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Maxbialystock

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Everything posted by Maxbialystock

  1. Maxbialystock
    Agree.
  2. Maxbialystock
    What reputation are you referring to? In the John Henry era, now in its 3d decade, the Sox have not had that reputation even though they definitely fell apart in 2011, which cost Francona his job. Four WS wins (and no losses) in the JH era is one more than any other team and three more than the Yankees. Just two years ago a throw-together Sox team won 92 games, beat the Yankees in the wild card, the 100 win Rays in the ALDS, and finally lost, 4 games to 2, to the Astros in the ALCS. Last year's Sox did not fall apart. They struggled from the outset. All that said, I don't disagree that getting a wild card this year is far from a certainty. The Sox are playing great right now, but are about to play (Aug 4-Sep 20) 48 games with just two days off, and their rotation is 3 + Pivetta. I have my doubts about Kluber, Houck, and Whitlock, but think "good" Sale would make a real difference. So Bloom getting another reliable starter is almost essential. The problem is those guys can be pricey in prospects.
  3. Maxbialystock
    Excellent point. I also think Wong is smart, which translates to being a good learner.
  4. Maxbialystock
    As I said elsewhere, starting August 4 (next week) the Sox play 48 games during which they get just 2 days off. They badly need a 5th starter (assuming Pivetta qualifies as the 4th starter when he comes in from the bullpen in the 2d or 3d inning). So I am chagrinned at the cost (in prospects) of getting what amounts to a loaner, that is, a pitcher who becomes a free agent after this season. At the same time, it's hard not to be enthusiastic about the Sox right now: 14-5 in July despite a decimated rotation and basically one catcher (a small exaggeration).
  5. Maxbialystock
    Actually, I think the best infield lineup--when Story returns, which should be soon--is Devers 3B, Story SS, Turner 2B, and Casas 1B. That is far from ideal defensively, but absolutely the best hitting infield for the Sox and it doesn't require any trades or new faces. However, Turner is 37 and probably shouldn't play 2B every day.
  6. Maxbialystock
    You're right. CERA numbers are real and specific. They are a given pitcher's ERA with a given catcher behind the plate.
  7. Maxbialystock
    I've said that pitchers can have their ups and downs regardless of the catcher. So, for example, small samples of CERA can be misleading. But moonslav has done a lot of research and provided some compelling data on CERA's even though he too agrees pitchers have ups and downs regardless of the catcher. I might add, however, that a good catcher can mitigate a bad game a pitcher is having. What I have yet to see by anyone on the other other side of the argument--including you--is any data whatsoever on the unreliability of CERA. So, if you don't mind, could you provide some data that show catchers have very little real effect on how well a pitcher does and especially on his ERA.
  8. Maxbialystock
    You're right. Guilty as charged. I think CERA or something like it is real, but also agree pitchers can have ups and downs regardless of who is catching. But, as written, you can't quite follow my argument. That's why I added the ESPN comment that so far the Sox have the best record in MLB in July--14-5. That should never have been possible because throughout those 19 games Cora had (and still has) just 3 starters + Pivetta coming in from the bullpen. However, it helped that McGuire was also out, so Cora was able to use Wong in 15 of those 19 games in which opposing teams scored a total of 76 runs (some of which were unearned) or 4 runs per game. To me it's impossible not to credit Wong for improved pitching--as well as winning 14 of 19 games--when the rotation was in a shambles. The only thing "wrong" with those 19 games is they're a small sample. Nevertheless, I find them persuasive. More Wong means better pitching (fewer runs by opposing teams) and more wins.
  9. Maxbialystock
    If we agree Wong is significantly better, at some point we have to consider that his effectiveness results in better pitching and better defense which must inevitably lead to fewer runs scored and something related to CERA. The problem with CERA is trying to define/measure it. On ESPN last night they said the Sox have the best record in MLB in July, 14-5. July is also the month when Cora has done everything possible to play Wong without wearing him out. It’s also the month of the 3 man rotation plus Pivetta. And, thankfully, lots of days off.
  10. Maxbialystock
    Right now I think our six most useful and productive position players--in no particular order--are Devers, Yoshida, Turner, Duran, Casas, and Wong. Dugo still has the highest WAR, 2.7, which suggests I'm an idiot, and I definitely like his defense. But his hitting right now is worrisome.
  11. Maxbialystock
    A little off topic from the above but highly relevant to this season. Starting August 4, the Sox will play a game every day from August 4 through Sep 20 with exactly 2 days off, Aug 14 and Sep 7. That's 48 games in a row with 2 days off. I think all those games argue strongly for beefing up the pitching, especially the rotation.
  12. Maxbialystock
    He had that one very good bullpen session, 30 pitches, about 2 weeks ago. But today just reconfirmed he should not start again for the Sox. And maybe, as you suggest, not pitch again for the Sox. He certainly has not been missed.
  13. Maxbialystock
    Absolutely.
  14. Maxbialystock
    Sox win 2 vs the Braves after coming from behind, 0-3!!!!!! A lot of heroes tonight, including Bello, the bullpen, Duvall, Casas, Devers, Turner, Dugo, and probably others.
  15. Maxbialystock
    Did I say Duvall is over the hill, untradeable, etc, etc? Yes, I did. Boy am I smart. Great dinger, Duvall!!!!!
  16. Maxbialystock
    Duran, Yoshida--yes, Yoshida--Duvall, and Dugo are all hitless tonight. Turner has two lovely rbi's from that double, and Devers and Casas have solo dingers. What an amazing game this is, and I'm getting to watch it even though normally, as it was last night, it would be blacked out.
  17. Maxbialystock
    I would pooh-pooh that, but not when he is playing such excellent defense. So, yes, he'll come around. Vegasbob is right about Dugo's body language at the plate.
  18. Maxbialystock
    Dugo ain't pretty out there in RF, but he is earning his pay tonight with his glove. Two excellent grabs--difference-makers.
  19. Maxbialystock
    I cannot tell you how impressed I am with Casas getting that dinger off a first pitch.
  20. Maxbialystock
    Indeed. Dugo, on the other hand, is still in zombie land, and so is Duvall. But not Casas!!!!
  21. Maxbialystock
    That's a walk, an HBP, a double off a fastball near the middle, and a dinger off a fastball placed in the exact center of the strike zone. No question Bello lost his command and/or focus in the 6th.
  22. Maxbialystock
    3-1 count, so Bello throws a fastball right down the middle and Albies nails it for a 3 run dinger--and very possibly the ball game.
  23. Maxbialystock
    It's just two pitches, fastball and slider, but he is dominant against a pretty good Sox lineup (signified by Turner play 2b so Casas can play 1B and Yoshida can DH.
  24. Maxbialystock
    Time for Duran to show he can hit good pitching. Not this time, his 3d AB vs. Strider. Lazy fly to CF.
  25. Maxbialystock
    Take note: Duvall with his 2 K's now has company--Chang.
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