Turning2

Sure. I wasn't even thinking about past this year. Just some recognition due I thought for a guy who has contributed a lot more than I expected

The question for me becomes, what utility / back up player in the league is better or as good? I don't know all the bench / back up players from around the league, but offhand I can't think of any that are head and shoulders better for that role.

No other back up / platoon/ utility player in the league makes that play. It went largely overlooked I thought.

Once Ortiz found his bat again, I was surprised how much of a platoon approach was utilized as well. But it has worked. Just shows that we don't have a true 3B whose production obligates Murphy to pencil one guy in every day. And Joey is tremendous in the field, obviously better than Hammy. But unless he's pounding 15-20 HRs, better OPS etc... the platoon made more sense because it's hard to trust Ortiz' bat even once it got hot.

100%. Its not hard to see the clear upgrade that is has been, at least for this year.

Wondering how you assess his value to the team. You can put a grade on it if you like, or just post your evaluation. Personally, he has won me over during the course of the season. I'll admit, I had never heard of him when the BOS trade was announced. I figured he was just a wash, a swap out for Mona - another generic utility infielder with not much to offer. He's brought more value in that role, definitely an upgrade. I feel like something good can, will happen when he comes to the plate. And even though he has had a couple glaringly bad defensive miscues, the defense overall has been something you can win with. And they have been. He's more than "bunty". He's not a "bunt or beat it into the ground and run" one trick pony. He makes solid line drive contact often enough that I'm not surprised when it happens. And that speed messes with the other team. Even though there are others with similar speed, he receives a lot of reputational hype about it because it is such a big part of his toolbox. Wasn't long ago, I thought "man, we need a Tommy Edman level utility backup", I'd argue that box has been checked off by Arnold.

He’s a unique character. From the pancakes to having his kids at the post game pressers to the not shaking his players hands as they line up on the baseline during starting introductions … he’s a different cat. It carries over into his managing style

Told my wife about a month ago...... I finally, actually BREWLIEVE. They may not pull the whole thing off, but they have enough talent that they can beat anybody. Didn't feel that way last year. A year ago it was, they can get to the WS ..... "if this, if that".... lots of caveats. This year, they just have to play their game the way they have all year. They CAN get to the WS.... WILL they? Stay tuned.

Never understood the shade thrown at Ashby. He's usually, way more often than not, solid. He never gets me stressed up at the thought of him entering the game.

I’ll say it again…. Contreras proving he DOES NOT need the product from north shore hell yeah!!!’

Clean!!!!

They just refuse to break it open

William doesn’t need the north shore product

Time for the hitters to show they don’t need the north shore product

Have to survive sloppy play and overcome it. Simple as that