Red Sox (Criswell) vs Astros (Verlander): 8/21/24, 2:10pm

[mvp 78]

Well, we're definitely through the looking glass with Criswell.

[vegasbob]

Devers not looking himself in the box lately….

 

Raffy seems to go through these type periods 2-3 times a year where he cannot catch up to FB's. I'm sure his shoulder(s) is a factor and playing virtually every day , given his size could be a weardown factor.

[Oscars]

In the last 7 games, Dever’s has struck out in 10 of his 27 ABs

[mvp 78]

In the last 7 games, Dever’s has struck out in 10 of his 27 ABs

 

He shouldn't have swung at the last pitch. If he hits it, it goes nowhere. Better chance it's called a ball. Really awful looking swing.

[mvp 78]

Nice to see Wong throw a runner out BTW. He had a great arm last year, but it's fallen back this year due to an offseason injury.

[mvp 78]

Wong: 557 OPS since Aug 3rd

 

The dog days are getting to him.

[moonslav59]

Man, that rafaela kid is CLUTCH!

 

(LOL)

[mvp 78]

Man, that rafaela kid is CLUTCH!

 

(LOL)

 

854 OPS in Late&Close

 

OPS is 70+ higher with runners on/RISP than bases empty

[mvp 78]

@itsbrianbarrett

Raffy

 

Career v. Astros

 

Prior to today

 

32-146 (.219) - 2nd worst against AL teams

 

.260 OBP - worst against AL teams

 

.377 SLG - worst against AL teams

 

.636 OPS - worst against AL teams

[vegasbob]

854 OPS in Late&Close

 

OPS is 70+ higher with runners on/RISP than bases empty

 

Definitely why Cedanne was ahead of Raffy and all other Sox for RBI's early, as Devers started slowly.

[mvp 78]

After getting his first k of the game, Criswell falls apart.

[mvp 78]

@alexspeier

With Kenley Jansen down today after back-to-back appearances on Monday and Tuesday, Cora said he was hoping for at least 5 innings from Criswell, with Josh Winckowski available for multiple innings behind him. Criswell is at 71 pitches through 4 innings of one-run ball.

 

Somehow, we might get there.

[moonslav59]

ERA as SP

1.96 Whitlock (4GS18.1 IP) .616 OPS Against

2.42 Winckowski (6/22) .721 OPSA

3.01 Houck (25/152.2) .616 OPSA

3.91 Criswell (14 /66.2 after 4 IP, today)

4.09 Paxton (3/11) .741 OPSA

4.25 Crawford (25/142) .704 OPSA

4.70 Pivetta (20/105.1) .750 OPA

4.80 Bello (23/123.2) .771 OPSA

 

Team Record in Starts

16-7 Bello

9-4 Criswell

11-9 Pivetta

13-12 Houck

9-16 Crawford

 

I Hope this quiets the all about wins crowd.

Edited August 21, 2024 by moonslav59

[mvp 78]

80 pitches, Criswell taken out at 4.2.

[mvp 78]

ERA as SP

1.96 Whitlock (4GS18.1 IP) .616 OPS Against

2.42 Winckowski (6/22) .721 OPSA

3.01 Houck (25/152.2) .616 OPSA

3.91 Criswell (14 /66.2 after 4 IP, today)

4.09 Paxton (3/11) .741 OPSA

4.25 Crawford (25/142) .704 OPSA

4.70 Pivetta (20/105.1) .750 OPA

4.80 Bello (23/123.2) .771 OPSA

 

Team Record in Starts

16-7 Bello

9-4 Criswell

11-9 Pivetta

13-12 Houck

9-16 Crawford

 

I Hope this quiets the all about wins crowd.

 

Criswell was good early on, but he has not pitched well lately. It looked like it would be rough early on today.

[moonslav59]

Criswell was good early on, but he has not pitched well lately. It looked like it would be rough early on today.

 

He had one really bad start his first game back from the IL on July 12th, then went 7 IP w 0ERs allowed at COL, before going to the pen for 10 IP and 9 ERS. (8 of those ERs were in his last 2 games: 4 IP 8 ER)

 

Maybe, they should have kept him starting.

[moonslav59]

Yup, forget all I said about there being no "clutch skillset." Rafaela has proved me wrong.

[Maxbialystock]

Yup, forget all I said about there being no "clutch skillset." Rafaela has proved me wrong.

 

I wouldn't label Rafaela "clutch," but am fine with "good and should get better." That play he made deep in the hole was fantastic. I would keep him at SS the rest of the season and Hamilton at 2b.

 

If Story returns, I'd definitely play Story at 2b or SS, whatever Cora decides. Casas has surprised the heck out of me with his hitting and fielding. I regret calling him out for missing that popup near the stands.

 

I say again for the umpteenth time, it's the no-names on this team who are making a difference. I get to call Duran "no-name" because that's what he was when the season started. So are Wong, Abreu, Rafaela, Hamilton O'Neill, Ref, Yoshida, Gonzalez, Jansen (catcher). Also Smith, whom you praised. Even McGuire, who was devastated when he was DFA'd.

 

I cannot remember a Sox team or season with so many "no-names" contributing so much. Houck, Crawford, Pivetta, Bello, and Criswell are also well within the "no-names" circle.

[moonslav59]

DHam DA MAN!

[Maxbialystock]

Devers OPS was .919 in May, 1.015 in June, 1.132 in July, and so far .808 in August.

 

So whoever said maybe the shoulder is having an effect on him could be right. And of course I was wrong.

Edited August 21, 2024 by Maxbialystock

[Maxbialystock]

One heckuva win!!! Plus the series. Plus beating Verlander. Plus an outstanding pitching job by Criswell and the bullpen--supported by excellent Sox defense.

 

Now back to the Fens and a day of rest.

[moonslav59]

Huge win, if we are to have any chance.

 

BAL lost. CLE plays NYY.

MIN is at SDP.

KCR hosts LAA before their tough stretch.

[Bellhorn04]

If Bailey straightened Garcia out, Andrew should be back in everyone's good graces.

[vegasbob]

Impressive game by the Road Warriors , including a bullpen contribution against some good hitters . The good news for DHam is he can hit with authority and fielding is a trainable skill.

 

Setting up for the D'backs who are a semi-hot team. Friday night at Fenway-- what could go wrong ? Look at the season record.

 

But I will get to see the Sox live for the first time in a couple years. maybe bring some Thunderluck !

[vegasbob]

If Bailey straightened Garcia out, Andrew should be back in everyone's good graces.

 

We probably underrate the mental effect of a coast to coast trade situation on a player. Coming out of a losing team at LAA with no pressure to do well and straight into a crowd of Fenway fanatics might tighten anyone's shorts.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Missed most of game. Looks like a very good SOX pitched game by all involved. 2nd night in a row of a good job by the BP.

A very nice 4-3 record against two very good teams.

[Bellhorn04]

We probably underrate the mental effect of a coast to coast trade situation on a player. Coming out of a losing team at LAA with no pressure to do well and straight into a crowd of Fenway fanatics might tighten anyone's shorts.

 

Yep. And when you get off to a rough start the shorts get even tighter.

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Impressive game by the Road Warriors , including a bullpen contribution against some good hitters . The good news for DHam is he can hit with authority and fielding is a trainable skill.

 

Setting up for the D'backs who are a semi-hot team. Friday night at Fenway-- what could go wrong ? Look at the season record.

 

But I will get to see the Sox live for the first time in a couple years. maybe bring some Thunderluck !

 

Vegas, here's what you should do. Drive to Thunder's house on Friday, then drive him to Fenway. Give him your ticket and wait for him after the SOX win, then just drive him home.

It's the least you could do as a SOX fan.

 

I was going to post that you could wait for Thunder at one of the near by taverns, but I don't want you getting a DUI.

Edited August 21, 2024 by SPLENDIDSPLINTER

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Bernardino whiffing Alvarez on three pitches with the bases drunk almost made me!

 

I was so excited I wanted to immediately post a Pedroia chant, but out of respect for the new cleaner board, I'll just use the MLB mandate invented to replace Pedroia's favorite concussing: "LET'S GOOOO!!!!"

[SPLENDIDSPLINTER]

Btw, Martin has 39 K's and only 2 walks so far this season. He's a pitcher.