Red Sox vs Pirates Series Review
The Jolly Roger Was Not Raised
As always, here is MLB Insider Matt Rosen’s take on this series
“Where were you when Wilyer Abreu saved the Red Sox season?”- Matt Rosen
Overall Takeaway
I am going to start this with a rare insult. I don’t like Jared Carrabis. Will he ever see this? No. Do I comment on his posts sometimes to get views? Yes. But his negativity has just put me over the edge at this point. This is not to say that he can not be critical of the team. I believe he can and should be. I haven’t listened to his podcast in years, and I think its time to mute his tweets.
On a positive note, the Red Sox got a needed sweep of the Pirates! This should not come as a surprise with Pittsburgh being one of the worst teams in the league for the past few weeks. But if Boston can continue to win series against below .500 teams, and steal some wins from the powerhouses, then there is no reason they can’t sneak into a Wild Card spot.
Game 1: Red Sox 8-1
Game 2: Red Sox 4-2
Game 3: Red Sox 6-1
What I Loved
Devers and O’Neil Taking BP
Both seem set to return on Tuesday. If they don’t I might defenestrate myself.
Andrew Bailey
Lot of people talking about how great Alex Cora has been leading this team to victories despite the roster. I say the credit goes to Andrew Bailey. Or as I like to call him “the next manager.”
Starters Again…
When Saturday ended their had been 22 games played so far this season. In those 22 games the Red Sox starters have given up only…. 22 earned runs…. Both Bello and Crawford going six innings marks the first time this season starters have gone six innings in back to back games.
Defense!
Only one error the entire series! That is progress!
Wilyer Abreu
He is batting .286 with an .846 OPS right now. Those are Hall of Fame numbers compared to the rest of this lineup.
What I Was “Mid” About
Masataka Yoshida
For all the hate he is getting he has gotten on base in 17 of his last 20 games. He hit a home run this series, so let’s hope he can get hot.
The Daily Lineup
When that lineup report comes out each day and I see how many players are batting around .200 or lower it makes my heart sink. But they are winning right now, so it will remain “mid”.
Having an “opener”
I will never love an opener. Winckowski pitched well, so I will leave it here at mid.
What I Didn’t Love
Triston Casas Injury
Saying “Coach, I can play defense, but I can’t hit for you.” Is pretty bad a** of Triston. However, there seems to be a real fear that his rib injury will keep him out for an extended period of time. This team can’t catch a break, but they still win!
Not Playing Masataka Yoshida On Sunday
Is he hurt? Cause Tyler Heineman is a career .217 hitter. Cora is lucky the Red Sox won today. They can not afford to lose games to teams below .500, rest Yoshida against some powerhouse not the Pirates.