff series victory If the organization fails to get past the Yankees in round one General Manager Dave Dombrowski’s job may be in jeopardy. Red Sox Pitching Versus The Yankees, Astros and Indians; In contrast to the Yankees, Indians, and Astros The Red Sox bullpen ranked 4th in the American League with 50 saves and a 3.75 staff ERA. Closer Craig Kimbrel 5-1 2.74 ERA and 42 saves is the games best. The Indians bullpen of Cody Allen, Neil Ramirez, and Andrew Miller are tough to beat on any given night. Houston’s Ken Giles and Roberto Osuna are one of the best in the game. As for the starting pitching, all four teams are highly talented Overall the edge goes to the Astros with the starting staff of Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Dallas Keuchel and Charlie Morton Bostons David Price, Chris Sale, and Rick Porcello have not won in the postseason throughout their careers. Level of Talent Compared to last season the Red Sox is better with the additions of JD Martinez, Stephen Pearce, Ian Kinsler, Brandon Phillips and pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. The key for a successful postseason is to play smart and aggressive. Decisions After PostSeason ; Regardless of the outcome of the postseason decisions could be made on Red Sox General Manager Dave Dombrowski. Although the team has qualified for the playoffs three years in a row, the organization’s farm system has very few highly ranked prospects.