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Post by scrappyunderdog on Feb 19, 2024 11:54:57 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo
@chriscotillo
John Henry was asked if he has a couple minutes to talk about the team, said no, then walked to the back fields. So for now, the streak continues. But the day isn’t over.
11:34 AM · Feb 19, 2024
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Weak. |
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 19, 2024 14:31:47 GMT -5
What Red Sox’ Masataka Yoshida said about team’s plan for him to DH more
Published: Feb. 19, 2024, 2:20 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Masataka Yoshida started 49 games in the DH spot last year and he’s expected to see more time there in 2024.
The Red Sox did not re-sign Justin Turner who started 98 games as the DH last year. Boston will occasionally start other position players at the DH spot to get them off their feet but it sounds as though Yoshida will receive most of the at-bats.
Manager Alex Cora said last Tuesday he expects Yoshida to see more playing time in the DH spot than anyone else.
“I’m not really sure (how many games that will mean),” Cora said. “And I’m not saying he’s the DH. But out of the group, he’ll get the most at-bats.”
Yoshida was asked Monday about Cora’s plan for him to DH more.
“Obviously whatever role he gives me, I’m trying to do the best I can,” Yoshida said through translator Yutaro Yamaguchi. “Whatever role I get, that’s what I’m going to do right now. Obviously I’m here to contribute to the team and contribute to the victories of the team. Offensively, defensively I just want to stay ready at all times.”
Yoshida had negative-4 defensive runs saved in 713 ⅓ innings in left field as a rookie in 2024. Boston traded for two-time Gold Glove left fielder Tyler O’Neill in the offseason. O’Neill has spent the majority of his career in left field with 324 of his 372 starts there. But he also might play right field as well.
“It’s not like my first time doing DH,” Yoshida said. “I had experience doing DH in Japan, too. So I kind of have some sort of routine. And now that I’ve spent one year here, I got some at-bats as a DH so I’ve got some routines.”
The Red Sox haven’t spoken to Yoshida much about their plan for him at DH.
“In the offseason, we didn’t really talk about it much,” he said. “But defensively I’m a position player. So I’ll stay ready. That’s what I was told. Maybe I get some DH and some of the outfield. So I just want to stay ready. That’s all I can say.”
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Post by Kimmi on Feb 19, 2024 14:43:12 GMT -5
Ouch. Our pitchers need to take a step forward. They could be pretty good. Regardless, there is a deep concern with the lack of depth. I think we have promise, but the issue is pure math. I have confidence in Bello. Giolito has talent, but a lot of inconsistency recently. Crawford has been a long-shot his entire career. Pivetta has been inconsistent as a starter. Houck & Whitlock have been weak as starters. Winck has almost no starting experience. So it is not like I don't like them, but we need four guys to step forward. Adding Monty means we only need three. That calculus is a lot more favorable. Indeed, the math is a lot more favorable with the addition of one solid starter. I don't understand why the Sox won't add a guy like Montgomery. They could sign him and still say under the tax limit. I'm guessing that, like me, they don't like the number of years that he is asking for. |
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Post by Kimmi on Feb 19, 2024 14:47:06 GMT -5
Yes, but it is also possible that the press is not publicizing the players that love our potential. But some of this is weak. I never go into a game without thinking that we are going to win. Fair point about what the press is publicizing. I appreciate Casas' comments that he wants to be here forever. That's the kind of attitude that I can get behind. |
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Post by Kimmi on Feb 19, 2024 14:49:16 GMT -5
Rob Refsnyder: Sox must embrace Dirt Dog playing style of past
‘We know we have the talent’
We need guys like Pedroia and Trot Nixon. Tell them they can't do something and they'll prove you wrong. |
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Post by Kimmi on Feb 19, 2024 14:51:32 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo
@chriscotillo
John Henry was asked if he has a couple minutes to talk about the team, said no, then walked to the back fields. So for now, the streak continues. But the day isn’t over.
11:34 AM · Feb 19, 2024
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Wow. It's time to face the critics Henry. Explain what your rationale is, because I don't get it. And I say this as someone who's been one of his biggest defenders. |
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 20, 2024 5:26:47 GMT -5
Yorke eyes breakout showing in big league camp
February 19th, 2024
Ian Browne
Ian Browne
@ianmbrowne
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- One way for a prospect to make an early impression at Spring Training is to arrive, well, early.
Nick Yorke, Boston’s first-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, was already on the grounds at Fenway South and ready to get to work even before pitchers and catchers arrived at the beginning of last week.
As a position player, Yorke -- who ranked sixth among Red Sox prospects in MLB Pipeline’s most recent rankings -- wasn’t required to be in town until Sunday. But the second baseman realizes this is an important year for him, one in which he's likely to advance to Triple-A Worcester, perhaps as early as the start of the season.
With all the recent buzz surrounding Top 100 prospects Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, Kyle Teel and Ceddanne Rafaela, Yorke has fallen under the radar. But in the eyes of Red Sox manager Alex Cora, Yorke remains an important player to watch.
“He’s another kid who has been very diligent as far as following the program,” said Cora. “He's always here [in Fort Myers] towards the end season. He shows up early. And whatever [player development] has asked him to do, he's done.”
Yorke’s first three Minor League seasons have been quite different from each other.
In his first year in the system, he played 76 games at Single-A Salem and 21 at High-A Greenville, posting a .928 OPS. Then came the sophomore slump, as Yorke battled injuries and hit .231 with a .668 OPS at Greenville in 2022.
Last season at Double-A Portland fell somewhere in between, with Yorke starting hot, slumping after the All-Star break and finishing strong. In 110 games, he had a line of .268/.350/.435 with 13 homers and 18 stolen bases.
“Last year, I took away that it was a step in the right direction,” Yorke said. “Human nature, I always want to do better than what I showed. I’m just really excited to get out there in '24 and show what I can do.”
This should be the season in which Yorke will be able to prove exactly who he is.
“I feel really good,” Yorke said. “I feel like I know what I need to do to get myself ready for the season. And you know, once you do it more than two years, three years, you’re getting used to the lifestyle of it all. It’s been good.”
In a 2021 Spring Training where organizations made a lot of decisions based on COVID guidelines, Yorke came to Major League camp as an 18-year-old just eight months removed from high school.
Three years later, he's making his return to big league camp.
“My first year, I didn’t really know anyone, didn’t want to step on any toes, didn’t have a great relationship with a lot of guys because I was coming in fresh,” Yorke said. “I was 18 years old, coming in with 27-year-olds. But having three years under my belt now -- and having three years in Spring Training before and meeting all those guys the first year I did do big league camp -- it’s just made this transition to be in this camp a lot easier.”
Cora looks forward to seeing how Yorke has evolved.
“I was very impressed with the body of the at-bats a few years ago, being able to control the zone, hit the ball to right-center [field],” Cora said. “He's a big kid now. He’s not the same guy we saw in Spring Training of '21, and it's a big season for him. He comes here to gain experience and to see how it works. Looking forward for him to get a few at-bats at second base, move him around and get him more athletic so he’s up to the speed of the game at this level and see where it takes us.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 20, 2024 5:28:53 GMT -5
Cora sends message: 'We're still the Boston Red Sox'
February 19th, 2024
Ian Browne
Ian Browne
@ianmbrowne
1:18
1:34
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It was the night before Monday’s first full-squad workout and several of the most important members of the Red Sox’s brass were enjoying dinner together when Dustin Pedroia joined the proceedings for a minute or two virtually.
“[Assistant GM] Raquel [Ferreira] and [chief baseball officer Craig Breslow] and [manager Alex Cora] and Eddie [Romero] and I and a few others got a FaceTime from Dustin, and he reminded us who’s still out there on the market and what opportunities might be out there,” said Red Sox president/CEO Sam Kennedy. “We appreciate that perspective from Pedey. He was very clear about his feelings.”
In other words, Pedroia is right there with many Red Sox fans these days who would like to see the club add another significant player or two before the regular season starts.
As much as the Red Sox appreciate and respect what Pedroia has done and who he is, they appear primed to stay true to their well-documented philosophy for this season, which is to focus on the improvement of the team’s young core as the best way to rebound from consecutive 78-84 finishes.
In a Monday morning meeting that involved ownership, the front office, the coaching staff and players, it was Cora who set the tone for the season.
His message, in its simplest terms?
Ignore the noise. Control what you can control.
“It was a great message from Alex Cora, who reminded everybody how special the opportunity is to be in big league camp, No. 1, but also to be the best version of the Red Sox, a reminder of what this organization has been about and what we want to be about, which is playing competitive baseball into October,” said Kennedy. “And just trying to focus on what you can do to control the outcomes versus what others are saying. It was a really strong, powerful message, I think.”
It was a message Cora said he had been thinking about for a while.
“You’ve just got to find your identity. That's the most important thing,” said Cora. “Whatever we have gone through the last few years, we’re still the Boston Red Sox. You try to get better in certain areas. It’s not that you’ve got to be close-minded and not look around at what other organizations are doing to improve.
“But around here, we’re doing it the right way, [even though] the results didn't happen for two years or three out of the last four years. On player development, the philosophy’s a good one. The way we go about it in the big leagues is a good one.”
Cora was impassioned as he spoke to the large gathering.
“Remember who you are,” Cora instructed his players. “It doesn't have to do with free agents or your [prospect] rankings. If you look at the body of work [of the Red Sox] the last 20 years, we’ve been very successful, I don't care what people think. There's four rings to show for it. You're always looking for a North Star or whatever, or trying to be like that or be like this. Sometimes, doing that, you forget who you are.
“Let's not forget that. I don't care what people think, [mentioning] the two last-place finishes [the last two years] and all that. We’re really good at what we do. And I think we’ve got to get back to that.”
One area the Red Sox need to improve at, Kennedy acknowledged, is to sign their key young players to extensions. The club should have a willing participant in Triston Casas, who said Sunday he’d like to play with Boston “forever.”
Interestingly, Kennedy said that the club needs to work on building deeper relationships with players in their formative years and added that Breslow has already prioritized that.
“I think we need to do a better job of making it personal and Bres is probably the absolute perfect person to do that,” Kennedy said. “I think building those personal relationships and the connection with these guys is important because they have choices and have options.
“I know it’s something that Bres is focused on, and starting [the process] earlier is probably a lesson. We've not had a ton of success [recently] of extending our own guys. We have in the past. It's been a great recipe for success, to look back over our 23 years here. I think starting those conversations earlier is a good idea.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 20, 2024 5:48:50 GMT -5
The vibe is a little different as the Red Sox officially begin spring training
By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated February 19, 2024, 5:09 p.m.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Alex Cora adhered to tradition Monday morning and addressed the Red Sox players and coaches before the team’s first full-squad workout of spring training.
On a chilly Florida morning, he spoke to the group about finding an identity and embracing the expectations that come with playing for the Sox.
“Remember who we are,” Cora said later when asked about his message. “Let’s not forget that. I don’t care what people think — two [consecutive] last-place finishes and all that. We’re really good at what we do and we have to get back to that.”
Principal owner John Henry, team chairman Tom Werner, and chief executive officer Sam Kennedy were among those in the room listening to Cora.
“A reminder of what this organization has been about, what we want to be about, which is playing competitive baseball into October,” Kennedy said. “Focus on what you can do to control the outcome versus what others are saying.”
It was a good message, and several players mentioned later it was what they wanted to hear from Cora.
“It was really what we needed,” shortstop Trevor Story said.
But the Red Sox shouldn’t be about their logo, their history, or even their ballpark. As important as those elements are, they can hold your interest for only so long.
What matters are the players and the passion of the fan base. Those are intertwined.
Last names aren’t required when discussing the historic 2004 team with David, Pedro, Manny, Curt, Jason, and Tim.
Think of 2007 and your mind goes back to Mike Lowell, Dustin Pedroia, and Kevin Youkilis. The beloved 2013 team had so many heroes, including Ortiz, Pedroia, Koji Uehara, Jon Lester, and Shane Victorino.
In 2018, it was Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, David Price, J.D. Martinez, Chris Sale, and Nate Eovaldi.
Now it’s 2024 and the Sox have lost their way, They’re two games under .500 since the start of the 2020 season, and the roster has far too many players who would have struggled to make the team during the golden years.
The focus for three years has been on a future where prospects are assumed to have become stars and pitchers flow through an organizational pipeline. Meanwhile the Sox again face long odds of making the playoffs and are reducing payroll.
The Sox will never be irrelevant, but uninteresting is on the table again. It led Pedroia to FaceTime a dinner that Cora and some executives were attending Sunday night and remind the group that several high-profile free agents remained available, starting pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell among them.
“We appreciate that perspective from Pedey,” Kennedy said. “He was very clear about his feelings.”
It was not a funny “Dustin being Dustin” moment. Former players from across the years don’t recognize this version of the Sox. There have been times when good intentions went awry and the team was a disappointment. But there was never a doubt about the commitment, financial or otherwise.
Now star players are traded or prodded out and replaced by ones who aren’t as good and certainly not as expensive. Once the bully on the block, the Sox now tread lightly.
“I do believe we have a talented group,” Cora said. “We’re athletic, and pitching-wise I feel like we’re trending in the right direction. We’ve just got to keep working and see what happens.”
The Sox could be a dangerous team offensively if the pieces fit together. There is potential there given the combination of speed and power.
But the rotation, once again, is an issue. A new look was needed, but the only significant change made was to sign Lucas Giolito, who was affordable coming off the worst season of his career.
Cora, who does not have a contract beyond this season, has been realistic about the team he’s been handed.
“At the end of the day, we are who we are,” he said. “Teams are going through stretches, good ones and bad ones. Not everybody can be the Dodgers.”
That’s what they used to say about the Red Sox.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 20, 2024 5:56:31 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK
Red Sox sign rehabbing reliever Liam Hendriks to two-year free agent deal
By Peter Abraham and Michael Silverman Globe Staff,Updated February 19, 2024, 7:09 p.m.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Lucas Giolito received a text message from former White Sox teammate Liam Hendriks early Monday morning.
“Where are you?” Hendriks asked.
The Red Sox starter said he was getting dressed to head to the ballpark.
Hendriks replied that he was having breakfast at JetBlue Park, after agreeing to a two-year contract with the Sox.
“I was pretty pumped,” Giolito said.
With good reason. Hendriks is a three-time All-Star who was one of the most dominant relievers in the game from 2019-22.
But the 35-year-old righthander appeared in only five games for Chicago last season, returning from a bout with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in May then injuring his elbow June 9. He had Tommy John surgery in August and is expected to be on the injured list until at least late July.
Hendriks underwent a physical Monday and his contract is not yet official. But Sox officials confirmed a deal was in place.
The two-year, $10 million agreement includes a potential $10 million in bonuses based on performance. There is also a mutual option for 2026.
A native of Australia, Hendriks made his major league debut in 2011 and became a closer in 2019 with the A’s. He had 75 saves for the White Sox from 2021-22 and averaged 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
“It’s a great move for the club,” Giolito said. “He brings a lot of energy and life. He’s a funny dude and can take a joke. He’ll fit in nicely.”
Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen has a year remaining on his contract. He has been part of trade talks in recent weeks.
How the addition of Hendriks affects Jansen isn’t clear. But it could make it easier to trade Jansen ahead of the July 30 deadline.
Hendriks has a home in Fort Myers, which he purchased while a member of the Twins from 2011-12. He actually resides closer to the Red Sox complex than Hammond Stadium, where the Twins train.
Masataka plans to role with it
Masataka Yoshida’s first season with the Red Sox was a jumble.
He left spring training for several weeks to play for Japan in the World Baseball Classic then admittedly needed time to adjust to everything about the major leagues, including the longer road trips, time zone changes, and tougher schedule.
Now comes another change: Alex Cora has said the Sox see Yoshida being their primary designated hitter instead of playing mostly left field.
“I’m trying to do the best I can in whatever role I get,” Yoshida said. “Obviously, I’m here to contribute to the team. Offensively and defensively, I want to stay ready at all times.”
Yoshida hit .309 with an .832 OPS in 85 games in left field last season but dropped to .255 with a .705 OPS on 49 games as the DH.
“I had experience doing DH in Japan,” Yoshida said. “I had sort of a routine.”
The Sox had members of their strength and conditioning staff work with Yoshida during the offseason. He wore down in the second half and hit only .245.
“We constantly communicate,” Yoshida said.
Yoshida also has a new translator, Yutaro Yamaguchi, who worked with the Red Sox when former pitcher Hirokazu Sawamura was with the team from 2021-22.
Breslow will deal with Cora
Team president and CEO Sam Kennedy said it’s up to chief baseball officer Craig Breslow to make the call on a new contract for Cora, who is on the final year of his deal.
“Those guys will talk about it,” Kennedy said. “They do not want it to be a distraction, and they’ve had open and honest and direct conversations about that. So we’ll leave those discussions to Bres and AC when they feel it’s appropriate … Alex knows how we all feel about him.”
Whoever Cora signs his next contract with will pay him a hefty salary, considering he’s won a World Series title and new Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who has not, is earning a reported $40 million over the next five years.
“The one thing that is axiomatic is that the market is the market,” Kennedy said. “You’ve seen what Craig signed for and the value, it’s hard to put a value on the leader of your baseball team and the manager of your baseball team, so we’ll see where the market goes.”
Related: Sam Kennedy speaks to, and for, Red Sox front office on group’s visit to Fenway South
Without giving names, Kennedy also said the Sox are engaging in extension talks with young players both on and off the big league roster.
After failing to extend notable players in previous years, Kennedy wants the team to improve its approach.
“We need to do a better job of making it personal and Bres is probably the absolute perfect person to do that, expressing what it means to be a career Boston Red Sox player,” Kennedy said.
He added that “starting those conversations earlier is a good idea.”
Jansen throws in bullpen
Jansen, who was slowed a few days by shoulder soreness, threw a handful of pitches in the bullpen and felt fine … Principal owner John Henry , who also owns the Globe, worked the crowd a bit, signing autographs near the agility field … Poor weather pushed some of the workouts into the covered batting cages … Senior vice president of community, alumni and player relations Pam Kenn will leave the team after the season, her 25th with the Sox. Kenn has had several roles, including director of media relations, and is widely respected within the organization.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 20, 2024 14:49:42 GMT -5
Red Sox’ Bobby Dalbec ‘has a chance to make this team,’ Alex Cora says
Published: Feb. 20, 2024, 2:20 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Bobby Dalbec spent most of the 2023 season at Triple-A Worcester. He took just 49 at-bats for Boston, 37 of which came during September when Triston Casas was on the IL.
But Dalbec might be a better fit for the 2024 roster with right-handed hitters Justin Turner and Adam Duvall no longer here. Duvall remains a free agent and still could re-sign with Boston. Turner inked a one-year, $13 million with the Blue Jays
Casas will serve as the everyday first baseman against left-handed and right-handed starters but Dalbec could give Casas an occasional day off against a tough lefty. He also would be able to start occasionally in the DH spot and outfield against southpaw starters.
“He has a chance to make this team,” manager Alex Cora said Tuesday at JetBlue Park. “I think versatility is coming into play. I think the outfield play we like. He did a good job in Triple A. Obviously the configuration of the stadium is different in Triple A but he did a good job. And we need a right-handed bat that can play in the corners and be versatile. So he has a shot to do it.”
Dalbec never played the outfield until 2023 when he started 36 games (played in 308 innings) in right field for Worcester. He told MassLive last June that he was trying to become a more complete player, adding speed and defensive versatility to his game. He also mentioned he enjoys playing the outfield and feels like he hits well on days he’s out there.
“He’s a good defender. He’s going to hit the ball out of the ballpark,” Cora said.
Dalbec led all Red Sox minor leaguers in home runs (33) in 2023. But he continued to punch out at an alarming rate. He had a 34.3% strikeout percentage (169 strikeouts, 493 plate appearances) at Worcester.
Dalbec will receive playing time during spring training games at first base, third base and in the outfield.
Cora was asked if Dalbec is a better fit for this year’s roster than last year’s.
“Yeah, he has a chance to make the team in that spot,” Cora said.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 20, 2024 20:28:26 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK
Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito draw a crowd of Red Sox regulars for live batting practice session
By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated February 20, 2024, 2 hours ago
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Sox vowed to make this spring training more competitive, to push the players in a way that will pay off when the games count.
That manifested itself in different ways Tuesday.
Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito each pitched two innings of live batting practice inside JetBlue Park.
They faced hitters expected to be part of the starting lineup, among them Triston Casas, Rafael Devers, Trevor Story, Tyler O’Neill, and Masataka Yoshida.
A large group of teammates and coaches watched from behind the mound with others behind the backstop. For 11:45 a.m. in an empty ballpark, it was serious business.
Manager Alex Cora was asked if that was a little early for the second full-squad practice.
“We haven’t played in October the last two years. So we started early,” he said.
Related: Rafael Devers, the fans’ champion, prods management to fill Red Sox’ needs
Cora also pointed out that players now arrive at spring training ready for games.
“There’s no offseason for these guys anymore,” he said. “They way they go about their business is season over and a week later [they’re] up and running. If you don’t do that these days, you’re going to be behind.”
Cora hasn’t announced his rotation to open the season. But it’s fair to think Bello and Giolito will be out of the gate first in some or
Bello, who is a little bigger than last year, showed his usual heavy sinker along with a good changeup. He’s working on command of a four-seam fastball and having the strength to repeat the mechanics of his delivery deep into game
Giolito threw a fastball, changeup, cutter, and slider. He worked at a good pace.
“I thought he looked strong,” catcher Connor Wong said.
Wong and several other teammates have remarked that they didn’t realize now imposing Giolito is on the mound. The righthander checks in at 6 feet 6 inches and 250 pounds.
Noisy flights
The Sox added some variations to their popup drills. Crowd noise was pumped into the stadium, forcing the players to loudly call for the ball.
Outfield coach Kyle Hudson also made it tougher for his charges by having two or three balls sent skyward at a time and having two or three players jockey for position. They started the drill with their backs turned to the field.
The Sox have added several twists to their defensive work in reaction to the team’s poor fundamental performance last year.
First of their kind
Newcomer Liam Hendriks would be the first Australian to play for the Red Sox, which was something the reliever was aware of before signing his two-year deal. The Sox signed righthander Adam Bates from Australia last year. The 18-year-old has yet to play in a minor league game. “Hopefully I get a chance to talk to him,” Hendriks said. “It’s great to see young players get a chance.” … Tuesday was Photo Day, a spring training staple. The players reported to the ballpark early to pose for headshots and other photos that will be used throughout the season.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 21, 2024 6:18:59 GMT -5
Hendriks expects to debut with Red Sox by Trade Deadline
February 20th, 2024
Ian Browne
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Three-time All-Star closer Liam Hendriks was in uniform and played catch for the Red Sox on Tuesday, just minutes after passing a physical that greenlighted the two-year, $10 million contract he agreed to on Monday.
The pact includes performance bonuses that can bring the value up to $20 million and includes a mutual option for ’26, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.
Given that Hendriks underwent Tommy John surgery on Aug. 2, the big question is this: When will he debut for the Red Sox?
Hendriks didn’t flinch when asked.
“The Trade Deadline,” Hendriks said. “That's my goal. That's 12 months-ish. ... Throwing has been going well. These guys got a chance to see me throw for the first time today. They seemed pleased with what I was doing. It seems pretty normal to me and now it's just a matter of me trying to poke and prod them to let me go as fast as I can and them trying to rein me back in a safe and sane way to do things.”
It isn’t uncommon for relievers to return faster from Tommy John surgery than starters, because there’s less of a buildup in terms of pitch count.
“Obviously, he is one of those [examples where] we’ll take care of him now and he will take care of the organization toward the end of the season and next year,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “When he’s healthy, he’s really, really good.”
The timing of last year's elbow injury was especially unfortunate for Hendriks, who returned to the mound May 29 after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma during the offseason. He made just five appearances, recording one save and posting a 5.40 ERA, before being placed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation on June 12 and eventually undergoing surgery.
“I knew [the elbow] was gone before I even started my rehab assignment. But I refused to not get back, there was no chance that I wasn't getting back,” Hendriks said. “I would have pitched left-handed to make sure I made it back last year. I've been pitching through some stuff, but that's what it is, that's what you do. You’re paid to pitch, you’re paid to go out there and do a job, and that's what I did. And now it's a matter of trying to get back, rehabbing and getting back as soon as I can to put my best foot forward and do whatever I can for these 2024 Red Sox.”
Kenley Jansen, the subject of recent trade rumors, is Boston’s current closer. He is a free agent at the end of the ’24 season.
Boston’s strong 1-2 combo of Jansen and ace setup man Chris Martin at the back end of the bullpen is viewed as a strength of the club.
“I feel like I can be a bridge as far as a clubhouse presence or a bullpen presence, being a supporting cast to guys like Chris Martin, Kenley and guys like that,” Hendriks said.
The Australia native even joked about how well his accent will mesh with his new environment in Boston.
“My wife loves the Boston area. Everybody speaks similar to my accent. No one pronounces their 'R's' so we’re good there,” Hendriks said. “But no, I love the area. We love walking around and being a part of that.”
The addition of Hendriks is a forward-thinking move by Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Though his biggest impact figures to be in ’25, a source indicated that the club expects Hendriks will be able to contribute to the ’24 team.
At his best, Hendriks is a dominant pitcher who is just one year removed from back-to-back All-Star seasons with the White Sox in 2021 and '22, posting a combined 2.66 ERA with 75 saves over the two-year span.
He ranked toward the top of many Statcast pitching metrics in 2022, including in the 99th percentile in whiff rate (41.3 percent) and the 96th percentile in expected batting average (.182). Hendriks peaked at an elite 42.3% strikeout rate in 2022, fanning 38.8% of hitters from 2019-22.
The right-hander has spent every one of his first 13 MLB seasons in the American League, debuting with the Twins in 2011 and pitching for the Royals, Twins and A’s before signing with the White Sox in free agency in January 2021.
The way Cora looks at it, Hendriks will also liven up the clubhouse.
“More energy. Louder in the clubhouse [today],” said Cora. “His story is amazing. Uplifting for everybody.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 21, 2024 6:34:44 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK
Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito draw a crowd of Red Sox regulars for live batting practice session
By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated February 20, 2024, 5:46 p.m.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Sox vowed to make this spring training more competitive, to push the players in a way that will pay off when the games count.
That manifested itself in different ways Tuesday.
Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito each pitched two innings of live batting practice inside JetBlue Park.
They faced hitters expected to be part of the starting lineup, among them Triston Casas, Rafael Devers, Trevor Story, Tyler O’Neill, and Masataka Yoshida.
A large group of teammates and coaches watched from behind the mound with others behind the backstop. For 11:45 a.m. in an empty ballpark, it was serious business.
Manager Alex Cora was asked if that was a little early for the second full-squad practice.
“We haven’t played in October the last two years. So we started early,” he said.
Cora also pointed out that players now arrive at spring training ready for games.
“There’s no offseason for these guys anymore,” he said. “The way they go about their business is season over and a week later [they’re] up and running. If you don’t do that these days, you’re going to be behind.”
Cora hasn’t announced his rotation to open the season. But it’s fair to think Bello and Giolito will be out of the gate first in some order.
Bello, who is a little bigger than last year, showed his usual heavy sinker along with a good changeup. He’s working on command of a four-seam fastball and having the strength to repeat the mechanics of his delivery deep into games.
Giolito threw a fastball, changeup, cutter, and slider. He worked at a good pace.
“I thought he looked strong,” catcher Connor Wong said.
Wong and several other teammates have remarked that they didn’t realize how imposing Giolito is on the mound. The righthander checks in at 6 feet 6 inches and 250 pounds.
Noisy flights
The Sox added some variations to their popup drills. Crowd noise was pumped into the stadium, forcing the players to loudly call for the ball.
Outfield coach Kyle Hudson also made it tougher for his charges by having two or three balls sent skyward at a time and having two or three players jockey for position. They started the drill with their backs turned to the field.
The Sox have added several twists to their defensive work in reaction to the team’s poor fundamental performance last year.
First of their kind
Newcomer Liam Hendriks would be the first Australian to play for the Red Sox, which was something the reliever was aware of before signing his two-year deal. The Sox signed righthander Adam Bates from Australia last year. The 18-year-old has yet to play in a minor league game. “Hopefully I get a chance to talk to him,” Hendriks said. “It’s great to see young players get a chance.” … Tuesday was Photo Day, a spring training staple. The players reported to the ballpark early to pose for headshots and other photos that will be used throughout the season.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 21, 2024 10:33:09 GMT -5
Red Sox No. 1 prospect is healthy and striving for 2024 MLB debut
By Gabrielle Starr | gstarr@bostonherald.com
PUBLISHED: February 21, 2024 at 10:03 a.m. | UPDATED: February 21, 2024 at 10:03 a.m.
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Marcelo Mayer is so happy – and healthy – to be here.
“It’s been a pretty long offseason since I got my last month and a half cut short last season,” he told the Herald earlier this week. “It’s good to be back, being on the field. Being healthy too feels great.”
The organization’s No. 1 prospect, ranked No. 14 in the minors by Baseball America and No. 15 by MLB Pipeline, was limited to 78 games between High-A and Double-A last season, and 91 the year before. So, while his “main” goal is to make his Major League debut this year, the ultimate objective is on staying healthy so that he can keep developing.
“These last two years, I’ve gone through some injuries, my shoulder and my wrist,” he said. “A big one for me is just making sure I’m healthy on the field, which starts off the field. Last season was kind of a freak accident. I fell, I can’t really control that. Just doing whatever I can to stay on the field.”
Mayer, 21, grew up idolizing players from a wide range of teams, including a few New York Yankees. When he makes his Major League debut, he’ll be able to play against some of them.
“Where do I start? I love (Derek) Jeter, growing up, just because of the way he was,” he raved. “I love Robinson Cano’s swing, and then, this wasn’t really my era but I love Chipper Jones as well. Obviously, (Francisco) Lindor, I love Lindor. I like shortstops, left-handed hitting shortstops. Right now, I love watching Corey Seager play.”
He’s also a fan of the previous homegrown Red Sox shortstop.
“He’s a great player, he’s a great guy,” Mayer said of Xander Bogaerts. “When I got drafted, he was kind of the first guy I met. He was really cool to me.”
Mayer may be one of the most promising prospects to come out of the Red Sox system in years, but he’s a total team player. He lights up when he talks about his talented teammates and other Sox minor leaguers. He also loves watching college baseball, so he was excited to hear that the Red Sox had acquired Kansas City Royals prospect David Sandlin, who pitched for Oklahoma in the ‘22 playoffs.
“No way! No way! That’s crazy,” the shortstop said. “Looking forward to meeting him.”
He’s already forged a strong bond with two fellow top prospects, outfielder Roman Anthony and catcher Kyle Teel. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has pointed to the trio as the harbingers of the next era of winning in Boston.
“I love ‘em,” Mayer said of Anthony and Teel. “They’re some of my best friends. We’ve built some great relationships. I’m actually living with Roman this spring training, with a few other guys. It’s really fun. We have a really good clubhouse. And not only those guys. There’s a lot of great players in the minors that we have that I think can help the team win.”
“I don’t know if I could single one guy out,” he explained. “There’s just so many guys, the list goes on. So many guys that are really good ballplayers and can help the team win.”
“CT, Christopher Troy, he’s a dog,” he said. “I love the way he plays.
“Obviously Blaze Jordan, he’s a great player, great teammate, great guy, great baseball name. That just sounds like a big leaguer (name). There’s also Alex Binelas, Niko Kavadas. We have a few good arms. Actually, we have a lot of good arms.
“There’s just so many guys, the list goes on.”
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