Tag Archives: Boston Red Sox

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Do Not Press the Panic Button because of the 3 Game Losing Streak

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Don’t Panic, It’s Only August

Dont Panic! It's time for the Jimmy Fund Telethon

The recent Red Sox 3 game loss has caused panic, as the team has not experienced such a streak since April 21-24. There is still a little over 5 weeks left of regular season baseball. The Red Sox will face 10 teams to round out the season, 2 coming against the rival New York Yankees. Starting ace, Chris Sale, will soon be off of the DL and into the pitching rotation.

The Red Sox have a strong group of defensive players. Both the infield and the outfield provide support for the pitchers on a daily basis. Playing the Cleveland Indians allows the team to get a closer look at a potential postseason matchup. It’s only 3 games, and the MLB regular season consists of 162. luckily for the Red Sox, the first half of the season was one for the books. In recent interviews, members of the team appear hopeful and ready to move on.

The Red Sox Still Have the Best Record in the Majors

Although the past 3 losses have concerned many, the Sox still hold a 88-39 record with an 8 game lead over the New York Yankees. The Yankees are the only team that come close to the Red Sox in the AL Eastern Division. The team leads the division in RBI’s, batting average, runs scored, OPS, and SLG. The Cleveland Indians are the most recent Red Sox opponents, and they have earned the title of one of the most competitive teams in the MLB. Playing the Indians also means facing off with past manager, Terry Francona. Such a matchup presents a possible advantage for the Indians. It only makes sense that they would give the Sox a hard time.

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Mookie Betts Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before

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It’s always great to watch Mookie Betts on a nightly basis. He’s always having fun playing baseball, and it rubs off on his teammates and the fans. So it was no surprise that his annual Citi Mookie Betts Youth Baseball Clinic was based on enjoying yourself and to always have fun while playing. This year 200 kids from a wide variety of ages came to see the All-Star outfielder. The boys and girls from 1st grade up to 8th grade all got a chance to meet their hero.

MOOKIE WAS TEACHING LIKE A GM

Throughout the day the kids were rotating to different stations set up to teach the basic fundamentals of baseball. Each station had a high school or college coach set up to teach the kids hitting, catching, running and fielding ground balls. Mookie stopped by every station and interacted with each kid. Mookie gave the groups a chance to pick his brain, and of course he had to get in on the fun. Along with the different groups teaching fundamentals there were also games going on towards the end of the day. Toward the end of the day Mookie made his rounds to the mini wiffle ball games where he took over as the pitcher.

MOOKIE TAKES THE MOUND

This was by far the most exciting part for the kids. Mookie let everyone swing until they got a hit. He is a really patient man, as there were 200 kids wanting to hit a home run off of the All Star. A few of the kids managed to take him yard! Mookie continued to have a smile on his face all day, just like he does on the field.

THE CLINIC WAS A SUCCESS

From the beginning of the Mookie Betts Baseball Clinic until the end everyone who was in attendance was all smiles. Especially the man of the hour…Mookie. Throughout the day he was talking to the kids about life, baseball, happiness and positivity. He was explaining to the group that he is where he is today because he doesn’t let negativity get to him, and he always tries to maintain a happy positive attitude playing for the Red Sox. He went on to say that if you make baseball fun then you will get better results. Having a positive attitude is infectious and will make you others around you better, hinting at this years Red Sox team.

J.D. Martinez-Triple Crown Bound

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After last night’s home run J.D. Martinez has kept himself on pace for the triple crown. The All Star is leading the majors with 38 home runs and 106 RBI. For Martinez to join this very exclusive club he will need to catch his teammate Mookie Betts in batting average. Betts currently maintains control of the highest average in the league at .346. As of right now J.D. holds a .333 average, only .13 off of Betts for the league lead.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports

Martinez Would Put Himself Among Red Sox Legends

Only two other Red Sox players have won the triple crown. Ted Williams was one of only two players in history to win it twice. The most recent Red Sox player to achieve this accomplishment was Carl Yastrzemski in 1967. There has only been a total of 15 players to win the triple crown in MLB history, the most recent player to do so being Miguel Cabrera in 2012. This won’t come easy, but JD has the support from Cabrera himself. Cabrera recently took to his Instagram to discuss the potential of Martinez pulling such a feat off, mentioning that the two have “talked about this years ago and that JD can do it.” Even with Martinez playing so well a lot still needs to go right down the stretch.

Can Martinez Actually Pull This Off…

Photo courtesy of NBC Boston Sports

With the Red Sox having such a commanding lead in the division, it would not be a surprise to see guys getting some rest. Depending on how Alex Cora decides to walk that thin line of rest versus momentum heading down the stretch, could factor into Martinez’s chances. However, the way JD has been playing and where his numbers stand today, the slugger should have enough at bats left to hold onto the home run and RBI lead. Then there is Mookie, who is still playing at an MVP level with a slight lead in average over Martinez. Of course no one wants Betts to slow down, this team wants a championship over anything else. As for the triple crown, JD Martinez will maintain his lead in home runs and RBI, and will catch Mookie barring any unforeseen slumps.

The way Martinez study’s and prepares for games is what will land him the triple crown. There’s just something about this team that we have all felt before in years past, you can feel it. Winning the World Series is the goal, but winning the triple crown is a nice cherry on top for J.D.

What Could a Mookie Betts Extension Look Like?

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The Red Sox are most certainly going to re-open extension talks with the All-Star right fielder. What could a potential extension look like?

With free agency about the blow up the entire landscape of the MLB for the foreseeable future, could the Red Sox make an unprecedented move? If so, what could shake up things for the next decade? Extending All-Star and MVP candidate Mookie Betts! The five-tool player has shown flashes of greatness. When will Betts get paid?

His career numbers as of now indicate his game is only trending upward. He sports a career .301 batting average, with 105 home runs and 374 runs batted in. to go along with 104 stolen bases. To go along with two Gold Gloves, three straight All-Star selections, and a Silver Slugger award.

Last winter, the Sox signed J.D. Martinez to a five year $110 million contract with numerous player opt-outs after this season. While there are talks of restructuring after this season, these are the present numbers. J.D. has experienced his fair share of struggles throughout his career, making Mookie the better of the two. He will command more in any contract.  The rising star is becoming one of the top 3 players in the game.

Similar extensions

In 2015, the Los Angeles Angles extended Mike Trout to a six year, $144.5 million contract. The two-time MVP is one of the other top three players in the league. Now, there is no comparison between Trout and Martinez as an all around player, but offensively you could make some arguments. If Trout could command this money, what can other stars expect to want?

This year, the other top three player becomes the biggest free agency prize in years. Bryce Harper watch has been in effect all season long, with hopes of hints as to where he’ll wind up after free agency is all said and done. He could command anywhere to a rumored ten year $400 million deal. It would be the largest deal in sports history, but that deal could be shrinking after his sub-par .248 batting average. The Washington Nationals star has plenty of options moving forward.

Finally in 2014, the Miami Marlins extended Giancarlo Stanton to a 13 year $325 million contract, the largest contract ever. Now a member of the New York Yankees, Stanton has ten years left on his current contract, while he can opt out at anytime after 2020. The no trade clause is still in effect.

Considering all of the above contracts, what could a possible Mookie Betts extension look like? With the level of play he has flashed (especially against American League east teams) He could easily command a $200 deal. He is currently making $10.5 million this season with three more years of arbitration left.

Let’s just suggest his arbitration increases by at least $5.5 million each season. By the time he hits his first free agency, he would make $27 million for one season. If you go by his five-tool ability, it’s easy to conceive that his extension could be in the eight year, $225 million range.

If the two sides decide to go this route will have to wait. The postseason is creeping fast. While the numbers will be different, this is how the market is. While all attention shift to the end of the season, more excitement is soon to come.

Why JD Martinez Could End Up Being The GREATEST Red Sox Free Agent Acquisition

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Many Red Sox fans were afraid to sign JD Martinez this past offseason. They were afraid he would just take his money and not take his job seriously. They were afraid he was going to end up like Carl Crawford or Pablo Sandoval and leave the same bad taste in their mouths that those players did. Dave Dombrowski went ahead and signed JD. It would be possibly one of the greatest decisions he’s ever made in his life. 

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Photo Credit: Boston Herald

As the days, the weeks, and the months go on, JD Martinez has continued to impress. He has hit over 30 homers on the year, and it’s only August. With an OPS over 1.000, he has shown that he can not only hit for power, but he can get on base as well. He can hit the ball to all fields with ease. The man simply can do everything. Remind you of anyone else? David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez come to mind. Now, let’s dig in a little more as to how much this man means to this team. 

When David Ortiz signed with the Red Sox, the expectations weren’t very high. In fact, people didn’t really know what to expect. He had just been released by Minnesota, and a big reason he was coming in the first place was Pedro Martinez, who talked to the front office about bringing him in. Signing Big Papi would end up being the greatest decision ever, as he would lead Boston to three World Series titles in 9 years.

When JD Martinez signed in Beantown, his expectations were very high. Since then, he has delivered. He has been absolutely everything he was signed for and more. Now here comes the question: can he end up being the greatest free agent signing in Red Sox history? He very well could be. As far as guys who had high expectations coming in, Manny Ramirez is one of them. Ortiz was the greatest free agent signing to date. JD sure has a long ways to go in order to match up to their legacies, a lot of it having to do with what happens in October. But so far, JD has been an absolutely amazing hitter, along with a great teammate, which shouldn’t be overlooked. 

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Photo Credit: Call to the Pen

As JD keeps on mashing and impressing all of Red Sox nation, his legacy will only become greater. Sure, it’s still only his first year wearing a Red Sox uniform. He hasn’t won a ring yet, but what he has done so far cannot go unnoticed. Martinez has made this team and everyone around him so much better. He may not have quite the legacy of David Ortiz or Manny Ramirez as of now, but don’t count him out.

The Red Sox Are On The Verge Of Ending The Yankees Season

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The Yankees came into Boston with a chance to close the gap in the A.L East. Instead, the Sox have stomped on the throat of the Yankees. For the second straight day, the Sox’ starting pitching shoved the bats down the throats of Yankees hitters. Boston now has a commanding 8.5 game lead heading into Sunday’s finale against New York. With the Yankees coming apart at the seams, it’s now time for the Sox to wrap up the division once and for all.

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David Price Has To Step Up

Everyone knows how much of a disaster David Price has been in Boston. None the less, the pressure falls on the shoulders of the soft left-hander. The Red Sox have absolutely dominated the Yankees in all assets of the game. Rick Porcello and Nathan Eovaldi both had excellent starts against the “potent” New York lineup. Porcello ignited Fenway Park on Friday night with a complete game one-hitter, retiring twenty-one straight Yankees. Eovaldi followed up Porcello’s excellent outing with an equally dominant performance going eight strong shutout innings. This sets Price up perfectly heading into Sunday Night baseball.

The Yankees hitters cannot seem to get out of their own way at the moment. With Judge hurt and Sanchez on the DL, Price is primed to finally have success against the Yankees as a member of the Red Sox. Price needs to show up and perform because he could wrap up the A.L East. Sweeping the Bronx Bombers out of Fenway without Chris Sale starting a single game would be astronomical for the moral of the Red Sox. Let’s watch and see if Price can give the Sox anything in a big spot.

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Boston Hitters Must Stay Sharp

After the beatdown the Sox gave New York the past three days, it would be easy to take the Yankees lightly. No matter the outcome of the finale on Sunday, the Red Sox weekend is a success; but still, the Sox have to show up and put the pinstripes down once and for all. With Tanaka on the hill, the Sox lineup has to come out of the gates hot. If they can get a lead on New York, then its all but over. This once prominent Yankees team is now on the verge of spiraling into their fourth straight loss. Time to send New York packing with their hopes of a championship crushed.

Eovaldi

Sox Make Big Splash Before Trade Deadline, Acquire Nathan Eovaldi

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Less than 24 hours after the New York Yankees reportedly acquired former all-star closer Zach Britton from the Orioles, the Boston Red Sox made a corresponding move of their own. Nathan Eovaldi, the current Tampa Bay Rays’ flame throwing righty and former Yankee, is shipping up to Boston in exchange for triple-A prospect Jalen Beeks.

Let the AL East war of attrition begin.

Eovaldi

Courtesy of draysbay.com

Out With The Old, In With The New

While Beeks had his chances with the big league Sox this season, he failed to make much out of them. His 2018 MLB stat line sports an 0-1 record with a 12.79 ERA, having allowed 9 earned runs through 6.1 innings pitched. Though he is still young (25 years old) and still has some big league potential (just ask the Rays), Dave Dombrowski decided that the Sox can do better without him.

Out goes the flailing prospect, in comes a ready-made starter.

For now, Nathan Eovaldi comes over to Fenway with some high upside and some notable baggage. While he is known for his high heat that can occasionally eclipse 100 mph, he’s proven throughout the years to be quite hittable. Over his career, he is 41-50 with a 4.22 ERA, and a 1.35 WHIP.

That being said, Eovaldi has shown at times this season that he can absolutely bring it. In his latest start on July 8th against the Mets, the righty surrendered just one hit through 7 full innings of work while allowing no bases on balls and striking out nine batters. He was nothing short of dominant, and it stands to reason that Dombrowski was watching all along.

Rotation Remedy?

Now, with Eovaldi providing a significant and immediate upgrade to the Sox rotation, this team is primed for the postseason. It remains to be seen where Eovaldi will slot in the rotation. But odds are he will find a home either in the 4th or 5th spot. Ahead of him are clear favorites like Chris Sale, David Price, and Rick Porcello. From there, it gets a bit hairy. From the looks of it, Eovaldi joins the mix of Eduardo Rodriguez, Drew Pomeranz, Steven Wright, and Brian Johnson. The former three are dealing with varying levels of injury concerns and waning self-confidence. Johnson figures to be the only level-headed, healthy of the bunch.

That leaves a clear window for Eovaldi to jump right through. The backend of the rotation is for his taking, so long as he can perform up to par.

Bring Him Home To Beantown

Sox fans will be waiting in anticipation for Eovaldi’s first start. The only thing for certain is that Alex Cora has some tough decisions to make with his pitching staff.

Sox Optimistic Following Tyler Thornburg’s Rough Outing

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After allowing three earned runs in the sixth inning during Saturday night’s 5-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers, right-hander Tyler Thornburg’s ERA rose to 10.38 in five games since making his long-awaited debut with the team on July 6.

The big blow off Thornburg was a two-run shot by light-hitting Jose Iglesias, who drove in four of Detroit’s five runs. The homer was Iglesias’ third of the year, and third overall against his former team.

A Decent Start

Prior to Saturday, Thornburg was coming off consecutive scoreless appearances after allowing a single run in each of his first two outings. Additionally, Thornburg’s allowed at least one hit in all five games he’s pitched. He is still looking for that clean inning.

It was certainly not the start Thornburg and fans were hoping for.

Working Out The Kinks

Despite Thornburg’s rocky start to the season after missing all of 2017, the Red Sox are optimistic he’ll turn things around. Following Saturday night’s loss, team coaches Dana LeVangie and Craig Bjornson studied video of Thornburg during the game. They compared it to video of him during his breakout 2016 campaign with the Milwaukee Brewers.

According to MassLive.com’s Christopher Smith, LeVangie and Bjornson identified a mechanical flaw with Thornburg. Manager Alex Cora chimed in, saying he’s hopeful it’ll be “the last hurdle” for Thornburg to overcome in his road back from thoracic outlet sydrome surgery.

Prior to Sunday’s series finale, Thornburg was working to correct the flaw with LeVangie and Bjornson.

Help Is On The Way

Assuming Thornburg fixes the problem, it should be nothing but good news for the Red Sox. The bullpen has gone through a stretch of unreliability as of late, and an effective Thornburg can no doubt help fix that situation.

Predictions For The Second Half For The Red Sox

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After an astonishingly great first half that gave the Red Sox a 68-30 record to go along with a 4.5 game lead over New York, what can we expect during the second half of the year?

After a well needed all star break, the remaining 64 games are approaching fast. As the team looks to keep their lead over the rival Yankees, here are some predictions for this second half.

Red Sox win their division.

While the race will be heated up, this back and fourth race will come down to versatility. Something New York doesn’t have a whole lot of. If they expect to have a solid run during the postseason, expect them to make moves for starting pitching. If the Sox can target a solid relief pitcher for cheap, it only increases their versatility even more.

Sox get three pitchers over 15 wins.

Chris sale, Rick Porcello, and David Price all get at least 15 wins on the season. With the offense scorching runs on almost anyone, this gives the pitchers a great deal of confidence to shut down opponents with ease. Of course, everyone has a bad game or cold streak, but this seems the most plausible with the staff on the roster.

Mookie Betts finally wins MVP.

Barring anything he cannot control, Betts finally gets his most valuable player nod. As he displayed throughout the first half, he has the ability to do anything he wants to whoever he wants to, no questions asked. He has more games this season 4-4 at the plate than 0-4 at the plate…. that’s impressive. Yes J.D Martinez has a great case to win the award too, but Mookie’s defensive abilities makes him that much more inciting.

Red sox win the world series.

As most of Red Sox nation says this every year, it’s very doable this year. The team chemistry is electric, manager Alex Cora is doing a phenomenal job at the helm, and the team is firing on all cylinders. There are always obstacles to overcome during the MLB Playoffs, as for this year, the Boston Red Sox are not a Cinderella team, but more a team that’s hungry for October Glory.

Xander Bogaerts’ Walk-Off Slam the First for Sox in Almost 18 Years (@MrMac91)

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On Saturday afternoon, shortstop Xander Bogaerts hit his third grand slam of the season. It came in the bottom of the 10th to give Boston a 6-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Bogaerts’ slam was his second huge hit in the game. Previously he hit a leadoff double to begin the bottom of the ninth to set the stage for Jackie Bradley Jr.’s game-tying double two pitches later. Closer Craig Kimbrel then came on to pitch a scoreless tenth inning to earn the win.

With the win, the Red Sox improved their MLB-best record to 67-30.

The walk-off shot was Boston’s ninth grand slam of the season, which ties the Cincinnati Reds for the most in baseball. It’s also Bogaerts’ third this year. In 2017, the Red Sox were unable to muster even one grand slam.

This was Boston’s first walk-off grand slam since August 14, 2000, when Rico Brogna smashed one against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Bogaerts, 25, continues to rake this year as he enters Sunday’s first-half finale with a .284/.355/.529 slash line. He also has 15 homers and 62 RBIs, which is impressive considering he was out for three weeks in April.