vegasbob

Taking a look at some SSS stats , if .700 OPS is a floor for a productive hitter, then we have 4 guys at that level or higher led by O'Neill at 1.145 ( Duvall April 2023 memories anyone ?), and Devers/Story at the bottom of the 4 with .707/.706 respectively. The other guy-- Reese Mcguire at .962 through 12 AB's. Guys with difficulty so far, Casa and Valdez at .535-.500. The dog without a bone is Not Ready For Prime Time, Wilyer Abreu (.350 OPS) who does need work at WooSox in multiple areas.- So why is Abreu in RF and O'Neill sitting today. Scheduled day off or minor soreness?

I think AC managed his resources very well last night, got players in the righty positions to win a game. This guy may have a future in managing baseball teams. Note the few errors this year so far, and as Moon says, look at the plays MADE that never sho up in box scores.

Note the time guys, it's noon:37 for me. Nick Pivetta going for win #1 and a clean sweep in Oakland . A key game that would insure a minimum .500 West Coast road trip opening the 2024 season. Nick can do this thing. A's will be offering Ross Stripling, whose nickname is Chicken Strips , which rhymes with Chicken S...., not going there Ross out of respect for any MLB'er. Time to bust out some runs on Ross, whose ERA is over 7. and has a 1.80 WHIP Sox hitting over these 6 games is inconsistent . Looking for a "professional " assessment of the hitting SSS to date by our more analytic posters. We do have a positive run differential of +14, but if you take out the 9-0 blowout vs the A's it is only 5 runs surplus and 4 of those were needed to get the other 3 victories so far. . The only losses so far were by a -2 so the Sox have a +3 in any event. The point is no one is really crushing the ball early this year. Duran can run but Rafaella can catch and truly saved win #4 in the 11th. Enjoying the 3 game win streak and looking forward to the sweep and games in Anaheim where I will be seeing these dudes in person Saturday night. Sleep Well, East Coasters.

Wink wins it with a nice strong K.. Sox roll despite little offense and Bello's mediocre start. Dammit, have to do another Game Thread. Feel like I'm talking to myself

Rafaela's big time running catch at the Cf wall saves Wink's shot at still winning this. One out to go.

At least O'Neill DP'ed the ghost runner home from 3rd, after McGuire's single moved Abreu up one sack. Must have a shutout inning now to win Winckowski still has the ball in hand

Nice workaround in the 10th to hold A's with no score. Sox bats are just not on track. Need 2 runs in 11th to get this one.

I'll just put it up here that Jansen on my scorecard has a T after his name not P. He has devolved into a Thrower, not a pitcher . Used 26 pitches to hold the 9th vs the A's. Probably needs a couple days rest now. If the Sox expected to be truly competitive, Kenley is not your closer.

Story's double not cashed in. Valdez got more off his bat than O'Neill or Devers.. Bottom 9 looking for Xtra's.

Looks like we have some hitters, not named Devers, who have trouble with the fastball. This would not be a game to lose.

Bello doesn't know he needs to be throwing shutouts if he is to be the Ace of this staff. Looks like he is toying with the A's hitters

Bobby D has not progressed in much of any way over the past 24 months. He takes legit strikes, then either chases or swing and miss.

Bello vs Alex Wood , he of an over 16. ERA after 1 start. Bello did much better first time out. How long can this streak of excellent starting pitching go on ? At least 5 more games would be nice, completing a successful road trip out west, if that is to be. The hitters have not yet really come alive. The 9 runs vs the A's came on 9 hits PLUS 5 Oakland errors. Sub .500 OPS's belong to Casas and Story, and part -timer Abreu. Keep the streak alive of Vegas Bob starting game threads

This series should by all rights be a sweep by Boston, but let's get tomorrow's win done before thinking about that eventuality. The starting rotation has been superb and clearly validates JH's theory that the cheap kids can pitch as well as the high price throwers As I said earlier, check it out after the Orioles series.

Call for Mr. Wong ! Mr. Wong report immediately to HP.

I think last year he was streaky that way with many games pulling off weakly, and then on occasion ripping the line drive, and even losing some up in the RF seats. Just not consistent in a positive way.

Houck has a 3 hit shutout with only 83 pitches through 6. Is he back out for the 7th . I would let him at least start the inning and see where he is at 90 pitches

Yoshida was supposedly using ST to work on that slashing ( Ichiro like) swing and using opposite field hitting. Oakland-Alameda is not Fenway with the Wall, but I don't see that swing or effect in his current approach.

Again bases loaded 1 out, and score only one on a botched DP grounder by Yoshi. To me, it is hard to get excited by Yoshi as a key hitter (DH) in this lineup. No excitementy when he gets up. I think he is capable of more than he is showing but still little enthusiasm for him.

Houck may not get to the third time through the order tonight. AC probably wants to get Joely a little work in.

39 pitches through 3 innings ? Houck is following his pitching mates very well. This is the A's but a win is a win in the standings. Things may look a little different next week in Boston vs. the O's

Story officially makes it a laugher. Duran with 3 hits and 3 SB's shows what he can do for this team out of the leadoff slot .

Anyone who may wonder why Dever's shoulder is sore just needs to watch a few of his swings. I understand that is how he gets exit velocity when he does connect but he will wreck himself . Lucky the ump didn't cheat him with K on the last 2 pitches.

MLB Managers should get a tape of this game to show their guys the type of defense that will get you a permanent seat in the minor leagues

When a team gets aa chance to blow out a lesser opponent, go ahead and do so. Bases loaded one out and don't score . Boyle will have a huge pitch count for 3 after this upcoming AB by the Grays