2024 Red Sox discussion

[Takket]

I didn’t see a thread for this? Lol

Anyway Bailey has his first project. 10 innings in two games and Bello has been tagged for three 2-run HRs. Otherwise he’s given up nothing. Got to work on and eliminate there home runs. If the A’s are taking him deep imagine what NY or Baltimore will do.

 

[philthepat]

The 2nd one was just an absolute dead change that did nothing other than flop its way into the hitters wheelhouse... first one was a bit of a hanger.

Interesting that both him and Houck have all but ditched their 4-seam fastballs.

 

[CabanaBoyKen]

The 2nd one was just an absolute dead change that did nothing other than flop its way into the hitters wheelhouse... first one was a bit of a hanger.

Interesting that both him and Houck have all but ditched their 4-seam fastballs.

Yeah, it seems one of the biggest Bailey effects to this point is a lot more breaking balls vs. fastballs thrown. Not sure how well that will hold up over the course of the season, or how well the pitchers' arms will hold up with that.

 

[HarpoSF]

I am surprised to see the Good Guys in 2nd Place in the AL East (over the O's even). Granted, it may not last much longer, but sweeeeping the AAA's really helped.

 

[HarpoSF]

I would hope for at least a 2-1 Series Win over the Ångels, too.

 

[CabanaBoyKen]

If they manage a 2-1 series win against the Angels this will be a wildly successful road trip. To put it in perspective, the 3 series on the West Coast in 2018 only garnered the Sox a 5-4 record. They never play well out there. It was a help playing there to open the season, vs. having to travel from Boston out there in a day like they usually do.

 

[philthepat]

Exactly... our only other west coast trip is straight after the AS break too, so we couldn't have asked for better scheduling.

 

[Takket]

Seems silly that games won against the A’s country in the standings. Should be like spring training. But we’ll take it!!

 

[DemonessBaby]

The dreaded 10 game West Coast Trip is a tough one for any team. The Red Sox have done very well.

 

[fromcal]

Given my evaluations this weekend Sox at Angels all the 3 games that I attended and had very good views in the field, the Sox did good and took 2 out of the 3 games. The Sox offense in 2 out of the 3 games I saw produced. There was home runs and extra bases. O'Neil, Duran, Devers did a great job. Houck and the pitching staff kept these runs to a minimum in 2 out of 3 games. The Sox offense struck out a lot, the pitching staff walked a lot of batters in the 2nd game. Then there were errors in that series which was a turnoff. The Sox batters got hit by the pitch which was pretty painful and then Story got injured.

So they went 7-3 in this West Coast road trip. The Sox face a tough AL East at Fenway to begin Tuesday. They got to avoid the bad things that I saw this weekend. It's a make or break start.

 

[philthepat]

So... couple of thoughts.

1) Do they actually do any kind of infield drills or coaching or anything, ever? Or even any focus on fielding at all? It's not just the blatant errors, it's the missing cutoffs, throwing to the wrong base etc. It's not like this is a new issue either. The sheer lack of focus in the field is embarrasing.

2) I had no idea how Peter Fatse remained as hitting coach this offseason... and I still don't.

 

[splinter46]

So... couple of thoughts.

1) Do they actually do any kind of infield drills or coaching or anything, ever? Or even any focus on fielding at all? It's not just the blatant errors, it's the missing cutoffs, throwing to the wrong base etc. It's not like this is a new issue either. The sheer lack of focus in the field is embarrasing.

2) I had no idea how Peter Fatse remained as hitting coach this offseason... and I still don't.

This is going on 3 years now and it’s getting very old. You’d think the manager would step up, or better yet step down.

 

[philthepat]

I think generally there is a real lack of leadership on the team. We don't have any players like Pedey, Tek, Papi... or even someone like Mike Napoli. The closest we've had I think was Sale, and he was always hurt. Combine that with the fact Cora is not really a leader himself, more of a mentor type, it's a bad mix.

 

[HarpoSF]

Might this be the last year of Alex at the helm? (Ya know, Gabe Kapler is available now... )

 

[philthepat]

I'm 99% sure of it. I think I mentioned it before... but it seems like he's destined for a front office somewhere which is what he wants I think. Maybe it'll work out as well for him as it has for Brad Stevens?

 

[loyalsoxfan2]

There is zero leadership on this team. Last year, Justin Turner came close to that and now he's gone.
This year, it was going to be Story. So much for that.
Devers has no ability to be a leader and he's not even a good infielder.
The lack of talent on the team and no veteran presence is making this team a disaster.
I'm not blaming Cora for the errors. He was one of the best fielders in the game and he must be going nuts over this.
I don't blame him for wanting out.
The team just isn't good and the mistakes seem to be getting contagious.

 

[philthepat]

On the plus side... the pitching has actually looked much better this year so far. Shows what a good coach can do, delighted we got Bailey. Now we just need to find the hitting coach version of him, and a good manager.

 

[loyalsoxfan2]

Past years, there was always some kind of veteran presence along with new guys coming up.......even aging players who set the "Red Sox" example. Passing the torch on to younger players.
Now the team has no identity, no 'face of the team'.
I'll say it again, they never should have let go of Mookie......his value is much stronger than Devers and I feel he will age better than Raffy too. Mix that in with the fact the best thing we got in return now plays for the Y*nkee$.

 

[loyalsoxfan2]

Might this be the last year of Alex at the helm? (Ya know, Gabe Kapler is available now... )

Be careful what you wish for.........I understand there were a lot of Giants fans who wanted Gabe out of town too.

 

[philthepat]

I was thinking more of a different former Sox guy in David Ross. Played and worked with Breslow, well respeced guy. Did well with the Cubbies.