Wild Card Situation

[YastrzemskI]

The Red Sox

The Mariners

The Skanks

The Blue Jays

 

All of these teams have fans that believe!

What are your thoughts?? I am truly surprised that the Red Sox have had the year that they’ve had. But since they are here they might as well give it a go! Do I think they are as good as SF?? No.. but crazier things have happened. I see a WC game at Fenway in our future. Hoping that the Bronx bums make it and we get the last laugh of 2021 by taking them out.

 

GO SOX!!!

[Larry33]

Realistically each team has a chance to be in WC games there's different scenarios possible but if you have a Red Sox and Yankees loss and Blue jays and Mariners win then you have a 4 way tie for the WC then it would force a 2 game playoff for the advancing teams. The has to be closes race ever with 4 teams for a playoff spot sure make exciting baseball. Overall I see the Rays as being the team that will win the divisional cheampionship they have the pitching the defense and offense on a low budget team.

[Yaz Fan Since 67]

Yeah this is a great race, what fun. I see what I have believed for a few weeks now, Sox and Yankees as it should be.

 

I also see the Yankees advancing regardless of where it is played.

[jad]

It's also very amusing. Because we are paying closer attention, we are seeing not only good plays, but horrendous ones. I imagine at this point, for players, the fun has gone out of it, leaving nothing but stress and exhaustion--all these games just for the 50/50 chance (or much less in some scenarios) to get in the playoffs has to affect their play (e.g., Yankee dude not running out the K, stupid defensive plays all around, Devers' struggles in situations where he normally does well). Extremes by fans also amusing--so many here want to just give up and get it over with! then some miracle happens and the season seems recoverable, then some pop-up ...

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong: after today's Game 162s, in the event of any ties (2 for the WC, 3-way for one or two WC spots, 4-way), the Red Sox will automatically be playing at Fenway Park -- unless they choose to be Team C in a 3-way; in that case, they'd sacrifice a game on the road in exchange for one day of rest for the broken wings of the bullpen.

[Maxbialystock]

When each league had just one wild card, that team had a real shot at winning it all. Now, with 2 each, wild card teams are simply scrambling to be able to say they made the postseason because the wild card games make them vulnerable in the Division Series.

 

The Sox right now have an almost ideal situation vis a vis the wild card. Sale is starting today and Eovaldi, our ace, will be rested for the wild card game on Tuesday. But then comes the ALDS vs. the Rays, who will be rested, ready, and with the home field advantage--the Trop--which definitely favors the Rays. Plus the Rays are a much better team.

[illinoisredsox]

When each league had just one wild card, that team had a real shot at winning it all. Now, with 2 each, wild card teams are simply scrambling to be able to say they made the postseason because the wild card games make them vulnerable in the Division Series.

 

The Sox right now have an almost ideal situation vis a vis the wild card. Sale is starting today and Eovaldi, our ace, will be rested for the wild card game on Tuesday. But then comes the ALDS vs. the Rays, who will be rested, ready, and with the home field advantage--the Trop--which definitely favors the Rays. Plus the Rays are a much better team.

 

Which is the really relevant factor.

 

The Sox can beat the Rays in a series; any team can beat any other team in a series. But this Sox team cannot do that 3 series in a row.

[Thunder]

Can we stop calling them the Skanks? Sometimes I think y'all are 5 years old

[harmony]

Can we stop calling them the Skanks? Sometimes I think y'all are 5 years old

^^^^^^^^^^^^

[YastrzemskI]

When each league had just one wild card, that team had a real shot at winning it all. Now, with 2 each, wild card teams are simply scrambling to be able to say they made the postseason because the wild card games make them vulnerable in the Division Series.

 

The Sox right now have an almost ideal situation vis a vis the wild card. Sale is starting today and Eovaldi, our ace, will be rested for the wild card game on Tuesday. But then comes the ALDS vs. the Rays, who will be rested, ready, and with the home field advantage--the Trop--which definitely favors the Rays. Plus the Rays are a much better team.

 

Crazy things happen in the post season. I remember that marathon WS game vS LA when Eovaldi kept the Sox in it for like 8 innings. LA had their game four starter lined up and we still figured it out. That said, the Rays are going to be a tough out.

[Maxbialystock]

Crazy things happen in the post season. I remember that marathon WS game vS LA when Eovaldi kept the Sox in it for like 8 innings. LA had their game four starter lined up and we still figured it out. That said, the Rays are going to be a tough out.

 

The LA series in 2018 was indeed amazing, and I sure do remember Eovaldi's stint in relief. I thought that game wore our guys out, but it clearly did not.

 

And, yes, the postseason can be full of surprises. If the Sox get to the ALDS and play the Rays, however, I do not expect a surprise there.

[Maxbialystock]

Can we stop calling them the Skanks? Sometimes I think y'all are 5 years old

 

I don't call them that. I like almost all MLB teams, but there are a very few teams whose names I especially like: Brooklyn (now LA) Dodgers; Minnesota Twins; NY Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies; maybe the Texas Rangers. Red Sox and White Sox show a complete lack of imagination and/or connection to the city from which those teams come. Mets and Nats not bad. I like the American Indian names, but am fine with getting rid of them for the reasons stated. Diamondbacks and Mariners: too many syllables. Cardinals, Blue Jays, Orioles: love birds, but not as team names. Nevertheless, I like all three franchises even though the Orioles have stunk under owner D'Angelo. Devil Rays just plain dumb and therefore a good fit with the Trop--but a brilliantly run franchise (bereft of fans).

[Maxbialystock]

Which is the really relevant factor.

 

The Sox can beat the Rays in a series; any team can beat any other team in a series. But this Sox team cannot do that 3 series in a row.

 

Statistically, you are absolutely right about one team beating another in a series. But right now the Rays are playing very well and the Sox are struggling, on top of which the wild card game was/is brilliantly designed to put the winner at a real disadvantage in the Division Series.

[moonslav59]

The LA series in 2018 was indeed amazing, and I sure do remember Eovaldi's stint in relief. I thought that game wore our guys out, but it clearly did not.

 

And, yes, the postseason can be full of surprises. If the Sox get to the ALDS and play the Rays, however, I do not expect a surprise there.

 

Maybe that game wore the Dodgers out.

 

Eovaldi's heroic relief stint, even though we lost, created a drive in our other pitchers that saw them lining up at Cora's door asking what can I do extra to help us win. 18 innings- WOW!

 

Eovaldi went 6 innings after pitching in relief in game 1 and game 2 and the 5th game of the ALCS! (He had started game 3 of the ALCS.)

[moonslav59]

Statistically, you are absolutely right about one team beating another in a series. But right now the Rays are playing very well and the Sox are struggling, on top of which the wild card game was/is brilliantly designed to put the winner at a real disadvantage in the Division Series.

 

No doubt, the Rays have the advantage, and it's too bad the winner of the WC game has to play them, next. They earned that right.

 

I'd like our chances much more vs the Astros or White Sox.

 

I'd be hypocritical to take the "playoffs are a crap shoot" position, right now. I honestly think we have a very, very slight chance of winning it all. Too many other teams have a big advantage over us. We'd need to fire on all cylinders all at once plus hope the team we are playing stumbles a little to give us a chance to keep advancing. Those odds are so slight, I'd be shocked if we even made it to the World Series.

 

That doesn't mean I'm going to be moping around thinking all is lost. I'm gonna root like hell a miracle happens.

[YastrzemskI]

No doubt, the Rays have the advantage, and it's too bad the winner of the WC game has to play them, next. They earned that right.

 

I'd like our chances much more vs the Astros or White Sox.

 

I'd be hypocritical to take the "playoffs are a crap shoot" position, right now. I honestly think we have a very, very slight chance of winning it all. Too many other teams have a big advantage over us. We'd need to fire on all cylinders all at once plus hope the team we are playing stumbles a little to give us a chance to keep advancing. Those odds are so slight, I'd be shocked if we even made it to the World Series.

 

That doesn't mean I'm going to be moping around thinking all is lost. I'm gonna root like hell a miracle happens.

 

I don’t care who’s on the mound. I don’t care who gets the winning hit.. I don’t care if it takes an error or three errors in a row from the opposition. Just win baby! That’s all!!!

[moonslav59]

I don’t care who’s on the mound. I don’t care who gets the winning hit.. I don’t care if it takes an error or three errors in a row from the opposition. Just win baby! That’s all!!!

 

Exactly.

 

One game.

 

One win!

[YastrzemskI]

Well here we go! We took control of the WC, won it, and we’re rewarded with a big game at Fenway Park. Can’t wait to see Eovaldi & Plawecki play catch.

[moonslav59]

BTW, we earned the home field advantage.

[YastrzemskI]

BTW, we earned the home field advantage.

 

I can’t say enough good things about Raffy. He pretty much put this team on his back and said we are NOT losing this game. Verdugo came thru with some big hits too.

 

Not sure if there is any word on Martinez’s status after spraining his ankle..

[moonslav59]

I can’t say enough good things about Raffy. He pretty much put this team on his back and said we are NOT losing this game. Verdugo came thru with some big hits too.

 

Not sure if there is any word on Martinez’s status after spraining his ankle..

 

I'm in the front seat of the Devers wagon.

 

We need to lock him up. This is not a kid we can lose.

[mvp 78]

I'm in the front seat of the Devers wagon.

 

We need to lock him up. This is not a kid we can lose.

 

As long as your wagon doesn't have a 1b mitt.

[Kimmi]

I was really hoping the Yankees would get beat out by the Jays.

 

As baseball fans, you have to love how tight the AL WC race was going into the last week of baseball.

 

Now we get a one game playoff series with the hated Yankees. It doesn't get much better than this.

 

I'm not sure my nerves can take it.

[moonslav59]

As long as your wagon doesn't have a 1b mitt.

 

I'm fine with keeping him at 3B, but I hope we push him real hard to work on his defense.

 

One thing that complicates that plan is that Devers has gone very long stretches of playing plus defense. The issue seems to be fielding slumps that apparently are caused by losing focus and concentration. I'm not sure working all winter long can help that. (It also will not help, if he's at 1B, either.)

 

Devers is such a great hitter and leader that he way overshadows his limitation on defense, but it would be nice to see him round into an all around great player.

 

I'd extend him, this winter.

 

[YastrzemskI]

I was really hoping the Yankees would get beat out by the Jays.

 

As baseball fans, you have to love how tight the AL WC race was going into the last week of baseball.

 

Now we get a one game playoff series with the hated Yankees. It doesn't get much better than this.

 

I'm not sure my nerves can take it.

 

I’m sure that I’m gunna be cursing, yelling, smiling, laughing throughout.. while wearing one of my Red Sox hats of course.

Currently trying to determine which one will bring us luck. Leaning towards the alt two socks hat. It’s going to be fun and hopefully we send the Yankees packing. Aaron Boone made me sick in 2003. Not going to feel sorry for him. Not even a little bit. That 2003 Red Sox team should have won that series.

[moonslav59]

I’m sure that I’m gunna be cursing, yelling, smiling, laughing throughout.. while wearing one of my Red Sox hats of course.

Currently trying to determine which one will bring us luck. Leaning towards the alt two socks hat. It’s going to be fun and hopefully we send the Yankees packing. Aaron Boone made me sick in 2003. Not going to feel sorry for him. Not even a little bit. That 2003 Red Sox team should have won that series.

 

I'm the least superstitious person in the world, but I wore the same Sox shirt for the last 3 wins, and I'm not washing it. I'll put it on tomorrow night and hope my wife won't notice the smell.

[YastrzemskI]

I'm the least superstitious person in the world, but I wore the same Sox shirt for the last 3 wins, and I'm not washing it. I'll put it on tomorrow night and hope my wife won't notice the smell.

 

It’s a must! Wear it proudly! Let’s call this WC the Fenway Park Redemption Game... let’s get some goddamn payback!!!

[notin]

I was really hoping the Yankees would get beat out by the Jays.

 

As baseball fans, you have to love how tight the AL WC race was going into the last week of baseball.

 

Now we get a one game playoff series with the hated Yankees. It doesn't get much better than this.

 

I'm not sure my nerves can take it.

 

I just wanted the Yankees to play a tiebreaker with the Jays….

[YastrzemskI]

I just wanted the Yankees to play a tiebreaker with the Jays….

 

The Blue Jays would have tested them for sure.

[notin]

The Blue Jays would have tested them for sure.

 

 

And, more important, the Jays would have faced Gerrit Cole…