Tag Archives: Red Sox

Red Sox Catchers Coming Around

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The Red Sox catchers really struggled at the plate for the first couple months of the season. Vazquez and Leon were both hitting under .200 for much of May and there were calls to replace them. Though they might never light the world on fire at the dish, they have both proven capable of hitting enough in the past to go with their work behind the plate. Lately, the two of them have been coming around with the bat.

Christian Vazquez

Vazquez is the one we wanted to be the answer, with his cannon behind the plate making runners think about trying to steal. He had some setbacks along the way, but last year batted .290 and hit one of the season’s most memorable home runs. It looked like the Red Sox might have their long-term catcher. However, after Vazquez really struggled to begin this season, that was brought into question. There was talk of trading Vazquez to get a better hitting catcher in the lineup.

Don’t look now, but Vazquez has been hitting like last year since the middle of May. For the month of June, he batted .298 with all three of his season home runs and an .860 OPS. Stretching that out further, Vazquez was batting .174 at the end of the game on May 15th, the exact middle of the month. Vazquez proceeded to get a hit in six of his next seven games. This was the prelude to his hotter hitting, the sign that he was starting to zero in at the plate. He has been hitting the ball harder, evidenced by his three home runs in June. When Vazquez hits a home run, he really hits it. There are no cheap homers for this guy. He also doubled four times in June after only hitting five over the season’s first two months.

Sandy Leon

It isn’t only Vazquez who has been coming around since the middle of May. Leon played on May 14th, picking up one hit to raise his average to a lowly .170. Since that point a month and a half ago, Leon has batted .317 with three home runs and an .893 OPS. His BABIP is a bit unsustainable at .415, but impressive numbers nonetheless. He has started 18 games in that span and collected multiple hits in six of them. Narrowing it down further, Leon is batting .438 over the past two weeks. He has also hit a home run in back-to-back games.

This is a guy who has gotten hot for stretches, he batted well over .300 for much of the time he was in Boston two seasons ago. Should we expect him to hit .300? Of course not, but he can hit plenty for a backup catcher.

Stand Pat

Would a guy like J.T. Realmuto of the Marlins look good in the lineup? No doubt, but the Red Sox realistically likely don’t have the prospects necessary to acquire him. The Red Sox also don’t need an All-Star hitter at every position, their lineup has already scored the most runs in baseball this season as it is. They also lead the league in batting average, slugging percentage and OPS. They have done all that with the struggles at catcher in the first month and a half as well as Jackie Bradley Jr’s struggles.

In the season’s first month and a half, Vazquez and Leon had one home run and 10 runs batted in between them. Their combined slash line (avg, obp, slg) was .173/.223/.218. In the past month and a half, the same time-frame, they have hit six home runs and driven in 18 runs with a combined slash line of .295/.325/.483. That plays, especially in this lineup that already has plenty of firepower.

 

 

Featured picture from Masslive.com

 

Down on the Farm 6/23-6/29

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*Every weekend, I will update you on weekly results from the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA), Portland Sea Dogs (AA), Salem Red Sox (High A), and Lowell Spinners (Class A Short Season). After every team is recapped, individual stats are posted. Also, I will have a prospect of the week section at the end. Down on the Farm 6/23-6/29

Pawtucket Red Sox

Pawtucket went 2-5 on the week, and they are now 38-41 on the year. The Red Sox started off the week with a 5-3 loss against the Chiefs. Chandler Shepherd gave up four runs in 2.2 innings and the offense could not recover. They recovered and won 8-1 the next day. Adam Lind knocked in three runs and Jalen Beeks threw a shutout over seven innings. Pawtucket won again the next day, 3-2.

Adam Lind knocked in all three runs and Josh A. Smith picked up the win in two innings of relief. The bats were quiet and lost 3-1 the following day. Williams Jerez picked up the loss in relief, giving up two runs in four innings of relief. The Red Sox lost again the next day by the same score of 3-1. William Cuevas was decent, allowing two earned runs over 6.1 innings, but the offense could not pick him up. Pawtucket closed out the week with a 7-4 loss against the RailRiders. Jalen Beeks gave up five runs in 2.1 innings as if he is in the majors again.

Portland Sea Dogs

The Sea Dogs went 2-4 over the week and are now 29-49 on the season. Portland started off the week with an 8-4 loss in ten innings. Jordan Weems gave up all four runs in the tenth, and Jordan Betts drove in two runs. They rebounded and won 5-4 the next day. Austin Rei knocked in two runs and Trey Ball picked up the win by giving up no runs in two innings. The Sea Dogs continued their momentum and defeated the Fisher Cats 8-6. Tate Matheny drove in four runs and Dedgar Jimenez gave up four runs in five innings to pick up the win.

Portland lost the following day, 10-3. Kyle Hart gave up six runs in 4.1 innings to pick up the loss. They lost 11-6 on the 27th and were postponed on the 28th. Matthew Kent gave up ten runs over four innings, and the offense could not score enough to come back. The Sea Dogs closed out the week with a 3-2 loss against Binghamton. Teddy Stankiewicz only gave up three runs in six innings but the offense could not pick him up.

 

Salem Red Sox

The Sox started off the week with a 7-6 win against the Keys. Trenton Kemp drove in three runs and Daniel Gonzalez gave up two runs over six innings. Salem continued their momentum and won 7-1 the next day. Bobby Dalbec knocked in two runs and Bryan Mata gave up one run over five innings. They had an off day on the 25th and lost 5-4 on the 26th.

Jake Thompson gave up four runs in five innings and the offense could not score enough. They lost again the next day, by the score of 4-1. Tanner Houck gave up three runs over 5.2 innings and the offense could not pick him up. Salem lost the following day by the score of 8-3. Jerry Downs knocked in two runs but Dedgar Jimenez gave up five runs over 4.2 innings. They closed out the week with a 5-3 loss over Carolina. Bobby Dalbec drove in three runs and Daniel Gonzalez gave up zero earned runs over seven innings.

Lowell Spinners

Lowell went 2-4 over the week, and are now 6-8 on the year. The Spinners started off the week with an 8-2 loss against Tri-City. Hunter Haworth gave up five runs over three innings the offense was quiet. They had a tough loss the next day, 1-0. Alexander Montero gave up one run in five innings but the offense only recorded three hits. Lowell rebounded from the losses with an 11-2 win. Kole Cottam and Jarren Duran drove in three runs apiece and Eduard Bazardo threw a shutout over six innings.

They lost the following the day by the score of 4-3. Xavier LeGrant knocked in two runs and Brian Brown gave up two runs over four innings. They were off on the 27th and postponed on the 28th. They won the first game 4-3 and lost the second game 9-1. Jarren Duran reached on a fielder’s choice in the first game to walk it off.

Prospect of the Week- Michael Chavis

Age 22

Eligible to return from 80 game suspension on July 1st

Throws and bats right

Number one prospect in the organization

W2W4: Sox-Yanks Weekend Showdown

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The Rivalry resumes tonight in the Bronx, when the 55-27 Red Sox take on the 52-26 Yankees in a battle for AL East supremacy. As is always the case when these two teams meet, there will be plenty to keep an eye on. Here are a few things to watch for this weekend’s three-game series:

Will Eduardo Rodriguez Rebound?

Rodriguez’s start on Friday night is arguably the most intriguing of the weekend. That’s no small statement, considering Chris Sale and David Price are set to toe the rubber on Saturday and Sunday. The Red Sox are 13-2 in Rodriguez’s 15 starts this season. That’s thanks in large part to run support; Boston is averaging 6.13 runs per E-Rod start.

However, Rodriguez has also been much more consistent than in seasons past. He’s only allowed more than three runs three times this year. One of those times was in his last outing, when the Mariners dealt him his first loss since mid-May (and snapped his six-game winning streak). The Sox will be hoping Rodriguez recovers and can replicate his five-shutout inning performance against the Yankees from May 10th. How he reacts to his last start will will go a long way towards telling us just how much he has matured this year.

Devers Heating Up

On June 5th, Rafael Devers went 0-3 with a strikeout and grounded into a double play. His average dropped to a paltry .223, a total nadir. JD Martinez helped sort out his swing that weekend, and Raffy has been mashing ever since. Devers entered last night hitting .291 with an .802 OPS in his last 20 games. He then proceeded to stay hot in the series finale against the Angels, mashing a solo shot to dead center:

Devers was a surprise spark last season as a rookie, though he’s struggled through a sophomore slump this year. Let’s see if he can keep the good vibes rolling in the House That Jeter Built this weekend.

Will David Price Ever Figure Out That Team in Pinstripes?

Price is on an absolute tear. Since allowing nine runs (seven earned) on May 3rd in Texas, he’s 7-1 with a 2.72 ERA. Part of the reason for his success? Price has been more effective at keeping batters off-balance. In his first seven starts, he used his changeup only 14% of the time vs. left-handed hitters, and 16% of the time vs. right-handed hitters. In his last nine starts, he’s thrown his changeup 27% of the time to lefties, and 20% of the time to righties. The opposition is having trouble making solid contact as a result. Opposing batters have only hit .160 against Price’s fastball and .138 against his sinker during this run.

Of course no matter how hot Price is, the Yankees are an ever-present thorn in his side. Price is 15-12 vs. New York in 38 career starts, but with a 4.67 ERA. Only the Mets, Rangers, and Rockies have given him more trouble, though he’s faced those three clubs a mere total of 19 times. That record includes an April 11th drubbing earlier this year. In that start, Price was shelled for four runs in one inning of work, before leaving due to numbness in his left hand.

Sunday night, under the lights, Price will get another shot at his arch-nemesis, with first place possibly hanging in the balance. Time will tell whether or not he’s up to the task.

Fresh Take Friday: Is Koji or Kimbrel a Better Closer for the Red Sox?

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Is Koji Uehara or Craig Kimbrel a Better Pitcher for Boston?

As current Sox closer Craig Kimbrel continues to rack up saves for the team, fans are looking ahead to a potentially deep postseason run. There is no doubt that Kimbrel has been an excellent pitcher for Boston. His success reminds one of the last dominant Red Sox closer: Koji Uehara. Koji was a catalyst for the 2013 title run and had an impressive resume of his own with Boston. The success of both pitchers leads to an obvious question: which was better in Beantown?

The Case For Koji

Koji Uehara was a total fan favorite from the moment he took the mound. His first season in Boston is arguably one of the best seasons for a closer in history. During that 2013 regular season, he had 101 strikeouts over 74.1 innings. He had nine walks in that timeframe. That’s ridiculously good. His velocity was nowhere near that of the other star closers, but his command of the strike zone was masterful, complete with a splitter that can only be described as pure filth. His ERA was 1.09 that season, and his save percentage was 87.5%. In the postseason, Uehara pitched 13.2 innings with 16 K’s and not a single walk. He was named ALCS MVP and threw the final pitch of the World Series to clinch it for the Sox.

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While the next few seasons weren’t quite as spectacular, they were still serviceable as the team’s success declined. He was on and off the DL in the next three years, but still posted good numbers. He had 26 and 25 saves in 2014 and 2015, respectively, with ERAs of 2.52 and 2.23 in those years. His 2016 campaign was less successful, but doesn’t take away from what he did in Boston.

Aside from his baseball performance, Koji was just an awesome person. He was super enthusiastic on and off the mound and simply radiated pure joy. Everyone tuned in when he took the mound because he was just so much fun. As an added bonus, someone made this hilarious song about him. It might be difficult for anyone to top Koji’s career with the Sox.

The Case for Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel took over for Koji in 2016 and hasn’t looked back. In 2016, though he posted a 3.40 ERA, he recorded 31 saves in 33 chances. In 2017, he dropped his ERA to 1.43 and converted 35 of 39 save opportunities. He was an All-Star in both of those campaigns. So far this year, he has amassed 24 saves with a 2.23 ERA. His fastball simply rips by opponents, usually at around 98 miles per hour. He also has a nasty curveball that he uses, getting batters to go down swinging miserably. Some argue that Kimbrel has been inconsistent this year, and while he’s had his ups and downs, most nights the Sox can rely on him to slam the door.

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Though Kimbrel doesn’t have a World Series ring like Uehara, one could be in his future. The Red Sox currently sit in first place in the AL East  and don’t show any signs of slowing down. Kimbrel could be a key player for the team if they make a deep run. He’d serve as one of the most important members of the pitching rotation, if not the most important. Opposing batters become frightened and Boston fans get excited when the Red Sox “Release The Kimbrel”.

The Verdict

So, which of the two pitchers was better in their time at Fenway? As it stands right now, it looks like the nod has to go to Koji. His ERA in Boston was 2.19 compared to Kimbrel’s 2.27 thus far. His strikeout to walk ratio was also far better, averaging 7.86 to Kimbrel’s 4.55 strikeouts per walk. Uehara also had his dominant year in 2013, when absolutely no one in the league could touch him. Kimbrel hasn’t quite had that year as of yet. Of course, Koji also has that elusive World Series win under his belt while with the Sox.

However, that’s not to say Kimbrel can’t flip the script. He’s already tallied more saves in his time here than Koji did (89 to 79), and is only 36 strikeouts behind Uehara in 71.2 less innings. If Kimbrel keeps up the solid work, he could pass Koji as the better closer to ever dawn a jersey in Boston. If he really wants to cement his name in Red Sox lore, though, he’ll help Boston to their sixth World Series championship come October.

What do you think? Tell me on Twitter: @jackbuffett_

A Series Preview with Angels Announcer Mark Gubicza

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I have had the privilege of conversing some with former big league pitcher and current color commentator for the Angels Mark Gubicza over the last few months. Ahead of the upcoming three game series between the Red Sox and Angels, Gubie was kind enough to give me some of his time and answer some of my questions leading into the series.

BSE: In April, the Red Sox swept the Angels, outscoring them 27-3 over three games. I think we can both agree a run differential like that isn’t happening again. What do you see as some keys to the series for the Angels to avoid that fate?

Mark Gubicza: For the Angels it’s really simple, keep the ball in the yard. Red Sox hit a lot of home runs last series.

BSE: Taking a look at the pitching matchups, anything stand out from that grouping? Any particular intriguing matchup?

Mark Gubicza: Heaney vs Porcello matchup looks real good. Heaney has thrown the ball very well and Porcello is back to his Cy Young form of two years ago.

BSE: I agree, I think that will be a good pitcher’s duel. With the way Heaney is pitching I think he will give the Red Sox troubles. A big weakness of the Sox right now is their struggle vs lefties. What are weaknesses of the Angels the Red Sox might be able to capitalize on?

Mark Gubicza: The Angels have also struggled to score runs vs lefties. Mike Trout and Justin Upton are keys to this series.

BSE: Yes, Mike Trout is the best player in the game. Part of what elevates him even more above everyone else is not only his hitting and defense, but his ability to steal lots of bases. As of June 2nd he was 13-13 stealing bags. Since then, Trout has gotten on first base a whopping 44 times in 20 games, yet has not stolen a single base. This is curious to me, such a weapon being shelved. Are the Angels telling him not to run much?

Mark Gubicza: Trout hurt his index finger, so that is why the stolen bases have slowed down.

BSE: Yes, he has not been playing in the field lately. Might we see him in the field at all this series?

Mark Gubicza: He may play as of tomorrow in the outfield.

Trout has played at DH the past six games after spraining his right index finger.

BSE: Are there any under the radar players for the Angels to keep an eye on this series?

Mark Gubicza: Andrelton Simmons is getting hot again. He could be a huge key for the Halos.

BSE: You and Victor Rojas seem to have a good time in the booth, which I appreciate having enjoyed Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy together for years. I caught your stormtroopers bit and more recently your Snow Miser and Heat Miser outfits. That was fantastic! Do you aim to keep things light and have a good time in the booth?

Mark Gubicza: Try to inform, educate and entertain every night! Love to have fun.

A Christmas in June celebration for the Angels broadcast booth on June 22. Mark Gubicza on the left as Snow Miser, Victor Rojas on the right as Heat Miser.

BSE: That’s the way to be! Do you think we might be seeing the last or close to last of Albert Pujols visit to Fenway? Or do you think he plays out his contract?

Mark Gubicza: Albert is still very productive. He has the best batting average with RISP on the team since May 22. Or at least close to the best. He’ll be back in Boston for a few more years. He has a great chance to pick up his 2000th career RBI this year.

BSE: Still great at bringing those men home. A true legend, to me he’s probably the best right-handed hitter in the last few decades. Rivaled some by Frank Thomas, Miguel Cabrera and maybe Manny Ramirez, though I think Manny is a bit behind.

Mark Gubicza: Agreed.

Since the start of last season, Pujols is batting just .244 with a .286 OBP. However, he can still bring men home, driving in 143 runs during that same span.

BSE: On a side note towards your own career, who were some hitters you hated to face?

Mark Gubicza: Don Mattingly and Ken Griffey Jr.

BSE: Some you loved to face, whether because you had great success against them or whatever reason?

Mark Gubicza: I had success, and I don’t know why, but had success vs Kirby Puckett and Dave Winfield.

BSE: Couple tough outs right there. Were there any pitchers you got a little more amped up to face off against?

Mark Gubicza: Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens.

BSE: I appreciate you taking the time to answer some questions. Hope you enjoy some more of my tweets, I love the history of the game and always enjoy hearing back about particular games.

Mark Gubicza: Talk to you later my friend. Have a good night and hope to see you sometime soon.

BSE: Thank you, hope you enjoy your stay!

 

Featured Pic courtesy of foxsports.com

Down on the Farm- 6/16-6/22

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*Every weekend, I will be updating you on weekly results from the Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA), the Portland Sea Dogs (AA), the Greenville Drive (A), Salem Red Sox (High A) and Lowell Spinners (Class A Short Season). After every team is recapped, individual stats are posted. Also, I will have a prospect of the week section at the end. Down on the Farm- 6/16-6/22

Pawtucket Red Sox

Pawtucket went 4-3 on the week, making them an even 36-36 on the season. The Sox started off the week with an 8-1 loss against the IronPigs. The offense was quiet and William Cuevas gave up six runs over four innings in the loss. Pawtucket had another tough loss the next day and lost 3-2. The offense was bad again, and Tyler Thornburg gave up three runs in just 0.1 innings to blow the game. They had an off day on the 18th and split a doubleheader on the 19th.

Tzu Wei Lin hit a home run in the second game and they won 6-0. The Sox continued their momentum and won 10-2 over Buffalo. Josh D. Smith tossed a one-hitter in six innings and Aneury Tavarez hit a home run. Pawtucket defeated Buffalo again this time by the score of 4-1. Justin Haley picked up the win by giving up one run over five innings, and Sam Travis drove in two runs. They ended the week with a 5-4 win over Syracuse. The game was tied at three in the sixth but Tzu Wei Lin hit a blooping two-run single and the bullpen hung on.

Today, Tzu Wei Lin was called up to Boston.

Portland Sea Dogs

Portland went 3-4 on the week and they are now 27-45 on the year. The Sea Dogs started off the week with a 4-0 win over the Baysox. Kyle Hart gave up zero runs in seven innings and Luke Tendler’s home run led the offense. Portland shut down the Baysox again and won 5-3. The offense exploded for five runs in the first inning and Matthew Kent gave up one run over six innings. They had an off day on the 18th and dropped both games of a doubleheader on the 19th.

Mike Shawaryn was roughed up in the first game and Adam Lau picked up the loss in relief in the night game. Portland has roughed up the next game and lost 12-3. The offense was quiet and Dedgar Jimenez gave up seven runs in 4.2 innings. Reading dominated the Sea Dogs again, by the score of 9-1. The offense only recorded three hits, and Kyle Hart gave up seven runs in six innings. Portland closed out the week with a 7-2 win over Trenton. Josh Ockimey knocked in two runs and Matthew Kent gave up one run over six innings.

Salem Red Sox

The Sox went 2-2 over the week and they are now 33-37 on the season. Salem started off the week with a 4-1 loss against the Hillcats. Roldani Baldwin knocked in a run and Jake Thompson gave up two runs in 4.1 innings. They rebounded and won 3-2 the next day. Bobby Dalbec knocked in two runs and Bryan Mata gave up one run in 5.2 innings. The All-Star break happened from the 18th-20th. On the 21st, the Sox lost to the Keys, 2-1. The offense was quiet, which led to Tanner Houck picking up the loss despite him only giving up one run in five innings. Salem finished off the week with a 5-3 win. The offense scored three runs in the eighth Dedgar Hernandez gave up two runs in six innings.

Greenville Drive

Greenville went 2-2 over the week and they are now 26-45 on the season. The Drive started off the week with a 10-4 loss against the RiverDogs. Lorenzo Cedrola knocked in three runs, but Jhonathan Diaz gave up four runs in five innings. They rebounded the next day and won 4-1. Marino Campana drove in two runs and Durin O’Linger gave up one run in seven innings. The All-Star break happened from the 18th-20th. On the 21st, they beat the Tourists 6-3. Ryan Fitzgerald knocked in two runs, and Hildemaro Requena gave up three runs over seven innings. Greenville closed out the week with a 6-2 loss against the Tourists. The offense was quiet and Durin O’Linger gave up four runs in 3.1 innings to pick up the loss.

Lowell Spinners

The Spinners started off the week with a 10-3 loss against the Tigers. Juan Perez gave up five runs in 2.2 innings and the offense was quiet. They rebounded the next day and won 6-3. Garrett Benge drove in two runs, and Victor Garcia gave up no runs in 2.1 innings in relief. Lowell won again the next day by the score of 5-3. Tyler Espin drove in two runs, and Alberto Franco gave up zero runs in two innings of relief to pick up the win. The Spinners beat the Yankees again, 2-1. Kole Cottam knocked in the go-ahead run in the eighth and Taylor Ahearn gave up no runs over four innings to pick up the win.

They were defeated on the 20th by the score of 8-4. The offense was quiet and Eduard Bazardo gave up five runs in five innings. Lowell was defeated by the ValleyCats by the score of 9-3. The offense was quiet again and Brian Brown gave up five runs in 2.2 innings. They closed out the week on a high note, winning 11-4. Tyler Espin knocked in five runs and Rio Gomez gave up one run in two innings to pick up the win.

Prospect of the Week- C.J. Chatham

Age 23

Bats Right

0.277 career average

Plays for Salem

Breaking: Hanley Ramirez Involved in Federal and State Investigation [Updates]

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Back at the beginning of the month, the Boston Red Sox released their always smiling and lighthearted first baseman Hanley Ramirez. At the time, he was batting .254/.313/.395 with 29 RBIs in 177 at bats. Since releasing him, the Red Sox seemed to miss a certain aspect to their lineup. They just haven’t looked like the offensive juggernaut that they were in April. This move confused some who thought the move was strictly “baseball related”, according to Red Sox VP of media relations Kevin Gregg. Some thought that this move came because of his pending activation of a $22 million vesting option for 2019, which would kick in if he piled up 497 at bats in 2018.

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The Story so Far

Today, ABC News’ Michele McPhee broke that Hanley is being roped into a federal and state investigation. McPhee also reports that Hanley has alleged ties to a party police arrested during a drug stop. The said party possessed 435 grams of Fentanyl and other drugs, and stated that some of the drugs were Hanley’s. According to state evidence, in the past Hanley allegedly made several visits to the Fentanyl ring that police busted.

MLB, Red Sox, and Hanley (via his agent) all deny knowledge of the federal investigation. However, the FBI does not need to inform any of these parties about an investigation while it’s underway. We could all be finding out together.

More to come.

@ELJGON

David Price Loves Fortnite

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David Price at It Again

David Price continues to give the media something to talk about. Ever since he’s gotten here he’s done nothing but complain about being in Boston and the fans. David Price once again made news this week after being asked if he’d pitch in the All-Star game. His response was “I’ll come up with something if I am an All-Star that I won’t have to pitch. I’ll play a lot of Fortnite the night before.”

What a response that is, but typical coming from him. When he was diagnosed with carpal tunnel in May it was reported that playing Fortnite was the cause of it. Price did say he would stop playing Fortnite at the ballpark because it became a distraction.

Playing Fortnite Is More Important Than Pitching

Last night the allergies must’ve kicked in as he didn’t pitch that great. Maybe he played Fortnite in his hotel the night before so his hand hurt. He’s making $31 million dollars a season. Price’s latest comments prove his childish behavior, and also that he’s upset his video game got taken away from him at the ballpark. So he says he’ll play before the All-Star game so he doesn’t have to pitch.

What a loser. He doesn’t deserve to be in the All-Star Game anyway. Price also said he wasn’t an All-Star, saying “I ain’t going. I’m not an All-Star. Craig Kimbrel is gonna get his, I didn’t vote for Craig because he’s Craig Kimbrel, he’s going to get his votes. I voted for Joe Kelly and Matt Barnes. Actually, I did vote for Craig. Joe, Barnes, and Craig. Craig doesn’t need votes. His name is going to get him in.”

Price doesn’t belong pitching on the Red Sox, period. He belongs on the Tampa Bay Rays again or some other bad team that doesn’t care about winning. He’d rather go home to his two dogs, family, his mother-in-law, and play video games than pitch on a big league team with high expectations. He’s nothing but a complete loser.

Why the Red Sox Are Unlikely to Make a Big Deal

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Most Red Sox fans want them to make a deal, like most fans of every team. Around the trade deadline, all teams are considered buyers or sellers. “Buyers” trade prospects for big league talent and “sellers” trade big league talent for prospects. The Red Sox are 49-24 and could win their third straight division title. This means they are buyers, and they should make a trade, right? Well, not so fast, and here’s why:

The Farm System

According to Bleacher Report, the Red Sox have the 27th best farm system in the big leagues. Also, their top prospect Jay Groome is out with Tommy John surgery. Their number two prospect, Michael Chavis, got popped for PEDs, so even their top prospects have huge question marks. Other than that, they do not have anyone special that could get a big name back like Brad Hand or Manny Machado. Since their farm system is blah, the Red Sox would have to trade major league talent for a star. The Padres want Rafael Devers for star closer Brad Hand. I think if you asked ten Red Sox fans if they would do that trade, all ten of them would laugh in your face. Manny Machado rumors have been swirling, but the trade is unlikely to happen. Chris Cotillo said that “the clubs are reportedly not matching up”, and I interpret that as the Orioles thinking that the Red Sox have little to offer, and they are right. Like the Hand deal, Sox fans would be reluctant on giving up big league talent considering Machado is a rental.

Their Rivals

The Astros are 13th, Yankees are 10th, and the Indians are 16th in the Bleacher Report farm system rankings. These are the three biggest threats to the Red Sox, and they all have significantly better farm systems. If I was the general manager of the Padres or Orioles, I am dealing with these teams, not the Sox. These teams are more likely to improve their teams at the deadline, making them better than the Red Sox if they aren’t already. If the Yankees acquire a big name such as Jacob DeGrom, they will most likely win the division. This would leave the Red Sox in the Wild Card game, which no team wants a part of.

The Red Sox will likely make an acquisition, but nothing special. They can get a middle reliever or utility player for nothing, but I highly doubt they will be able to make a big upgrade at the deadline.

Should the Red Sox look to Bring Back an Old Friend?

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The Boston Red Sox have the most wins in the MLB at the moment, but that does not mean that they don’t have problems. An idea over the weekend was proposed by Jared Carrabis of the Section 10 Podcast that the Sox should look to try to acquire former Red Sox 3rd baseman, Adrian Beltre. This may seem like a fantasy acquisition by the Red Sox, but it seems plausible.

Rangers need to rebuild

For starters, the Texas Rangers are one of the worst teams in the MLB this year with a record of 28-44. They should look to trade their older players to contenders, like the Red Sox, for younger players. The Red Sox are most definitely in win now mode, trading guys like Yoan Moncada and others for Chris Sale. Adrian Beltre would help the Red Sox in many situations this year, and also be a clubhouse leader.

Red Sox problems VS LHP

One of the main problems with the Red Sox is their hitting vs left-handed pitchers. The Red Sox as a team are batting .235 against them with only 18 home runs. However, against right-handed pitchers, they are batting .268 with 83 home runs. Rafael Devers is batting .209, Moreland is batting .227, Benintendi is batting .197, Nunez is at .172, and JBJ is at .120, all against LHP this season. Adrian Beltre has been very successful versus left-handed pitching this year. In 44 plate appearances versus LHP, he is .359/.386/.462/.848. Beltre, in a short sample size, has shown that he can contribute to stopping this problem for the Red Sox.

Help Rafael Devers

Adrian Beltre could also help with the development of Rafael Devers. Devers is coming off a season where he had a batting average of .284 and hit 10 home runs through the 58 games he played. Through 69 games so far this year, Devers is averaging .236 with 10 home runs. Rafael’s hitting isn’t his major problem; his fielding is. Devers has a team-low fielding percentage of .931 and a team high of 14 errors. Adrian Beltre could come in and help the 21-year old out and give Devers a few days off from fielding. Beltre gives a veteran-mind to Devers that he needs in his very young career to help him grow into what he looked like in his inaugural MLB season.

 

Adrian Beltre played for the Red Sox for one season back in 2010. That season turned out to be one of Beltre’s best seasons of his career where he averaged .321/.359/.561/.921. He had 28 home runs and 102 RBIs and finished 9th in AL MVP voting. Beltre is a long ways away from that, but he is still a very productive player and a solid-veteran mind. Beltre can come in for the last half of the season and help the Red Sox bring another World Series championship back to Boston. The Red Sox are Beltre’s best option to win a title before he ends his hall-of-fame career soon.