Dombrowski Takes Over the Red Sox

I love Dombrowski being brought in. I think ideally he picks a younger GM with fresh new views, but some proven experience, and who is willing to pare that knowledge with Dombrowski 's skill set...unfortunately, Cherington would have been good choice, but having a few years with the Sox already, I think there is a need for fresh blood.

Yeah, I completely agree with the GM with fresh new views notion, particularly one with analytic and asset assessment skills to counter Dombrowski's leaning towards scouting. However, I think, to keep it his show, he's going to hire a good, smart "company man" like Wren--who shares his outlook--to be his "right hand" the way Hoyer is for Epstein.

Who is responsible for the Red Sox having such a strong farm system?

Who is responsible for the Red Sox having such a strong farm system?

Epstein and Cherington, of course...as well as their excellent scouting and playoff development people (particularly Allard Baird & Amiel Sawdaye). In no way, was my analysis a slam on Cherington's accomplishments, just an accurate assessment of his mistakes that led to (and justified) his removal from running Boston's baseball operations.

If you disagree with that assessment--as well as my analysis of Dombrowski--please share your views on it.

You already claim that your assessment was "accurate" and now welcome opposing views. Do you simply live for arguments?

They also have impressive prospects with bright futures:
1. Rafael Devers, 3b. Sandoval's eventual replacement, Devers is a solid hitter with raw power potential and is the #13 prospect in MLB
2. Manuel Margot, Cf. He is a true 5-tool talent and already a defensive force, if raw offensively. He could be a disruptive lead-off man.
3. Andrew Benintendi, Lf 2015 Golden Spikes winner and best pure hitter in the draft, the Green Monster is waiting for his likely arrival there by 2017.
4. Yoan Moncada, 2b-3b This toolsy Cuban infielder could threaten Sandoval's playing time, as well as replace Betts as super-sub. The Red Sox certainly aren't paying him the big bucks to languish on the bench or in the minors.

Update: In the last few weeks, Andrew Benintendi has been one of the hottest hitters in the minors and was promoted to Low-A Greenville. In 35 games in Ss Lowell, he produced a .290/.408/.540 line with 7 hrs and 7 sbs. Benintendi's hit tool is so good (besides his potent power and speed), it's not entirely unfeasible to see him starting next year in HiA or AA and actually seeing time in Boston.

While it's more likely he arrives in 2017, he is looking more and more likely to be pushing Ramirez from left field in the not-too-distant future. And with Moncada and Devers also playing very well at Greenville, the clock could be ticking for Sandoval as well. Those will definitely be "problems" Dombrowski will love to have.

I'm just pumped for a projected 2016 lineup of:

C Swihart
1b Shaw (tearing it up albeit in a very small sample size this year)
2b Pedroia (injuries starting to take its toll...need to start looking for successor over next couple years)
3b Sandoval (not excited about this, disliked them getting him from day 1...keep spot warm for Moncado)
SS Bogearts (finally coming into his own, hopefully power starts to increase)
LF Ramirez (meh)
CF Betts
RF Castillo (producing over short stretch right now, hoping it carries into 2016)
DH Papi (I can see gradual transition to HanRam over next year or 2, with HanRam transitioning LF to ? JBJ? Someone else?)

Pitching...ugh

Bucholz...can be great but always hurt
Porcello...I think I just threw up in my mouth...he's a #3 getting #1 money
Owens...hoping he's the real deal
Rodriguez...see Owens
Miley...trade bait...not a good fit for Fenway

Yes, pitching will definitely be their weak point, which is why I think they will go hard after Zimmerman, Price (money allowing), Kazmir, Cueto, and/or Iwakuma. Owens and (particularly) Rodriguez definitely have the arms to flourish, but they do still have to hone and refine their command.

As to the lineup, it does look strong, and Shaw has been a very pleasant surprise. The consensus on him was he was more of a "defense-first" first baseman with an average bat and some power. However, his bat and power have been more than average so far, and he would hardly be the first player to transcend scouts' expectations.

Key, I've seen several sites list Moncado as 2B. Is that where he's playing? Seems like good timing to transition from Pedroia to him if it is.

I think in general professional sports teams are hiring and firing guys too often. It is even worse in the NFL.