Overall Takeaway
The Boston Red Sox continue to make no sense. They can barely get a win against the Angels, but then go into Yankee Stadium and take a series against the #2 team in the American League.
Boston has an opportunity to climb in the standings this week as they face Tampa for three before hosting New York at Fenway over the weekend.
They have yet to build on momentum this season. Let’s see if that changes this week.
Game 1: Yankees 9-6
Game 2: Red Sox 10-7
Game 3: Red Sox 11-6
What I Loved
Roman Anthony
I can no longer wait to put Anthony in my blogs. I am just going to start adding him anyway. Now, he might only be batting .136 in June, but he hit the longest home run in baseball this year for a grand slam.
Hunter Dobbins’ Attitude And Performance
Dobbins was asked about the Red Sox/Yankee rivalry ahead of his matchup on Sunday. He said, “If the Yankees were the last team to give me a contract, I’d retire.” Finally, someone who wants to ignite the rivalry again. Now, Dobbins did give up a home run to Judge immediately, but he still gave five strong innings. He only had 64 pitches going into the 4th inning, but Cora pulled him before seeing the lineup a third time.
Garrett Crochet Battling
This is the second time this season that Crochet has had a bad outing, but he does not come out of the game and makes sure to save the bullpen. The bullpen owes him dinner.
Aroldis Chapman
Now carries a 1.73 ERA on the year with 10 saves. At the very least, he will be a great trade piece in July.
Abraham Toro and Carlos Narvaez
Both players had a significant impact on this series and the season as a whole so far. Abraham Toro has over 1,000 MLB at-bats, so one would imagine that he will level out soon. However, Narvaez only had 13 at-bats coming into this season. The Red Sox might have finally found their franchise catcher. Fingers crossed.
Bullpen
The Red Sox bullpen again shone where the starters failed. They held it down both Saturday and Sunday.
What I Was "Mid" About
Rafael Devers
Yeah, he has a seven-game hit streak. Yeah, he hit a second-deck home run. But did anyone else see him completely give up on that grounder to second base? I did, and it was the worst possible time for him to give up on a play. The team was pouring it on, and he just stopped in his tracks. If it comes out that he tweaked something, I will move him up into the “loved” section. Until then, he stays here.
Kristian Campbell
I don’t want to get too excited, but he is hitting .300 over the last seven games. He is also starting to make more difficult plays at second base. A lot of noise this week about him being demoted to “figure it out.” Don’t hold your breath.
What I Didn't Love
David Hamilton
I get that Kristian Campbell has not been playing great, but what is with Hamilton coming in to pinch hit and pinch run?
The Up And Down Of The Fans
You might have seen me commenting on Jared Carrabis about how he flip-flops every other inning from criticizing the team to loving them. He defended it, saying he should be able to verbalize his emotions. Fine, whatever, but it isn’t just him. Red Sox fans are giving up in games after the first inning and calling for the team to get blown up. When the Sox come back, they then immediately flip-flop. I think fans should wait until the game is over to express their emotions.
Game On ESPN
Aaron Judge made a routine catch in right field. The announcers: “That is a three-sport athlete right there.”
Alex Cora Interview
In a 30-second interview, Cora was asked, “What did you think of Hunter Dobbins' comments last night?” Cora’s response? “I woke up, had coffee, and went to the Puerto Rican parade.”
I don’t think this rivalry will fully be back until we see managers embrace it as well.
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