Baseball The Way It Never Was

Tag: Carl Yastrzemski

Year II Season Preview: Memphis Red Sox

Expectations

There is growing optimism in Memphis, even though it is, based on last year’s overall performance, totally unwarranted. But a strong end to the season, landing the best FA arm on the market in Shane Bieber, and a potentially high-impact draft class leaves the Red Sox with dreams of the postseason in their heads.

Best Case

Bieber joins Stubby Overmire, Dean Chance, and Bill Doak to form a solid rotation with the bullpen solidifying behind Heath Bell and Jonathan Papelbon while the trio of Mookie Betts, Manny Ramírez, and Sammy Sosa all reach their potential. Dobie Moore unseating Vern Stephens at SS would help, too.

Worst Case

Overmire’s finishing the year as runner-up in the ERA race proves a mirage, and the pitching remains too large of an obstacle for the offense to overcome, especially when Betts and Ramírez remain tantalizingly mediocre.

Key Questions

  • Who is going to fill out the rotation and the bullpen?
  • Memphis’ scouts are agog over Dobie Moore, but scouts don’t play the game: is Moore the real thing and, if so, what happens to Vern Stephens?
  • Sosa was moved out, essentially for Gabby Hartnett, putting more pressure on the OF the step up.

Trade Bait

There is, potentially, OF and SS talent to spare, making the Red Sox one of the few teams potentially active on the Spring Training trading block.

Roster Evaluation

POSEliteStrongSolidMehWeakUnknown
CBryanHartnett
1BWhiteOrtiz
2BRitchey
3BBoggsShaw
SSStephensMoore
LF/
RF
WilliamsRamírez
Betts
Johnson
CFSmith
SPChance
Overmire
Barker
Doak
LesterBieber
EndBellPapelbon
RPBush
Miller
Roach

Watt
New Addition | Injured

There is so much upside here. But the mix of poor historical performance and a whopping nine unknown players make it pretty much a crapshoot.

Talent Ratings

WBLMinors
Raw PowerOF Manny RamírezOF Hack Wilson
Batting EyeOF Ted WilliamsC Charlie Bennett
Contact3B Wade BoggsOF Lefty O’Doul
Running SpeedCF Reggie Smith2B Jim Canavan
Base Stealing3B Travis ShawOF Sam Mertes
IF Defense3B Travis ShawIF Gary Gaetti
OF DefenseOF Mookie BettsOF Dwight Evans
StuffRP Skel RoachP Bill Hogg
ControlP Stubby OvermireP Dale Mohorcic
VelocityRP Heath BellP Joba Chamberlain

Best In The Minors

RankAgePOSName
1 (18)20IFDobie Moore
2 (33)23PShane Bieber
3 (49)23PSadie McMahon
4 (77)22IFCandy Jim Taylor
5 (94)21PJim Kaat
6 (107)22PAndrew Miller
7 (129)20UCarl Yastrzemski
8 (132)201BBill Buckner
9 (136)211BJoe Cunningham
10 (143)22PBill Hogg
Others: OFs Alex Johnson, Dwight Evans; P Dick Drago.

A lot of talent, but it’s unclear how much of it can make a WBL impact. We’ll find out a lot this year, as Moore, Bieber, and Miller are all breaking camp with the Red Sox.

Also, WTF? The Red Sox let Chino Smith go for some reason, seeing him immediately snapped up by Baltimore.

MostLeast
Age1B Joe Cronin, 37
P Russ Springer, 37
P Mickey McDermott, 16
HeightP Mike Witt, 6’7″IF Candy Jim Taylor, 5’5″
OPSIF Wayne Belardi, 1.207 (—)IF Bud Harrelson, .505 (—)
HRIF Wayne Belardi, 75 (—)IF Candy Jim Taylor, 1 (AAA/AA)
OF Jack McAleese, 1 (—)
IF Bud Harrelson, 1 (—)
SBCF Reggie Smith, 20 (WBL)Many with 0
WAROF Joe Kelley, 4.8 (AAA/AA)IF Bud Harrelson, -2.6 (—)
WJoe Kelly, 13 (WBL/AAA)
Jim McAndrew, 13 (—)
Mike Witt, 13 (—)
Turk Farrell, 4 (WBL/AAA)
Len Barker, 4 (WBL/AAA)
SVJonathan Papelbon, 18 (WBL)
ERAJameson Taillon, 2.81 (—)Sadie McMahon, 7.12 (WBL/AAA/AA)
WARJameson Taillon, 5.5 (—)Carl Mays, -1.4 (—)
Stats are across all levels. 200 PA / 75 IP min. Non WBL leagues indicated by —.

TWIWBL 56.7: Spring Training Notes – Memphis Red Sox

Spring Training Questions

Half the staff is unknown, and while the OF is far too crowded, both C and the IF are still to be settled.

First round pick Carl Yastrzemski and fourth round pick Bill Lee have an outside shot at making the squad, although Yastrzemski is thoroughly blocked at both LF and 1B.

First Cuts

Not a lot clarified on the mound. Mike Witt and Turk Farrell were sent down, with Eddie Cicotte‘s struggles moving him close to the edge as well. The rest remains complicated: Len Barker and Sadie McMahon have pitched better than their numbers would indicate, while prize FA acquistion Shane Bieber, Jon Lester, and David Bush are struggling a bit.

C Charlie Bennett was sent down, and only Kurt Suzuki‘s arm prevented him from joining Bennett in the minors. Joe Cunningham and David Ortiz have torn the cover off the ball, maintaining quite a crowd at 1B where only George Scott heads off to minor league camp.

The Red Sox had hoped that DJ LeMahieu or Dustin Pedroia would provide some competition at 2B, instead each were sent down after woeful early performances, along with SS Francisco Lindor.

And that brings us to Carl Yastrzemski, who has simply exploded onto the scene. It’s not clear where the 20 year old could fit in Memphis’ lineup, but if he keeps hitting like this, they’ll find a spot for him. Eddie Rosario, Tom Brown, and Lefty O’Doul were optioned to the minors.

These moves leave Memphis still needing to do a lot of work, primarily on the mound and in the outfield, positions that are crowded enough the Red Sox could be challenged in finding enough opportunities for the talent to be accurately evaluated.

Second Cuts

Some of Memphis’ best performers on the mound from last season (Heath Bell, Len Barker, and Bill Doak and, in a slightly lesser key, Tim Wakefield) have struggled mightily this Spring, but will be given some more time to work out the kinks. Tommy de la Cruz, Eddie Cicotte, Bill Hogg, and Sadie McMahon weren’t so lucky, with all four being sent to the minors.

Kurt Suzuki‘s defense again keeps him in camp, at least temporarily.

The IF remains a mess: Iván De Jesús, Wade Boggs and Bill White are all struggling and players considered long shots coming into camp–David Ortiz and Dobie Moore especially–have been jaw-droppingly good.

The situation is the same in the OF, where Yastrzemski and Alex Johnson are tearing the cover off the ball and Mookie Betts, Ted Williams, and David Justice are all mired in the muck of sub .500 OPS’. Look for both of these logjams to break over the next week.

Third Cuts

P remains a conundrum compounded by Bill Doak and Jon Lester (both stalwarts last season) struggling. For all his versatility, Tim Wakefield just can’t seem to get a feel for his knuckleball, and heads to AAA along with Derek Lowe.

Kurt Suzuki is fantastic defensively behind the plate, but his offense is just too weak for the WBL at this point. He joins Iván De Jesús, Mike Greenwell, Andrew Benintendi, Dwight Evans, and Candy Jim Taylor at AAA.

That sounds like a lot, but there are still a lot of roster questions to figure out. The odds are only one of Joe Cronin, Joe Cunningham, and Travis Shaw can make the roster, and it’s not clear if there is space for all three of Nomar Garciaparra, Dobie Moore, and Vern Stephens. Given that Bill White and Wade Boggs are entrenched as starters on the corners (with David Ortiz pushing White for time), there is a lot of pressure in the middle infield.

Even with the demotions of Joe Kelley and Hack Wilson, the Red Sox have eight OFers in camp, with established contributors Ted Williams (!), David Justice, and Mookie Betts all struggling to put the bat on the ball. This felt crowded even before camp started, with Manny Ramírez, Reggie Smith, Sammy Sosa, Williams, and Betts all but assured of spots. Add to that the stellar debuts from Carl Yastrzemski and Alex Johnson, and it’s all a bit of a mess.

Final Cuts

The acquisition of Gabby Hartnett leaves the C position pretty crowded, especially given Dobie Moore can fill in behind the plate in a pinch. As such, Bob Brenly heads to the minors despite a decent showing last season. He was joined by recent acquisition Rollie Fingers who needs another year of development at least.

The C position was finalized with Dave Engle‘s demotion, as Billy Bryan holds on to his roster spot behind Hartnett.

Moore’s presence also allows the Red Sox to keep only 1 of Claude Ritchey and Wayne Causey. Ritchey performed better both last season and in the Spring, so Causey finds himself on his way to AAA.

Young Jim Kaat impressed during the Spring, but will start the year at AAA, as will veteran IF Nomar Garciaparra, who again showed too little to warrant a WBL roster spot.

Despite showing some promise–certainly more than he showed in a disastrous 2000–Nixey Callahan will start the year at AAA, as will Jameson Taillon. 1B was always going to be crowded, when David Ortiz hit 6 homeruns during the Spring, it got ridiculous. That earned Ortiz a roster spot, with Joe Cronin and Joe Cunningham both heading to AAA, and Travis Shaw sticking with the Red Sox due to his ability to backup Wade Boggs at 3B.

And then there was one cut left to make.

The choices were Bill Doak (excellent last year, horrendous this Spring), Alex Johnson (a total unknown tearing the cover off the ball this Spring), or Carl Yastrzemski (a strong Spring, but no real place to get regular playing time). Memphis decided to get Yaz some regular at bats, making him the final cut of the Spring.

Season Review: Memphis Red Sox

71 - 83, .461 pct.
5th in Bill James Division, 18 games behind.

Overall

Memphis had a rough year: the pitching was never very good, and there were a ton of disappointments on the offensive side as well. If they can find some pitching, however, there may be no team in the league better positioned for a bounce back, and they ended the year on a 17-4 record, perhaps indicating better times are coming.

What Went Right

There were some things. OF Reggie Smith and Ted Williams look like elite players, despite Williams’ late season slide. Smith is 23, Williams 21, so that should lock up 2 of the Red Sox’s OF slots for a while.

Billy Bryan hit very well in limited action, and both Bill White and Wade Boggs looked solid as well.

Sammy Sosa did very well after being obtained in a mid-season trade, posting a SLG of .551 with Memphis.

Stubby Overmire was a pleasant surprise after arriving from Houston, finishing 3rd in the WBL in ERA. He, Dean Chance and, when healthy, Bill Doak looked solid as starters and Jonathan Papelbon and Heath Bell were each fantastic in the bullpen.

ALL STARS
RP Craig Kimbrel; OF Reggie Smith; OF Ted Williams

What Went Wrong

Neither Mookie Betts nor Manny Ramírez did enough, both being surpassed by Sosa on the depth chart (and with even more OF talent in the minors, it’s not clear if their futures lie with Memphis).

The MI was a mess all year, although Claude Ritchey did well enough at the end of the season to lay a claim for next year. Francisco Lindor and Dustin Pedroia were especially disappointing, leaving the Red Sox far too reliant on Iván De Jesús throughout the season (a fine utility part, not a starter).

The rest of the starting staff was a mess, either far too inconsistent (Jon Lester and Tim Wakefield) or just plain bad (Nixey Callahan especially).

Trade Evaluations

March

None

June

P Roger Clemens to Houston for OF Hack Wilson, P Jim Kaat, 2B DJ LeMahieu, P Stubby Overmire & 5th Round Pick {Nathan Eovaldi}

Clemens was struggling mightily in Memphis, and this is a nice haul of talent in return.

P Joe Beggs to Baltimore for P Willie Sudhoff, OF Alex Johnson & 4th Round Pick {Bill Lee}

Beggs’ age (33) makes this OK, I guess.

OF Tony Conigliaro, OF Fred Lynn & 2nd Round Pick to House of David for OF Sammy Sosa & 5th Round Pick

Seemed quite questionable at the time, but Sosa’s performance since has made this look like a win for the Red Sox.

July

C Jim Pagliaroni & 4th Round Pick to Birmingham for IF Woody English & 3B Candy Jim Taylor

Taylor is the best player in the deal, which usually would mean Memphis wins this one.

Looking Forward

SP

There is just so little talent here long term. Derek Lowe? I guess. A real weakness.

RP

Not bad. Papelbon and Bell for now, along with help from Joe Kelly and the continued effectiveness of Tim Wakefield as a swingman.

C

An area of need, especially if Billy Bryan stumbles. Jason Varitek has some promise and Kurt Suzuki showed outstanding defensive potential in a short trial (although he couldn’t hit a lick).

1B

Bill White did fine here, but he’s really just warming the spot for prospect David Ortiz.

2B

The Red Sox would love to see either DJ LeMahieu or Dustin Pedroia make this position theirs long term.

3B

Wade Boggs should be good here for a long time, although room will eventually need to be made for Candy Jim Taylor.

SS

Vern Stephens was supposed to be the answer, and if not Stephens, Francisco Lindor. Neither showed much, so there is some concern here.

LF

Ted Williams for at least a decade.

CF

Reggie Smith has this locked down, although Hack Wilson looks intriguing down the road.

RF

OK, this just gets messy. Somehow, between RF and DH, the Red Sox need to find playing time for Sammy Sosa, Mookie Betts, and Manny Ramírez, with Dwight Evans coming right behind them.

The Rookie Draft

Rounds 1-4

The most confounding spot in the draft so far is Memphis at #6. The Red Sox don’t have a 2nd round pick, and Carl Yastrzemski is unlikely to be around by the 3rd round. But the team is so deep at 1B/OF right now … there are two options here: take Yaz and make it tomorrow’s problem, capitalizing on his franchise status or take one of the young pitchers who will help them sooner, likely either Tom Glavine or Zack Greinke.

At the end of the day, the team decided to draft on talent over need, selecting Yastremski.

The Red Sox were thrilled that Dobie Moore was still around in the 3rd round, and hope the 25 year old can step right into the starting role at SS.

They took Bill Lee with the final pick of the 4th round.

Rounds 5-8

While more arms are never a bad thing, the Red Sox system is fairly sparse in 1B and OFers. So their 5th round picks are 1B Joe Cunningham, P Nathan Eovaldi, and P Dick Drago. With Eovaldi and Drago being franchise picks, it’s not clear what will compel Memphis to use its remaining exceptions.

One was spent on OF George Case in the 6th round, but franchise pitcher Mickey McDermott was the best arm available in the 7th round. While it’s not clear where he’ll actually play, it is obvious that Charlie Smith can hit, making him a potential steal in the 8th round with their final franchise exception.

Rounds 9-12

P Allen Russell; OF Troy O’Leary; P Dale Mohorcic; and P Connor Seabold.

TWIWBL 53.3: The Rookie Draft

These are covered in the Season Reviews as well, but figured a list of the first three rounds of the draft would be of interest.

Round One

  1. P Bullet Joe Rogan (Philadelphia)
  2. OF Vladimir Guerrero (Miami)
  3. P Hilton Smith (Kansas City)
  4. P Clayton Kershaw (Homestead)
  5. P Max Scherzer (Ottawa)
  6. OF Carl Yastrzemski (Memphis)
  7. OF Turkey Stearnes (San Francisco)
  8. OF Ichiro Suzuki (Los Angeles)
  9. P Tom Glavine (Indianapolis)
  10. IF Ed Delahanty (Brooklyn)
  11. IF Edgar Martinez (Houston)
  12. P David Cone (New York Black Yankees)
  13. P Zack Greinke (House of David)
  14. C Joe Torre (Birmingham)
  15. P Dave Stieb (Philadelphia)
  16. OF Ralph Kiner (Homestead)
  17. OF Al Simmons (Brooklyn)
  18. P Jacob deGrom (Chicago)
  19. C Bill Freehan (Detroit)
  20. OF Chuck Klein (Portland)

Supplemental Round 1

  1. P Jon Matlack (Portland)

Round Two

  1. OF Hugh Duffy (Portland)
  2. OF Julio Rodríguez (Miami)
  3. OF Earl Averill (Kansas City)
  4. P Tim Lincecum (Homestead)
  5. P Al Orth (Ottawa)
  6. P Bill Lee (House of David)
  7. 3B Judy Johnson (Homestead)
  8. OF Babe Herman (Los Angeles)
  9. P Jim Maloney (Indianapolis)
  10. P Dazzy Vance (Brooklyn)
  11. OF César Cedeño (Houston)
  12. C Darren Daulton (House of David)
  13. 1B Cody Bellinger (House of David)
  14. P Matt Morris (Kansas City)
  15. P Walter Ball (Portland)
  16. P Howard Ehmke (Cleveland)
  17. P Josh Beckett (Miami)
  18. 2B Trea Turner (Birmingham)
  19. 3B Matt Chapman (Indianapolis)
  20. P Jack Quinn (Kansas City)

Round Three

  1. P Bruce Hurst (Philadelphia)
  2. OF Brett Gardner (New York Black Yankees)
  3. IF Carlos Baerga (Kansas City)
  4. IF Justin Turner (Cleveland)
  5. 1B Elbie Fletcher (Ottawa)
  6. SS Dobie Moore (Memphis)
  7. OF Gary Matthews (Birmingham)
  8. IF Marcus Semien (Los Angeles)
  9. P Bob Ewing (Indianapolis)
  10. OF George Selkirk (Brooklyn)
  11. C Will Smith (Houston)
  12. P Bill Gatewood (Philadelphia)
  13. OF Roy Thomas (Miami)
  14. OF José Cruz (Birmingham)
  15. P Harry Staley (Houston)
  16. IF Garry Templeton (Houston)
  17. P Dan Haren (Ottawa)
  18. OF Lenny Dykstra (Chicago)
  19. P Frank Lary (Detroit)
  20. OF Topsy Hartsel (Baltimore)

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