Quote from fenn68 on September 11, 2019, 4:42 am

Saw the Red Sox dumped Dombrowski as GM. Cruel game given how he got them the WS Championship last year and his past track record. Likely a difference of views with ownership on the future direction and maybe the impacts of his longer term moves with the likes of Price, Sale, etc. and a very pricy roster who are beginning to under perform while at the same time gutting the farm system of quality prospects depth.

Shows a bit of the high risk of going long term / high pay for even quality pitchers. Safer bet with position players ... but he has not done that with Betts and even Martinez has an escape clause. Red Sox are mired over the luxury tax level as I recall and want to return to being under per rumors.

Cannot see Boston wanting to do a “rebuild” model with their fans ... so maybe the new GM (with ownership guidance) might try to shed some veteran salary (not sign big FA) to add some younger (cheaper) upside prospects who are at least ML ready.

NYY are way better positioned in the AL EAST now and for the future ... and TB still keeps getting it done on a shoestring. Then watch out of TOR with a some elite prospects now arriving. The new GM is going to have hit hard for the next few years.

Quote from BoosterSD on September 11, 2019, 6:24 am

Its going to be a rumored filled off season for BOS. New Front Office and luxury tax issues will make them rumor central. It will be interesting to see how they try and move money and stay competitive at the same time.

Quote from LynchMob on September 11, 2019, 10:31 am

ICYMI ... *this* is what a massive HR looks like ...

https://www.mlb.com/video/yordan-alvarez-homers-24-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-field

YOW!

Quote from Brian Connelly on September 11, 2019, 3:07 pm

Randomly saw Logan Allen starting for Columbus (Indians) in AAA Intl League championship series tonight...

Quote from WindsorUK on September 15, 2019, 4:48 am

Anyone have an opinion on the Charlie Culberson incident in DC? For those who didn't see it - Culberson came to bat in the 7th with two on and no out. He squared to bunt and Fernando Rodney sends one in high and tight, hitting Culberson right under the right eye, basically on his right cheek bone. And because he never pulled his bat back( not sure he had the time as he was trying to dodge a 91mph fastball to the face!) the ump called a strike. I guess by definition, as he made an offer to bunt the ball, it is technically a strike.

Well, Brian Snitker went Ape S**t! He argued that his guy never had a chance to bunt the ball as it was heading towards his face. That the umps should show compassion.

Personally, I'm calling it a strike as well. Snitker was obviously very emotional and I think when he calms down, will understand the umps made the correct call.

Anyone else think otherwise?

Quote from fenn68 on September 15, 2019, 5:21 am

Agree with your take.

Quote from fenn68 on September 15, 2019, 6:58 am

Another storyline to watch this winter is the direction of WASH. 2019 may be their last shot for some time to win it all (or even make the playoffs).

Had not realized how old this team is and how many players will be FA or on club options after the season. Half the team could be jettisoned ... opens up some money to spend but that will be a lot of holes to fill.

Rendon’s future may be the pivotal piece ... a FA with Boras as the agent and reportedly seeing a better deal than the Arenado or Machado deals. WASH could afford it but did not really try to sign Harper ... so no slam dunk. Then toss in Strasburg’s potential to opt out of his remaining 4 years / $100MM (at age 31). Might be angling to get an “enhanced” deal from WASH to pass on the opt out.

If they move on ... WASH is left with Scherzer - Corbin - Turner - Soto - Robles - and maybe Eaton if they exercise his option (likely) then a lot of question marks. Good core but not enough to run down Atlanta or even the PHILS or METS. Plus not a very deep farms system.

Even if the go all in and resign Rendon and extend Strasburg (they have the money) ... that core still can’t seem to get over the hump in the playoffs. Will be an interesting watch to add to the Boston watch considering Boston failed to make the playoffs ... fired their GM ... way over the luxury tax (and want to get under) ... not a good farm system.

Both teams may create some head scratching moves.

Quote from LynchMob on September 16, 2019, 3:25 pm

I'll get excited for Ismael Mena when I see/read things like this in BA and FG ...

It’s Time to Get Excited About Julio Rodriguez

I looked this up because of this Q&A at BA ...

If you could name one Hitter and one Pitcher that you are most excited/interested to see play in the Arizona Fall League, who would they be and why?

Kyle Glaser: The hitter has to be Julio Rodriguez. The types of things scouts, opposing managers and players are saying about this kid insane. I have not had the opportunity to see him for myself yet, so I’m looking forward to watching him play.

Quote from JasonE135 on September 16, 2019, 4:07 pm

Mena is 16. Rodriguez is 18. Did you see how he just matured and became a physical beast? They predict Mena could be the exact same size in 2 years. That could give him the same kind of bat, power and arm but with 70 grades on his speed and defense. Mena is also left-handed. It's all projection right now, but if it works out in 2 years we could be looking at Rodriguez++.