10/7 ALDS Game 1 at Rays

[mvp 78]

Rays had more CS than the Sox had SB.

[Maxbialystock]

Am I alone in having no idea what to expect from ERod tonight? Eovaldi's effort in the WC game was inspiring and if ERod has a clunker tonight it could set the tone for the rest of the series.

 

I think ERod is a good choice. He's pitched 6 scoreless innings in October, and his September ERA was 3.96, which included a lousy start (3.2 innings, 6 ER's) at Fenway vs. the Rays on Sep 7, and solid start at the Trop (6 innings, 0 runs) on Sep 2.

 

Cora has 13 pitchers, including 9 relievers, at his disposal, so I don't think ERod will be allowed to throw a clunker. Indeed, think of the recent Rays propensity to start a reliever, then think of ERod as going out there to induce the Rays to put a bunch of righty bats in the lineup so that Houck and company can come in and mow them down.

[mvp 78]

Hernández CF,

Schwarber DH,

Bogaerts SS,

Devers 3B,

Renfroe RF,

Verdugo LF,

Dalbec 1B,

Vázquez C,

Arroyo 2B

[iortiz]

First he was extended and now he is subtracted. That has to be painful.

 

If he is not injured, that extension is not looking good.

 

My guess? Cora and Bloom see better pieces available than Barnes right now, which I agree.

[oldtimer]

I think ERod is a good choice. He's pitched 6 scoreless innings in October, and his September ERA was 3.96, which included a lousy start (3.2 innings, 6 ER's) at Fenway vs. the Rays on Sep 7, and solid start at the Trop (6 innings, 0 runs) on Sep 2.

 

Cora has 13 pitchers, including 9 relievers, at his disposal, so I don't think ERod will be allowed to throw a clunker. Indeed, think of the recent Rays propensity to start a reliever, then think of ERod as going out there to induce the Rays to put a bunch of righty bats in the lineup so that Houck and company can come in and mow them down.

 

The Rays won't chase, so E-Rod needs to have command and continue the strategy of walking no one.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Rays were last in GIDP. Time for some regression!

 

They strike out the most, so make less contact... which is probably a good thing against the Sox F-fense.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Watched the Cards/Dodgers game last night. As good as the Dodgers' starters are, their BP may be even better.

[YastrzemskI]

Watched the Cards/Dodgers game last night. As good as the Dodgers' starters are, their BP may be even better.

 

Dodgers look good RIGHT NOW. Dodgers vS Giants will be fun. 2nd best rivalry in baseball.

[YastrzemskI]

Looks like H-Town is taking care of the White Sox in game one.

[moonslav59]

The team went 19-12 in ERod's starts, this year, despite a 1-5 May.

 

He has a 2.11 ERA over his last 5 games and a .638 OPS Against over that time.

 

I wouldn't say I have complete confidence he well pitch well, tonight, but the guy is a veteran and a winner.

 

In his past 11 starts, he's had 9 good and 2 bad outings. Two of his good ones were vs the Rays and one of the bad ones was, too.

 

Have faith. He a good pitcher.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Alright -- my final prediction -- even if the Rays continue to come through again and again at the plate like only their below-average hitters who lead the AL in Ks can do: at least ONE of the TWO games in FLA will be winnable for the visitors... because at least ONE of the TWO rookie starters for Tampa just won't be on, be it nerves, overthrowing or overRedBulling. Boston's veteran batters with rings will hit and score... and then it will come down to the bullpens.

 

If the Sox can grab one of these dome games, they'll feel pretty good going back up to Fenway with their ace on Sunday.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Here's a stat that should blow your mind. Joey Gallo of the Yankems has 2 sacrifice flies in his whole career. Maybe the main reason Nevins sent Judge on Stanton's double.

[moonslav59]

Alright -- my final prediction -- even if the Rays continue to come through again and again at the plate like only their below-average hitters who lead the AL in Ks can do: at least ONE of the TWO games in FLA will be winnable for the visitors... because at least ONE of the TWO rookie starters for Tampa just won't be on, be it nerves, overthrowing or overRedBulling. Boston's veteran batters with rings will hit and score... and then it will come down to the bullpens.

 

If the Sox can grab one of these dome games, they'll feel pretty good going back up to Fenway with their ace on Sunday.

 

Sox sweep in TB.

[d-money]

Well i hope we show up more than the white sox did against the astros today. White sox look pathetic.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Sox sweep in TB.

 

I certainly hope they do, but even that wouldn't be as shocking as Joey Gallo having only 2 sacrifice flies in his career.

Edited October 7, 2021 by SPLENDIDSPLINTER

[YastrzemskI]

If the Sox sweep the Rays in Tampa….

Wishful thinking. Then again.. Cora has the boys focused. Let’s see.

[vegasbob]

Rays had more CS than the Sox had SB.

 

Vazquez didn't run often enough... or maybe his OBP was not strong enough to be on base so he could steal

Edited October 7, 2021 by vegasbob

[vegasbob]

You cannot overestimate the value of the visiting team winning the opening game in a best of 5. Totally turns the balance around and opens the chance of a sweep. Losing #1 puts big pressure on winning the second and if no luck there, your team can be swept.

 

Win the first one , and then crush them like the little leaguers they are.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Vazquez didn't run often enough... or maybe his OBP was not strong enough to be on base so he could steal

 

Well, the SOX did lead the AL in 3-run homers, which implies that base stealing was not a priority. I was shocked the 1st time I heard that the SOX led in 3-run homers. I would not have been shocked at all if I'd heard that the SOX led the league in solo homers.

[TylerD]

Let’s get a w boys!!

[d-money]

Have to find a way and hit their pitching. Go sawx!!!!!!

[d-money]

If the Sox sweep the Rays in Tampa….

Wishful thinking. Then again.. Cora has the boys focused. Let’s see.

 

I feel like this team can surprise a lot of people. We shall see.

[YastrzemskI]

And so begins the ALDS! GAME ON!

[YastrzemskI]

Have to find a way and hit their pitching. Go sawx!!!!!!

 

They don’t have a choice. Stay patient and don’t chase. It can be done.

[Tedballgame]

Schwarber continues hot post season hitting.

[moonslav59]

Make every hit count!

[YastrzemskI]

This is truly a pathetic turnout. The Rays are one heck of a baseball team and there are empty stands. Sad. They deserve better.

[Tedballgame]

This is truly a pathetic turnout. The Rays are one heck of a baseball team and there are empty stands. Sad. They deserve better.

 

They don't deserve a major league team.

[YastrzemskI]

Goddamn nasty slider.

[Tedballgame]

I didn't realize this guy throws that hard. 100 mph.