The ghost of John McNamara is definitely not in this machine. His inability to manage the bullpen's work load is one of the things that ultimately destroyed this team.
Whatifsports Red Sox tournament
- Thread starter BaseballJones
- Start date
Understood. You're running a cool experiment here, and TBH I'd rather have had the whatif simulator run the 86 Red Sox bullpen rather than McNamara.
Do you know how it determines effectiveness - career, career to date, 3 year average, just that regular season?
From game 2 '86 vs. '07:
Lester started 11 of the 12 games he pitched in 2007 but maybe because he wasn't one of the top five starters he was thrown into the bullpen mix?
Lester started 11 of the 12 games he pitched in 2007 but maybe because he wasn't one of the top five starters he was thrown into the bullpen mix?
G3: 1986 Sox 9, 2007 Sox 8
In a wild, back and forth affair, 1986 edged 2007, 9-8 on a walk off RBI single by Jim Rice in the bottom of the ninth. '86 took the early lead in the first inning on a 2-run homer by Don Baylor off '07 starter Daisuke Matsuzaka. In the top of the second, Manny Ramirez trimmed it to one with a solo homer off Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd, and then in the top of the fourth, 2007 put up a 3-spot to take the lead, highlighted by a Ramirez RBI double and RBI singles by Mike Lowell and Coco Crisp. Marty Barrett singled in Tony Armas in the bottom of the fourth to make it 4-3, but 2007 scored again in the fifth on a single by JD Drew, plating Ramirez, who had gotten on with his third hit of the ballgame. 1986 once again cut it to one but 2007 responded yet again with a couple of runs a half inning later, and heading into the bottom of the seventh, it was 7-4, 2007. Wade Boggs drove in a run to make it 7-5, and then in the eighth, Rich Gedman crushed a 3-run homer to give 1986 an 8-7 lead. But 2007 wasn't done, as Mike Lowell homered off Bob Stanley in the top of the ninth to tie the score, paving the way for Rice's RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to win. Ramirez went 4-5 with 3 runs and 3 rbi for 2007, and Rice and Baylor each had 4 hits and 2 runs scored for 1986.
WP - Schiraldi
LP - Gabbard
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12513916.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
G4: 1986 Sox 9, 2007 Sox 7
1986 beat 2007, 9-7, to win their best-of-five series, 3 games to 1. Down 5-2 heading into the top of the eighth, 2007 rallied for 5 runs off relievers Tim Lollar and Steve Crawford to take a 7-5 lead. The key blow was a Dustin Pedroia grand slam. But in the bottom of the eighth, with Jon Lester on the mound, 1986 rallied. With one out, Spike Owen, Wade Boggs, and Marty Barrett all singled to load the bases for Jim Rice, who unloaded for a grand slam of his own to put 1986 up 9-7. Bob Stanley, who gave up the lead in the ninth inning of game 3, pitched a scoreless ninth in game 4 to preserve the win and help 1986 advance to the semifinals. Tom Seaver pitched seven effective innings for 1986, allowing just two runs, while Marty Barrett contributed 4 hits and Rice had 2 hits and 4 rbi. Pedroia and Manny Ramirez led the 2007 attack.
WP - Schiraldi
LP - Lester
SV - Stanley
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12513931.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
(8) 1946 at (1) 2018 - 2018 wins series, 3 games to 2
(5) 1978 at (4) 2013 - 1978 wins series, 3 games to 2
(7) 1967 at (2) 2004 - 2004 wins series, 3 games to 2
(6) 1986 at (3) 2007 - 1986 wins series, 3 games to 1
Semifinals:
(5) 1978 at (1) 2018
(6) 1986 at (2) 2004
In a wild, back and forth affair, 1986 edged 2007, 9-8 on a walk off RBI single by Jim Rice in the bottom of the ninth. '86 took the early lead in the first inning on a 2-run homer by Don Baylor off '07 starter Daisuke Matsuzaka. In the top of the second, Manny Ramirez trimmed it to one with a solo homer off Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd, and then in the top of the fourth, 2007 put up a 3-spot to take the lead, highlighted by a Ramirez RBI double and RBI singles by Mike Lowell and Coco Crisp. Marty Barrett singled in Tony Armas in the bottom of the fourth to make it 4-3, but 2007 scored again in the fifth on a single by JD Drew, plating Ramirez, who had gotten on with his third hit of the ballgame. 1986 once again cut it to one but 2007 responded yet again with a couple of runs a half inning later, and heading into the bottom of the seventh, it was 7-4, 2007. Wade Boggs drove in a run to make it 7-5, and then in the eighth, Rich Gedman crushed a 3-run homer to give 1986 an 8-7 lead. But 2007 wasn't done, as Mike Lowell homered off Bob Stanley in the top of the ninth to tie the score, paving the way for Rice's RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to win. Ramirez went 4-5 with 3 runs and 3 rbi for 2007, and Rice and Baylor each had 4 hits and 2 runs scored for 1986.
WP - Schiraldi
LP - Gabbard
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12513916.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
G4: 1986 Sox 9, 2007 Sox 7
1986 beat 2007, 9-7, to win their best-of-five series, 3 games to 1. Down 5-2 heading into the top of the eighth, 2007 rallied for 5 runs off relievers Tim Lollar and Steve Crawford to take a 7-5 lead. The key blow was a Dustin Pedroia grand slam. But in the bottom of the eighth, with Jon Lester on the mound, 1986 rallied. With one out, Spike Owen, Wade Boggs, and Marty Barrett all singled to load the bases for Jim Rice, who unloaded for a grand slam of his own to put 1986 up 9-7. Bob Stanley, who gave up the lead in the ninth inning of game 3, pitched a scoreless ninth in game 4 to preserve the win and help 1986 advance to the semifinals. Tom Seaver pitched seven effective innings for 1986, allowing just two runs, while Marty Barrett contributed 4 hits and Rice had 2 hits and 4 rbi. Pedroia and Manny Ramirez led the 2007 attack.
WP - Schiraldi
LP - Lester
SV - Stanley
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12513931.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
(8) 1946 at (1) 2018 - 2018 wins series, 3 games to 2
(5) 1978 at (4) 2013 - 1978 wins series, 3 games to 2
(7) 1967 at (2) 2004 - 2004 wins series, 3 games to 2
(6) 1986 at (3) 2007 - 1986 wins series, 3 games to 1
Semifinals:
(5) 1978 at (1) 2018
(6) 1986 at (2) 2004
If you had '78 vs. '07 you could have George Scott vs. Ortiz in the main event with a Burleson vs. Pedroia in the red ass middle infielder division.
Semifinals, day one. We'll play the series concurrently.
1978 at 2018
G1: 2018 Sox 6, 1978 Sox 2
Andrew Benintendi and JD Martinez each homered and drove in 2 runs to lead 2018 to a series-opening win over 1978, 6-2. Chris Sale pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 10. Scoreless heading into the bottom of the third, 2018 erupted for 4 runs when, with two on and one out, Xander Bogaerts doubled in Christian Vazquez and Andrew Benintendi. Martinez followed with a 2-run blast over everything in left. Benintendi's 2-run homer in the fourth made it 6-0, and 1978 never seriously threatened after that. Martinez had a double to go with his homer, and he, Mookie Betts, and Rafael Devers all had 2 hits in the game. For 1978, Jerry Remy had 2 hits, but starter Dennis Eckersley was roughed up for 7 hits and 6 runs in just 3.2 innings.
WP - Sale
LP - Eckersley
SV - Kimbrel
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12516102.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
1986 at 2004
G1: 2004 7, 1986 4
The 2004 Sox pounded out 13 hits in a 7-4 comeback victory over the 1986 Sox to take a 1-0 lead in the best of seven semifinal series. 1986 surrendered the lead in the first on a Tony Armas error that allowed Manny Ramirez to score from second base. But 1986 came back with 2 runs in the third off 2004 starter Pedro Martinez, thanks to back-to-back doubles by Don Baylor and Jim Rice. Orlando Cabrera singled in Bill Mueller to tie the score in the fourth, but 1986 once again took the lead in the sixth on a Marty Barrett RBI single. 2004 tied it again in the bottom of the inning as Mark Bellhorn crushed a solo homer, but in the top of the seventh, Bill Buckner quickly untied it with a solo shot of his own. One last time, however, 2004 came back and put up a 4-spot in the bottom of the seventh. David Ortiz led off the inning with a homer, Jason Varitek singled, and Bellhorn walked. Trot Nixon blooped in a run to tie the score, and that prompted 1986 to bring in Calvin Schiraldi, who walked Bill Mueller and then allowed a 2-run single to Johnny Damon. Keith Foulke survived a shaky outing in the ninth to preserve the victory for 2004.
WP - Leskanic
LP - Crawford
SV - Foulke
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12516107.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 leads 1978, 1 game to 0
2004 leads 1986, 1 game to 0
1978 at 2018
G1: 2018 Sox 6, 1978 Sox 2
Andrew Benintendi and JD Martinez each homered and drove in 2 runs to lead 2018 to a series-opening win over 1978, 6-2. Chris Sale pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 10. Scoreless heading into the bottom of the third, 2018 erupted for 4 runs when, with two on and one out, Xander Bogaerts doubled in Christian Vazquez and Andrew Benintendi. Martinez followed with a 2-run blast over everything in left. Benintendi's 2-run homer in the fourth made it 6-0, and 1978 never seriously threatened after that. Martinez had a double to go with his homer, and he, Mookie Betts, and Rafael Devers all had 2 hits in the game. For 1978, Jerry Remy had 2 hits, but starter Dennis Eckersley was roughed up for 7 hits and 6 runs in just 3.2 innings.
WP - Sale
LP - Eckersley
SV - Kimbrel
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12516102.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
1986 at 2004
G1: 2004 7, 1986 4
The 2004 Sox pounded out 13 hits in a 7-4 comeback victory over the 1986 Sox to take a 1-0 lead in the best of seven semifinal series. 1986 surrendered the lead in the first on a Tony Armas error that allowed Manny Ramirez to score from second base. But 1986 came back with 2 runs in the third off 2004 starter Pedro Martinez, thanks to back-to-back doubles by Don Baylor and Jim Rice. Orlando Cabrera singled in Bill Mueller to tie the score in the fourth, but 1986 once again took the lead in the sixth on a Marty Barrett RBI single. 2004 tied it again in the bottom of the inning as Mark Bellhorn crushed a solo homer, but in the top of the seventh, Bill Buckner quickly untied it with a solo shot of his own. One last time, however, 2004 came back and put up a 4-spot in the bottom of the seventh. David Ortiz led off the inning with a homer, Jason Varitek singled, and Bellhorn walked. Trot Nixon blooped in a run to tie the score, and that prompted 1986 to bring in Calvin Schiraldi, who walked Bill Mueller and then allowed a 2-run single to Johnny Damon. Keith Foulke survived a shaky outing in the ninth to preserve the victory for 2004.
WP - Leskanic
LP - Crawford
SV - Foulke
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12516107.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 leads 1978, 1 game to 0
2004 leads 1986, 1 game to 0
If 1978 and 1986 come back to win their series, we could see Rice and Dewey going up against Rice and Dewey.
Sadly our window for that sort of thing for the 21st century teams is closed. Would have been fun to imagine 2007 Pedroia talking trash about 2013 Pedroia.
Sadly our window for that sort of thing for the 21st century teams is closed. Would have been fun to imagine 2007 Pedroia talking trash about 2013 Pedroia.
Part of me thinks 2007 would mail 2013 some adult undergarments and a cane with a "hope to see you soon, old man" note.
Part of me thinks 2007 knows 2013 would just get fired up by that.
So it's hard to say. . .
1978 at 2018
G2: 1978 Sox 10, 2018 Sox 5
The 1978 Sox came out swinging against 2018 starter David Price, scoring 3 runs in the first, setting the tone for the offense in a 10-5 win that evened the series at one game apiece. With two out and two on, Carlton Fisk crushed a 3-run homer, scoring Carl Yastrzemski and Fred Lynn, to give 1978 a 3-0 lead. An Eduardo Nunez sac fly in the second cut the lead to 3-1, but 1978 piled on 2 more runs in the third on RBI singles by Fisk and Butch Hobson. 2018 replied with 3 runs in the bottom of the third, however, as JD Martinez singled in Mookie Betts, and then Rafael Devers hit a 2-run bomb. But in the fifth, Fisk's second 3-run homer blew the game open, and Rick Burleson's 2-run shot in the eighth sealed the victory. Neither starter was effective, but Price had a particularly rough day, allowing 8 hits and 8 runs in just 4.1 innings.
WP - Tiant
LP - Price
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12517482.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
1986 at 2004
G2: 2004 Sox 6, 1986 Sox 4
The 2004 Sox rallied from a 4-1 deficit late in game 2 to win 6-4, taking a two games to none lead in the best of seven series. With the score tied at 1, Dwight Evans hit a 2-run homer, scoring Don Baylor, to give 1986 a 3-1 lead in the third inning. Rich Gedman extended the lead with a run-scoring single in the fifth, and 1986 starter Bruce Hurst looked to be in great shape. But in the bottom of the sixth, 2004 managed to load the bases with two out, and Trot Nixon's single scored David Ortiz and Kevin Millar, cutting the lead down to just 4-3. The next inning, Millar had a 2-run single and Jason Varitek added another, giving 2004 a 6-4 lead. From there, the 2004 bullpen shut 1986 down, clinching the win.
WP - Schilling
LP - Hurst
SV - Foulke
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12517485.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 and 1978 are tied at 1 game apiece
2004 leads 1986 2 games to 0
G2: 1978 Sox 10, 2018 Sox 5
The 1978 Sox came out swinging against 2018 starter David Price, scoring 3 runs in the first, setting the tone for the offense in a 10-5 win that evened the series at one game apiece. With two out and two on, Carlton Fisk crushed a 3-run homer, scoring Carl Yastrzemski and Fred Lynn, to give 1978 a 3-0 lead. An Eduardo Nunez sac fly in the second cut the lead to 3-1, but 1978 piled on 2 more runs in the third on RBI singles by Fisk and Butch Hobson. 2018 replied with 3 runs in the bottom of the third, however, as JD Martinez singled in Mookie Betts, and then Rafael Devers hit a 2-run bomb. But in the fifth, Fisk's second 3-run homer blew the game open, and Rick Burleson's 2-run shot in the eighth sealed the victory. Neither starter was effective, but Price had a particularly rough day, allowing 8 hits and 8 runs in just 4.1 innings.
WP - Tiant
LP - Price
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12517482.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
1986 at 2004
G2: 2004 Sox 6, 1986 Sox 4
The 2004 Sox rallied from a 4-1 deficit late in game 2 to win 6-4, taking a two games to none lead in the best of seven series. With the score tied at 1, Dwight Evans hit a 2-run homer, scoring Don Baylor, to give 1986 a 3-1 lead in the third inning. Rich Gedman extended the lead with a run-scoring single in the fifth, and 1986 starter Bruce Hurst looked to be in great shape. But in the bottom of the sixth, 2004 managed to load the bases with two out, and Trot Nixon's single scored David Ortiz and Kevin Millar, cutting the lead down to just 4-3. The next inning, Millar had a 2-run single and Jason Varitek added another, giving 2004 a 6-4 lead. From there, the 2004 bullpen shut 1986 down, clinching the win.
WP - Schilling
LP - Hurst
SV - Foulke
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12517485.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 and 1978 are tied at 1 game apiece
2004 leads 1986 2 games to 0
I know it's just a sim, but it's weird to see Hurst give up 6 earned runs in 6 innings. In the actual 86 post steason he gave up 9 in 38 innings. . .
Fair enough. Here's a walk down memory lane - Hurst's 1986 post season starts:
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS198610080.shtml
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CAL/CAL198610120.shtml
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN198610180.shtml
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS198610230.shtml
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN198610270.shtml
1978 vs 2018
G3: 2018 Sox 6, 1978 Sox 3
The 2018 Sox jumped all over 1978 starter Mike Torrez for 3 runs in the first inning, and cruised to a 6-3 victory in game 3 to go up 2 games to 1. Mookie Betts had three hits, and five other players had 2 hits for the 2018 squad. Meanwhile, starter Nathan Eovaldi twirled 6 effective innings, allowing just 5 hits and 1 run. Xander Bogaerts was the offensive star, with 2 hits including a homer and a double, 2 runs scored, and 2 rbi. Fred Lynn and Butch Hobson both homered for 1978 in a losing effort, and Torrez was pounded for 10 hits and 5 runs in just 4.2 innings.
WP - Eovaldi
LP - Torrez
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12518383.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
1986 vs 2004
G3: 1986 Sox 7, 2004 Sox 3
Jim Rice homered and had 2 hits for the '86 Sox as they beat the '04 Sox to win their first game of the series. Dwight Evans had a 2-run double in the first for 1978, but 2004 countered with a Mark Bellhorn 2-run double in the sixth to tie the game. But 1986 erupted for 3 runs in the bottom of the sixth to surge ahead. With one out, Rice homered, Evans walked, Rich Gedman singled, and then Bill Buckner scored both Evans and Gedman with a double. Each team would add runs later, but 1986 cruised from there. Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd pitched 5.2 effective innings, and Buckner's 3 rbi led the offense.
WP - Lollar
LP - Arroyo
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12518390.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 leads 1978 2 games to 1
2004 leads 1986 2 games to 1
G3: 2018 Sox 6, 1978 Sox 3
The 2018 Sox jumped all over 1978 starter Mike Torrez for 3 runs in the first inning, and cruised to a 6-3 victory in game 3 to go up 2 games to 1. Mookie Betts had three hits, and five other players had 2 hits for the 2018 squad. Meanwhile, starter Nathan Eovaldi twirled 6 effective innings, allowing just 5 hits and 1 run. Xander Bogaerts was the offensive star, with 2 hits including a homer and a double, 2 runs scored, and 2 rbi. Fred Lynn and Butch Hobson both homered for 1978 in a losing effort, and Torrez was pounded for 10 hits and 5 runs in just 4.2 innings.
WP - Eovaldi
LP - Torrez
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12518383.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
1986 vs 2004
G3: 1986 Sox 7, 2004 Sox 3
Jim Rice homered and had 2 hits for the '86 Sox as they beat the '04 Sox to win their first game of the series. Dwight Evans had a 2-run double in the first for 1978, but 2004 countered with a Mark Bellhorn 2-run double in the sixth to tie the game. But 1986 erupted for 3 runs in the bottom of the sixth to surge ahead. With one out, Rice homered, Evans walked, Rich Gedman singled, and then Bill Buckner scored both Evans and Gedman with a double. Each team would add runs later, but 1986 cruised from there. Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd pitched 5.2 effective innings, and Buckner's 3 rbi led the offense.
WP - Lollar
LP - Arroyo
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12518390.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 leads 1978 2 games to 1
2004 leads 1986 2 games to 1
1978 vs 2018
G4: 2018 Sox 8, 1978 Sox 4
The 2018 Sox took a commanding 3-1 lead in this semifinal matchup against 1978 with an 8-4 victory in game 4. Mookie Betts had 2 hits, including a homer in the first at-bat of the game, scored 3 runs, and added an RBI to lead the 2018 squad. The game was nip and tuck early, with 2018 holding a 3-2 lead going into the top of the fifth, when Xander Bogaerts ripped a 2-run double to extend the lead. But in the bottom of the sixth, George Scott lofted a 2-run homer to cut it to 5-4. 2018 plated a run in the seventh on a fielders choice RBI by Rafael Devers, and then added 2 more in the eighth when Mitch Moreland singled off 1978 reliever Bob Stanley to score Betts and Andrew Benintendi. Scott had 4 hits and 2 rbi for 1978 in a losing effort.
WP - Rodriguez
LP - Lee
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12519434.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
1986 vs 2004
G4: 2004 Sox 8, 1986 Sox 7
The 2004 Red Sox completed a wild comeback against the 1986 Sox by scoring 6 runs in the eighth and ninth innings combined, to pull ahead 3 games to 1 in their best of seven series. 1986 starter Tom Seaver pitched 6 effective innings. Despite allowing 14 hits, he gave up just 2 runs, frustrating the '04 Sox. But their bats unloaded on the '86 bullpen, as Manny Ramirez hit a 3-run homer in the eighth off Tim Lollar, and David Ortiz smacked a two-out, 3-run double in the ninth off Bob Stanley. Keith Foulke slammed the door in the ninth to preserve the victory. For 1978, Rich Gedman had 2 hits including a solo homer, and for 2004, 7 of the 9 batters in the lineup had at least 2 hits - Orlando Cabrera went 5-6, Johnny Damon went 4-6, Ramirez and Ortiz each had 3 hits, and Jason Varitek added 2 hits and 2 rbi to lead their 22 hit attack.
WP - Timlin
LP - Stanley
SV - Foulke
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12519435.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 leads 1978 3 games to 1
2004 leads 1986 3 games to 1
G4: 2018 Sox 8, 1978 Sox 4
The 2018 Sox took a commanding 3-1 lead in this semifinal matchup against 1978 with an 8-4 victory in game 4. Mookie Betts had 2 hits, including a homer in the first at-bat of the game, scored 3 runs, and added an RBI to lead the 2018 squad. The game was nip and tuck early, with 2018 holding a 3-2 lead going into the top of the fifth, when Xander Bogaerts ripped a 2-run double to extend the lead. But in the bottom of the sixth, George Scott lofted a 2-run homer to cut it to 5-4. 2018 plated a run in the seventh on a fielders choice RBI by Rafael Devers, and then added 2 more in the eighth when Mitch Moreland singled off 1978 reliever Bob Stanley to score Betts and Andrew Benintendi. Scott had 4 hits and 2 rbi for 1978 in a losing effort.
WP - Rodriguez
LP - Lee
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12519434.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
1986 vs 2004
G4: 2004 Sox 8, 1986 Sox 7
The 2004 Red Sox completed a wild comeback against the 1986 Sox by scoring 6 runs in the eighth and ninth innings combined, to pull ahead 3 games to 1 in their best of seven series. 1986 starter Tom Seaver pitched 6 effective innings. Despite allowing 14 hits, he gave up just 2 runs, frustrating the '04 Sox. But their bats unloaded on the '86 bullpen, as Manny Ramirez hit a 3-run homer in the eighth off Tim Lollar, and David Ortiz smacked a two-out, 3-run double in the ninth off Bob Stanley. Keith Foulke slammed the door in the ninth to preserve the victory. For 1978, Rich Gedman had 2 hits including a solo homer, and for 2004, 7 of the 9 batters in the lineup had at least 2 hits - Orlando Cabrera went 5-6, Johnny Damon went 4-6, Ramirez and Ortiz each had 3 hits, and Jason Varitek added 2 hits and 2 rbi to lead their 22 hit attack.
WP - Timlin
LP - Stanley
SV - Foulke
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12519435.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 leads 1978 3 games to 1
2004 leads 1986 3 games to 1
I know, LOL. I wish I could find a way to tell it to play a SERIES, not just individual games, because it treats each game as an isolated entity, which means not taking into account fatigue from previous games' usage, etc. You can tell the sim really loves Tim Lollar. And to be honest, I can't figure out why. Here was his pitching line with the Sox that year (and 1986 was his last year in the majors, at age 30):
32 g, 43.0 ip, 51 h, 6.91 era, 61 era+, 1.98 whip, 5.9 k/9
He was pretty awful that year yet the sim seems to think he's their most important reliever. I don't get it. To be fair, that 1986 bullpen was pretty awful. Stanley and Stewart were meh. Crawford was decent. Schiraldi was good. Everyone else was trash.
1978 vs 2018
G5: 2018 Sox 7, 1978 Sox 4
The 2018 Sox closed out their best of seven series against 1978 with a 7-4 victory in game 5. 2018 starter Chris Sale struggled, allowing 4 runs in 6 innings but managed to pitch well enough to earn the victory as 2018 made a late comeback to secure the win. 2018 scored 2 runs in the first on RBI singles by JD Martinez and Rafael Devers off 1978 starter Dennis Eckersley. But 1978 came back with 2 of their own on RBI hits by Fred Lynn and Carlton Fisk. In the bottom of the second, Carl Yastrzemski put 1978 up 3-2 with an RBI single, but in the third, Xander Bogaerts tied the score when he drove home Andrew Benintendi. In the fourth, 1978 once again took the lead as Jim Rice's fielders choice scored Jerry Remy. But 2018 answered in the fifth when Mookie Betts led off the inning with a homer, and Martinez drove in Benintendi to give 2018 a 5-4 lead. They added to it in the ninth on run-scoring hits by Benintendi and Bogaerts. For 1978, Yaz had 3 hits, while for 2018 Benintendi and Bogaerts each had 3 hits.
WP - Sale
LP - Eckersley
SV - Kimbrel
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12521216.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
1986 vs 2004
G5: 2004 Sox 6, 1986 Sox 2
The 2004 Sox won game 5 to advance to the Sox World Series, beating 1986 6-2 to win their series 4 games to 1. David Ortiz had two hits, including a homer, and drove in 4 runs for 2004. Orlando Cabrera, Manny Ramirez, and Bill Mueller all had 2 hits for the winners. Ace Pedro Martinez spun 7 wonderful innings, allowing 6 hits and just 1 earned run in the victory. 2004 jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first on a 3-run homer by Ortiz that barely cleared the fence, and from there it was all 2004. Jim Rice had 2 hits, including a homer, for 1986.
WP - Martinez
LP - Clemens
SV - Foulke
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12521221.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
I was hoping for closer semifinal series, but oh well.
For the championship, it will be #1 seed 2018 vs. #2 seed 2004. The teams will get a day off and then will begin the series with their #2 starters, the pitching matchup being Curt Schilling vs. Nathan Eovaldi.
G5: 2018 Sox 7, 1978 Sox 4
The 2018 Sox closed out their best of seven series against 1978 with a 7-4 victory in game 5. 2018 starter Chris Sale struggled, allowing 4 runs in 6 innings but managed to pitch well enough to earn the victory as 2018 made a late comeback to secure the win. 2018 scored 2 runs in the first on RBI singles by JD Martinez and Rafael Devers off 1978 starter Dennis Eckersley. But 1978 came back with 2 of their own on RBI hits by Fred Lynn and Carlton Fisk. In the bottom of the second, Carl Yastrzemski put 1978 up 3-2 with an RBI single, but in the third, Xander Bogaerts tied the score when he drove home Andrew Benintendi. In the fourth, 1978 once again took the lead as Jim Rice's fielders choice scored Jerry Remy. But 2018 answered in the fifth when Mookie Betts led off the inning with a homer, and Martinez drove in Benintendi to give 2018 a 5-4 lead. They added to it in the ninth on run-scoring hits by Benintendi and Bogaerts. For 1978, Yaz had 3 hits, while for 2018 Benintendi and Bogaerts each had 3 hits.
WP - Sale
LP - Eckersley
SV - Kimbrel
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12521216.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
1986 vs 2004
G5: 2004 Sox 6, 1986 Sox 2
The 2004 Sox won game 5 to advance to the Sox World Series, beating 1986 6-2 to win their series 4 games to 1. David Ortiz had two hits, including a homer, and drove in 4 runs for 2004. Orlando Cabrera, Manny Ramirez, and Bill Mueller all had 2 hits for the winners. Ace Pedro Martinez spun 7 wonderful innings, allowing 6 hits and just 1 earned run in the victory. 2004 jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first on a 3-run homer by Ortiz that barely cleared the fence, and from there it was all 2004. Jim Rice had 2 hits, including a homer, for 1986.
WP - Martinez
LP - Clemens
SV - Foulke
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12521221.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
I was hoping for closer semifinal series, but oh well.
For the championship, it will be #1 seed 2018 vs. #2 seed 2004. The teams will get a day off and then will begin the series with their #2 starters, the pitching matchup being Curt Schilling vs. Nathan Eovaldi.
Thanks - it's a fun way to pass the days leading up to the season.
For rotations, I'm going with this schedule:
G1: 2004 Schilling vs 2018 Eovaldi
G2: 2004 Arroyo vs 2018 Price
G3: 2004 Pedro vs 2018 Sale
G4: 2004 Wakefield vs 2018 Rodriguez
G5: 2004 Schilling vs 2018 Eovaldi
G6: 2004 Arroyo vs 2018 Price
G7: 2004 Pedro vs 2018 Sale
Though it's possible, using 2004 thinking, that if necessary, they could use Schilling on 3-days' rest and pitch game 4. I wouldn't think the 2018 rotation would change, though if Eovaldi doesn't throw many pitches, maybe he too could go in game 4. For now, these are the scheduled pitching matchups. Man a game 7 between 2004 Pedro and 2018 Sale would be juicy.
Mostly agreed….but heh, you forgot this game.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TBA/TBA200810110.shtml
I’m still pissed at Tito for that one. Beckett had nothing that game and he left him in.
To be fair, this was 2008 and you mentioned “maybe in 2007”. But yeah, not in 2022
Why not Lowe? Of course his stats sucked that year, which is a reasonable answer. But IIRC he was ok in October...
Good question. I'll actually take feedback here on what the 2004 rotation ought to be. Should Lowe start instead of Wake?
2004 starters
Pedro - 33 starts
Lowe - 33 starts
Schilling - 32 starts
Wakefield - 30 starts
Arroyo - 29 starts
I guess I am trying to use the four starters that were "best" that season for the team. Both Arroyo and Wake were much better than Lowe was during that season, though of course Lowe was fantastic in the playoffs. WhatIfSports doesn't take that playoff run into account, however, when doing their sims.
Lowe should be the #3 starter, Arroyo the fourth
I would go Pedro 1 and 5
G38 2 and 6
Lowe 3 and 7
Arroyo 4
I would go Pedro 1 and 5
G38 2 and 6
Lowe 3 and 7
Arroyo 4
I am trying to stay faithful to a timetable, and since Pedro pitched the deciding game of the previous series, he can't go game 1 in this series. I suppose I could have him go 2 and 6, but not 1 and 5.
Here's the pitching schedule....
G1: 2004 Schilling vs 2018 Eovaldi
G2: 2004 Lowe vs 2018 Price
G3: 2004 Pedro vs 2018 Sale
G4: 2004 Arroyo vs 2018 Rodriguez
G5: 2004 Schilling vs 2018 Eovaldi
G6: 2004 Lowe vs 2018 Price
G7: 2004 Pedro vs 2018 Sale
G1: 2004 Schilling vs 2018 Eovaldi
G2: 2004 Lowe vs 2018 Price
G3: 2004 Pedro vs 2018 Sale
G4: 2004 Arroyo vs 2018 Rodriguez
G5: 2004 Schilling vs 2018 Eovaldi
G6: 2004 Lowe vs 2018 Price
G7: 2004 Pedro vs 2018 Sale
2004 vs. 2018 - Red Sox World Series
G1: 2018 Sox 10, 2004 Sox 7
The 2018 Sox beat the 2004 Sox in a wild opening game of the Sox World Series, 10-7. 2018 scored first with 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning, thanks to an RBI single by Xander Bogaerts. But Trot Nixon's 2-run homer in the top of the third tied the score at two apiece. Then in the top of the fourth, with the bases loaded thanks to a single and two walks, Mark Bellhorn doubled in 2 runs, and Bill Mueller drove in 2 more with a single. But 2018 answered right away on a 2-run homer by Jackie Bradley Jr and RBI singles by Andrew Benintendi and Bogaerts. With the game tied at 6, Johnny Damon untied it with a solo homer in the sixth inning to give 2004 a 7-6 lead that held up until the bottom of the eighth. With Curtis Leskanic on the mound, 2018 rallied with three straight hits to score 2 runs, then with 2 outs, Bogaerts scored 2 more with a double to make it 10-7. Craig Kimbrel survived the ninth to preserve the victory. Kevin Millar and Bellhorn each had 3 hits for 2004, while Bogaerts had 3 hits and 4 rbi.
WP - Barnes
LP - Leskanic
SV - Kimbrel
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12528803.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 leads 2004 1 game to 0
G1: 2018 Sox 10, 2004 Sox 7
The 2018 Sox beat the 2004 Sox in a wild opening game of the Sox World Series, 10-7. 2018 scored first with 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning, thanks to an RBI single by Xander Bogaerts. But Trot Nixon's 2-run homer in the top of the third tied the score at two apiece. Then in the top of the fourth, with the bases loaded thanks to a single and two walks, Mark Bellhorn doubled in 2 runs, and Bill Mueller drove in 2 more with a single. But 2018 answered right away on a 2-run homer by Jackie Bradley Jr and RBI singles by Andrew Benintendi and Bogaerts. With the game tied at 6, Johnny Damon untied it with a solo homer in the sixth inning to give 2004 a 7-6 lead that held up until the bottom of the eighth. With Curtis Leskanic on the mound, 2018 rallied with three straight hits to score 2 runs, then with 2 outs, Bogaerts scored 2 more with a double to make it 10-7. Craig Kimbrel survived the ninth to preserve the victory. Kevin Millar and Bellhorn each had 3 hits for 2004, while Bogaerts had 3 hits and 4 rbi.
WP - Barnes
LP - Leskanic
SV - Kimbrel
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12528803.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 leads 2004 1 game to 0
2004 vs. 2018 - Red Sox World Series
G2: 2004 Sox 8, 2018 Sox 6
The 2004 Sox evened the best of seven series at one game apiece with an 8-6 victory in game 2. Orlando Cabrera and Trot Nixon led the way with 3 hits apiece, and Derek Lowe pitched 6 effective innings to lead the way. 2004 held a 3-1 lead when 2018 roared back with 4 runs in the seventh inning, the key hits being double by Andrew Benintendi and a 2-run homer by Xander Bogaerts. Down 5-3 heading into the eighth inning, the 2004 Sox erupted for 5 runs off 2018 starter David Price and several members of the 2018 bullpen. Bill Mueller had a 2-run single, and Manny Ramirez drove in 2 runs with a double during the outburst. Keith Foulke and Scott Williamson closed out the game for 2004.
WP - Timlin
LP - Kelly
SV - Williamson
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12530909.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
The series is tied at 1 game apiece.
G2: 2004 Sox 8, 2018 Sox 6
The 2004 Sox evened the best of seven series at one game apiece with an 8-6 victory in game 2. Orlando Cabrera and Trot Nixon led the way with 3 hits apiece, and Derek Lowe pitched 6 effective innings to lead the way. 2004 held a 3-1 lead when 2018 roared back with 4 runs in the seventh inning, the key hits being double by Andrew Benintendi and a 2-run homer by Xander Bogaerts. Down 5-3 heading into the eighth inning, the 2004 Sox erupted for 5 runs off 2018 starter David Price and several members of the 2018 bullpen. Bill Mueller had a 2-run single, and Manny Ramirez drove in 2 runs with a double during the outburst. Keith Foulke and Scott Williamson closed out the game for 2004.
WP - Timlin
LP - Kelly
SV - Williamson
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12530909.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
The series is tied at 1 game apiece.
2004 vs. 2018 - Red Sox World Series
G3: 2018 Sox 6, 2004 Sox 5
Xander Bogaerts drove in Mookie Betts with the game winning run in the tenth inning to propel the 2018 Sox to a 6-5 win over the 2004 Sox, taking a 2 games to 1 lead in the best of seven championship series. Chris Sale dominated for 6 scoreless innings for 2018, allowing just 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 11, but he wouldn't emerge with the victory. Up 2-0 going into the seventh, the 2018 Sox tacked on 2 more runs on a long JD Martinez homer off 2004 starter Pedro Martinez. But the 2004 Sox rallied in the bottom of the seventh. With the bases loaded and 2 outs off Heath Hembree, Johnny Damon singled to score Trot Nixon off replacement Joe Kelly, and then Orlando Cabrera followed with a grand slam to put 2004 up 5-4. In the top of the eighth, Curtis "iron man" Leskanic was once again summoned by Terry Francona, but he allowed the bases to be loaded. Francona brought in Mike Timlin, who walked Martinez to bring home the tying run, which set up Bogaerts' heroics in the tenth. Betts and Mitch Moreland had 3 hits apiece for 2018, while Cabrera had 2 hits and 4 rbi for 2004.
WP - Velazquez
LP - Foulke
SV - Kimbrel
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12532030.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 leads 2004 2 games to 1.
G3: 2018 Sox 6, 2004 Sox 5
Xander Bogaerts drove in Mookie Betts with the game winning run in the tenth inning to propel the 2018 Sox to a 6-5 win over the 2004 Sox, taking a 2 games to 1 lead in the best of seven championship series. Chris Sale dominated for 6 scoreless innings for 2018, allowing just 2 hits and 1 walk while striking out 11, but he wouldn't emerge with the victory. Up 2-0 going into the seventh, the 2018 Sox tacked on 2 more runs on a long JD Martinez homer off 2004 starter Pedro Martinez. But the 2004 Sox rallied in the bottom of the seventh. With the bases loaded and 2 outs off Heath Hembree, Johnny Damon singled to score Trot Nixon off replacement Joe Kelly, and then Orlando Cabrera followed with a grand slam to put 2004 up 5-4. In the top of the eighth, Curtis "iron man" Leskanic was once again summoned by Terry Francona, but he allowed the bases to be loaded. Francona brought in Mike Timlin, who walked Martinez to bring home the tying run, which set up Bogaerts' heroics in the tenth. Betts and Mitch Moreland had 3 hits apiece for 2018, while Cabrera had 2 hits and 4 rbi for 2004.
WP - Velazquez
LP - Foulke
SV - Kimbrel
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12532030.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
2018 leads 2004 2 games to 1.
2004 vs. 2018 - Red Sox World Series
G4: 2004 Sox 6, 2018 Sox 4
Trot Nixon homered, scored 2 runs, and drove in 2 more to lead the 2004 Sox to a series-tying win in game 4, 6-4, over the 2018 Sox. Nixon's RBI single keyed a 4-run outburst for the 2004 squad in the bottom of the fourth off 2018 starter Eduardo Rodriguez. Then Nixon extended the lead to 5-1 with a solo homer in the sixth. The 2018 team made a valiant comeback, putting up 3 runs in the top of the seventh, when Eduardo Nunez drove home Mitch Moreland and Mookie Betts hit a 2-run homer. But 2004 added an insurance run in the eighth, and Keith Foulke pitched a perfect ninth to slam the door shut. For 2004, Johnny Damon, Kevin Millar, Nixon, and Mark Bellhorn all had 2 hits, while the 2004 pitching staff held 2004 to just 5 hits on the game.
WP - Arroyo
LP - Rodriguez
SV - Foulke
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12533988.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
The series is now tied at 2 games apiece.
G4: 2004 Sox 6, 2018 Sox 4
Trot Nixon homered, scored 2 runs, and drove in 2 more to lead the 2004 Sox to a series-tying win in game 4, 6-4, over the 2018 Sox. Nixon's RBI single keyed a 4-run outburst for the 2004 squad in the bottom of the fourth off 2018 starter Eduardo Rodriguez. Then Nixon extended the lead to 5-1 with a solo homer in the sixth. The 2018 team made a valiant comeback, putting up 3 runs in the top of the seventh, when Eduardo Nunez drove home Mitch Moreland and Mookie Betts hit a 2-run homer. But 2004 added an insurance run in the eighth, and Keith Foulke pitched a perfect ninth to slam the door shut. For 2004, Johnny Damon, Kevin Millar, Nixon, and Mark Bellhorn all had 2 hits, while the 2004 pitching staff held 2004 to just 5 hits on the game.
WP - Arroyo
LP - Rodriguez
SV - Foulke
https://www.whatifsports.com/x.asp?u=/slb/Boxscore.aspx?gid=12533988.ppid=.ppbp=0.ptf=
The series is now tied at 2 games apiece.
Does it love LEskanic so much because his ERA+ was better than Timlin and Embree?
And what the hell was with Williamson's 2003 #s. He had an ERA above 6 and a FIP of 2.93 in 20 innings in Boston. Was it just horrible defense?
And what the hell was with Williamson's 2003 #s. He had an ERA above 6 and a FIP of 2.93 in 20 innings in Boston. Was it just horrible defense?