Tag Archives: Cleveland Indians

The 2019 Red Sox Bullpen: The Craig Kimbrel Question

There are changes coming to the 2019 Red Sox Bullpen. Yesterday I took a look at Joe Kelly. The biggest piece, closer Craig Kimbrel, is today’s focus.. Is he worth paying to keep and what are some options out there?

Craig Kimbrel

In 2017 Craig Kimbrel was the 800 lb gorilla of all time Red Sox closers. 5-0 with 35 saves and a 1.43 ERA. If he had been given more opportunity I’m sure he would’ve had even more saves.

Using a 3 year average is an attempt to have some perspective, but in Kimbrel’s case the 2017 season has a massive effect. Because Kimbrel’s three year stats are, frankly, amazing: 14.8 K/9 and a 2.52 ERA.

Even then though, the walks show through: 3.8 per 9 innings. That’s a lot of base runners. When he’s on his game and striking out the world, it works. When he’s not, let’s just say Alex Cora going with Chris Sale to close out game five says a ton. And Kimbrel giving up a two run home run to Kiki Hernandez of all people in game four brought back all those non save situation failures from prior years.

All of this is to say Kimbrel’s not a guarantee to bring back as the 2019 Red Sox closer. But who is out there who could be a good fit? Closers who have working in the American League and have postseason experience.

Kelvin Herrera

Kelvin Herrera will undoubtedly be the least expensive option. He suffered a torn Lisranc ligament in his left foot and had surgery for it on 8/30/2018. The recovery for that encompasses around six months and requires vigilance. That means he’ll be available a few weeks into spring training if all goes well.

There’s a lot to like about Herrera. He is the youngest of this group at 29 on Opening Day 2019. He also he walks the fewest batters. His 3 year average is 2.17 walks per 9 is the lowest of all the comparisons I’ve found in the top tier group. It is that low walk number than allows him to rival Kimbrel in the walk per strikeout stat. Herrera is 4.6 BB/K, Kimbrel is 4.97 BB/K.

His three year ERA is 3.15 and the Red Sox tried to trade for him at the trade deadline this year. His injuries were bad luck. This year was his first extended time on the DL.

Because of his injury there are questions about Herrera, but that will also make him less expensive. He very well could big the biggest relief Ace bargain of 2019.

Cody Allen

This former Cleveland Indians closer fell out of favor due to an off year in 2018. While Kimbrel will be 31, Cody Allen will be 30 on opening day 2019.

Even with a bad 2018 he can stand next to Kimbrel at 3.8 BB/9 (Kimbrel is at 3.8) and he’s tantalizing because he will be cheaper than Kimbrel and has had a lot of success. In 2016 and 2017 he averaged a 2.73 ERA and 31 saves a year with almost 12 K/9. That is dominant.

Because of 4.70 ERA in 2018 and corresponding difficulties he’s a question. But a worthy gamble due to the potential of prior years and no obvious injury.

Conclusion

Ultimately I believe Kimbrel will come back if he’s asking for a reasonable salary. But if he’s pushing $20 Million like Mark Melancon I see a few appealing options out there that have pitched in the American League, in the playoffs, and are at reasonable age.

Red Sox Vs. Marlins Preview

Leave a reply

Although this series is only two games, this could prove to be the spark this team needs after their sweep at the hands of the Rays.

While this series might not be a marquee match up, this Marlins team boasts the lowest scoring offense while allowing the second most runs in the National League. The Red Sox swept this club earlier this season and have a 2-0 record this season against them.

The Marlins have a disastrous 53-79 record. While they are clearly in a rebuild, they are trending upward, with series splits against the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees. In total they have won five of their last nine games.

The pitching matchups should be intriguing. Game one sees Brian Johnson ( 6-4, 4.33 era) against the electric Jose Urena ( 4-12, 4.50 era) Johnson did not last long against the Indians, lasting 4.1 innings while allowing 3 earned runs off 5 hits and 1 walk. He mustered up 1 strikeout.

Urena on the other hand pitched amazing his last start. He played a complete game against the Nationals, only giving up 1 earned run on 2 hits and 2 walks. He also struck out 4 hitters. Urena managed to stir up some controversy over plunking future stud Ronald Acuna Jr. in the first at bat of the game.

Game two sees Pitching phenom David Price ( 14-6 3.50 era) against Trevor Richards ( 3-7 4.23 era) Price was lights out against Cleveland. He lasted 8 innings of work with 0 earned runs, striking out 7 while only giving up 3 hits. Richards lasted 5.1 innings against the Yankees only giving up 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 9 batters.

Player to watch for: J.T Realmuto

He has clearly been the best player for the Marlins all season long. After wanting to be traded last winter, building his stock this year only heightens his demands. He has become a strong trade candidate for this offseason.

Be prepared to see some of the brighter aspects of this Marlins team come out and ready to perform.

Sox Split With Indians In Potential October Preview

Leave a reply

A few thoughts on the Red Sox series split with the Cleveland Indians right after I dig up my road trip fedora…

Man, that four-game set had an October feel, didn’t it? The Sox were able to roar back after dropping the first two games, including yesterday’s near-flawless 7-0 victory. It was the first meeting of the season between the two teams, and it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s a rematch in the postseason.

The Sox dropped the first game on Monday, after Rick Porcello allowed 3 HR (and 5 ER) over 7 innings. It’s been a weird season for the righthander out of Morristown, NJ. On one hand, it feels like he’s been far more consistent than in 2017 or 2015. On the other, his 4.14 ERA is more in line with those seasons than his 2016 Cy Young award-winning campaign. His August has made even less sense. He’s 2-2 over 4 starts this month, with a 4.67 ERA. But, opponents are only hitting .156 against him over that stretch. Go figure, right?

There’s one smoking gun here: Porcello can’t seem to keep the ball in the yard. Last season, he gave up a league-leading 38 round-trippers. This year, those struggles have resurfaced. Porcello has already given up 22 big flies in 2018, tying him for 12th in the majors. However, 8 of those have come over his last 5 outings, at a rate of 2.2 per 9 innings. For reference, Dylan Bundy‘s MLB-worst HR/9 is 2.19.

The Sox lost game two thanks to a stellar outing from Indians rookie Shane Bieber. Bieber shut down the best offense in baseball for 6 innings, before the Sox tagged him for 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th. It tied the longest losing streak of the season for Boston (3 games), and prompted plenty of “the Red Sox can’t beat a real team” social media activity from Indians fans (who conveniently ignore the trainwreck that is the non-Cleveland part of the AL Central standings) and Yankees fans (whose team is currently 11-10 in August).

Boston bounced back to even the series and escape with a split thanks to two total team efforts on Wednesday and Thursday. However, a pair of players deserve special mention. Xander Bogaerts and David Price.

Bogaerts went 6-19 across the four game series, collecting at least one hit in each contest. He also continued to rake with runners in scoring position, driving in 8 men. On Wednesday night, Bogey erased a 2-1 4th inning deficit by launching a slider onto the Mass Pike:

You can kiss that ball (and deficit) goodbye! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/x6ljJQpGek

— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 23, 2018

He followed that dinger up with another in the bottom of the 7th (this time to right-center), to increase the Sox lead to 5 runs:

Showing us why he wears No. 2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/gx2gR7dK8Y

— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 23, 2018

Two weeks ago I wrote about how the biggest thing holding Bogaerts back from true superstardom is his tendency to trail off in the second half of the season. Since then, the Red Sox shortstop is batting .348/.411/.717, with 3 HR and 14 RBI. Seems like this is the year where he finally asserts himself down the stretch.

Price was masterful on Thursday afternoon, while the Sox plated 6 runs in the 5th en route to an easy win. The 32-year-old lefty posted 8 scoreless innings with 7 Ks, allowing only 3 hits and no walks. He capped it all off by blowing a fastball by Indians catcher Roberto Perez, a cherry on top of a shutout sundae:

https://twitter.com/takeyourbasepod/status/1032717906717671426

For all of the negative press Price has managed to get during his Red Sox career (some warranted, some less so), he’s been tough to criticize recently. He’s won 5 of his last 7 starts, a stretch where his ERA has decreased with each outing. Over those 7 starts, he’s 5-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 48 innings. Opposing batters are only mustering a .200 batting average against him, and he’s throwing nearly 70% of his pitches for strikes. Price’s season ERA has dropped from 4.44 on July 7th to its current mark of 3.50…pretty good.

With Chris Sale on the shelf for the time being, the Sox have needed their $30+ million man to step up. He’s done that and more over the last month and a half.

The Red Sox won’t see Cleveland again until Sept. 21, another matchup that will have a decidedly October vibe, as well as October implications. If that series is anything like this one, it’ll be appointment viewing for both sides.

Comparing The 2003 Red Sox to The 2018 Red Sox

Leave a reply

While nearly 15 years has separated these two teams, there are a lot of similarities between them. With what appears to be two different ages of baseball, what can we take away from the ages?

The opening day lineups.

In 2003, The opening day lineup looked like this. 1. Johnny Damon CF, 2. Todd Walker 2B, 3. Nomar Garciaparra SS, 4. Manny Ramirez LF, 5. Kevin Millar 1B, 6. Shea Hillenbrand 3B, 7. Jeremy Giambi DH, 8. Trot Nixon RF, 9. Jason Varitek C Starting Pitcher Pedro Martinez.

This lineup had it all. They had key veteran players to build around. They had speed, raw power, and most of all talent. This team was poised to make a deep October run until the rival Yankees ended it on a sour note. The 2004 team would eventually reverse the 86 year long drought. After that “The Curse of The Great Bambino” was over.

This season, the Opening Day lineup consisted of 1. Mookie Betts RF, 2. Andrew Benintendi LF, 3. Hanley Ramirez 1B ( not on the team anymore.) 4. J.D Martinez DH, 5. Xander Bogaerts SS, 6. Rafael Devers 3B, 7. Eduardo Nunez 2B, 8. Jackie Bradley Jr. CF, 9. Christian Vazquez C. Starting Pitcher Chris Sale.

The Similarities.

This team also has raw power and speed. Their ace Chris Sale is most comparable to Pedro Martinez in his intensity and competitiveness. Both teams had a multitude of different ways to scare opponents offensively.

By the numbers: Both teams led the league in runs batted in, hits, OPS, total bases, and extra base hits. Both teams were leading their division up to this point in the season (2018 season isn’t 100% over yet). These teams were offensive power houses that American League teams were scared to pitch against.

Both teams provided some serious defense as well. It wasn’t always about amazing run support. The pair of teams had a stud patrolling in right field (2018 Betts, 2003 Nixon). Both teams had a perennial shortstop (Bogaerts, Garciaparra). Both teams had a highly regarded designated hitter (Martinez, Giambi). Finally, both teams made a very questionable move during the season (2018 cutting Hanley, 2003 signing David Ortiz).

In both cases they had their first seasons with an incredible duo. After the signing of David Ortiz to pair with Ramirez the tandem would go on to ravage pitchers for years. Most would regard the two as the best 3 and 4 hitter combo of all time. In 2018, the J.D and Mookie combo offers hope of a new duo equal to that of the deadly 2003 pair. Offering up a different approach to the game, this duo can hit, work the count, and launch home runs with the best of them.

Some differences that should be highlighted.

One of the biggest differences were the managers. Grady little led the team in 2003. After a controversial ending to their season he was heavily blamed for not cruising by the Yankees. This led to his timely firing by Theo Epstein and company. Which led to the hiring of legendary manager Terry Francona.

In 2018 the Red Sox are led by Alex Cora, the former bench coach of the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros. He is way ahead of his time. In implementing his system, his bench coaches and assistants utilize new forms of measurements in the game. Using new revelations such as: launch angle, statcast, war, and other forms of saber metrics. He is one of the main reasons why this 2018 team is on the verge of making history.

Comparing managers and General managers.

As for the general managers, they too take separate approaches. Theo was a free agent build type of guy, along with an incredible farm system. That’s how he also made the Chicago Cubs a world series champion. He is also one of the youngest general managers to win a World Series, as well.

On the other hand, Dave Dombrowski also has a winning approach. Dombrowski arrived after the departure of former GM Ben Cherington. He built the franchise into a winning culture in a matter of two seasons. While most people note the demolition of the farm system, it is slowly building itself back up with great draft additions such as Tristan Casas. Dave has also won a title with the then Florida Marlins, who now are called the Miami Marlins.

Even the fact that it seems like a different era of baseball is very prevalent. Pitchers are throwing harder, while also not staying in the game as long as they used to. Guys like Nolan Ryan and Greg Maddox were pitching a lot more innings a season.

The MLB commissioner office seems like it is always trying to speed up the game, while not being as concerned with more pressing matters such as PEDs and off the field incidents. As long as the commissioner can stay focused on the most important matters the sport can continue to grow and be more fun for generations to come.

Conclusion.

While both teams are strikingly similar, the differences stand out well. The 2018 team is more aggressive on the base paths, and are much faster. That comes with the evolution of the game. This team is also a lot younger than Red Sox teams of years past. This 2018 team looks very hungry, but hopefully the outcome will differ from the fate of the 2003 team.

While the 2018 season is still heating up, how it will be written among the other Red Sox teams will soon come into fruition. Keep it here for the best coverage of all your favorite Boston teams and players. Only at Bostonsportsextra.com

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

Leave a reply

Don’t Panic, It’s Only August

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.

Sources

MLB
NESN

Can The Red Sox Get To 116 Wins?

Leave a reply

While the Red Sox have an unprecedented 85-35 win loss record, can they catch up to a record only two teams have ever achieved before?

116 wins, something only two teams have ever won that many games in a single season. The 2001 Seattle Mariners and the 1906 Chicago Cubs. The only difference… the 1906 Cubs played 152 games that year. This 2018 Red Sox team currently holds a .708 win percentage, however, there are still 42 games to be played.

The path to 116

With 42 games left in the regular season, the Red Sox would have to go 31-11 to finish the season. With 7 games against the Indians, 6 against the Yankees, and 3 against the defending champs as the hard part of the remaining schedule. Can this team achieve a .739 winning percentage during the last stretch? It’s definitely up for debate.

Who can help?

The numerous games with teams such as the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays should be a promising sign, as long as they don’t lose easy games. Although there will be more frequent rest periods, ( including innings limits for starters), Alex Cora will still manage this team to be more competitive and hungry than the game before.

With MVP candidates Mookie Betts and J.D Martinez still staying hot at the plate, is there any wonder to how this team became so amazing? We cannot forget to mention David Price, Xander Bogaerts, Chris Sale, and all of the other guys who keep this team competitive. This team really has adapted the New England Patriot way of next guy up mentality. They way Boston sports has evolved into team equality has been astonishing to see.

What are the odds?

While finding the exact odds are improbable, they do have some numbers on their side. Out of their remaining schedule, 24 of the games are at home, while owning the leagues best home win loss record. The team has a 9-1 record throughout their last 10 games. They have never lost more than three games consecutively all season long.

No matter what happens a strong playoff run looks imminent. as long as the team comes out of the regular season as injury-less as possible, I and fellow members of Red Sox nation can sleep well at night.

What do you think?

Comment,share,tag,tweet,like, and follow to let us know what you think! Let your opinion be heard.

Why the American League Needs to Fear Xander Bogaerts

Leave a reply

How removing the pressure and high expectations for Xander Bogaerts will make him a dangerous threat in 2018:

In the hopes of a career season, Xander Bogaerts is looking like the touted prospect four years ago. With all this power and offensive production one has to wonder: did we lose faith in our shortstop?

While collecting 6 RBIs, including a monstrous grand slam in a 10-3 hammering over the Tampa Bay Rays, it felt like a coming out party. This season alone he sports a .371 average with 2 homers and 9 RBIs throughout the first eight games. The offseason training has certainly paid off. During an interview with the Boston Globe, the 25 year old said: “I know the best is yet to come. I don’t think — I know.”

In the same article, 78% of voters wanted to trade him for a Manny Machado blockbuster. While Machado is making the transition to full time shortstop, the fit doesn’t seem realistic. Machado is entering a free agency year, and is expected to land a deal worth $200 million or more. And also considering the Dustin Pedroia incident as well.

X Man is the X Factor

The two time Silver Slugger winner is part of a championship contender. The Sox have been heavily overlooked as one of baseball’s premier teams. With the first series of the season against New York scheduled for next week, all eyes tune in on Fenway Park. This is a heavily anticipated look into the postseason.

Will the Red Sox defy the noise and the opinion of the sports world and prove their dominance against baseball’s latest super team? Or will New York shut the door on the doubts that have opened since their rough stretch of play? With the huge home stand still ahead, Xander Bogaerts and the entire Boston Red Sox roster aims to keep their lean in the AL East standings!

Division Predictions: AL Central

Leave a reply

We now arrive at the American League Central. The division has the potential to be the worst in baseball. The loss of Hosmer in Kansas City pulls the Royals out of serious talks of a potential contention. Chicago will be led by the likes of José Aubreu and Yoan Moncada. Detroit has a new manager. The Twins will look to contend for a spot in the Wild Card. Here’s how the division will pan out:

Chicago White Sox

Other than José Aubreu and Yoan Moncada, not much is expected this season from Chicago. James Shields will be the ace of the staff this season, looking to be the leader in that rotation. For Chicago, that’s really all I got.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins are looking to return to the Wild Card game this season with high hopes. Players like Miguel Sano, newcomer Logan Morrison, and Eddie Rosario will look to lead the way in the lineup. The only issue for the Twins again is their pitching. Ervin Santana will lead the staff. Pitching is going to have to step up for Minnesota if they wish to be legitimate contenders for the Wild Card.

Detroit Tigers

It seems every year, we hear less and less about Detroit. They’ve seem to be slipping down a slope that can be easily fixed. Regardless, for right now Detroit will have to hold their own with what they’ve got now. Miguel Cabrera will lead the lineup per usual, along with José Iglesias and Victor Martinez. Jordan Zimmerman will take the helm of the staff followed by newcomer Francisco Liriano. You never know, Detroit could surprise you. Don’t hold your breath.

Kansas City

Kansas City took a huge toll losing Eric Hosmer to San Diego in free agency. Nonetheless, franchise veterans Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez will look to lead a very interesting ball club. Danny Duffy and Ian Kennedy will lead the staff, along with being the keys to their success out of the rotation.

Cleveland Indians

No team in the division will be able to contend against Cleveland. They have all the necessities to contend for a world title, but execution is key. Being bounced in the ALDS by New York should be a huge wake up call for the tribe. Corey Kluber is looking for yet again another Cy Young caliber season. Lindor, Encarnacion, and Jose Ramirez leading are leading an always talented lineup. Yonder Alonso joins the team as a huge acquisition to the ball club. Cleveland is no joke, maybe this season they won’t choke.

Final Standings

Cleveland Indians

Minnesota Twins

Kansas City Royals

Chicago White Sox

Detroit Tigers

The Red Sox Are in Win Now Mode

Leave a reply

With free agents and extensions not being a huge priority by Dombrowski and company, this roster has officially entered win now mode. But can they win?

Guys like Chris Sale, Craig Kimbrel, Mookie Betts, and Xander Bogaerts are the core of this Red Sox lineup. One has to ask- will they all remain on the roster? With only a handful of years and options combined, who’s getting paid, and who’s getting the boot? With a depleted farm system, and only so much cash to go around, the time to win a championship is now.

They have one of the best lineups and rotation around. With a talented manager and coaching staff to back it all up. The best part, we finally have a manager who can deal with David Price! With other powerhouses such as the Astros, Indians, and Yankees all fighting to play in October, this postseason will prove to be a heavyweight bout.

The Roster Is Here to Play

Having dominant pitching can help any team win at Fenway, the smallest ballpark in the league. Porcello and Price need a bounce back season. The continued success of Sale and Pomeranz can set the tone of the bullpen. After being bounced out of the first round the last two seasons, the motivation, drive, and identity of the team has significantly changed.

It took two months of waiting for J.D Martinez to officially sign with the club. His boast of confidence was felt through not only Red Sox Nation, but throughout the entire spring training clubhouse. As he wants to win multiple titles with the organization.

As long as their infield defense, pitching, and especially offensive power comes to play this season, there are no doubts that they can bring it to the postseason. With 162 games still to go, there are a lot of pieces still involved before postseason talks are even considered. With that being said, all we can do as fans is observe, and hope that this is the year.

The Enemy of My Enemy

Leave a reply

I must have missed that tweet. You know, the one where the @Yankees finally conceded that they were only a Wild Card team this season. Their public relations team must have just forgotten. I’m sure they were exhausted after pushing out hundreds of updates on how they were closing in on the division for the past two weeks.

Let’s Go Tribe

At the risk of sounding like an AL East snob, I don’t see any scenario in which the Twins beat the Yankees. Obviously, I hope that they do – nothing is quite as refreshing as bathing in the tears of your enemy. But, Severino is pitching great and rookie strike-out king Aaron Judge will probably bunt for a couple of home runs in their joke ballpark.

Embed from Getty Images

The Wild Card remains important, however, because it throws off NY’s rotation heading into their series with Cleveland on Thursday. Unless Girardi does something unusual and goes with Gray, Tanka, or Sabathia against Minnesota to save Severino for the ALDS opener, NY likely won’t throw their ace until game three. Even then, that would be on only four days’ rest. They could, according to Ken Davidoff of the NY Post, even slide him further to game four depending on the matchup.

React to contact

If the Tribe takes the first two in Cleveland, which they certainly could, the chances are very good that New York goes with Severino on four days rest in the potential elimination game. Sabathia would probably follow in game four.

If NY-CLE split the first two, I would expect Sabathia to pitch game three to give Severino the extra day off. Sabathia may be physically incapable of fielding his position or saying no to a second plate at the buffet, but he is still a big game pitcher and a solid game-three starter.

Embed from Getty Images

Where Cleveland is vulnerable

Francona is in a tough spot – which may sound strange considering he just won 102 games and seemed to clinch the playoffs in early May. The top of his rotation is great – better than NYs. But once you get past Kluber, Carrasco, and Bauer, where are you? There’s a reason he’s supposedly considering a three-man rotation in the playoffs.

Embed from Getty Images

New York has more depth in their rotation. Severino is exceptional – perhaps as good as Kluber. Neither Gray, Tanaka, nor Sabathia are as good as Carrasco – but the three of them are better than the balance of Cleveland’s arms.

What this means is that Cleveland needs to wrap up this series fast. If this goes five games, the Tribe would have thrown Kluber and Carrasco twice. This would have Bauer leading off the ALCS and put Kluber at game two, and potentially six.

Play for Today, Plan for Tomorrow

Cleveland could get through Houston or Boston in the ALCS with that rotation. But what will the staff look like in the World Series. How many extra innings will the Tribe’s three best arms have thrown before they even get there?

In 2004 we learned that Tito is the ultimate play for today manager. He doesn’t look past games, let alone series. At least not publically. But, he better. He will need Kluber and Carrasco at least twice in the ALCS and World Series if he gets there. He better deliver the knock-out blow to NY early.