10/8 ALDS Game 2 @ Rays

[Thunder]

LHP Chris Sale vs RHP Shane Baz

 

I'm older than Shane Baz. Yikes.

 

Look, we're still in this series. I liked the decision to start E-Rod last night because if we somehow managed to steal the game, we would have our two aces in the next two games. If we lost, we would still have the edge in the pitching matchup the next two games. I really think we can win these next two, but it starts tonight. All we need is more timely hitting, and an early lead. Kill their momentum by getting ahead early. I know how much we just love coming back, but that's a tough ask against a team like this in the postseason.

[iortiz]

Pivetta>ERod

[mvp 78]

It's Sale day. It's time to reclaim his title as staff ace.

 

Rays like to k. Sale likes to provide them. Win. Back to Boston tied 1-1 with chance to sweep at Fenway.

[Maxbialystock]

Last night's game thread was a horror show--except for Kimmi's plucky prediction the Sox would win the ALDS in 4 games.

 

The Rays overall are clearly much quicker on the basepaths and in the field. Arozarena's theft of home was merely the coda. I might add that it was the perfect setup: lefty pitcher, just off the IL, who couldn't see behind him, lefty batter who could see Arozarena and get out of his way, an obtuse catcher, and a daring and quick baserunner.

 

Sale tonight, a rest day, then Eovaldi on Sunday and I'm guessing Houck on Monday for game 4. Game 5 on Wednesday will probably be Sale again.

 

Tropicana Field is an abomination.

Edited October 8, 2021 by Maxbialystock

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Cora should be planning to use his current top four relievers tonight to tie this up: Braiser, Houck, Robles, Whitlock -- not necessarily in that order (had to include the same phrase I used when I called for these four before the WC card; not that I'm stupidstitious or anything).

 

If Sale and Co. can stop the Rays' rampaging rookies, and Nate can neutralize and nail down another Sunday, might AC start Houck in Game Four? I know that may be asking a lot from a rookie pitcher -- right, Kevin Cash?

[Maxbialystock]

Cora should be planning to use his current top four relievers tonight to tie this up: Braiser, Houck, Robles, Whitlock -- not necessarily in that order (had to include the same phrase I used when I called for these four before the WC card; not that I'm stupidstitious or anything).

 

If Sale and Co. can stop the Rays' rampaging rookies, and Nate can neutralize and nail down another Sunday, might AC start Houck in Game Four? I know that may be asking a lot from a rookie pitcher -- right, Kevin Cash?

 

Cora has 13 pitchers on the roster to 13 position players, so there can be no doubt he will relieve anyone on the mound at almost any moment. I too think Houck will start game 4 on Monday, but agree he could still be used tonight.

 

With 22 year old newby Baz starting and Cash also with 13 pitchers, there can't be much doubt Cash will also have no hesitation in going out to the mound.

 

The Sox need to--I'm searching for the right words here--score some freaking runs!!!!

 

It's pointless to discuss Sox pitching when the hitters are hamstrung by the Rays pitching and defense.

Edited October 8, 2021 by Maxbialystock

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Cora has 13 pitchers on the roster to 13 position players, so there can be no doubt he will relieve anyone on the mound at almost any moment. I too think Houck will start game 4 on Monday, but agree he could still be used tonight.

 

With 22 year old newby Baz starting and Cash also with 13 pitchers, there can't be much doubt Cash will also have no hesitation in going out to the mound.

 

But this time, if Houck has a perfect game through five innings in a postseason elimination game, I'd love to see Cora go out to the mound, then look over at Cash, then look up to where Bloom is sitting, and fist-pump the kid and go back and sit down in the dugout.

[mvp 78]

Tropicana Field is an abomination.

 

It's just the most depressing venue to watch a baseball game live or on tv. It has all the charm of the inside of a Sam's Club.

[mvp 78]

Baz hasn't given up more than 2 runs in a start since 5/28 when he was still in AA.

 

He's pretty good.

[mvp 78]

But this time, if Houck has a perfect game through five innings in a postseason elimination game, I'd love to see Cora go out to the mound, then look over at Cash, then look up to where Bloom is sitting, and fist-pump the kid and go back and sit down in the dugout.

 

The sick and twisted fantasies some of you people have...

[Thunder]

It's just the most depressing venue to watch a baseball game live or on tv. It has all the charm of the inside of a Sam's Club.

 

Upper deck was less than half full last night. Didn't surprise me at all

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Last night's game thread was a horror show--except for Kimmi's plucky prediction the Sox would win the ALDS in 4 games.

 

Yes, Pivetta was better than ERod--who choked when he walked the leadoff batters in the the 1st and 2d innings--last night, but ERod was still a good choice to start. This first game was a throwaway because the Rays started their ace and the Sox never scored a run. The Rays pitching and defense dominated the Sox hitters, the same guys who led MLB in doubles this year but ended up with 9 singles last night--and no free passes (Sox pitchers walked 4 Rays).

 

The Rays overall are clearly much quicker on the basepaths and in the field. Arozarena's theft of home was merely the coda. I might add that it was the perfect setup: lefty pitcher, just off the IL, who couldn't see behind him, lefty batter who could see Arozarena and get out of his way, an obtuse catcher, and a daring and quick baserunner.

 

Sale tonight, a rest day, then Eovaldi on Sunday and I'm guessing Houck on Monday for game 4. Game 5 on Wednesday will probably be Sale again.

 

Tropicana Field is an abomination.

 

Max, why didn't you blame Cora, who should have removed the shift with a fast runner on 3rd? It's alright to sometimes blame Cora. He's not god, oh wait, nevermind.

[mvp 78]

Max, why didn't you blame Cora, who should have removed the shift with a fast runner on 3rd? It's alright to sometimes blame Cora. He's not god, oh wait, nevermind.

 

If Jackie Robinson was on 3b with a shift, he'd still against a RHP.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Upper deck was less than half full last night. Didn't surprise me at all

 

Florida is about golf, Mickey Mouse Land, football, and dying. In fact, it's appropo that the Rays play their games in a mausoleum.

[TylerD]

Must win. Let’s hope for a strong start from Sale.

[YastrzemskI]

Must win. Let’s hope for a strong start from Sale.

 

Not officially a must win but unofficially.. it is.

GO SOX!

[YastrzemskI]

Sale can take command here. He can make a huge statement if he comes out and shuts down the Rays. RSN needs you Chris. DELIVER!

 

Let’s take game two by the throat and come back to Fenway with the series tied 1-1.

[Maxbialystock]

But this time, if Houck has a perfect game through five innings in a postseason elimination game, I'd love to see Cora go out to the mound, then look over at Cash, then look up to where Bloom is sitting, and fist-pump the kid and go back and sit down in the dugout.

 

Look, I wanted Houck to stay in that game too, but he was pitching on short rest. Plus in all his starts this season Houck has never lasted more than 5.1 innings.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Btw, tonight's game will again be televised on FS1 starting at 7:02 PM.

Sunday's game at Fenway will be televised on the MLB network starting at 4:07 PM.

[Maxbialystock]

Must win. Let’s hope for a strong start from Sale.

 

Wow. Just wow. You have joined the talksox legions who think Sox pitching is the only thing that counts in the ALDS.

 

While I will certainly agree ERod and Pivetta weren't so hot last night, to me the real lesson is that the Rays pitching and defense dominated the Sox. You can't win when you can't score.

 

I expect the same thing tonight until the Sox hitters prove otherwise.

 

Cora is carrying 13 pitchers in the ALDS because he fully expects to use his bullpen early and often. Bad as he was last night, ERod was only allowed to go 1.2 innings, so he only gave up 2 runs. Sale barely did better than that last Sunday vs. the Nats when he went 2.1 innings giving up 2 runs.

 

The good news is that one of Sale's best starts this season was Sep 1 at the Trop when he pitched 6 innings, giving up 2 runs in a game the Sox won, 3-2.

[Maxbialystock]

Btw, tonight's game will again be televised on FS1 starting at 7:02 PM.

Sunday's game at Fenway will be televised on the MLB network starting at 4:07 PM.

 

Thanks for the heads up.

[Maxbialystock]

Pivetta>ERod

 

Yes, Pivetta was better than ERod--who choked when he walked the leadoff batters in the the 1st and 2d innings--last night, but ERod was still a good choice to start. This first game was a throwaway because the Rays started their ace and the Sox never scored a run. The Rays pitching and defense dominated the Sox hitters, the same guys who led MLB in doubles this year but ended up with 9 singles last night--and no free passes (Sox pitchers walked 4 Rays). Based on last night's game, it's a very good bet that, had Pivetta started, he would have given up at least 3 runs, so the Sox still would have lost.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Thanks for the heads up.

 

You're welcome, MAX. 7 PM is much more sensible than 8 PM.

[mvp 78]

You're welcome, MAX. 7 PM is much more sensible than 8 PM.

 

Death to all 8pm games.

[YastrzemskI]

Death to all 8pm games.

 

I live on the west coast. A 7 pm start would work perfectly for me. Do you mind? hehe

Game starts at 4 pm local time.. you have to consider that.

[Thunder]

Florida is about golf, Mickey Mouse Land, football, and dying. In fact, it's appropo that the Rays play their games in a mausoleum.

 

One could say that it was nice to see some much needed social distancing taking place in Florida in that part of the ballpark last night

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I hope it's not too Goose Gossage to say I'm always suspicious of baseball crowds that feel compelled to wave colored hankies given to them by park employees or Tommy John surgeons.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Baz being a RH pitcher may have Cora putting Schwarber at lead-off tonight. If JD returns to the line-up, most likely Schwarber will play 1st base.

One note of concern for the SOX is that they've never faced Baz and usually that favors the pitcher. But 'usually' doesn't mean 'always' so who knows?

[Thunder]

Baz being a RH pitcher may have Cora putting Schwarber at lead-off tonight. If JD returns to the line-up, most likely Schwarber will play 1st base.

One note of concern for the SOX is that they've never faced Baz and usually that favors the pitcher. But 'usually' doesn't mean 'always' so who knows?

 

I wouldn't expect much the first time through the order, unless he leaves a pitch or two out over the plate. But, hopefully the second time through they can adjust and make Cash take him out a few batters early. Rather than taking him out after everybody bats twice, he'll take him out with the 7 hitter due up

[dgalehouse]

Cora has become a regular Captain Hook lately. Let's see if he gives Sale a little longer leash tonight.