Nick

Houck, Whitlock and Schreiber, then pray for rain or complete game.

My response was to the original poster name calling Houck. I bet Houck would beat the crap out of that poster even without having the 'jab'.

Maybe we could have swept had Whitlock and Eovaldi been available last night. We also have future Hall of Fame coach. I believe he missed 6 games due to Covid protocols. I rather have dinner with Sale, Houck and Duran than one of those guys missing games due to positive tests.

I wish they would 'test out' Frank German. What's the downside? He comes in and blows a 5-4 lead in the ninth?

Nice pop up.....2 more RBI's

Batting 6th in Red Sox offense can mislead RBI production.

I bet Trevor pops up.

We have some speed guys then there's JD.

I'm all about player controlled years.....you can't project talent, not all will remain a Red Sox but at least you know who maybe available. I'm counting 'team' option years here. Controlled through 2028 (six more years after 2022 season) Trevor Story (he's a terrific fielder and I can see him moved to outfield IF that's what the Sox needs to accommodate someone like Nick Yorke, unless of course he become our next shortstop) Garret Whitlock Jarren Duran Josh Winckowski (looks like a major league pitcher) Controlled through 2027 Tanner Houck Controlled through 2026 Bobby Dalbec John Schreiber (relievers are unpredictable but he sure looks he belongs this year) Controlled through 2025 Chris Sale Josh Taylor Controlled through 2024 Nick Pivetta (Let's wait until season is over but should explore extension if healthy) James Paxton (has club options for 2023-24) I'm missing some, like Darwinzon Hernandez (who may never come back) or players I don't consider worthy. This also shows Bloom has financial flexibility going forward. Very few long term deals on the books. I only see Story, Whitlock and Sale in that category. And Whitlock comes cheap. I anxiously wait someone like Bello joining this group. Will Xander join the group? Devers better join this group.

Arroyo has earned another 0-10 outing.

How many vaccinated Red Sox players had to miss games this year due to Covid protocol? What's the freakin' difference? Is Houck sick? I'm a Sox fan. No fan of your politics.

Give me a freakin' break. You probably thought New England would be under water by 2020. It works both ways buddy. I'll put up my science against yours any day.

Eduardo Rodriguez, former Boston Red Sox starter, leaves Tigers for ‘personal reasons;’ future status now in question I'm glad we didn't sign him. BUT I HOPE HE'S OKAY. HE WAS THE ONLY THING THAT MADE ME WATCH THE SOX AFTER HE CAME OVER FROM THE ORIOLES. That year was brutal.

All good stuff Moon. Robles has been responsible for at least two losses that came last at bat, two out situations. He had two strikes on the guy and he bloops a single. But then, he did not shut it down. That's on HIM. He seems hittable now. Same with Brasier. I have no use for Sawamura and Barnes. Can't we just cut them so I don't have to look at them? Dieckman can't freaking throw strikes. He loves the 3-2 pitch count. He's walked almost a batter per inning. God I wished he didn't have a two year deal. Go ahead and trot out some of minor league arms. The thing with bullpen is knowing sooner rather than later who is struggling.

In old days starters went 7, 8, 9 innings. I'm not trying to argue with you. I'm wondering from a knowledgeable source what exactly does a starter do between starts? Apparently no one here knows anything about pitching. It's amazing how many high school pitchers are more active than these pros....

Kutter held Seattle to one hit despite walking 4 batters. I think he has good stuff. I do enjoy watching some of the minor league pitchers get an opportunity to start for the Sox. Especially when the team is winning with them. Kutter, Winckowski, Seabold, Bello and Matta awaits.

I'm searching for an answer to "how taxing is it for a starter to pitch one inning between starts?"

Verdugo has not 'stepped up' to another level as some of us hoped for......he's a good trade candidate. Recycling him with Duran gets my vote. I love seeing Duran's speed on the field. He just needs to make contact and stay away from fly balls.

Couple of thoughts... It's disturbing that Cora and the staff decided Houck can't go back to back games? He has to build up to it? How in the hell do you build up to it? Why didn't they ask Houck? He's not a pussy like others. During the telecast, while talking about scheduled off days for starting positional players, announcers mentioned AC coaches regular season differently than the playoffs. It was one of qualities that made AC a great coach. Question for knowledgeable pitching fans here. How much does it hurt for someone like Pivetta to come out and get the last out or pitch the ninth inning? I wouldn't think he'd miss his 'turn' entirely. Would pushing back his start by a day restore his arm? .. I'm serious about this. Don't the starters pitch between starts? How many pitches would they normally throw? How many days of actual throwing between starts? I just don't understand why a starter can't come in and pitch one inning two or three days before his next start.

Pivoting a bit. If Xander extension doesn't work out, how about going for Cubs' Contreras during off season? Is he too good of offensive catcher to pass on? Here's our chance to grab one. We need several of our young guns to latch onto starting rotation so that we can spend money elsewhere. Budget, budget, budget..... I'm dreaming....... JD resigns for $18M, saving $4M that will be used to pay Whitlock's new contract. Xander signs for $200M/6 years, average annual pay of $33.333M (should make him happy). His increase is covered by Wacha/Hill contracts. (2 starters need to be replaced) Sign Contreras for $20M, $9M coming from our current catchers and other $11M from expiration of Price's $16M dead contract. ($5M left over). Dever's year three arbitration raise, I'm guess $12M raise to be covered by Eovaldi's $17M. ($5M left over). Use $10M left over to cover other arbitration raises. Position Players C. Contreras 1B Dalbec 2B Story 3B Devers SS Xander LF Verdugo CF Kike/Duran RF JBJ/Cordero DH JD Starting Pitching 1 Eovaldi 2 Pivetta 3 Whitlock 4 Paxton 5. Winckowski/Seabold/Matta/Bello/ We just need additional $10M-$12M to sign Devers to a long term deal to take effect for 2024 season. I'm dreaming.......

Houck has changed complexion of Boston 'pen Good read, in part After tinkering with Tanner Houck's role multiple times (starter, piggyback reliever) this season, manager Alex Cora has come to the following conclusion: Houck will pitch in the late innings when the game is hanging in the balance. I think many people on this board asked for the move......

Rob Refsnyder to join Boston Red Sox; outfielder is on his way to Anaheim, per sources I love this type of move.....let's see what these guys got. Always looking for diamond in the rough. Duran is not getting the call up because Sox will be facing 3 lefty starters in next 4 games. Cora is always thinking.

Rob Refsnyder to join Boston Red Sox; outfielder is on his way to Anaheim, per sources I love this type of move.....let's see what these guys got. Always looking for diamond in the rough. Duran is not coming because Sox will be facing 3 lefty starters in next 4 games. Cora is always thinking.

Moon, any thoughts on Whitlock moving back to the pen when Sale returns or do you think Hill will be the first candidate to move out of rotation?

I'd consider getting healthy Sale back as a major pickup. Who knows, Paxton and Taylor also. Pitching wins in big games.