Playoff Roster - 2018

[OH FOY]

These Relievers got to stop the Lead-off walk to batters against these teams. Your not facing KC, Minn, or Texas anymore. All these AL Play-off teams will make you pay. Whoever wins tonight, and from here on out, its going to be a dogfight, every game. Throw out the 108 wins right now. Doesn't matter anymore.

[moonslav59]

While Kelly might have a higher ceiling, and Hembree to a lesser extent, I think the chances Poyner and Workman do better is slightly higher.

 

I won't be upset, if they choose Kelly and/or Hembree, but I wouldn't pick either one for the ALDS.

[oldtimer]

While Kelly might have a higher ceiling, and Hembree to a lesser extent, I think the chances Poyner and Workman do better is slightly higher.

 

I won't be upset, if they choose Kelly and/or Hembree, but I wouldn't pick either one for the ALDS.

 

I did see tthe Globe article that indicated both Lin and Travis were sent down to continue working, in case they are needed. In addition, Johnson and Velazquez were told they weren't making the playoffs. That leaves the final two pitching slots to Kelly, Poyner, Hembree and Workman. I expect that will be cleared up by sometime tomorrow.

[moonslav59]

I did see tthe Globe article that indicated both Lin and Travis were sent down to continue working, in case they are needed. In addition, Johnson and Velazquez were told they weren't making the playoffs. That leaves the final two pitching slots to Kelly, Poyner, Hembree and Workman. I expect that will be cleared up by sometime tomorrow.

 

I guess there's no hurry to tell the press (opps), but my guess is the two either already know or will soon.

[notin]

I did see tthe Globe article that indicated both Lin and Travis were sent down to continue working, in case they are needed. In addition, Johnson and Velazquez were told they weren't making the playoffs. That leaves the final two pitching slots to Kelly, Poyner, Hembree and Workman. I expect that will be cleared up by sometime tomorrow.

 

Travis? Really?

 

Why on Earth would the Sox need Sam Travis?

[Bellhorn04]

Travis? Really?

 

Why on Earth would the Sox need Sam Travis?

 

I know, I wonder if this is just a way of being nice to Sam...

[fxkatt]

I guess there's no hurry to tell the press (opps), but my guess is the two either already know or will soon.

 

He may be waiting on the Yankee game before making this decision, which is what he's also doing with the game 4 starter selection.

 

As far as Travis goes... I can see him as a pitch-hitter. He's come up big several times in this role.

[notin]

I know, I wonder if this is just a way of being nice to Sam...

 

It might be the only way to inflate his trade value. Letting him play has done nothing for it...

[Maxbialystock]

While Kelly might have a higher ceiling, and Hembree to a lesser extent, I think the chances Poyner and Workman do better is slightly higher.

 

I won't be upset, if they choose Kelly and/or Hembree, but I wouldn't pick either one for the ALDS.

 

I also prefer Poyner and Workman. Kelly had a great August, May, and April and horrendous (ERA over 8 all three months) June, July, and September.

[mvp 78]

Trot Nixon is throwing out the first pitch of game 1.

[OH FOY]

Real Dirt Dog, Loved Him. Real battler, Leader.

[dgalehouse]

If Kelly or Hembree are included then either Cora or you aren't concerned about winning.

 

I always want to win. Can't speak for Cora , but I'm pretty sure he wants to win at least as much as I do. After all , it is his job. If he thinks another lefty is needed , he might go with Poyner. Cuevas is out of the picture. I think he sticks with the guys who have been there all year . That would be Kelly and Hembree . You can add that to your list of things that you dislike . One other thing : With the playoff schedule and the days off , he will ride the best horses as much as possible. The last two relievers are not likely to see action in any important and critical situation.

Edited October 3, 2018 by dgalehouse

[vegasbob]

Travis? Really?

 

Why on Earth would the Sox need Sam Travis?

 

Keeping him ready for a trade over the winter.

[Maxbialystock]

I know, I wonder if this is just a way of being nice to Sam...

 

No way Travis is on the roster. Lin would be a way better pick. As it is, I'm pretty sure neither is on it because Cora is going with 14, including 3 catchers. That means the other three are Pearce, Nunez, and Holt.

 

Troublemaker that I am, right now I would dump starter Kinsler and use Lin instead at 2B because he is hitting as Kinsler is not and because he should have the same range or better at 2b if not the same consistency.

[moonslav59]

He may be waiting on the Yankee game before making this decision, which is what he's also doing with the game 4 starter selection.

 

As far as Travis goes... I can see him as a pitch-hitter. He's come up big several times in this role.

 

But, PH for who?

 

If it's a catcher, then we should have 3.

 

Moreland & Pearce PH for each other.

 

That leaves Kinsler.

[moonslav59]

Keeping him ready for a trade over the winter.

 

For what?

[notin]

For what?

 

2 pounds of cole slaw. The good stuff. No pineapple...

[moonslav59]

2 pounds of cole slaw. The good stuff. No pineapple...

 

Deal!

[oldtimer]

All the articles this morning still do no identify the last two pitchers. Certainly Cora has to identify those by the end of today.

[moonslav59]

All the articles this morning still do no identify the last two pitchers. Certainly Cora has to identify those by the end of today.

 

My choices (in order)

1. Poyner

2. Workman

3. Kelly

4. Hembree

 

My guess at DD & Cora's choices:

1. Kelly

2. Poyner

3. Hembree

4. Workman

[notin]

All the articles this morning still do no identify the last two pitchers. Certainly Cora has to identify those by the end of today.

 

Cora has probably known who they are for two weeks. What he has to do now is tell the press...

[moonslav59]

Cora has probably known who they are for two weeks. What he has to do now is tell the press...

 

Yes. There might have been a slight chance one pitcher could be swapped depending on whether the Yanks or A's won, but I think his plan might have been Kelly & Hembree all along.

[Hitch]

I like Kelly but he shouldn't be on the roster. I would be very very worried if he was coming into a 1 lead game in the 6/7/8th.

[notin]

I like Kelly but he shouldn't be on the roster. I would be very very worried if he was coming into a 1 lead game in the 6/7/8th.

 

Understandable, but who do you have more confidence in in that situation - Kelly, Hembree or Workman?

[Hitch]

Understandable, but who do you have more confidence in in that situation - Kelly, Hembree or Workman?

 

Workman.

 

1) because I'm slightly biased as I really like the kid and 2) because he's done it under the highest pressure in the play offs, before. I'd trust him the most.

[notin]

Workman.

 

1) because I'm slightly biased as I really like the kid and 2) because he's done it under the highest pressure in the play offs, before. I'd trust him the most.

 

Workman had a terrific post-season 5 years ago (0.00 ERA 1.14 WHIP in 8.2 IP), but Kelly also has a good post-season resume (3.03 ERA 1.21 WHIP in 35.2 IP, including 4 starts).

 

Kelly's worst postseason was done in 2013 (the same year as Workman's only postseason) when he made those 4 starts, a role Boston will not be using him in. He has given the Red Sox 6.1 shutout IP in the past 2 seasons.

 

Let's not focus on Workman's postseason success while ignoring Kelly's more recent post-season success...

[Hitch]

Workman had a terrific post-season 5 years ago (0.00 ERA 1.14 WHIP in 8.2 IP), but Kelly also has a good post-season resume (3.03 ERA 1.21 WHIP in 35.2 IP, including 4 starts).

 

Kelly's worst postseason was done in 2013 (the same year as Workman's only postseason) when he made those 4 starts, a role Boston will not be using him in. He has given the Red Sox 6.1 shutout IP in the past 2 seasons.

 

Let's not focus on Workman's postseason success while ignoring Kelly's more recent post-season success...

 

I'm not ignoring Kelly's, I just trust Workman to deliver under pressure while right now, I don't with Kelly. Simple as that.

[moonslav59]

I'm not ignoring Kelly's, I just trust Workman to deliver under pressure while right now, I don't with Kelly. Simple as that.

 

I agree. I've always liked Workman as well. He was really good before the injuries and has shown a lot of promise upon his return.

[notin]

I'm not ignoring Kelly's, I just trust Workman to deliver under pressure while right now, I don't with Kelly. Simple as that.

 

I don't have much faith in either, but I trust Kelly more with the game on the line. He defintely has more experience in that department in the regular season and the post-season, and he has had his successes. His cold streaks tha turn everyone off to him are typicaly a small number of IPs. That's no guarantee he can turn it on and get hot this month. But we all do know that if he does, he is the guy the Sox need out there.

 

The sox biggest weakness is the bullpen, At this point, all the pitchers in the Sox bullpen not named Craig are gambles. I think I go with the gamble that has the highest payout...

[mvp 78]

I don't believe prior post season results are a great barometer for this year.