Gonfalon Cubs: Soler

For those who didn’t see it last night, Soler left the game in the 3rd inning after a single.  He pulled up rounding first; earlier in the game he’d made a great defensive play on a running/jumping catch at the wall.  Jorge has a history of hamstring problems, and is getting an MRI today.  Rumors are that if Jorge has to go on the DL, Almora would get the call.  I would hope that means he’s coming up to play - and preferably CF, even though I really don’t expect that - and not just watch ...

Sox Therapy: Cascading Problems: The Bullpen

Have problems in the rotation led to problems in the bullpen? If so, it’s not because a bad starter is in the bullpen.

Sox Therapy: The First Third

So with the Sox a third of the way through the season after last night’s homerpalooza if I read my Moneybag correctly that means we now know what we have.  Some thoughts on the first third;

1. David Ortiz.

No, seriously…DAVID ORTIZ DAVID ORTIZ DAVID ORTIZ!!!

2. John Farrell is still manager of the Red Sox.

Whether you like him or not, this is good news because if he wasn’t manager today that would mean the Sox started slowly. As it happens the Sox are off to a very strong start on a 96 win ...

Sox Therapy: Three Questions: June 2016

1. What will the Red Sox rotation be by the end of the month?

2. What additive moves should Boston make?

3. On what date will David Ortiz pass Ted Williams on the career HR list?

Gonfalon Cubs: Prospect Update

I don’t actively follow the minor leagues, and haven’t seen any of these guys plays this year yet.  But I thought it would be interesting to look at how the top prospects for the Cubs have been doing so far this year, and also to talk about which ones the Cubs should keep and which are possible trade bait.  As for what the Cubs should trade for, feel free to add your suggestions or packages you think it would take to get these guys. 

I’ve been banging the drum for some time for a young, cost ...

Sox Therapy: Feeling A Draft

On June 9 the Red Sox and 29 lesser teams will begin the process of drafting the future players we all get way too excited about that never accomplish anything.  Unfortunately for the third time in four years the Red Sox have a high draft pick, this time picking 12th.

I am no kind of draft wizard but I have a Baseball America subscription and if that doesn’t entitle me to opine on the draft, I don’t know what is.  Picking at 12 the Sox would have a lot of uncertainty even if the draft ...

Sox Therapy: Feet of Clay

It is hard to argue that Clay Buchholz has earned any right to make his next scheduled start.  At this point with Eduardo Rodriguez nearing readiness and Roenis Elias lighting it up in Pawtucket if Buchholz starts Tuesday it will be both a surprise and a mistake.  Watching Buchholz get pounded last night I found myself thinking about the upcoming draft, prospect watching and what Buchholz represents on that front. 

Buchholz is a former high draft pick (supplemental first, compensation for ...

Hall of Merit: Most Meritorious Player: 1993 Ballot

For 1993, each voter should rank the top 14 players from all leagues combined.

Balloting is scheduled to close at 4pm EDT on 1 June 2016.

Anyone can vote, even if you do not normally participate in Hall of Merit discussions. If have never participated in an MMP election, just post a preliminary ballot in the discussion thread by 31 May 2016.

For detailed rules see one of our previous ballots.

Gonfalon Cubs: Regression and Perspective

I tend to think that sometimes “regression” is used too broadly when talking about a really good or really bad team.  I know that it has a very specific meaning in statistics and projections, but part of my mind always goes to the non-statistical definition: “a return to a former or less developed state.”  That’s probably a poor way of saying that we really shouldn’t be surprised that the Cubs have started looking downright mortal.  For the season, the Cubs are down to 5.5 runs/g (6.2 in April, ...

Sox Therapy: More About Guys Who Are Not Major Leaguers

So the minor league season is moving along smartly and that requires some less than smart analysis.  I am just the man for the job!  Let’s take a look at the kiddie korps! (yes I know I spelled it wrong, shut up!);

1B - Sam Travis - AAA - .281/.338/.438 - Travis impressed in Fort Myers and the 22 year old is adapting well at Pawtucket.  The K/BB rate is taking a bit of a hit which is somewhat predictable but his K rate is league average and he looks to be growing into the power the Sox hoped ...