South Side Hit Men

A lot of this BS is due to rules negotiated with the City (no cash / parking, limited/no vendors).

He is eligible, since gameday is feed from MLB database the team uses to submit transactions with the league. As long as he was listed in the print out handed to the umpires, he will be eligible tonight if he is able to make it from DC. Read an article about it in The Athletic earlier this year, it mentioned how a team screwed up typing in the wrong guy, did not agree with the written paper given to the umpires. https://theathletic.com/2499532/2021/04/08/baseballs-rich-colorful-and-sometimes-profane-history-of-the-lineup-card-exchange/?article_source=search&search_query=Scorecard

Having Robert return will be big, if Eloy and Grandal can stay healthy, there is a significant power boast, and have to believe Abreu will gain some power without the need to press as he did with everyone out. Also, I know some claim “slugging % / OPS” are fake stats (not saying you are one), but the Sox are 11th in both slugging and OPS, with their three core guys out, and the should be a Top 8 team in both by year end, and likely a Top 20 HR team. The key will be the health of the rotation, hopefully Kimbrel allows Kopech to shift from likely 7th/8th inning guy to multi-inning / possible 4-5 inning starter guy. Bummer bouncing back will also be huge in this aspect, and he showed signs of life this week.

In other words, Kimbrel morphing into Liam $@@“&$$#><^¥ Hendriks.

Added tweet to note unavailable tonight (I assumes this includes PH tonight).

The Cubs are not waving the White Flag; they are waving the Blue Flag.

#2. Assumes the budget Jerry has approved now was anywhere close to what it was during the offseason, when everything remained 100% closed (it took nearly four months for the Sox to fully reopen this year). In a normal year, one could make a credible argument, but COVID was/is a Black Swan event, you can't blame the team or Hahn for the budget they established / finished in February 2021. With the significant increase in ticket sales (and most likely season ticket sales), they have the revenue certainty JR needed to approve increases for the Lynn extension and the two trade deadline acquisitions. I personally rather have Cesar than Nick for the next 15 months, two playoff cycles rather than one, and that assumes Nick doesn't have a third major injury before October 2022.

Couldn't be any more happy today, Jerry, Kenny, Hahn and the FO deserve a lot of credit. A lot more good than bad this since the end of last season. Kimbrel gives the Sox flexibility, trade, salary. Hendriks could also be dealt, though don't think that happens unless Tony is gone.

Another move four days too late to help the Sox this week.

{Narrator Voice: "He is".]

Kimbrel may get to the park before Tepera.

Check out MLB Gameday by the start of the game. Each team must submit their 26 man active roster via computer to MLB's database. Kimbrel will show up if he was activated via computer. In terms of logistics, and having flown to / from DC hundreds of times, you gain an hour so it's possible he can arrive at the park before/at the start of the game. Since he only has luggage, and doesn't have to worry about moving his residence, it's a distinct possibility if he headed for the airport shortly after hearing the news.

Cesar (with the Guardians) has been the only good hitter the past week (Leury sadly the third best of the previous Sox position players). Hopeful Eloy is able to return soon and the core break out of their collective slump. OPS Last Seven Days Tim Anderson .292 Cesar Hernandez 1.103 <= With the Guardians Jose Abreu .258 Gavin Sheets .690 Yoan Moncada .291 Andrew Vaughn .690 Brian Goodwin .340 Leury Garcia .554 Seby Zavala .393

He is, batting second. Eloy remains out. 1. Tim Anderson (R) SS 2. Cesar Hernandez (S) 2B 3. Jose Abreu (R) 1B 4. Gavin Sheets (L) DH 5. Yoan Moncada (S) 3B 6. Andrew Vaughn (R) LF 7. Brian Goodwin (L) CF 8. Leury Garcia (S) RF 9. Seby Zavala (R) C

His peripherals are better than his current ERA indicates, not a major piece but they can use all the pitching help they can get.

I hope Josh is the only one to remain, to wallow in 100 loss misery for the rest of his MLB existence.

My biggest concern heading into the weekend is whether Eloy can return, at minimum to DH. Great matchup for the Sox tonight, hope they take advantage. Go Sox!

You can start Dallas Keuchel for shits and giggles with that bullpen. Still hoping this signals Kopech transitioning to a long role/possible playoff starter and ramp up his innings beyond his current workload, both for this year and beyond.

Good, that helps my various rotisserie teams, assuming Kennedy remains a closer over there. Based on their bullpen, he should be their closer. Gibson should hold up well in the NL East.

Cubs flagship radio station confirms. Bryant the last pending FA remaining who still may go with an hour left. Don't see them moving Contreras.

I can see Benetti going to Marquee next year, definitely won't be satisfied with just six games of Nicky Two Strikes per year.

I'm glad they did. Of the two players, Heuer may end up the better player of the two sent. What can make this even better is if the Sox now stretch out Kopech, let him tandem with Rodon or go six man for a month, and be ready for the playoffs with Kopech stretched to start or legitimately give 2-3 + innings.

I'd really like to see the Sox pick up another reliever, doesn't have to be a closer, just someone decent, move Kopech to 2-4 innings as part of a tandem with Rodon. Kopech builds his arm up for post season starts or multi-innings, Rodon saves his arm for the postseason. A six man rotation for a month would be OK as well if you felt Cease and or Lucas could also use a break, some extra rest with the crazy 2020 season.

I'd keep him up over Ruiz as well, if the Sox acquire another reliever. He's pitched well and can pitch multiple innings, the Sox can use both.