5/07 SOX @ Braves 7:20PM ET

[Bellhorn04]

Kutter Crawford vs. Reynaldo Lopez

 

Lopez started his career as a starter, was converted to a reliever, and now has been converted back to a starter by the Braves, with impressive results so far. 5 starts, 30 innings, 5 ER.

 

I'm not gonna use that word that Bloom used last year, but let's just say we're not favored in this one.

 

Go Sox!

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Devers has had good success against Lopez. 11AB's with 1HR, 4RBI, and a .455BA.

[Maxbialystock]

Blackout restriction here in North Carolina, but I will track the game via gameday on mlb.com.

 

While I agree the Braves should have the pitching edge tonight, if only because their hitting is better, I must point out that they have lost 6 of their last 8 games to Cleveland, Seattle, and LA. Both teams had last night off, but the Braves are returning from the west coast.

 

Last time out Lopez went just 5 innings in Seattle and gave up 3 runs. Last time out Crawford went 7 innings vs San Francisco and gave up 2 runs.

 

The Sox are 12-7 on the road and the Braves are 11-4 at home.

 

Lopez is a righty. Here are the OPS's of the Sox best available (not on the IL) hitters vs righties so far this season: Refsnyder 1.224; Wong 1.005; O'Neill .949; Devers .947; Abreu .900; Duran .723; McGuire .700; Hamilton .668; Rafaela .590; Smith .429. Plus Grissom is 1/9 with that big double Sunday @ Minnesota.

 

I think Refsnyder, Wong, O'Neill, Devers, Abreu, Duran, Rafaela, and Smith will all start tonight and the one question is whether Hamilton or Grissom will start at 2b.

Edited May 7, 2024 by Maxbialystock

[mvp 78]

Refsnyder probably won't start tonight since he was pulled from Sunday's game with a hamstring issue. They really want him for tomorrow's start against Sale. I would be shocked if Grissom doesn't start both games.

[Bellhorn04]

Speaking of Devers, he's been swinging it well since returning. Now please stay healthy.

[moonslav59]

Speaking of Devers, he's been swinging it well since returning. Now please stay healthy.

 

Where are the posters poo-pooing Devers, earlier?

[Maxbialystock]

Refsnyder probably won't start tonight since he was pulled from Sunday's game with a hamstring issue. They really want him for tomorrow's start against Sale. I would be shocked if Grissom doesn't start both games.

 

Good point. Smith will DH tonight and Cooper play 1b. As you say, Grissom at 2b. The three decent outfielders--O'Neill, Duran, and Abreu--are in LF, CF, and RF. Devers at 3b, Rafaela at SS, and, by golly, McGuire catching. 5 lefty bats and 4 righty.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Where are the posters poo-pooing Devers, earlier?

 

Here I am. I want Devers to make me eat crow this season. I won't mind because crow probably tastes like chicken.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Good point. Smith will DH tonight and Cooper play 1b. As you say, Grissom at 2b. The three decent outfielders--O'Neill, Duran, and Abreu--are in LF, CF, and RF. Devers at 3b, Rafaela at SS, and, by golly, McGuire catching. 5 lefty bats and 4 righty.

 

I believe those 3 defensively are way above decent.

[vegasbob]

Where are the posters poo-pooing Devers, earlier?

 

Right here, Moon. Never really liked him , felt he was basically a lazy player of better talent than what he puts out. I think his 10 year deal will grow exceedingly old as he ages into 30's as his shoulder and knee become chronic. . He is not the best player on this team , and you will love this one, He is not a clutch hitter.

 

At 27 he will continue for a few years to be the 3Bman and upper 3rd of lineup hitter, but that does not make him great or a good example/leader of the Rafaela's/Abreu's, etc.

[wyo-sox]

Been a few games since I dropped in.... let's see how the game and thread go tonight.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

I wonder what we'll see first? The end of the world or Duran not hustling?

[wyo-sox]

I wonder what we'll see first? The end of the world or Duran not hustling?

 

end of the world.. 100%

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Just heard this jaw-dropping info from the Atlanta feed. The SOX are #1 in MLB with runners in scoring position.

[d-money]

A good test for this team but that means most likely look bad.

[d-money]

Crawford has to be on point.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Thanks, Acuna. All help will be appreciated.

[jad]

I wonder what we'll see first? The end of the world or Duran not hustling?

 

What about the famous fly that he misjudged, gave up on and let Verdugo run down? (Let's hope those days are gone.)

[jad]

Thanks, Acuna. All help will be appreciated.

 

Why did he give himself up? I thought in a run-down, you ALWAYS make them throw one more time.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

What about the famous fly that he misjudged, gave up on and let Verdugo run down? (Let's hope those days are gone.)

 

That will probably be remembered for as long as McGuire jacking off in his car.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Why did he give himself up? I thought in a run-down, you ALWAYS make them throw one more time.

 

He didn't want to be arrested for resisting.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Braves' announcer says that Rafaela reminds him of Betts physically.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Braves' announcer says that Rafaela reminds him of Betts physically.

 

Does that mean that Rafaela will be traded to the Dodgers eventually?

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

There's an interesting video on Youtube relating to the ineptness of MLB chUMPS. One of the more surprising facts that came up was that so far this season there's 10 chUMPS who have a lower rating than Angel Hernandez.

[d-money]

Made a mistake. Can’t do that against this team.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

I seriously doubt any RF is playing better defense than Abreu. Who saw that coming?

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

I seriously doubt any RF is playing better defense than Abreu. Who saw that coming?

 

I'll go a step further and say, imho, this may be be the best defensive OF in the AL.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

SOX need a couple of solo HR's.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Will be recording tomorrow night's game because I'll be watching the BRUINS, hopefully, taking a 2-0 lead against the state I love to hate.

[vegasbob]

Duran may be the best baserunner I have seen in a long time. Nevers will never drive him in though, I truly dislike the guy . His HR Sunday was just a stat padder in a game virtually won.