Yep my bad.The Yankees only have 3 more games remaining with the Blue Jays.
Yep gotta bury them there ... My friends and I celebrate "Yankee Elimination Day" every year (been able to do it for the last 20 years all but once!) ...though wouldn't you all rather face the Yankees in a single elimination game than Toronto and they way they're playing ...?If the Sox go 6-5, the MFY have to go 9-3 to catch them. Winning that series would basically wrap it up.
Tough call. In a one game series, Cole is probably the toughest possible pitcher to face although the Sox have done ok against him at times. If the Sox were to meet the Jays, it means the Yankees didn’t make the playoffs which is really the best possible outcome. Worst case is Sox not making playoffs which is just barely better than Sox losing to Yankees in a one game (and may actually be worse now that I think about it).Yep gotta bury them there ... My friends and I celebrate "Yankee Elimination Day" every year (been able to do it for the last 20 years all but once!) ...though wouldn't you all rather face the Yankees in a single elimination game than Toronto and they way they're playing ...?
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Date/Schedule | Red Sox MAGIC #'s |
11
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10
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9
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7
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20-Sep | OFF | at Rays | Texas | Seattle | at Oakland | |||||
21-Sep | Mets | at Rays | Texas | Seattle | at Oakland | |||||
22-Sep | Mets | at Rays | Texas | Seattle | at Oakland | |||||
23-Sep | OFF | At Twins | OFF | Seattle | at Oakland | |||||
24-Sep | Yankees | At Twins | at Boston | Houston | at LA Angels | |||||
25-Sep | Yankees | At Twins | at Boston | Houston | at LA Angels | |||||
26-Sep | Yankees | At Twins | at Boston | Houston | ar LA Angels | |||||
27-Sep | OFF | OFF | OFF | at Seattle | Oakland | |||||
28-Sep | at Orioles | Yankees | At Toronto | at Seattle | Oakland | |||||
29-Sep | at Orioles | Yankees | At Toronto | at Seattle | Oakland | |||||
30-Sep | at Orioles | Yankees | At Toronto | OFF | OFF | |||||
1-Oct | at Nationals | Orioles | Rays | at Houston | LA Angels | |||||
2-Oct | at Nationals | Orioles | Rays | at Houston | LA Angels | |||||
3-Oct | at Nationals | Orioles | Rays | at Houston | LA Angels |
If Georgy Porgy were still alive he'd be really complaining about the schedule and how it didn't favor the MFY........14 Days left in the season, 11 Games for the Red Sox - the "new" pennant race/Wild Card Race for the post season has 5 teams left competing with the Red Sox for one of two spots. Magic Number vs. Cleveland is 2 (and they are not included in the chart); While the Sox are still alive for the division - this chart is focusing on the countdown to a wild card clinch. It would be great to avoid a play-in and better to win the Wild Card game and get into a playoff series - but here is (hopefully) an easy place to view the schedules and watch the numbers decrease toward a post-season game (or at least a post season, play-in game)
Date/Schedule Red Sox MAGIC #'s 11 10 9 720-Sep OFF at Rays Texas Seattle at Oakland 21-Sep Mets at Rays Texas Seattle at Oakland 22-Sep Mets at Rays Texas Seattle at Oakland 23-Sep OFF At Twins OFF Seattle at Oakland 24-Sep Yankees At Twins at Boston Houston at LA Angels 25-Sep Yankees At Twins at Boston Houston at LA Angels 26-Sep Yankees At Twins at Boston Houston ar LA Angels 27-Sep OFF OFF OFF at Seattle Oakland 28-Sep at Orioles Yankees At Toronto at Seattle Oakland 29-Sep at Orioles Yankees At Toronto at Seattle Oakland 30-Sep at Orioles Yankees At Toronto OFF OFF 1-Oct at Nationals Orioles Rays at Houston LA Angels 2-Oct at Nationals Orioles Rays at Houston LA Angels 3-Oct at Nationals Orioles Rays at Houston LA Angels
At full strength, I think the Sox match up with every other team but Houston and Toronto (hence my cries to GFIN) ...Or, maybe those are the only two teams in the AL that I feel clearly have more talent than the Red Sox ... TB has a special magic and are well run/coached - their "whole" has certainly been better this year. Though the season head to head run total is TB 106 Boston 98, so they seem within reach somehow. Though must remember they can field their positions better than the Sox.My fear of losing to the Yankees is greater than my hope to win.
If this was 2018 I wasn't as scared... but this current team I don't have the hope or expectations that I did for 2018 so I'd rather just make sure the Yankees don't sneak in and get in a hot streak. If the Sox can somehow win a WC game, I don't think they can win the whole thing.
EDIT- I'm starting to lean towards the Blue Jays being the best team in the league and I'd be okay with them beating the Sox. But yeah... if the Sox actually can win.... I don't know. Obviously anything can happen but none of Chicago, Tampa or Houston are really killing it.
I'll add the White Sox to that group. Trying to take off my crimson (h/t to Cannonball) tainted glasses, top to bottom I think that team has more "talent" than the 2021 Red Sox. The season long offensive stats don't account for the fact that they played most of the year without the heart of their lineup (Eloy/Robert/Grandal) who are now all back and healthy, and they sport the 5th best team ERA compared to the Red Sox's 15th (Lynn/Rodon/Giolito with a ton of upper tier middle relief guys and Hendriks out of the pen is pretty fearsome).At full strength, I think the Sox match up with every other team but Houston and Toronto (hence my cries to GFIN) ...Or, maybe those are the only two teams in the AL that I feel clearly have more talent than the Red Sox ... TB has a special magic and are well run/coached - their "whole" has certainly been better this year. Though the season head to head run total is TB 106 Boston 98, so they seem within reach somehow. Though must remember they can field their positions better than the Sox.
But yes, Sox ain't as good as the, oh, top 4-5 teams in baseball. So I too don't expect them to win the WS, but would sure love them to advance past WC and play competitive baseball thereafter (that is if they make it to postseason (pu pu pu)).
That 2013 Tigers team looked to me like one of the most deep and talented playoff teams I can remember- both pitching and offense. Sox hit their Achilles’ tendon- weak bullpen though.I'll add the White Sox to that group. Trying to take off my crimson (h/t to Cannonball) tainted glasses, top to bottom I think that team has more "talent" than the 2021 Red Sox. The season long offensive stats don't account for the fact that they played most of the year without the heart of their lineup (Eloy/Robert/Grandal) who are now all back and healthy, and they sport the 5th best team ERA compared to the Red Sox's 15th (Lynn/Rodon/Giolito with a ton of upper tier middle relief guys and Hendriks out of the pen is pretty fearsome).
Still, we all saw the 2013 Red Sox steamroll a number of teams that were more "talented" on paper.
So, as we've all said, just get to the WC game, win it, and go from there.
Juni got his ass out when it mattered. That's for damn sure.IIRC, Miggy was out that series too
Miggy was not out that series. He played every game.That 2013 Tigers team looked to me like one of the most deep and talented playoff teams I can remember- both pitching and offense. Sox hit their Achilles’ tendon- weak bullpen though.
IIRC, Miggy was out that series too
He was playing injured thoughMiggy was not out that series. He played every game.
I don't think they can trot out that D regularly, especially at Fenway, which demands excellent play from center and right field ... Maybe you can create a platoon essentially between Verdugo (who does have extreme splits) and Arroyo to balance O and D.Playoffs now a 89.7% shot per ESPN model. So with Iglesias ineligible (alas) and Arroyo iffy/rusty, can we assume a postseason starting lineup along the lines of:
2B Hernandez .782 OPS
3B Devers .884
SS Bogaerts .878
DH Schwarber .897
RF Martinez .867
CF Renfroe .819
LF Verdugo .793
1B Dalbec .804
C Vazquez .668
?
Killer O, worrisome D. But I don’t hate it…
As much as I don't like Verdugo in CF, I think you have to start him there and keep Renfroe in RF, especially in Fenway. And then deal with the weaker glove in left. Or we all just hope that Arroyo starts firing on all cylinders and can start at second.Playoffs now a 89.7% shot per ESPN model. So with Iglesias ineligible (alas) and Arroyo iffy/rusty, can we assume a postseason starting lineup along the lines of:
2B Hernandez .782 OPS
3B Devers .884
SS Bogaerts .878
DH Schwarber .897
RF Martinez .867
CF Renfroe .819
LF Verdugo .793
1B Dalbec .804
C Vazquez .668
?
Killer O, worrisome D. But I don’t hate it…
1978 AL EastTampa is at 93 wins with 10 games left. (1 vs Tor, 3 vs Mia, 3 at Hou, 3 at NYY)
Boston is at 87 wins with 10 games left. (1 vs NYM, 3 vs NYY, 3 at Bal, 3 at Was)
Toronto is at 85 wins with 11 games left. (1 at TB, 4 at Min, 3 vs NYY, 3 vs Bal)
New York is at 85 wins with 10 games left. (1 vs Tex, 3 at Bos, 3 at Tor, 3 vs TB)
It's quite possible (likely?) that all four of these teams win 90+ games. Has the ever happened before?
Tampa is at 93 wins with 10 games left. (1 vs Tor, 3 vs Mia, 3 at Hou, 3 at NYY)
Boston is at 87 wins with 10 games left. (1 vs NYM, 3 vs NYY, 3 at Bal, 3 at Was)
Toronto is at 85 wins with 11 games left. (1 at TB, 4 at Min, 3 vs NYY, 3 vs Bal)
New York is at 85 wins with 10 games left. (1 vs Tex, 3 at Bos, 3 at Tor, 3 vs TB)
It's quite possible (likely?) that all four of these teams win 90+ games. Has the ever happened before?
Too soon?1978 AL East
Yankees 100-63
Red Sox 99-64
Brewers 93-69
Orioles 90-71
Well, we don't mind the Jays losing, do we? 4-0 Rays in the bottom of the 3rd.No we don’t. Just win our games and whatever Jays do is fine. No quarter to the MFYs. No quarter ever.
Jays losing helps the Sox championship equity, because the Jays are the much better team than the Yankees, Yankees losing helps the Sox fans personal happiness equity. I think it's up to each individual which one they put more value in.No we don’t. Just win our games and whatever Jays do is fine. No quarter to the MFYs. No quarter ever.
Right now, I'm interested in Red Sox making the playoffs equity. Then, Yankees not making the playoffs equity, followed by Red Sox securing home field. 6-0 Rays.Jays losing helps the Sox championship equity, because the Jays are the much better team than the Yankees, Yankees losing helps the Sox fans personal happiness equity. I think it's up to each individual which one they put more value in.
Eh no matter what it's a coin flip whether Jays or Yankees. I just don't want the Yankees to have a side on the coin.Jays losing helps the Sox championship equity, because the Jays are the much better team than the Yankees, Yankees losing helps the Sox fans personal happiness equity. I think it's up to each individual which one they put more value in.
Remaining Schedules |
RED SOX MAGIC #'s: |
7 |
7 |
5 |
4 |
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23-Sep | OFF | OFF | at Twins | at Oakland | Seattle | |
24-Sep | Yankees | at Boston | at Twins | at LA Angels | Houston | |
25-Sep | Yankees | at Boston | at Twins | at LA Angels | Houston | |
26-Sep | Yankees | at Boston | at Twins | at LA Angels | Houston | |
27-Sep | OFF | OFF | Off | Oakland | at Seattle | |
28-Sep | at Orioles | at Toronto | Yankees | Oakland | at Seattle | |
29-Sep |
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at Toronto | Yankees | Oakland | at Seattle | |
30-Sep | at Orioles | at Toronto | Yankees | Off | Off | |
1-Oct | at Nationals | Rays | Orioles | LA Angels | at Houston | |
2-Oct | at Nationals | Rays | Orioles | LA Angels | at Houston | |
3-Oct | at Nationals | Rays | Orioles | LA Angels | at Houston |
1979 AL East had 3 teams at 90+, the 4th place team (MFYs) at 89 wins, and the 5th place team (Tigers) at 85 wins....I'll argue that is even more impressive (and comes without the '78 emotional ouchie).Too soon?
There were only two divisions then, making multiple 90 win teams somewhat less impressive than today.1979 AL East had 3 teams at 90+, the 4th place team (MFYs) at 89 wins, and the 5th place team (Tigers) at 85 wins....I'll argue that is even more impressive (and comes without the '78 emotional ouchie).
Please, please, please no.
I think/hope the team is going to wear the yellow unis until they lose. So... I guess I'm on board with yellow and pale blue through October?Please, please, please no.
Take that up with the guy who cited '78 first (though a closer look shows that the 5th place team that year won 86 games!).There were only two divisions then, making multiple 90 win teams somewhat less impressive than today.
Not that I actually avoid superstitious spasms myself (pu pu pu), but um ....... okay .... the winning streak started with the regular unis ...I think/hope the team is going to wear the yellow unis until they lose. So... I guess I'm on board with yellow and pale blue through October?
I get respecting the streak and all that, but the current streak started when they were wearing their normal colors in Seattle. So I don't buy that the streak is because of the uniforms.I think/hope the team is going to wear the yellow unis until they lose. So... I guess I'm on board with yellow and pale blue through October?
yes and yes.Take that up with the guy who cited '78 first (though a closer look shows that the 5th place team that year won 86 games!).
Maybe the real math difference is that with the balanced schedule back then you would get to see the dregs of the league maybe more often than today, plus you would not face the other 90-100+ game winners in your div. 18-19 times a season. On the other hand, there was a lot of parity in '79 - so while the A's, Mariners, Jays were total doormats and the White Sox were plain bad, everybody else was above .500.
I think the Sox have collectively said they are going to wear the yellow unis until they lose. I hope they stop wearing them when they next lose. And that puts me in the position of hoping they wear the yellow unis through October.Not that I actually avoid superstitious spasms myself (pu pu pu), but um ....... okay .... the winning streak started with the regular unis ...
i can't stand these uniforms. They look like something you might design for a kid's doll. Or maybe something a kid themselves designed in 9th grade art class ...atrocious .... wish the "city connect" unis (like the spirit of the idea there at least) still had the sox color palette or something ... bright yellow? And baby blue? jesus h christ in a chicken basket
oy ....gevalt. How about: lose one or two more in the regular season, and save some bullets for the post season. Back to the regular unis oh, after losing one of three to Yankees, WC1 wrapped up by penultimate game, allowing rest for final game and a loss. Then romp through the post season.I think the Sox have collectively said they are going to wear the yellow unis until they lose. I hope they stop wearing them when they next lose. And that puts me in the position of hoping they wear the yellow unis through October.
I wonder if it is a competitive advantage in NY for the the Sox to come out in what amounts to a disguise as the Belize City Bananas. OK, so they still have "Boston" on the front of the shirt, but if you're a Yankee fan that color is depriving you of your hatred of the sight of the "Red Sox" in your park..... so do you boo as loud? Do you laugh instead?I think the Sox have collectively said they are going to wear the yellow unis until they lose. I hope they stop wearing them when they next lose. And that puts me in the position of hoping they wear the yellow unis through October.
EDIT: Here is Xander's quote: "Hey, we're on a good run. As of now, I don't anticipate us changing them for tomorrow. I don't know about the next day, but hopefully we have that thing on again. If we win tomorrow, hopefully we see it the next day also. I know it's not white and red, I know we're not the Yellow Sox, but we need wins right now. So if it's yellow, it's yellow."