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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 11, 2024 5:46:37 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo Paid attendance: 27,936 9:57 PM · Apr 10, 2024 · 12.3K Views
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 11, 2024 5:53:40 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe So far this inning: Single Passed ball Walk Wild pitch Catcher's interference Wild pitch 3-run homer
7-5 Orioles.
"Good times never seemed so good." 🤔 10:16 PM · Apr 10, 2024
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 11, 2024 5:57:50 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Details revealed: Red Sox make center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela’s eight-year, $50 million contract official By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated April 10, 2024, 7:44 p.m.
The Red Sox made Ceddanne Rafaela’s eight-year, $50 million deal official Wednesday ahead of the team’s 7-5 loss to the Orioles at Fenway Park.
The contract will take effect immediately, overriding his previous one-year agreement and running through 2031, with a team option for 2032.
With a $2 million signing bonus, Rafaela will make $1 million in 2024 and 2025, $2 million in 2026, $3.5 million in 2027, $5.5 million in 2028, $7.5 million in 2029, $10.5 million in 2030, $13 million in 2031, and either $16 million or a $4 million buyout in the 2032 option year.
The deal, which began to come to fruition at the start of the season, includes potential escalators for 2030-32 based on MVP votes and/or All-Star selections.
In 40 big league games, Rafaela is hitting .227/.269/.370 with two homers while flashing potentially elite defensive ability in center, and the ability to shift to shortstop or second base.
“He’s not the final product,” said manager Alex Cora before the game. “But we take this and we know he’s a good one. There are a few things that we have to help him to be better at and he understands that. But there are other things that we’re just going to maintain. Very happy for the organization and very happy for him. Let’s see what the future holds.”
For Rafaela, the deal represents financial security for a player who signed for $10,000 out of Curaçao in 2017.
Yet the 23-year-old isn’t satisfied.
“When you say security it feels like it’s enough but it’s not,” said Rafaela. “There’s a lot more to do. A lot more to achieve. [But] It’s good to help your family. I think that’s what every son wants to do. I’m pretty happy I can do that.”
For the Sox, it affords cost certainty for a player with a game-changing glove and what the team sees as intriguing offensive potential based — albeit with the need to develop his plan of attack and selectivity at the plate.
“We talked pretty frequently about his swing decisions,” said chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. “I don’t think that that’s any surprise what we saw in spring training. With some focus and some deliberate training, he was able to impact [the baseball]. That’s something that we need to remain focused on because when he makes great decisions at the plate, he hits the ball really hard. He hits the ball in the air. He obviously can run and the defense speaks for itself.”
Rafaela joins righthander Brayan Bello as the club’s two young players to receive new contracts this season. While the club has had discussions with other young players, including first baseman Triston Casas, it’s unlikely that any other extensions will be negotiated in the near future.
“It’s impossible to handicap perfectly what the chances are of getting another deal across the line,” added Breslow. “I would say I don’t see anything that’s particularly close right now. And I do think it makes sense at some point to focus on the season, give players some clarity around what we’re trying to accomplish every day, and give us a chance to assess more broadly what we’re trying to accomplish.” Murphy has surgery
The Red Sox announced that lefthanded reliever Chris Murphy underwent successful Tommy John surgery on Wednesday. The procedure was performed by Dr. Keith Meister at Texas Metroplex Institute for Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery in Arlington, Texas.
Murphy, who began feeling discomfort in the elbow during spring training, is on the 60-day injured list. He made 20 appearances out of the bullpen last season, compiling a 4.91 ERA, and was a possible depth option for the rotation this season. Related: Taking shots and selfies: See what the 2004 Red Sox players were up to at Fenway Park on Opening Day Platoon plans
Cora reiterated that the team will use a platoon at shortstop. David Hamilton will play against righties while Romy Gonzalez will see much of the time against lefties. Gonzalez went 1 for 3 with a walk and a run on Wednesday. Cora remained adamant that Rafaela will be the team’s everyday center fielder and will only play shortstop occasionally … The goal is for Vaughn Grissom [hamstring] to begin a rehab assignment this weekend. He will primarily play second base, but the Sox will reintroduce him to shortstop as well. Outfielder Rob Refsnyder (toe) began a rehab assignment for Triple A Worcester at Syracuse Thursday, going 0 for 3 with three strikeouts as the designated hitter. “He needs at-bats in his role,” said Cora regarding Refsnyder, who can go days without playing if a lefty isn’t on the mound. “I’m not saying he’s going to get 50 at-bats during his rehab assignments. I know he had some live batting practices [in Fort Myers]. I think timing is very important. That’s something that we have to make sure when he gets here he’s ready to go.” ... Jackson Holliday, the top prospect in baseball, made his major league debut for the Orioles Wednesday, batting ninth and playing second base. He went 0 for 4 with an RBI and two strikeouts. In 10 games at Triple A Norfolk, Holliday hit .333/.482/.595 with a 1.077 OPS and two homers. “For baseball, it’s great,” Cora said of Holliday, who is the son of former big leaguer Matt Holliday. “But for the American League East, it sucks.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 11, 2024 6:00:15 GMT -5
Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles eye sweep of Red Sox FLM
Following a comfortable victory and then a come-from-behind effort, the visiting Baltimore Orioles will look to sweep the Boston Red Sox when the teams wrap up a three-game series on Thursday.
After taking the opener 7-1 on Tuesday, the Orioles overcame a five-run deficit to earn a 7-5 victory on Wednesday. Jordan Westburg capped the scoring by hitting a three-run home run in the seventh inning.
"I think it comes from not trying to do too much in that situation," Westburg said. "It's the seventh inning so I know it's not the end of the world if those runs don't score, but deep down I want to score them.
"I want our team on top. I think it comes from just sticking with an approach, being aggressive and trying to move the ball."
Boston led 5-0 through five innings before Baltimore scored three runs in the sixth and four in the seventh.
"We had a lot of really good at-bats in those couple innings, and then we got fortunate to get some big hits," Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde said. "Jordan obviously with the huge hit."
Westburg's homer came against Chris Martin, who allowed all four runs (three earned) in the seventh. Martin was one of the best relievers in baseball last season, when he had a 1.05 ERA in 55 games (51 1/3 innings).
"There's a guy we trust, that's why he's ready for the seventh or the eighth," Boston manager Alex Cora said. "When we feel there's a pocket for the big boys for them, we're going to use him. That's what we did last year and that's what we're going to do this year. It just didn't happen (Wednesday).
"A team like (the Orioles) -- they don't stop. They're relentless offensively. You have to keep adding on."
Baltimore's Grayson Rodriguez (2-0, 2.19 ERA) and Boston's Garrett Whitlock (1-0, 0.96) are scheduled to start Thursday in a matchup of right-handers.
Rodriguez, 24, pitched 6 1/3 innings in his latest outing, a 5-2 road victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. He allowed two runs -- both on solo home runs -- and six hits while striking out seven and walking two.
"He's still developing at the big-league level, and he's got big-time starter stuff," Hyde said. "The command is so much better than it was in the first half of last season. There are still some wasted pitches, but when you're throwing 95, 97, 98 (mph) and are around the plate and have a good breaking ball, it makes a difference."
Rodriguez took a loss in his only career appearance against Boston. He allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings during a 7-3 loss to the Red Sox last Sept. 10. Rodriguez struck out six and walked two.
Whitlock, 27, is 0-0 with a 1.50 ERA and two saves in 11 appearances (one start) against the Orioles. He has recorded 26 strikeouts and just four walks in 24 innings against Baltimore.
Whitlock had control issues on Saturday in Boston's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif. He didn't allow a run in 4 1/3 innings, but threw 101 pitches. He walked four, struck out four and gave up four hits.
--Field Level Media
Possibility Of A Delay Or Rainout It's expected to be 55° F with a 28% chance of precipitation and 8 MPH wind blowing right to left in Boston at 7:10 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 11, 2024 11:34:16 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats Remember deep into Casas' minor league career, many people were worried about his lack of dominance and struggles against lefties?
His first 650 MLB plate appearances:
.837 OPS, 127 wRC+
128 wRC+ v RHP 124 wRC+ v LHP
Red Sox batters have a 27% strikeout rate so far, which is 28th, ahead of MIN and SEA.
The problem has been worst in high leverage spots, 36% Ks in 44 plate appearances. That ranks last, when the league average is 22%.
Seems like much fretting over Yoshida... but I think he'll be fine.
His 4 best hit balls have been deep outs. Walks 6% → 9%. Strikeouts 14% → 13%. Ground balls still high, but 55% → 53%. Chase rate 26% → 16%. xwOBA .325 → .342.
I'd say let this play out, he'll get hot.
8:05 AM · Apr 11, 2024 ·
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 11, 2024 11:35:04 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats What Baltimore still has for bats in AAA alone is unbelievable; plus Samuel Basallo, Dylan Beavers and Enrique Bradfield. They can acquire anything they need for their MLB team this year, maybe do a prospect for prospect swap to redistribute talent, and still have plenty left.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 11, 2024 13:31:57 GMT -5
Game 13: Orioles at Red Sox lineups and notesBy Emma Healy Globe Staff,Updated April 11, 2024, 8:17 a.m. The Red Sox watched a five-run lead slip through their fingers on Wednesday night as the Orioles stole their second win of the three-game series. After taking the opener 7-1 on Tuesday, the Orioles earned a 7-5 victory on Wednesday. Jordan Westburg put the game away by hitting a three-run home run off Chris Martin in the seventh inning. Before Wednesday’s game, the Sox announced their eight-year, $50 million contract extension with 23-year-old five-tool center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela was complete. Boston plans to keep him in center field with occasional games at shortstop, according to the Globe’s Peter Abraham. Baltimore’s Grayson Rodriguez and Boston’s Garrett Whitlock are scheduled to start Thursday in a matchup of righthanders. Here’s your preview. Lineups ORIOLES (7-4): Pitching: RHP Grayson Rodriguez (2-0, 2.19 ERA) RED SOX (7-5): Jarren Duran (L) CF Tyler O'Neill (R) LF Masataka Yoshida (L) DH Triston Casas (L) 1B Wilyer Abreu (L) RF Enmanuel Valdez (L) 2B Reese McGuire (L) C David Hamilton (L) SS Pablo Reyes (R) 3B Pitching: RHP Garrett Whitlock (1-0, 0.96 ERA) Time: 7:10 p.m. TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7 Orioles vs. Whitlock: Austin Hays 2-8, Gunnar Henderson 0-1, Jorge Mateo 1-4, James McCann 0-2, Ryan Mountcastle 3-9, Cedric Mullins 2-8, Ryan O’Hearn 0-1, Adley Rutschman 1-5, Anthony Santander 2-8, Ramón Urías 1-5, Jordan Westburg 0-1 Red Sox vs. Rodriguez: Wilyer Abreu 1-2, Triston Casas 0-2, Rafael Devers 1-2, Reese McGuire 1-2, Ceddanne Rafaela 0-3 Stat of the day: Whitlock is 0-0 with a 1.50 ERA and two saves in 11 appearances (one start) against the Orioles. He has recorded 26 strikeouts and just four walks in 24 innings against Baltimore. Notes: Westburg’s homer came against Chris Martin, who allowed all four runs (three earned) in the seventh. Martin was one of the best relievers in baseball last season, when he had a 1.05 ERA in 55 games (51 1/3 innings). ... Whitlock had control issues on Saturday in Boston’s 2-1 loss to the Angels. He didn’t allow a run in 4 1/3 innings, but threw 101 pitches. He walked four, struck out four and gave up four hits. ... Rodriguez, 24, pitched 6 1/3 innings in his latest outing, a 5-2 road victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. He allowed two runs — both on solo home runs — and six hits while striking out seven and walking two. ... Rodriguez took a loss in his only career appearance against Boston. He allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings during a 7-3 loss to the Red Sox last Sept. 10. Rodriguez struck out six and walked two. Song of the Day: Stereo MC's - Connected www.youtube.com/watch?v=aatK_l9Yuyk
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 11, 2024 13:51:16 GMT -5
Hell of a line up
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Post by Kimmi on Apr 11, 2024 14:23:36 GMT -5
Westburg hits go-ahead HR in 7th, Orioles rally from 5 down to beat Red Sox 7-5 in Holliday's debutAP BOSTON (AP) Jordan Westburg hit a go-ahead homer in the seventh inning and the Baltimore Orioles erased a five-run deficit to beat the Boston Red Sox 7-5 on Wednesday night. That absolutely stank. It happens, but we can't afford to lose games in which we are up by 5 runs after 5 innings. Terrible. We now face the very real possibility of getting swept by a division rival, which would erase the good feeling from our terrific start to the season. I know, it's a long season. I should manage my highs and my lows a little better.
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Post by Kimmi on Apr 11, 2024 14:30:42 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats Remember deep into Casas' minor league career, many people were worried about his lack of dominance and struggles against lefties?
His first 650 MLB plate appearances:
.837 OPS, 127 wRC+
128 wRC+ v RHP 124 wRC+ v LHP
Red Sox batters have a 27% strikeout rate so far, which is 28th, ahead of MIN and SEA.
The problem has been worst in high leverage spots, 36% Ks in 44 plate appearances. That ranks last, when the league average is 22%.
Seems like much fretting over Yoshida... but I think he'll be fine.
His 4 best hit balls have been deep outs. Walks 6% → 9%. Strikeouts 14% → 13%. Ground balls still high, but 55% → 53%. Chase rate 26% → 16%. xwOBA .325 → .342.
I'd say let this play out, he'll get hot.8:05 AM · Apr 11, 2024 · 1. I think the Sox really need to work on locking Casas up. That said, I'm getting the early impression that he might be coming in high on his asking price. I hope that's not the case. 2. Our batters definitely need to cut down on their strike outs. It's frustrating when they can't even make a productive out in situations that call for it. 3. Agreed on Yoshida. He'll be fine.
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Post by Kimmi on Apr 11, 2024 14:32:58 GMT -5
It might be another 2 hit, 0 run day for our offense.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 11, 2024 14:51:01 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo Romy Gonzalez is dealing with a wrist injury and is in a splint/cast. X-rays coming later. He says he’s day to day. 4:39 PM · Apr 11, 2024 ·
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 11, 2024 20:09:01 GMT -5
Alex Cora reveals why Rafael Devers is out of Red Sox lineup, won’t rule out IL
Published: Apr. 11, 2024, 5:21 p.m.
By
Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON — Two weeks into the regular season, Red Sox star third baseman Rafael Devers continues to battle a shoulder issue that kept him out of two games in the club’s opening series in Seattle. On Thursday, manager Alex Cora didn’t rule out the possibility of Devers needing to go on the injured list with the issue.
Devers was held out of Thursday’s lineup with left shoulder soreness as the Red Sox try to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the Orioles. Cora said the soreness got to a point Wednesday night that Devers asked to sit Thursday.
“He’s battling with the shoulder,” Cora said. “You can see it on the swings. Just give him a day. Hopefully, that’s what he needs and we’ll go from there.
Cora said Devers would “hopefully not” need a trip to the IL, which would keep him out for 10 days, but didn’t completely rule it out.
“Let’s see how it goes. But it’s too early to be grinding,” Cora said. “That’s how I see it. He’s too important for us for him to be grinding with his swing and making it worse. He just felt yesterday that he needed a day so we decided to give him a day today.
“If he needs one, two, three (days) or if it’s an IL stint, then so be it. We have to take care of this.”
Devers has not looked like himself at the plate in the early goings of the season. In 10 games, he is just 7-for-38 (.184) with two homers, two doubles and six strikeouts. He has looked to be in pain on certain swings, with the issue occurring in his back shoulder
“You can see his reactions,” Cora said. “Very similar to a few years ago with the elbow. Whenever he swings and misses, he recoils. His swing is a little bit different than early in camp. We just have to make sure we’re on par with him and he’s ready to go.”
The Red Sox are already running on fumes when it comes to infielders and injuries. Both projected starting middle infielders — Vaughn Grissom and Trevor Story — are on the injured list and Story is out for the season after a shoulder injury that will require surgery. On Thursday, another issue surfaced as Romy Gonzalez, who was called up to platoon at shortstop with David Hamilton in Story’s absence, arrived at Fenway Park wearing a brace on his left wrist and is undergoing x-rays. Pablo Reyes is playing third base Wednesday; Bobby Dalbec is an obvious call-up candidate should Devers have to miss time.
“That’s why I’m the manager,” Cora said. “That’s my job. It’s part of it. You don’t want injuries to happen but this is where we’re at right now.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 12, 2024 5:17:40 GMT -5
Great high lights from last night
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 12, 2024 5:18:00 GMT -5
Cowser hits first 2 big league homers, Orioles beat Red Sox 9-4 in 10 innings for 3-game sweep AP
BOSTON (AP) Colton Cowser hit the first two homers of his career, including a three-run shot in the 10th inning, and the Baltimore Orioles rallied past the Boston Red Sox 9-4 on Thursday night to complete a three-game sweep of their AL East rivals.
Gunnar Henderson opened the Orioles' six-run 10th with a two-run homer against Isaiah Campbell (0-1), scoring automatic runner Jackson Holliday.
“We do have confidence in our offense,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “We can do a lot of different things and so far this year we’ve taken great at-bats the last third of the game.”
Campbell took the blame.
“Just didn’t do my job,” he said. “Can’t leave too many pitches over the plate against these guys. They hit them hard. They did their job. So, this loss is on me and just got to come in here and get better and get ready for the next outing.”
The 20-year-old Holliday, baseball's top-rated prospect who made his big league debut a night earlier, scored two runs but went 0-for-4 for the second straight game.
Cowser, another Orioles prospect who struggled during a brief stint in the majors last season, drove in 10 runs in the series.
“It came in a big spot today,” Cowser said. “Towards the end of the game, we started stacking good (at-bats), getting it to the next guy, and that’s something you have to do in a season like this.”
A night after the Orioles rallied from a 5-0 deficit to win 7-5, they fell behind 2-0 before coming back, thanks in part to some shaky defense by the Red Sox.
Boston led 2-1 when Holliday reached on an error by third baseman Pablo Reyes leading off the eighth. With one out, Adley Rutschman hit what appeared to be an inning-ending double-play grounder, but the Orioles challenged the call, and after a review, Holliday was ruled safe at second because shortstop David Hamilton missed the bag while making the turn.
“Yeah, we didn’t turn that double play,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “But it was a good game, to be honest with you. We used everybody that was available, and we had to push Campbell there.
“But, it is what it is. It was a tough one. I liked the way we fought. We were there until the end, but, obviously a tough series and now we got to turn the page.”
Reliever Greg Weissert came in after the double play was overturned, and Anthony Santander hooked his first pitch around the foul pole in right for a two-run homer that made it 3-2.
Pinch-hitter Connor Wong tied it with two outs in the eighth with a homer over the Green Monster off Danny Coulombe. It was Wong's first homer of the season and first career pinch homer.
Craig Kimbrel (2-0) worked a scoreless ninth.
Orioles starter Grayson Rodriguez worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing both of his runs in the first.
Garrett Whitlock lasted five innings for Boston and gave up Cowser's first homer, a solo shot.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Orioles: LHP John Means (left forearm strain) made his third rehab start on Thursday, going three innings for Triple-A Norfolk. He gave up two runs on two hits.
Red Sox: 3B Rafael Devers sat out with left shoulder soreness, and manager Alex Cora said a stint on the injured list was possible. ... INF/OF Romy Gonzalez will get X-rays on his left wrist, which he tweaked on Wednesday.
UP NEXT
Orioles: Holliday will make his home debut when Baltimore hosts Milwaukee on Friday. RHP Tyler Wells (0-1, 4.76 ERA) is scheduled to start against Brewers RHP Freddy Peralta (1-0, 3.09).
Red Sox: Host the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of a three-game series. Boston RHP Tanner Houck (2-0, 0.00) is scheduled to face LHP Reid Detmers (2-0, 1.64).
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