- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,152,028
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
∗ For now, the Red Sox are said to be working the phones, hoping against hope that they get a deal done in May (or early June) to provide a lift to their stagnant offense.
That’s as it should be. As the numbers show, even an average offense, in conjunction with their pitching and defense, would make the Red Sox a legitimate contender.
But it’s likely a long shot that Craig Breslow can pull off such a feat. Even if he finds a willing trade partner, he’d almost certainly have to overpay this early in the season.
In the event they can’t add before July, the Red Sox will be dependent on internal improvement to get themselves back into the race. And if that doesn’t happen, the Sox may be forced into becoming sellers.
That would signal a lost season and be nothing to celebrate, but it could also put the Red Sox into an enviable position. Imagine, for instance, what they could get in return for Aroldis Chapman, still performing as an elite closer at 38 and under contract through 2027 at a reasonable salary. Chapman would be among the most in-demand players at the deadline.
The Sox could also auction off Sonny Gray as a rental and reap the benefits of selling off a solid mid-rotation stater. Gray would join a short list of quality starters which could include San Francisco’s Robbie Ray, Miami’s Sandy Alcantara and Minnesota’s Joe Ryan. Currently, Gray is pitching as well as any of them.
It’s an open question as to how much ownership would allow Breslow to strip the roster for parts, since historically, they’ve discouraged sending out “rebuilding” vibes. Further, Breslow may be reluctant to be in sell mode in the first place, given what would be his perilous job security.
Still, cashing out would represent a way to salvage something from a hugely disappointing season.
∗ Here’s hoping that the Patriots have a Plan B if a deal for A.J. Brown fails to materialize. We’ve been conditioned to believe that a trade for the Eagles’ wide receiver is somehow a fait accompli, and yet, another suitor could emerge at the 11th hour. Then what? Even if you regard Romeo Doubs as an even-up replacement for Stefon Diggs, the Pats haven’t gotten any better at the wideout spot.
∗ A year ago, I wrote that the Bruins would be wise to move backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo and give an opportunity to a younger goalie in the system. Korpisalo has a $3 million cap hit in each of the next two seasons. Meanwhile, Providence Bruins netminder Michael DiPietro has been named the AHL’s best goaltender for two seasons running. It makes even more sense to move Korpisalo and create some necessary cap space.
∗ Moving Marcelo Mayer to shortstop full-time in the absence of Trevor Story will elevate the Red Sox’ middle-infield defense, with Mayer providing better range and a stronger arm. But the real issue here is finding a way to get Mayer going offensively. He’s played the equivalent of a little more than half a season between last year and this one and sports an uninspiring OPS+ of 79 for his career.
∗ For all their success on the ice, the Las Vegas Golden Knights make it tough to root for them. The NHL disciplined them for failing to follow league guidelines as, among other things, coach John Tortorella boycotted a series-clinching media availability. More recently, they’ve twice refused Western Conference clubs seeking permission to interview fired coach Bruce Cassidy. Of course, in a blatant bit of hypocrisy, when the Knights hired Tortorella in the final weeks of the season, they had to get permission from the Flyers — and were given it.
∗ All of the celebrities showing up at MSG for Knicks playoff games should be made to identify a minimum of three players on the roster before being allowed entrance into the arena.
∗ I understand the need to utilize an opener in front of Brayan Bello. What I don’t understand is why it has to be Jovani Moran, who’s clearly not suited for the role. Moran has appeared three times as an opener, and has given up one run once and multiple runs twice.
∗ I’m not sure how they do it, but the success of the Tampa Bay Rays — in the regular season — is something to behold. The Rays went into Saturday’s action with the best record in the game with a roster with exactly one marquee player — Junior Caminero.
∗ I read and write enough about the game that it takes a special baseball book to attract my interest. Nolan: The Singular Life of an American Original by Tim Brown already has me hooked.
∗ The Red Sox keep inviting Roger Clemens to all sorts of events at Fenway. He’s taken part in several Jimmy Fund fundraisers, and as recently as Friday, threw out the first pitch. So why, we ask again, has the team not done the right thing and retired his No. 21?
∗ Let’s face it: if I told you that one baseball team had mistakenly given out the retired number of one of the franchise’s all-time stars to a rookie, you’d guess the New York Mets pretty quickly. And you’d be correct.
∗ Imagine having so much free time that you feel outrage over the fact that Spotify changed its app icon to a disco-themed ball.
∗ Happy 85th birthday to the great Bob Dylan, who’s been setting the great American novel to music for more than 60 years and remarkably, keeps going.
∗ I’m all for free speech and fans expressing their feelings at the ballpark, but the “Sell the team!” chants at Fenway come off as more than a little performative.
More Red Sox coverage
- What Red Sox’ Chad Tracy said about Mickey Gasper’s bunt down three runs
- Red Sox’ Brayan Bello understands what’s at stake when Garrett Crochet returns
- Red Sox’ Willson Contreras ‘needed to try to touch home plate,’ but Twins took exception as dugouts empty
- Red Sox reactions: Loss includes the benches clearing, two big plays at plate, failed late rally
- Red Sox face roster decision Sunday and it’s ‘not an easy call,’ says interim manager
Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Continue reading...
