Comments on: Exploring Outfield Alternatives for 2016

By: Gerryt

Gerryt — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 17:22:19 +0000

The start of 2016 will be a mystery tide. Replacing either Rusney or JBJ with Cespedes/Upton will not change that, as the entire team is full of mysteries, from Panda & Hanley to ERod and Koji.

IMO the strategy of sticking with Rusney and JBJ is wise. Just as JBJ may be the best CF (or RF) in baseball, Rusney may be the best LF in baseball. All the indications are there. In terms of their offense, Jackie’s 700 AB’s is such an annoying # and include the 2013 rush job from Salem/Portland to Fenway at age 22 thanks not only to his otherworldly defense, but to incredible bat, baseball acumen and baserunning vs. ST pitching. We must wonder how much better prepared for MLB had he progressed normally. We have seen his floor, but also his ceiling, which is worth the risk.

And might not the first few hundred AB’s by Rusty Rusney (and his advanced age … i.e. In his prime) be atteibutable to being out of baseball for more than a year due to defection, adjusting to a new culture, becoming a dad, moving from team to team, learning English and English food, etc. Might his offensive skills and baseball acumen emerge as he settles in? This doesn’t seem so risky.

Even perfectly average bats from Both Rusney and JBJ, combined with Gold Glove defense, cannon arms which shut down running games and lead the league in assists, all while enhancing the Sox running game, seems like a solid short and long term strategy.

Finally, Young and Holt are above average back up OF. Shaw can play LF. Brentz was a prized prospect who has been set back by injuty. He plays a solid RF and LF. Both Boesch and Beni are in the background, as is Marrero and M. Hernandez to cover if Brockstar is needed in the OF. Trader Dave always active. Many teams would love
this problem.

By: Ben Carsley

Ben Carsley — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:19:30 +0000

You agree with STEAMER? You think Cespedes is going to have a worse year than Castillo?

Also, I don’t know how Matt feels, but I’m a little tired of going for the $/WAR crown. I’d rather the Red Sox acquire players that will help them win games. I believe Cespedes/Upton would certainly be more likely to do so than Castillo and nothing in your comment makes me feel otherwise.

By: hojam23

hojam23 — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:09:56 +0000

This argument is so bad. Why use cespedes and upton as prime replacements when steamer has Cespedes below Castillo? You use WAR in your argument against Castillo, and then say he’s too much money. Yet if war had a cost, Cespedes would cost more PER war than Castillo. Seriously what do you want here? Upton has a light increase in war and stats as per steamer.. but what… at 20+ mil a season?

You sound like a red sox fan who just wants the team to spend more money. You could have just said that no?

By: Walt in Maryland

Walt in Maryland — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 14:36:48 +0000

I disagree with your argument that a “problem” can’t be fixed during the season. If the Sox need to make a deal for an outfielder during the season, they certainly will be able to do so.

But giving up on Castillo (or Bradley, for that matter) as an offensive player before giving them a chance is just foolish.