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Sox Split With Indians In Potential October Preview

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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:

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:

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

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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

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.

It’s World Series or Bust For the Red Sox

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After stomping the Rays 7-3, the Sox improved to 87-36, once again displaying traits of a World Series team. The Boston Red Sox are on pace for 115 wins. The major league record for wins in a season is 116, set by the Chicago Cubs in 1906. Currently, the Red Sox have a winning percentage of .707, which would make them only the third team in MLB history to have a winning percentage greater than .700 over 162 games. What the 2018 Boston Red Sox are doing could potentially be one of the greatest regular seasons in the history of baseball. It’s World Series or bust for the Sox.

Embed from Getty Images

Postseason Struggles

The Red Sox are well on route to their third straight AL East crown. However, they are 1-6 in postseason play over that span. In two straight seasons, the Sox have been overwhelmed by the bright lights of October. It’s known that the Red Sox are the best regular season team in baseball. Emphasis on regular season because the playoffs are a whole new game. There will be no Orioles or Rays that the Sox can blow out even when they play poorly. Every at-bat matters down to the last pitch. Right now, no one on this Red Sox team has proven they can perform in October. Heading into a postseason where anything short of winning it all is a bitter disappointment, the pressure could not be higher for a team that has not handled pressure well in the past.

The Defining Moment of Dombrowski’s Career

If asked whose legacy would be most impacted by winning a World Series, the first person has to be Dave Dombrowski. Dombrowski has been criticized for his inability to build a team that can win it all. In Detroit, he sacrificed the organization’s future for a shot at a championship and failed. In Boston, he has done the same constructing a historically good team. As a result, he has decimated the once great farm system of the Red Sox. The team has one glaring hole, the one spot Dombroski did not address at the deadline. The bullpen has been a train wreck all season and may be Dombrowski’s undoing just as it was in Detroit.

With all the money and assets that has been invested in this team, even losing in Game 7 of the World Series would be considered a failure of a season. Consequently, it’s all or nothing for the Sox and Dombrowski.

Looking Back: Dustin Pedroia’s 2008 MVP Season

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The Boston Globe reported Wednesday that the Red Sox are planning to activate second baseman Ian Kinsler for tonight’s game against the Rays. It’s a move that, on the surface, doesn’t come as particularly surprising or thought-provoking. After all, Kinsler’s injury was deemed minor when he was placed on the 10-Day DL with a hamstring injury on August 4th.

However, it’s not particularly hard to see why Kinsler is on this Red Sox roster in the first place, or why his return to the lineup is newsworthy. In case you’ve forgotten, Boston has another former All-Star second baseman on this roster, also idling on the disabled list.

Dustin Pedroia has only played three games this season. He’s been sidelined by the same knee injury that limited him to only 105 games last year. He also won’t play again in 2018. But as teammates Mookie Betts and JD Martinez duke it out down the stretch for the AL MVP award, it’s worth remembering that this is the 10 year anniversary of Pedroia’s own MVP season. And what a season that was.

The Numbers

Pedroia followed up his 2007 AL Rookie of the Year campaign by improving in nearly every countable metric. He slashed .326/.376/.493, with an OPS+ of 123. He only hit 17 HRs (second fewest by any non-pitcher MVP this millennium), but he also led the league in runs (118), hits (213), and doubles (54). Pedroia’s 6.3 fWAR was good for second in the AL, only trailing future Red Sox legend Grady Sizemore‘s 7.4 mark. Pedey was especially lethal at Fenway Park (.344/.393/.519/), and somehow managed to hit .298 in two-strike counts. As if that wasn’t enough, he also stole 20 bases in 21 attempts (a 95% success rate).

Captain Clutch

Pedroia’s MVP case was buoyed by his performance in the clutch. In “Late & Close” situations (7th inning or later, batting team leading by one run, tied, or has the potential tying run on base, at bat, or on deck), he hit .368/.419/.526. In “High Leverage” situations, he had an OPS of 1.007 across 112 plate appearances.

The Woodland, CA native also shone brightest against the best competition. Granted, his .291/.348/.445 slash line against sub-.500 teams was far from mediocre. But against teams .500 or better, Pedroia took it to another level. His .348 BA led all Red Sox regulars. He also had 47 of his 73 extra base hits against winning clubs.

Throw in a Gold Glove award and a Silver Slugger, and it’s no surprise why Pedroia won MVP. He even overcame having fewer HR and RBI than Minnesota’s Justin Morneau, or a lower OPS than teammate Kevin Youkilis. The guy earned it.

The Highlights

Of course, what would an MVP season be without a highlight reel? Pedey certainly made plenty of big time plays in 2008. Thanks to the power of the internet, we have the ability to re-live many of them…

…or at least we should. Unfortunately, 10 years is a decade in internet time too. It turns out it’s not so easy to find random clips of regular season baseball from 2008. MLB.com’s video vault has plethora of inactive links that pop up when you search “Pedroia 2008”, which is none too helpful. A random YouTube user took the time to upload a semi-suspicious amount of videos from that season in glorious 144p quality, which is only slightly less useless.

Here’s a video of Pedroia taking-soon-to-be World Series champion Cole Hamels deep.

And here’s a clip of Pedroia flashing the leather vs. the Yankees.

Maybe the best highlight to come out of 2008? Pedroia’s MLB the Show 09 commercial. It is, in a word, iconic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy9KxVwHcWo

It’s unclear when (or if) we’ll ever see Pedroia man second base in a Red Sox uniform again. But there’s no denying that he’s a Red Sox great, and his masterful 2008 campaign is one major reason why. With the Sox poised to crown another MVP this fall, let’s not forget to show The Laser Show a little love.

 

Can Chris Sale Become the Legend Pedro Martinez Was in Boston?

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Pedro Martinez built an amazing legacy in Boston. He was just coming off of a surreal 1997 season for the Expos when Boston traded for him. He posted a 1.90 ERA in 241.1 innings with 305 strikeouts. Pedro would only continue that sheer dominance in a Red Sox uniform. He would follow up that amazing 97 season with a 2.89 ERA along with 251 strikeouts in 233.1 innings. His ERA would dip the next year to 2.07. It fell more the year after to 1.74 to accompany his 313 strikeouts, both career highs.

Did you think that’s it? He followed that up with a 2.39 in an injury-plagued 2001 season, a 2.26 in 2002, and a 2.22 in 2003. It feels insane even typing all of this. Pedro would then have his worst season in Boston, a 3.90 ERA. It was the year he won the World Series, and unfortunately his last year in Boston. 

Boston adored Pedro during his seven-year tenure. He absolutely loved playing here along with the fans who couldn’t get enough of him. This man was the Luke Skywalker of Massachusetts. He was our hero. It got to the point where his pitching was almost unfair. Every day Pedro pitched was like a holiday. The offense knew they had the clear advantage. Pedro will never forget Boston, and the fans will never forget him. He is a Red Sox player for life. He is even immortalized in the Hall of Fame with a Boston hat.

When anyone thinks of Pedro Martinez, they think of him punching out all the big jacked juicers during the 1999 All-Star Game at Fenway like it was nothing. They think of him throwing six no-hit innings against Cleveland in Game 5 of the 1999 ALDS. They think of the letter K. Whether it was a backwards one or a forwards one, you sure saw that letter a whole lot whenever that man was on the mound. Pedro built a legacy that will forever live on in Boston.

A New Sheriff in Town

Now let’s go to present day. There’s a new ace in Boston now; a 6’6″ lefty who goes by the name of Chris Sale. He’s undoubtedly Boston’s new ace. After having a great first year in Boston in 2017, his 2018 season will just blow you away. In 23 starts (146 innings) he owns a 1.97 ERA along with 212 punch-outs. He averages 97 mph on his heater, touching 100 at times. His slider will make you sick. The look on his face alone will scare you. This man is the definition of dominance. He will face any lineup, anywhere, at anytime. He doesn’t care.

One thing that is pretty important when you’re on the Red Sox is how you do against the Yankees. Is Chris Sale scared of the Yankees, you ask? Let me answer with this statement; Sale has a career 1.86 ERA at Yankee Stadium. Chris Sale doesn’t care that the Yankees have a good lineup. This guy eats fear for breakfast. He isn’t afraid of anybody. 

Can Chris Sale Draw Close to Pedro One Day?

Here comes a question that’s been tossed around for a while: can Chris Sale build the same legacy Pedro Martinez did with the Red Sox? He sure can. Now obviously he hasn’t done it yet. As the years pass and we see even more of him we’ll see how many years he can keep this type of success up. In my mind, he doesn’t need to win a ring to become one of the greatest pitchers ever to pitch for Boston. Pedro never needed one for the same reason. But helping this beloved team win a ring makes it all the better. 

Let’s compare how these two match up.

These are Chris Sale’s numbers through his first 55 games with the Red Sox: 

360.1 IP – 2.52 ERA – 0.92 WHIP

76 BB – 527 K – 13.2 K/9

These are Pedro’s numbers through the same amount of games: 

387.0 IP – 2.74 ERA – 1.06 WHIP

95 BB – 461 K – 10.7 K/9

It’s pretty incredible how much these two mirror each other. 

Watching Sale pitch every fifth day spoils us as Red Sox fans. It reminds us of the absolutely dominance from that legendary ace years ago. Can Chris Sale become the legend that Pedro was in Boston? It’s up in the air. But from what we’ve seen so far, it’s looking more likely every day that man steps on that mound.

Bogaerts

Xander Bogaerts Versus The Second Half Slump

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Xander Bogaerts occupies a peculiar space in Red Sox fans’ consciousness. On one hand, he’s an All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger award winner, and World Series champion. On the other hand, he’s never quite lived up to the lofty expectations that were placed on his shoulders as a top prospect and precocious rookie in 2013. He has shown he can hit, but hasn’t put together the mix of power, batting average, and plate discipline he teased early on…at least not all in one season. Bogaerts’ defense has improved steadily (a testament to how hard he’s worked). However, he’s at best a league average-to-above-average defender at a premium position.

As a result, Bogaerts faded into the background while teammates like Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi (and contemporaries Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa) have surged past him.

Bogaerts has been doomed to a series of “good but not great” and ultimately unsatisfying seasons. What’s one obvious reason? He has a propensity for a good old-fashioned second half swoon. Based on his performance at the plate since July 15th, Bogaerts looks like he’s headed down that path again.

Bogaerts’ Past Struggles

Bogaerts has tailed off before. The X Man has slashed .268/.325/.393 in 1263 career plate appearances in the second half of the season. That’s a far cry from his career first half numbers. Bogaerts has hit .291/.351/.443 in 1796 plate appearances prior to the break.

It doesn’t help matters that when Bogaerts struggles, his ABs look extra rough due to his high leg kick and wrist-heavy swing. When the Aruba native isn’t feeling it, it’s hard to ignore.

Traditionally, this has been the month where his numbers take a substantial nose dive. Bogaerts has only mustered a .237 batting average and a .629 OPS in August over the course of his career. Explanations can be made for a few of these swoons on a season by season basis. For example, you could argue that he hit the rookie wall in 2014. It was clear last season that a hand injury suffered in early-July hampered the Red Sox shortstop for the rest of the year.

Excuses or not, the trend is clear. And it doesn’t seem to be heading in the right direction anytime soon.

More of The Same

The second half woes have made their way into 2018. Bogaerts started the season hot. He had 21 hits in his first 51 ABs this season, 11 of which were extra base knocks. Then, from May 1st up until the All-Star break, he slashed a respectable (if not eye-popping) .259/.340/.494. His 13 HR in 67 games over that span is a 33 HR pace per 162 games.

Since the break, X has struggled to get started. Despite collecting hits in each of his last three games, he’s hitting just .216/.305/.333 over the last 15 contests. He also hasn’t homered since July 15th. Granted, slumps happen, and 59 PA isn’t what we’d call a large sample size. However, this isn’t an isolated incident, meaning we can draw more truth from those plate appearances than in a vaccuum.

Ultimately, this might all be a moot point. Betts and JD Martinez might just keep raking through the fall and continue taking turns carrying an otherwise potent offense.

Should either of Boston’s anchors falter for an extended period, or enter an ill-timed slump during the postseason, the onus will fall on the Sox’s second tier of stars to keep the line moving and pick up the slack.

Will Bogaerts finally be the guy to do it for a stretch run?

It’s a question that Red Sox fans have been waiting to answer (and one of the few questions remaining for this team). Time will tell if Bogaerts is up to the challenge.

Red Sox Run Away With The American League East

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The New Boston Massacre

The Boston Red Sox have run away with the American League East. After the come-from-behind victory last night over the New York Yankees, the Red Sox have a commanding 9.5 game lead in the division. The Yankees have lots of injuries and the Red Sox took advantage of it with a four-game sweep. Even with Chris Sale missing his start on Thursday, the Red Sox still got the bats going in a 15-7 win. On Friday and Saturday, the Red Sox would win 4-1. Craig Kimbrel ran into a little trouble in the ninth inning on Saturday. But he sealed the win and the Yankees left the bases loaded in the ninth inning. Then, Andrew Benintendi knocked the game-winner in the tenth inning on Sunday to complete the four-game sweep.

Aaron Boone Is A Bad Manager

The Red Sox have been criticized all season for how they can beat bad teams and lose to the good ones. However, the Yankees are struggling with injuries and haven’t been good against the bad teams. Between J.A. Happ and Aaron Judge, the team needs help ASAP. Aaron Judge is a big piece to the Yankee lineup and it’s clear his bat is missed. Aaron Boone isn’t that great either and it’s showing.

Alex Cora is faced with injuries as well, but he has overcome them. Dustin Pedroia, Chris Sale, and  Ian Kinsler are on the DL. Yet, the Red Sox still find a way to win games. He even had Mookie Betts play Friday night at second base and he made a nice stop.

Dave Dombrowski, who’s been criticized for not getting bullpen help, sure is winning right now. The Red Sox picked up Nathan Eovaldi and Ian Kinsler; both have been great so far. The Red Sox should really have the division in their pocket now and be able to breeze through October.

Swihart

Blake Swihart’s Time Is Now

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This is Blake Swihart‘s moment. Granted, it’s a moment that has been 4+ seasons in the making, but it’s here nonetheless. As soon as starting catcher Christian Vazquez headed to the DL with a broken pinkie on July 8th, Red Sox nation turned their eyes to a former top prospect who had fallen on some difficult times.

If Swihart is able to deliver on his initial promise, he could be a difference maker both in the present and the future. If not, it will likely be an end to one of the more frustrating (and strange) Red Sox careers in recent memory.

A Long, Strange Trip

This crossroads has been a long time coming. Swihart was ranked #1 among all Red Sox farmhands by SoxProspects.com as late as April 9, 2015. He headed up a then-stacked minor league system that included names like Yoan Moncada, Henry Owens, Rafael Devers, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Michael Kopech. Swihart made his first start on May 2, and proceeded to slash .274/.319/.392 in 308 PA with below average defense behind the dish.

In 2016, Swihart appeared in only 16 games after defensive issues led to his relinquishing of the starting catcher position to Vazquez. Then-manager John Farrell gave him some run in left field, where he almost immediately suffered a broken ankle. That injury sidelined Swihart for the remainder of the ’16 campaign, and much of 2017 as well. In 71 games at the minor league level last season, Swihart only managed to muster a .210/.291/.306 slash.

This season, Swihart was tried out in the infield during spring training, due to lingering discomfort from that same ankle injury. While he made the 25 man roster in a utility role, he spent much of the early part of the season riding the pine. Things got bad enough that Swihart’s agent requested a trade. However, other teams weren’t exactly lining up for a failed catcher with a sub-.200 batting average.

Now Swihart is sharing catching duties with Sandy Leon, a roundabout way back to where his major league story began.

Red Sox Catching: Not Great!

Swihart’s return behind the plate comes at a time when the Sox are looking for answers there.  Since 2014, Red Sox catchers have slashed only .244/.300/.351. They are 28th in RC+, and 26th in fWAR. This season, Red Sox catchers have posted a 56 wRC+ and a -0.5 fWAR (both 29th in the bigs).

Vazquez and Leon have handled the bulk of the work at that spot for the Sox this year. Neither have an OPS over .650. Leon has also managed to post a 26.7 K%, which is only matched in it’s mediocrity by Vazquez’s .087 ISO.

Granted, catcher isn’t considered a premium offensive position. But for a team with World Series aspirations, those numbers qualify as a black hole.

Swihart Heating Up?

To be fair to Leon and Vazquez, Swihart hasn’t lit the world on fire either. He’s only mustered a .218/.288/.287 line in 111 PA this season. His ISO (.069) is even lower than Vazquez’s, and he’s striking out at almost the same rate as Leon.

However, there have been signs of life. In 23 PA since Vazquez’s injury, Swihart has reached base 10 times. If you extend that window out to June 26, he’s hitting .407/.484/.593. Over that same span, Leon is batting only .218/.283/.382. These are all tiny sample sizes, and drawing lasting conclusions from them can be dangerous. But, there’s evidence that we could be (finally) closing in on a Swihart breakthrough.

Swihart was 1-3 with a walk on Friday night vs. the Twins. His defense was unspectacular, but not detrimental.

At this point, “unspectacular but not detrimental” is all the Red Sox need from their catchers. It’ll be worth seeing whether their former top prospect can provide more than that.