I was wrong. The error cost 2 runs. If the Sox lose by 2, it's on Hamilton. Too bad you don't acknowledge any of the good plays he's made.
By the way, which Sox player had 2 hits and a 2 run dinger last night? And didn't the Sox win by 2?
Agree Campbell is better, and I'm not touting Hamilton as another Pedroia. I'm saying 2b is a weak spot in the lineup and that Hamilton right now is the best choice.
Horrible call in favor of the Giants pitcher. The ump is getting us both ways. I'm not saying the Giants pitcher hasn't made some good pitches because he has. He has been excellent at getting the Sox to swing at pitches outside the zone.
Ah, yes. That terrific grab on the the screamer/grounder in the first inning doesn't matter. Campbell is in Worcester because Hamilton is better at 2b.
Sure errors count. This time it was an unearned run, in part made possible by an ump who ain't giving Bello any corners.
In the first inning, it was the ump doing the nibbling, calling 2 strikes balls. Message to Bello was: throw where he can hit it hard if you want a strike. Thus the dinger.
I don't care about 5 tools because hitting is by far the most important skill, and I think Anthony has it.
Ted Williams had just 2 of the 5: he hit for average and for power and was the greatest Red Sox player ever.
Anthony hasn't proven anything yet. His OPS stinks. But he has had two key hits, each of which drove in 1 or 2 runs and contributed to Sox wins in close games.
Hard not to like Mayer too. I sure looks as though he can field, throw, hit, and hit for power.
I looked at his game log. It's 5 walks, which led to 7 runs. Another time, he had 5 walks and gave up 0 runs in 4.2 IP. Most of the time, he needs too many pitches, but he's really only had that one terrible game. In no other game has he given up more that 3 ER. He has pitched the 2d most innings on the team. He has the 2d best ERA among starters.
He is in fact our 2d best starter.
With Devers gone, he is 4th in total bases, 3d in dingers, tied with Duran for most rbi's, 2d in games played, and plays a solid SS. When Bregman returns, he will be a solid second baseman with Mayer at SS. He ain't worth $22M/year, but he is contributing.
Agree Breslow has made a lot of good moves. I frankly don't care about 1b.
The biggest issue is whether the pitching can hold up--despite the recent run of great starts. Dobbins stunk last night. Bello is up and down, but is also our 2d best starter after Crochet. Giolito with 2 straight excellent starts, is also up and down. Buehler stinks. If one or two good pitchers, especially starters, become available, they should be the first priority
Last night notwithstanding, the Sox hitting has been sporadic without Bregman (and even with Devers). However, I'm fine with the lineup we have and am sure it will improve when Bregman returns. Also, Yoshida/Ref at DH would be a decent combo.
Agree Breslow is the man. Agree Devers had to go. Don't forget Yoshida's being paid $18.6M and the only position he can play is DH, so it was really $48.6 M for a DH. Breslow has made some mistakes, but who doesn't? Overall, as you say, the team is going in the right direction despite the absence of Bregman since May 23.