June 5th: The Sox have officially selected La Sorsa, optioned Bello and transferred Crochet to the 60-day IL.
June 4th: The Red Sox are optioning right-hander Brayan Bello to Triple-A Worcester, reports Dan Roche of WBZ. Boston will add recently acquired lefty reliever Joe La Sorsa to the active roster for tomorrow’s series opener in The Bronx.
Bello was knocked around again this afternoon, giving up eight runs over five innings to take the loss against the Orioles. He’s now sitting on a 6.34 earned run average over 61 frames on the season. He’s striking hitters out at a career-low 15.6% rate. Bello has a career-worst average exit velocity allowed while giving up a lofty 1.48 home runs per nine innings.
The primary issue is that Bello has had no answers for left-handed batters. They carried a .323/.384/.554 line with nearly as many walks as strikeouts in 147 plate appearances into today’s start. He hasn’t been good against right-handed hitters either, but the numbers against lefties are completely untenable. That was also an issue for Bello early in his career.
Boston has tried to work around that by using a left-handed opener in front of Bello on four occasions. He has pitched very well in those outings, but the opener (Jovani Morán or Tyler Samaniego) has allowed at least one run in each. The Sox have gone 1-3 in those games despite Bello having a combined 0.71 ERA across 25 1/3 innings.
The 27-year-old righty was asked about the stark difference between his performance as a bulk arm versus starts. He was clearly unhappy with the question.
“First of all, just stop talking about bullpen and starting games,” he said in Spanish via the team’s interpreter (link via Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic). “I’ve always been a starter, and when I’ve been successful as a starter, no one asks your question (about) whether I have to be in the bullpen or starting games. So, just starting from there, just stop that talk, because I’m just having a bad season. That’s it. It’s not whether I’m a starter or I’m a reliever. It’s just, having a bad season. I know that I can turn it around.”
Marcos Grunfeld of El Emergente, a native Spanish speaker on the Boston beat, directly translated Bello’s comments a little more firmly:
“First of all, just stop talking about this bullpen-starter crap because when I’m pitching well as a starter, nobody talks about it. Now that I’m having a bad season as a starter, everybody wants to talk crap about it. The first thing is that we should stop talking about it and focus on the good things. Yes, I’m having a bad season as a starter, but I believe things are going to get better.”
In any case, the Sox probably would’ve proceeded with the demotion based on Bello’s performance alone. He’s in the third season of a $55MM extension signed in Spring Training 2024. Bello posted a 4.49 ERA that year and had a career season in 2025. He turned in a 3.35 mark across 166 2/3 innings, albeit with a drop in strikeouts that has only heightened this year. Bello is playing on a $6MM salary and guaranteed $44.5MM from 2027-29 (including a buyout on a 2030 club option).
Pitchers must spend at least 15 days on an optional assignment unless they’re recalled to replace an injured player. Boston can carry an extra reliever until his next scheduled start on Tuesday. Rookie southpaw Jake Bennett, who made his first two career starts earlier in the season, seems the likeliest candidate to come up. He owns a 1.60 ERA with plus strikeout and walk marks in Triple-A.
The Red Sox still need to create a 40-man roster spot to select La Sorsa’s contract. Garrett Crochet could move to the 60-day injured list, assuming he won’t be back from his low-grade lat strain within the next three weeks. A transfer would backdate to his initial April 26 placement.
About time.
Eyes – Just think about all the money being pissed away right now in recent longterm extensions.
Bello
Anthony
Campbell
Crochet
And Rafaela could be next
What a horrible track record of trying to emulate the Braves.
The only extension I think that was rushed was Campbell, after giving up the assests they did to acquire Crochet it would’ve been negligent to not to extend him. Pitchers get hurt, thankfully it’s not an elbow or shoulder. They’ve extended who they should’ve and didnt commit years and dollars to Duran or Casas.
Red Sox got lucky that Casas turned down the extension.
Mookie – Bello & Rafaela hadn’t really proven to be solid MLB players when they received their extensions. Both were premature.
Bello had just 39 starts with a 4.37 ERA and 1.456 WHIP.
Rafaela had just a .666 OPS in just 28 games.
We are not exactly talking Strider & Acuna here, it was DUMB to give them the extensions so quickly.
Same with Crochet, he signed the extension without ever having even ONE good full season as a starter. And with his history of injury, all the more reason why the Sox should have waited a year.
Roman was quick, but it was justified. He will be a great one once he gets away from the current crappy Red Sox coaching staff and front office, and of course once he gets healthy.
Susannah – You are soooo right, I’ve mentioned it many times.
Sucks for Casas, but Thank God for the Sox.
Ok I’ll relent on Bello, however the package to acquire Crochet demanded an extension. I think it was the right move then and and do now, even with him on the 60 day IL.
Mookie – Let’s hope Crochet can stay healthy the next few years.
Fever- Campbell is the biggest question, I think the others will come around. I will be curious to see how Bello does in triple A, I still felt getting the right opener for Bello could have worked. Not sure who is going to be the 5th starter, since he is being replaced by a reliever.
Uncle – If Roman and Crochet can stay healthy and can avoid Driveline etc, then yes they will be fine.
Time will tell on Bello & Rafaela. KC probably needs a change of scenery.
He is probably a left fielder they tried to shoehorn in at 2b because of the outfield logjams
Mookie – Campbell is most comfortable in CF, when he was put in LF during 2025 ST the infamous “What are we doing” quote came from Cora because of Campbell’s lack of experience and comfort there.
The fact you think its a bad thing that Crochet and Anthony have been signed to extensions makes you shortsighted at best, foolish at worst.
FPG is a Red Sox hater. Who revels in the failures and disapointments far, far too often.
Okay, 5 random accounts attack me.
I strive each Thursday to be foolish at best, shortsighted at worst. Polish up the jesters hat and last minute rehersal of juggling and some new material for the Duke before the weekend
Who would want a guy that #2 in CY voting on their team?
Oh I know, I had him muted but for some reason that function isn’t working now.
I think the concern Fever had with Crochet was injury potential. I thought the extension was great and after last season I still think he will be solid in the longterm. I am hoping his starting off a bit rough this year was just the injury and once healthy he can get back to being a dominant pitcher.
I hate seeing setbacks but I don’t want him rushed back and have him get a more serious injury. He should be a key to having a successful rotation for many years. I hope they don’t give up on him if the injuries continue to pop up, we saw what happened with Sale.
Me too. The function appears disabled.
Dan, Aside from maybe 10 of his buddies here, we ALL agree with you. He’s a moron, and if you don’t agree with him on a baseball point, HE will attack you, not us.
I’ve always taken the high road with him and was polite as best I could. But if he was wrong about something and it happened a lot, I let him know.
The gloves are off since he wrote a very rude disparaging belittling comment about me last week.
I don’t care. Fever pitch guy is an idiot above all idiots.
Dan – you are 100% correct!!!!!!
Theo – Was listening to the game just now, infamous Raffy-hater Will Fleming mentioned the Giants beating the Cubs 18-3 today and he talked about some of the big hit guys like Adames but he refused to mention Raffy’s 2 hits. LOL!!!
Uncle – I’m guessing you are responding to one of the hater’s alternate accounts.
Yes of course, I’ve said a million times there’s no question Crochet is extremely talented – it’s only the very valid questions about his health that concern Red Sox Nation.
And here we are, just a year later, and Crochet is already missing significant time on the IL.
Who woulda thunk a guy who throws max velo almost all the time would have injury issues ;o)
Gary- I try to be respectful to everyone. I have been a Red Sox fan for over 50 years. I don’t always agree with everyone, but I hope I have never been rude to anyone either.
I don’t know any of the people on here and enjoy reading what everyone posts even if I don’t agree. I try not to take sides when some people clearly don’t like each other on the site, but I try to have conversations with anyone who will respond. I wish tension did not develop between people with different opinions, that is the whole purpose of having the comment section to present your case and hear what others have to say.
Uncle – Well said! I have no idea what that person wrote, but I can imagine it’s about me like the other day when he became unhinged and I hadn’t even posted anything yet there. He is obsessed with me and he uses his other handles to fake “support” for himself.
That’s what trolls do, they attack me using multiple accounts because they know I’ve muted them. Trolls love drama, they love to TRY and upset others.
The best way to handle trolls like him is to not engage, simply mute them. You and I and everyone else is here to talk BASEBALL!!!! Not juvenile namecalling and drama. Yes trolls have mental issues like bipolar trolls and sociopath trolls, and often drug/alcohol addiction. I feel sorry for them but after a while I will stop engaging, which is why I love the mute feature! Think about it, why would anyone continue to read and talk about someone they supposedly hate?
What a great game tonight, Contreras has quite the temper. Can Chapman get the save against his former team? I believe so … he’s very well rested!!! So glad Judge isn’t playing, although I wouldn’t wish injury on anyone. But Judge out of the lineup definitely helps the Red Sox!!
Uncle, you make a great point and I do my best.
But someone went over the line and was very disrespectful and made statements that do not fly among adults.
I vented here today and I’m done with it. I’m glad I sat on it and didn’t react in the moment.
I have a short memory so it’s water under the bridge as far as I’m concerned and I trust the same with the other party involved.
All good, go Sox !!
Gary- You have every right to get upset, if you get disrespected. Most people on here have a day when they need to vent. I have probably done it at some point. As a teacher dealing with kids all day, I need to keep the mindset of why don’t we all just get along and let’s play nice together. That follows me out of the classroom, because I know we are going to disagree and have very different opinions, which is fine.
It is interesting reading the completely opposite takes on the same situation posted here. I am usually in the middle (not going to support management even when they do really dumb things but also not going to hate management no matter what they do).
Fever- It is amazing the season Chapman is putting together. He just keeps getting better with age. If they get too far behind and need to be sellers, they should be able to get a solid haul for him. Hoping that doesn’t happen.
I have never muted anyone on here. I try to not take anything personally and see what everyone has to say in the comments even if I don’t agree with them. Sometimes people can get caught up in a conversation and take things too seriously, which I understand.
There are very few people who truly seem like trolls, but I will occasionally call out someone who is a fan of another team and just comes on to talk crap about the Sox. Those are the true trolls.
Uncle – It’s all there in the comments, I talk baseball and certain others come here just to attack me.
Again, it’s really simple. Don’t like someone? Then ignore them … or better yet, mute them when the damn mute feature is working.
I have zero tolerance for people who cone here trying to bully people into hating someone. Now onto BASEBALL. GREAT win last night, why isn’t that being discussed?
Uncle – Did you not see the person (multiple accounts) who started all this TWICE in the past few days? I have zero tolerance for people who try to silence me just because they don’t like my views on BASEBALL.
LOOK WHO STARTS IT EVERY DAMN TIME.
When you’re ready to talk baseball let me know.
You do dude. When you lead off a “Padres release Castellanos” and somehow turn it into ‘Lets talk about how bad the Red Sox are’ in the first comment. The article had NOTHING to do with the Red Sox.
You do that all the time. You slow the boat down and throw the net, hoping someone says something, so that you can then play the victim. Like youre doing right now.
Fever, Yesterday or maybe the day before I said it’s water under the bridge. Give it a rest.
Fever- Yes, I did see some very negative comments about you. It seemed like much of it had to do with reactions to your comment questioning giving Crochet the extension. I think that gave people the feel that you focus too much on the negative rather than taking it as being about him being injured.
When they gave him the extension I thought it made complete sense because they could lock him up before he became too expensive. Any longterm contract is a gamble, but if it is cheap enough you can take the chance and the expense won’t hurt too much if things don’t work out (likely Campbell and maybe Bello).
I agree that they did not have to be mean spirited, they could just say they disagree and move on. I don’t defend anyone for being nasty. I don’t know what if any past comments made them feel the need to make it more personal than it needed to be. I just try to stay in the middle and listen to both sides.
I usually just use the word troll for someone coming on a comment thread to bash a team they don’t like, but I get that you would be annoyed with the name calling.
I don’t think I ever post anything that would be considered controversial, but I know I got negative comments when I supported Devers. I understand both sides of that situation, so get why people felt so negative about him and don’t mind them presenting their side and calling me out if they disagree.
I appreciate your voice of reason. It’s definitely welcome around here.
FPG and I post to each other all the time. He is far more optimistic than people credit him for. He was incredibly optimistic during the off seasons and seasons years ago because he had reason to be based on the moves, upgrades, and results. These days he points out really obvious bad moves, and problems every fan should notice, a lot. He also posts that he HOPES things get righted, or players turn it around, or that perhaps he may be proven wrong, from time to time.
I come off as far more negative the last few years as well. It is mainly due to blatant unresolved problems of key issues over many years. The managements failure to upgrade with the best available talent available rather than second, third and further down options. An exceptionally high league perception amongst players, people in the business, and fans being so drastically reduced from its soaring highs only a decade ago. It doesn’t mean we are not fans anymore OF THE TEAM. If we weren’t fans we wouldn’t bother. If we didn’t care, why bother?
This is like a piano teacher watching their own award-winning child play with his feat instead of his hands all of a sudden, and the child telling them that they are convinced that playing with their feet is far superior to hands and they just need a few years to prove it.
THE SOX ARE PLAYING WITH THEIR FEET. =)
Anyway, enjoy your posts also.
There is zero reason to rush anyone at all this season. This season there are far too many teams still in the hunt for any significant trade to be made for a TRUE impact bat to help this team. With that said, there isn’t a good free agent class next year, and the couple of hitters in it will be a bidding war. This team will have to upgrade somehow through a trade, and other teams are well aware of it. The Sox will have to trade a package of real talent out or take on entire contracts while still trading out prospects. Not optimal.
I would rather see prospects in a lost season than once again trade for mediocrity and watch them muddle through to the end of the season.
Good comment william.
Thanx for coming by 5 days after the post to leave 5 paragraphs impassionate defense him, but have nothing else to say on the page.
William- Unfortunately there does not look to be any significant upgrades out there that can turn the team around. The way they look right now I think the best move may be to sell off some veterans to get some young controllable players for the future.
The last thing they need to do is waste prospects for someone like Dustin May just to say they made a move. We will see what happens over the next month, but they need to turn things around soon if they have any chance to stay in it.
William – agreed. At this point I would much rather see Eyanson, Witherspoon, Ariana than Dustin May 2.0
Dan. I did post on the actual topic also.
Also, my FPG post was as about an impassioned a defense of FPG as only a reader of it could have imagined it, just not the writer. I am fine with him because I do not have reason to not be, and because even the worst of the worst people on MLB Trade Rumors don’t impact my heart rate by a fraction. They are just anonymous people at a desk somewhere spouting about whatever to fill time. I am also an adult, so I am well aware that nothing here actually means anything of importance. This is a about a game and my favorite team of over half a century.
It was an observation I HAVE on FPG after years of talking to him on topics when things have been good and when they have been bad. People are perceived differently by different people.
As for my post, I wrote what I wrote and complimented you on enjoying reading many of your posts. Not sure why you were a HATER in your reply since that seemed to be your crotch itch of the moment. Tootles.
The Bello extension was stupid even before he hit the skids. And, not that it matters much, but why didn’t someone start Weissert (who sucks with men on base) and then bring in Bello?
Carmen – We all were saying to use Weissert as the opener.
You know why Breslow refused?
Only one reason: Weissert is not a lefty, and Breslow is obsessed with L/R matchups and rotating L/R pitchers in games.
Fever- I had assumed it was Tracy’s decision about who the opener would be. I never even thought about the opener needing to be a lefty, but you are correct it was always a lefty. A number of questionable moves recently. It will be interesting to see who gets sent down when they need to bring someone up to start in place of Bello (assume Bennett).
Uncle – Agreed, likely Bennett.
Just give the kid an opener every start. What’s the big deal
Agree. Not sure why they felt he needed to be sent down unless it was just an excuse to open a roster spot.
Sean – Typical Sox management, they say winning is still the priority but because they can’t get a decent opener they demote a guy who has given up 2 ER in 25 IP as a reliever. Moronic.
Uncle – we all know that hes emotional, and hes a guy who brings his feelings on the field. This is probably the worst decision they could make, and for what(?) a few appearances of mediocre to bad relief from La Sorsa
Uncle – I don’t think it was the roster spot. He genuinely needs to work on his mental issue.
As we see with certain people here, mental issues don’t typically go away without intense therapy and behavior modification training ;O)
Sad – You are 100% correct.
As everyone here knows, I was bearish on Bello for the longest time because his head wasn’t on right. Then last year that all went away, but obviously he has now regressed. Very disappointing as he does have a lot of talent even without the glitzy high strikeout rate.
Fever- Bello’s comments through the interpreter certainly sound like he is not a fan of having someone open for him. If that is the case and he is being vocal about it behind the scenes, maybe he needed to get sent down for a reset. I really wished they just found the right pitcher to open for him and not worry about having it be a lefty. He showed dominance at times in the ‘long reliever’ role and had the potential to get wins.
That poor translator had about 10,000 words to translate before Bello took a breath. lol was a terrible quote either way. Yep when you do bad people talk crap bud.
Sean – I’ve watched the interview a few times, what part was bad? He admitted he’s having a bad season and he’s confident he can eventually turn it around. Now is when fan support would help him, right?
It’s just not a good look when you’re that angry at fair criticism of underperformance. Sox are 2-10 in games he’s pitched. That being said, I’m on team “give the guy an opener if that’s what works!”
Also, he threw so much at that translator that it might not even be fair to put quotes around those words.
Sean – Yeah I looked at the captions on the bottom of the screen, rather than listen to the interpreter.
I can understand his anger, people saying he sucks because of 7 bad starts this season. I think he just expects people to be less critical.
Finally
Sox – I think they played it right though. After his last game against the Braves when he was so dominant, he was brimming with confidence. It was a reasonable expectation that he would be able to start his next game and do well.
But as always, can’t predict the future.
Hopefully, he can reset his mind at Worcester. It seems all mental with him
roland – Throughout his career his struggles have always been mental.
Last year he overcame them, it’s unfortunate he relapsed.
Maybe that’s why he does better when they use a starter. He gets upset and locks in to prove he’s good enough to start.
Fan – That’s actually a very real possibility. He’s obviously not happy about losing his spot in the starting rotation.
Not sure they are dealing with the sharpest tool in the shed –
Franklin – Agreed.
For years I’ve been saying Bello, Duran, Rafaela and Casas are kinda special needs players. None of them have the best mental makeup, to say the least.
great 2025 season
what happened?
You have to look at the tape and ask yourself, “How did Bello get left-handed hitters out in 2025 ??” Was it with a change-up that tailed out glove-side? Was it a sweeper that swept left to right? He needs to find that pitch again if he ever had it.
Ignorant- He was still putting together 6+ solid innings when he had an opener. It is really bizarre that he could not find success coming in to start the game, but was good when he had a starter. He is a very capable pitcher, I am guessing he may end up being traded and find greater success in a low pressure market.
Uncle – Agreed, except overall pressure is not the problem. It’s starting off the game that has gotten into his head. Very strange indeed.
Ignorant – You make an excellent point!
How about we trade you Bello for Randy & Refsnyder? Deal?
But it really wasn’t great.
red – Exactly, Red Sox management just hyped it as a “great” season only because it was the first time in ages since they made the postseason.
Ironically, if Roman had started the season with the Red Sox they would have likely won many more games.
salem – They squeaked into the playoffs last year only because other contenders collapsed, and they won only one game in the postseason. I wouldn’t call that a great season ;O)
If the Angels had Boston’s success from 2025,they would throw a parade down Katella.
that’s the first step- a change of organizational scenery should be next.
How about trading him to the Brew Crew? Us fans love trading with the BoSox- they seem to work out well…😉 But all kidding aside, the kid has talent and I think he’ll figure it out eventually.
With who’s help.
Bob – Maybe Bello will go to a private pitching instructor, like Durbin went to a private hitting instructor?
kripes – Voice of reason, thank you!!!
smk – Great point! Red Sox obviously can’t help most of their players, inevitably when said players go elsewhere they suddenly are “fixed” by their new team.
Bello. Bello. Daylight comes and he wants to go home
Savannah Bananas next?
The White Sox Tristan Peters had a stay over there. Fun!
phap – That’s the team JBJ is on!!! Actually the Indianapolis Clowns ;O)
Divin – I wrote the same thing the other day, except I ended it with “Tracy come and he wanna go home”. Gotta use the proper lingo. LOL!!!
Breslow complied
soooo whos the other starter. we cant have a bullpen game
Jake Bennett comes to mind
They didn’t really have any choice after today.
Meow – Well, coulda continued going with an opener but one who can actually pitch a good inning.
The 7 innings against Atlanta was one of the most dominant performances by a Sox pitcher this season.
Meow- I agree with Fever. He had been pitching really well when given an opener. They just needed to find the right opener and let Bello do his thing in the second. Now they are going to scramble to try to find a starter, likely Bennett, who may end up being worse.
Gotta love replacing Bello, who has been lights out at some points this season maybe they should just I don’t know stick with the opener, with a guy who a team looking for bullpen help didn’t want on their roster (he was a pirate). Smart smart smart.
mlbtraderumors.com/2026/06/pirates-pursuing-bullpe…
I was thinking the same thing. Now they have only 4 starters. I would have been seeing if they could find a better opener for Bello to let him come in without a deficit.
Joe – Breslow once again doesn’t have a clue. He’s been insisting he still is trying to make the postseason, so why send down a guy who in 4 relief outings has given up just 2 ER in 25 IP??? Sending him down to AAA should be done ONLY if they are giving up on the season.
And BTW there’s so many idiots complaining about “burning” a reliever when used as an opener. No, it’s not. Bello starting one inning later (2nd inning) means he can pitch one inning later. Therefore the bullpen is NOT being taxed by using an opener.
FPG – yeah completely agree. It’s not like Bello has struggled overall, there’s a very specific situation that they could avoid very easily and set him up for success. How is he going to work on this specific situation against the inferior competition in AAA? It’s not how you solve this issue.
Another knock on Breslow – he had the perfect LHP to use as an opener, Bernardino, that they let go for…. nothing.
Joe – Great point, Bernie did quite well in the opener role.
Yep I couldn’t come up with an answer as to why you get rid of a middle-innings-eater like Bernie for nothing. Guy was great-ish at a very difficult role.
This is both really surprising to me and not surprising at all.
Doesn’t a run or two seem like a small price to pay for Bello’s outstanding bulk relief? Certainly a better price than a 6-run 1st inning to start.
I don’t see how the innings get filled in a better way.
Red Sox doing red sox things. Watch him end up with the Braves and play a critical role as a bulk reliever
I agree, not sure this is going to help the team. Now they will likely need to call up someone with less experience to be the 5th starter and that could be a complete bust. What was the issue with giving him an opener?
Uncle – dont forget….Patrick Sandoval is right around the corner hahahahaha
Sad – Did you hear the latest? Crochet said his injury is far worse than thought (aka they lied again) and he’s not even close to playing catch. More testing is expected this week.
Also Mayer’s back will hopefully get better, but it’s chronic so will always be a concern.
Sad- How has he been doing in the minors? If Sandoval is healthy that would help. The bullpen has not been very impressive recently and they keep sending down the guys who have been most effective. Slaten looks cooked.
Fever- I thought I saw a headline about Crochet, but assumed it was old news. They really can’t afford another setback with him. If they were a competitive team they would not lose the last series to the Rays. Durbin finally has a great offensive game and the pitching can’t pull off a win. I don’t want to be negative, but I don’t know how they can come back from the deficit they have with the current group of players (many who are underperforming).
I can’t believe this!!!
This is why when you are going to make the playoffs and need Josh Naylor, you dont trade for Dustin May.
When are they going to fire Breslow!?!?!?! I’ve been trying to avoid the outright call to fire him, but its so infuriating!!!
Uncle – What makes matters worse, Breslow appears to be caught in another lie.
Crochet himself said the injury is a lot worse and more tests are expected, while at the same time Breslow is saying “As far as I know there is nothing new and Garrett is making good progress on the lat strain”.
It’s yet another horrible look for Breslow and the Sox front office.
Per Pete Abe: x.com/BOSSportsGordo/status/2064831865429664012
“Garrett Crochet’s lat strain is a lot worse than they originally thought and he has “no idea” when he might be cleared to throw.”
I agree with you on the Rays series. The Rays were struggling going into the series, and they were having trouble scoring.
Like I said earlier, Slaten is not at the same level as Whitlock or Chapman. He proved it again yesterday, he’s been awful.
Sad – Believe it or not, the Cardinals seem to have “fixed” May.
Over his last 11 starts he has a 2.89 ERA
Let’s see if Marcelo plays tomorrow, or if HIS injury is a lot worse too.
Fever- I think Breslow has a tendency to downplay anything negative. I assume he wants fans to think he is being optimistic.
I have a feeling they will be blowing up the team at the deadline. Unless they have a legitimate chance of winning there is not enough benefit giving up prospects for veterans who are not going to be tied up for the longterm. No need for mediocre rentals that are not going to make a difference.
With the potential of not having a season in 2o27, holding onto veterans who they don’t have for 2028 and beyond seems like a waste. Mind as well stock up on young players at the deadline if they don’t see a path to the postseason.
Uncle – I fully understand downplaying injuries so as not to lose leverage in trade negotiations, but this isn’t the case here. Whether it’s the usual lack of communication or intentional lies to protect ticket sales, it’s such a horrific reflection of the organization.
At least Kennedy finally acknowledged the Sox might be sellers. I agree, they can get a massive haul of talent for Contreras, Gray, Chapman, Rafaela, Bello, and one of the catchers.
I would make Roman, Tolle, Early and Ranger untouchable.
As you know I’m always optimistic, I firmly believe there will be a season next year. Might be a shortened one though.
Fever- I saw the articles about Kennedy. Sounds like Breslow is safe, which I get because it would look bad to fire him so soon after replacing Bloom.
I certainly hope they don’t lose a year in 2027 as it would be terrible for the game and the owners as well as the players know that.
I think they are going to have to really turn things around for them not to be sellers. I think ownership is going to be less willing to be buyers unless they see some significant winning streaks. It will be interesting to see how far they go with selling and who they receive in return. I would assume Contreras, Chapman, and Gray are the most likely if they give up on the season.
Fever- I could also see them working Yoshida into a trade package to unload his salary. If given regular at bats, I think he can still be useful in someone’s lineup.
Uncle, FPG – i’m selling too. I see Chapman, Gray, Wong, Bello, IKF, Slaten Guerrero(?).
I dont see letting Contreras go though. His salary is reasonable, hes capable defensively, professional at bats (although I dont view him as a 3 or 4 hitter). Thats putting a lot of eggs in the Casas basket, no?
I do think youre right that Breslow isn’t going anywhere (unfortunately)
Uncle – By “safe” how long do you mean? Until the end of the season? Or beyond? I do agree he will likely last the season.
Owners will always, always deny when they are considering firing senior management. They have never and will never publicly say “Yeah we are considering firing so-and-so”.
I agree with you on those three players being traded, along with a catcher.
Fever- I am guessing Breslow will have next year (assuming the union and owners work out a deal) to show improvement or be gone. He will get an opportunity to pick his own manager and coaches as well as make moves at the deadline and during the offseason to improve the team. I think they will be carefully evaluating what he does at the deadline this year after the embarrassing deadline move last year.
Sad- The only reason I see them trading Contreras is due to his age and length of his contract. If he were younger and tied up for the foreseeable future, I would completely agree that he should not be traded. He is one of the bright spots this year. I think with the potential for a work stoppage next season, they are less apt to keep someone like Contreras.
Uncle- based solely with on-field and leadership to the younger Venezuelan players i would say dont trade.
You make an excellent point. If theres less than a full season next year his remaining year would be wasted.
Uncle – That is what I had thought as well, but now I’m thinking he might be let go sooner. Or perhaps they will finally fill the GM position and have that person take some responsibilities from Breslow.
My opinion changed because there’s a lot of articles coming out reflecting a very deep dislike of Breslow throughout the organization, and reports from other teams that the Red Sox have been reaching out for trade discussions and it has NOT been Breslow doing the reaching out.
At the very least, it seems like Breslow has already become a lame duck. He’s been muted.
Sad – If they are gonna do even a mini-rebuild, it will likely take a year or two. Contreras will not likely have as good a season again as this one.
Replacing a 1B is a lot easier to do, and Contreras is widely disliked. Let’s say Murakami wants an extension and the ChiSox are unwilling to give him one, they would trade him after this season rather than let him walk after next season.
Sad – I wouldn’t bank on either Abreu or Narvaez or Monasterio sticking around for very long.
Narvy is in the doghouse and is dead last in MLB for rCERA (min 300 Innings).
Abreu has slumped badly again with a .695 May OPS and .535 June OPS. They need to beef up the OF offense.
Mona has a .674 career OPS and is 29 already.
This story makes it quite clear on the two issues that seem to be plaguing Bello .. Left handed hitters and right handed hitters.. otherwise he should benefit from a stint in the minors… I guess as much as they would like to .. Worcester can’t just say , no thanks .
Say hi to the other high flying unproductive contract Kristian Campbell…….way to go locking up this talent. It’s also paying off for the oft-injured Roman Anthony. Thank god they didn’t give Casas a big contract. A ‘win” for doing nothing. Yay!
Lastly KC is only hitting .229 with 2 dingers at AAA, can they option him back to AA where he was successful and start over? I think they can but I’m unsure.
They offered Casas an extension. That big-brain thought it wasn’t inline with his value. Dude has to be kicking himself these days.
““First of all, just stop talking about this bullpen-starter crap because when I’m pitching well as a starter, nobody talks about it. Now that I’m having a bad season as a starter, everybody wants to talk crap about it. ”
Yes, that’s how the world works. When you’re doing your job poorly, management considers having someone else do the job.
Braying and Bellowing won’t help him pitch better…
He’s never really been good though. He’s 41-41 with an over 4 era so him talking about when he’s been good is a stretch.
exactly.
alas, being a .500 pitcher and Pedro’s project makes him a starter with the Sox.
Mike – hes a number 4 starter….I think k most teams would be OK with a guy (who should be) slightly above .500 with a 4 ERA who takes the ball every 5 days
Playing with your hair on the mound tells me your focus on your pitches are poor and immature. This guy should have been sent down weeks ago!
I haven’t watched him pitch. But it seems like he’s been pitching great when he has an opener start the game according to the article and stats.
Yeah ?? I guess those lefties in innings 2-7 just aren’t as good as the lefties he has to face in the 1st inning……..
Thank you for stating this olmtiant. While I’m sure a couple at bats less against LHP might help, it doesn’t explain the difference between he’s 6 ERA and the less than 1 ERA as a bulk piggyback
Boston will probably trade him and he’ll be resurgent on the Braves, Brewers etc
Your sarcasm game is strong. Made me laugh
I wish I still had the screenshot of the guy who said he was the next Pedro Martinez. What an absolute imbecile.
They didn’t say what age Pedro…
Pedro’s worst season, by bWAR, was -0.4.
Bello this season is -1.1.
…
But could Pedro do that today?
Fraham_ commented “I’m a Yankees fan too but this guy is probably the next Pedro martinez” in the article ‘Red Sox Sign Brayan Bello To Extension’ from March 7th, 2024
Pedro had all the tools, including an elite mental commitment to his craft & Tier One competitive instincts & leadership….these attributes cannot be taught.
Bello is simply a MLB level talent without the head absent the maturity.
Forget Baby Pedro. He’s Baby “Wayback” Wasdin.
He’s been bad. Hopefully he can find his groove later.
Not sure what took so long.
Did Brayan Bello-Ache when informed of the demotion??
“The primary issue is that Bello has had no answers for left-handed batters… He hasn’t been good against right-handed hitters either…”
Problem solved. Bello should only pitch against non-left and non-right handed batters.
And probably stay away from Orange and Black birds too.
Paying a lot of money for results like those. When you sign them to big contracts and they don’t preform it is a bad mark on the management. Isn’t worth the 6 million they are paying this year not to mention the huge balloon payment. I dont like signing pitchers to large long contracts as to much can go wrong. He has to be one of the best paid pitchers in AAA.
Well – they gave Patrick Sandoval almost $10m per year to NOT pitch for them
Sad – Somewhere Sandoval, Paxton, Hendriks and Mondesi are enjoying a nice laugh together about the Red Sox paying them to not play for them. 😆 😆 😆
FPG – I’m rooting for Bello. I know he doesnt have the “elite extension” that Breslow so craves, but they also screwed around with his pitch mix so much that, at this point, his only path to having any success is a change of scenery.
Unfortunately, sending him down instead of keeping hi. In a bulk role has reduced is value from some to none
Can’t wait till we trade him to Brewers for David Hamilton and more international cap space and he goes on to win CY…
Olm – Hamilton just hit his 2nd HR in 7 games.
Hamilton has a .629 OPS, which is not only awful but is lower than his career .640 OPS, which means Hamilton is hitting even worse with Milwaukee then he did with Boston ya big troll.
Marcelo’s OPS is .580. Hamilton at this point would have been a better option. We were expecting more from Mayer as #4 pick in 2021 draft. Scouting projections had a Corey Seager comp. Hopefully he trends that way in next three years.
That’s pretty standard fare for RS fans. He had a .642 for the RS and the fans couldn’t wait to get rid of him. But a .629 with MIL and he is a star.
We will give you Blake Perkins and be happy.
Not the move i was expecting but one that needed to happen. Next turn through the rotation they could bring Bennett back up to start or go with a bullpen game if need be
He looks like bozo the clown, but Bozo the clown can probably can pitch better at least in the first inning! The kid is a head case, maybe to much pressure in Boston and time for a change. Too bad he has zero value right now!
AK- They would have been better sticking with an opener for him and let him continue to find success that way. Trade him once his ERA has gone down, not go back and put him in as a starter which he can no longer handle the pressure of.
Did Tracey say before game “ Bello is a starter.. we want him to start… Brain wants to start… ……… guess the three outings before were a mirage… again enough with the he’s terrible against lefties… I get it he is ,but are the lefties innings 2-7 a mirage also!!! Yesterday was something a club does 10-15 games over 500 not 10 games under!!!
A little stroman starter complex kickin
Bello needs to grow up.Former Sox Manager Alex Cora said Bello has a hard time getting out of bed in the morning.So the Red Sox devised a plan for him to arise early each morning even on days when he wasn’t pitching.It didn’t work out to well.Bello needs the old Wwf star The Iron Sheik to put him in the Camel Clutch to make him humble.Seriously Bello will benefit from the Minor League lifestyle and regain his form.He is very talented and most definitely will figure it out.This is all in his head.Be humble Bello.
He also has very young children I believe. Not saying that’s it but I’ve been there
Starting Bello yesterday was one of the stupidest things I have ever seen.
As an SP 10.35 ERA w a 1.05 K/W
As an RP 0.71 ERA with a 7.33 K/W
I don’t care if it is all in his head. We carry 8 RPs. Except for Slaten, Whitlock & Chapman, try every single one of them as an opener. They are trying to break one of the few things that’s worked really well.
Joe – Agreed. Also, the day/night thing really is inexplicable
Bello will never be a productive pitcher let alone an ace. His attitude and skills are minor league.
he’s has elbow problems in the past. It will come back to haunt him if it’s not haunting him now.
Joking with a coworker recently I suggested making Chapman his opener then bring bello in. He’s like who is the closer then? I’m like it’s a moot point if their down 7-0 or whatever
💯
On paper, this team should be hovering around .500. Its Pythagorean W-L is 30-31.
Perhaps this is an addition by subtraction that the clubhouse needs, as was the perception with Devers last year? I want Bello to succeed, and to preferably do it here.
..And the first place Rays at 30-29. It’s why we play 162 games before declaring division winners.
Maf – I think that much like the Devers situation, Bello came up through the Organization and was taught/learned a very different way than the current direction. You could see/hear the desperation in Bello learning a new outch mix under Bailey in that series The Clubhouse.
I’m not making an excuse for a guy who works in a results business and is immature and overpaid. My concern is sending a guy down, who probably needs a change of scenery, and doesnt have a lot of value right now, basically makes him untradeable.
yes, it’s bizarre and frustrating that a major league pitcher appears to have a mental block about the 1st inning but his last 6 appearances are 2 starts where he got bombed and the game was over before he got 3 outs and 4 “relief” appearances where he pitched a total of 25.1 innings (more than 6 innings per appearance) with 20 hits/3 bb/25 k and a grand total of 3 earned runs. it’s not his fault the openers mostly stunk. if he pitches like an ace when he skips the 1st inning, give the man an opener and enjoy the results. honestly, this feels a lack of imagination on the part of the org
Dasit- couldn’t agree more. But guess you dont get an imagination at Yale
That’s too bad. I’m going to the Sox series at the Trop and wanted to see a little home run derby.
I guess they’re sending Brayan Bello to Safari Planet.
All I’m reading here is a bunch of people basically arguing that – if a starter can’t actually fulfill the job requirements for the position for which he’s been hired – that the company treat him like a special case, and create a special qualification, just for him. If I have this right, the justification is that he does pretty well at the less demanding job, so the organization should just let him do what he can.
How about the company send him to an assessment program, where the organization tries to analyze why he can’t meet the requirements of the full job, provides some fresh training, tweaks a few things about the employee (not the job) and strengthens and reinforces the employee, so he’s able to meet the full needs of the company.
Those of you who have a job where your company excuses you from doing the part you’re not good at – you know, rather than trying to build your skills – keep that job, because not too many companies conform the job to the person.
Took long enough…my god. Get him looking good against AAA and then trade him to anyone that will take him. Hes been with BOS long enough and it’s not working.
Bello is untradeable due to his $55 million free agent contract that runs till 2029 (with a club option for 2030).
Unfortunately you are correct. Might have to eat salary to get him a change of scenery
Kidding – Overall I like your post, but I do slightly disagree on one thing.
Why would innings 2-8 be less demanding than innings 1-7?
I totally agree with you, the employee needs to be fixed rather than the company conforming to the employee. This is most likely a temporary issue, they just need to address the root cause.
Similar to when Bard couldn’t find the strike zone and Knoblauch couldn’t throw to first base.
Kristian Campbell with a .665 AAA OPS. I’m surprised they haven’t removed him from the 40man
Major league cost control efforts is how you end up with a league leading AAA team payroll