With the Red Sox 2nd to last in runs scored (the Padres have scored 2 less), averaging 4 a game, Early has to shut down the Rangers from here on out, down 0-1. We need hits and runs.
There is a reason why Guerrero has bounced around and been out of the league several times. It's amazing how people are so blinded by triple digit fastball speeds. Just because he can throw it in the low 100's, doesn't mean he can pitch.
As I said at the time, all of these extensions are completely unnecessary and only reward slothy performance, emotional emptiness and coddling "injuries" especially with the younger Gen Z players.
Contreras is tied for 47th in total bases. He's a liability on defense (he's a catcher playing 1st).. Defensively he looks like Devers when he played third (but cheaper). I get grade inflation is a thing, but I still don't quite see a B and certainly not an A.
I'll stick with a C for Rafaela. He's been a lot more patient at the plate (which have reduced his power numbers from last years free swinging ABs).
The only A on the team is Chapman.
SP: B+. Early, Tolle, Suarez, Gray
RP: C- Chapman, Whitlock....
C: D-
1B: C+
2B: F
SS: F
3B: F
LF: D
CF: C
RF: B
DH: F
Overall pitching B-
Overall hitting D-