Maxbialystock

I forgot that. He did indeed.

He had 6 pitches and only one was in the strike zone. Terrible at bat by Yoshida. Also a bad throw by Anthony on what should have been an easy double play. Followed by 2 walks by Buehler and a 3d out on a nice play by Story. But the worst was Yoshida's at bat.

Three days ago we had 4 outfielders. Now we have 2.

Rafaela out and Yoshida in LF? My question is not about Cora's decision but about Rafaela being out.

Great find!

Right now the monkey is very much on the bullpen's back. They've blown 2 of the last 3 games and tried to blow the third. Right now in late and close games the Sox have one reliever, Chapman. That's an insane overstatement, but it's how I feel.

But you're right.

Strangely enough, I agree with bringing in hopefully better bats because there are no good relievers to be had in August.

The Orioles were favorites last night because of their starter Rogers, who typically gave up 1 run in 7 IP. May, meanwhile, went 6 IP giving up 2 runs. So, after 6 the Sox were down 2-1 with a decent shot at winning. But then came the deluge when the Sox bullpen gave up 4 runs in 3 innings. So the good news is the Sox had a shot at beating an ace with half of Crochet's ERA. And the bad news is that the bullpen--and not the lineup and not the rotation--threatens to destroy this season. Last night was their third straight terrible performance. Sunday Whitlock and Weissert with 33 holds and 4 saves between them, gave up 3 runs in 1.1 IP to destroy a brilliant start by Crochet. Saturday the Sox went into the 9th with a 7-2 lead which was cut to 7-5 by I. Campbell. Chapman had to get the final out with a man on 1b.

I honestly disagree. Like you, I've made a big deal out of this injury and previous ones in the minors, but now I'm not so sure. This injury is a repeat of one he didn't get fixed before. Now it will be fixed. So I'm of the opinion he will be fine next year. As for his hitting, he's only played in 44 freaking games. Campbell played in 66 games and was a terrible infielder. Cora handed Mayer 2d base the day Bregman returned and would have had no hesitation in his playing 3b when Bregman needed a day off or SS when Story needed one. If Mayer's wrist had been fixed by surgery when he was in the minors, he'd be invaluable right now, I completely agree Mayer stunk against lefty pitching, but he's had just 26 at bats against them. We love Duran and he hits .587 against lefties in 164 at bats this season. Here's what SoxProspects says about Mayer: "Potential of above average regular. Ceiling of a regular all-star. Has all the tools you look for in a future everyday shortstop and the offensive upside to hit at the top of a contending team's lineup. . . . long term injuries in each of the last 3 seasons raise questions of whether he can stay healthy for an entire season." So, yes, there are injury concerns, but the kid has potential the Sox will not turn their backs on.

Nicely put.

Indeed. You were wise to avoid in-game comments.

Exactly.

😄😄

Glad to read about the competition and agree with both your other points.

I must say he was magnificent, first standing at the plate and then running from 1b to home on a 2 out longish double by Duran. I'm completely envious of your foresight. You sure can call them.

Double for Duran, who has all 3 Sox rbi's in this game. The bullpen is now fully responsible for this loss.

7 years ago Cora gave every player a number of days off--and the uproar on talksox was deafening. Our best hitter and player Bregman just swung at an awful first pitch, a mile outside the strike zone, and popped up for the first out.

A good night to hit poorly. No matter how well May pitched, the Sox bullpen was the Orioles guarantee this game would be unwinnable. If the Sox score a 2d run, this loss is entirely on the bullpen, which stinks.

The bullpen stinks right now. Hicks adds 2 more.

Moran throws an awful lot of changeups--over half his pitches. That one, right after the fastball, got the K.

I know I'm totally surprised by his last 2 games, but I agree with you.

Wrong again!!!! I would have preferred a single, but love the sac fly. Nothing wrong with swinging at those 3 pitches, but Rafaela K'd anyway.

No way they bring in a reliever with Duran at bat. Rogers owns him.

So you think Crochet's 13-5 record is undeserved ?