vegasbob

In about a month it will be serious time to judge what it may take to finish the season atop the AL East for the third time. Don't even think that WC will be the answer. The issues will come down to whether Pedroia is able to play and produce at all ; can you win it all with Leon/Vazquez ; can JBJr find a way to help at bat; absent Pedey, do you give Holt 2B vs RH pitching and save Nunez for LH'ers? This is a World Series potential team, with very good starting pitching, above average relievers , and veteran bench (x Swihart?) players. BUT, up the middle, the catchers have been weak at bat (getting better?), the CF'er is a .185 hitter with a plus glove , and 2B is held together by two good but not great utility guys. Strength up the middle, not so much right now. I think when DD goes shopping in July, it could include a veteran catcher in return for Swihart or Leon plus a pitcher (Johnson/Velazquez ?), and even a 2Bman if Pedroia doesn't respond well to treatment. I also think JBJr could well be part of a multiplayer deal for a hitting OF'er, with average defense. Move Beni over to CF and go for it.

Always thought catchers should be better hitters, or at least more selective on breaking pitches and recognition in general because they see so many deliveries every day. But I guess it's a considerably different angle in the batters box and the overall fatigue (mental/physical) of long games and long seasons wear them out.

Yeah Manny would be a real fan favorite at Fenway, and maybe in the clubhouse too.

Maybe Jackie has an inferiority complex playing between the gifted, highly compensated Mookie Betts and the golden child Andrew Benintendi. Consequently he wants his piece of fame and glory and sees it only available through the HR swing instead of being a productive #8/#9 type hitter advancing runners or "stealing" 1B with a bunt towards the 3B line. Those guys don't get paid but it would help justify carrying him for his glove.

"almost every trade" = Carson Smith and Tyler Thornburg , or did CS predate DD?

Not living in New England, I don't see much casual news on the Sox, only MLB type feeds. But have not seen even an update on Pedroia for a few days regarding taming his inflammation. Like others I think the Sox need to be ready to move on with little or only late season contribution from Pedey, which is regrettable but maybe a lot better next year. What do those closer to the scene hear about him ?

I understand not giving Haniger nor Cruz something to hit, so the knuckle curve slops around the plate. Once he starts throwing fastballs, Kimbrel gets it done. Glad for Price to get the win. Vazquez is a hack.

So, in Kimbrel we trust? Heart of the Mariner's lineup. This will be interesting

Here's something doesn't suck tonight---David Price is right. Excellent start through 7, need to get another couple runs so Brian Johnson can come on and close it out. This would be a big win.

Now the top of the prder is struggling, Betts DP with two on. If it's not the one thing, it's the other !

Well you Nunez has King Felix figured out, can't you see in that 1st AB ?

Ignorance is bliss

Managing by analytics does it. If analytics produced distinct advantages , it can only do so over a large sample such as a full season. If all teams applied the numbers equally and similarly in their strategies and tactics, most team would end up around .500. In fact, a few teams with superior players have and will continue to dominate the poorer teams who will always be rebuilding and feeding the fat boys to the top of the food chain, like the old KC A's and Yankee symbiosis in the 50's.

Mariners on a 20-5 run with a just completed sweep of the useless Anaheim based team, including a walkoff HR from Haniger who has 52 rbi's. Long trip, Sox not real hot despite the sweep of the hapless Orioles. A split in Seattle would be a good outcome.

I think Cora was telling JBJr to stay in uniform (don't change a thing) and stay right there (don't move) because Cora was going to pick up a bucket of balls and conduct extra post game BP where Jackie would be required to bunt 100 consecutive balls fair down the 3B line. That's the only explanation for that advice.

And never forget the Great George Scott's tater farm.

Sweep up the O's here's a prediction O's get to 50 losses before Sox get to 50 wins. Holt and Nunez 4 for 7 today with 1 K; Bradley/Leon 0-8, with 3 K's But it's a small sample.

Let's see Betts and Beni, throw in the new guy JDM for fun, and them match up Lynn, Yaz, Williams, Rice, Ortiz, Jensen, Petrocelli, Mo Vaughn, Runnels, and a few others like Fisk and Conigliaro. Yes, we have seen some great hitters. Betts and Beni can only hope they play as long as some of these gys.

You might be interersted in seeing the M's vs the Sox but maybe not so much the level of competition they will bring. Nelson Cruz is on a real tear and the Sox usually have some tired eyes and legs out west. These next 4 games may not be real pretty. Need to get 2 of them in the win column.

No he is only good for 100 pitches. The 7th inning ate him up, leaving two on (walks) and no outs. Ace ??? Pitching vs the O's will be different than the Mariners.

Maybe they need a special coach to keep track of the outs in each inning.

Very extinguished hitting by Leon and Bradley to lead the 1-2-3 inning. Betts was mesmerized watching them.

A little small ball mental discipline goes a long way. That was a key hit

Maybe we could trade Swihart and Carson Smith's glove for Yefry

Amazing what happens with good AB's from the guys in the lower end of the order. Now see how Leon and Bradley come out to start the next inning. Bright shows nothing good from the mound. Sale needs to sail it home running with the wind.