Eovaldi to be closer

[TylerD]

We have to see more but entering the season I didn't want Kimbrel. IMO The Kimbrel of Atlanta and later in Boston in recent years is pretty gone. His command and control probably will never be the same. Geez, we were very close to lose in PO because of him.

 

Agreed, if the offense didn't have a few run lead he would have blown it. He definitely was a heart attack

[TylerD]

Weird, Kimbrel's first start with Chicago looked decent against Atlanta but wow his last 2 starts have been ugly.....Being off that long definitely hurts a player. Hope it was worth the money Chicago.

[dgalehouse]

I am not one who wanted to re-sign Kimbrel for a large amount, but I watched the end of that game last night, and to be fair to Kimbrel, he was let down by his defense. Not that he pitched great, but with better defense he could have gotten out of the inning with no damage.

 

I saw the end of that game too . Shoddy defense by the Cubs was the problem. However , to me Kimbrel looked somewhat overweight. He was throwing just 95 - 96 tops . That will not get it done . Maybe he is still in spring training mode or maybe he is slowing down . The Cubs better hope it's the former .

[jacksonianmarch]

My point on not re-signing Kimbrel has nothing to do with actually bringing him back, more that the sox didn't either re-sign him or replace him. Letting Kimbrel walk wasn't a bad move. Not going out and getting a guy like Ottavino or Britton was

[dgalehouse]

My point on not re-signing Kimbrel has nothing to do with actually bringing him back, more that the sox didn't either re-sign him or replace him. Letting Kimbrel walk wasn't a bad move. Not going out and getting a guy like Ottavino or Britton was

 

Absolutely.

[Swiharts Ghost]

How many errors last night caused the blown save ? 2 ? A total Redsoxonian blown save not on Craig K folks .

[Bellhorn04]

How many errors last night caused the blown save ? 2 ? A total Redsoxonian blown save not on Craig K folks .

 

There were no errors, officially. But I'll take Kimmi's word that there was some bad defense.

[Kimmi]

That's the thing. These days he depends a lot on the defense rather than his stuff which was a trade mark through his career. Look at 2018. Our defense saved his ass several times last year.

 

I do not disagree. Kimbrel ultimately got the job done, but there were too many games where there was too much drama getting there.

[Kimmi]

I saw the end of that game too . Shoddy defense by the Cubs was the problem. However , to me Kimbrel looked somewhat overweight. He was throwing just 95 - 96 tops . That will not get it done . Maybe he is still in spring training mode or maybe he is slowing down . The Cubs better hope it's the former .

 

It may be a combination of both. I'm guessing that he's not completely in midseason form yet, but I also believe that he's slowing down. I think we saw signs of that last season. I was not completely opposed to bringing Kimbrel back for 1-2 years. I didn't think it was a good idea to sign him for more than that, though, and I am completely okay with letting him walk.

[Kimmi]

There were no errors, officially. But I'll take Kimmi's word that there was some bad defense.

 

Which re-emphasizes the point about relying on errors.

 

The Cubs had a catcher playing right field. Enough said.

[Kimmi]

Red Sox Stats‏ @redsoxstats 10h10 hours ago

 

The starters in place of Eovaldi have reached 50 innings pitched. They now have a 6.84 ERA and 1.64 WHIP.

 

 

IMO, fixing the 5th starter spot is a bigger issue than fixing the bullpen. By fixing the 5th starter spot, the bullpen will also improve.

[S5Dewey]

Red Sox Stats‏ @redsoxstats 10h10 hours ago

 

The starters in place of Eovaldi have reached 50 innings pitched. They now have a 6.84 ERA and 1.64 WHIP.

 

 

IMO, fixing the 5th starter spot is a bigger issue than fixing the bullpen. By fixing the 5th starter spot, the bullpen will also improve.

 

Well, apparently Evoaldi isn't going to be the answer because he's going to the pen, and unless his name is Wright I don't see anyone on our current roster with a good chance of filling that spot.

 

Were I sitting in DD's or JH's chairs and trying to assess the future impassionately I'd be asking how much money I'd be willing to pour into a team that's 11 games back of a very good Yankees team.

 

Here's what I wouldn't do: I wouldn't go out and sign anyone for big money in the hope of overtaking the Y's. It could happen but the odds are significantly against it. I also wouldn't be looking for a position player. IMO our position players are good enough to get the job done as they're doing, and when JDM and Mookie start hitting better the team will once again be an offensive juggernaut.

 

That said, here's what I would do: I'd be beating the bushes for a decent #5 guy who could be had 'on the cheap' much like he picked up Brazier last year. I'm not sure what the definition of a #5 guy is but to me he's got an ERA of between 4 & 5 and a WHIP of ~1.20 - 1.30. That's not great but one doesn't get "great" on the cheap. If you can get six innings out of a guy with an ERA of 4.5 he's only giving up three runs and that's not an insurmountable amount for this team. (See: Ryan Dempster)

 

As far as the top 4 in the rotation goes, we're pretty much stuck with what we've got if we intend to make a run at the WC spot. Giving up one or more of Price, Sale, Porcillo, & Erod would be paramount to waving a white flag. We've got to hope that these guys (plus Wright) can come around and give this team what it needs.

 

A WC spot not only could happen it probably would, but the team still needs the tweak to make it a bit better.

Edited July 5, 2019 by S5Dewey

[Kimmi]

Well, apparently Evoaldi isn't going to be the answer because he's going to the pen, and unless his name is Wright I don't see anyone on our current roster with a good chance of filling that spot.

 

Were I sitting in DD's or JH's chairs and trying to assess the future impassionately I'd be asking how much money I'd be willing to pour into a team that's 11 games back of a very good Yankees team.

 

Here's what I wouldn't do: I wouldn't go out and sign anyone for big money in the hope of overtaking the Y's. It could happen but the odds are significantly against it. I also wouldn't be looking for a position player. IMO our position players are good enough to get the job done as they're doing, and when JDM and Mookie start hitting better the team will once again be an offensive juggernaut.

 

That said, here's what I would do: I'd be beating the bushes for a decent #5 guy who could be had 'on the cheap' much like he picked up Brazier last year. I'm not sure what the definition of a #5 guy is but to me he's got an ERA of between 4 & 5 and a WHIP of ~1.20 - 1.30. That's not great but one doesn't get "great" on the cheap. If you can get six innings out of a guy with an ERA of 4.5 he's only giving up three runs and that's not an insurmountable amount for this team. (See: Ryan Dempster)

 

As far as the top 4 in the rotation goes, we're pretty much stuck with what we've got if we intend to make a run at the WC spot. Giving up one or more of Price, Sale, Porcillo, & Erod would be paramount to waving a white flag. We've got to hope that these guys (plus Wright) can come around and give this team what it needs.

 

A WC spot not only could happen it probably would, but the team still needs the tweak to make it a bit better.

 

Good post S5. I think I completely agree!

[moonslav59]

Red Sox Stats‏ @redsoxstats 10h10 hours ago

 

The starters in place of Eovaldi have reached 50 innings pitched. They now have a 6.84 ERA and 1.64 WHIP.

 

 

IMO, fixing the 5th starter spot is a bigger issue than fixing the bullpen. By fixing the 5th starter spot, the bullpen will also improve.

 

...and I believe we are 10-8 in their starts.

 

If only Sale (and others) could get their run support.

[moonslav59]

Well, apparently Evoaldi isn't going to be the answer because he's going to the pen, and unless his name is Wright I don't see anyone on our current roster with a good chance of filling that spot.

 

Were I sitting in DD's or JH's chairs and trying to assess the future impassionately I'd be asking how much money I'd be willing to pour into a team that's 11 games back of a very good Yankees team.

 

Here's what I wouldn't do: I wouldn't go out and sign anyone for big money in the hope of overtaking the Y's. It could happen but the odds are significantly against it. I also wouldn't be looking for a position player. IMO our position players are good enough to get the job done as they're doing, and when JDM and Mookie start hitting better the team will once again be an offensive juggernaut.

 

That said, here's what I would do: I'd be beating the bushes for a decent #5 guy who could be had 'on the cheap' much like he picked up Brazier last year. I'm not sure what the definition of a #5 guy is but to me he's got an ERA of between 4 & 5 and a WHIP of ~1.20 - 1.30. That's not great but one doesn't get "great" on the cheap. If you can get six innings out of a guy with an ERA of 4.5 he's only giving up three runs and that's not an insurmountable amount for this team. (See: Ryan Dempster)

 

As far as the top 4 in the rotation goes, we're pretty much stuck with what we've got if we intend to make a run at the WC spot. Giving up one or more of Price, Sale, Porcillo, & Erod would be paramount to waving a white flag. We've got to hope that these guys (plus Wright) can come around and give this team what it needs.

 

A WC spot not only could happen it probably would, but the team still needs the tweak to make it a bit better.

 

Excellent post.

 

+100

[S5Dewey]

Good post S5. I think I completely agree!

 

I knew there was something we could completely agree on!

 

BTW, IMO we agree on nearly everything. Nearly. LOL

[S5Dewey]

Excellent post.

 

+100

 

Thanks.

 

I know I keep saying that perception is everything and here's a bit more evidence of it: If someone had told me on November 1 of last year that if the 2019 season ended on July 4 the Sox wouldn't even make the playoffs I'd have told them that they were out of their minds. Now a WC spot is what we're hoping for!

[jung]

Well, apparently Evoaldi isn't going to be the answer because he's going to the pen, and unless his name is Wright I don't see anyone on our current roster with a good chance of filling that spot.

 

Were I sitting in DD's or JH's chairs and trying to assess the future impassionately I'd be asking how much money I'd be willing to pour into a team that's 11 games back of a very good Yankees team.

 

Here's what I wouldn't do: I wouldn't go out and sign anyone for big money in the hope of overtaking the Y's. It could happen but the odds are significantly against it. I also wouldn't be looking for a position player. IMO our position players are good enough to get the job done as they're doing, and when JDM and Mookie start hitting better the team will once again be an offensive juggernaut.

 

That said, here's what I would do: I'd be beating the bushes for a decent #5 guy who could be had 'on the cheap' much like he picked up Brazier last year. I'm not sure what the definition of a #5 guy is but to me he's got an ERA of between 4 & 5 and a WHIP of ~1.20 - 1.30. That's not great but one doesn't get "great" on the cheap. If you can get six innings out of a guy with an ERA of 4.5 he's only giving up three runs and that's not an insurmountable amount for this team. (See: Ryan Dempster)

 

As far as the top 4 in the rotation goes, we're pretty much stuck with what we've got if we intend to make a run at the WC spot. Giving up one or more of Price, Sale, Porcillo, & Erod would be paramount to waving a white flag. We've got to hope that these guys (plus Wright) can come around and give this team what it needs.

 

A WC spot not only could happen it probably would, but the team still needs the tweak to make it a bit better.

 

There is certainly an argument for that. Myself I would start Nate in the pen so he can get his bearings. I would then move him to the rotation and I would get a closer, ANY closer that has proven experience in that role. We have nobody that can close and there is NOTHING to suggest that Nate is the answer to that problem. However he should be able to work his way back into the rotation.

[moonslav59]

Thanks.

 

I know I keep saying that perception is everything and here's a bit more evidence of it: If someone had told me on November 1 of last year that if the 2019 season ended on July 4 the Sox wouldn't even make the playoffs I'd have told them that they were out of their minds. Now a WC spot is what we're hoping for!

 

...and if they told you Devers was having a break out year, Vaz & Chavis are hitting over .800 and Bogey is on pace for a career year, you'd be even more shocked.

[TylerD]

I knew there was something we could completely agree on!

 

BTW, IMO we agree on nearly everything. Nearly. LOL

 

I hate fish on pizza.

 

Bet we agree on that.

[OH FOY]

Well, apparently Evoaldi isn't going to be the answer because he's going to the pen, and unless his name is Wright I don't see anyone on our current roster with a good chance of filling that spot.

 

Were I sitting in DD's or JH's chairs and trying to assess the future impassionately I'd be asking how much money I'd be willing to pour into a team that's 11 games back of a very good Yankees team.

 

Here's what I wouldn't do: I wouldn't go out and sign anyone for big money in the hope of overtaking the Y's. It could happen but the odds are significantly against it. I also wouldn't be looking for a position player. IMO our position players are good enough to get the job done as they're doing, and when JDM and Mookie start hitting better the team will once again be an offensive juggernaut.

 

That said, here's what I would do: I'd be beating the bushes for a decent #5 guy who could be had 'on the cheap' much like he picked up Brazier last year. I'm not sure what the definition of a #5 guy is but to me he's got an ERA of between 4 & 5 and a WHIP of ~1.20 - 1.30. That's not great but one doesn't get "great" on the cheap. If you can get six innings out of a guy with an ERA of 4.5 he's only giving up three runs and that's not an insurmountable amount for this team. (See: Ryan Dempster)

 

As far as the top 4 in the rotation goes, we're pretty much stuck with what we've got if we intend to make a run at the WC spot. Giving up one or more of Price, Sale, Porcillo, & Erod would be paramount to waving a white flag. We've got to hope that these guys (plus Wright) can come around and give this team what it needs.

 

A WC spot not only could happen it probably would, but the team still needs the tweak to make it a bit better.

 

5th Starters should easily be found in the Minors, for what is asked of them. Think about that for the future, this Farm cannot even develop a decent 5th starter. This team better get the lead out this year.

[OH FOY]

Our starters right now have almost a full earned run from last year, last year we had a 3.77 ERA from our Starters, and Sale was injured much of the last 2 Months, right now at this moment our Starters have a 4.70 ERA at this moment, 5th starter didn't help, but all our Starters are not what they were last year. And it's showing in the Standings. What's the reason almost a FULL run, from one of the most expensive staffs paid? And with Porcello gone after this year, it probably will get worse, next year.

Pitching is everything Baseball.

Edited July 5, 2019 by OH FOY!

[moonslav59]

Our starters right now have almost a full earned run from last year, last year we had a 3.77 ERA from our Starters, and Sale was injured much of the last 2 Months, right now at this moment our Starters have a 4.70 ERA at this moment, 5th starter didn't help, but all our Starters are not what they were last year. And it's showing in the Standings. What's the reason almost a FULL run, from one of the most expensive staffs paid? And with Porcello gone after this year, it probably will get worse, next year.

Pitching is everything Baseball.

 

As bad as things are, losing a starter over the winter may be addition by subtraction, especially since Porcello frees up $20M on the budget.

 

BTW, Price is doing better than 2018, so it is not "all our starters," but your point is still well taken.

 

ERod is going longer into games, but is far from the effectiveness he showed last year when the team went 19-4 in his starts.

[Nick]

...and I believe we are 10-8 in their starts.

 

If only Sale (and others) could get their run support.

 

Problem is when Sale had it going, getting a 3-1 lead as he did last night would have been good enough for him to retain the lead before the bullpen handover.

 

It's just not happening this year. Freakin Chris Sale is right.

[Nick]

I think many are glossing over the fact the Eovaldi is going to the pen just so he can pitch sooner this year. I read him or Cora said it would take extra month to get his arm build up to be a starter as opposed to being a reliever. Hell the season will be over soon enough.

 

I'm his big fan but everyone DID warn me about his arm issues.

Edited July 5, 2019 by Nick

[OH FOY]

Right now, 48% is the quality starts our starters have thrown this year so far. Terrible.

[Bellhorn04]

I think many are glossing over the fact the Eovaldi is going to the pen just so he can pitch sooner this year. I read him or Cora said it would take extra month to get his arm build up to be a starter as opposed to being a reliever. Hell the season will be over soon enough.

 

I'm his big fan but everyone DID warn me about his arm issues.

 

The only good thing is, the issue Eovaldi had this year (loose cartilage or whatever it was) was the same one he had last year and recovered from nicely. But of course this year he also had the dreaded 'setback' with a bicep strain or something.

[OH FOY]

Last 5 games Starters 19.2 innings, 8.24 ERA, 2.03 WHIP. Not ideal when your trying to avoid your BP. BP has thrown 24.1 innings. Your not even getting 4 innings a start. This kills BP's. Edited July 5, 2019 by OH FOY!

[OH FOY]

Some of the best Stats on the Sox are on BostonSportsinf on twitter.

Like did you know the Sox have now gone 87 games without an extra base hit from the lead-off man in the 1st inning.

[Bellhorn04]

Some of the best Stats on the Sox are on BostonSportsinf on twitter.

Like did you know the Sox have now gone 87 games without an extra base hit from the lead-off man in the 1st inning.

 

Nicely done. I only wish I had predicted the streak would be broken tonight.