Ducksnort

That would have worked too. But it was the beginning of the inning...I probably would have reserved Sheets for a situation where he could tie the game or put you ahead. Leaving Engel in would have been fine. Sometimes the best move is not doing anything at all.

This was the move that put me over the edge. I knew right away we would regret taking Engel out. I said as much in the game thread. I remember a long time ago, Ozzie explained his reasoning for putting Wise in CF for that Buehrle perfect game. He said he got burned too many times not putting his best defense out late in the game in the outfield in tight games. Learned his lesson. Do you think Buehrle would have had that PG had Wise not been out there? I think not. Ozzie has said a lot of things on the pre/post game shows and the podcasts that have made a lot of sense and that most of us here would agree with. I know this is not popular opinion, and it's not even really an idea I liked until recently, but I think Ozzie would actually be a good manager for this team. He's a lot different than what he was years ago, he's grown up. And I think he is very situationally aware. I think he would be a great fit.

Sox are gonna lose this 9-8 arent they

If the Sox lose this series (which let's be honest...they probably will) there is zero reason to bring TLR back. Zero.

This is all just such absolute horseshit

What is Kimbrel's contract situation?

Welp.

Ballgame

The failure to sign a 2nd baseman and a right fielder has all but reared it's ugly head in this ballgame.

And that is why you don't pull Engel out of the ballgame.

Falling behind in the count over and over and over.

And yet again fall behind first pitch.

Doesn't matter. If they did, the ball would have found the vacated spot anyways. All the luck is going the Astros' way right now.

Every inning. Every inning Houston's offense has put pressure on. None of it has been easy

Such bullshit.

Sox keep falling behind with Houston having men on base.

Well, if they can hold them here, I like the Sox chances of winning. If not...it's going to be real tough to come back.

All of Houston's groundballs are finding holes.

Well it worked. 5-8.

Great sequencing there from Bummer. Great pitches too.

5-7 against Bummer..yikes.

Altuve gonna steal here.

I really hope a ball like that is not hit out to Leury and we regret pulling Engel.

So effing close

I wouldn't unless it's 3-2. Not with Maldonado's arm.