almagest

If Giolito goes 5+ IP 2 ER we're probably not having this meltdown. A lot rests on his shoulders for sure. We're not gonna win without solid starting pitching. That said, this ended up being one of those margin games where a manager can make a difference, and LaRussa failed.

I know, I was just responding to the idea that Hahn could've done something about the hire. There's just no way unless he quit his job, which he would never do (I probably wouldn't either - wait until you get an offer at least).

I'd be fine if TLR was a figurehead like Dusty seems to be, but this team was way better at defensive positioning last year. The main difference is LaRussa. I don't think Hahn has any control on this one, nor does Kenny. This was all JR. Not that it excuses anything (especially the Kimbrel trade), but it's really looking like they were set back a TON with this move. Then again, if we had a competent right fielder and second baseman we might be in a completely different spot, so. I'd be fine if both Hahn and LaRussa were gone.

I'm concerned the problems are more organizational than managerial. Dusty Baker is basically LaRussa with 0 world series rings as a manager, but the Astros are clearly better coached and put in a position to succeed. Either LaRussa runs the whole show or the team isn't up to par with the Astros, Dodgers, and Rays.

Miami got Luzardo for Marte. He's been bad but has a huge prospect pedigree. I don't think Heuer gets that trade done. Probably Crochet or maybe ReyLo + something else. That said, Marte is a free agent this winter and is my top choice for RF.

I just hope they aren't banking on Cespedes being ready after the ASB next year or something stupid. Engel is fine for defense, Leury should never see RF again, Vaughn and Sheets should not be in RF. Get someone who can play solid defense out there and can hit. Get a slugging 2B.

On defense? Absolutely. They made every play they needed to for the most part, and were positioned well. When hitting? Eh. They had a good approach to find holes but hitting weak grounders that just ended up where the fielders weren't has a big luck component to it.

I wonder if Tony retires if the Sox get swept or lose in 4? He definitely looks overmatched, like he did for a large part of the season.

I put bad shifting, but some of that was just luck, too.

Rare to see Abreu get completely overmatched by fastballs down the middle.

Also bad shifting, and the randomness of a short series going against them in almost every way (bad managerial decisions, seeing-eye hits)

Bottom of the lineup has been atrocious.

I'm assuming not much. I bet Pilkington was in the Escobar deal too. They'd been shopping Madrigal and Heuer for a while and nothing came through there. I assume if any good deals existed the Sox would've jumped on them in the offseason.

On the plus side, I'm not super nervous anymore! The relaxing, comforting certainty of a game and likely series loss has set in.

I know people want to defend him, but he walked FIVE in 4 1/3. It's no wonder he gave up a ton of runs.

I'm curious what the spray charts look like for Houston. Are they just getting supremely lucky hitting against the shift? Or are the Sox ignoring super valuable data?

Houston is the new Metrodome

Not much besides Conforto and Starling Marte for the OF this offseason. Middle infield is solid with multiple high end candidates (assuming they can get someone like Correa, Semien or Baez to play 2B). Not sure what's on the trade market, but I doubt Kimbrel is going to be a good enough trade candidate for a league average or better right fielder.

Because they've had a hole in RF and 2B almost all year. I've been saying this since the offseason - you can't expect to have close to a third of your lineup being garbage and not end up streaky as hell.

Jesus fucking christ can Grandal have worse damn luck this series?

I'm not running against Houston's catcher

Luis Robert came to play man.

Stanek nasty.

Cesar late on the fastball

Leury moving to RF I'd guess. Cesar to 2B