Maxbialystock

Agree. Cora held nothing back in game two, but the normally reliable Walden gave up 2 while getting just 1 out in the 8th, which required the use of Barnes to get out of the top of the 8th with a 1 run lead intact. When the Sox scored 2 more in the bottom of the 8th, giving them a 3 run lead, Brasier was an obvious choice, but couldn't even get 1 out while giving up 3 runs.

Really? Here's why I disagree-- 1. Cora had to start Weber, who was fine his last start, but gave up 7 in 4 this time. He didn't have great command this time. 2. Weber had to go 4 innings because this was the 13th straight game with no break and included one 2 out start by Price and one 13 inning game. So the bullpen has been taxed. 3. Thus the bullpen gave up another 7 runs in the final 5 innings after giving up 7 in 3 innings the night before. 4. Cora did not, to the best of my knowledge, throw a single pitch last night\ or the night before. \ 5. It is possible that either game, last night or Tuesday night, would have had a better outcome with Leon behind the plate. However, Tuesday night Price did splendidly with Vazquez catching. Ultimately, of course, the manager is responsible for all wins and losses in the context of what could reasonably be expected. This year, beyond question, the Sox, who returned the lion's share of last year's 108 wins team, have underperformed. And by now it should be clear to one and all it's primarily the pitching. The hitting is not far behind last year's MLB-leading (runs scored, team OPS) offense. The only real missing link is Kimbrel, and I agree with DD--and all other MLB general managers who haven't picked Kimbrel up--that his price was/is too high.

I think Kimbrel would love that arrangement, especially because he would charge $500K per save because he has to make up for all the money he hasn't been paid this year. Plus of course no windows, no 8th innings, nobody on base when he goes in, no tie games, etc.

Next time have the good sense not to usurp someone else’s right to start the game thread. You are bad news.

What impressed me about Brock Holt yesterday is that he was demonstrably ready to play after a long layoff. Clean single to left and great grab and throw on in grounder up the middle. Like Pedey in his heyday.

Maybe it is time to move Devers up, but saying WTF CORA is a monumentally cheap shot.

You bet. Moonslav batted .333–not too shabby.

Most people agree with Ted Williams that the most difficult skill in all sports is hitting a round ball with a round bat squarely. I happen to think a pitcher has to be able to throw hard, throw accurately--way more accurately than any knife thrower ever because none of them threw from 66 feet--and do both with a variety of spins. That's my explanation for the rise and fall of pitchers, except for those few who are born with great control. It's also why starters, who throw 100 pitches per game--get the big bucks when they show some consistency.

You're darn right, and I think it's a good thing. Better that than a ho hum, "nothing counts until September" attitude.

The rumor of the Sox demise just might be just that--a rumor. I certainly have griped with the best of them. But the Sox took 1 of 3 in Houston and actually outscored the Astros, 10 to 9, for the series. Still a whole lot of work to do, and goodness knows the Yankees are hot. But the Sox look anything but dead to me.

Big win. Plus in retrospect all 3 games were close.

Just a horrible, horrible at bat by Chavis. You'd think he was a rookie.

You bet. Who was the jerk who said all this team is trying to do is find new ways to lose? Oh, wait . . .

I'm sure you're right. I was just enjoying being a smart ass--about the other team for a change.

Thank goodness--DD finally went out and got a real third baseman! But whatever happened to old Devers? I mean, the guy was likable and sometimes could hit.

Great rbi by Benintendi, but I'll never understand why Verlander stopped throwing him fastballs. Not so great AB by Mookie.

That is one weak-armed centerfielder. He's lucky they cut it off because I'm not sure it was going to make it home on the ground.

So which is worse? Seeing Beni take a fastball right down the middle or seeing him swing at one and miss it completely? Miraculously Verlander is going to the curve in the dirt.

JBJ move the runner to 3d. Nice.

Nice play by Pearce. Not everyone would have run on that WP.

Peace. I feel right now like i'm in the movie Network and mad as heck and don't care who knows it. This team this year so far seems at their best trying to find new ways to lose games.

Credit to ERod. In the 2d he is really hitting his spots, and that ain't easy, especially for him.

Heels leading GT after 6, 6-1.

Who gives a hoot in whatever whether Betts bats 1st or 2d? Seriously. As for those three rotten players at the bottom of the order, that's who Cora has. And have you forgotten the incessant drumbeat on last year's game threads saying exactly the same thing about a lineup that won 108 games?

Stunningly stupid at bat by Chavis. He let 2 strikes go and swung once at a ball out of the zone.