Maxbialystock

Meh. It was very much a once in a lifetime thrill because these days defense by pitchers is underemphasized. I can remember regular occasions when ERod was late covering first base on grounders to the right side. What I loved about Whitlock last night was that he cared enough to give that one play his very best effort. In fact, the first thing he did was point to where the ball was because Wong was mistakenly heading for the infield, away from where the ball was going. Then, when Whitlock realized he had the best chance to get the ball, he sprinted and finally dove to catch it. He really wanted that out in what was a very tight game. I think Casas tends to be casual about fielding grounders, but on this play he ran quite a distance to maybe catch it, but slowed down when he saw Whitlock was closer.

He's got imperfections but is very much worth defending--as you and dipre have done so ably.

I don't get you guys. When I was a kid I was absolutely thrilled to play just one short season of Babe Ruth baseball with real coaches, uniforms, a ballpark, etc. That was almost 70 years ago and I still have strong and good memories of that experience. Later our sons played little league and then high school ball, and 3 of our 4 daughters played softball and all enjoyed it--organized, with coaches, ball field, etc. There is absolutely nothing wrong with organized baseball/softball for kids--except when the competitive side of it can get a little out of whack, sometimes because of the parents and sometimes because of the coaches. I also love that our kids have all kinds of choices about sports they play in the various seasons.

Ahem. Devers took over the 3d base slot in 2018 even though he was 21 years old, his DWAR was -0.9, his OPS was just .731, and the 2018 Sox were in fact the best Sox team in their 123 years of existence. He's been the Sox third baseman ever since, and last year they gave him a $300M+ contract. Oh, and his DWAR this season is -0.3, which means that he costs the Red Sox 1/3 of one loss more than the average MLB thirdbaseman.

Meh. He's played in 13 games to Chang's 39 games but has a higher WAR, +0.3 to +0.1. I'm not saying he's earned his pay because he definitely has not. But I'm glad to have him back and don't miss Chang at all.

Reportedly, he is struggling with all the games and travel and different time zones--very different from Japanese baseball. His monthly OPS's: April .819; May .962; June .742; July .844; August .596. He is 3d on the team in total bases (199), 1st in fewest K's per at bats, tied for 4th in games played, 3d in rbi's, 5th in dingers, 3d in batting average, etc.

Sale didn't have his good stuff, which was evident from the outset. He tried to get by on 2 pitches, slider and 4 seamer. The changeup wasn't working and I guess neither was the cut fastball. It's cavalry. Calvary is in the Holy Land. Whitlock did his job last night, plus he made a spectacular catch which few of our defenders could have made. Very gutsy outing by Whitlock. Martin didn't have it, but luckily got through the inning unscathed. Same for Winckowski, who never should have been on the mound because Pivetta looked great in the 9th inning coming in for Jansen. Duvall had the giant hit in the 10th, but Story also had 2 hits, so right now the Sox just might have 3 pretty good righty bats in Turner, Duvall, and Story--and maybe even Reyes. However, the lefty bats right now are a tad suspect. Duran's out, but he was already in a slump. Casas is slipping back a little. Dugo stunk in July (OPS .478), but might be coming back. That said, his current OPS is .771, exactly the same as his lifetime .771. Earlier this season I claimed he was an OK replacement for Mookie, and could not have been more wrong. Wright is not the hitter others said he would be--but he's still an OK backup for Wong at catcher. Devers leads the Sox in OPS, total bases, rbi's, and dingers, but last night he didn't do squat, plus he has a lot of errors, so I guess he's still the worst thirdbaseman in Sox history. If it weren't for Devers errors and having bad nights at the plate (like last night), the Sox would be leading the AL East by 10 games.

I prefer the word hope (as dim as it is). Another word I like is grit, and I saw some tonight on defense, on the mound, and in the batter's box. Huge dinger by Duvall, of course. Given the circumstances of this game, close to the biggest hit of the season (but only if the Sox really are contenders in September). But grit really applies to Whitlock's catch, which is extraordinary for a Sox pitcher (or any pitcher, really). It was the exact opposite of the stupid play Duran made to injure himself. That dinger was unplayable.

They are replaying the grab by Whitlock, which I now believe could be the defensive play of the season, given the circumstances--must win over the Astros, a game the Sox finally won, and an absolutely fantastic effort by Whitlock.

If Story and Duvall are both hitting--and right now that's pretty sure for Duvall--it can really help the Sox.

I don't see how tease is possible given the current odds against the Sox getting to the postseason. Aren't they like 10 to 1 against? Postgame guys are saying Jansen could be out for awhile.

I would love to disagree, but I can't. Of course, I did watch him tonight. How could I not?

A Few Good Men.

Yes, but it cost him, the Sox, and us nothing. In fact, I'm pretty sure the Sox have an end of inning routine in which the guy holding the ball for the last out quickly throws it to someone else and not into the stands or onto the mound or whatever.

Looks like April Duvall might be back.

I swear Casas looked like he did not know that was the 3d out. Of course, I can certainly think of far worse mistakes. Great finish by the Sox and sort of by Winck!!!!!!

Tying run on 2b and winning run on 1b. If Winck blows this, I will blame Cora because we saw what he saw, that Pivetta was pitching well to get those 2 outs in the 9th.

OK, great K!! Prove me wrong, Winck!

I woulda left Pivetta in. In fact, I was sure Cora would because his curve ball was breaking bad. Winck, not so much.

Then my attack stands because in no way, shape, or form can you claim that the Sox defense LIKES to keep pitchers on the mound as long as possible. In fact, they hate it because they know they screwed up. Of course, right now the Sox offense is keeping Graveman on the mound (or under it). I hope you agree that's a good thing. Also this about the defense. I get mad at them too. But the simple fact is that for decades the Sox have recruited bats far, far more than they have gloves. In fact, I'll just bet you're a Casas fan and his DWAR stinks (-1.0). But he sure can hit, and that's really all we care about. Same goes for Duran, whose DWAR is -0.4. But who cares as long as his OPS is over .800 and he can run like the dickens when he's on base? However, he also overran a pop fly to left field by about 5 yards earlier this season.

You do come up with some dandies. I sure hope that's from Independence Day.

The old fakeroo by Duvall, like he needed a foot amputation. Then pow!!!!!

Not the same at all. I like SPLENDIDSPLINTER and have said so numerous times. Plus he is our best game thread starter this season. I just couldn't let him get away with blaming Reyes and the defense.

Pivetta is pumped and should be. The curve is tough tonight. Plus he'll almost certainly pitch the 10th.

Here's what you wrote and I reacted to: "Martin should already be in the dugout enjoying a beer, but the SOX defense likes to keep their pitchers on the mound as long as possible." What you wrote strongly implies Martin was great tonight and the defense--which has been terrific, by the freaking way--just stunk things up. That said, the best defensive play tonight by either team was by Whitlock.