Tag Archives: MLB

Red Sox vs. Indians–New Rivalry?

When you think of Red Sox rivalries throughout the years, the only ones that really come to mind are the Yankees or any other AL East team for that matter. But there is a new team that the Red Sox always seem to go to war with, and that team is the Cleveland Indians.

It kickstarted in 2016, when Cleveland and the Red Sox met in the ALDS. Talk centered on the Sox because of David Ortiz’s final postseason, but not a ton around the Indians. The Indians definitely deserved more buzz, with a better record in the regular season than the Red Sox did.

Well, the Indians certainly did not disappoint, as they shocked the Red Sox along with baseball, sweeping them in three games. A sour ending to Ortiz’s career, and a disappointing one to say the least. Cleveland, as we all know, ended up losing the World Series in seven games to the Cubs.

Postseason Preview?

Enter 2017, where both teams have big expectations, especially considering the Sox added Sale, and the Indians added Encarnacion. So far, the Red Sox have had some crazy games against the Indians in 2017, and crazy is an understatement.

August 1st, Chris Sale scheduled to take the hill for the Red Sox against the Indians, everyone expecting another dominant start. The Indians had a different idea, tattooing him for seven ER in a very disappointing start. The Red Sox battled back, including a disappointing appearance from the Indians big bullpen guy, Andrew Miller. But the big guy gave up a game-tying double off the monster to Eduardo Nunez.

The Crazy

Enter the 8th inning, the Red Sox holding onto a two-run lead. Newly acquired Addison Reed took the hill for the Sox, and gave up a home run to Carlos Santana to make it a one-run game. In the 9th, shut-down closer Craig Kimbrel came in looking to secure the save. First batter for the Tribe, Francisco Lindor, hits a game tying home run over the Monster, shocking the Fenway faithful. Kimbrel continued to struggle, allowing the go-ahead run. The bottom of the 9th came, and the Indians brought in their all-star closer, Cody Allen.

Heroics

Mitch Moreland comes up with a runner on first and two outs. He swings at strike three, but the ball skips away allowing him to run to first. After a wild pitch, runners crouch on 2nd and 3rd for the young catcher Christian Vasquez, who blasts a 3-1 fastball deep into the night, dead center. Fenway went crazy, and for good reason.

This is just one example of the great games these two teams have played this season. The Indians great success against Chris Sale and the Red Sox ability to play great against the Indians makes for an epic postseason matchup, and a potential new rivalry for the Sox.

American League Wild Card Race (Part 1 of 2)

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A Quick Look at the AL WC picture

At last, September has arrived. It is the final month of the regular season. September marks that time of year when games begin to develop a playoff-like atmosphere. These games often feature dominant pitching, stellar defense and clutch hitting. tensions rise and fans scoot forward to the edge of their seat as teams tussle for a playoff spot. This year, I think it is safe to say that the fans are getting their moneys worth.

The AL Wild card race is about as tightly packed with contenders as seen in recent years. The Yankees hold the top spot. Minnesota holds the second spot, a game behind the Yankees. From the outside, we have six additional teams attempting to scratch and claw their way into the playoff picture, all within 4.5 games of the second spot. Take a look below at the updated AL Wild Card standings (as of 9/1/17).

Wild Card Teams	W	L	PCT	WCGB	WCE #	L10	STRK
NY Yankees	71	62	.534	+1.0	–	5-5	W1
Minnesota	70	63	.526	–	–	7-3	W4
LA Angels	69	65	.515	1.5	28	5-5	W3
Baltimore	68	66	.507	2.5	27	8-2	L1
Tampa Bay	67	68	.496	4.0	25	7-3	W1
Texas	66	67	.496	4.0	26	5-5	L1
Seattle	66	68	.493	4.5	25	3-7	L5
Kansas City	65	67	.492	4.5	26	4-6	L1

New York Yankees (71-62, 1+)

The Bronx Bombers have to feel good about their chances of grabbing one of the two spots. Many did not know what to expect of the Yankees heading into the 2017 season. All were certainly excited about young star Gary Sanchez who shined in his rookie campaign. In just 53 games he slugged 20 homers and drove in 42 runs.

This year, another gift in rookie sensation Aaron Judge. Despite his second-half struggles (.185 batting average in August), he still leads the AL in home runs with 37. The Yankees offensive talent runs deeper than just those two young studs. They have great contributions from Brett Gardner, Matt Holiday, Aaron Hicks, Starlin Castro and Didi Gregorius, one of the leagues most underrated players.

Solid Yankee pitching this year ranks them 3rd in the AL with a 3.81 staff ERA. Give a lot of credit to Luis Severino, with his breakout season. He’s established himself as an elite pitcher in the American League. The Yanks ace of recent years, Masahiro Tanaka, struggled mightily early in the season as he surrendered home runs at an alarming rate and not pitching deep into games. It seems as though Tanaka has found his groove recently as he owns a 2.63 ERA over the past month. If Tanaka can stay on top of his game, then the Yankees will be a very tough team to beat in October.

The Yanks bolstered their starting rotation by adding star pitcher Sonny Gray as well as veteran Jaime Garcia at the trade deadline. CC Sabathia and Jordan Montgomery have also been key pieces to the rotation. The offense and starting pitching should do well enough to carry them into the postseason. But if the Yankees want to solidify themselves as legitimate World Series contenders, their star closer Aroldis Chapman and talented set-up man Dellin Betances need to find some consistency.

Minnesota Twins (70-63, 2nd)

It has been a pleasantly surprising year for Minnesota as no one expected them to be in position to claim a wild card spot. The Twins finished 2016 with a record of 59-103, landing them fifth in the AL Central. The key to their offensive success this year has been young slugger Miguel Sano, in the process of bouncing back from a disappointing rookie season, batting .267 and has 28 homers. Brian Dozier provides power as he has 26 home runs. Thirty-four-year old Ervin Santana has put together a career year with a record of 14-7 and an ERA of 3.27. Another bright spot for the Twins pitching staff has been their young and talented pitcher Jose Berrios. Occasionally inconsistent, he really shined at various points throughout the season. He owns a 3.80 ERA and a record of 12-6. These two guys will be key down the stretch as the Twins try to hang on to the second wild card spot.

Los Angeles Angels (69-65, 1.5 GB)

The Angels have a solid season going. They would likely occupy a totally different spot if not for the Mike Trout injury that forced the two-time MVP to sit out for almost two months. Trout was having another absolutely ridiculous season until he injured his thumb while sliding into second base, head first in a game in late May. At that point of the season Trout was tied for the league lead in home runs with 16 and fourth in RBI with 36 while batting .337. The Angels managed to play solid baseball during his absence and that is the reason they are just 1.5 games back of the second wild card spot.

They have played pretty solid baseball lately, winning three straight games. Overall, their pitching remains solid. Luckily they can rely on their superstar to carry the load offensively with help from Albert Pujols, Andrelton Simmons and Kole Calhoun. If the Angels are going to sneak into a playoff spot, they will need solid starting pitching from their veteran starters Ricky Nolasco and Jesse Chavez.

Seattle Mariners (66-68, 4.5 GB)

Seattle has disappointed their fans over the past few seasons. They’ve put together very solid rosters stacked with offensive and defensive talent as well as good starting pitching. But, they just fail to get the job done, year in and year out.

Over the past few years they have featured a roster with Elite players such as Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano and Felix Hernandez as well as other quality players such as James Paxton and Kyle Seager. This year they have stumbled upon even more talent in rookie Ben Gamel and newly acquired Jean Segura. Even while loaded with talent, the Mariner remain average, two games below .500 on the year. But here they are at the end of August, right in the mix of things. This team can win, just one good month of baseball away from making the playoffs. The key to their success will be getting their long time ace Felix Hernandez healthy and pitching to his potential.

Tune into the second part of this article for analysis on Baltimore, Kansas City, Tampa Bay and Texas

Is Pedroia Bound for Cooperstown?

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A little more than a decade ago, I took my son to Arlington to watch the Red Sox play the Rangers. I’d been to the park a few times – whenever Boston came to town we’d try to catch a game or two.

A couple of years removed from 2004’s Curse Breakers, the ‘07 Sox were good. Objectively speaking, they were far and away the best of our three recent World Series teams. The 2007 Rangers sucked. Most of the 40,000 in attendance were there to watch Boston.

First Glimpse of Greatness

I don’t remember much about the game except that Julian Tavarez started for Boston and somehow managed to avoid having a psychotic episode on the mound – which was rare for him. The other thing that I’ll never forget? Watching our diminutive rookie second baseman play for the first time.

Clinging to a one-run lead in the top of the ninth inning, Pedroia put together an epic AB against Texas closer Eric Gagne. To be fair, this was not Cy Young Gagne. He was three seasons removed from his chemically enhanced prime, but he could still pitch.

He and Pedroia went at it for nine or 10 pitches. Then, Gagne made the mistake of throwing him a high but hittable fastball – not the 101mph steroid specials that made him a hero in LA, but a low-mid 90s get-me-over – and Pedey drilled it 400-plus feet to the left-field bleachers to seal the win.

That single moment in time epitomizes Pedroia’s career. He fights for everything and he usually wins.

Though his most recent stint on the DL is hopefully coming to an end this weekend, the number of those has piled up over the last few years. It isn’t too soon to start wondering how much game he has left. He’s a 12-year veteran, but over the course of the ten full seasons he’s been with the big club (’07-‘16) he’s only averaged about 137 games a season. He’s tough, but he isn’t exactly durable. And he isn’t getting younger.

Can he go the distance?

So where does his career land him?

He’s clearly one of the all-time great Red Sox players. But a Hall of Famer?

Probably.

If Pedroia can get back in the line-up this season and contribute at his pre-DL rate, he’s on pace for his career averages and should compete for another Gold Glove (would be his 5^th). If we conservatively assume that Dustin will be 70% as productive for the next five years as his per-season career average, then when compared to the last four infielders elected to the Hall by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA – a horrible organization name by the way), Pedey deserves a plaque in Cooperstown.

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA
Pedroia NOW	1483	5930	910	1786	392	15	139	716	612	640	0.301
Pedroia (Projected)	2050	8198	1256.5	2468.5	542.5	22	191.5	989	846.5	885	0.301
Jeter	2747	11195	1923	3465	544	66	260	1311	1082	1840	0.310
Larkin	2180	7937	1329	2340	441	76	198	960	939	817	0.295
Biggio	2850	10876	1844	3060	668	55	291	1175	1160	1753	0.281
Alomar	2379	9073	1508	2724	504	80	210	1134	1032	1140	0.300

Thanks to baseball-reference.com we know that, conservatively speaking, Scrappy Doo will have a significantly stronger Hall resume than Barry Larkin (in two fewer season), plus a Rookie of the Year, League MVP, and at least four Gold Gloves to his credit. Barry Larkin was a hell of a player – also a league MVP, three-time Gold Glover, and a World Series winner in 1990 – but Pedroia is clearly better in all aspects of the game.

We could put Bill James on retainer to analyze the second and third order stats to compare Pedroia to Jeter, Biggio, Alomar, and anyone else. The result will be the same. Pedey’s problem is longevity and staying in the line-up. His career-per-season productivity is almost identical to Jeter’s – and unlike “the Captain”, Pedroia actually earned his Gold Gloves. If he stays reasonably healthy and averages about 450 ABs a season for the next five years, they’ll hang his plaque in Cooperstown.

I can’t wait for the speech. You know it’s going to be hilarious.

Red Sox Have a Rough Weekend

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The Red Sox entered the series with the Baltimore Orioles sitting on a 4.5 game division lead on Friday. But the starting pitchers took a beating all weekend, barely getting an out. The schedule won’t get any easier, with the Blue Jays Monday through Wednesday, then off to New York for a four-game series beginning Thursday.

Mauled on the mound

Friday night Rick Porcello pitched only 4.2 innings, gaving up nine hits, four runs, and four strikeouts in the 16-3 loss. Saturday, Eduardo Rodriguez pitched, showing no improvement as they fell behind early, again. Eduardo Rodriguez pitched a five-run second inning, with 40 pitches. They lost 7-0. Sunday, Doug Fister had a slightly better outing, but they still earned an ‘L’ 2-1. Fister pitched a total of seven innings, gave up five hits, two runs, and seven strikeouts.

Listen Sox fans — The pitching isn’t the only problem. What about the hitting? Hanley Ramirez stands zero for his last 14 at-bats with 9Ks, according to Boston Sports Info on Twitter. Since July 4, Mookie Betts had 184 at bats, three home-runs, 26 RBI’s, and 32 strikeouts, according to Boston Sports Info.

The young guys have stepped up, which is good. But what about the rumblings of an September collapse? It has happened before. My answer for right now is – no. This team has too much talent to screw themselves out of the division.

Chris Sale had a tough start against Cleveland but he’ll bounce back. We still have to see if David Price can pitch without pain. Nunez has been a great call-up so far along with Rafael Devers. Hopefully injuries won’t factor into the final stretch of the season which begins now.

Can Mookie Betts Turn Around His Down Season?

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In the second half of the abysmal 2014 season, the Boston Red Sox called up second baseman Markus Lynn “Mookie” Betts. The 21-year old was one of very few bright spots of that forgettable season. The kid raised many eyebrows as he batted .291, drove in 18 runs and stole seven bases in just 52 games. But the Sox already had a quality second baseman in veteran Dustin Pedroia, a former MVP and Rookie of the Year.

Red Sox management had a simple solution to this dilemma. Move Mookie to the outfield. The kid had great speed, a strong and accurate throwing arm and great defensive instincts. The move turned out to be a good one as he very quickly became a fine outfielder.

In the 2015 season, Mookie began to make a name for himself. He put together a very solid full season ending with a .291 average, 18 home runs, 42 doubles, 77 RBI and 21 steals. In 2016, Mookie took another huge stride towards greatness, truly one of the very best players in the entire league as a 23-year-old kid. In only his second full MLB season, he batted .318, scored 122 runs (2nd in MLB), recorded 214 hits (2nd in MLB), smacked 42 doubles, 31 home runs, drove in 113 runs (5th in MLB) and stole 26 bases. He finished 2nd in WAR ( 9.6) only behind Mike Trout’s 10.6 mark.

This incredible season landed him second in the MVP race behind the aforementioned Mike Trout. He started for the 2016 AL All Star team and won both the Golden Glove and Silver Slugger award. This impressive season launched him into elite player status. His name began to be mentioned with Mike Trout, Manny Machado, Nolan Arenado and Kris Bryant in conversation about the elite young players in the MLB. Some talked about him as the new face of baseball.

From elite to beat? Not so fast…

The 2017 season arrived and expectations for Mookie were through the roof. The mouths of Red Sox fans watered in anticipation and excitement. The city eagerly waited for the start of the season to watch Mookie put together another MVP-level season. However, here we are in mid/late August and Mookie is batting just .265 with 18 home runs and his OPS (.787) is down .110 points from last year. With no love lost for Mookie from his fans, many are concerned that he may have peaked last year, considering this to be a down year.

I would like to help those concerned individuals feel a little better about this so-called down year and show you why Red Sox Nation is so blessed to have this guy. Mookie needs just three more steals and two more home runs to become a 20/20 guy this year. He leads the AL batting average with runners in scoring position at a .382 clip. he has 76 RBI (while predominantly batting lead-off). To put into perspective that’s only four fewer than Aaron Judge. Not only is Mookie well above average in many offensive statistics this year, but he has also been phenomenal defensively as his Defensive Wins Above Replacement rating is at 2.54, 2^nd in the MLB behind only Andrelton Simmons.

Betting on Mookie

Yes, Mookie may not be putting together another MVP type season like last year. But he is certainly an extremely valuable asset to say the least. His numbers are so far off his capabilities but he still ranks towards the top of the league in a wide variety of categories, proof that he is an exceptional player. I am nothing but excited to see what kind of bounce-back season this young man can put together. Fear not, Red Sox Nation. We are fortunate to have this guy, an All Star starter even with a ‘down year.’ While the kid’s numbers may be down, the quick hands, blazing speed, relentless attitude and patented snarl are here to stay.

Where is David Price?

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Since David Price went on the DL, the $31M dollar pitcher has had very little to say. The Red Sox have played well and still hold first place in the Division. But where is David Price? When will he come back?

The Red Sox need Price back because when he gets into a groove he can be unstoppable. But lately, the only ace I can see on this team is Chris Sale. The guy pitches with the attitude of a winner. Just what the Red Sox needed.

Cheese with that whine?

Price has whined, complained, and hauled off on at Dennis Eckersely. My advice for Price would be do your talking on the mound and pitch well before you open your mouth. Price has been mouthy since he got here and it’s clear he hates Boston when he said he’d rather go home to his mother-in-law.

I want to see David Price win a playoff game before he opens his mouth. It’s almost like the Red Sox keep Price from pitching so his mouth doesn’t become a distraction. With him on the DL they are better, but will they win a playoff series without him? I’m sorry to say that answer is no.

The Red Sox have a big series with Cleveland followed by Baltimore this weekend. Price hasn’t walked onto the mound recently, so you have to wonder — is he hurt or did the Red Sox just make this up? I really hope he pitches well and proves his doubters wrong. The guy needs to live up to his contract, which clearly he has not done. Most likely he will opt out after next season. But I’m looking forward to seeing him come back, and find out if he just pitches and and can shut up.

How Badly Do the Red Sox Want To Win the World Series ?

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Is this the year that the Red Sox win the World Series? Is it all or nothing this season or are we satisfied with just making the playoffs and taking our chances? The Red Sox have one move that could possibly make them a scary contender for the post-season (and maybe for years to come). Could possibly mortgaging the future for winning right now pay off? Let’s explore and see what you think.

Giancarlo Stanton To The Red Sox

Do I have your attention? This move is a real possibility right now. The Miami Marlins have placed the South Beach Slammer on waivers, which he has cleared. The Marlins will transition to a new ownership group (good thing because Lauria is a clown) that includes Derek Jeter and Michael Jordan. I guess the reason that Stanton was placed on waivers is to reduce payroll. At $30M per season, losing that salary would lower anyone’s payroll. Stanton contract extends for another ten years so no fear of not having him under control, contract wise.

Worth The Cost?

This question really needs an answer. What do the Red Sox have to give up to get this behemoth in a Sox uniform for some time to come? There are a couple of options that the Marlins might bite on to make this deal a reality. The key to the deal? Not too many teams can handle the salary that they would have to take on. That limits the teams in the running, which works in the Red Sox favor.

One of the options gives the Marlins Jackie Bradley Jr., Joe Kelly, and Xander Bogaerts. Before all of you folks throw me under the bus, I don’t want to lose any players. You have to give up something to get something and this would work. Yes, you lose a great defensive outfielder but you have Benintendi and Betts along with the acquired Stanton.

The team would suffer some defensively, but remain pretty damn good if you ask me. This deal would likely require Betts moving to center and slotting Stanton in right. Playing Fenway’s right field takes some work, so you pick where Stanton should go. Nunez could replace Bogaerts. This would allow Pedroia to stay at second and Devers playing third. This plan doesn’t look so far fetched now, does it folks?

Another more radical theory on how the Red Sox could make this deal work gives the Marlins David Price in exchange for Stanton instead. This does not shave a ton off of the Marlins payroll, so they may be the roadblock to this type of deal happening. With all of the drama between Price and Eckersley, this may be a more popular move with Sox fans than you might think. As Dr. Phil has said many times “save the drama for your Mama,” and I agree wholeheartedly.

What Does Stanton Bring To The Lineup?

Inserting Stanton into this lineup gives you an incredible power bat that the Red Sox have been missing since Papi retired. Stanton is not your average power hitter, but a perennial bomber for years to come. He has power to all fields and could possibly make the Green Monster seats look like the flight path at Logan. A mere 27 years old, just reaching the prime of his career, his best is likely not behind him. Stanton looks like a fairly solid outfielder but not as solid as the current occupant. He’ll look like a like a drop off, but honestly he should be fine. Stanton sports a respectable .268 career batting average, so he is not just an all-or-nothing homer run hitter (looking at you now Aaron Judge).

The Stanton Safety Net

Having made the player shifts to acquire Stanton, the Red Sox order would look a little different then it does now obviously. With the continued bench presence of Chris Young and Brock Holt, there is always the possibility of giving players the needed days off if required. You lead off with with Betts, Benintendi, Hanley, Pedroia, Stanton, Moreland, Nunez, and Devers in whatever order you want. Good luck to the opposing pitchers and managers facing that type of offense.

In the second scenario, if we actually send David Price to the Marlins, the team faces more of a challenge. This year might be tough to cover but hopefully with the return of Steven Wright, the return-to-form of Porcello, and the crazy condor-like Chris Sale, the future looks not bad on the mound. All of this and no drama between Price and Eckersley unless it’s a road game isn’t so bad either.

Pay to play

In closing, I think that the Red Sox should shake things up a little bit and take the plunge to challenge for the World Series title. I believe that this deal makes them a contender for the present and the future with either scenario. The deal would require Stanton to approve it since he has a movement restrictive clause in his contract. By the sound of everything we’ve heard, Stanton just wants to win and the Red Sox would certainly fit the requirements.

I would be interested to hear other people’s ideas on this concept. As you can see, it is not as far fetched as you might think. Let’s see how ambitious the Red Sox are in pursuit of the scariest hitter in MLB. Let’s Go Red Sox

Dombrowski Traded The Right Prospect

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Last year when Dave Dombrowski called up Andrew Benintendi and Yoan Moncada right before the trade deadline, it was pretty much a trial period for those two players. Benintendi came up to the Majors and he shined, with a .295 batting average, 44 RBI, and eight home runs. He continues to produce this year: .278 average, 17 home runs, and 67 RBI.

Moncada whiffs

Yoan Moncada, however, did not produce well last year when he got his chance. He produced a .211 average, zero home runs, and 1 RBI. So during the off-season President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski, traded Yoan Moncada to the Chicago White Sox for ace Chris Sale. Boy did that work out in the Red Sox favor. This season, Moncada has a .205 average, with two home runs, and nine RBI. Compare this to Chris Sale, dominant this season for the Red Sox and proven to be the ace they needed. He has a 2.51 ERA, a 14-4 record, and 241 strikeouts.

Rookies with big bats

This season 20-year-old Rafael Devers was coming through the ranks in the majors and killing the ball. Dave Dombrowski called him up just before the deadline and he stepped up to the league like he owned it. He’s batting with a .339 average, 18 home runs, and 56 RBI. It’s clear the young talent on this team arrives at big moments. Benintendi and Devers both turned in outstanding performances this past weekend at Yankee Stadium in a crucial series for the division.

Dave Dombrowski has been questioned in the past for trading prospects for mediocre talent. For example, trading Travis Shaw to the Brewers for Tyler Thornburg. Thornburg hasn’t thrown a pitch yet in a Red Sox uniform, While Travis Shaw is crushing the ball in Milwaukee. He’s batting a .292 average, with 25 home runs, and 78 RBI. So Dombrowski was wrong on that one but made up for it with the Sale deal, not trading Devers, and adding Nunez at the deadline.

Comparing Devers to Moncada is like night and day. Devers was ready to come into the Majors like Benintendi. Yoan Moncada was not ready and still isn’t. Will Moncada ever work out on a Major League team? That answer still remains to be seen, but for Rafael Devers it’s clear that he’s the best shot for this team moving forward.

Dombrowski got it right trading the right prospect in Moncada, and keeping Rafael Devers, who even started a triple play for the first time since 2011 last night against the Saint Louis Cardinals.

Eck vs. Price: Feuding at 30,000 feet

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BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 1: David Price #24 of the Boston Red Sox looks on from the dugout during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians \at Fenway Park on August 1, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Just when Red Sox nation thought we could never have a clubhouse fiasco worse than chicken and beer, we now have Eck vs. Price. As silly as it sounds, this little feud between the beloved commentator and often irritated pitcher turned into a side show at the worst time of the season…… A PLAYOFF RACE!

For the fans around baseball not familiar with this ridiculous incident that could easily disrupted a club house during a playoff race and derail them from contention, here’s a little rundown of the circus that was Eck v. Price.

It all started when…

All of this stems from an incident where Price took issue with the fact that Eck criticized him for not hustling to cover the first base bag on a ground ball. According to multiple reports, the other incident that sent Price over the edge was hearing Eck say, “yuck” as Eduardo Rodriguez’ stats flashed across the screen during a game on the NESN broadcast. These incidents apparently rubbed Price the wrong way. Price took it upon himself to call out Eck on a team flight with other members of the Sox cheering on the pitcher.

Here is a detailed look at the Price – Eckersley situation via The Boston Globe’s Dan Shaughnessy:

On the day of the episode, Price was standing near the middle of the team aircraft, surrounded by fellow players, waiting for Eckersley. When Eckersley approached, on his way to the back of the plane (Sox broadcasters traditionally sit in the rear of the aircraft), a grandstanding Price stood in front of Eckersley and shouted, “Here he is — the greatest pitcher who ever lived! This game is easy for him!”

When a stunned Eckersley tried to speak, Price shot back with, “Get the [expletive] out of here!”

Many players applauded.

Eckersley made his way to the back of the plane as players in the middle of the plane started their card games. In the middle of the short flight, Eckersley got up and walked toward the front where Sox boss Dave Dombrowski was seated. When Eckersley passed through the card-playing section in the middle, Price went at him again, shouting, “Get the [expletive] out of here!”

Now, if this entire story is true, which I believe it is because Shaughnessy doesn’t have a reason to make this up, then I am not only embarrassed for Eck but I am also embarrassed for guys like David Price, Dustin Pedroia, and John Farrell as well.

Man up and stand up

First, let me start off with Pedroia. He is one of my favorite Sox players of all time and has been here long enough to realize that what Price did was no joke. Price landed a verbal slap on the face to a HALL OF FAME player who is beloved in Boston. Pedroia needs to step up in this situation and just tell Price to sit his a** down on the flight and stop causing a distraction for a team fighting for a playoff berth again (same can be said for “manager” John Farrell).

Secondly, in my opinion that Price is 100% wrong in this situation and had no right to belittle and embarrass a HOF player just because he did his job by voicing his opinion. Eck’s job as a commentator for this team is to watch and call the games. Sometimes that means criticizing the team if something is done incorrectly or just plain poorly. Eck, as the professional that he is did exactly that, but it just so happens his criticism was directed towards one of the SOFTER players in baseball who doesn’t think a broadcaster matters even if he is in Cooperstown.

Farrell under fire

Finally, John Farrell deserves criticism. As a sports writer who covers our home teams (teams I have loved since a kid) the lack of respect and maturity on Farrell’s end baffles me. This guy is suppose to be an adult, the manager of men. But on the team plane he seems to tolerate one of his guys acting like a child who had an outburst because he didn’t get his way. Farrell should have demonstrated some leadership by telling Price to sit down and shut his mouth. Farrell seems to be completely lost. It feels like this team wins in spite of him from his terrible in-game management skills and his questionable decisions off the field as well.

Eck brings mad skills to the booth

In closing I just want to take the time to show my support for Eck, who always makes the games enjoyable to watch with his funny quotes and one liners about, “hair,” “lettuce,” and “cheese,” with the list going on and on. Not only does Eck bring much needed humor to the broadcast booth but he also brings knowledge having pitched in big games as a pitcher for the Red Sox in his storied HOF career. This man has more accomplishments on his resume right now than David Price could dream of. So if a little criticism hurts this guys feelings rather than pushing him to be a better ball player then he can take his money, and his ball and go right on home….wherever that may be!

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS XANDER BOGAERTS ?!

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By: Bill Murphy

Twitter: @B_Murph1021

Where is the X-Man?

As our Red Sox start to gain momentum and head into the last leg of the season with a full head of steam we have one important thing missing. And that thing isn’t A THING at all — our starting short stop, Xander Bogaerts.

To say that Xander is struggling recently would be a complete understatement, as one of our most talented players has COMPLETELY fallen off the face of the earth. Let’s take a look at what Xander hasn’t done recently and why he needs to take a turn for the better in these coming weeks.

Take a look at the photo above (which I took from my fantasy baseball site) and you will see Xander has not exactly had great success since the All-Star break. Not only has he gone missing but it’s almost as if he is going to the plate with an imaginary bat in his hands! We are not talking about just some guy plugging a hole in our lineup and in the field. We are talking about an All-Star short stop projected to hit 20 to 30 HRs and about 80-90 RBI per season.

Why it matters

At this point in the season, ALL the games truly do matter for this Red Sox team. Momentum can be key when it comes to heading into the post season and more importantly, making a run in the post season. As previously stated, this Red Sox lineup has had its struggles this year and currently ranks LAST in Home Runs out of ALL TEAMS in the Major Leagues.

Xander remains one of my favorite guys to watch on this ball club offensively and defensively. The guy is a dirt-dog and leaves it on the field every night, no matter how poorly he may be playing. With that said, this offense will need him to step it up in a BIG WAY. Xander is one of the most important players for this team. So his continued struggles truly do hurt this lineup. If X-Man can figure it out and turn it around in these next few weeks, then this team could be deadly in the post season.

Inside the Numbers (or Lack Thereof)

To break down this past month for X, lets go a bit deeper inside the numbers and see what he has done (or hasn’t done) at the dish since around the break. In the last month X-MAN has hit .174 (which is below his weight). He has two RBI, ZERO HOME RUNS, two stolen bases, eight runs scored and a putrid .240 on base percentage.

Want another example of how bad it’s been? In his first 60 at-bats of his career, Rafael Devers has six HRs, the same HR total that Xander currently has, but in 417 at-bats! That stat alone is staggering and should leave most of Red Sox Nation scratching their heads and asking themselves, “Whats wrong with X?”

Time for Everyone to Pick Up X

Whether Xander is nursing an injury, or his hand is still bothering him from the HPB he took earlier in the season, we need Xander back and we need him back now! Luckily for the Red Sox we have had some unexpected heroes as of late in the form of Benny Biceps, Devers, and Eduardo Nunez. Nunez stands out as one of the best pickups made at the deadline due to his knack for making contact and his versatility in playing multiple positions in the field. Either way we look at it one thing is certain, the bigger names need to pick up X and get this offense rolling. Yes, I am calling out guys like Mookie, JBJ, Hanley, and Peddy to step it up and lead this offense into the post-season

Finally…

All I have left is one question and one question only and if anyone knows the answer please feel free to hit my twitter and let me know the answer…

WHERE HAS XANDER BOGAERTS GONE?