Maxbialystock

Agree the errors were bad--and cost unearned runs--and seemed a throwback to earlier this season when they were a big problem. But I can't agree with the disinterested part. Instead, I see a team that was going great guns before the ASG and since then is 2-7 with the primary problem being pitching. Opposing teams scored 75 runs in those 9 games or 8.3 runs per game. And the biggest problem seems to have been with the bullpen. The lineup, on the other hand, scored 53 runs or 6 runs per game, which is actually pretty good. They also committed errors, but I don't think those had any effect on the three extra inning games, which were all losses and all the result of Sox pitching. No how, no way do I think any Sox pitcher was "disinterested" in any of the 9 games. The very nature of their job makes that unlikely on any team. I think it's possible that one or more lineup players may have been less attentive on one or more defensive plays. On the other hand, we also saw Abreu go into the right field stands, make the catch, and lose the ball because of his crash landing in the seats.

Now that's a reliever. Men on 1st and 3d and 1 out, and he gets 2 K's--both against lefty bats.

Houck gave the Sox a chance, but the lineup couldn't hit Rodon, O'Neill decided to go casual on the single to right, and Booser was worthless.

They have hit lefties, including Blach for 6 runs 5 days ago.

And no one is more aware of that than O'Neill, who clearly wants to leave Boston. The signs are, if anything, too obvious.

Rodon has pitched well. Good mix of pitches and pretty good command.

Agree completely. And guess what, sports fans? Houck has just pitched a quality start: 6 IP, 3 ER's.

I know. Shame on me when the Sox are desperate for good righty bats, which O'Neill in fact has. But that play on that double down the line sticks in my craw. He also quit completely on that shot off the green monster. And tonight he was pretty casual about that single to right field, which led to an unearned run. I just think there's a pattern--one that is unlike just about every other lineup player on the team.

I've always believed you are the most insightful poster on talksox, as well as one of the most loyal Sox fans.

The more I see of O'Neill lately, the more I think he's ready to move on. His misplays seem to me to be semi-intentional because above all he wants to avoid getting injured and will take extra precautions to do so. His 21 dingers and .919 OPS and age 29 say he is a hot prospect almost anyone would want. All he has to do is stay healthy and get 1-2 dingers per week.

I'm not sure what you mean by "faith in Grissom" because I see no way he can do as much for the Sox as Sale has already done for the Braves. So far Sale has 19 starts, 11 quality starts, 117 IP, an ERA of 2.68, and 13 wins. And, speaking of faith, it sure looks to me as though the Braves had far more faith in Sale than the Sox. And what does that tell us about the Sox ability to evaluate their own players?

I checked. You're right. Disappointing. The five best with RISP are Abreu, .328, Duran, .326, Yoshida, .314, Wong, .309, and Ref, .308. Then comes Rafaela, .267, and finally Devers, .238. Interestingly, O'Neill hits .224 with RISP.

It's in the rule book: a runner on 1b must score on any and all doubles off any and all walls. P. 572, para 123(f).

I'm not sure which is worse, Judge looking at 3 called strikes or Devers swinging at 3 straight changeups outside the strike zone.

I'm watching Sunday night Olympics on TNT, and they are showing team handball, which is as boring as it gets. The fly Abreu almost caught, on the other hand, was incredible. I can't remember the last time a Sox rightfielder went into the stands where Abreu did. O'Neill, on the other hand, is what I would call a fastidious outfielder. No crashing into 3d base/left field lines for him, nosiree.

Rafaela's was worse. The Sox made two good throws to get that runner out--granted, by a mile, but still.

He has definitely hit a rough patch, but I defend him because he had such a great first half of the season. Houck is struggling too--after an excellent first half. Also Pivetta, up and down before and after the ASG. .

Historically, Sox hitting has led the way in their best seasons. As moonslav keeps reminding us, the lineup is filling up with hitters from Lake Woebegone--they are all above average.

Indeed not.

Bernardino has stunk recently, but tonight 1.1 IP and 0 runs and the bullpen 1 run in 2.1 IP. Crawford continues to struggle.

I finally understand you. You believe these 2024 Sox are just another AAAA team, unworthy of your support.

And that's why the Sox are losing 6-0--because they didn't score any runs. Oh . . . wait.

Interesting. I've read the Sox have a pitch simulator that allows Sox hitters to practice against specific types of pitchers. But your point is valid. When Abreu goes against lefties, he looks lost in Yonkers.

You have no peer in bombarding us with good stats to make a point. I notice that Casas appears to be on the mend and is swinging at real pitches--and could return next month. I'm the one who kept saying he might not return this season because his injury is so unusual and because it happened while simply swinging the bat. Anyway, your stats on pitching, hitting and W-L records are enlightening.

Of course.