Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End

CP_Jon_GoSox
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Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:09:17 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:09:17 GMT -5

Bill Koch
@billkoch25
·
7h
Tanner Houck had double-digit strikeouts just once in 66 minor league appearances (50 starts) -- June 6 of last season for @portlandseadogs
. He fanned 11 in 7 innings against Richmond.

It's taken him just three #MLB starts to accomplish that feat. #RedSox

Tanner Houck -- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 10 K, 94-59 18 swing/miss.

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
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Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:10:04 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:10:04 GMT -5

Bill Koch
@billkoch25
·
7h
The Orioles have lost to the Blue Jays. The #RedSox can still avoid last place alone in the AL East with a win tonight, a win tomorrow and a Baltimore loss tomorrow.

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
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Posts: 51,015

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:12:21 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:12:21 GMT -5

Bill Koch
@billkoch25
·
6h
Tanner Houck joins us on Zoom. #RedSox

Houck said he wants to be outside throwing 12 months a year. Said having dirt on his cleats prior to the first side session of spring training would be nice. #RedSox

Houck said he's moving to Florida this offseason. If he wants to work out in the winter months it sounds like he'll be doing it at JetBlue Park. #RedSox

Houck -- 'The past three starts have been as good as I could have written it up myself.' #RedSox

Houck liked his four-seamer today. Felt he commanded it well and that it had some extra stick. #RedSox

Houck -- 'Lot of confidence going into this offseason now.' #RedSox

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
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Posts: 51,015

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:14:32 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:14:32 GMT -5

Bill Koch
@billkoch25
·
6h
Ron Roenicke joins us on Zoom. #RedSox

Roenicke on Houck -- 'Everything we've seen so far makes us believe this guy can be a real good major league pitcher.' #RedSox

Roenicke said Verdugo is unlikely to play Sunday. Said Bogaerts and Devers want to be in the lineup. #RedSox

Roenicke on Houck -- 'Three great outings against three really good teams.' #RedSox

Roenicke said he just spoke with Bloom regarding Houck. Small sample, but they think it's 'really encouraging' what he's been able to do against quality opponents.

'Chaim's got a smile on his face right now, so you know it's pretty good.' #RedSox

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
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Posts: 51,015

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:15:26 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:15:26 GMT -5

Bill Koch
@billkoch25
·
6h
Roenicke said Houck's stuff looks better than it was in spring training and seems to play beyond velocity/other metrics. He's not seeing opposing hitters pick up the slider. #RedSox

Roenicke said he's okay after the spill he took in the 8th. He was not hit by the ball.

'I'm pretty sore, but I'm okay.'

Jerry Narron looked up and said, 'That's 2020.' #RedSox

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
Administrator

Posts: 51,015

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:22:26 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:22:26 GMT -5

Alex Speier
@alexspeier
·
9h
In 84 PAs, Bobby Dalbec has a 1.018 OPS and a 44% K rate. How on earth is that possible? When he makes contact, he’s hitting .553 and slugging 1.297.

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
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Posts: 51,015

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:23:10 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:23:10 GMT -5

Alex Speier
@alexspeier
·
8h
Through 14 big league innings for Tanner Houck, righties are 2-for-28 (.071) with 14 Ks against him.

After 15 scoreless innings to open his career, Houck gives up a leadoff homer to Swansby to open the fifth inning. Longest scoreless career-opening streak by a Sox starter since Eshelman’s 18 innings in 1995.

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
Administrator

Posts: 51,015

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:24:32 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:24:32 GMT -5

Alex Speier
@alexspeier
·
8h
Houck is the 9th Red Sox ever with a 10+ K game in one of his first three starts. The most recent three: Henry Owens, Daisuke, Lester. That group covers... a broad spectrum of outcomes.

Houck spent the first half-season of his first full pro season getting absolutely shelled while throwing four-seamers instead of the two-seamer that had been his primary college pitch. But ... he stuck with it, and developed a four-seamer he could use with his two-seamer.

He recognized the bigger long-term picture of player development. Two years later, he just threw 3x as many four-seamers as two-seamers in shutting down a really good Atlanta lineup

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
Administrator

Posts: 51,015

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:26:25 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:26:25 GMT -5

Alex Speier
@alexspeier
·
7h
So long as 2020 record is used to determine 2021 draft order, Red Sox have clinched no worse than the No 5 pick. With Tigers having beaten KC, assuming the Red Sox win tonight, they remain one game ‘in front of’ Detroit and Baltimore for No 3 entering the season’s final day.

The Red Sox last had a top-five pick in 1967.

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
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Posts: 51,015

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:37:40 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:37:40 GMT -5

Red Sox Stats
@redsoxstats
·
9h
Dalbec's isolated power is .365, which ties him with Edwin Rios for highest among players with 80+ plate appearances. Soto, Acuna, and Voit check in around .340. Dalbec pairing that game power that with an 11% walk rate so far is very encouraging.

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
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Posts: 51,015

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:38:31 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:38:31 GMT -5

Red Sox Stats
@redsoxstats
·
8h
Houck's first three starts

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
Administrator

Posts: 51,015

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:41:09 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:41:09 GMT -5

Nick Pivetta looks to set offseason tone

By Bill Koch
Journal Sports Writer
BillKoch25
Posted Sep 26, 2020 at 8:03 PM

Nick Pivetta takes the ball for the Red Sox in Sunday’s season finale.

It will be his second start with the club. Pivetta covered five innings against the Orioles in his debut, striking out eight in a Tuesday victory.

“Just have a good game,” Pivetta said. “Go out there and do what I do best. Go out there, compete and put our team in the best position to win.”

Pivetta worked at the alternate site in Pawtucket following his August trade to Boston from the Phillies. He came to the Red Sox along with prospect right-hander Connor Seabold for relievers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree. The Braves will represent a familiar opponent for Pivetta with his National League East background.

“Me being so critical of myself, I think my fastball command could be a lot better,” Pivetta said. “I think I could get into better pitcher’s counts a lot more and put myself in the best position to put guys away the best I can.”

bkoch@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7054

On Twitter: @billkoch25

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

CP_Jon_GoSox
Administrator

Posts: 51,015

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 4:54:56 GMT -5

Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 27, 2020 4:54:56 GMT -5

Red Sox @ Braves
Sunday 27th September
3pm @ Truist Field

Pivetta 1-0/ 9.28

Was impressive in his Red Sox debut striking out 8 over 5ip. In 11 career starts vs the Braves he is 4-2/3.90.

Bryse Wilson 1-0/ 4.26

Pitched 5 scoreless innings his his first start of the season vs the Marlins.

Boston's Bradley unsure of future beyond finale in Atlanta
FLM

Jackie Bradley Jr. has known only one big league uniform, and he may be wearing it for the last time when the Boston Red Sox close the season against the host Atlanta Braves on Sunday.

Bradley is eligible for free agency after the season, and there have been no substantial discussions about a return.

"I don't know how to define it, to be honest," Bradley said. "It's one of those things where it's a two-way street. You have to play out the situation, and I don't know what the future holds. I'm sure a lot of people don't know what the future holds, but that's this great thing, that you kind of go through the process and you find out what's going to be the best fit."

The 30-year-old Bradley said playing in this season's home finale at Fenway Park on Thursday was highly emotional.

He tried to relish the moment but at the same time, there was no way to avoid thinking that it could be his final time patrolling the outfield as a member of the Red Sox.

"I had some great times, too. Great moments. And that's things that I will never forget," said Bradley, who first reached the majors with Boston in 2013. "And yeah, I got to the field a lot earlier, and I just spent some time thinking about all the things that we've accomplished as a team, as an organization, and it was cool. I felt at peace, I felt at ease."

Bradley was MVP of the American League Championship Series in 2018 when the Red Sox eliminated the Houston Astros and then went on to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. He had three homers in the postseason, two against Houston and one against the Dodgers.

Bradley also was an All-Star in 2016 when he set career highs of 26 homers and 87 RBI. This season, he is batting .276 with six homers and 21 RBIs in 54 games.

Bradley was 0-for-2 with three walks and a run scored as the Red Sox (23-36) routed the Braves 8-2 on Saturday to even the three-game series at one win apiece.

Christian Vazquez hit his second career grand slam and Bobby Dalbec hit a two-run shot as Boston scored all eight of its runs in the second inning.

Dansby Swanson homered for Atlanta (35-24), which lost for the just second time in the past seven games.

Freddie Freeman is expected to be in the lineup. Freeman, one of the leading National League MVP candidates, is also making a run at the batting title. He enters the final day with a .343 average, just behind Washington's Juan Soto (.346).

Braves third baseman Austin Riley was held out Saturday and will also miss Sunday's game due to a sore right quadriceps.

"We are going to give him four days of treatment," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said of Riley. "Hopefully, he may be able to get some live at-bats (in batting practice) and not just take any chances. He is out walking around. We are just going to get him treated. He can hit and do all that. We want to try to keep him away from the quick movements and running."

Right-hander Nick Pivetta will make his second appearance for the Red Sox. He was sharp in his team debut as he struck out eight and allowed one run and four hits over five innings while beating the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.

Pivetta (1-0, 9.28 ERA) allowed 10 runs in 5 2/3 innings in three appearances for the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this season.

The 27-year-old is 4-2 with a 4.97 ERA in 14 career appearances (11 starts) against the Braves. He has struggled with Ender Inciarte (11-for-24) and Freeman (9-for-27, one homer).

Right-hander Bryse Wilson (1-0, 4.26) will make his second start and sixth appearance of the season for Atlanta. The 22-year-old tossed five shutout innings, allowing three hits, in his first start while beating the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.

Wilson made a relief appearance against the Red Sox on Sept. 3, 2018, and it didn't go well. He gave up three runs, two hits and three walks in one inning.

--Field Level Media

Red Sox
at
Braves
Sunday, at 3:10 PM EST
Partly Cloudy
According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 77° F with a 6% chance of rain and 7 MPH wind blowing right to left in Atlanta at 3:10 PM EST.
Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Forecast.io

Sean McDonough didn't mince words on WEEI broadcast after Mookie Betts homered. "It's a trade that can never be defended and a stain that will never be erased, the trade of Mookie Betts by the Red Sox."

“If this ownership group is not committed to winning and not prepared to show it in a demonstrable way by signing free agents to field a complete, competitive team, then why should we as fans commit to the team?”

Kimmi
God

Posts: 2,813

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 7:14:03 GMT -5

Post by Kimmi on Sept 27, 2020 7:14:03 GMT -5

Sept 26, 2020 20:51:46 GMT -5 scrappyunderdog said:

Another really nice game by Houck. Like I've said, I've never been a fan, but he is starting to convince me. What a nice step forward if he can be part of the 2021 rotation.

It's still a very small sample, but he has made it difficult not to be enthusiastic about him for next year.

Kimmi
God

Posts: 2,813

Red Sox @ Braves Game Thread/ 25-27th September/The End Sept 27, 2020 7:15:17 GMT -5

Post by Kimmi on Sept 27, 2020 7:15:17 GMT -5

Sept 27, 2020 4:10:04 GMT -5 CP_Jon_GoSox said:

Bill Koch
@billkoch25
·
7h
The Orioles have lost to the Blue Jays. The #RedSox can still avoid last place alone in the AL East with a win tonight, a win tomorrow and a Baltimore loss tomorrow.

#Goals