vegasbob

TB scores one for Sox

Narvaez is totally worn out

Rays continue to show the true value of defense. That was a DP

Tigers lose. Guardians win first of 2

Mañana matters south of the border

That's why hope is rarely a successful strategy. Some players have recovered faster from an amputation than Wilyer . Even if he returns, after missing a month, he will not be effective quickly

Sorry. not home to watch now. but congrats to the hitters

He , like others, is coasting to the finish line. Given up 2 HRs in 3 innings. Bet he is done after 5 if Sox can steal a lead somehow

I'm more concerned with how we get rid of the one we have. Surely he could go in a package deal where they just pay 90% of 2 year salary

BTW. Rays SS is not the Kid

Rays infield reminds me of Sox in April

2 for September but that was a meaningful one .

Masataka mashes....worms

Fortunately, Eaton was running on the pitch or else he would have had to hold 3rd. Exciting play

Bregman elevates and drives Rasmussen to 60 pitches in the 3rd

I think Cora, with FO approval is setting Crochet up to pitch the final game vs Detroit, if needed. So a short 5-6 inning outing with lots of run support was hoped for. Not happening. Even with GC pitching they are playing from behind

Will any Sox batter hit a HR tonight ?

Timely hit by Lowe, great running by Eaton. Narvaez, shows nothing, Cedanne jammed into DP muffed by TB

Crochet may struggle somewhat tonight as you are seeing. Gives up 2 out run scoring hit, 20 pitches. But nowhere as bad as Gio and the Bell-boy

So the LOBs with RISP starts early tonight. Seeing the Rays in all black with 88% humidity makes me wonder if they wear them with the sun out. Or maybe they forget they are not in the Trop.

That us my thought too. Makes it easier to advocate for changes if this group fails. Do not confuse this with rooting against them or for others. But an opinion that the team needs reasons to take some hard choices. For example. bite the bullet on Yoshida

5 of 9 in a week-long slump.

This is probably not a popular theory but your opinions are welcome. It is premised on the surmise that the Red Sox would be hard pressed to prevail over Seattle or Houston in a 3 game away series. to advance to the ALDS Would the team , at all levels FO included, be better off furthering the fade and just miss the WC 3 or sneak in with a headfirst slide , only to get flushed asap in the WC round ? The first failure option could force an even harder look at players, Cora/coaches, and roster margins based on the ongoing disappointments . It could influence FA spending for yet another key hitter , probably 1B or DH. Or is it better to squeak in, play 2, maybe 3 games, then go home ? This would give the organization cover for moves/lack of moves in '25 and still declare it a huge success. I'm thinking Sam Kennedy here. You know deep down the Sox do not have , right now, the pitching nor lineup depth to compete for the championship level. A small feel good moment, get these guys the look and feel of playoff ball , vs the disappointment/failure motivation of just missing out ? Which choice would you put on the 2025 Red Sox ?

This game tonight with Crochet up on the mound is the most important . Sox need to win at least 4 of the 9 to be there on the last day. Crochet will get 2 shots at securing wins for them. Whether Giolito or Bello can do anything to contribute is a crapshoot. The BP has got to be weary of warming up in the third to come in with bases juiced in the 4th. Can any position player, including DH, actually work the round bat on the round ball in a productive manner ? We will se, just don't look back over the past 15 or so games. Until you are playing an elimination game, it is never a true must win, but I say tonight is as close as you can get without being on the lose and go home spot.

One of the things we see is that the Sox have developed a number of now experienced utility players, some with possible upside. Gonzalez, Sogard, Hamilton , Eaton, even Wong plus Refsnyder as a platoon OF'er all have certain skills, speeds , positional flexibility and situational usefulness. Yoshida is the opposite , given his limitations and failure to hit well in his shoulder recovery year. BUT, they are not the lineup core of a winning team. And the 26 man active roster only has room for 2 IF's, 1 catcher, 1 OF/1Bman . Plus you have Mayer ostensibly ready again in '26 , along with clown Casas. One of Breslow's challenges in the off season is how to take advantage of this lower depth to get a consistent solution at catcher and 1B . Do it Craig.