SPLENDIDSPLINTER

Well said. A major factor in the SOX success so far this season is the defensive prowess of their OF. With JBJ, Betts, and Beni, I wouldn't hesitate to state that it's the best defensive OF in baseball. That being said about the importance of defense, the SOX have played most, almost all, this season w/o the best defensive 2nd baseman in baseball. As fabulous as the SOX won/lost record is, how many more wins would the SOX have had if they had had Pedey's glove and bat in the line-up most of the season? Oh, well, I guess will never know.

Beni has the closest to a perfect swing as anyone in baseball. I wouldn't be surprised if he's had that swing since little league.

Do you ever get bored being perfect?

I agree. Devers has been striking out a lot and he doesn't come close to the defense JBJ provides. If one has to be concerned, be concerned about Devers.

POM couldn't have hand-chosen a better club to re-start his season. It's quite possible POM faced tougher line-ups in Triple-A. Anyway, let's all hope for the best and if things don't start well for POM, then maybe the rain will bail the SOX out.

I don't know. I've read somewhere that POM pitches some of his best games during flood warnings..

Imho, the 4 positions the SOX are the weakest are 2nd base, 3rd base, a fifth starter, and a 7th or 8th inning reliever. I think that 2nd base can be improved by using Lin and Holt. I believe 3rd base can be improved by platooning Devers and Nunez. So, the 2 things that may not be improved in house are the reliever and a 5th starter. Wright appears to be a long way from returning and POM, enough said. I'm hoping DD has the resources to obtain both. If he can only trade for one, he'll probably go after a 5th starter. Ive heard Frier of the Tigers is on DD's radar. It's possible Brasier and/or Thornburg may provide that bridge reliever. I just don't trust Kelly as part of the bridge to Kimbrel. I'm hoping that Johnson can hold down E-rod's spot until he returns. If DD can't accomplish any of the above, the SOX will still beat the bad teams. However, there's still a lot of games against good teams left to play. And that's before the SOX even get to the playoffs. As has been posted many times, finishing 1st in the division is crucial.

The Yankems are 10-10 against the O'S and the Rays. The SOX are 19-5. The Yankems are 5-4 against the SOX. There's the 6 game lead the SOX enjoy.

I just saw that lack of hustle by Sanchez. Because in today's game there appears to be no punishment for that behavior, it will continue. I only wish Sanchez had done that when Billy Martin was the manager. Martin would have been all over him like a fly on s***. And guaranteed he wouldn't be playing in the next few games. Boone: "Please don't do that again." Sanchez (thru an interpreter): "Get out of my face."

As a SOX fan I'm definitely glad that we play the O's 18 times. I only wish the SOX could play the White Sox and the Royals 18 times.

So because of Devers, the SOX are deprived a run, Betts loses an RBI, and the SOX lose an at bat by Beni. But other than that, no big deal. Thank goodness he can hit and field. Er, what's that? Nevermind.

It's almost like Devers wants to go to Pawtucket.

The bottom of the order has been really patient tonight.

The Yankems have the best record against teams playing over .500. Fortunately, there aren't that many.

Let's hope it's one of many down the line.

Yankems lose to a team playing over .500 ball.

Another shout out that the SOX need a good reliever.

Hey, we share the game thread; it doesn't mean we have to like each other.

Do you know how to read sarcasm? And why would you even post something that meaningless?

Actually, the main difference between Kimbrel and Brasier is the sample size.

OK, let's trade Kimbrel for Dozier and have Brasier or Poyner close.

Pitchers are definitely going to agree with you. What Jackie does in CF can not be taught.

Most of the season the Rays' #5 starter has been the BP. Hopefully not, but there's a chance the SOX might be in a similar situation.

Slasher, you gave the O's 4A's. You're being extremely kind.

JBJ is an artist in CF. No other CF comes close defensively.