Tag Archives: trey ball

How Can Trey Ball Adjust To The Outfield.

While others had made the jump in previous years, how will Trey Ball adapt to the change? It looks like it’s his last option.

The 24 year old former first round pick is considering moving to the outfield. The 7 overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft has had a rough go on the mound during his minor league career, posting a career 5.02 ERA in six seasons.

While taking on hitting at the end of Portland’s season, he went 1-9 at the plate, with an RBI double in his last at bat. The interesting part in all of this: he was a two way player throughout his high school career. His double was the first swing for him in a competitive game in over five years.

Alex Speier of the Boston Globe had an interview with Ben Crockett, Red Sox VP of player development. ” It’s definitely not a conversion at this time,” said Red Sox vice president of player development Ben Crockett. “There’s still good things with his stuff. “He’s been taking [batting practice] for a while. He continues to pitch. That’s kind of how we mapped it out for him — more exploratory than anything else. We’re still kind of in that initial stage at this point.”

While many position players have made this transition: Mookie, Ian Desmond, Dee Gordon, Robin Yount, Jackie Robinson, and Pete Rose just to name a few. Although this list is of star proportions, this could workout very well for both parties. While he is still currently on a rookie contract this season, he made a cool $2.275 million. ( according to spotrac.com)

While we cannot compare his ability just yet, we can speculate he might be able to pull it off. The six foot six southpaw certainly has the quickness and size, but the key is having the ability to track down the fly ball consistently. With all new transitions, it will take time. Only time will tell if he can successfully adjust, not only in the outfield, but out of AA baseball.

Dave Dombrowski Has Killed The Farm System

With only two prospects in the top 100, Dave’s win now philosophy has killed the backup plan If we cannot resign all these players.

Yes, Dave Dombrowski has brought in some serious talent to Boston over the years, but we simply cannot resign them all. Chris Sale and Craig Kimbrel has done astonishingly well thus far, but what about the Drew Pomeranz, Carson Smith, and Tyler Thornburg? While Losing big name prospects such as: Anderson Espinoza, Travis Shaw, Manuel Margot, and Mauricio Dubon.

Not saying these trades weren’t beneficial, but with the cap room looking tight already, it is going to be a challenge to resign these guys. With guys already in line to ink up max deals. Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, and Xander Bogaerts should all command huge contracts, which will spike up the luxury tax for sure. It makes it harder for the team to compete in free agency for guys like: Bryce Harper, and Manny Machado exclusively.

The farm system now ranks 15th in all of baseball. With Jason Groome ( Tommy john) and Micheal Chavis ( 80 game suspension) as the only two guys in the top 100. Leaving scraps for developed prospects. Guys like Tanner Houck, Trey Ball, and Josh Ockimey aren’t eye popping players yet. They need to restock the farm system in some way via trade or an over abundance of draft picks in coming years.

While nobody would expect a dominant regular season from the likes of Ben Cherington and John Farrell respectfully, Alex Cora has been a great compliment to dealing Dave. While we wait and watch another trade deadline come and pass, we can only imagine what him and the front office has in store.

What will the legacy be after it’s all said and done? Maybe we will find out about Hanley Ramirez too. Until then, we let the cards fold as they be.

Follow me on twitter! @porchie16

Should The Red Sox Target Marcus Stroman? By: @porchie16

With the Sox and Yankees in a heated battle down the stretch, the team could use a fiery player who could preform under pressure.

While the Red Sox have the best record in baseball, there’s always room for improvement. Marcus Stroman is the difference maker.

While having a down season, the 27 year old duke alumni sports a 2-6 record with a 5.11 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched. We have seen the downward trend, but he brings intensity and fire every time he steps on to the mound. He has had some time on the disabled list this season. Hitting the 10 day DL twice so far this season.

We have seen him at his most dominant. Who could forget his electric game for team USA in their 8-0 victory against Team Puerto Rico in the WBC title game. He threw 6 innings of one hit baseball with three punch outs. ( along with a shimmy or two) It was his coming out game for sure.

There is also some unrest between him and his current team the Toronto Blue Jays. After heading to arbitration and losing his case, he still is making a solid $6.5 million this season. A modest salary for a solid middle of the rotation guy. He is arbitration eligible through the 2020 season. Becoming an unrestricted free agent after 2021. Having a young, controllable arm on a team friendly deal is beneficial in today’s league.

It will also help the balance within the starting rotation. 4 of the 5 starters are southpaws. This makes for continuity throughout series and playoffs as well. You have to change it up. Plus, his 95 plus mph fastball compliments his off speed pitching.

What would it cost to pry him out of Toronto? While they have little to no shot of catching either the Sox or Yankees for a while it might be time to rebuild.

Trade scenario : LHP Drew Pomeranz, LHP Trey Ball for RHP Marcus Stroman. This is a win win for both ball clubs. Boston get a good pitcher on a team friendly contract. While Toronto gets a nice rental in Pomeranz who could sign a team friendly extension as he’s stated he wants to stay within the division. In addition to a nice pitcher in Ball who could develop very nice.

Either way, if the Stro-show comes to beantown, the rest of the American League should look out.

Boston Sports Extra

By Boston Fans, For Boston Fans