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Red Sox

RED SOX – ATHLETICS SERIES PREVIEW

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After a mixed opening to the season in Seattle, the Red Sox head to Oakland to continue an 11 game road trip. Here is what to watch out for in this second of three opening road series.

PITCHING MATCHUPS/SCHEDULE (TV)

4/1 David Price vs Aaron Brooks (R) 10:07pm NESN

4/2 Chris Sale vs Mike Fiers (R) 10:07pm NESN

4/3 Nathan Eovaldi vs Marco Estrada (R) 10:07pm NESN

4/4 Eduardo Rodriguez vs Brett Anderson (L) 3:07pm NESN

NOTABLE NUMBERS

The biggest question mark in this series is going to be Chris Sale’s velocity. Thomas touched on it in his preview last week and his fears were somewhat realized. Sale’s fastball averaged 92.8 mph in Seattle on Opening Day. Last season he averaged below that just twice, the fourth game of the season (90.9) and the last (90.1). Last season on Opening Day his velocity was up at 94.9. If Sale’s velocity is low again in Oakland then serious question marks will start to be raised.

Due to the Opening Series in Japan, Mike Fiers and Marco Estrada will be making their third starts of the season. Fiers has struggled with a 5.00 ERA and a 5.71 FIP across nine innings. Estrada has fared better with a 2.45 ERA in his 11 innings. However, Estrada has managed just four strikeouts, compared to two home runs and has an alarming 5.49 FIP.

After a home run loaded Opening Series in Seattle, the Red Sox will not be pleased to see Khris Davis, who has already hit three home runs this season.

Eduardo Rodriguez will not be pleased to see a right-handed heavy Athletics lineup. He struck out just 24% of right-handed hitters he faced last season, and surrendered a 4.15 xFIP against them.

Expect to see J.D. Martinez have a strong series with three right-handed pitchers on the mound. In 2018, he had a 174 wRC+ against righties. Unusually for right-handed hitters, Martinez was stronger last season against righties than lefties.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The Rotation: With the bullpen likely to remain a question mark until it has completely proven otherwise, a lot of pressure will fall on the rotation. Sale is obviously the biggest question mark but there are also questions surrounding Eovaldi and Rodriguez after their first starts.

Hitting Depth: There are no major worries around the hitters at this early stage. However, Nunez, Holt and Swihart had registered just one hit between them in the Sox first three games. With Dustin Pedroia on the injured list the Red Sox need their hitting depth to help them get off to a strong start.

EXPECTATIONS

Many people saw the Opening Series as a disadvantage to the Athletics and Mariners, due to the amount of travel. However, at this stage of the season it is actually an advantage. Those two teams had to ramp up their season preparation a week earlier than everyone else and are therefore slightly ahead of the rest of the league. Travelling to both of those teams in the first eight days of the season is a tough assignment for the Red Sox. The Sox also come into this game having gone 1-2 on the road in Oakland, and 2-4 overall against them last season.

A three series road trip to start the season is really tough for any team. The pros of it are that it gets some of the travelling out of the way early. However, the Red Sox would ideally want to come out of these first eight games around .500, meaning they will need to at least split this four game series in Oakland.

How Phillips Becomes An Asset Even When He’s Not On The Field.

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The 37 year old infielder becomes an asset in multiple ways after being called up on Sunday night.

As Announced Tuesday afternoon, Brandon Phillips will be the first Red Sox player to don the number 0. He has finally got his shot at the major leagues for the first time this season. He claimed the last spot on the 40 man roster. His last major league game was on September 30, 2017 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. Against the Oakland Athletics, he went 1-4 with a strikeout. While tearing it up in AAA Pawtucket, what does he bring to the table?

His career numbers show it all. During his 15 year career, he collected 2,026 hits, 210 home runs, 949 runs batted in, with a career .275 batting average. With the hopes of a contract next year as well, pending on his performance he might just get one.

In Pawtucket, he sported a .302 batting average with 4 home runs, 19 runs batted in, with 1 stolen base and 45 hits.  During his 38 games with the club. He has been showing us all along that he still has the offensive pop in his bat, and the speed underneath his feet to help move this Red Sox offense along.

While having great experience from his major league career, he can share his words of wisdom to the younger core of infielders this team has. Rafael Devers, Ian Kinsler, Brock Holt, Eduardo Nunez, and even Dustin Pedroia can learn a thing or two from Brandon Phillips.

Devers can especially get some inside knowledge of his throwing hiccups. While learning how to overcome these difficulties at such a young age. Pedroia can learn about dealing with consistent injuries. As we all know, Phillips had dealt with several injuries throughout his career as well. He is still playing at a high level at age 37.

His Versatility.

He has played at almost any position in the infield. He knows what each position demands, physically and mentally. His presence has made a nightmare scenario for most teams even worse. It will be interesting to note if he is used as a rest guy for now. As a 162 game season requires the need for a rest day here and there. The toll is heavy.

He comes up the same day Devers is taken off the dl. How will Alex Cora manage this? He said that he is very excited to have a veteran guy like him around. It will be fun to watch moving forward.

While he may be in action as soon as the first game against the Atlanta Braves Tuesday night, it remains to be seen how he will preform in his comeback. As one could only speculate the emotions tied to his first performance back to where he hit his stardom, and became a household name.

Boston Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics Series Recap

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The Red Sox will be back home in Boston after their 11 day road trip. Facing the Oakland Athletics are Rick Porcello, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Chris Sale. The Sox have won the last seven out of 13 games, while Oakland won five out the last 12 games. The Red Sox will face pitcher Sean Manaea for the first time since his no hitter game in April. The Sox hope that being on Fenway soil will help them defeat the Athletics. This series will also be the last time that the Red Sox will face the Athletics during the regular season.

Porcello vs. Manaea

 

Sean Manaea pitched a no hitter to the Red Sox last month. J.D. Martinez and Rafael Devers each hit a solo home run for the Red Sox. Porcello let up five runs and nine hits over six innings, and struck out five. Trailing in the fourth inning, the Athletics grasped the lead with three runs. Lucroy had a two-run double into the left-field corner before Fowler tripled off the Monster. The Red Sox caught up 4-3 in the fifth, when Hanley Ramirez scored a run with a ground ball. J.D. Martinez hit straight out to the Sox bullpen in the eighth to score. Benintendi and Ramirez got back to back RBI singles. Unfortunately, it was not enough, and Oakland won Monday night’s game 6-5.

“We talked about not expanding down in the zone,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Overall, we did a good job of it. His stuff is still good.”

“2B Dustin Pedroia (recovering from offseason left knee surgery) started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket. He singled and scored a run in three at-bats while playing five innings at second base.”

Rodriguez vs. Mengden

Due to the weather, the 7:10 start time moved to 8:50 on Tuesday night. As a result, Oakland beat the Sox in nine innings. Rodriguez took his first loss of the season after Oakland had six hits through the first three innings, starting with back-to-back singles by Semien and Pinder to start the game. Piscotty hit a monster home run out of Fenway Park in his first at-bat against Rodriguez. Piscotty’s home run was the first he had hit since his mother’s death on May 6th. Andrew Benintendi hit a homer and Mitch Moreland hit two doubles.

“It was pure joy. It’s been an emotional week,” said Piscotty, whose mother, Gretchen, died May 6 after a one-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. She was 55.”

“We haven’t been able to put them away,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “They’re young and it seems like they’re turning a corner. Whatever they’re doing over there is pretty good.”

 

Sale vs. Cahill – A Sale Day Win to Avoid an Athletics Series Sweep

In Rafael Devers’s 100th major league game, the Sox came out with a win. Xander Bogaerts hit a three run homer, and J.D. Martinez hit a two run homer. Chris Sale gave up two runs and two hits in five innings. Sale also struck out nine and walked four. Trevor Cahill gave up three runs out of the first four batters he faced. After Sale’s career high 15 strikouts in his last outing, he struggled, but hung on long enough to keep the Sox up over the Athletics. Craig Kimbrel grasped his 12th save of the season and avoided the Sox meeting their season high losing streak. The Sox beat the Athletics 6-4 after Xander and J.D. had quite the night.

“It’s pretty impressive what he does when you’re behind looking at him,” Bogaerts said. “Normally I’m a guy who gets to the on-deck circle a little bit later. I’ve got to get there early if he swings at the first pitch and gets a hit. He hits some bombs on the first pitch.”

“Four walks, that’s not my game,” Sale said. “That’s not who I am. Obviously, you want to be better than that. Anytime your bullpen throws almost as many innings as you do, that’s not what you’re looking for.”

 

Up Next

The Red Sox will be at home again to face the Orioles for a four game series starting Thursday. David Price will be up first for his Fenway return. Dustin Pedroia will play another game in Pawtucket by the end of the week as Tuesday night’s game was postponed due to the weather. Jackie Bradley Jr. is still spending an immense amount of time on the bench as he has constantly had bad games. Cora is hoping that Bradley Jr. will come out of his slump soon, as he has been working on improving both his defense and his offense.

Sources

Statcast

MLB

Red Sox Twitter

NESN

ESPN

Can the Red Sox Sweep the Athletics?

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Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox are 17-2 with the best record in the MLB. They have yet to lose a series and are on another win streak. The Sox have hit more grand slams in the past three weeks than they have in two years. After Xander Bogaerts was placed on the DL, there was a question of whether or not the Sox would continue their win streak. They did and hit more grand slams (and even more runs). Mookie Betts came back after missing a game due to his bruised ankle. His hot bat never went away and he became the king of Anaheim. He hit at least one home run every game while playing the Angels. The Red Sox also shut down Shohei Ohtani quick in the second inning on Tuesday to prove that they were no one to be taken lightly. Drew Pomeranz also made his season debut Friday after spending time playing in Pawtucket and Portland.

Oakland Athletics

The A’s are 9-11 and fourth in the AL West. They recently swept Chicago in a series. Oakland also brought in bullpen reinforcements to prepare for the series against the Red Sox. Oakland has lost every series except one against the White Sox earlier this week. Lou Trevino made his Major League debut on Tuesday and pitched his first scoreless inning. He has not given up a run yet. Stephen Piscotty seems to be the A’s number one hitter, and the most reliable.

Will the Sox Sweep?

The Red Sox are off to the best start in franchise history, they have hit more grand slams than they have over a two year time span. After taking game one against Oakland yesterday, can the Red Sox sweep yet another series this early into the season?

Sources

BJ Weiss

Boston Red Sox

Oakland Athletics

MLB

Division Predictions: AL West

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We have now arrived to discussing the American League, starting off with the West. The American League West will definitely draw some attention this season, with the arrival of Shohei Ohtani in Los Angeles. Houston is looking to defend their World Series title as they got even better this off-season. From the veteran presence of the clubhouse in Seattle, to Tim Lincecum, here is a look at the AL West in 2018:

Oakland Athletics:

On paper, the Athletics are considered to be in comparison to “The Island of Misfit Toys”. One look at their roster and you could consider them the favorite to finish dead last in the division for the third consecutive year. SPOILER ALERT: I have them dead last again in the division. Despite having them last, these guys could be a huge sleeper pick in contention for the division. Oakland possesses a great core of young talent that will take the team into a positive outlook for the future. Jed Lowrie (2.77 BA in 2017) will look to lead a young, but very capable lineup this season. Kendall Graveman and Sean Manaea look to lead their staff in hopes of a more promising season. Don’t sleep on these guys, but also don’t be surprised if they’re exactly where you expected them to be.

Texas Rangers:

The Rangers will look to contend as always this season with high hopes. They’ll attempt to match up against teams such as Seattle and Los Angeles, but they lack the necessary power they used to possess to do so. Their lineup will consist of guys such as average leaders Elvis Andrus, Delino DeShields, Robinson Chirinos, and Shin-Soo Choo. The always intimidating Adrian Beltre will bring in veteran leadership once again, along with Cole Hamels who will look to lead the rotation. Their pitching including Hamels, Matt Moore, Doug Fister, and Mike Minor may turn out being their strong suit this season.

Seattle Mariners:

The Seattle Mariners could definitely contend for a top spot in the division. They have the pieces in their lineup with Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano, Jean Segura, and newcomer Dee Gordon will look to play their fair share as well. Ryon Healy (Right Hand Surgery) and Ben Gamel (Strained Right Oblique) will look to produce once being returned from the Disabled List. They have all the pieces with the bat, the pitching on another hand is the concern. If Felix Hernandez doesn’t pitch that day, the game is a toss-up. There’s really no “wow” guy I can determine that will match the workload Felix will can handle. James Paxton will be a solid two for the team, but nothing more than that. The Mariners have it figured out with their lineup, it’s up to their pitching if they can step up and make some noise in the division.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:

The Angels are definitely worthy of a break out season, and it’s NOT because of Shohei Ohtani. Despite winning the Ohtani sweepstakes, there hasn’t been much noise about the guy. This doesn’t mean he should be forgotten during the season. Give him some time and he’ll produce, trust me. The Angels also have Mike Trout, who’s the best player in baseball right now. Mike Trout will lead the lineup per usual with a supporting cast of Justin Upton, Andrelton Simmons, and “The Machine” Albert Pujols. Ian Kinsler is looking for a bounce back season after hitting a career low .236 BA. Garrett Richards will take the ace role of the staff in his eight season with returners Andrew Heaney and Tyler Skaggs. The Angels will definitely make some noise this season as it looks as if things may be coming together.

Houston Astros:

No question as to who’s going to come out on top of the division this season. The Houston Astros are not only looking to repeat as division champs, but World Series champions as well. They have almost all returners this season with the addition of Gerrit Cole to the pitching staff. Reigning American League MVP Jose Altuve will look to have yet another incredible season at the plate and in the field. Carlos Correa anticipates to be great per usual. Justin Verlander is hoping for another Cy Young worthy season. He takes the lead role in a very talented pitching staff, which includes Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers Jr., Gerrit Cole and Charlie Morton. They have all the tools to make another title run, or at least go deep into the postseason.

Final Standings:

Houston Astros

Los Angeles Angles

Texas Rangers

Seattle Mariners

Oakland Athletics