Red Sox vs Cubs Series Review

A Blog By Dean

Overall Takeaway

This series was a wake-up call, the Red Sox (now 54-47) got outplayed in every facet, dropping them further in the AL East race while the Cubs (59-40) look like contenders. Offense needs to rediscover that July fire (.390 team AVG pre-break), and the rotation must tighten up against power hitters. Positives like Anthony/Bregman/Abreu and Bello/Crochet give hope, but with the Phillies and Dodgers up next, the Red Sox can’t afford another dud. Hopefully, this series lights a fire under them.

Game 1: Cubs 4-1

Game 2: Cubs 6-0

Game 3: Red Sox 6-1

What I Loved

• Roman Anthony

  • Anthony drove in the lone run on Saturday. He continues to raise his slash lines as he now sits at .270 AVG with a .791 OPS

• Brayan Bello Quality Start

  • Bello battled through 6 innings, allowing three runs with four strikeouts and only one walk. . It wasn't perfect, but his 2.73 ERA in July keeps him as a bright spot in the rotation amid post break slump.

• Garrett Crochet

  • Even when he is bad, he is good.

• Alex Bregman

  • I did not get to write about his return pre All-Star break.

• Wilyer “Hank Aaron” Abreu

  • 20 home runs on the season, two on Sunday. Breslow is going to have a tough decision to make come the deadline. Lot of bodies in the outfield, and the answer isn’t putting Rafaela at 2B.

What I Was 'Mid' About

• Lucas Giolito

  • Tough and weird start for Giolito. The homer against Suzuki in the 1st inning on Friday put him in a massive hole. Was pretty good outside of that, but definitely a regression after his last eight starts.

• Masataka Yoshida

  • I am happy he is back, but need him to produce more. I think they have done a terrible job handling him the last few years. I want him to succeed.

What I Didn't Love

• The Offense Going Ice Cold

  • Yes, they won Game 3 6-1. But they went 24 innings with only one run scored before that.

• Alex Cora's Lineup Choices:

  • I didn’t love Cora’s reasoning as to why he did not pinch hit for Connor Wong in Game 2. I know you have to defend your guys, so I do get that aspect. However, Wong is batting .144 with a .372 OPS. Let’s be realistic here.

  • I also take issue with Rafaela going to 2B on Sunday. I know Anthony wasn’t feeling great and they had to switch the lineup. Frankly, I don’t care. Rafaela is the best CF in baseball. Keep him there.