5/27 @ Orioles

[Maxbialystock]

Second double for the Orioles. None for the Sox although some outs were hard hit.

[Maxbialystock]

While you cannot presume DP's, the plays not made always haunt. 2 out hitting ( or not) can define games. Playing from behind puts added pressure on teams.

I can't watch the game, so did not know it was a possible/likely GIDP grounder.

[Maxbialystock]

Orioles get the leadoff double, move the runner to 3b on grounder to the right side, then bring him home on a fly ball. Professional hitting. Also something the Sox don't do enough of.

[Maxbialystock]

Two singles to start the 4th. Then a horrible bunt--as per usual by the Sox--to get Devers going to 3b.

What's that line from Home Alone? "Les incompetents."

[Maxbialystock]

Bases loaded with 1 out. Smith K's. Then Rafaela K's on 3 pitches.

Les incompetents.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

I'm not going to pretend to know more than Cora. Yesterday, I suggested he "rest" Abreu.

I do find it interesting these 4 guys are on the bench:
.859 Abreu (3rd on team in OPS) although Irvin is another LHP
.843 O'Neill (5th among active players) although slumping and knee issue
.730 DHam (7th on current 26 man roster) hard to advocate for him
.684 McGuire (8th on current roster) same here

4 of our top 8 batters are on the bench (The 4 worst on the 13 on the roster are in today's line-up)

Worst batters in the last 2 weeks:
.344 Grissom (playing)
.461 McGuire (bench)
.490 Cooper (playing)
.554 O'Neill (bench)
.566 Rafaela (playing)
.646 Romy (playing)
.666 Wong (playing)

(DHam at .975 & Abreu at .875 on bench)

Ref has been killing LHPs, this year and is in the line-up.

I agree there could be moves to make this a better line-up, but it will never be a good line-up.

[moonslav59]

Looks like another snake bite game.

2 manufactured runs for the O's.

Bases loaded and 1 out- no runs for the Sox.

[Maxbialystock]

Criswell isn't pitching great, but he's OK.

The lineup, on the other hand, stinks yet again. I do like moonslav's analysis of who is and who isn't in the Sox lineup today.

Whoops, there goes another double for the Orioles. Any bets on whether Mountcastle scores?

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

I still believe it will be a 3 team poodle fight for last place in the AL East.

[Maxbialystock]

I despise Cooper and Smith, and both are in the lineup today.

Meanwhile, with assistance from Grissom, Criswell has loaded the bases with no one out.

[moonslav59]

I agree there could be moves to make this a better line-up, but it will never be a good line-up.

There doesn't seem to be much hope for slots in our line-up: 1B, 2B and SS.

To me, Grissom might be the best hope for marked improvement without an outside addition, but the 3 black holes are killing us.

Before today:
.418 2B is unspeakably hiddeous.
.712 SS (helped by Romy/DHam started playing more/ hurt by Rafaela playing more SS)
.712 1B (dropping fast after the Casas injury)

.615 CF (with Rafaela playing more SS, and Duran more CF, I'm not counting CF.)

[Maxbialystock]

With the bases loaded, the Sox K twice. With the bases loaded, the Orioles double.

It's that simple.

[redsoxrules]

Sox just can't beat good teams

[Jasonbay44]

Criswell is getting rocked

[Maxbialystock]

7-0 Orioles. That's the usual limit for a starter, but Criswell gets extra punishment today. Plus no one on base with the sac fly.