After Tuesday’s commerce deadline handed, the query remained: How does buying and selling Christian Vázquez assist the Red Sox’ possibilities of making the postseason?
Chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom made the case that after their deadline strikes, the Red Sox could also be a “more functional” group than earlier than. But challenges stay with out Vázquez. While the catcher was having a very good offensive season and will probably be missed within the lineup, his higher asset is behind the plate.
Vázquez has caught nearly all of Red Sox video games since 2019, logging 2,968 2/3 innings in 371 video games behind the dish in that span. The recipient of the ultimate out of the 2018 World Series, Vázquez has change into a trusted pillar of the pitching employees, appreciated by his pitchers for his superior game-calling and defensive expertise. That’s tough to exchange, and wasn’t misplaced on Bloom as they made the choice to ship away their longtime catcher.
“That is a concern,” Bloom stated. “It’s something we talked about a lot, whether contemplating moving either of our catchers that we had or bringing new guys in from the outside, it is a concern. We tend to underrate that in this business, how important that aspect of catching is. I don’t think there’s any way to measure it. But it’s super important. It’s something we talked about a lot.”
The Red Sox will transfer ahead with Kevin Plawecki, who’s been their main backup catcher since 2020, and Reese McGuire, who they acquired in a commerce with the White Sox on Monday. Bloom stated he feels good about sustaining familiarity with Plawecki, who has a very good rapport with some Sox pitchers. And with game-planning coordinator and former Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek nonetheless working behind the scenes, Bloom hopes they received’t miss a beat with out Vázquez.
“We have one of the best in Jason Varitek who I don’t know that there’s been a more prepared player in my lifetime,” Bloom stated. “That’s precisely what he brings to teaching. He’s going to be an enormous assist as we get Reese in control. We’ve seen it during the last couple of years, there have been occasions the place we’ve had to usher in guys, even Connor (Wong) going up and down, and we don’t miss a beat.
“That’s a credit to the players, it’s been a credit to Connor when he’s done it, but it’s also a credit to Tek and Bushy (pitching coach Dave Bush), Walk (assistant coach Kevin Walker), our advance team, and the work everyone puts in. There’s going to be a little bit extra on them to get Reese up to speed, but we feel good about that.”
Vázquez reunion?
Could Vázquez wind up again with the Red Sox after he finishes this season with the Astros? The catcher, who’s a free agent this winter, didn’t rule it out.
“To the fans, I’m going to miss you guys a lot,” Vázquez stated on Tuesday. “It was fun. It was electric every game in Fenway Park. Special place to play. You never know. I’m gonna be a free agent next year, so you never know. This world takes a lot of circles. Let’s see what happens. It’s a business like I said before, but I love you guys. You were very good to me and my family and I’m going to miss you guys.”
What had been Vázquez’s favourite reminiscences with the Red Sox?
“Obviously winning the World Series in 2018 was very special,” he stated. “I’m going to remember that forever. Obviously the (walk-off) homer last year with Tampa Bay was a big one. And the first day in the big leagues with the Red Sox. It means a lot.”
Tommy Pham makes debut
Two of the Red Sox’ deadline acquisitions – McGuire and outfielder Tommy Pham – had been activated earlier than Tuesday’s recreation towards the Astros. Pham began Tuesday in left discipline and batted second, the place he hit a tough single within the fourth after which proceeded to attain on a Rafael Devers double.
Red Sox supervisor Alex Cora stated Alex Verdugo will see extra time in proper discipline, the place he performed Tuesday, with Pham within the combine. McGuire will make his Red Sox debut on Wednesday. …
Bloom stated Eric Hosmer will be part of the Red Sox in Kansas City on Thursday once they begin a four-game sequence towards the Royals. It’ll be Hosmer’s first time there as an opponent since 2017, when he left as a free agent. … Devers was reinstated from the injured listing on Tuesday after coping with proper hamstring irritation. …
Franchy Cordero was optioned to Triple-A Worcester. Since July 8, he was batting .109 with a .435 OPS and 26 strikeouts with 5 walks in 53 plate appearances whereas taking part in poorly on protection. … Rob Refsnyder was positioned on the 10-day injured listing with a proper knee sprain, retroactive to July 30.
Source: www.bostonherald.com