Farrell

[dgalehouse]

Bringing in Kimbrel there was the correct move. However , you don't want to get into the habit of depending on that. It is a long season. You have to be able to trust someone besides your closer.

[devildavid]

Bringing in Kimbrel there was the correct move. However , you don't want to get into the habit of depending on that. It is a long season. You have to be able to trust someone besides your closer.

 

The correct move is whatever gets the desired result. There is no one correct move in this situation. I still feel there was no pressing need to make a move.

[oldtimer]

The correct move is whatever gets the desired result. There is no one correct move in this situation. I still feel there was no pressing need to make a move.

 

It turned out that we weren't in a position to use Kimbrel last night so having him pitch a little in the 8th and then the 9th didn't cause us to miss him. He should be available tonight should the Sox show some competitiveness and be in the game late.

[Maxbialystock]

The correct move is whatever gets the desired result. There is no one correct move in this situation. I still feel there was no pressing need to make a move.

 

I too thought Barnes could get one more out, but the real point is that there was more than one good move available, and the one Farrell took worked. If it had not, if Kimbrel had given up a 2 run dinger to tie the game, I would still have said it was a good move.

[Bellhorn04]

I too thought Barnes could get one more out, but the real point is that there was more than one good move available, and the one Farrell took worked. If it had not, if Kimbrel had given up a 2 run dinger to tie the game, I would still have said it was a good move.

 

It was absolutely the right move IMO. Barnes was much more likely to give up a game-tying HR to Gregorius.

[dgalehouse]

While Barnes probably would have gotten the job done , Kimbrel certainly was more likely to. It was the percentage move. Personally , I have more faith in Kelly than in Barnes as the 8th inning guy. The situation could change if and when Smith and Thornburg show up.

[southpaw777]

Im not a fan of Farrell, but besides a couple head scratchers, overall hes done a good enough jjob with the management of the game this year...performance and injury by the players has been the issue. hopefully he doesnt lose the backing of his players.

[illinoisredsox]

Im not a fan of Farrell, but besides a couple head scratchers, overall hes done a good enough jjob with the management of the game this year...performance and injury by the players has been the issue. hopefully he doesnt lose the backing of his players.

 

I think people are overlooking this one. They have had their projected starting line-up on the field for exactly one game this season, opening day. Starting with Betts going out with the flu in game 2, they have had one regular or another unavailable every game since. With Pedroia's return tonight and barring some other oddness today, tonight will mark the second time every regular has been available.

 

Losing Holt has not helped either. While not great, he is still a very competent back-up and better than anyone else they have had to throw out there.

[Bellhorn04]

Sure we've had injury issues, but most teams do. We have a lot of talent even when we do have some injuries. I don't think injuries have been a major factor.

[Maxbialystock]

Sure we've had injury issues, but most teams do. We have a lot of talent even when we do have some injuries. I don't think injuries have been a major factor.

 

I agree with you and will cite just one example. In 2013 when the Sox won it all, Buchholz had a magnificent first half of the season, got injured, and didn't figure in the second half and in the playoffs, which the Sox won with great pitching. That's why they made the deal for Peavy, who wasn't all that great.

 

This year the pitching has been pretty good despite the absence of Price--who now seems to be regressing--and Wright,who was in full regression mode before going on the DL.

 

And the biggest problem with the hitting is not, repeat not, the absence of Pedroia, but the absence of Ortiz. Farrell has used, what, 40 different guys at 3B? Marrero got the job because, while he can't hit,he can actually field and throw the ball. The presence or absence of Sandoval at 3B has not been a factor except in helping to determine his future disposition (stay or go). HanRam's inability to play 1B because of injury is a blessing which got Travis some games. Four of our best hitters--Betts, Bogaerts, Beni, and Moreland--have played in 56 or 55 games, most on the team. Our two catchers have caught every inning.

 

 

I have been for the most part a Farrell defender, but last night I saw something that pissed me off. Price pitched a lousy game because he insisted on throwing nothing but fastballs and cut fastballs, and neither the pitching coach nor the manager was interested in doing anything about it. I am pretty sure the pitching coach went out to the mound at least twice to talk to Price, plus of course Farrell had every opportunity at the end of every inning.

 

 

 

I have to admit, however, that a great game--short of a shutout--by Price last night wouldn't have helped. This team can't hit decent pitching, especially on the road.

Edited June 9, 2017 by Maxbialystock

[TylerD]

I agree with you and will cite just one example. In 2013 when the Sox won it all, Buchholz had a magnificent first half of the season, got injured, and didn't figure in the second half and in the playoffs, which the Sox won with great pitching. That's why they made the deal for Peavy, who wasn't all that great.

 

This year the pitching has been pretty good despite the absence of Price--who now seems to be regressing--and Wright,who was in full regression mode before going on the DL.

 

And the biggest problem with the hitting is not, repeat not, the absence of Pedroia, but the absence of Ortiz. Farrell has used, what, 40 different guys at 3B? Marrero got the job because, while he can't hit,he can actually field and throw the ball. The presence or absence of Sandoval at 3B has not been a factor except in helping to determine his future disposition (stay or go). HanRam's inability to play 1B because of injury is a blessing which got Travis some games. Four of our best hitters--Betts, Bogaerts, Beni, and Moreland--have played in 56 or 55 games, most on the team. Our two catchers have caught every inning.

 

 

I have been for the most part a Farrell defender, but last night I saw something that pissed me off. Price pitched a lousy game because he insisted on throwing nothing but fastballs and cut fastballs, and neither the pitching coach nor the manager was interested in doing anything about it. I am pretty sure the pitching coach went out to the mound at least twice to talk to Price, plus of course Farrell had every opportunity at the end of every inning.

 

 

 

I have to admit, however, that a great game--short of a shutout--by Price last night wouldn't have helped. This team can't hit decent pitching, especially on the road.

 

 

That is what is scaring me the most about this team.... We have some great hitters on this team (on paper) we have a very good lineup but for whatever reason when we go on the road to a decent team we crap all over ourselves. Not saying this falls all on the manager but at some point he will have to take a big part of the blame. It is still very early in the season however this was a crucial series to get in 1st or be tied with the Yankess.... We are now 1-4 against them and they have been absolutely dominating us. This division as it stands right now is way too close for us to play like this. Being consistent is our worst nightmare this year. One day we look like a power house and the next we look like a toddler team against professionals. We are still sitting in a wild card spot so it's tough to get too upset but if we can't figure out how to beat the good teams like the Yankees we will be one and done just like last year.

[a700hitter]

Farrell thinks that he can make things happen on the bases and help the team score runs, but if you run the bases stupidly, you reduce your run output.

[notin]

I agree with you and will cite just one example. In 2013 when the Sox won it all, Buchholz had a magnificent first half of the season, got injured, and didn't figure in the second half and in the playoffs, which the Sox won with great pitching. That's why they made the deal for Peavy, who wasn't all that great.

 

This year the pitching has been pretty good despite the absence of Price--who now seems to be regressing--and Wright,who was in full regression mode before going on the DL.

 

And the biggest problem with the hitting is not, repeat not, the absence of Pedroia, but the absence of Ortiz. Farrell has used, what, 40 different guys at 3B? Marrero got the job because, while he can't hit,he can actually field and throw the ball. The presence or absence of Sandoval at 3B has not been a factor except in helping to determine his future disposition (stay or go). HanRam's inability to play 1B because of injury is a blessing which got Travis some games. Four of our best hitters--Betts, Bogaerts, Beni, and Moreland--have played in 56 or 55 games, most on the team. Our two catchers have caught every inning.

 

 

I have been for the most part a Farrell defender, but last night I saw something that pissed me off. Price pitched a lousy game because he insisted on throwing nothing but fastballs and cut fastballs, and neither the pitching coach nor the manager was interested in doing anything about it. I am pretty sure the pitching coach went out to the mound at least twice to talk to Price, plus of course Farrell had every opportunity at the end of every inning.

 

 

 

I have to admit, however, that a great game--short of a shutout--by Price last night wouldn't have helped. This team can't hit decent pitching, especially on the road.

 

Price has had 3 starts this year. Does that sample size really indicate regression? If he came out of the gate and allowed 1ER in 20 innings, would you think he was clearDr and good to 2...

[Kimmi]

Sure we've had injury issues, but most teams do. We have a lot of talent even when we do have some injuries. I don't think injuries have been a major factor.

 

I think the injuries have been an issue. Maybe not a major factor, but they have been a factor. It's hard to play consistent ball when the team you're fielding in terms of roster construction has not remained consistent for any length of time.

 

That said, the bigger issue is the team, mainly the offense, underperformance. When there is wide spread underperformance, I think it's fair to question the manager and the coaching staff.

[Maxbialystock]

Price has had 3 starts this year. Does that sample size really indicate regression? If he came out of the gate and allowed 1ER in 20 innings, would you think he was clearDr and good to 2...

 

No disagreement about sample size, which is incredibly small. So of course there is hope.

 

On the other hand, we know for a fact that Price's lifetime ERA is 3.24 but last year it was 3.99, which was his highest season ERA since his first year, 2009. And this year so far--granted, a small sample--his ERA is 5.09. So it very much seems to me that the burden of proof lies on those who say, "Price is just as good as he always was."

 

Another thing about Price worries me. He seems to love his fastball almost as much as opposing hitters love it. It's his go to pitch, which means those hitters can sit on it whenever he is behind in the count. On top of that, as we saw last night, he now seems to be using other pitches--especially changeup (essential for a lefty who normally will fact 75% or more righty bats), but also curve and slider--but he can't put them where they will do some good. Those breaking balls seem to alternate between being up in the strike zone and close to the center or so far outside the strike zone they are not tempting.

 

If you check the speed gun results usually displayed on the TV screen, you will notice that Price seems capable of consistently throwing a 95-96 mph fast ball, which is excellent. Normally, usually, he can also spot it (if not all the time). The problem is that no fastball by a starter is good enough to rely on solely for 6, 7, 8, or 9 innings. You must be able to keep batters off balance with a mix of pitches that go to the right places in the strike zone or close to it. Since he came to the Sox, I have not seen Price do that.

[Maxbialystock]

Two straight extra inning wins in which the bullpen was superb, going 11 innings with 0 runs. It's remotely possible Farrell knows what he is doing. Edited June 14, 2017 by Maxbialystock

[devildavid]

Another example of a poor choice trying to steal a base in last night's game. I hope it wasn't Farrell's call for Bogey to attempt to steal 3rd in the 5th inning. No need for that. Lost a chance for another batter to knock him in. Giving away outs is not good strategy.

[Slasher9]

i dont think trying to steal 3rd with 1 out is a "poor" choice. first or 3rd out? 100%. but not the 2nd.

[moonslav59]

It's remotely possible Farrell knows what he is doing.

 

Doubtful.

 

Winning does not change my opinion.

[Bellhorn04]

It's remotely possible Farrell knows what he is doing.

 

Doubtful.

 

Winning does not change my opinion.

 

What issues do you have with his managing so far this year?

[Maxbialystock]

Offensive WAR, OWAR, says our seven best hitters are, in order--

 

Bogaerts 2.4

Betts 1.5

Moreland 1.3

JBJ 1.2

Beni 0.8

Pedey 0.6

Vazquez 0.6

 

Ramirez is at 0.2 and so is Young. Rutledge is 0.1.

 

Leon, wait for it, is at -0.3 and Sandoval at -0.2.

 

The Yankees top seven hitters--Judge, Hicks, Castro, Gardner, Holliday, Gregorious, and Sanchez--have OWAR's that range from 3.6 to 1.2.

 

And, FWIW, our three highest DWAR's (defensive wins above replacemnt) belong to Betts (1.2), Bradley (0.9), and Leon (0.5). OUr three worst DWAR's are Sandoval (-0.7), Bogaerts (-0.5), and Young (-0.5). Beni and Moreland are both at 0.0, and Pedey is 0.2.

 

 

The above stats suggest to me that:

 

1. The Yankees seven best hitters--heck, their whole lineup--are just about twice as good as ours.

2. We have pretty good pitching, but theirs is better--lowest ERA in the AL to our 3d best.

3. We have better fielders in the outfield, but not in the infield. We've committed 47 errors to their 33.

4. Call the baserunning a wash even though I think our guys do some boneheaded things on the basepaths. Both teams have stolen 37 bases.

 

 

5. We are just 3 games behind the Yankees, which suggests that our manager, whoever he is, is pretty good at doing more with less.

[mvp 78]

The Sox have the 3rd best record in the AL. Can't be too mad at Farrell over that.

[NativeBostonian]

What issues do you have with his managing so far this year?

 

He waits too long with his starters. For instance, they lost a game because he put Steven Wright back out there when everyone knew he was done the inning prior. AllI ask for is a manager to not lose games. He seems to lose a handful for the team every year. He did it last year as well in Detroit.

Edited June 14, 2017 by NativeBostonian

[illinoisredsox]

He waits too long with his starters. For instance, they lost a game because he put Steven Wright back out there when everyone knew he was done the inning prior. AllI ask for is a manager to not lose games. He seems to lose a handful for the team every year. He did it last year as well in Detroit.

 

What were the circumstances? Had the pen pitched a lot of innings the game before. The prior 2 games? 3 games? Was anyone not available for some reason? If the pen has had to make numerous long appearances, maybe the starter has to take one for the team. Sometimes you have to let a guy figure it out on the mound, and maybe that means sacrificing a game once in a while. (I'm not saying that was the case with Wright or in the Detroit game last year.)

 

Tonight, Brian Johnson goes. Are they going to get the 9 inning shutout performance or the 4 to 5 inning starts he's had the other 2 times out? That means 4-5 innings of pen on top of the 11 innings they've pitched the last 2 nights.

 

The season is a marathon, not a sprint, and must be managed accordingly. An NFL game is equivalent to 10 MLB games relative to the season. Average 6-4 every 10 games and you've got 97-98 wins.

[mvp 78]

He waits too long with his starters. For instance, they lost a game because he put Steven Wright back out there when everyone knew he was done the inning prior. AllI ask for is a manager to not lose games. He seems to lose a handful for the team every year. He did it last year as well in Detroit.

 

Even if he makes the "right decisions" he could end up "losing a game." Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture.

[devildavid]

i dont think trying to steal 3rd with 1 out is a "poor" choice. first or 3rd out? 100%. but not the 2nd.

 

Trying to steal third is usually a poor choice as it risks removing a baserunner who is already safely in scoring position. Don't risk outs and potential runswhen you have no pressing reason to do so.

[Maxbialystock]

He waits too long with his starters. For instance, they lost a game because he put Steven Wright back out there when everyone knew he was done the inning prior. AllI ask for is a manager to not lose games. He seems to lose a handful for the team every year. He did it last year as well in Detroit.

 

Words to conjure with: "all I ask for is a manager to not lose games." Please identify for the rest of us all the MLB managers who went 162-0 last year. No, you say, I misunderstand. You mean the games you think Farrell lost because he left a starter in too long. Well, say I, that's very definitely a matter of opinion, especially early in the season.

 

The norm for most MLB managers is to leave a starter in until he gives up 7 runs or 100 pitches or so, depending. Wright gave up more than 5 runs just once, on April 12, his second start of the year, when he gave up 8 runs--6 in the 1st inning and 2 more in .1 of the 2d inning.

 

I would argue that Farrell's decisions about Wright in that one game fell within the normal parameters even though Wright gave up 8,not 7 runs. The price any manager pays for taking a starter out early is using up his bullpen in what amounts to a lost cause. In fact, the Sox lost that game 12-5.

Edited June 14, 2017 by Maxbialystock

[Bellhorn04]

Trying to steal third is usually a poor choice as it risks removing a baserunner who is already safely in scoring position. Don't risk outs and potential runswhen you have no pressing reason to do so.

 

Advancing to third with one out increases the chances of the runner scoring because they can score without a hit. However, I don't think trying to steal third there is a good move unless there's a virtual certainty of making it.

[Maxbialystock]

Advancing to third with one out increases the chances of the runner scoring because they can score without a hit. However, I don't think trying to steal third there is a good move unless there's a virtual certainty of making it.

 

Depends on the baserunner and the situation, but I agree it should not be attempted without a high probability of success.

[harmony]

Advancing to third with one out increases the chances of the runner scoring because they can score without a hit. However, I don't think trying to steal third there is a good move unless there's a virtual certainty of making it.

A team with a runner on second and no outs will average 1.0762 runs in that inning.

 

A team with a runner on third and no outs will average 1.3045 runs in that inning.

 

A team with no runners on and one out will average 0.2572 runs in that inning.

 

Under those circumstances, the break-even point for stealing third base is an 81 percent success rate because the runner was already in scoring position. Rickey Henderson, baseball's all-time steals leader, had a career success rate of 80.8 percent. Fellow Hall of Famers Lou Brock and Tim Raines came in at 75.3 percent and 84.7 percent, respectively.

 

The stats come from the chapter "Stolen Bases: Crime Only Pays If You Never Get Caught" in the 2017 book Smart Baseball: The Story Behind the Old Stats That Are Ruining the Game, the New Ones That Are Running It, and the Right Way to Think About Baseball by ESPN senior baseball writer Keith Law.