Having the opportunity to read this after the draft was interesting. I like the ability to go with the best player available and I believe they did that with Teel. Everything I've read about Teel makes him sound like an obvious fit for them instead of forcing a pick with a HS SS prospects or another college bat. The 2nd rounder, Zanetello, sounds like an elite athlete who can actually play baseball, something this organization desperately needs. All in all, I like what they did in the draft.
I think the Sox take a college hitter at No. 14. It’s supposedly a deep year for college players, because during 2020 so many HS standouts went to college rather than take their chances in the 4-round COVID draft.
Also, 40% of their bonus pool is allocated to their No. 1 pick. They might get a college player to agree to an under-slot bonus, leaving them more money to offer tougher HS signs in later rounds.
Hi Walt. Thanks for reading. Always happy to see you in the comments.
I think a college hitter is absolutely on the table (unlike in previous seasons) but I think they have a list and they'll go down that list. I'm personally hopeful they take a high upside high school guy, like Aiden Miller or Arjun Nimmala. We'll see! I'll be watching on Sunday (and Monday and Tuesday).
In some ways, what’s most fascinating to me about this team is how different they feel from last year’s .500-ish squad in July. Instead of an older team with a ton of expiring contracts, there’s at least signs of a new core being built around Raffy, Bello, Yoshida, Duran, Casas, Wong, and (if extended) Verdugo. I’m fine with trading Paxton if a huge offer comes in, but maybe there are worse things than letting this group compete and see what happens. Granted, this could be curtains for Bloom at the end of the season, but I’m much more concerned about whether and how much they build around this group in the winter. 2023 may just be a transition year, and there are worse things than that.
I agree except I wonder what the repercussions are for each choice by Bloom. If he goes in on this team and they miss the playoffs, does he get fired? If he trades Paxton and they finish in last place does he get fired? What does ownership think about both paths? Is there one that reduces his chances of losing his job, or is his job in no danger at all? This is my big unknown that, I think, colors all of the available options.
Having the opportunity to read this after the draft was interesting. I like the ability to go with the best player available and I believe they did that with Teel. Everything I've read about Teel makes him sound like an obvious fit for them instead of forcing a pick with a HS SS prospects or another college bat. The 2nd rounder, Zanetello, sounds like an elite athlete who can actually play baseball, something this organization desperately needs. All in all, I like what they did in the draft.
Thanks, Matt.
I think the Sox take a college hitter at No. 14. It’s supposedly a deep year for college players, because during 2020 so many HS standouts went to college rather than take their chances in the 4-round COVID draft.
Also, 40% of their bonus pool is allocated to their No. 1 pick. They might get a college player to agree to an under-slot bonus, leaving them more money to offer tougher HS signs in later rounds.
I’d be shocked if they took a pitcher at 14
Hi Walt. Thanks for reading. Always happy to see you in the comments.
I think a college hitter is absolutely on the table (unlike in previous seasons) but I think they have a list and they'll go down that list. I'm personally hopeful they take a high upside high school guy, like Aiden Miller or Arjun Nimmala. We'll see! I'll be watching on Sunday (and Monday and Tuesday).
In some ways, what’s most fascinating to me about this team is how different they feel from last year’s .500-ish squad in July. Instead of an older team with a ton of expiring contracts, there’s at least signs of a new core being built around Raffy, Bello, Yoshida, Duran, Casas, Wong, and (if extended) Verdugo. I’m fine with trading Paxton if a huge offer comes in, but maybe there are worse things than letting this group compete and see what happens. Granted, this could be curtains for Bloom at the end of the season, but I’m much more concerned about whether and how much they build around this group in the winter. 2023 may just be a transition year, and there are worse things than that.
I agree except I wonder what the repercussions are for each choice by Bloom. If he goes in on this team and they miss the playoffs, does he get fired? If he trades Paxton and they finish in last place does he get fired? What does ownership think about both paths? Is there one that reduces his chances of losing his job, or is his job in no danger at all? This is my big unknown that, I think, colors all of the available options.