I think most MLB organizations believe that resting players is beneficial in the long run. I suppose they have some data that supports that. Apparently, the Braves think differently. But if the team is good enough and deep enough , you can win either way.
Kennedy summed it up when he said " ultimately, results always matter. " That is what some of us have been saying all along. In business, results are very important. And the results have not been good.
Last winter, Bloom signed Kike Hernandez to a 10 million dollar contract and promised him that this season would be much better. Turns out he was right. Kike is now on the first place Dodgers and things are indeed better for him. On the other hand ..............
No telling what is going to happen with Sox management. Your guess is as good as mine. John Henry seems to be more reclusive than ever. We will find out soon enough.
Bloom has already lasted longer than Dombrowski , which is kind of astonishing considering the team's performance under each of them. If Theo wants the job , I would make the change right now. Otherwise, give Bloom another year to try and get better results. There are quite a few young , talented players in the system. I don't think they should make a change just for the sake of change or to appease the disgruntled fans.
As a (very) long time Sox fan, I am thoroughly disgusted to be 18 games out of first at this point. But at the same time, I do not understand how so many fans have completely given up on the season. Six games out of a wild card with nineteen to play is not a hopeless situation by any means. Especially when the teams you have to catch are really not very good. Thanks to MLBs liberal playoff format, there is still a chance. Why not hold off on the fantasy trades and acquisitions for next year until they are actually eliminated ?
In hindsight, Jansen probably should not have pitched on Sunday. At this point in his career, he probably needs the rest more than he needs the work. But I really can't blame Cora. He can't predict the future and the team is at the point where they need to lock down every win they can.
Television gives you a different perspective of the game. When you are at the ballpark you get a better feel for the game. The difficulty of fielding a hard-hit ground ball in the hole and throwing to first to beat the runner. That is just one example. There are many. It is hard to really appreciate the game if you just watch on TV and never get to the ballpark. But with so many fans, that is very often the case today.
Dombrowski left a legacy of three straight division titles and one championship , featuring one of the best teams in MLB history. Also a not so decimated farm with prospects like Bello, Casas, Duran, Crawford, Houck and Rafaela.
As the star of the game, Casas was interviewed by NESN's Jahmai Webster post-game. He gave one of the most thoughtful, intelligent interviews you will ever see from a ballplayer. Very impressive. Great future.
The Rays are still playing well, but they do seem vulnerable with Franco gone and several key pitchers on the I.L. Now is the best time to be facing them. Cautiously optimistic.