9/9 Orioles at Red Sox

[vegasbob]

Homage to the best #9 ever to play at Fenway on 9/9 , the Kid, Splendid Splinter, Teddy Ballgame, self described SOB , Jimmy Fund volunteer , Mr. Williams. So glad I was able to see him live in the 1950's .

Lots of discussion on various threads regarding our 50+ pitch, 3-5 inning "starting" pitchers . Today we can see if the wily old veteran Chris F. Sale can show how to do it differently. In his last 3 starts, Chris has not exceeded 5 innings , allowing 7 runs in 14.2 innings (4.43 ERA/ 1.41 WHIP).

His O's opponent is Jack Flaherty , who has not excelled either, with less than 5 inning starts in his last 3 . Overall ERA of 6.66/ 1.52 WHIP. Flaherty cam3e over from the Cardinals in a trade at the deadline. Imagine a first place team trading for pitching support in late July.

Normally , you would expect the Sox hitters to get some runs on Flaherty but until the current streak of no timely hits, and 50% K's can be broken, the team's results remain broken.

Just stay ahead of NYY for another 3 weeks.

[moonslav59]

1. Verdugo RF
2. Devers 3B
3. Turner DH
4. Casas 1B
5. Yoshida LF
6. Story SS
7. Abreu CF
8. Valdez 2B
9. Wong C

[vegasbob]

There has to be some story about Trevor Story's radical failure to hit . The lack of a normal ST has faded as he now has 100PA's . 1 HR and 5 rbi's combined with .486 OPS is way off the mark. 36% K rate, using PA's, exceeds his career rate of 28.5% . His BB rate of 5% means he is chasing a lot of pitches to no avail. He will turn 31 in November so may be at the top of his productive arc in baseball.

Trevor does bring the defense and the arm is looking good , but the team needs some basic production from the SS position. Might have to wait until ST to see what the real Story actually is.

[moonslav59]

There has to be some story about Trevor Story's radical failure to hit . The lack of a normal ST has faded as he now has 100PA's . 1 HR and 5 rbi's combined with .486 OPS is way off the mark. 36% K rate, using PA's, exceeds his career rate of 28.5% . His BB rate of 5% means he is chasing a lot of pitches to no avail. He will turn 31 in November so may be at the top of his productive arc in baseball.

Trevor does bring the defense and the arm is looking good , but the team needs some basic production from the SS position. Might have to wait until ST to see what the real Story actually is.

I think we have to just hope it's a slump or a long rehab stretch.

Let's hope he can approach his old self in 2024. I'm not sure what else we can do.

He won't be traded.

He might end up sucking on O. He might not.

[vegasbob]

Weather forecast shows rain until about 6pm EDT, but more rain in each day's forecast through Thursday. Poor playing conditions

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Weather forecast shows rain until about 6pm EDT, but more rain in each day's forecast through Thursday. Poor playing conditions

Poor playing conditions for a poor playing team. Do those two negatives equal a positive?

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Fun Contest:

Devers has been STUCK at 29 homers for quite awhile. What date do you predict Raffy will hit his 30th? You may also predict that he won't hit 30.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Game has just started.

[jung]

There has to be some story about Trevor Story's radical failure to hit . The lack of a normal ST has faded as he now has 100PA's . 1 HR and 5 rbi's combined with .486 OPS is way off the mark. 36% K rate, using PA's, exceeds his career rate of 28.5% . His BB rate of 5% means he is chasing a lot of pitches to no avail. He will turn 31 in November so may be at the top of his productive arc in baseball.

Trevor does bring the defense and the arm is looking good , but the team needs some basic production from the SS position. Might have to wait until ST to see what the real Story actually is.

This is just an impression but Story looks feeble to swinging the bat to me. Sort of like we would look attempting to hit ML pitching or I should say how I would look.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

I hate good defense. I'm in the right place.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Devers barreled 3 pitches last night and got nothing to show for it. Today he hits a weak blooper over the infield for a hit. Baseball is a F'Ked up sport.

[moonslav59]

Sure was fun watching JT in a Sox uniform.

What a pro!

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Sure was fun watching JT in a Sox uniform.



What a pro!

Can't argue with that. Definitely the most consistent and timely hitter on the team.

[moonslav59]

Can't argue with that. Definitely the most consistent and timely hitter on the team.

Gotta love his approach, example and production.

I'm re-thinking my position that we must move Yoshida to DH, next year. Getting this guy back would be a pretty sure bet on someone worth watching play, next year. (It might take a 2 year deal to get him.)

[redsoxrules]

Gotta love his approach, example and production.

I'm re-thinking my position that we must move Yoshida to DH, next year. Getting this guy back would be a pretty sure bet on someone worth watching play, next year. (It might take a 2 year deal to get him.)



As much as he's been a great addition it would be a gamble to retain him. I highly doubt he hits like this again next year. He's going to be 40. It's just a matter of time

[moonslav59]

As much as he's been a great addition it would be a gamble to retain him. I highly doubt he hits like this again next year. He's going to be 40. It's just a matter of time

I think he'll hit fine, next year, but he'll probably want and get 2 years.

Maybe he likes it here, enough to take a 1 year deal.

He might take $12M with option on 2nd year for $7M with $1M buy out. ($13M/1 or $17M/2)

Again, it also makes sense to just move Yoshida to DH, with Casas playing some at DH, and use the money on pitching and a RH'd bat that can play RF or CF (like Duvall.)

[redsoxrules]

Fuck I miss the old Chris Sale.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Change of scenery has definitely helped Hicks.

[jung]

With the exception of Jimmy Fund Telethon games nothing good ever happens in an inning when the Sox have a NESN booth guest.

[wyo-sox]

I always hate to blame coaching at this level... these guys have to know how to play ball.... but the pitching! I just can't understand how they are all this consistently bad and consistently can't go past 4 innings. Some sort of conditioning, coaching, culture... something. Not a great bunch of pitchers overall.... but much better than what we've seen for a while here recently.

[jgar658]

I think he'll hit fine, next year, but he'll probably want and get 2 years.

Maybe he likes it here, enough to take a 1 year deal.

He might take $12M with option on 2nd year for $7M with $1M buy out. ($13M/1 or $17M/2)

Again, it also makes sense to just move Yoshida to DH, with Casas playing some at DH, and use the money on pitching and a RH'd bat that can play RF or CF (like Duvall.)

Honestly, the Sox have enough hitters.
They simply have no defense and poor pitching.

They need a new manager, two top SPs, plus the best relievers money can buy.
I don't see a need to go out and get more bats if they cannot pitch or catch the ball.

Could they be coached to play better defense?

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Fuck I miss the old Chris Sale.

Maybe Chris will be the Ace next season and maybe I'll win the Powerball lottery. The odds are about the same.

[moonslav59]

Same ole Story.

[redsoxrules]

Honestly, the Sox have enough hitters.
They simply have no defense and poor pitching.

They need a new manager, two top SPs, plus the best relievers money can buy.
I don't see a need to go out and get more bats if they cannot pitch or catch the ball.

Could they be coached to play better defense?

I'd like them to get Josh Hader this off season

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Maybe Story should bring his glove to the plate instead of his bat. It couldn't be much worse.

[moonslav59]

Honestly, the Sox have enough hitters.
They simply have no defense and poor pitching.

They need a new manager, two top SPs, plus the best relievers money can buy.
I don't see a need to go out and get more bats if they cannot pitch or catch the ball.

Could they be coached to play better defense?

The D should get better with more play from Story and Rafaela and Yoshida moving to DH.

I agree, all or 90% of the resources need to be directed to the rotation, of just pack it in for 2025.

[moonslav59]

Maybe Story should bring his glove to the plate instead of his bat. It couldn't be much worse.

Can he bunt?

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

When Chris gives up a HR, shouldn't it be called a Yard Sale.

[Old Red]

Same ole Story.

Oh no! Story Land is closed again today. Not a very productive, or profitable year so far.

[redsoxrules]

I hear some booo birds

[jung]

Nice location Chris

[jung]

7 runs and not out of the 4th. Bing....bang....bong

[Old Red]

When Chris gives up a HR, shouldn't it be called a Yard Sale.

As I say when he pitches you either get a Sale Day, or A For Sale Day. Today is the latter, and I doubt any buyers.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Do you think Sale would pull a Ryan Dempster and retire after this season, saving the SOX his next year's money? I think the odds of that happening are right back to my winning the Powerball lottery.

[jung]

The D should get better with more play from Story and Rafaela and Yoshida moving to DH.

I agree, all or 90% of the resources need to be directed to the rotation, of just pack it in for 2025.

Almost every game looks like a BullPen game even when they are not trying to play a Bullpen game. Sorta' hard to tell the difference.

[jad]

Do you think Sale would pull a Ryan Dempster and retire after this season, saving the SOX his next year's money? I think the odds of that happening are right back to my winning the Powerball lottery.

Totally! I also think LAD will agree to trade Betts for Verdugo, and SD will trade Bogaerts for Story.

[jung]

Flaherty refuses to challenge LH hitters. Nibble....Nibble....Nibble drop Charlie on em'

Its not really worked that well as his Charlie hasn't been that good today.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Keep the line moving against this rag arm.

[jung]

Keep the line moving against this rag arm.

Probably going to have to challenge Verdugo which should work to Vertigo's advantage

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Where's Bill Lee?

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Dugo was robbed, I tell ya.
Second time today.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Same ole Story.

Abba did a song about that.

[vegasbob]

Seriously, if Chris Sale says he needs to be better and keep working at it, then I will fly to Boston tomorrow to advise him to grow the F up and perform. He is an albatross contract happening before your eyes

Story will be next

[jung]

Henderson goes CLANK!

[redsoxrules]

Henderson boots an inning ending DP

[vegasbob]

Now having expressed serious disgust with sale, keep in mind this game is now at 7-5 very winnable. Go get it, Boys

[moonslav59]

JT has the O's so terrified, they can't filed anything he hits.

[vegasbob]

Cricket players take better swings then Yoshi does now. He has always needed to stay inside and slash it to left . When he gets away from that he is not the same

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Seriously, if Chris Sale says he needs to be better and keep working at it, then I will fly to Boston tomorrow to advise him to grow the F up and perform. He is an albatross contract happening before your eyes

Story will be next

Sale won't be the 1st Albatross. There were Crawfuls, Pandas, Price is wrongs, Hanleys, well, you get the drift. But, as you posted, Story could easily join the Albatross parade.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Sale won't be the 1st Albatross. There were Crawfuls, Pandas, Price is wrongs, Hanleys, well, you get the drift. But, as you posted, Story could easily join the Albatross parade.


In regards to Story being a future Albatross, it comes down to how important is it having arguably the best defensive SS in the AL on the SOX?
Obviously, the HOF, in most cases, doesn't respect excellent defensive players. I think Story next season will have an offensive season more in line with his lifetime stats.
But there's no denying the guy will save the SOX a lot of runs defensively.

[jgar658]

The D should get better with more play from Story and Rafaela and Yoshida moving to DH.

I agree, all or 90% of the resources need to be directed to the rotation, of just pack it in for 2025.

We should trade Verdugo and Yoshida for some pitching and spend money on free agents for more pitching.
Rafaela, Abreu, and Valdez can likely produce as much offensively for less money.

[vegasbob]

Weiss gets a clean inning thankfully. But when you are sweeping up the Angels discarded relievers, I will tell you it's a crapshoot, like most of them.

[vegasbob]

LOBsters all around

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

The guy likes Elvis. Which Elvis? The early Elvis, when he was great or the Vegas Elvis, when he sucked?

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

I guess it wasn't Weiss to leave him in.

[vegasbob]

Weiss gets a clean inning thankfully. But when you are sweeping up the Angels discarded relievers, I will tell you it's a crapshoot, like most of them.

Weiss proves the crapshoot theory. You just can't run these dogass relievers out for 2 innings. Thanks, Chris Sale for your stellar effort

[jgar658]

We hit, but we cannot pitch.

[vegasbob]

Sox have given up an even 20 runs in 14 innings so far on this homestand. Why is there a need for better pitching ? These guys can be hit as well as any in the MLB

[Oscars]

I guess it wasn't Weiss to leave him in.

In another week the Red Sox will be bottom in the AL East, where they belong.
Cheers Chaim, another lame ass season.

[Larry Cook]

When your starters are hurt most of the year and you have no depth and the healthy starters are mediocre all of the year, the result is that the bullpen arms get burned out by September.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

I wonder if this SOX starting staff has embarrassed JH enough that he will make a serious attempt to sign Yamamoto? If JH doesn't give a shite, then it doesn't matter.

[FredLynn]

Tank time!
Best to lose every remaining game. Shouldn’t be too much of a problem since the entire team has given up.

[****THEYANKEES]

Weiss is the real deal. Bloom sure loves him some dumpster diving.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Tank time!
Best to lose every remaining game. Shouldn’t be too much of a problem since the entire team has given up.

Haven't given up; it's just very difficult for the SOX to outscore their own pitching.

[****THEYANKEES]

In four years now, all Bloom has done is build a nice big steaming pile of shit that the next GM is going to have to clean up. Fuck you JH for firing DD and hiring this fucking idiot.

[d-money]

Welp! Well at least football is here. Hope the pats give me something to cheer about.

[moonslav59]

In four years now, all Bloom has done is build a nice big steaming pile of shit that the next GM is going to have to clean up. Fuck you JH for firing DD and hiring this fucking idiot.

DD would have quit had JH demanded the same budgets on him.

Just saying.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Welp! Well at least football is here. Hope the pats give me something to cheer about.

I'm looking forward to the BRUINS. Nice to have Lucic back. Gonna miss Bergeron.

[vegasbob]

I'm looking forward to the BRUINS. Nice to have Lucic back. Gonna miss Bergeron.

At least the Bruins aren't tired from a long playoff run. Is Bergeron retired or not ?

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

At least the Bruins aren't tired from a long playoff run. Is Bergeron retired or not ?

Yup. He retired. He is a class act and will be irreplaceable.

[vegasbob]

Llovera another one of those 2 out pitchers. Can someone get these guys the memo that explains the 3 out system in effect since about 1880

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

23 runs for the O's in less than 16 innings.

[vegasbob]

Yup. He retired. He is a class act and will be irreplaceable.

Yeah, I think he was the Yaz of that group. Lukic will be the muscle but may skate a bit slow

[redsoxrules]

Another wonderful pickup by bloom on display tonight. Atta boy Llovera

[moonslav59]

Our scrub pitchers are redefining the word "SCRUB!"

[****THEYANKEES]

Welp! Well at least football is here. Hope the pats give me something to cheer about.

Yep. Afraid it’s gonna be another long year with the Pats too.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Llovera another one of those 2 out pitchers. Can someone get these guys the memo that explains the 3 out system in effect since about 1880

Two out pitchers cost much less than three out pitchers. Two out pitchers can be very easily found in most Goodwill stores across the country. Bloom knows the location of all of them.

[d-money]

Taking it up the chin this weekend.

[vegasbob]

23 runs for the O's in less than 16 innings.

But only 22 earned . That's a 12.37 ERA . Playing in front of the home crowd.

Oh well Yankees lost , so the Sox are safe for another 2 days.

[jung]

Llovera another one of those 2 out pitchers. Can someone get these guys the memo that explains the 3 out system in effect since about 1880

His ball moves but everything is up. Does not much matter how much a pitcher's ball moves horizontally. If everything is just right above the belt line of the hitter its gong to get tagged in MLB.

[****THEYANKEES]

DD would have quit had JH demanded the same budgets on him.

Just saying.

Very possibly so. Maybe that’s what led to his dismissal. IDK. I think JH got cocky (or greedy) and decided he could win titles without spending any money. Well…the jokes on him.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

But only 22 earned . That's a 12.37 ERA . Playing in front of the home crowd.

Oh well Yankees lost , so the Sox are safe for another 2 days.

Realistically, the Yankems are the only team the SOX can catch.

[vegasbob]

At least Story accepts the criticism and then does something about it. Also notice that Yoshi singled on a slash to left, as instructed

[vegasbob]

If Weiss and Llovera could have held O's to 1 run in their 3 innings instead of allowing 5, this game would be tied

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

But only 22 earned . That's a 12.37 ERA . Playing in front of the home crowd.

Oh well Yankees lost , so the Sox are safe for another 2 days.

Only 22 earned. Well that's a bird of a different color. My apologies to SOX pitchers.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

If Weiss and Llovera could have held O's to 1 run in their 3 innings instead of allowing 5, this game would be tied


Yeah, and if a frog had wings.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

I love pitching duels.

[moonslav59]

If Weiss and Llovera could have held O's to 1 run in their 3 innings instead of allowing 5, this game would be tied

Imagine, if we could actually use Crawford, Houck and Whitlock in the roles Weiss and Llovera played, today.

Can we try to set it up, next year, where we can do just that?

[moonslav59]

Time for Casas to bring down the house!

[vegasbob]

Imagine, if we could actually use Crawford, Houck and Whitlock in the roles Weiss and Llovera played, today.

Can we try to set it up, next year, where we can do just that?

Great point. It is clear that would be much preferable.

[vegasbob]

Time for Casas to bring down the house!

You would think that just once in a while the LOBsters would get rescued by sheer luck. Sadly not to be.

[****THEYANKEES]

You would think that just once in a while the LOBsters would get rescued by sheer luck. Sadly not to be.

Sox have outhit the O's 19-12 but the O's have left just 2 on base. Sox have left 12.

[moonslav59]

Not singling out Wong, here, but how many times do we see a Sox hitter get a couple hits early in a game, then go oh for with men on base, alter in the game?

[moonslav59]

Sox have outhit the O's 19-12 but the O's have left just 2 on base. Sox have left 12.

The season in a nutshell.

[vegasbob]

Not singling out Wong, here, but how many times do we see a Sox hitter get a couple hits early in a game, then go oh for with men on base, alter in the game?

OR, fall way behind (7-2), make run at winning the game ( 7-6) , then blow it up to 12-6 before another mini-run (12-9), leave the bases loaded, then have Joe f. Jacques give up a 2 out runscoring single ( 13-9). This group is unbelievable.

[vegasbob]

The Sox hitters also tend to run up worthless stats in big loss games . What was the last 3-2 game you saw, where Kenley closed out a 9th to secure a win

[moonslav59]

The Sox hitters also tend to run up worthless stats in big loss games . What was the last 3-2 game you saw, where Kenley closed out a 9th to secure a win

Agreed, but today's game does not really fit on that. Loading the bases did give us a shot. they could have been meaningful hits.

[moonslav59]

20 freaking hits and Abreu getting on base in all 5 PAs.

[moonslav59]

I meant to mention, at the time, why PR for JT, when he may have gotten a key PA, later.

[moonslav59]

I meant to mention, at the time, why PR for JT, when he may have gotten a key PA, later.

Like I said, Cora is a genius for pulling JT.

[vegasbob]

With a WC opportunity in front of them , the Sox will be 6-12 for their last 18 . I have referred to this team as being without character nor characters, gutless in a way. There is no 2 or 3 guys, hitters or pitchers beyond Turner who can lead the way.

Nice to see Devers with some hits tonight but his 4 for 6 with 1 rbi means what in terms of the only stat that matters , Wins ?

Casas can still make me a fool and hope he does

[moonslav59]

Can Yoshi gain some respect, here?

[vegasbob]

Normally I would say I'd rather see Casas lose one into the seats, but Masa has hit the long ball once in while.

Swinging bunt fucker

[moonslav59]

Can Yoshi gain some respect, here?

Nope!

[vegasbob]

Good for Story . It can be done

That last run allowed by Jacques really hurt but not as bad as Sales shitty start

[moonslav59]

Exciting game, but we need a win!

[****THEYANKEES]

abreu is now 5 for 5. damn.

[jung]

Cano may have 97-98 but that FB is flat as a pancake

[vegasbob]

Could Story have scored 50-50 ? it was a pretty good looking throw

[d-money]

Get 22 hits and lose a game lol. Unreal.

[jung]

Cano out there for 29 pitches....

[vegasbob]

Sox pitchers gave up 5 HRs, how are you going to win that ? A 1run loss when scoring 12 runs.

[Old Red]

Looks like Story Land opened up after all.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

abreu is now 5 for 5. damn.

He probably hit himself out of tomorrow's game. A typical Cora move.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Well, the SOX offense showed heart tonight and almost saved Sale from a well-deserved loss.

[Oscars]

A spirited comeback by the offence, it’s hard to take a lose when you have 23 hits !!!

[****THEYANKEES]

He probably hit himself out of tomorrow's game. A typical Cora move.


LOL....wouldn't surprise me one bit.

[moonslav59]

abreu is now 5 for 5. damn.

With a BB, too.

The team had 23 hits and 2 BBs in the loss.

[****THEYANKEES]

With a BB, too.

The team had 23 hits and 2 BBs in the loss.

did we not have better options from the pen or was this just Cora waving the white flag after Sale imploded?

[illinoisredsox]

Could Story have scored 50-50 ? it was a pretty good looking throw

It would have been 50-50, but I think you send him.

1) You have nothing to lose
2) It was going to take a perfect throw to get him. If the O’s make that perfect play, hats off to them.

Of course, they would have made that perfect throw, because that’s the way things are going for the O’s this year. Just like had an Oriole batter hit the ball Story did, it either would have been a couple feet longer and a couple feet higher and clanked off the pole, or it would have taken a crazy bounce for a triple.

[illinoisredsox]

did we not have better options from the pen or was this just Cora waving the white flag after Sale imploded?

Make some suggestions as to who you would have used. There are guys you use when you are ahead and guys you use when you are behind. Hint, the latter types are not Martin and Jansen.

Like so many games the past couple months, it’s the starting pitching, not the #6-8 relievers.

[moonslav59]

did we not have better options from the pen or was this just Cora waving the white flag after Sale imploded?

All our good longmen are in the rotation or on the BL/IL.

Sale was yanked early and rightfully. Pivetta was not available.
Llovera went 3, last night

We had:
Jansen and Martin for late

That left:
Schreiber (pitched 2 IP on Wed. but was available)
Winckowski
Bernardino (pitched last night and the game before)
Jacquez
Weiss

[redsoxrules]

I wonder if Cora still thinks they have a shot at the playoffs like he said 2 days ago 🤔

At this point can they even finish at 500 is the question.

[Bellhorn04]

I wonder if Cora still thinks they have a shot at the playoffs like he said 2 days ago ��

At this point can they even finish at 500 is the question.

Yep, the only things left to see are whether we can stay ahead of the Yanks and whether we stay above .500. Vegas is probably saying no to both.

[mvp 78]

I wonder if Cora still thinks they have a shot at the playoffs like he said 2 days ago ��

At this point can they even finish at 500 is the question.

They were done a few weeks ago. He’s hust trying to save face.

[Bellhorn04]

They were done a few weeks ago. He’s hust trying to save face.

I think he's just doing what he's being paid to do. The last 2 seasons the Sox have apparently insisted on pretending the games still matter until mathematically eliminated.

[moonslav59]

We play the Yanks in our next series. If one team wins 4 or 4 out of 4, it could easily end up deciding their placement and .500 status.

[moonslav59]

I think he's just doing what he's being paid to do. The last 2 seasons the Sox have apparently insisted on pretending the games still matter until mathematically eliminated.

Fans still come to the games and watch them on TV. They enjoy winning more than losing.

It's not "pretending."

[Bellhorn04]

Fans still come to the games and watch them on TV. They enjoy winning more than losing.

It's not "pretending."

I just meant "matter" in terms of chances of making the playoffs.

[moonslav59]

I just meant "matter" in terms of chances of making the playoffs.

How does "pretending the games matter" look differently than "playing your best to try and win?"

[Bellhorn04]

How does "pretending the games matter" look differently than "playing your best to try and win?"

People are asking why they don't just play Rafaela every day and I'm suggesting it's partly because they're not giving up on the season, even though our chances are realistically long gone.

Last year you wanted a deadline fire sale, which would have meant essentially giving up with 2 months left.

Frankly, I'm not really sure what it is you're arguing.

[moonslav59]

People are asking why they don't just play Rafaela every day and I'm suggesting it's partly because they're not giving up on the season, even though our chances are realistically long gone.

Last year you wanted a deadline fire sale, which would have meant essentially giving up with 2 months left.

Frankly, I'm not really sure what it is you're arguing.

The word "pretending" seemed out of place.

We are trying to win every game, and I think Cora is putting the team he thinks gives us the best chance to do that.

I can see the value in playing Rafaela everyday, in terms of getting a better read on what we can expect in 2024, but I don't think a few more PAs changes that read much.

We often hear about the fans wanting to see our best players out on the field, as in the Cora resting our best players, too often. Now, it seems like we are wanting Cora to not play who he thinks gives us the best chance to win.

BTW, all that rest has really helped us, late in the season, right?

[Bellhorn04]

The word "pretending" seemed out of place.

We are trying to win every game, and I think Cora is putting the team he thinks gives us the best chance to do that.

I can see the value in playing Rafaela everyday, in terms of getting a better read on what we can expect in 2024, but I don't think a few more PAs changes that read much.

We often hear about the fans wanting to see our best players out on the field, as in the Cora resting our best players, too often. Now, it seems like we are wanting Cora to not play who he thinks gives us the best chance to win.

I think even the most diehard fans realize this season is over, and I can certainly understand them thinking it's time to play the kids.

[moonslav59]

I think even the most diehard fans realize this season is over, and I can certainly understand them thinking it's time to play the kids.

I don't disagree, and maybe the fans would prefer to see Rafaela and not Dugo or Yoshida.

My point was about fans wanting to see a win more than anything else, which certainly has some merit, too.

BTW, we did start Abreu and EValdez.

Today, we are starting Rafaela and Abreu. Knowing Cora, it must have been hard to pencil in Abreu after getting on base 6 times, yesterday. He was due for a rest day.

LOL

[Maxbialystock]

I think even the most diehard fans realize this season is over, and I can certainly understand them thinking it's time to play the kids.

But the season is not in fact over. I'm pessimistic too, but the Sox are not yet mathematically eliminated from the wild card/postseason. That does not mean there are no reasons to play Rafaela or Abreu.

[jad]

How does "pretending the games matter" look differently than "playing your best to try and win?"

Maybe you should explain that, since most English speakers would see that these are two completely different statements.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Verdugo is done.

Job must be boring him, shaking his head all game. Just took an 0-2 fastball right down the middle...

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

But the season is not in fact over. I'm pessimistic too, but the Sox are not yet mathematically eliminated from the wild card/postseason. That does not mean there are no reasons to play Rafaela or Abreu.

Not mathematically, but when historians look back on 2023, they'll point to the trade deadline when the Sox were pretty much scientifically, social studiously, and physical educationally eliminated.

[****THEYANKEES]

not mathematically, but when historians look back on 2023, they'll point to the trade deadline when the sox were pretty much scientifically, social studiously, and physical educationally eliminated.

lol

[moonslav59]

Maybe you should explain that, since most English speakers would see that these are two completely different statements.

That's my point.

They are different statements, but watching both in action, can you tell the difference?