The Decision Update: TA cleared to resume baseball activities

[longtimefan]

This topic has been touched upon, but I think it needs further discussion. What should happen when TA returns is the question? I was ready to bump Moncada to the curb and insert Elvis at 3B. But Moncada might have realized there is competition at 3B and shifted into high gear. Yoan had the game of his life a couple of days ago. And Romy has been nothing less than refreshing at 2B. He certainly has earned the position at this point. But Elvis has also been doing great. So what are your opinions of what should happen when Anderson returns?

[LITTLE NELL]

I think Romy is our new second baseman. I'm not sure where else Andrus could play as I think he's played every game in his career at shortstop. It's going to be a couple of weeks until TA returns, if Andrus is still producing like he has and Moncada continues to scuffle (despite his great game the other night) then either TA or Andrus takes over 3rd, I would lean towards TA moving to 3rd as before his injury he was no Luis Aparicio at SS this year. If Romy starts to struggle, then I'm sure TA could handle 2B. What we don't want to see anymore of is Leury Garcia unless it's a dire emergency or we need a pinch runner.

[ChiTownTrojan]

There's still no timetable on TA's return. I don't think we need to worry about it until there is. In all likelihood there will be an IL stint to clear the logjam, either real or phantom.

[Noneck]

Wrist/hand injuries are tricky. I just don’t want the Sox to put Anderson in lineup the way they did with Robert. If he can’t hit , he’s a pinch runner. You can not waste at bats this time of year.

[WSox597]

I'm not sure what they'll do with Anderson, and it does depend on his injury status, but I definitely agree with seeing Garcia as little as possible. Romy appears to have figured it out, and he plays 2B pretty well. If Andrus continues to play well, a spot should be found for him.

Moncada had a career game the other night, but is still near the Mendoza line even with that.

Offhand, I'd wager the Josh Harrison era may be ending. Nothing at all against him, he's had some really good moments, and appears to genuinely love the game. But he's over 35, in baseball years that's long in the tooth. If it was up to me, Garcia would be leaving, but it's not up to me.

Early on, wasn't there discussion of TA playing some outfield? I seem to recall somebody suggesting that. That might solve a couple of problems if it was possible. Keep Moncada at 3B, Andrus at SS, Romy at 2B, and any of 4 guys at 1B. Abreu, Vaughan, Sheets, or Grandal depending on opposition.

[LITTLE NELL]

I'm not sure what they'll do with Anderson, and it does depend on his injury status, but I definitely agree with seeing Garcia as little as possible. Romy appears to have figured it out, and he plays 2B pretty well. If Andrus continues to play well, a spot should be found for him.

Moncada had a career game the other night, but is still near the Mendoza line even with that.

Offhand, I'd wager the Josh Harrison era may be ending. Nothing at all against him, he's had some really good moments, and appears to genuinely love the game. But he's over 35, in baseball years that's long in the tooth. If it was up to me, Garcia would be leaving, but it's not up to me.

Early on, wasn't there discussion of TA playing some outfield? I seem to recall somebody suggesting that. That might solve a couple of problems if it was possible. Keep Moncada at 3B, Andrus at SS, Romy at 2B, and any of 4 guys at 1B. Abreu, Vaughan, Sheets, or Grandal depending on opposition.

Anderson mentioned it back during the rebuild in a year when the Sox had outfield problems and volunteered to try centerfield, that's as far as it went but I think an outfield of Jimenez in LF, TA in CF and Robert in RF would work for me with of course late inning defense replacement for Eloy.

[ChiTownTrojan]

The Sox aren't going to but TA in the outfield for the first time in his career with a week or two left in the regular season, hoping it will work out. Come on.

If they want to discuss it in the offseason, then sure, have those conversations. But then there's just the little problem that they would need a starting SS.

[kufram]

If they're still playing as well and winning like they are now don't change anything. No player is more important than the success of the team. It would be a very nice problem to have.

[Harwar]

With is arm and speed, I think that the Tim Anderson would have made one hell of a center fielder, but it's way to late to do that now.

[BigKlu59]

If they're still playing as well and winning like they are now don't change anything. No player is more important than the success of the team. It would be a very nice problem to have.

It’s a shame TA has become Wally Pipp, but you are correct in your summation. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it right now.

BK59

[LITTLE NELL]

The Sox aren't going to but TA in the outfield for the first time in his career with a week or two left in the regular season, hoping it will work out. Come on.

If they want to discuss it in the offseason, then sure, have those conversations. But then there's just the little problem that they would need a starting SS.

Yeah, I was thinking looking forward to more in the future, like NoNeck mentioned TA and his wrist injury is something you don't want to mess around with.

[voodoochile]

The Sox aren't going to but TA in the outfield for the first time in his career with a week or two left in the regular season, hoping it will work out. Come on.

If they want to discuss it in the offseason, then sure, have those conversations. But then there's just the little problem that they would need a starting SS.

Exactly. Everyone is worried about disrupting momentum down the stretch and then in the same post talking about playing players out of position for the first time in their career.

When TA is healthy and ready to play he starts. Elvis can go to the bench.

[voodoochile]

It’s a shame TA has become Wally Pipp, but you are correct in your summation. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it right now.

BK59

Elvis is not Lou Gherig.

[LITTLE NELL]

With is arm and speed, I think that the Tim Anderson would have made one hell of a center fielder, but it's way to late to do that now.

Robin Yount was 29 when he made the move to CF, TA is also 29. Anderson being the athlete that he is could probably make the move without much difficulty.

[BigKlu59]

Elvis is not Lou Gherig.

Right now he’s putting on a good imitation of him. I ain’t complaining.