Editor’s Note: All my graphics going forward will come directly from my new website, Stat Soldier. Go check it out by clicking here.
Overall Takeaway
Pour one out for this win streak. I think I speak for all Boston fans when I say this was the most exciting stretch of baseball we have seen in years—Ceddanne Rafaela’s walk-off last year aside. The 15-game streak tied a record set 80 years ago and put Boston firmly in the playoff race. Even with tonight’s loss, the Red Sox remain in sole possession of the third Wild Card spot. The Yankees split their doubleheader today, so the Rays will hold on to first place in the AL East.
All three teams will likely be buyers at the trade deadline. Most insiders—and opinionated non-insiders like myself—believe Tampa Bay will be the most aggressive. On tonight’s episode of The Skippers View Podcast, Hagen and I discussed several potential deals for Boston. I brought up Casey Mize, while he suggested Freddy Peralta. At this point, I will take any pitcher who can step in and help fill the void left by Crochet.
As fun as this run was, there are still holes on this team that need to be filled. Fewer holes than a month ago, but still enough to sink a ship.
Game 1: Red Sox 6-5
Game 2: Red Sox 6-3
Game 3: Orioles 5-1
What I Loved
Win Streak
Fine with the win streak ended. Honestly, the 1946 roster was stacked. They won 104 games, went to the World Series, and had five guys in Top 10 MVP voting, with Williams winning. This team has maybe one Hall of Famer at best. (Obviously I wanted the win streak to continue.)
Ceddanne Rafaela
I was posting my daily WAR leaders from www.statsoldier.com, and I noticed something interesting…. Ceddanne Rafaela had cracked the Top 10 for bWAR.
Forgot that Ceddanne had 4.9 bWAR last year as well. Still very early, but his contract is highway robbery. They got him for 8 years, $50 million. There is a real chance he produces $50 million of value this season alone.
Willson Contreras
When Durbin hit his home run Monday, I thought that Contreras was going to run on the field and tackle Caleb before he rounded the bases. According to Stat Soldier, the last time Willson had a game that negatively affected Boston was June 23rd. A whole month!
Caleb Durbin
Durbin’s home run into the night on Monday was electric and makes up for his slow start to the year. The broadcast was comparing his demeanor and work ethic to Dustin Pedroia today. I do not see the work he does so that I will take their word for it.
NO ERRORS
Unlike last series, Boston had a clean series against Baltimore.
Aroldis Chapman
Tied Dennis Eckersley, who was in attendance, for 9th All-Time on the saves list.
Andruw Monasterio
Andruw has been superb over the last 11 days. Might be the best baseball he has ever played. I am posting this quickly, so I haven’t had time to check, but it feels right.
Brayan Bello… Back?
*Knock on wood* Brayan Bello has been pretty good in his two appearances since returning to Boston. The team is desperate for some starter depth. Hoping it could be him.
Jake Bennett… Again
An out away from his 6th straight quality start. This streak doesn’t happen without Bennett coming up and going on a streak. Biggest concern right now for Boston is taking care of their three young arms (Early, Tolle, Bennett)
What I Was ‘Mid’ About
Jarren Duran Showing Some Life
His triple in Game One today reminded me of the spark that Duran can bring to this team. Still well below the Mendoza Line over the last 30 games, .139 AVG, so here’s hoping that today could be the start of a little hot streak. If not, I think the cries from fans will intensify to replace him at the deadline.
What I Didn’t Love
Starting Pitching Depth Catching Up
Mentioned this on Sunday with the last bullpen game, and I am preaching to the choir, but the team desperately needs some starter depth.
It does not seem like Crochet will return in 2026, and Boston needs to keep Tolle, Early, and Bennett on some innings limit. Brayan Bello, knock on wood, could be that guy.
Streak Ending
I know I said at the beginning that I was fine with the streak ending. I lied; it gave me life. It also gave me an excuse to watch the games every night. “Babe, I can’t be the one fan not to watch this historic streak.” Now I am going to have to watch Bravo Housewives in between innings again.