Author: @eljgon

Comparing the 2018 Red Sox to the 88 Teams Before Them

Comparing the 2018 Red Sox to the 88 Teams Before Them

Posted by | Sep 27, 2018 | ,

The 2018 Red Sox are not only the team with the best record in baseball, they are the winningest team in franchise history. They have the chance to become the first team to reach 110+ wins since the 2001 Seattle Mariners. That is incredibly special, but many people want to ask: How special is it really? Everyone can state that 106 wins is a rare feat, and they’re right. However, the numbers pertaining to how good this team is may shock you. Here, the 2018 Red Sox will be analyzed and compared to every single Red Sox team since...

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Red Sox Should Target Three Relievers This Offseason

Red Sox Should Target Three Relievers This Offseason

Posted by | Sep 18, 2018 | ,

The bullpen has been a thorn in the Boston Red Sox’s side many times in 2018. To say that it is a bad bullpen is, quite frankly, a bad statement. However, it seems that they may not be a threatening bullpen to opposing teams. They can get the job done, but are they reliable to have a lock-down inning when needed? Red Sox fans loathe the moment when a relief pitcher comes in to a high leverage situation, in 2018. This season has been a fantastic one as of now. Currently at 103 wins and one win away from clinching...

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It’s Time To Appoint Xander Bogaerts As Captain Of The Red Sox

It’s Time To Appoint Xander Bogaerts As Captain Of The Red Sox

Posted by | Aug 10, 2018 | ,

The Boston Red Sox in 2018 are a machine. It seems as if they can do no wrong, even though some may point out there are (few) vulnerabilities in this team. However, there is one thing missing from this team, and has been since David Ortiz’s departure. The Red Sox are missing a true voice of leadership. Who could fill the void – Xander Bogaerts, Dustin Pedroia, or another candidate? The Red Sox are running rampant on opposing teams. They are young, athletic, and their talent is proving to be almost unmatched every time they step on the diamond....

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Top 10 Red Sox All-Stars in Franchise History (Players 5-1) (@ELJGON)

Top 10 Red Sox All-Stars in Franchise History (Players 5-1) (@ELJGON)

Posted by | Jul 17, 2018 | ,

Yesterday it was announced that Chris Sale will be starting for the AL team and will be joined by his teammates Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez in the starting lineup. Of course, Mitch Moreland and Craig Kimbrel will likely make an appearance as well, but there is no doubt that the Boston Red Sox are well represented in this seasons Mid-Summer Classic. My first installment of this list, which consisted of the top ten through six ranked all franchise All-Stars had some great names on it. However, we are getting to the top five All-Stars in Red Sox history. 5....

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It’s Time To Revamp The All Star Game’s Selection Process (@ELJGON)

It’s Time To Revamp The All Star Game’s Selection Process (@ELJGON)

Posted by | Jul 12, 2018 | , ,

It’s that time of year again. The 2018 MLB All-Star rosters have been revealed and boy, do we have a lot to talk about. It’s clear that the player selection process is a popularity vote rather than an endorsement for a successful first half. The fact that Blake Snell (12-4, 2.09 ERA, 1.03 WHIP), Nicholas Castellanos (.306, 15 HR, 56 RBI, .882 OPS), Jesus Aguilar (.302, 23 HR, 64 RBI, 1.000 OPS) were not originally All-Stars is terrible. These players are among many others who face the same issue each year, and it’s doing more harm for the game than good....

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Top 10 Red Sox All Stars in Franchise History (Players 10-6)

Top 10 Red Sox All Stars in Franchise History (Players 10-6)

Posted by | Jul 6, 2018 | , ,

Hot days, pool parties, no school, and trips to the beach. Summer is in full swing which means that the Midsummer Classic is almost upon us. The 2018 All-Star Game, which will be hosted by the Washington Nationals, is coming up on July 17th. The Red Sox have plenty of candidates to haul in votes. Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez, Chris Sale, Craig Kimbrel are among the front runners along with Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts, and Mitch Moreland who are also receiving a respectable amount of attention. It’s times like these that are suited for a walk down all-star memory...

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Breaking: Hanley Ramirez Involved in Federal and State Investigation [Updates]

Breaking: Hanley Ramirez Involved in Federal and State Investigation [Updates]

Posted by | Jun 22, 2018 | ,

Back at the beginning of the month, the Boston Red Sox released their always smiling and lighthearted first baseman Hanley Ramirez. At the time, he was batting .254/.313/.395 with 29 RBIs in 177 at bats. Since releasing him, the Red Sox seemed to miss a certain aspect to their lineup. They just haven’t looked like the offensive juggernaut that they were in April. This move confused some who thought the move was strictly “baseball related”, according to Red Sox VP of media relations Kevin Gregg. Some thought that this move came because of his pending activation of a $22 million vesting option...

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Possible Trade Deadline Moves for the Red Sox

Possible Trade Deadline Moves for the Red Sox

Posted by | Jun 13, 2018 | ,

Anybody that has been watching the Red Sox know that their offense can be frustrating sometimes. Betts, Martinez, and Benintendi cannot continue to be solely depended on in order to keep winning games. The Sox lead the majors in runs scored, average, total bases, hits, and extra base hits. They also rank second in other pivotal categories such as OPS, home runs and RBIs. They have reached this level of performance while carrying a lot of dead weight at the bottom third of the lineup. Collectively, the 7-9 hitters are hitting a measly .221 with 60 RBIs, 178 strikeouts with a .608...

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Boston Red Sox Select Triston Casas in the First Round

Boston Red Sox Select Triston Casas in the First Round

Posted by | Jun 5, 2018 | ,

With the 26th pick in the MLB Draft, the Boston Red Sox selected third baseman Triston Casas. Casas attended American Heritage High School in Florida, and will most likely sign with the Sox barring his commitment to the University of Miami. The 6′ 4″, 238 pound corner infielder has a comparison to Sean Casey and Freddie Freeman with his advanced barrel skills and ability to square up on pitches. The Good: Triston Casas was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The 18-year-old has a tall and athletic build, which is perfect for a first baseman that can contribute both offensively...

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Previewing the Sox: 5/28-6/3

Previewing the Sox: 5/28-6/3

Posted by | May 28, 2018 | ,

The previous week (5/20-5/27) for the Red Sox has been an encouraging one to say the least. They took two out of three from the Tampa Bay Rays and the first place (at the time) Atlanta Braves. The offensive player of the week is Andrew Benintendi (.353/.455/.824, 1.278 OPS, 223 wRC+). The pitcher of the week is Eduardo Rodriguez, who got two wins while posting up a 1.59 ERA with 14 strikeouts, three walks and two earned runs. This is evidence of two players who needed to have a great week like this. Will these performances kick-start the players...

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The Hunt for a Better Bullpen

The Hunt for a Better Bullpen

Posted by | May 15, 2018 | ,

If you watched Red Sox baseball this past week, you should have seen a trend forming. All week great starting pitching was followed by the bullpen crapping themselves. The stats in the last seven days can support this claim, as Sox starters have had a 3.11 ERA with a 1.06 WHIP. Sox relievers have had a 6.06 ERA with a 1.59 WHIP. This has been frustrating to watch and almost makes us forget about Jackie Bradley Jr.’s woes at the plate. Better Numbers are Ahead The full season’s numbers don’t paint the same story, however. Sox relievers in the...

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Xander/Didi is Jeter/Nomar: Part Deux

Xander/Didi is Jeter/Nomar: Part Deux

Posted by | May 2, 2018 | , ,

The Red Sox/Yankees rivalry is a classic that all baseball fans can enjoy. However, in the peak of this rivalry (late 1990s/early 2000s), there was always a rivalry within the rivalry. Both teams were home to two of my generation’s best shortstops (Alex Rodriguez was better than both) in Derek Jeter and Nomar Garciaparra. Nomar vs. Jeter To give the average baseball fan some background on this rivalry, Nomar and Jeter was a closer face-off than their accolades tell. Both being first round draft picks, it seemed that Jeter and Nomar always had something to prove to one another right...

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The 100 Year Anniversary of the 1918 World Series Red Sox

The 100 Year Anniversary of the 1918 World Series Red Sox

Posted by | Apr 23, 2018 | ,

Anniversary of the 1918 Red Sox 1918 was a year that was host to many pivotal moments in history. In November, World War I ended. It was also the year of the Spanish Flu breakout, that would ended up infecting approximately 500 million people around the world. On a lighter note, however, 1918 saw the Boston Red Sox win the World Series against the Chicago Cubs in six games. The Red Sox finished the regular season with a 76-50 record, a .603 winning percentage.  The 1918 regular season was cut short because of the WWI “Work or Fight” order....

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The Pursuit of Renewing the Rivalry

The Pursuit of Renewing the Rivalry

Posted by | Apr 12, 2018 | , ,

On a cold Wednesday night in April, the Red Sox faced off against the Yankees in what seemed to have the hallmarks of an epic clash. Both teams have a long history of mutual hate and a few years of idle feelings. However, things boiled over in Fenway Park, and thus the pursuit of a rekindled rivalry was not hard to find. Rob Manfred wants to push the evolution of baseball further? Not if these two teams have anything to say about it.  The Yankees and Red Sox rivalry has been quite “cold war-ish” for the last few years. The last...

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The Aftershock of Michael Chavis

The Aftershock of Michael Chavis

Posted by | Apr 8, 2018 | ,

Michael Chavis has tested positive for a banned substance dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (an anabolic steroid) and has been suspended for 80 games. Chavis was the Red Sox’ number one position player prospect their farm system. Chavis was ranked 80 in the Majors prospects, so lasting effects can be evident. Michael Chavis Background Who exactly is the top positional player for the Sox? The 5’10” Georgia native was acquired in the 1st round of the 2014 draft from Sprayberry Senior HS. The 22 year old third baseman struggled in 2016 after posting a .244/.321/.391 slash in 312 plate appearances. 2017 seemed to be...

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Red Sox Weekend Roundup 4/1

Red Sox Weekend Roundup 4/1

Posted by | Apr 2, 2018 | ,

The first official weekend of the 2018 regular season just passed us. We can all finally stop holding our breath. The season is indeed in its infancy and player performances should be taken logically. Averages are out of whack because some players are late bloomers during the long season. New teams need to rebuild or reconfigure team chemistry. Also, new managers are starting to figure out their systems as they go. However, there are a few notes from this weekend that can carry weight for the season’s entirety. Xander Bogaerts is Back The beloved short stop for the Red Sox...

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A British Perspective: Sox and Yanks in London for 2019

A British Perspective: Sox and Yanks in London for 2019

Posted by | Mar 20, 2018 | , ,

Reports from Bloomberg pointed to the Yankees and Red Sox finalizing a two game series that will be played in London for the 2019 season. This will not be the first time MLB takes a sample of games to other countries (Japan 2004/2008, Australia 2014, Mexico 1996/1999), and will also play some games this season in Puerto Rico and Monterrey, Mexico. However, what is the reception going to be like for baseball’s best rivalry when the Sox and Yanks battle each other in London Stadium? I had some questions, and John from the UK’s only baseball podcast had answers.  Justin: How well do...

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The Ruination of Baseball: Pace of Play

The Ruination of Baseball: Pace of Play

Posted by | Mar 16, 2018 | ,

On Wednesday March 14th 2018, Minor League Baseball announced changes made to the rules in regards to “speeding up the game”. These changes include mound visits, a 15-20 second pitch clock, and most importantly: beginning every half inning with a man on second base in extra innings. These changes naturally do not settle well with avid baseball fans, let alone baseball purists. To change the sport to fit the needs of an audience that it was never meant to target in the first place is unethical and quite simply not the right move. Patience is Key Baseball has always...

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Hanley Ramirez Can Be the Next Nelson Cruz

Hanley Ramirez Can Be the Next Nelson Cruz

Posted by | Mar 14, 2018 | ,

Hanley Ramirez has every opportunity to turn his below average 2017 season in Boston around. As he continues his “bat first, glove last” career approach, another name came to mind for finding a fair prediction of the kind of player Ramirez could be. Clearly, the better hitter of the last 3-4 years has been Cruz. However, comparing their age 31-33 seasons (the point of their careers where their glove becomes a liability) may not be so crazy. Ramirez and Cruz Nelson “Boomstick” Cruz, one of the more intimidating bats in the league, has been a pleasure to watch since...

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The Evolution of the Leadoff Hitter

The Evolution of the Leadoff Hitter

Posted by | Mar 9, 2018 |

Wave goodbye to the small ball stereotypical leadoff hitter you may be used to seeing Rickey Henderson, Tim Raines, and Ichiro Suzuki represent some of the most iconic leadoff hitters of all time. They are known for mainly getting a hit in any way they can, and then relying on speed to score efficiently. However, that stereotype is evolving by cutting out the factor of speed and replacing it with power. The 2017 season saw a record amount of home runs (6105) hit in the MLB’s 149 years of existence. It seems to have made an impact on stolen...

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Pomeranz, Sale, and the Gang

Pomeranz, Sale, and the Gang

Posted by | Mar 5, 2018 | ,

The 2018 season is underway and we have some players to praise, some to keep a watchful eye on, and some to still anticipate their spring debuts. Also, Drew Pomeranz has his injury diagnosed via MRI, and discussions about Chris Sale’s refurbished workout program to induce longevity. The first ten games of the 2018 spring training had some expected and unexpected results for the Red Sox. MVPs of spring training so far include Blake Swihart (21 AB, .429/.500/.810, 3 SO and 8 RBIs), Rusney Castillo who continues to put up attractive numbers from Pawtucket and Caguas (18 AB, .333/.400/.556,...

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Bidding Adieu to Yawkey Way

Bidding Adieu to Yawkey Way

Posted by | Mar 1, 2018 | ,

Wave goodbye to the past; moving on to…the past? Red Sox file a petition to the City of Boston to change Yawkey Way’s name back to Jersey Street. We all know the reputation that Boston holds when it comes to the topic of racism. Unfortunate, because being of Cuban decent I love Boston. I would live there for the rest of my life if I could. The people of Boston have been about as open armed and welcoming every single time I have gone. To call the City of Boston racist as a whole is the incorrect take. The...

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The Battle for the Fifth Rotation Spot

The Battle for the Fifth Rotation Spot

Posted by | Feb 25, 2018 | ,

With Steven Wright (Knee) and Eduardo Rodriguez (Knee) doubtful for Opening Day, the options for the last spot of the rotation is an internal option.  On Sunday, Dave Dombrowski hinted to the notion that Steven Wright would not be ready for Opening Day 2018. He is also confident in what the Red Sox have internally with Roenis Elias, Brian Johnson and Hector Velazquez. Dombrowski was quoted by the Boston Herald as saying “If (Wright) is not ready, no, we feel comfortable with our internal options.” This is the right move from the acquisition trigger-happy Dombrowski. There are viable options...

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Don’t Expect a Typical Lineup for the Red Sox

Don’t Expect a Typical Lineup for the Red Sox

Posted by | Feb 25, 2018 | ,

The Red Sox Might Change Things Up J.D. Martinez is a Red Sox and everyone that has been following this team is aware of it. Granted, he hasn’t been officially introduced yet, but Sox Nation shouldn’t be worried. Martinez was seen on Wednesday the 21st reporting to camp in Fort Myers. So now that Dave Dombrowski has finished his 2017/2018 offseason campaign, it’s time to take a peek into what we are in store for once the season gets rolling. It seems Alex Cora is going to take a less analytical approach when constructing his lineup, as opposed to a lineup...

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