vegasbob

Getting a 4th opinion as to how big a jackass he really is.

Hembree is a genius. Gives up an HR to a .213 hitting catcher, then issues a 2 out walk so Cruz will hit now and maybe not in the 9th. Got to hand it to you Heath.

Hembree is awful and should not be out there. No way 6 runs will get this one

Thanks again. Tells me to play Holt for now against RHP and probably lefties too.

porcello must be manic-depressive . No other explanation for the wide variance in his command.

The shift has changed the game, but it saved 2 runs there and bailed Porcello out of his own mess. 6 runs won't win this one, with 12 outs to go.

Porcello pitching with 2 outs is like watching porcelain hit the tile floor.

With these two guys, OBP may be more significant against same side pitching particularly if they are going to bat #6/7/8 and Mookie Betts will be hitting #1. But interesting numbers and appreciate the insight

Not knowing the real status, future and abilities of some of the minor leaguers moved on by Dave D., I will say there isn't someone I wish we had today. On this list of 13 acquisitions, Kimbrel is the only high achiever. Nunez has paid dividends and will continue as long as Pedroia is MIA ; Pomeranz is still a possible asset as it gets into the second half but definitely m,ore a question than an answer. Thornburg, who knows, probably learn more in July or later ; Carson Smith, a proven idiot , not in a funny way. In fact, self inflicted tantrum injuries should relieve the team of having to pay his salaryfor the duration. Overall, DD has not traded for to obtain big production except Kimbrel . Pomeranz had a nice 2017 but no carryover, Nunez is still a useful utility guy, Smith is a jerk, and Thornburg is an unknown quantity. You can say that Pomeranz, Thornburg and Smith (nitwit) all came with arm issues, some of which are not yet cleared up, as well as new ones from the same guys. The one criticism has been Travis Shaw's awakening in Milwaukee, but what would they have done with Devers besides leave him in Pawsox land for another year or so, and Travis was not tearing up the AL East at the time. i do think Dd has some work cut out before the deadline and will move two or more guys from the current 40 man roster to shore up one or more positions up the middle.

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.