vegasbob

Duvall K'ing on a low away pitch that was never, ever even close to the strike zone. He and Story should be forced to watch their AB's over and over until they get as tired of it as some fans.

Houck works his way out of first with 2 on, but at this pace, he is another 5 inning max pitcher.

Which Sox team shows up today, the hitters, Tanner, defense and/or the BP? Need 3 of the 4 to win

Forget Mondesi ever existed. He cost the Sox $3.045M for -0- performance . Not his personal fault that his knee never seemed to heal well enough to play. Maybe offer him a non-roster ST invite . As Moon notes, we didn't pay Taylor. It's another curious signing by Bloom's team. A player with a known injury to fill a true position of need ( 2023 SS, 1st half). Kluber did not have an obvious injury but clearly was worn out .

If Dalbec does not get moved this off season, as part of a trade package, then he should get DFA'ed by late ST and clear the roster spot . He is simply overage/underachieving at the MLB level. There have been many like that .

There would be no point in "dumping" Dugo just to remove him from irritating everyone with his real or imagined motivational issues. The OF situation is getting overcrowded with a mishmash of vets and rookies, including some DH candidates. Yoshi is under contract for 4 more years ; Refsnyder could be moved but is otherwise under contract for 2024 ; Duran is under control therefore is movable ; Rafaela and Abreu are movable and should be factors in ST ; Duvall is a FA expressing interest in returning. Turner may or more likely may not return for 2024, possibly clearing the DH slot for Yoshi; Duvall may not get signed . That leaves 4 players plus Dugo for maximum 4 roster spots. Bloom needs to decide on Duvall ( probably passes) , and then can deal up to 2 of the Refsnyder, Dugo, Duran, Abreu and Rafaela group, along with another player for 1 mid range controllable starter . Of course Cedanne and Wilyer can also be parked at WooSox for awhile awaiting the inevitable injury opening. Dugo at least has a multi-year track record that another GM can better evaluate than the rookies. He will also cost a lot more in his final arb year.

I honestly can't say if those particular individuals would have made a big difference. For example, I think I'd rather have JT than JDM. Bogaerts may have helped but he isn't carrying SDP anywhere and his contract is an albatross in a couple years. Wong is better for the future than Vazquez. I will say one thing, I do not see Devers being a leader, example to young guys nor long term (4-5+ years) member of this team. He can contribute but is not a great player. He will not be in Boston except as a visitor by 2028.

A lot of prior discussion on offense-pitching-defense, even baserunning affecting game outcomes. When a team K's 17 out of 27 outs, they basically are overmatched on a given night. The Sox have been overmatched a lot (4-8 in last 12) . The most disappointing part of the recent record is that when matched up against top level teams , there has been very little response or indication of abilities to win. This is a team without character or characters who can make a difference. They do not rise to the challenge nor occasion . They are content to play out the final 22 and maybe beat the Yankees for last place in the ALE. But look at the progress made by having an over .500 record in Bloom's 4th year. There is that.

Thanks. That was almost a Capt Obvious call. Why was Jansen used in a game almost anyone else could have closed ? Cora may have thought he needed the work, but also realize Jansen has some leg related issue, hamstring/sore knee ??. AC knew the Rays series was critical.

23 games to play, it is getting late . 5 games back of Toronto , 4.5 back of Texas Rangers. If either of those 2 go .500 for the rest of the way , Red Sox need to be 14-9 minimum . They have been 4-7 over last 11 games . 8 of the 23 are vs Rays & Orioles , including tonight's. 6 other games are the Rangers and Jays. So 14 of 23 are vs. the teams in front of the Sox. It's nice to think it could happen mathematically , just not very high likelihood. They could win them all too. I'm guessing the magic number elimination occurs September 20th, after the last Rangers game.

Now Jansen has lost 6 games

McGuire hit some early in the year but in reality he is not good with the bat

Welcome to MLB pitching, Rafaela

C'mon guys, win the game now , no extra innings . Pitching is thin

Yoshi's catch was a rerun of Benintendi, plus Yoshida saw the DP right in front of him

The mere thought of both Arod and Jeter in the same moment causes heart palpitations.

I'd go with Dutch Devers , clutch is just a woman's stylish evening purse

Just goes to show the "clutch" concept is a non-starter in terms of repeatability

Brennan Bernadino was maybe the best dumpster find of the year. Pretty consistent

In all seriousness the Sox should be winning this game about 6-2 , and should do whatever it takes to win this one. Take the series , it's being offered to you guys

Duvall with 3 K's and a foul out leaves 6 on base by himself.

What is all this BS about defensive ineptitude ?

Gee whiz, Turner now equals Devers as Sox RBI leader . Raffy has not had a HR since August 20, I think

So how many opportunities to be winning this game have the Sox coughed up ? Crawford not really sharp today; Abreu's misplay making it worse; 2 out walks followed by a HR to the #9 hitter; Jacques allow 2 scores by HBP;; 2nd/3rd 0 outs, then bases loaded and follow up with 2 K's and a pop fly; 2 errors in the field Still 3 innings to go

Winck at 26 pitches , after Paredes wears him out. Relievers without an out pitch are destined for long AB's