Red Sox vs Rays Series Review
Yay
Here is the latest from MLB Insider Matt Rosen.
“All cylinders are firing for the boys — Duran and Houck look ever piece of legit. Casas can’t get back soon enough. Am I crazy for wanting to send Grissom down? Do we have the best catching tandem in baseball?”
Overall Takeaway
This was one of the first series I almost exclusively listened to it on the radio. I didn’t love it. I tuned into Game 3 in bed, which is where I am writing this piece right now. My biggest takeaway is the Rays stink, and their best player can barely hit .100. Get Junior Caminero up STAT!
Game 1: Red Sox 5-0
Game 2: Red Sox 5-2
Game 3: Red Sox 8-5
What I Loved
Jarren Duran is better than Aaron Judge
Duran has a 3.0 WAR this season. Judge has 2.5 WAR… It’s just science, baby.
I will note that the steal of home was a Little League steal.
Tanner Houck
He has only had one game where he gave up more than three runs.
1.94 ERA on the season.
Rafael Devers POWER
Devers has never finished in the Top 10 of MVP voting in his career. I said on our podcast last week that he will. Immediately, he goes and breaks the Red Sox home run streak. Maybe now his defense will pick up a little….
What I Was "Mid" About
First Base
Dom Smith stinks. 0-6 in the first two games and didn’t play Wednesday. I said it already but just bring Dalbec back. At least he feels like family.
Vaughn Grissom
Yeah, it definitely sucks when I see Chris Sale pitching for the Cy Young, and Grissom can’t do anything. He’s batting .136 with a .317 OPS.
Give it two more weeks, then send him down to figure it out.
Ceddanne Rafaela
Feel like it needs to be addressed. Last seven games, he is hitting .120….. and is still below .200 for the year. I like him, and they committed to him long-term, so I feel like it is going under the radar due to that.
Brayan Bello
Was able to string together a QS despite giving up four walks. However, I must keep him in mid due to his 4.04 ERA and the high walk rate today.
What I Didn't Love
Garrett Whitlock Injury
This went a little under the radar, which is typical for Red Sox injuries as they keep it close to the vest. It's not the first time Whitlock has had elbow issues. He had Tommy John with the Yankees and was on the IL twice last year with elbow issues. Maybe he will be okay, and they will just put him in the bullpen to keep him healthy.
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