Comments on: Revisiting 2009: Did we get what we expected? http://firebrandal.com/2009/11/06/revisiting-2009-did-we-get-what-we-expected.html Analyzing the Boston Red Sox since 2003 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:30:05 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: M.A.G. http://firebrandal.com/2009/11/06/revisiting-2009-did-we-get-what-we-expected.html/comment-page-1#comment-46471 M.A.G. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:39:14 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/?p=6386#comment-46471 I see your point, Gerry, and I respect your opinion. In fact, I like Bay: he is a classy guy who has being great for us. But, personally, I see him as an aging slugger, who has no defense, and who's strikeout rate is looking dangerous. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think is much better investment to "overpay" for Holliday than to overpay for Bay. I think Bay is a much more risky investment in the long run. But, of course, Theo never listens to me. I think he is gonna go for the cheapest option, as always... I see your point, Gerry, and I respect your opinion. In fact, I like Bay: he is a classy guy who has being great for us. But, personally, I see him as an aging slugger, who has no defense, and who’s strikeout rate is looking dangerous. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think is much better investment to “overpay” for Holliday than to overpay for Bay. I think Bay is a much more risky investment in the long run.

But, of course, Theo never listens to me. I think he is gonna go for the cheapest option, as always…

]]> By: Sean O http://firebrandal.com/2009/11/06/revisiting-2009-did-we-get-what-we-expected.html/comment-page-1#comment-46433 Sean O Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:51:22 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/?p=6386#comment-46433 Go fbotalers! Go fbotalers!

]]> By: Gerry http://firebrandal.com/2009/11/06/revisiting-2009-did-we-get-what-we-expected.html/comment-page-1#comment-46425 Gerry Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:36:06 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/?p=6386#comment-46425 I know MAG will be all over me for the above post. Here's my take, MAG. JBay is our only guaranteed power bat right now, and we need that 30-40HR pop in the lineup. We don't know if Papi will hit 25 or 45, if Youk will reach .300/30 or Pedroia 20/20 or JD 20-25. We don't know if we can land AGon now, 7/1 or ever, who could hit 50 at Fenway. (If it means moving Mike and his predictable .290.20/100, I'd rather AGon than Prince.) We can be certain that Matt Holliday's agent will pull every card he has up his tailored satin sleeves to land a contract worth at least 6/$126, and whoever signs him will get solid offense, but closer to JD's, and decent defense, but closer to JB's. Abreu is gone. Figgins will be too. Hermida is a terrific addition, but he needs a period of discovery to see what he can offer. But getting him demonstrates how unpredictable Hot Stove Season is. JBay was our first choice for LF until contract talks stalled. Assuming both sides agree, he is still my first choice. I know MAG will be all over me for the above post. Here's my take, MAG. JBay is our only guaranteed power bat right now, and we need that 30-40HR pop in the lineup. We don't know if Papi will hit 25 or 45, if Youk will reach .300/30 or Pedroia 20/20 or JD 20-25. We don't know if we can land AGon now, 7/1 or ever, who could hit 50 at Fenway. (If it means moving Mike and his predictable .290.20/100, I'd rather AGon than Prince.) We can be certain that Matt Holliday's agent will pull every card he has up his tailored satin sleeves to land a contract worth at least 6/$126, and whoever signs him will get solid offense, but closer to JD's, and decent defense, but closer to JB's. Abreu is gone. Figgins will be too. Hermida is a terrific addition, but he needs a period of discovery to see what he can offer. But getting him demonstrates how unpredictable Hot Stove Season is. JBay was our first choice for LF until contract talks stalled. Assuming both sides agree, he is still my first choice.

]]> By: Gerry http://firebrandal.com/2009/11/06/revisiting-2009-did-we-get-what-we-expected.html/comment-page-1#comment-46422 Gerry Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:19:44 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/?p=6386#comment-46422 Tim, this is one smart group. If you ask for 2010 projections, and I hope you do, JBay's should be similar with 30+/100+/100+/.920+, with a return to .280+BA. He is surprisingly consistent. As his reputation as one of the more conscientious and ethical players in the game (Jesuit training? Small town Canadian culture?) I would be surprised if he doesn't work very hard (and effectively) to improve his K/BB rates, and would project that also. I think his bat will improve incrementally throughout this contract. Defense? IMO he, like Ellsbury, is much better than those narrowly defined defensive ratings, and as Fenway becomes predictable to him (them) will continue to improve. My guess, unless he really wants to move to Seattle and they can afford him, he will agree to 4/1@$75MM with the Sox, and be happy to be here; and we will be happy to keep the 2009 Fire Brand. Tim, this is one smart group. If you ask for 2010 projections, and I hope you do, JBay's should be similar with 30+/100+/100+/.920+, with a return to .280+BA. He is surprisingly consistent. As his reputation as one of the more conscientious and ethical players in the game (Jesuit training? Small town Canadian culture?) I would be surprised if he doesn't work very hard (and effectively) to improve his K/BB rates, and would project that also. I think his bat will improve incrementally throughout this contract. Defense? IMO he, like Ellsbury, is much better than those narrowly defined defensive ratings, and as Fenway becomes predictable to him (them) will continue to improve. My guess, unless he really wants to move to Seattle and they can afford him, he will agree to 4/1@$75MM with the Sox, and be happy to be here; and we will be happy to keep the 2009 Fire Brand.

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