Speaking of recurring Red sox targets what do you guys think about possibly targeting Wade Miley of the Brewers? The Crew have some gaping holes in their lineup and are one of the few teams with something of a glut of decent pitching. this seems to me like a rare situation where a couple contenders can get something done that makes sense for both of them. Miley seems to be getting it done, he's pitched here before, and his contract isn't a bankbuster.
We are definitely playoff contenders. I look at Houston and Toronto and see teams we can definitely compete with, especially as some of our young dynamos start maturing. I still wouldn't go crazy buying talent, but if a good deal is out there, I'd be happy to see Bloom pull the trigger.
I think you kinda have to let Kutter pitch his way out of the rotation. Good problem to have. Especially if we don't have to lean on Pivetta to be a stealth starter and can hold him in reserve if a starter has a rough outing.
Ironically, Blackburn has actually grown on me. Kotsay left him in too long. If Blackburn had left the game at the end of the 5th it would have been a respectable performacne for a bottom of the rotation guy -- 5 IP, 2 ER, 2BB, 3K. Against a lineup that powerful, you take that from a 4-5 starter.
Breaking a long standing record is worth breaking out into a thread for its own recognition. He just out the entire bullpen on his back and made a bullpen game into a nonproblem.
Legit think it takes some pressure off him. Red Sox get some runs early and Pivetta comes in playing with house money. Way less stressful. Maybe it's what he needs.
You know if Pivetta is going to do this, go ahead and have a courtesy "starter" and just let him go hogwild. If he's more comfortable pitching 4-5 innings of relief, and you can get this Nick Pivetta out of him? Then go for it.