A Realistic View at 2017 Part III

[Bellhorn04]

He's not so silly as to realize it would take a miracle, And while miracles do happen, they don't necessarily leave your pitching staff equipped to face Cleveland or Houston.

 

He probably thinks he's better off facing Minnesota for one game at home with Severino and going forward from there. If he burns out his staff and doesn't win the division, he'll be at a disadvantage because Minnesota will be resting theirs.

 

Even Farrell is doing the same thing. How many of those releivers used last night are even going to make the post-season roster? Maybe Barnes. Anyone else?

 

It was a little different situation for us last night as Houston jumped out to a big lead early. The Yankees had a lead.

 

You could argue either way, I guess...but I'm sure glad Girardi played it the way he did.

[notin]

It was a little different situation for us last night as Houston jumped out to a big lead early. The Yankees had a lead.

 

You could argue either way, I guess...but I'm sure glad Girardi played it the way he did.

 

 

I think both managers are just assuming the regular season is unofficially over.

[moonslav59]

Bogaerts' real biggest problem is expectations. They were crazy high and he hasn't lived up.

 

Xander's career numbers are slightly better than those of Yankee shortstop Didi Gregorious. And while Xander hasn't lived up to his BA ranking hype, Yankee fans are pleasantly surprised since they didn't think Gregorious would hit this well. Yet the Sox fan remain slightly disappointed despite actually having the better player of the two and didn't have to trade a closer to get him...

 

My expectation was just to be like 2015-2016. I had given up on his defense already.

 

As for Didi G, I've long suspected something funny in the water fountains in the Yankee clubhouse.

Edited September 29, 2017 by moonslav59

[Bellhorn04]

I think both managers are just assuming the regular season is unofficially over.

 

So you think we're just going to mail it in tonight?

[illinoisredsox]

So you think we're just going to mail it in tonight?

 

Given the lineup posted up on the game thread, no. All regulars with one very notable and troubling exception, Davis in for Betts.

[mvp 78]

Given the lineup posted up on the game thread, no. All regulars with one very notable and troubling exception, Davis in for Betts.

 

Why is that troubling? Should every player have to play 162?

[illinoisredsox]

Why is that troubling? Should every player have to play 162?

 

You cannot possibly be that obtuse in asking that first question.

[mvp 78]

You cannot possibly be that obtuse in asking that first question.

 

Well, you're obtuse enough to think that Davis is in CF covering for Betts, when Betts is actually starting in RF. It's just an off day for JBJ. Does that make you feel any better/worse?

[notin]

So you think we're just going to mail it in tonight?

 

Is Boyer going to pitch again? If so, you have your answer...

[Bellhorn04]

Is Boyer going to pitch again? If so, you have your answer...

 

Personally, I think Farrell is going to try to win this one, and I think that's probably a good idea. But I don't want to sound like a Chicken Little.

[moonslav59]

Tonight's line-up

 

Bogey

Pedey

Beni

Betts

Moreland

HRam

Devers

Leon

Davis

[Bellhorn04]

Tonight's line-up

 

Bogey

Pedey

Beni

Betts

Moreland

HRam

Devers

Leon

Davis

 

I assume the regulars are just going to play a few innings since the division is all wrapped up now.

[Station 13]

I assume the regulars are just going to play a few innings since the division is all wrapped up now.

 

They need a win tonight to clinch the division.

[Bellhorn04]

They need a win tonight to clinch the division.

 

No, I know Station...I'm being a wiseass because of some statements others have made.

[Kimmi]

And Yay Girardi...Joe managed last night's game like he wanted to lose it.

 

He probably figures the Twins have no chance against the Yankees and he'd rather face the Guardians that the Astros.

[Kimmi]

Personally, I think Farrell is going to try to win this one, and I think that's probably a good idea. But I don't want to sound like a Chicken Little.

 

Farrell is still pretty much going all out to win. IMO, that's the right move until the division is actually clinched, regardless of how much of a sure thing it might be. The fact that Betts and Pedroia are again in the line up is very telling.

[moonslav59]

We have 3 days off after game 162.

 

How much rest do our everyday players need?

[oldtimer]

Farrell is still pretty much going all out to win. IMO, that's the right move until the division is actually clinched, regardless of how much of a sure thing it might be. The fact that Betts and Pedroia are again in the line up is very telling.

 

Too bad Nunez couldn't be in it too. He likely would give us a lift with that one more guy getting a hit. Tonight a single hit at the right point and we would be in the lead.

[Kimmi]

Too bad Nunez couldn't be in it too. He likely would give us a lift with that one more guy getting a hit. Tonight a single hit at the right point and we would be in the lead.

 

Thankfully, the boys got it done today oldtimer. I don't think my nerves could have taken it tomorrow if we didn't clinch today. LOL

 

Farrell sounds pretty hopeful about having Nunez back for the playoffs, but we'll see. It would be nice to have him back. He seems to be able to spark the rest of the lineup.

[moonslav59]

The Yanks got closer than I expected, but I'm glad we can save Sale for game 1.

 

Pom looks primed for game 2.

 

Game 3 will be at home: Erod or Porcello? I'd go ERod. Maybe Price can give us 2-3 innings, if needed. Maybe by the World Seried, he can go 3-4 innings.

[Elktonnick]

I must admit much to my surprise Farrell has managed well this year, especially since the ASB.* He has taken a team with 6 leadoff hitters and no real power hitter anchoring the middle of the lineup and taken them to the division title.* One has to give him special credit for letting Butterfield design an effective running game that made for some exciting baseball when they could get men on base.* He has gotten the most out of a sometimes shaky rotation and developed a strong bullpen.* In essence one has to recognize that JF got the most out of his club.* Even if the Sox get eliminated in the Division series (let's face it this team isn't as talented or as well balanced as either the Astros or Guardians and will be the underdogs) I fully expect to see Farrell's team being aggressive and putting it all out there.

[oldtimer]

I must admit much to my surprise Farrell has managed well this year, especially since the ASB.* He has taken a team with 6 leadoff hitters and no real power hitter anchoring the middle of the lineup and taken them to the division title.* One has to give him special credit for letting Butterfield design an effective running game that made for some exciting baseball when they could get men on base.* He has gotten the most out of a sometimes shaky rotation and developed a strong bullpen.* In essence one has to recognize that JF got the most out of his club.* Even if the Sox get eliminated in the Division series (let's face it this team isn't as talented or as well balanced as either the Astros or Guardians and will be the underdogs) I fully expect to see Farrell's team being aggressive and putting it all out there.

 

What we can say about the club is that there is a strong foundation we can build on going forward. Nunez return, a solid power hitter for the one of the corners and possibly another power hitter, although with Hanley still here, the only place a second power hitter could play is as a replacement for one of our existing outfielder.

[jacksonianmarch]

My concern for the sox, assuming I am rooting for them to beat the astros (that will only come if we win Tuesday, btw) is the fact that you're facing an elite offense without anything resembling elite pitching after Sale. Pom was really good this year, but he won't give you any depth and since the Stros just saw him today, I think they will be ready for him come next week. I have a feeling the series will be a slugfest outside of Keuchel-Sale, and I don't think the sox have the bats to hang with that mash unit in Houston

[Elktonnick]

The upcoming playoff series sort of reminds me of the 1960 world series between the Pirates and the Yankees. The Yanks pounded the Pirates when they won but lost the close ones and the Prates ended up winning the series. When the Sox have beaten the Stros they have won the close ones except for yesterday. The Stros when they win, do so by a wide margin. Pomerantz may not be as good as Sale but he did beat the Astros today. Fister pitched well enough to win yesterday but he didn't have any run support. Quite frankly I may be in the minority but he is my third starter for this series.

 

The Sox may be the underdogs but they do have the pitching to contend. I expect this to be an exciting series and this post season is setting up to be an outstanding one regardless of whether the Sox go all the way. I say Hooray for baseball. The rest of professional sports are just a poor second to the thrill of playoff baseball.

[jacksonianmarch]

Agreed with the thrill of playoff baseball. Also, I think Fister has to be the guy. 3 lefties to start the PO's against a righty stacked team is probably not the best look

[moonslav59]

Agreed with the thrill of playoff baseball. Also, I think Fister has to be the guy. 3 lefties to start the PO's against a righty stacked team is probably not the best look

 

The Astros hit righties as well as lefties, so we should go with out best.

 

OPS

vs LHPs: .821

vs RHPs: .827

 

Their RH's batters hit righties better:

vs RHP as RHB: .851

vs LHP as RHB: .844

 

Is almost dead even, so I don't think we should change anything based on how well the Astros do vs lefties or righties.

[jacksonianmarch]

You go with your best if that’s properly delineated. I think it isn’t here. Throwing a third lefty in there who throws hard like your top 2 is going to give the Stros far too consistent a look at the plate. Shaking things up with Fister is the right play.

[moonslav59]

You go with your best if that’s properly delineated. I think it isn’t here. Throwing a third lefty in there who throws hard like your top 2 is going to give the Stros far too consistent a look at the plate. Shaking things up with Fister is the right play.

 

Pom is not really a hard thrower. They all look different enough to be the best 3 we can put out there.

 

Fister is my 5th choice behind #4 Porcello.

[jacksonianmarch]

Another Porcello lover. Man, I can’t think of a worse matchup. Porcello at the Fens vs these righty homerun hitters

[moonslav59]

Another Porcello lover. Man, I can’t think of a worse matchup. Porcello at the Fens vs these righty homerun hitters

 

I'm not happy with the choice.

 

He's better than Fister.

 

We may have to bring Price in early.