The upcoming free agent class doesn’t feature a ton of players whose contracts contain vesting options. Marcus Stroman’s deal with the Yankees would’ve contained an $18MM player option had he reached 140 innings, but an early-season knee injury made that impossible. The Yanks released him earlier this month anyhow.
While Stroman’s option was a non-factor, a trio of players are closing in on their own vesting provisions.
- Lucas Giolito, Red Sox RHP ($14MM club option converts to $19MM mutual option at 140 innings; $1.5MM buyout in either case)
Giolito is up to 106 2/3 innings across 19 starts. He needs another 33 1/3 frames to convert next season’s $14MM team option into a $19MM mutual provision. That’d allow him to decline his end and retest free agency as he heads into his age-31 campaign. He’d very likely do so and could command a three-plus year contract.
The righty’s season numbers aren’t exceptional. Giolito carries a 3.63 earned run average with a 19.6% strikeout percentage that is his lowest since his terrible 2018 campaign. He had a trio of blowups in his first seven appearances after missing all of last season to an internal brace surgery. He has been locked in over the past two-plus months. In his last 12 starts, Giolito carries a 2.34 ERA while averaging over six innings per appearance. His 20.4% strikeout rate still isn’t great, and he has benefitted from a .229 opponents average on balls in play, but he at least looks the part of a durable mid-rotation arm again.
Giolito has a good shot to reach 140 innings. He’d need to average a little under six innings per start over his next six appearances. If he stays healthy, he should take the ball at least seven times — which would give him leeway in case he has one bad outing in which he’s knocked out after two or three frames. Even a minimal injured list stint would take it off the table, though.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said over the weekend that the Sox had no intention of changing Giolito’s workload to keep him from vesting the option. No front office executive would publicly admit otherwise, of course, but there’s no reason to doubt Breslow in this case. The Red Sox are trying to secure a postseason berth. Even if they were out of contention, limiting a player’s workload so they could exercise an option to keep that player at a below-market rate wouldn’t make for an especially good relationship. If he gets to free agency, Giolito could take aim at something like the three-year deals secured by Luis Severino ($67MM with an opt-out after the second season) and Sean Manaea ($75MM with deferrals).
- Jorge Polanco, Mariners DH/2B ($8MM mutual option converts to $6MM player option at 450 plate appearances, escalates to $8MM player option at 550 plate appearances; $750K buyout in either case)*
Polanco re-signed with Seattle last offseason on a somewhat complicated deal that reflected his health uncertainty coming off left knee surgery. The deal contains an $8MM mutual option which would vest into a $6MM player provision if Polanco reaches 450 plate appearances. Polanco has taken 395 trips to the dish. He’s 55 plate appearances from reaching the vesting mark, and he’d escalate the player option price back to $8MM if he tallies another 155 trips before season’s end.
Initially, the Mariners looked to have struck gold with that surprise re-signing. Polanco blasted nine home runs while hitting .384 through the end of April. Even with knee and side discomfort limiting him to early-season DH work, he looked rejuvenated. Polanco’s production completely tanked over the next two months, however. He had a huge July but is back to a .213/.275/.298 showing in 14 games this month.
Polanco has hit .209/.283/.344 across 315 plate appearances since the beginning of May. His season batting line (.245/.310/.439) is still above-average, but there have been significant peaks and valleys. Cole Young has taken over at second base. While Eugenio Suárez’s impending free agency leaves an opening at third base, Polanco hasn’t shown he’s healthy enough to play there regularly. There’s a good chance the Mariners would buy out their end of the option if it remains a mutual provision. Polanco only needs to start another 13 or 14 games to give himself more security.
That shouldn’t be a problem with 36 games remaining on the schedule. The M’s have sat him in each of their past two games against left-handed opponents, but he continues to play regularly versus righties. He’s highly unlikely to get all the way to 550 PA’s to push the player option to $8MM, but he should easily unlock the $6MM player option that’ll give him the unilateral decision whether to return to free agency.
* The vesting provision also requires that Polanco hasn’t suffered a lower body injury that’d prevent him from being ready for Opening Day 2026.
- Matt Strahm, Phillies LHP ($5.5MM team option becomes guaranteed at $7.5MM at 60 innings)*
Strahm’s extension with the Phillies contained a $4.5MM club option for the 2026 season. The southpaw has already pushed that to $5.5MM and will escalate it to $6.5MM when he records two more outs. He’s 10 2/3 innings away from hitting the 60-inning threshold, at which point the price jumps to $7.5MM and becomes guaranteed.
In his case, it’s probably immaterial. Even if Strahm suffers a minor injury that keeps him from getting to 60 frames, the Phillies would probably exercise the option. Strahm is having another impressive season, working to a 3.10 ERA with six saves and 14 holds. His velocity has dropped a tick and he has lost a few points on his strikeout rate, but he has still punched out an above-average 27.7% of opponents. Strahm is one of Rob Thomson’s more trusted setup arms.
* The vesting provision also requires that Strahm pass a postseason physical.
“No front office executive would publicly admit otherwise, of course” — Thank you for adding this Tony.
Breslow has more than proven what he says is basically worthless, actions speak louder than words.
Remember this is the same front office that kept Roman in the minors because of service time manipulation.
It’s the same front office that repeatedly assured Raffy all offseason he would be the starting 3B.
It’s the same front office that insisted they’d be going for it at the deadline, only to come up with a mediocre lefty reliever they didn’t need and a 4th-string catcher they have yet to promote and a #5 SP.
It will be very interesting how the Giolito situation plays out, but I agree he’ll probably reach the 140 with plenty of time to spare.
Breslow has publicly mishandled things there in some instances but improving the team by signing Bregman – a far superior 3B to
Devers defensively – as he lingered on the market is certainly a 2 sided argument.
And service time manipulation is also 2 sided in Anthony’s case. He had very little AAA time entering ‘25 and not much AA time either, and has already been extended.
Agreed. It’s not surprising to hear a Yankees fan speak more highly of the Red Sox than FPG.
NYY – We are talking about honesty, or in Breslow’s case lack thereof. I’m not judging the decision to bring in Bregman, I’m pointing out how horribly Breslow handled it and lying to Devers was the main catalyst for the ensuing fiasco.
Compare Roman’s time in the minors to that of Campbell, then get back to me. One made the opening day roster despite not earning it in ST, the other was forced to languish in the minors where his own manager admitted there was no benefit to him spending more time in Woosta.
Guess which one of the two players agreed to a team-friendly longterm contract coming out of ST.
Roman’s extension happened long after the Sox were forced to call him up, and after the amount of time he had left to finish Top Two in ROY was greatly reduced.
Campbell had a great spring training and they needed a RH bat to balance the lineup.
Fever, please move on from Devers. What is said publicity isn’t necessarily what is said privately. Moreover, there was no guarantee Boston signed Bregman and Breslow was balancing negotiations and trying to stroke the ego of an immature athlete, which is not easy in the 21st century. As for promoting Campbell over Anthony, such was likely dictated by ownership with Anthony not then agreeing to a team friendly preseason deal
dewey – I moved on long ago, it’s Breslow I’m talking about. He’s still with the team ;O)
But since you brought it up, how does lying during the offseason stroke anyone’s ego? What possible benefit was gained? To Breslow’s credit, he acknowledged that he handled the situation poorly and he promised to improve with communication. Of course his promises are meaningless though. LOL
Oh I’m certain ownership was involved in the Roman and KC situations, but since ownership isn’t allowed to speak anymore it’s Breslow’s words that are critiqued.
Fever, we agree to disagree. I negotiate large valued construction accident injury claims and while such is not public, situations change and again it’s a balancing act. I’ll say one thing to the attorney representing the party sometimes to send a message as we have other cases together but then in mediation, I’ll say something different to the mediator. Both when said were true. The difference is no one is preserving those words to later frame me as a liar with snapshot quotes.
Like it or not, asset management is part of the job. If you have a guy under contract, you’re going to use him differently than someone unsigned.
The other aspect of the Roman promotion was availability of playing time. Sure, you “make room” for a player of Roman’s ilk, but that has repercussions on morale—a lesson Breslow should have learned very recently with Bregman/Devers. I’m not a fan of Breslow’s work, but it’s not fair to criticize him for adjusting after a mistake.
Brad – Yes that’s my point, once KC signed the team friendly extension there was no longer a concern about him accruing a full year of service time this season.
Whose morale would be affected if Roman had started the season with the Sox, as he should have?
Shouldn’t they have been concerned about the morale of Roman, who was sent down strictly for financial reasons?
And what about the morale of the rest of the Red Sox, who lost numerous close games they likely would have won if Roman was playing?
I don’t think there is any situation really. Giolito keeps pitching as the team is vying for the postseason. I see no benefits in preventing him from vesting. In that event, Breslow has a disgruntled vet for the stretch run and next while establishing a reputation for doing bad business among free agents.
YBC – I’d like to think Breslow would do the right thing, but every time I think that he proves me wrong. I mean there’s a reason why the Sox insisted on the 140 inning clause, correct?
They tried to delay one of his starts a few weeks ago, he pushed back and said no he wants to keep his scheduled start. He got his wish.
What happens if they want to skip his last regular season start so he’s well-rested to start Game 2 in the postseason?
What happens if they pull him after 3 or 4 innings in his final regular season start under the premise of keeping him fresh for the postseason?
Again I think it will be a moot point as he continues to pitch well the next few weeks, but you can never predict the future.
Fever, the article really doesn’t give Giolito justice by first pointing the overall numbers. Anyone watching knows Giolito has recently pitched like a great #2 who would be a #1 on many clubs. He’s too important to their playoff push and unless there is an injury worry, he’ll have that opportunity to reach the threshold. They want to work out a deal. He’s shown enough that he’s back and I wouldn’t be surprised if they work it out before the 140 innings becomes a distraction
dewey – I agree, Giolito’s season has played out much like Story’s season …. both started out very badly as they returned from a lengthy injury, and both have been great since around mid-June.
Sure the Sox are interested in keeping Gio no matter what, they only have two reliable SP’s going into next season. Crawford, Fitts, Sandoval, Harrison and Dobbins are big question marks, Houck is out for the year, and Buehler & May are free agents that likely won’t be coming back.
Will the Sox pay market price for a Gio extension? They have been reluctant to sign free agent SP’s at market price, especially when they are in their 30’s, so it will require a change of heart to extend Gio.
But like I said, it will probably be a moot point as Gio will likely reach 140 with plenty of time to spare.
Fever, it again comes down to value. If Giolito wants to stay and will take a Sox perceived discount, he signs. If he goes free agency and his market explodes, they’ll pivot and sign Dennis Eckersley on a comeback incentive laden deal …
dewey – I agree 1,000,000,043% with you!
Will Giolito give a discount out of guilt for signing his current contract knowing he’d likely miss more than a year because of surgery? Doubtful.
And my man Eck is my all-time favorite pitcher :O)
I met him twice and got autographs and pictures each time.
Fever, my cousin was a Bay area health club GM and knew Eck. Eck per him is 100% the guy you heard on the broadcast and a special friend overall. My cousin is hard of hearing and it made for some funny stories with Eck…
Why are you making it sound like the Sox forced the 140IP clause in the contract against Giolito’s and his agent’s wishes. They agreed to it, as a reasonable benchmark level of IP for a solid season of effort. And why speculate all sorts of nefarious moves on the part of the Sox just because? Let’s see how things play out. He has probably 7 starts left if he pitches every 5 games, and needs only 33 1/3 innings to reach the 140. He’s totaled 34 1/3 over his last 6 starts, and that includes 2 games where he went less than 6 innings. Seems like he’s going to hit the 140 fairly easily.
The way I can see possibly Giolito not reaching 140 innings is if Boston either falls out the wild card contention early or clinch a spot early. If they clinch before his final start he could be sat to be ready for game 2 potentially in the wild card round. If he struggles in a game and has that happen at the end, it may not happen.
bum – They are not gonna fall out of contention, unless worse case scenario they fall out during the last week of the season …. which is what happened last year.
Being sat for his final scheduled start isn’t even all that likely the way things are set to play out. With him pitching every 5th game his last start is set to be the Wednesday before the final weekend, Sept 24th vs. Toronto. No reason for that to not be a full start.
FPG
Possibly the most frustrating game of the season. How many times did we have the bases loaded and could not push a single run across.???
O for 13 with risp.. the new guy Lowe stepped up with a monster clutch homer. Very frustrating!!!!
3 strikeouts in the 8th with the bases loaded, pathetic. Eaton staying on 3rd and instead of tagging up . Why is Toro in the lineup?????? I need answers!!!
cdc – I agree, after the Lowe homerun I never, ever thought they’d lose the game. Orioles bullpen is crap, Sox bullpen is awesome and they had the best half all available …. Chapman, Wilson, Whitlock, Bernie.
If Abreu is healthy, they win that game.
But look at it this way, Sugano gifted them that balk.
Remember how I’ve been saying Cora overmanages? That was a classic example, there was no need to pull Buehler so quickly.
Well Slaten looked great at least, striking out the side. And Lowe’s bomb was impressive.
So now it’s 9 challenging games in a row, hopefully they can turn it around. But even if they don’t, they’re in the playoffs …. I am positive neither Cleveland nor KC will catch them.
cdc – I already gave answers! LOL!!
Eaton, Rafaela and Narvaez were the only bench guys they had.
Narvaez caught the prior two games, he needed a rest.
Eaton can’t hit his way out of a wet paper bag, but at this point yeah he should have pushed Toro out of the lineup.
I side with Cora/Hudson, can’t run on Cowser especially with only one out and Bregman at the plate.
The crazy thing about the O’s pitcher who struck out the side with the bases loaded, he was already released TWICE this season!!
FPG
This is why I come to you .. lol
Lotta posters beat you up on here, but I know you know what you are talking about… (most of the time)…. The NESN team said the centerfielder has a weak arm and Eaton has good speed,not the deepest fly but… hindsight..
You see the Yankees hit 9 homers in that park(?)
They need to at least split against the Yankees. Your enthusiasm about the playoffs strikes me as odd. Though with a solid performance against the Yankees, my frustration will wane. I hope.
CDC – It’s only a couple people with multiple accounts here who have an obsession with me, but they are muted so I don’t see their garbage. LOL!
Cowser is ranked 17th in MLB out of 349 players for arm strength among OF’ers, this is why Cora referred to him as an “impact arm”.
baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/arm-strength?ty…
Yep, 2nd time this season they’ve hit 9 homers in a game. It will be very different going into Yankee Stadium without Yankee killer Raffy, hopefully someone will step up.
I’m being logical as always, the Royals and Guardians aren’t good enough to catch the Sox. And the Sox schedule gets really easy after Sept 3rd. By the time they end the season against Toronto and Detroit, those teams will be resting their best players getting ready for the postseason.
I think the Sox take 3 this weekend, Yankees pitching won’t keep up with Sox pitching.
FPG
Vegas has the Yankees as favorite in 3 games . The Crochet start is the only 1 Sox are favorite in. For what it’s worth.
Texas is a team that possibly could go on a run,6 back and a couple teams in front of them . I don’t count them out yet… Might be a stretch,but I like there pitching, seem to have a soft schedule next couple weeks.
cdc – Let’s hope Tampa weather does it’s thing again and causes a 4-hour rain delay tonight!
Rangers don’t have the offense, but it would be nice if they beat the Royals and Guardians to keep them away from the Sox!
CDC – No reaction to Fitts replacing Campbell?
It certainly improves the pen, but if they need a starter down the stretch that’s one less option with Criswell being the only other.
Maybe it will be a short appearance and Slaten replaces him this weekend? Otherwise who would go, Weissert to Woosta or Hicks to the IL?
FPG
Tolle could be an option. I believe besides his 1st inning in Worcester he has thrown 9 shutout innings in a row. An effective Slaten will give the pen a boost . I have no confidence in Hicks.
cdc – Word is Harrison may be starting Sunday night in NY, thoughts? I know he’s been pitching well, but that’s a tough situation to make your Red Sox debut.
You probably heard Criswell is on the IL, so right now they don’t have any other SP options besides Harrison.
With the Sox beginning a stretch of 14 consecutive days of games, not surprised Cora wants to give the rotation yet another extra day of rest. But if Harrison chokes, that’s a 2-game downward swing in the standings. Is it really that strenuous for the SP’s to pitch on (gasp) normal rest for once?
Fun fact, today is only the SECOND time in 13 weeks that the Sox are playing on a Thursday.
Another fun fact, Stanton/Judge have homered in the same game 55 times …. just 2 behind Dewey/Rice.
I should be doing the Sunday Notes for the Globe. LOL
Did I miss something or isn’t that Mays spot??. Also Fitts will only pitch out of the pen?? Duran had another incident with a fan…
TWIB NOTES….. Loved that show !!! The music,the highlights — Lynn, Rose sliding headfirst into 3rd .. Phenomenal.
The player the Sox may miss most is Kyle Schwarber. An old time slugger who gets on base he could be on a H.o. F trajectory.
Did you predict 3 out of 4 for the Sox? I think we have won 5 out of 6 against them already. That would be HUGE.
cdc – Yes it’s May’s spot, and as of right now it’s the only game this series that doesn’t show a scheduled SP for the Sox. Unless something is going on with him physically, I’m guessing it’s just to give the rotation an extra day of rest.
Yes it’s been reported that Fitts will be out of the pen.
I saw that video of Duran. I really like the guy, but his constant vulgar language is a major turnoff. I wish he’d show some class. And some self-control, he doesn’t need to engage with every idiot who insults him. He’s just lowering himself to their level, which is the exact reason why I mute the idiots instead of engaging with them.
I was one of the few who really wanted Bloom to extend Kyle, Can you imagine his 45 homers, .957 OPS and 1.006 OPS with RISP on the Red Sox??? I don’t think the Sox want another fulltime DH though.
Yes I think 3 of 4 is definitely possible, but only if Gio/Bello/Crochet are on their game. If not, there’s no chance the Sox will be able to out-slug the Yanks.
Yes the Sox won 5-of-6 from the Yanks, but keep in mind a lot of that had to do with Yankee-killer Raffy …..and the Yanks didn’t have a red-hot Stanton back then.
Fever, You’re not wrong about these assessments however, the Breslow calculations have worked out pretty well.
The team has taken flight since they dumped their one dimensional player who shows zero athleticism. They “reinvested” the money in young athletic talent and they found money for Bregman and Crochet.
I don’t like the methods. The results are difficult to deny.
Devers doesn’t fit. The team has a new identity. Fast, athletic young teams are the way to go. Plodders like Devers are overrated now.
Soto – The team “took flight” for various reasons, none of which were because they traded their best player in a salary dump.
Roman Anthony was finally promoted shortly before the trade, he already has accumulated 2.1 WAR.
The starting pitchers have been great, especially their Top 3, just like before the trade.
The relievers have been great, especially their Top 3, just like before the trade.
Bregman returned from the IL and has contributed, just like he did before the injury.
Duran has had a strong second half just like last year, putting up a .973 OPS
So obviously none of those things had anything to do with Raffy.
Before the trade the Sox won 5-of-6 against the Yanks, in large part due to Raffy.
Raffy has hit 31 homers and driven in 78 runs in 116 career starts against the Yanks, you think that production against them is easily replaceable? You will see this weekend it’s not.
And oh yeah, Bregman is a plodder now …. the dude can’t run, we saw it again last night. He’s not at 100%. I wouldn’t call Abreu, Yoshida Wong, etc athletes either.
Also, they didn’t “reinvest” the Devers money yet. Once Anthony proved himself, they knew they would try to get a deal done. Reinvesting is hypothetically if they extend Bregman and Giolito or bring in a big bat like Alonso.
Toughest thing in sports is moving on at the right time. Moving Devers sucks for fans but allows Breslow to determine the success or failure of his GM with decisions he makes. It wasn’t pretty at the end, but wasn’t going to be. Was similar with the Mariners and Kyle Seager at the end. Washington losing Harper in 2018 was brutal. TB traded Matthew Liberatore when he was a massive name.
I know the bad blood between the two is there, but that will quickly get forgotten. The current team has the vibe of a winner and is the lineup under contract for years to come while the rotation has flexibility. Breslow has been great.
I don’t hate trading Devers, he was being immature by not going to first. You have a new GM, you are complaining about leaving 3rd then not playing first and yet your power stroke has been down and what was it $200+ million left on that contract? I think Kyle Harrison is going to be in the rotation next year. The saved money allows the team to make a serious offer to a Pete Alonso.
FPG
Don’t forget Dustin May. He pitched fairly well last night. Another tough night for the bottom of the order. Sox are 4 up 7 down in there last 11, I’m nervous. We have debated the Devers situation to many times ,but injuries and things change. And not that it’s all his doing ,but I did just read the Giants have the worst record in MLB since the trade.
The low leverage guys in the pen have been very bad , especially recently. Where is Curt Leskanic when you need him ..
cdc – Yes May had a quality start!
But once again the Sox got a major break when Westburg and his .799 OPS left the game in the first inning because of injury. I swear it’s like 2013 all over again, which of course is a good sign!
Yeah the NESN guys were saying of all the streakiness nobody is more streaky than Rafaela …. which is exactly what I’ve been saying all along, he’s JBJ! I think the NESN guys are reading my comments. LOL
Remember how I said Bernie will likely replace Moran? I’m hearing it’s happening today, which is a good thing. Bernie has enough rest now. LOL
What a typical Hicks performance, right? 2 Hits, 2 Runs, Wild Pitch, HBP.
Story with another great game …. but why is Romy batting in front of him? Crazy!!!
I know you really like Anthony batting leadoff, what do you think of Eaton batting leadoff instead? Seems kinda stupid to me.
Not sure how much longer Bregman can go without another IL stint. Even with the day off Sunday, he still wasn’t able to run last night. At least Eaton can play 3B.
There’s nothing to be nervous about, Sox will make the postseason as long as they stay healthy. Too much talent on the team. .
Baltimore has been playing well, the 4 games there next week won’t be easy. They will have to face Kramer but thankfully will miss Rogers. However they will be facing both Skenes and Keller against Pittsburgh.
Yeah blaming Raffy for the Giants losing is just as silly as saying his departure from the Sox has helped them win. Since you brought him up though, just think …. in 12 years he never threw a teammate under the bus, but Hicks has already thrown two teammates under the bus. How come Sox fans aren’t angry about it? Is it because Hicks isn’t Dominican? The NESN guys were still talking about it last night.
Low leverage guys don’t have much impact on wins/losses, thankfully. And they’ve got Slaten and Bernie coming back which are huge improvements. Have you seen how awful Kelly is in Woosta?
You asked about Chapman pitching 3 straight days (which I answered), will he be able to do it in the postseason after doing it just once, back in June?
Fever, I’m ignorant I guess. What did Hicks say? He looks great warming up but apparently can’t control his pitches. I would bury him this season and look to fix him in the spring if that’s possible. Putting him in the game reminds me of 18 with Kimbrel. As a fan, we just knew …
CDC – Roman is back at leadoff, Duran 3rd behind Bregman which means no stolen bases if Bregman is on base in front of him.
Yoshida playing LF batting 5th.
Romy at 2B, Rafaela finally benched.
And for some reason the GG 1B is at DH while Toro is at 1B. LOL
My goodness fever you’re attacking the Red Sox big time this morning.
Usually your stabs can be somewhat absorbed with a little shoulder shrug and I move on, but wow, this one is different.
I think it’s good business and a lot of teams do the service time manipulation. Isn’t it just a couple of weeks in the minors and you gain another year? My goodness fever.
Raffy and third base. So they changed their mind. That’s the greatest power and individual has and that’s the change their mind.
If an All-Star third baseman who won a gold glove wants to come aboard are you going to tell them no because you already have a crappy third baseman who hits well on third? My goodness fever.
Regarding the trade deadline, have you seen what the asking prices were for some of these guys? You cry when we give up the farm and then you cry when we don’t? My goodness fever you’re on a roll.
Of course Giolito will reach the 140. They signed him to pitch one season. They paid him for two. The option thing is whatever. If he pitched as expected in season two, he’s gone.
Gary – I wrote that yesterday, not this morning. LOL!
And what do you mean? In the one post I praised Roman, the starting pitchers, the relief pitchers, Bregman and Duran …. that’s not enough for you? Seriously??
Fever I see that after I wrote what I did. I went to bed too early or stopped looking at the Internet too early yesterday.
Fever there are just times when it seems like you hate the Boston Red Sox.
And just as you do and staying out of it with my comments lately, I usually stay out of it and take the high road with you and the many other’s constant negativity.
But once in a while, someone takes a pin and pokes the balloon and all that hot air explodes.
But I will never insult someone or call them a name. Never ever.
Anyway, go Sox.., We need a win tonight and we need three out of four from the Yankees.
Otherwise, this is just an exercise in frustration once again. (there you go, now I’m negative. See how contagious it is?)
Gary – When a parent spanks a child because of bad behavior, do you think the parent hates the child?
When a boss points out areas a worker needs to improve upon, do you think the boss hates the worker?
When a baseball manager disciplines a player, do you think the manager hates the player?
You seem to have this false impression that a fan should always support and defend everything that everyone in the organization says and does. And if someone is unhappy with any aspect of their team, then you accuse them of not being a fan. That’s what most people call mob mentality.
Here’s the thing ….. I have never had an issue with the rose-colored-glasses-wearing, Koolaid-drinking, heavily biased, everything-is-perfect-insisting fan. Because I am respectful about letting fans enjoy their sports as they see fit.
So why can’t you be respectful about letting less-biased, more logical, more analytical, more passionate fans enjoy their sports the way they choose? Some fans (usually the biggest ones) want their team to be as good on and off the field as possible. They shouldn’t be criticized for that.
It’s the same thing for parents, bosses and coaches/managers ….. they have high expectations because they want their kids/workers/players to achieve greatness.
And THAT is one of the great things about this place, it doesn’t have mods shutting people down just because the mods don’t agree with the people’s views.
Gary – My goodness, the record and WC spot has really gotten to you.
So you’re now supporting lying and breaking promises by praising the “power of changing your mind”?
Hey Gary, that raise your boss promised you …. not happening, he changed his mind. That vacation you took time off from work for and booked all those non-refundable hotel nights and car rentals …. not happening, your wife changed her mind. Hey Gary, that ’72 Dodge Challenger I said I’d give you …. not happening, changed my mind.
But you’re okay with all that, because when “changing their mind” negatively impacts you it’s all good ….. right?
Good business to delay a star prospect’s MLB career and hurt your team’s chances of making the postseason by not putting your best players on the field? Wow.
Where did I say a third base upgrade was not a good thing? It’s HOW IT WAS DONE that has Red Sox Nation, the national media, the analysts, the people in the game, and millions of fans criticizing the Sox. And Breslow has acknowledged he badly botched the handling of the transition.
But only YOUR twisted biased viewpoint matters, right? Not the millions of good, decent people who unlike you know the difference between right and wrong, and actually believe in doing the right thing whenever possible.
Where have I cried Gary? There’s no crying in baseball, but you’re certainly crying about my post which wasn’t even addressed to you.
They signed Giolito to pitch one season? So you’re saying the Red Sox KNEW Giolito would get injured in ST 2024 and miss the entire first year of his $39M contract? And they covered it up by pretending they didn’t know? Wow dude …. you’ve really gone off the deep end.
I’ve seen how you went off on others recently. I purposely stayed out of it, even though you were being overly aggressive and foolish.
I guess me staying out of it disappointed you, and now you’re showing your dark side yet again.
Wow …..
I’ll take it all fever. Go ahead unload. It’s not a problem.
Your Sox viewpoints are held by many and then the items you’ve pinpointed regarding my comments are spot on.
As I’ve told you before, you have your opinions and you back them up. Nice job.
But yes, it does get to me and sometimes in a big way all these negative comments regarding my Red Sox and players management ownership and other fans.
I unload sometimes too. Hope that’s OK?
I actually read my post again and I don’t see what’s wrong with it aside from disagreeing with your opinions?
I don’t think I made any foul statements or remarks other than disagreeing with you?
You’re seeing it differently? I was quite a bit harsher with Joe yesterday then I am here with you today.
Gary – I vent about the organization when they make mistakes or behave inappropriately, I don’t unload on anybody here who hasn’t done anything wrong. Attacking/disrespecting me is basically the only time I retaliate.
You want to interact only with the rose colored glasses crowd …. and that’s fine! But if you can’t handle constructive criticism about the team, especially when it’s supported with facts and logic, it’s probably best you ignore or mute people like me. Which is unfortunate because I do compliment and praise the organization and players quite often and show my excitement when they give me reason to be happy, but obviously you choose to ignore just that aspect of my posting.
And quite frankly, when you write things such as “The Red Sox knew Giolito would miss the entire 2024 season and gave him the 2-year $40M contract anyway” it not only takes away any credibility you may have had, it makes the organization look awful. Is that really what you want?
Got to say I LOVE the exchange between Gary and Fever. Both deserve kudos in my book for not taking the negative road. I’ve already posted my thoughts so I’ll refrain from adding more other than what I recently posted elsewhere. Reggie Smith also deserves to be in the hall of fame.
Dewey: you’re joking right? Fever using all caps and then basically saying that Gary is immoral isn’t taking the negative road?
Acell, maybe I missed it. So many. Which post?
I noticed a couple of caps but nothing disrespectful in my view. Fever and I don’t always agree but I usually appreciate what I believe is his knowledge. For me it’s the Devers issue that I don’t agree with him on. Again, it’s not fair in my view to take a snapshot in time. If Breslow knew Bregman was getting signed, it’s different. That said Devers’ subsequent pouting was hurting the clubhouse and as long as the money truly is reinvested in the Sox, it will turn out to be the shrewdest move made in July.
I’m with you Dewey. I appreciate fevers contributions here but he has to know he’ll get jumped on for the incessant negativity.
It’s tolerable usually but there will be times. I think he knows that.
Gary – Are you truly new at posting?
There’s a very common saying in the world of forums like this ….. criticize/jump on the comment, not the person who wrote the comment. I have had interactions with plenty of people who I strongly disagreed with, and yet I’m cool with them and they are cool with me. Imagine that, you don’t have to hate those with differing opinions.
See even though you falsely accused me of incessant negativity, I don’t jump on you for it because everyone is entitled to opinions. As long as you don’t resort to namecalling etc, which I agree you haven’t done that in the past to the best of my knowledge.
It’s just really weird you were friendly for like the last 10 months, and now all of a sudden you are jumping on multiple people here for their justifiable opinions ON THE RED SOX.
Sometimes the negativity just becomes too much.
I’ll try to do better. Thank you for the gentle exhortation and encouragement.
Gary, sometimes I feel I’m more negative than Fever because despite the championships, Henry will always be a financial business person first and back in the day, the team was the main resource to take from and to give back to. Sox fans don’t give a damn about the Penguins or Liverpool and the team certainly doesn’t need to take money from another pocket. Sox fans support this club like few others and deserve to always be working on today as the build for tomorrow continues.
Agreed Dewey !!
You’ve been here for a long time probably since the beginning maybe around 2012 or so? Love your comments, good and bad. It’s the diehard fans that are passionate and we’re all welcome here.
Excellent. And to be honest, I find almost as much real info and data in the comments from you guys as I do from the articles themselves lol.
Gary – I’d tag you with @ every time I post something positive, but that function doesn’t work here unfortunately.
Like I said, you can always ignore any of my posts that you don’t care for. I won’t take it personally.
dewey – You and I both know if every Sox fan were to simply accept whatever product is put on the field, whatever bad decisions are made, and whatever inappropriate behavior there is, the Sox wouldn’t have any incentive to improve in any area.
This is why fans play a vital role in a team’s success. You’re not negative, you’re just providing much needed advice and constructive criticism. And I thank you for that!
Gary – I think subconsciously the parts of your conversation yesterday with Joe were a factor, because they were out of the norm for you …. at least from what I can remember, I never saw that side of you before.
The thing that prompted me to reply was you saying I was “attacking” the Red Sox, even though everything I said has been confirmed countless times by many people in the baseball world.
Have the Red Sox gotten universally lambasted for their handling of the Devers situation? Yes, of course.
Have the Red Sox gotten universally lambasted for their approach to the trade deadline? Yes, of course.
Have the Red Sox gotten universally lambasted for keeping Roman in the minors so long? Yes, of course.
Over the months I’ve provided so very much content/sources/links to support it, but I know you’re not a frequent poster so I give you the benefit that you didn’t see it.
But yes, it gets frustrating that despite all the time and effort I put into supporting what I write, people still will pretend they didn’t see it just like they pretend they haven’t seen all the complimentary and supportive posts of mine. It takes away from my enjoyment of this place, which I know is the goal of a couple people here.
Maybe I should do what the writers here do, just write without responding to anyone? It would be a shame if it comes to that.
Why would I ignore your comments and not respond to them? You’re putting them on public display for the public to read and there’s a reply button on the bottom. That’s what makes it great to be part of this site.
Exactly fever. It would be a shame to not comment or reply to some of this stuff including other commenters. There in lies the joy. Thanks for engaging today. I appreciate it.
Gary – You said you don’t enjoy my posts because they are always negative. Why would you want to read them if you don’t enjoy them? You’re sending mixed signals now.
I’m not saying I don’t want you to read them, I’m saying to someone like me who is very analytical ….. why would anyone voluntarily do something they don’t enjoy?
Did you ever watch Big Bang Theory? In many ways, I’m Sheldon. I think a lot in terms of logic. And I say things that come to mind, rather than hiding them.
Gary, no it wasn’t the beginning but when my wife got sick again in 18, this site saved me.
Fever, yep. The view that Fenway is a Boston destination speaks volumes.
Gary – Thank you as well, hopefully whatever you decide we are still cool.
dewey – I can’t find it now, but I think you posted a question about what Hicks said.
He threw his catchers under the bus, said the reason he’s been roughed up so much is because he has been trusting the catchers pitch calling. He said from now on he will ignore the catchers and go with the pitches he wants, primarily fastball instead of sweeper.
He literally said “in your twisted biased viewpoint” in the above post along with other accusations.
Dewey: FPG makes stuff up constantly then attacks others when he’s challenged with facts. He then spams the message boards with replies and attacks the posters such as myself for simply disagreeing with him. Then when it’s turned on him he complains constantly and victims plays.. He never sticks to baseball and makes things personal. he’s not on KD17s level but it’s close.
He’s the typical jilted lover that craves attention and adulation (Hence the great post replies) to try to rally support for himself and when he gets enough pushback he threatens to mute people. Not very courageous of him.
That will never change guaranteed. All good on my end 100%
Are the catchers calling for pitches in the dirt? Hicks is pretty good at those.
KD17 was something else. Did we ever figure out what his username is now?
Dewey sorry to hear of your family troubles. Yes having an outlet during those rough times can be a godsend.
He’s been off for a while. not sure what bridge he’s hiding under or when he’ll emerge.
Thanks Fever. It’s one thing to go with your thoughts but to publicly blame his new teammates? Good call out by you.
A cell. I’ve seen the comments but not the back up that things are made up. In fact, he typically adds in the references (more than me anyway).
Gary, it is what it is. Having an outlet was so important then.
Dewey: Not sure what posts you’re referring to where he backs things up but he almost never adds references.
Gary: FPG called you twisted and then said he let’s others do things as they see fit. Both cannot be true. He would have you believe that you insulted him personally, but you did not. You simply disagreed with him. I think people will continue to call out FPG here.
I appreciate your support and I have seen that you’ve done that continually for quite a while now. I appreciate it.
dewey – You’re very welcome! I spend a whole lot of time, too much really, listening and reading about the Sox so if there’s anything you need to know I’m your man.
dewey – Sorry to hear about your wife, I didn’t know. Hopefully that championship also helped you that year, and your wife (assuming she is a fan too?)
This site is awesome, and the mute button is why I’m still here.
dewey – I know the Sox fudge the attendance figures, but the current sellout streak is not a surprise to me because Boston is beautiful this time of year and Fenway is a fun place to be when the team is still in contention.
I’ve organized many bus trips to games at Fenway, a good portion of people that go on the trips aren’t even baseball fans …. they go for the atmosphere, the singing of Caroline, the lively crowd, the food and beverages, and of course the history.
Gary – He was known for changing accounts, but ever since I muted him I haven’t seen him pop up with another account so I think he’s finally left. When he admitted he was recruited by Suit (another I muted long ago) to try and force me to leave here, that was the last straw. I have zero tolerance for people who team up for crap like that, it’s so middle schoolish.
But back to baseball ….. I thought Buehler was decent last night, not his sharpest and could have lasted longer if the entire bullpen wasn’t well rested with an off day today.
Plus Cora really wanted to win last night, he wanted to avoid heading to NY with a 3-game home losing streak.
If Lowe can continue to do what he did, he will be a big upgrade over Toro. Did you know Lowe hit a grand slam in his last game with the Nats. The Sox can definitely use the power, considering the team HR leader has only 22 HR. I can’t remember the last time a Sox team didn’t have at least a 30-HR hitter on it.
I have never recruited anyone to do anything on this website. Your garbage is obvious and people continue to call it out. Accuracy and good character matter to people.
Who’s Tony? Tony Soprano? Tony the Tiger? Tony Graffanino?
Tony Taters!
Tony Orlando
Everyone knows Tony. He’s the man.
No, that was Tony the Mook. Different Tony.
Ignorant – Not sure if you know this, but Roman’s brother, Dad and Grandfather are all named Anthony Anthony.
Or as we say in the north end, Ant-Knee ;O)