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Red Sox Designate Blake Swihart, Select Sandy Leon

By Jeff Todd | April 16, 2019 at 11:34am CDT

The Red Sox have designated catcher Blake Swihart for assignment, as first reported by Evan Drellich of WEEI.com (Twitter link). In his place, Sandy Leon is heading back onto the MLB roster, as Jon Heyman of MLB Network was first to tweet.

Struggling out of the gates, the defending champs have decided upon a change behind the dish. The considerations are familiar; they were weighed just weeks ago when Leon was outrighted in favor of Swihart. This move, then, constitutes a mulligan of sorts.

Swihart wasn’t off to an inspirational start at the plate, with a .231/.310/.385 slash, but it seems likely that the move was driven primarily by the club’s broader pitching issues. The Boston staff has been among the worst in all of baseball thus far. While that reflects quite a bit more than Swihart’s own performance behind the dish, the organization obviously feels it has something to gain in that regard by switching things up.

Leon was stashed down at Triple-A after clearing waivers late in camp. He lacks Swihart’s abilities on offense but is lauded for his glovework and game management skills. He had teamed with Christian Vazquez to form a defensive-oriented backstop combination in recent years, but the club opted to give Swihart a run at the position to open the season after utilizing him in a utility role last year.

The move potentially means jettisoning the upside and cheap control embodied in the control rights over Swihart. He’s earning $910K this year as a Super Two player and comes with three further arbitration-eligible campaigns. Long lauded as a potential impact bat that can line up behind the dish, those predictions haven’t yet come to fruition. Over 626 career MLB plate appearances, Swihart owns a .255/.314/.365 slash line.

Teams that believe in the bat may well give Swihart a chance at a lengthier run of consistent playing time. That could come via trade or waiver claim. If no team is interested in carrying the out-of-options 27-year-old on its active roster and he clears waivers, the Red Sox will have a chance to stash him back at Triple-A.

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Boston Red Sox Newsstand Transactions Blake Swihart

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167 Comments

  1. joshua.barron1

    6 years ago

    WHATT?????????????????

    8
    Reply
    • AtlSoxFan

      6 years ago

      Agreed.

      This almost doesn’t make sense. He’s out hitting vaz, and, the rotations hasn’t fared any better under vaz either.

      Has to be more to this story…

      2
      Reply
      • deweybelongsinthehall

        6 years ago

        Vazquez is signed and yesterday looked better than expected at second. I would have sent down a reliever and carry 3 catchers but love having Leon back.

        1
        Reply
        • mikeyank55

          6 years ago

          Blake can play second.

          Reply
      • joshua.barron1

        6 years ago

        This is such BS. Swihart wasn’t the problem, the pitchers not building up any workload in the spring was the problem. They have a winning record in the games he started!

        I’m fine with that strategy to baby the pitchers b/c of the workload last October but to blame Swihart?? This makes ZERO sense. Why carry him all of last year, designate Sandy and then change course two weeks into the season? This is a terrible, terrible sign about feuding within the Red Sox front office and coaching staff. You’re telling me if Sandy was claimed or elected free agency that they still have done this?

        Disgraceful.

        6
        Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          Whatever the reason, the starters have been awful for the most part. Leon is catching Sale tonight.

          Reply
        • TeddyBallgameYazJimEd

          6 years ago

          The only thing that is disgraceful is the teams performance… Betts should be back at lead off as well.. The wheel wasn’t broken. Why fix it?

          1
          Reply
        • JoeBrady

          6 years ago

          Why is this a sign of feuding? it looks to me like:

          * They wanted to give Swihart a shot, since he’d have been claimed, and Leon was 50/50 to go through.

          * After a while, you need to make a decision. Pure guess is that they asked the pitching staff who they preferred on the team, and they probably, 100%, all said Leon.

          1
          Reply
        • joshua.barron1

          6 years ago

          I would agree with you if this move was made in June. He only started 8(!) games. That’s nothing

          Reply
        • mcmillankmm

          6 years ago

          Disgraceful? What has Swihart done in his career to show he belongs on the roster?

          2
          Reply
        • WFG1

          6 years ago

          Disgraceful that Dombrowski couldn’t deal any of these 3 catchers for a pitcher or prospect last offseason and has carried this issue from last year into this one!

          Reply
        • SDHotDawg

          6 years ago

          It was only a couple of years ago that Swihart was considered the “untouchable” future superstar prospect by the Sox. Obviously, they aren’t confident that he can or will live up to their expectations. Unfortunately, it happens all the time.

          Reply
        • Hondo17

          6 years ago

          What has Leon done? Hit .200?

          Reply
      • walls17

        6 years ago

        Maybe going back to what worked last year with their catching combo? Maybe they figure Swihart’s offense is not enough to cancel out the defense

        1
        Reply
        • AtlSoxFan

          6 years ago

          @walls

          Problem is, swihart has had better defense than vazquez so far in addition to the offense

          1
          Reply
        • walls17

          6 years ago

          I don’t agree with their decision but I’m trying to see their thinking

          1
          Reply
        • ShieldF123

          6 years ago

          @altsoxfan

          they aren’t cutting Vazquez because he’s owed a hell of a lot more cash, and he’s garunteed money for more than just this year

          Reply
      • Bernie's Dander

        6 years ago

        Swihart is still a man without a position. He’s not good enough to be a catcher and can’t really help anywhere else, either.

        Oh, he also can’t hit.

        4
        Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          He’s also not signed like Vazquez.

          1
          Reply
        • mikeyank55

          6 years ago

          He can play second base better that Petey.

          2
          Reply
        • Bernie's Dander

          6 years ago

          Johnny Pesky can probably play a better 2B than Pedey at this point.

          1
          Reply
        • Pedro Cerrano's Voodoo

          6 years ago

          Thought you died

          Reply
        • Bruin1012

          6 years ago

          And here come the Yankee trolls I think you should worry about your team little Mikey.

          1
          Reply
      • Jack Marshall

        6 years ago

        No there doesn’t The two pitchers who praised Leon to the skies, Porcello and Sale, are off to horrible starts. This Doug Mirabelli all over again!

        Reply
      • sandyleon

        6 years ago

        It makes perfect sense. Why on earth do you break up a catching duo who won 108 games and a championship last year? Leon hit .177 last year and they won it all. Defense, handling of pitchers, and the pitcher’s confidence in their catcher is everything. Leon’s had the lowest ERA (3.51) working with pitchers in the American League since 2015 and you send him down?? Dumbest move! It just proves that anyone on here can be a Red Sox GM.

        1
        Reply
    • todd76

      6 years ago

      Wow! The only year this guy really got any playing time was his rookie season. Sandy Leon can hardly hit his way out of a wet paper bag. This one might come back to haunt them.

      5
      Reply
    • Show all 25 replies
  2. jrwhite21

    6 years ago

    Sandy

    Reply
  3. Jbigz12

    6 years ago

    I guess they’re hoping Leon can help this staff.

    2
    Reply
    • hankwilliamsfan1986

      6 years ago

      he helped them last year and sale prefers to work with him

      3
      Reply
      • Jbigz12

        6 years ago

        Doesn’t matter who is catching sale’s 91 MPH beach balls. If he doesn’t get his arm back you can forget about it.

        Reply
    • TeddyBallgameYazJimEd

      6 years ago

      He can’t hurt it

      2
      Reply
  4. jjburke2017

    6 years ago

    Why that’s stupid

    4
    Reply
  5. twinsfan368

    6 years ago

    About time

    3
    Reply
  6. david klein

    6 years ago

    Years ago it was said that Red Sox pitchers don’t like pitching to him that must still be the case

    Reply
    • Solar Flare

      6 years ago

      Probably so

      Reply
  7. baseball10

    6 years ago

    The Red Sox legend is finally gone?

    6
    Reply
  8. Vizionaire

    6 years ago

    you swung!

    Reply
  9. Michael Birks

    6 years ago

    They gave him his shot, I didn’t think he was terrible but something has to be done about the rotation results

    Reply
    • AtlSoxFan

      6 years ago

      Red sox are 5-5 in games swihart played in.

      In games swihart caught 5 or more innings, red sox are 4-2, with one of those losses being the 5-6 loss to Seattle March 30th, in which the combat fell just short.

      I get that sox are looking to shake things up, but, appear to be DFA the wrong guy

      5
      Reply
  10. Yankeepride88

    6 years ago

    This guy is almost as overvalued to Red Sox fans as Tyler Austin was with Yankees fans.

    5
    Reply
    • walls17

      6 years ago

      I don’t think yankee fans ever hyped up Tyler Austin. He was always viewed as a bench bat by most except for when he homered in his first game and after the fight vs Boston last year

      4
      Reply
      • GarryHarris

        6 years ago

        I remember when Tyler Austin was one of the “Baby Bombers”. Yes, he was hyped heavily. However, I think he will be better when he plays full time.

        1
        Reply
    • Michael Birks

      6 years ago

      Or Manny Banuelos

      4
      Reply
      • deweybelongsinthehall

        6 years ago

        Every team overhypes their prospects. Remember Lars Anderson? At least the Sox traded him to Cleveland for Wright.

        Reply
    • JFactor

      6 years ago

      No kidding, I threw out an out of options swap of Swihart for Mike Mayer’s of the Cards last off-season and was burned at the stake. He’s no longer a top prospect guys.

      2
      Reply
  11. mike156

    6 years ago

    This is the same player the Red Sox placed a high asking price on? There has to be more to the story.

    3
    Reply
    • nymetsking

      6 years ago

      Anaheim finally caved and are sending Trout and Ohtani and are paying all of Trout’s contract.

      6
      Reply
      • bastros88

        6 years ago

        wow a real steal for the angels

        3
        Reply
  12. Sirsleepit

    6 years ago

    Didn’t get much of an opportunity at all. 5 years in the bigs and 1 whole seasons worth of ABs. Good luck to him, the talent may show through with actual opportunity but at least he has a ring

    3
    Reply
  13. bigjonliljon

    6 years ago

    I’m sure Theo is already on phone telling him how wonderful the north side of Chicago is

    3
    Reply
  14. dirtbagfreitas

    6 years ago

    Yankees could use a guy that plays everywhere at this point.

    Reply
    • stymeedone

      6 years ago

      They probably do. Is Holt available though?

      2
      Reply
  15. User 4245925809

    6 years ago

    Leon was hitting like .100 at Pawtucket. Saw 2 of their games and he didn’t look any better than did last year with Boston. Must be his game calling as a way to shake up the rotation.

    Nice if Chavis follows soon..

    Reply
  16. bobtillman

    6 years ago

    Being DFA’d doesn’t mean released OR on waivers….Sox will get something for him, if for no other reason he’s a switch hitter with multi-posistional (including catcher) capabilities……

    But no, they won’t get much……

    Reply
    • walls17

      6 years ago

      He will be on waivers. They got 7 days to release him, trade him or assign him if he accepts a demotion if he doesn’t get claimed

      2
      Reply
      • coldbeer

        6 years ago

        He will be traded before being claimed

        Reply
        • walls17

          6 years ago

          I believe he has to clear waivers before being traded

          Reply
        • Grizalt

          6 years ago

          Nope. That’s only during August (and August trades are gone now)

          Reply
        • ShieldF123

          6 years ago

          Just like Leon was right?

          Reply
    • Padres458

      6 years ago

      You arent really multi positional when you are bad a tg your primary position.

      Reply
    • badco44

      6 years ago

      But hitting right handed he has totally sucked….and teams know it. But this team needs shaking up…

      Reply
      • Hondo17

        6 years ago

        And Leon is going to hit better?

        Reply
  17. Steven Chinwood

    6 years ago

    First Greg Bird goes on the IL, and now this. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

    5
    Reply
  18. its_happening

    6 years ago

    Can’t believe they’d DFA a future Hall of Famer like Swihart. Understandable if he was being replaced by Refsnyder.

    2
    Reply
    • bobtillman

      6 years ago

      LMAO>>>>>>>>>>>>>

      2
      Reply
  19. walls17

    6 years ago

    Future hall of famer DFA’d!

    Reply
  20. Grizalt

    6 years ago

    Not every day you get the chance to claim a future Hall of Famer on waivers.

    But at the risk of sounding like bigpapi4ever, my Padres don’t need him as long as Austin Hedges and Francisco Mejia are in town.

    3
    Reply
    • bleacherbum

      6 years ago

      You never know. Swihart can play second and LF and bats Left Handed, something that if you’ve watched the first handful of games, SD is lacking. Hosmer has been awful from the Left side, Jankowski is hurt, Cordero is hurt, Garcia doesn’t get opportunities and Mejia plays once or twice a week. There is no LHH presence in the lineup currently.

      The Padres could use Swihart if they were creative how they use him. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind Mejia going to El Paso and getting regular AB’s as well, it’s hard as a young guy to stay fresh when you get no playing time. When one of Hedges or Swihart struggle you can bring up Mejia if he is hitting in AAA.

      Oh and Kinsler + Urias have been really bad so far as well.

      1
      Reply
      • Grizalt

        6 years ago

        Swihart is a catcher. Period.

        Reply
      • batty

        6 years ago

        Swihart has played less than 1 full game at 2nd. Swihart plays no defensive position well enough to play there every day. He’s a switch hitter, not a lefty bat.

        Reply
        • bleacherbum

          6 years ago

          Right, but the way teams shift now with how strong the Padres infield is, I could see them giving it a shot here and there, he would primarily play LF occasionally and spell Hedges.

          I think that was the allure to Mejia all along was because of the defensive versatility he came with.

          The Padres lost a game last night because they didn’t have a potent LHH to go to with the tying run at the plate in the 9th, Kinsler should NEVER be used as a pitch hitter against Wade Davis. The reason why Mejia wasn’t used was because “Incase Kinsler homered, he might be needed to catch extra innings”. Gotta get there first. Let Mejia play. He makes no sense on this team at his age if he isn’t gonna play like Tatis or Urias.

          1
          Reply
        • Grizalt

          6 years ago

          No, the allure with Mejia was the bat. And he offers as much defensive versatility as I do.

          Reply
        • badco44

          6 years ago

          Check out his right handed avg? It sucks

          Reply
        • Grizalt

          6 years ago

          In the scenario bleacherbum is describing, the Padres wouldn’t need him to bat right-handed.

          Granted I’ve had just about enough with them playing guys out of position.

          Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          He’ll be traded for one ball (not even a bag full). That said, it would not surprise me if he is successful elsewhere. Such is defined in my book by getting playing time and then staying in the lineup

          Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          The last thing swihart needs to go to another F’d situation like he has in Boston the last couple of years. He needs to go somewhere and play. Not get 1 start every 2 weeks and play 8 different positions. SD is a bad fit.

          2
          Reply
  21. Kayrall

    6 years ago

    *Honk* *Honk*

    1
    Reply
  22. AtlSoxFan

    6 years ago

    Red sox are:

    5-5 in games swihart played in
    3-9 in games vazquez played in

    In games swihart caught 5 or more innings, red sox are 4-2, with one of those losses being the 5-6 loss to Seattle March 30th, in which the combat fell just short.

    In games vazquez caught 5 or more, sox again at 3-9, with one of those wins the sox pulling ahead in the 9th on the road, where swihart PH for the inept vazquez, Swihart got on base, and came home on a moreland HR that put the sox over the top 7-6 after Vaz staked the Sox to a 6-3 deficit with his “game calling ability”…

    I get that sox are looking to shake things up, but, appear to be DFA the wrong guy here. Sox may be about to turn things around with the rotation finally logging the spring it needed, but, MAN, it should be vazquez with his butt on the curb.

    4
    Reply
    • 88winespodiodie

      6 years ago

      You get an F in math – look at the team’s record and correct your errors on the catchers’ records.

      As for combat, perhaps the Red Sox should go CO. Oh, I guess they have.

      As a lifelong fan of over 5 decades, and despite recent successes, I’m really starting to dislike this team’s management. But that pretty much goes for all of MLB – ruining the national pastime one day at a time.

      Reply
      • darkstar61

        6 years ago

        Swihart caught in 8 games

        Vazquez caught in 10 games

        8 + 10 = 18

        5-5 in games Swihart was in, 3-9 in games Vazquez was in.
        5 + 5 + 3 + 9 = 22

        That is a 3 game difference – and those 3 games are March 29th, March 30th and April 4th when both were behind the plate at some point.

        So maybe it is your math that is off?

        1
        Reply
        • darkstar61

          6 years ago

          Vazquez caught 11, and 8+11 = 19. 22-19 = 3.

          Typo on my post got carried haha. Math correct though

          1
          Reply
      • AtlSoxFan

        6 years ago

        My only error and overlap was failing to account for 2 out of position games, one each player. My deductions and reasoning remain the same, but you don’t have any defense arguement on the merits so feel free to use personal attacks if it makes you feel better about yourself.

        laying time and results for 2019:

        Swihart has:

        3/30 8 innings (L)
        4/3 9 innings (W)
        4/5 8 innings (L)
        4/7 9 innings (W)
        4/11 9 innings (W)
        4/15 9 innings (L)

        Counting all games of 8 or 9 innings, the sox were outscored 38-28, a -10 differential, giving up 6.33 runs against.

        Vazquez has:

        3/28, 3/29, 3/31, 4/1, 4/2 where he appeared for 8 innings each game. 4 losses, 1 win. Sox outscored 36-19 for a -17 differential.

        4/4 was 7 innings in a loss, 3-7.

        4/6 was 8.2 innings in a loss, 4-5.

        4/9, and 4/12 – 4/14 vazquez appeared 9 innings per. 2W, 2L. Runs scored a push at 20-20.

        For the season, sox outscored 68-46 in vazquez’s games, a -22 differential, and a 6.33 runs per game allowed.

        Difference between swihart’s runs allowed and vazquez’s? The weighted record of opponents.

        So no, vaz is an overpaid, over hyped, underperforming has been who, unfortunately, was not the DFA in the scheme to mix things up.

        1
        Reply
  23. Bald Vinny

    6 years ago

    In 2016 when Swihart got to start the season as catcher the pitching was terrible. He was demoted to AAA and the staff improved.

    Takes more than just hitting to be a good catcher. Gotta control that staff.

    Reply
    • Bald Vinny

      6 years ago

      He can start his clock to his surefure hall of Fame vote now.

      1
      Reply
      • butch779988

        6 years ago

        Vinny you’re just a boring Yankee hack.

        4
        Reply
        • thegreatcerealfamine

          6 years ago

          Vinny is far from a Yankee hack.

          1
          Reply
    • AtlSoxFan

      6 years ago

      In games swihart got the start/logged 5+ this season the sox have a .667 record. In games vazquez did the same the sox have a .250 record.

      Soooo…. who’s the better game caller here?

      Reply
      • ssballoons

        6 years ago

        Vazquez

        1
        Reply
        • AtlSoxFan

          6 years ago

          Based on???

          Reply
      • Padres458

        6 years ago

        Why do people who watch baseball games not understand small sample sizes?

        2
        Reply
  24. kingcong95

    6 years ago

    Sadly for the Sox, there was a time Oakland would have given them something nontrivial for Swihart.

    Reply
  25. The Human Toilet

    6 years ago

    Swihart will be traded to the Cubs in 3…2…1

    Reply
  26. walls17

    6 years ago

    Catcher ERA is a useless stat also. It’s going to improve with Swihart gone, not because of any catcher improvement but because the Red Sox pitching staff is not as bad as they currently are. But Leon will get the credit anyways.

    3
    Reply
    • walls17

      6 years ago

      I’m not even a Red Sox but this move just baffles me

      1
      Reply
  27. lonewolf

    6 years ago

    Braves should take a flier on him

    Reply
  28. soxshortstop

    6 years ago

    BY FAR THE STUPIDEST THING THEY HAVE DONE in 2019!. oh wait eovaldi $64M, oh wait SALE with 9.00 ERA and $125M who plays 5/8 of a year. Porcello – $20M. – waive him. now as you have guys in minors who could pitch better How’s that $20M /year Mookie doing or is he focused on bowling for dollars? 220 Avg. and watching balls drop in the outfield Why not waive JBJ? what’s he hitting? 0.150?.$8.5M/year. What’s PEDEY hitting? Should still be rehabbing in the minors as he can’t play full time yet. What’s Nunez/Holt/Pearce hitting? Now we get light hitting SANDY back. I like Sandy for defensive replacement only or being replaced by the 5th inning. Nice stinking job Red Sox Mgmt. Pi$$ed at the highest payroll in baseball. for making a VERY POOR decision

    2
    Reply
    • Horace Fury

      6 years ago

      That’s quite a rant, but, frankly, I’m sick of everyone you mentioned there! I feel like this team is screaming for change, it needs to become the next thing after last year’s WS winners, it needs to be the next club, not the holdovers, the extensions, the sentimental brotherhood ad nauseum. And yet, DFA’ing Swihart is not how I would have started.

      1
      Reply
    • sandyleon

      6 years ago

      Evidently you choose to totally ignore Sandy Leon has quarterbacked as an American League catcher the lowest ERA (3.51) since 2015 of any catcher catching 100 games. That means NOTHING to you. The CONFIDENCE Chris Sale, Rick Porcello and others have in Sandy Leon means NOTHING to you. The fact that Leon and Vazquez as a tandem won 108 games and a championship last year means NOTHING to you. I don’t give a rat’s behind if Leon hits .200 every year. He is an excellent major league catcher and by the way Blake hit what so far this year…231?? Glad I’m not hiring you for a position.

      Reply
  29. trendysayings

    6 years ago

    Sent to the Cubs for a minor leaguer of no consequence

    1
    Reply
    • badco44

      6 years ago

      You look at the Cubs minors? Yuk

      Reply
      • spudchukar

        6 years ago

        A move to the Cubs is likely, but as mentioned it isn’t like the Cubs have oodles of prospects the Red Sox would be interested in, especially pitching. Maybe they just switch Caratini and Swihart.

        Reply
  30. walls17

    6 years ago

    Leon is gonna be catching Sale tonight as if Leon alone can get Sale to fix his velocity issues. You think Sale personally requested Sale being back? He said he feels uncomfortable out there

    1
    Reply
    • kyredsox17

      6 years ago

      Biggest issue is his slider. The fastball will come up. But he’s gotta have the slider to be who he is.

      Reply
  31. The Human Toilet

    6 years ago

    Swihart was the reason for the pitching issues in Boston? That is one terrible catcher. Lol

    Reply
    • bastros88

      6 years ago

      someone has to be the scapegoat

      Reply
  32. xpensivewinos

    6 years ago

    Kids, today’s word is “SCAPEGOAT.”

    Can you use it in a sentence????

    2
    Reply
    • refereemn77

      6 years ago

      This! Definitely today’s word of the day!

      Reply
  33. Gwynning's Anal Lover

    6 years ago

    Francisco Cervelli is available….for the past 3 years.

    Reply
  34. Aaron Sapoznik

    6 years ago

    With Cubs backup catcher Victor Caratini out until June I wouldn’t be surprised to see Blake Swihart’s former boss Theo Epstein take a flyer on his former #1 Red Sox draft pick from 2011.

    1
    Reply
    • ssballoons

      6 years ago

      Epstein wasn’t hired until 2002. Dan Duquette drafted Swihart.

      Reply
      • mafiaso316

        6 years ago

        you better go back and do some research noahnoahr

        Reply
      • Aaron Sapoznik

        6 years ago

        Epstein oversaw his last June Draft with the Red Sox in 2011. He was hired to run the Cubs the following October.

        Reply
      • its_happening

        6 years ago

        If Duquette drafted Swihart he’d be pushing 40. Doubt Swihart was drafted before 9/11.

        Reply
  35. DarkSide830

    6 years ago

    Vazquez: the catcher who lived

    Reply
  36. Melchez

    6 years ago

    “Long lauded as a potential impact bat that can line up behind the dish,” Made milk come out my nose Mr. Todd. When was Swihart considered an “impact bat”? 2015? David Ortiz WAS an impact bat back then, that’s how long it’s been..

    2
    Reply
    • Padres458

      6 years ago

      Potential

      1
      Reply
    • JoeBrady

      6 years ago

      Wrong again! It was 2014. I never understood that. He was always a quality prospect, but mostly because it was hoped that he would develop into a mediocre defensive catcher with a plus bat. But he only had one good offensive year in 2014, with a .840 OPS. And that doomed him. He needed to hit a lot more than Vazquez & Leon. He was better, but a career .676 OPS just doesn’t cut it.

      Oh well, we move on.

      1
      Reply
      • Jbigz12

        6 years ago

        It’s not as if prospects don’t bust everyday. He was lauded as an impact bat despite never really hitting in the minors. Another guy who has had the same billing is Austin meadows. He’s long been a hyped prospect without putting up the minor league numbers. Looks like it’s coming together for him so far. It’s a prospect not a guarantee.

        Reply
        • Grizalt

          6 years ago

          IIRC Meadows was injured all the time but played up to the billing when he wasn’t injured.

          Reply
        • JoeBrady

          6 years ago

          I loved that trade for TB, aka, it made me sick as a RS fan. Three high-potential prospects, 2 of whom have had at least some modest experience at the time of the trade.

          Glasnow had a 3.63 FIP that year with PT, and a 11.6/5.5 K/W. Not ideal, but not so bad they he wouldn’t make a #4/5, with a high ceiling. Meadows had a .795 OPS with PT, and solid minor league numbers. The K/W was only modestly high, but he was also young for his minor league levels.

          Reply
      • Melchez

        6 years ago

        He might become a late bloomer like JD and become a good hitter. But as for “potential”? That title was lost years ago.

        Reply
  37. kingken67

    6 years ago

    Let’s just ignore that the majority of poor starts by the starters have come with Vazquez behind the plate and blame Swihart for the pitchers not doing their job.

    2
    Reply
  38. imgman09

    6 years ago

    LOL

    Reply
  39. coldbeer

    6 years ago

    A catcher that can’t hit or field his position. Ya, teams will be lining up around the corner!!

    Reply
  40. mafiabass

    6 years ago

    I watched the game yesterday, and Swihart’s glovework behind the plate looked bad to me. Several times what should have been a strike was called a ball

    Reply
    • GarryHarris

      6 years ago

      The umpire was consistently tight on both BOS Hector Velazquez and on BAL Dan Stailey but I thought the umpire was squeezing both BOS Rick Porcello and BAL Andrew Cashner even more Saturday when Christian Vazquez was the BOS C.

      Reply
  41. johnny53811

    6 years ago

    Somebody tie Farhan to a chair

    2
    Reply
  42. jdgoat

    6 years ago

    Hopefully he is the last of overrated big market prospects. I do think the people who organize these lists have done a good job in the last few years looking at everybody the same.

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      6 years ago

      I don’t think we had a single prospect in the top-100 last year, so whoever made the list, couldn’t have overrated our prospects.

      Reply
  43. braves95 2

    6 years ago

    LeBron.ItsAboutDamnTime.gif

    Reply
  44. tgovey

    6 years ago

    At this point I hope they just trade him, if they can get a reliever like Brewer(raw, untested arm) I’ll be happy.
    Swihart has promise but not Boston. He needs a fresh start and a fair chance and commit to a role.

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      6 years ago

      That’s about right. He’s a good choice for teams like Miami, TO, BA, etc. Even if he is horrible, and extra two losses are meaningless.

      Reply
  45. Lovetron

    6 years ago

    Hope the A’s can get in on him. Hundley is just below average across the board and Hermann will not provide anyhing more than that either.

    Gives Phegley the full-time job with Swihart spelling him at times, and being a corner outfielder when he isn’t. Keeps Pinder in the IF mostly (where he should be).

    Would rather roster Swihart than Grossman, that’s for sure..

    Reply
  46. dan_plays_drums

    6 years ago

    Things looking sloppy so far for the Sox.

    Delicious.

    Reply
  47. luckyh

    6 years ago

    This team looks like the are sleepwalking. Uninspired play all around. Cute moves like Vasquez at 2nd and a 6 man rotation are ridiculous. The pen is already overtaxed, Just painful to watch. They need a kick in the pants.

    2
    Reply
  48. Bruin1012

    6 years ago

    It’s obvious that the Red Sox starters just aren’t comfortable pitching to Swihart. I think it’s BS and they will probably pitch better just because they can’t be any worse but it feels a lot like 2016 when Swi got very little chance and then demoted as a scapegoat for the crappy start by the staters. Oh well good luck Swi hopefully you put it together somewhere like Oakland or Arizona.

    1
    Reply
  49. bucketbrew35

    6 years ago

    It would make a lot of sense if the Royals took a shot on him in a backup capacity.

    Reply
    • GarryHarris

      6 years ago

      Blake Swihart fits the LAD type player. He’s very versatile.

      Reply
      • Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA

        6 years ago

        Except he can’t frame, and is not good enough defensively to justify what he’s done offensively. He makes zero sense in LA without options.

        Reply
        • Bruin1012

          6 years ago

          He won’t make it that far in the waiver process. I’m guessing the latest he goes is Detroit he won’t make it past them.

          Reply
  50. Meko

    6 years ago

    I would love to see this guy given a good run of consistant ABs and a constant position. He may be one of those kinds who reacts well to routine.

    He’ll catch on somewhere. Get the Sox a lottery ticket in the process. Plenty of intrigue here.

    2
    Reply
  51. spitball

    6 years ago

    I’m with you Bruin! Swihart hasn’t deserved the way he’s been crapped on. Other than 2015 he’s never been given a real chance. I hope he can hook on with a team that gives him the opportunity to play regularly. And as for these high paid crybaby pitchers, it’s sure easy to complain about and point their finger at Blake, than to look in the mirror. I’d like to know if this is purely a management decision, or if there is coercion is involved from starting pitchers. A Boston fan since 67, nowIm going to spend my time watching Milwaukee.

    2
    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      6 years ago

      Okay, suppose all 5 starters came into Cora’s office and said they’d prefer to have Leon start instead of Swihart. Is that an issue? And if it is, why?

      Reply
  52. GarryHarris

    6 years ago

    Does that mean someone can claim Blake Swihart? I thought someone would’ve claimed Sandy Leon last month but I was very surprised and very wrong so I won’t make any predictions on Blake.

    Reply
  53. Hondo17

    6 years ago

    Did you just see that smash hit by Leon? Almost made it out of the infield.

    2
    Reply
  54. Hondo17

    6 years ago

    Sox trail Yankees 1-0. Must be Swihart’s fault. Oh, wait. He’s not playing for them anymore.

    Reply
  55. spitball

    6 years ago

    Apparently it was the right move! Sandy has increased Sales fastball by 5 miles an hour. When Sale doesn’t like uniforms he cuts them up, catchers he gets DFAd!

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      6 years ago

      Probably. IMHO, if it was only Sale, then Sale has to figure it out. But he is not the only one consistently singing Leon’s praises. I’d bet the entire rotation would prefer Leon in the lineup.

      Reply
  56. Hondo17

    6 years ago

    Only 4-0. Big improvement.

    Reply
  57. soxshortstop

    6 years ago

    Wow down 4 – 0 with the great difference maker Sandy Leon already 0-3. Great DFA – not!

    1
    Reply
  58. myaccount

    6 years ago

    Sandy Leon was pounding the door down with his .120/.154/.120 triple slash at AAA to start the season.

    3
    Reply
  59. Hondo17

    6 years ago

    Now 7-0. Must be Swihart’s fault. Nice addition to the pitching staff. Only three runs allowed this inning so far.. 27.00 ERA.

    Reply
  60. spitball

    6 years ago

    I hope they don’t win another game this year, and Im a fan!!

    Reply
  61. solaris602

    6 years ago

    Tribe should seriously consider Swihart. The tandem of Perez and Plawecki is an offensive nightmare. At least Swihart has a decent stick.

    Reply
  62. soxshortstop

    6 years ago

    8 – 0. The great Sandy Leon. 0 – 3 with 2
    Ks and 1 error. The great Erasmo 4 runs and 2 homers off a depleted Yankee lineup. The great Mookie 0 for 100 and Chris Sale ERA north of the North Pole. Like someone said here “ but it’s Blake Swihart who is the problem” hmmmm.

    1
    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      6 years ago

      Already turning on Mookie? The RSN is so full of band wagon fans that it is hard to believe.

      Reply
  63. soxshortstop

    6 years ago

    Dana the pitching coach is next to go and possibly the hitting coach – the Latino movement?

    Reply
  64. AtlSoxFan

    6 years ago

    0-3, 2k, and a throwing error to pair with 4 ER in 5 innings by sale, with 8 ER in 8 innings total.

    Whew, what an improvement we saw tonight having leon back behind the plate right?

    Reply
    • JoeBrady

      6 years ago

      One-game sample? Seriously?

      Reply
  65. spitball

    6 years ago

    Hey, Alex Cora! Thanks for 2018! The Donald has an opening in Fema you should take.
    Hey Dave Dombrowski! Thanks for 2018! You should call it a career! Anyone could have done it with the right amount of money and tradeable farm talent.
    Hey John Henry! Thanks for 2018! Stop embarrassing your fan base, and hang onto some of your money. Put together an organization that can develop young talent instead of wasting it.

    Reply
    • its_happening

      6 years ago

      Watch out….the anti-owner fanbase on this site will come after you for saying Henry should save money!

      Reply
    • JoeBrady

      6 years ago

      Hey Yankee Fan! Thanks for your contribution! We poor Red sox fans will have to make do with wearing our WS sweatshirts, despite a lousy manager, lousy GM, and lousy owner.

      But just remember, we’re laughing at you, not with you.

      Reply
  66. MrStealYoBase

    6 years ago

    It’s seems like any number of non-contending teams would want him. 623 PA in almost 3 years of service time is nothing. Boston never really gave him a chance. But then again, with that roster it didn’t make sense to.

    Reply
  67. Hondo17

    6 years ago

    Get a good game from your starter, Bullpen fails to hold lead.

    Reply
  68. Hondo17

    6 years ago

    Sox record since Leon’s recall 0-2. Move really fired up the team.

    Reply
  69. CardsNation5

    6 years ago

    The Chosen One has been DFA’d! Wow

    Reply
  70. Hondo17

    6 years ago

    Swihart has been dealt to Arizona for a minor league outfielder. The Sox also gave some of their international pool money.

    Reply

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