Kimmi

As President of the Allen Craig Fan Club, I was really happy to see him hit that HR. I haven't given up on him yet.

I agree. I am really bummed about that loss, but as has been said before, sometimes a 3-2 loss is more important than a 10-9 victory. Masterson has pitched solidly in his last couple of outings. Hopefully, that bodes well for the remainder of the season.

Really Jacko? If you ever wonder why Yankees fans have the reputation for being the most obnoxious, this post is Exhibit A.

ARod hitting the game winning HR to tie Mays was probably the worst case scenario way for the Sox to lose that game. IMO, it was just sickening. That said, I can take some solace from the fact that Masterson pitched a solid game, especially considering it was against an all lefty line up.

Last night's game was a perfect example of how randomness or luck is a bigger factor in the outcome of one run games than talent is. Three bad breaks, Pedey being doubled off on Papi's hard hit liner, the fan interference, and Napoli's ground rule double like cost the Sox that game. These random instances are present throughout every game, though they are usually less obvious.

While batting order does not matter nearly as much as many people think it does, your best hitters should be batting in the #1, #4, and #2 spots. The number 3 hitter comes to bat so often with 2 outs and no runners on that it's kind of a waste to put your best or 2nd best hitter in that spot.

I'm not sure that's the real reason you watch the LPGA, but okay. LOL You know I had to get that jab in.

A discussion cannot end until I get my 2 cents in.

To add to that, the Sox are also paying for his youth, health, and prime years. The economics of contracts lately indicate a trend that says that Porcello's contract really isn't an overpay. Here is a pretty good article from Fangraphs: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/rick-porcellos-upcoming-enormous-payday/ Notice that this author projected Porcello to get a contract in the range of 6yrs/$108 mil if he had reach free agency.

I don't think anyone said that the FO is expecting Porcello to perform at what he has in the recent past. I think the FO is banking on Porcello's upside. What some of us have said is that IF Porcello just performed at the level of his recent past, he would be worth his contract.

I think you underestimate just how bad Detroit's infield defense has been. Over the past 2 seasons, the infield defense has cost the Tigers 52 runs. Spreading those runs out over the starting rotation, Porcello's Defense-Adjusted ERA over the past 2 seasons would be 3.92 in 2013 and 3.03 in 2014. In addition to better defenders, Porcello should also be helped out by the Red Sox' defensive shifting. Detroit is a team that has lagged behind in that regard. Better pitch framing should also help Porcello. Avila was not very good at framing. Hanigan will not be as good as Vazquez, but he is still very strong in that area. Each extra strike is worth approximately .14 runs. Playing at Fenway is not going to offset all that defensive advantage, especially since Porcello is a ground ball pitcher. He gives up more HRs to left handers, and will probably be helped out by playing in Fenway with its deep right field. Fenway has the 4th lowest HR index for left handed hitters, while Comerica is neutral. Porcello's high home run rate so far is more or less due to random variation, or flukiness. http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/three-things-the-red-sox-will-do-for-rick-porcello/

I will not draft any Sox players on my team for this very reason. OTOH, I load up with Yankees. LOL

I was thinking the same thing. Obviously, we all love what we've seen from him offensively so far, but just like we can't say this pitching staff is doomed in April, we can't say Hanley is the best signing of the offseason. That said, Hanley looks really good at the plate. While his HR rate will undoubtedly slow down, I think we will see some very good things from him if he stays healthy.

I don't like the Os or the Rays, but no one is as bad as the Yankees. No one. I always get nervous for series against the Yanks, no matter how well the Sox are playing or how crappy the Yankees are. I hope our boys can get it done this weekend.

I suppose I should have seen that one coming.

I'm not surprised that the standings are so close. I figure it will be a tight race all season long. I am surprised that the Yankees offense has been as good as it has been so far. That is ticking me off, and it must stop.

Just think, we might have swept if you'd only started the game thread last night......

Not counting tonight's game, the Sox have 5 outs on the basepaths (OOB). This stat does not include caught stealing. The league average is 7.

Kudos to Porcello. For one, he did not implode when he had bases loaded early. For two, he went deep into the game despite the early high pitch count. Nice pitching all around.

Nice inning Rick! That's what I'm talking about.

LOL Just a bit.

Shut down inning Porcello. Don't pull a Buchholz.

I have noticed that the posters here thoroughly enjoy that word.

Sox are first in this category, with 8.14 LOB per game.

Thank you Hanley! Too bad Pedey wasn't still on base.