SoxProspects News
|
|
|
|
Legal
Forum Ground Rules
The views expressed by the members of this Forum do not necessarily reflect the views of SoxProspects, LLC.
© 2003-2024 SoxProspects, LLC
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Home | Search | My Profile | Messages | Members | Help |
Welcome Guest. Please Login or Register.
10/5 - AL Wild Card Game: Red Sox vs. Yankees
|
Post by vermontsox1 on Oct 4, 2021 7:51:26 GMT -5
American League Wild Card Game
10/5 Red Sox (RHP Nathan Eovaldi, 11-9, 3.75, 182.1 IP, 195K:35BB) vs. Yankees (RHP Gerrit Cole, 16-8, 3.23, 181.1 IP, 243K:41BB) 8:08 pm ET, ESPN/WEEI MLB StandingsRed Sox Hitting StatsRed Sox Pitching StatsMLB ScoreboardMLB TransactionsA note regarding moderating of the gameday threads in 2021: As the disclaimer has always said, in the past, we have been very liberal in moderating the Gameday threads. They're meant to be a lot less formal than other threads on the forum, so to moderate them the same way would be silly. However, we do ask posters to maintain a certain level of decorum in these threads, and we plan on moderating the Gameday threads a little more actively this season. In particular, we ask that posters refrain from being overly repetitive with their posts (if you've made your point, let it go), refrain from monopolizing the discussion (if you are making more than a couple posts in a row, you probably need to slow down a little bit), and of course, follow the Ground Rules ( link). The point is to make these threads worth participating in and fun for all posters, from our long-time fixtures to people just signing up today. -The Management
|
|
|
Post by ghostofrussgibson on Oct 4, 2021 8:55:29 GMT -5
Here's hoping 'home cooking' is better than last time!
|
|
|
Post by kjkramer on Oct 4, 2021 9:31:38 GMT -5
Nervous as F. Judge and Stanton are both on fire right now and crushing any mistakes for 700 feet. Those are the only 2 that worry me. Of course, Cole can easily be locked in and be unhittable. Im a bit worried.
|
|
|
Post by benzinger on Oct 4, 2021 9:40:34 GMT -5
So this game is a rematch of the 9/24 weekend series opener. Eovaldi was NOT sharp in that one as he allowed 7 runs in 2.2IP(including a 3-run homer to Stanton). Cole was much sharper but allowed the 3-run HR to Devers(who else?) in the 6th. The Sox have been a mixed bag against Cole this year. Sometimes he looks unhittable and other times he has been roughed up. Eovaldi is going to have to be at his best this time. He usually pitches well against NYY.
|
|
|
Post by benzinger on Oct 4, 2021 9:48:04 GMT -5
We know that DJ LeMahieu is definitely not playing in this game. It remains to be seen if JDM can DH. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the World to have Schwarber DH and Dalbec at 1B, IMO. JDM has not really been himself for a while anyway. We’ll see if he can go, though. He would have to be pretty banged up to not try and DH in this one.
|
|
|
Post by incandenza on Oct 4, 2021 9:52:49 GMT -5
So this game is a rematch of the 9/24 weekend series opener. Eovaldi was NOT sharp in that one as he allowed 7 runs in 2.2IP(including a 3-run homer to Stanton). Cole was much sharper but allowed the 3-run HR to Devers(who else?) in the 6th. The Sox have been a mixed bag against Cole this year. Sometimes he looks unhittable and other times he has been roughed up. Eovaldi is going to have to be at his best this time. He usually pitches well against NYY. Earned runs allowed in his 6 starts against the Yankees this season: 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 7.
I'd be happy with a median or modal outcome.
|
|
|
Post by bcsox on Oct 4, 2021 10:02:14 GMT -5
This is classic matchup where Bobby should be avoided. Is it crazy to think if JD cant go that they might prefer Shaw at 1st over Bobby?
|
|
|
Post by manfred on Oct 4, 2021 10:11:56 GMT -5
Bah. Scared of *them*? Did they see Devers hit baseballs so hard the folks who wrapped them may have died? The Sox have the best player on the field. Period.
Sox in 1.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Oct 4, 2021 10:12:50 GMT -5
This is classic matchup where Bobby should be avoided. Is it crazy to think if JD cant go that they might prefer Shaw at 1st over Bobby? Not that this doesn't deserve some thought but Dalbec has statistically been the best hitter on the team for the past 2 months.
|
|
|
Post by jkfer98 on Oct 4, 2021 10:18:11 GMT -5
Right now the biggest question for me is who catches this game? As our friend Red Sox Stats (brought to you by Chico's Bail Bonds) pointed out last week, Eovaldi's numbers with Plawecki are much better than his numbers with Vazquez: 3.50 ERA, 2.49 FIP, .651 OPS vs. 4.77 ERA, 3.47 FIP, .766 OPS. Plawecki has also been better at the plate over the course of the season (although over his last 63 PAs he's slashing .241/.302/.362).
But do you risk having the Yankees run all over you and get guys in scoring position, remove themselves from double play situations, etc? Of the 40 guys who ran on Plawecki this season, he only threw out 3, a dreadful 8%. The Yankees don't have too many guys who run well, but in a one game playoff this sort of thing is magnified.
My initial opinion is that you have to start Plawecki given Eovaldi's numbers but am open to hearing other arguments for Vazquez.
|
|
|
Post by incandenza on Oct 4, 2021 10:23:24 GMT -5
The Yankees lineup is really just not intimidating after Judge and Stanton. Those two plus Rizzo are the only ones with a wRC+ above 100 (counting only Gallo's Yankees stats). By contrast, every guy in the Red Sox lineup other than Vazquez fits that criterion.
They just need to play relaxed and be themselves - none of this trying to hit a 5-run homer in every at-bat nonsense and they'll be fine. Hope Cora can keep them loose.
|
|
|
Post by soxfansince67 on Oct 4, 2021 10:27:42 GMT -5
One game, anything can happen. We have Cora, and I think that counts for a lot. No predictions, no deep thoughts, just going to bask in the joy of Sox vs MFY in Fenway in October in a critical game...and hope we are all smiling at the end.
|
|
|
Post by incandenza on Oct 4, 2021 10:29:06 GMT -5
Right now the biggest question for me is who catches this game? As our friend Red Sox Stats (brought to you by Chico's Bail Bonds) pointed out last week, Eovaldi's numbers with Plawecki are much better than his numbers with Vazquez: 3.50 ERA, 2.49 FIP, .651 OPS vs. 4.77 ERA, 3.47 FIP, .766 OPS. Plawecki has also been better at the plate over the course of the season (although over his last 63 PAs he's slashing .241/.302/.362). But do you risk having the Yankees run all over you and get guys in scoring position, remove themselves from double play situations, etc? Of the 40 guys who ran on Plawecki this season, he only threw out 3, a dreadful 8%. The Yankees don't have too many guys who run well, but in a one game playoff this sort of thing is magnified. My initial opinion is that you have to start Plawecki given Eovaldi's numbers but am open to hearing other arguments for Vazquez. He has 96 IP with Plawecki and 66 IP with Vazquez. I just don't think those sample sizes are large enough to mean anything, especially without knowing who the competition was in those starts. Plus I haaaate watching the way teams run against Plawecki.
On the other hand, it is notable that Plawecki has caught him more than Vazquez. I suppose there's probably a reason for that.
|
|
|
Post by patford on Oct 4, 2021 10:35:30 GMT -5
Devers catching fire gives the Sox a decent shot. It's not just that he has the capability to practically carry a team when he's hot it also takes the pressure off the rest of the lineup when they see the guy who has the potential to be one of the top five hitters in MLB has apparently snapped out of his long funk.
|
|
|
Post by voiceofreason on Oct 4, 2021 10:40:08 GMT -5
Devers catching fire gives the Sox a decent shot. It's not just that he has the capability to practically carry a team when he's hot it also takes the pressure off the rest of the lineup when they see the guy who has the potential to be one of the top five hitters in MLB has apparently snapped out of his long funk. My thoughts exactly!! I have a feeling that Schwarber is also going to make some noise.
|
|
|
Post by tjb21 on Oct 4, 2021 10:59:18 GMT -5
October baseball in Fenway, with our best pitcher on the mound. I love it!
|
|
|
Post by malynn19 on Oct 4, 2021 11:22:55 GMT -5
So if we had a 4 game playoff the MFYs would of selected the Red Sox as their opponent. They considered us the weak link out of the 4 possible wild card teams. MFYs are the favorite, so let's have some fun, play loose and give them exactly what they asked for.
|
|
|
Post by redsoxfan2 on Oct 4, 2021 11:36:41 GMT -5
Hard to get excited for this game with how this team's bullpen has been performing and how they've done in "must-win" situations and games against superior opponents. With that said, win this ONE GAME, and the entire season is a complete success. Anything more is just extra credit. Even if they lose ALDS game 5 or the ALCS game 7 up 7 runs in the 9th inning. All I ask for is that they win 1 time.
|
|
|
Post by a2sox on Oct 4, 2021 11:42:10 GMT -5
Hard to get excited for this game with how this team's bullpen has been performing and how they've done in "must-win" situations and games against superior opponents. With that said, win this ONE GAME, and the entire season is a complete success. Anything more is just extra credit. Even if they lose ALDS game 5 or the ALCS game 7 up 7 runs in the 9th inning. All I ask for is that they win 1 time. I'm plenty excited
|
|
|
Post by julyanmorley on Oct 4, 2021 11:47:26 GMT -5
I have updated the extremely official rankings of greatest Red Sox players of all time
Chris Sale remains the 7th best starting pitcher and 26th best player. Eduardo Rodriguez debuts as the 26th best starting pitcher, between Dutch Leonard and Ray Collins. Christian Vazquez remains the third best catcher, ahead of Rich Gedman, and behind Varitek and Fisk. Rafael Devers passes Tim Naehring to become the 4th best 3B. Xander Bogaerts passes Rico Petrocelli and John Valentin to become the third best SS, behind Nomar and Pesky. He is now the 18th greatest Red Sox of all time, passing legends such as Jon Lester, Jimmie Foxx and Fred Lynn.
|
|
|
Post by redsox04071318champs on Oct 4, 2021 11:50:46 GMT -5
I think it's pretty simple. For the Sox to win, they need Eovaldi to provide innings and mow through the lineup. They need him to be almost as good as that game they lost in July to the Yankees where Eovaldi pitched into the 8th. They need at least 6 strong innings from him and they need to limit who comes in from the bullpen after him.
At this point you hand the ball to Whitlock, Houck, or Sale (yes, despite yesterday), and I'd strongly consider Brasier at this point. And I'd even consider E-Rod and/or Pivetta as well. But beyond that, should the Sox have the fortune of having a 9th inning lead to protect and Cora gives the ball to Robles, he's asking for trouble. Ottavino is gassed and should not be used. Barnes is still a mess. Richards and Darwinzon shouldn't be let into the ballpark, lol.
If the Sox play as the worst version of themselves as they have the past two series against New York, they will be beat. If they strand runners, get overanxious at the plate, make baserunning plays like Verdugo did yesterday, or play the kind of defense that has plagued them way too often, they will lose. The Sox cannot be giving extra outs to the Yankees. Nor can the pitching staff be as generous as last time in doling out the free passes. The Red Sox beat themselves more than the Yankees did the last six times out.
The Yankees have strong pitching. If Cole is at his best, it's going to be a tough night. The Yankees have a strong pen themselves and also have the options of using starters for an inning (such as Kluber or Gil or German) if need be. We all know they will go to Chapman if they have a close lead late in the game and we know he can be flammable. But this time if he starts walking the ballpark the Yankees do have other options to go to.
The Sox can't be the version of themselves they have been the past two series and expect to win, nor can they expect the Yankees to show up with Greg Allen in RF, Chris Gittens at 1b, Brooks Kriske coming out of the bullpen. The Sox have to bring their A game.
Others will feel differently, but for me this game goes a long way as to how I feel about this season. Rationally, that's not fair. If they lose the Wild Card game to Toronto, I'm still very satisfied with the season given the expectations. But lose to the Yankees.....
And the thing is, it's not even like it's Game 7 of the ALCS where if they beat the Sox you're pissed because you felt you had a World Series team and they got in the way, or even the ALDS in 2018 where you wouldn't want the Yankees to wreck a virtually perfect season for a team that has World Series aspirations.
This game tomorrow, which will be hyped like Game 163 in 1978, is not even that. It's two second place teams trying to make it to a series in which the winner will still be the underdog to a favored 1st place Rays team, and even upsetting the Rays, you still have another round to get through just to get to the Series...so it's not the ultimate "deciding" game that has that kind of impact. I mean, I certainly don't have unfair expectations that the Sox are going to the World Series and could win the damn thing. So I guess what I'm trying to say is rationally I know it's not the end of the world if they lose and it shouldn't invalidate the season, but emotionally losing to that team would be a bitter pill to swallow....it's rationally just not as bad (the silver lining) given that the stakes aren't that high like in past series with them.
That said, if they beat the Yankees, they could get swept by the Rays for all I care (no shame in that), and it's been one helluva successful season, one to truly be proud of.
Hate that it irrationally comes down to one game when it rationally shouldn't change the perception...but nothing about Sox/Yanks is ever rational.
|
|
|
Post by philsbosoxfan on Oct 4, 2021 12:01:43 GMT -5
Hard to get excited for this game with how this team's bullpen has been performing and how they've done in "must-win" situations and games against superior opponents. With that said, win this ONE GAME, and the entire season is a complete success. Anything more is just extra credit. Even if they lose ALDS game 5 or the ALCS game 7 up 7 runs in the 9th inning. All I ask for is that they win 1 time. This seems very strange for any serious Sox fan.
|
|
|
Post by philsbosoxfan on Oct 4, 2021 12:03:39 GMT -5
My only question, are the duck boats ready ?
|
|
|
Post by foreverred9 on Oct 4, 2021 12:08:01 GMT -5
The one thing I'd add is that the Yankees have just as many flaws as the Red Sox do. There's probably a yankees9698990009champs out there with an assessment of the Yankees that reads very similar to yours.
We're both flawed 90-win teams who if things all come together are hard teams to beat, but like my golf game they just can't seem to get all phases of the game clicking at the same time.
If either of them play up to their potential, they are hard teams to beat. For the sake of baseball I just hope it's not two teams playing each other at their worst. Let the best team win the game rather than be handed the game.
|
|
|
Post by gregblossersbelly on Oct 4, 2021 12:44:47 GMT -5
Win one or steal one! Think Eovaldi has a good game. Gonna come down to Hauck and Whitlock IMO. Pivetta can go an inning too.
No to Barnes, Ottavino or Robles.
|
|
|