Is it me or is Rafael Devers starting to hit a little more? I also saw an article about the potential of a Deadline trade with Devers involved. I can't imagine the Red Sox would do that.
-- @bbcoachshawn
Devers has looked a little better of late. Since June 6, he has hit .313 with four doubles, two homers and seven RBIs. Devers is only 21 years old, and it's far too early for the Red Sox to give up on him. Even with someone like Travis Shaw, it is evident how risky it can be to trade a power hitter. I'd be stunned if Boston traded Devers.
What do think about trading Devers and a couple of prospects for Manny Machado? He knows how to play third base and the Sox have some good prospects coming up who can also play third in case they cannot sign Machado. I think it would really strengthen their chances of going all the way.
-- Stephen C., Seekonk, Mass.
I don't like that idea at all. Machado is a rental at this point and Devers could be a productive player at an affordable cost for another five years after this one. I'd hang on to Devers. He has a lot of power and a bright future.
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Who do the Red Sox need to pick up before the Trade Deadline and why?
-- @Jmighill
It seems like setup relief is their biggest area of need. Joe Kelly is a top eighth-inning guy and Matt Barnes is pretty solid in the seventh, but it feels like they could still use some more depth in front of closer Craig Kimbrel. A power lefty would fit in nicely with the rest of the group.
Will Brandon Workman still be on the team when Thomas Pomeranz returns?
-- @steve_blundell
If Workman is pitching well, he could stay, even with Pomeranz. Hector Velazquez is one pitcher who still has Minor League options. Justin Haley is also currently on the roster, so he can certainly be sent down. The better question is this: How will Pomeranz be used when he does return, assuming he gets healthy? I feel like Pomeranz could turn into the lefty arm in the bullpen the team needs, much like David Price did late last season. Pitching in relief, his velocity could tick back up.
Mitch Moreland, Xander Bogaerts, Andrew Benintendi -- chances for the All-Star Game?
-- @abromson
At least by fan balloting, Moreland has the best chance at this point. In the most recent batch of voting, he was second behind Jose Abreu, and not trailing by that much. Benintendi belongs in the conversation. Among American League outfielders, Moreland ranks sixth in OPS -- and that includes J.D. Martinez, who has a strong chance to get voted on to the All-Star team as a designated hitter. Bogaerts has some tough competition in Machado, Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor.
What do you think of this lineup? Holt LF, Bogaerts SS, Benintendi CF, Betts RF, Martinez DH, Moreland 1B, Nunez 2B, Devers 3B, Leon/Vazquez C. This bolsters the middle of the order, keeps the lefties separated and improves the 7-8-9 spots.
-- Adam P., Apollo Beach, Fla.
Jackie Bradley Jr.'s defense is special, and I'd give him about another month to see if he can generate some momentum at the plate. I like Brock Holt much better as a bench player. He's always been more effective in that role. Manager Alex Cora isn't moving Mookie Betts out of the leadoff spot. He likes having his most dynamic player come to the plate as often as possible.
I see that Adam Lind has been signed to a Minor League contract. What are the plans for him? He could add some great depth off the bench as a September callup -- or before if three are more injuries.
-- Chris F., Portland, Maine
The plans are pretty much as you've outlined. Lind represents organizational depth. At this point, the Red Sox don't have a spot for Lind. But if something happens to Blake Swihart -- either a trade or an injury -- there could be a role for Lind, who had a pretty good 2017 season.
Dustin Pedroia is the heart and soul of the Red Sox. But how much longer can he play in the Majors with his bad knee?
-- Phil R., Dallas
The hope is that the extensive surgery Pedroia had will allow his left knee to get better, and for him to be able to play a few more years. His contract has another three seasons after this one. It's not a good sign that Pedroia suffered inflammation in the knee after just three games. But on the other hand, no position player has ever had this particular surgery, so it's a bit of an unknown how long it takes for a complete recovery. The Red Sox have pretty good depth at second right now between Eduardo Nunez and Holt, so the best course of action is for Pedroia to continue to take it slow and only come back when his knee feels completely right again.