ALDS 2021: Red Sox vs. Rays General Discussion Thread

absintheofmalaise

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You also have to factor in pitch location. Pitchers should be pitching inner half when teams are shifting to help out their defense. And with the high velocity guys even if they get the ball out over the plate more it's the rarer hitter who can take that pitch the other way.
 

Minneapolis Millers

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Generally. But there's a difference between smoking a ball into the shift, and going the other way into an enormous gap.

I'm not saying all batters can simply choose to do that. Some adjust, some don't.

But looking at the velocity numbers without considering fielding (and the ballpark in some cases) is not looking at the whole picture.
Agreed. For example, how hard was this ball hit?
https://www.mlb.com/cut4/matt-carpenter-doubles-on-a-bunt-avoiding-shift
 

Beale13

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I think it's a reasonable takeway to be encouraged about the current state of our offense based on the hard contact made last night. I was particularly encouraged by Dalbec, who seemed to me likely to wilt under playoff pressure but put up some very nice swings against some very tough pitches. If the team keeps hitting the ball that hard like that it's going to pay off in runs sooner rather than later.

Our pitching is another story.
 

chawson

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I hope everyone on the team is successful. But unless you know something everyone else does not, Santana's actual ML performance, both with the bat and on the field, sort of speaks for itself.
I have the same info everyone has. The guy had an incredibly productive 2019, then got hurt.

He’s had all of 127 PAs this year. Half of them came before the league cracked down on sticky stuff (.125/.210/.268 before June 21, and .233/.292/.417 after). His Statcast numbers don’t scream that he’s tearing the cover off the ball, but his .198 BABIP is among the lowest in baseball, near a cluster of slow-as-mud catchers, which is odd and unlucky for someone with Santana’s speed (fastest in Bos behind Duran, Cordero, Iglesias and Dalbec).

I think he’s an unlucky, average-ish hitter with good speed, decent pop, average defense and above-average versatility who had a tough time battling injuries and getting going in a juiced-pitching era after a long pandemic layoff.
 

JOBU

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It’s a travesty that game 3 is only on MLBN. Does anyone have tips on how to watch this for those of us whose cable package doesn’t include the MLBN?
 

nvalvo

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It only seems strange if one thinks that exit velocity is the only factor to determine the likelihood of hits.

Generally, it's better to hit it hard. But it's also generally better to hit it where they ain't.
Yes, we have all seen a baseball game before.

I am certain that everyone here is at least intuitively aware that expected batting average has a weird relationship to velocity, such that swinging bunts hit 37 mph have a better xBA (seriously: hitters hit 10/29, or .345, on batted balls with that EV) than can of corn fly balls hit 94 (.247). Of course hitting the ball hard does not guarantee a hit, but that doesn't mean that xBA isn't a real phenomenon: we have a huge sample of batted balls, and in 2021, batters hit .583 on batted balls (this includes HR, so ≠ BIP) 100 mph and higher, and .241 on batted balls 99 mph and below.

That's not to say that the Red Sox *should* have had 5 hits from those 9 PA — it's to point out that the while the Red Sox did well at making hard contact, the Rays did an even better job of getting them to keep the ball mostly on the ground and positioning their infielders well to handle all those scalded shots.

Depending on how you look at it, Bobby Dalbec had either a tremendous night at the plate — no strikeouts, great quality of contact in three of his four PA — or the worst night of anyone on the field: after all, he had the most negative WPA (–0.16) of any Sox player — even a tic more than Rodriguez (–0.15).
 

Harry Hooper

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It’s a travesty that game 3 is only on MLBN. Does anyone have tips on how to watch this for those of us whose cable package doesn’t include the MLBN?
Well, Sen. Kerry is no longer available to raise a big stink in Washington over this as he did with the Patriots game back in 2007.

Story
 

Rovin Romine

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Depending on how you look at it, Bobby Dalbec had either a tremendous night at the plate — no strikeouts, great quality of contact in three of his four PA — or the worst night of anyone on the field: after all, he had the most negative WPA (–0.16) of any Sox player — even a tic more than Rodriguez (–0.15).
As the point of each AB is to win the game, I'm results biased.
 

Willie Clay's Big Play

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It’s a travesty that game 3 is only on MLBN. Does anyone have tips on how to watch this for those of us whose cable package doesn’t include the MLBN?
Some kind soul informed that board that Fubo TV offers a 7 day trial and they carry MLBN. Added bonus for all of the WCQ's you can watch while using up that 7 day trial.
 

Return of the Dewey

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It’s a travesty that game 3 is only on MLBN. Does anyone have tips on how to watch this for those of us whose cable package doesn’t include the MLBN?
It’s a travesty that game 3 is only on MLBN. Does anyone have tips on how to watch this for those of us whose cable package doesn’t include the MLBN?
Listening to the HOU/CHW game on MLB right now, and, man, it would be nice to have Costas do play by play for Sox game. It's like a blast from the past of the old Game of the Week days
 

Harry Hooper

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Seemed like a weirdly quick hook for Richards last night, so perhaps that was injury-related?
 

greek_gawd_of_walks

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I think I would've preferred Sawamura over Barnes. More likely to potentially give you a two inning performance and the fact that Barnes was really bad vs TB this year. Mostly irrelevant. If either are in, something has probably gone very wrong.
 

Niastri

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I think I would've preferred Sawamura over Barnes. More likely to potentially give you a two inning performance and the fact that Barnes was really bad vs TB this year. Mostly irrelevant. If either are in, something has probably gone very wrong.
Or very very right.

Barnes getting back on track? Nah, but he did take the ball in a blowout victory and held them scoreless. It's got to count for something.

You need weird things to happen to win the World Series. Barnes and Brasier suddenly becoming lock em down relievers would count.

I guess the Sox winning a game when Sale gives up 5 in the first counts too.
 

MuellerToldHisTale

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Or very very right.

Barnes getting back on track? Nah, but he did take the ball in a blowout victory and held them scoreless. It's got to count for something.
Absolutely - facing Arozorena and Franco to boot. It wasn't pretty, but there was value there. Good to get him a little taste of action too with the stakes low; who knows if we'll be forced to use him in a bigger situation down the road.
 

greek_gawd_of_walks

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I'm still shocked that cash went to Wisler following McHugh. Slider masters back to back seemed like a very questionable decision. No one's Wisler throwing 90% sliders, but McHugh approaching 60% is setting up the righties to not look for anything different.
 

Heating up in the bullpen

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Has anybody seen post-game comments from Sale about his work tonight?

Pivetta threw 73 pitches last night. Does he get the Game 4 start Monday on three days rest?
Houck threw 61 pitches tonight. He’d be on track to start the possible Game 5 on Wednesday with the usual four days rest.
 

Sausage in Section 17

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Tonight we had:

Sale and Barnes: 63 pitches in two innings. Five hits, five runs, three walks, three strikeouts, first strikes to 4/14 hitters.

Houck, Brasier, and Robles: 90 pitches in seven innings, three hits, one run, no walks, 10 strikeouts. 16/25 on first strikes.

Other than the six innings that Houck pitched in April, none of these guys were even with the team until the middle of July.

I won’t bother comparing the salary, or value per dollar in this scenario. Although it didn’t go their way tonight, this only lends more credence to the approach the Rays have been taking for the last several years. I’m glad we have Bloom!
 

nighthob

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I was expecting Houk to come in and give us a killer five inning long relief appearance during the series. I was just expecting it either game one or game four. I had hopes that Sale would have it. Oh well.
 

normstalls

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I think I would've preferred Sawamura over Barnes. More likely to potentially give you a two inning performance and the fact that Barnes was really bad vs TB this year. Mostly irrelevant. If either are in, something has probably gone very wrong.
Or very right ;)

Edit - I see Niastri beat me to it. But to add more, I think tonight was useful. Showed Barnes is completely useless, so I don’t think we’ll ever see him in an important moment
 
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mfried

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Or very right ;)

Edit - I see Niastri beat me to it. But to add more, I think tonight was useful. Showed Barnes is completely useless, so I don’t think we’ll ever see him in an important moment
If we make it to the ALCS Sawamura an easy choice over Barnes. I would go to the game formula on Monday: Erod with Pivetta in the bullpen. If we win tomorrow, Houck should be available for a short stint on Monday.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

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If we make it to the ALCS Sawamura an easy choice over Barnes. I would go to the game formula on Monday: Erod with Pivetta in the bullpen. If we win tomorrow, Houck should be available for a short stint on Monday.
Agreed with the bolded. Keep everything the same. Start ERod on Monday on short rest with Pivetta and/or Houck backing him up. Then if necessary, Sale in Game 5, with the kitchen sink behind him. That's one benefit of the short hook for both those guys. Hopefully they come back with better showings.
 

InsideTheParker

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I should have, but didn't, know that Sale had an ERA in the postseason of 7+ before last night's debacle:
Postseason Pitching

[TH]Year[/TH] [TH]Age[/TH] [TH]Tm[/TH] [TH]Lg[/TH] [TH]Series[/TH] [TH]Rslt[/TH] [TH]Opp[/TH] [TH]W[/TH] [TH]L[/TH] [TH]W-L%[/TH] [TH]ERA[/TH] [TH]G[/TH] [TH]GS[/TH] [TH]GF[/TH] [TH]CG[/TH] [TH]SHO[/TH] [TH]SV[/TH] [TH]IP[/TH] [TH]H[/TH] [TH]R[/TH] [TH]ER[/TH] [TH]HR[/TH] [TH]BB[/TH] [TH]IBB[/TH] [TH]SO[/TH] [TH]HBP[/TH] [TH]BK[/TH] [TH]WP[/TH] [TH]BF[/TH] [TH]WHIP[/TH] [TH]H9[/TH] [TH]HR9[/TH] [TH]BB9[/TH] [TH]SO9[/TH] [TH]SO/W[/TH] [TH]WPA[/TH] [TH]cWPA[/TH] [TH]2017[/TH] [TH]2018[/TH] [TH]2018[/TH] [TH]2018[/TH] [TH][/TH] [TH]2021[/TH] [TH]2021[/TH] [TH]3 Yrs (5 Series)[/TH] [TH]3 ALDS[/TH] [TH]1 ALCS[/TH] [TH]1 WS[/TH]
28 BOS AL ALDS L HOU 0 2 .000 8.38 2 1 0 0 0 0 9.2 13 9 9 4 1 0 12 0 0 0 43 1.448 12.1 3.7 0.9 11.2 12.00 -0.22 -1.5%
29 BOS AL ALDS W NYY 1 0 1.000 2.84 2 1 0 0 0 0 6.1 5 2 2 0 2 0 9 0 0 0 25 1.105 7.1 0.0 2.8 12.8 4.50 0.22 2.1%
29 BOS AL ALCS W HOU 0 0 4.50 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.0 1 2 2 0 4 0 5 1 0 0 17 1.250 2.3 0.0 9.0 11.3 1.25 -0.02 -0.5%
29 BOS AL WS W LAD 0 0 5.40 2 1 1 0 0 0 5.0 5 3 3 1 2 0 10 0 0 0 22 1.400 9.0 1.8 3.6 18.0 5.00 -0.02 -0.5%
32 BOS AL ALWC W NYY
32 BOS AL ALDS TBR 0 0 45.00 1 1 0 0 0 0 1.0 4 5 5 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 8 5.000 36.0 9.0 9.0 18.0 2.00 -0.45 -4.2%
1 2 .333 7.27 8 5 1 0 0 0 26.0 28 21 21 6 10 0 38 1 0 0 115 1.462 9.7 2.1 3.5 13.2 3.80 -0.48 -4.6%
1 2 .333 8.47 5 3 0 0 0 0 17.0 22 16 16 5 4 0 23 0 0 0 76 1.529 11.6 2.6 2.1 12.2 5.75 -0.45 -3.6%
0 0 4.50 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.0 1 2 2 0 4 0 5 1 0 0 17 1.250 2.3 0.0 9.0 11.3 1.25 -0.02 -0.5%
0 0 5.40 2 1 1 0 0 0 5.0 5 3 3 1 2 0 10 0 0 0
 

Sandy Leon Trotsky

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I should have, but didn't, know that Sale had an ERA in the postseason of 7+ before last night's debacle:
Postseason Pitching

[TH]Year[/TH] [TH]Age[/TH] [TH]Tm[/TH] [TH]Lg[/TH] [TH]Series[/TH] [TH]Rslt[/TH] [TH]Opp[/TH] [TH]W[/TH] [TH]L[/TH] [TH]W-L%[/TH] [TH]ERA[/TH] [TH]G[/TH] [TH]GS[/TH] [TH]GF[/TH] [TH]CG[/TH] [TH]SHO[/TH] [TH]SV[/TH] [TH]IP[/TH] [TH]H[/TH] [TH]R[/TH] [TH]ER[/TH] [TH]HR[/TH] [TH]BB[/TH] [TH]IBB[/TH] [TH]SO[/TH] [TH]HBP[/TH] [TH]BK[/TH] [TH]WP[/TH] [TH]BF[/TH] [TH]WHIP[/TH] [TH]H9[/TH] [TH]HR9[/TH] [TH]BB9[/TH] [TH]SO9[/TH] [TH]SO/W[/TH] [TH]WPA[/TH] [TH]cWPA[/TH] [TH]2017[/TH] [TH]2018[/TH] [TH]2018[/TH] [TH]2018[/TH] [TH][/TH] [TH]2021[/TH] [TH]2021[/TH] [TH]3 Yrs (5 Series)[/TH] [TH]3 ALDS[/TH] [TH]1 ALCS[/TH] [TH]1 WS[/TH]
28 BOS AL ALDS L HOU 0 2 .000 8.38 2 1 0 0 0 0 9.2 13 9 9 4 1 0 12 0 0 0 43 1.448 12.1 3.7 0.9 11.2 12.00 -0.22 -1.5%
29 BOS AL ALDS W NYY 1 0 1.000 2.84 2 1 0 0 0 0 6.1 5 2 2 0 2 0 9 0 0 0 25 1.105 7.1 0.0 2.8 12.8 4.50 0.22 2.1%
29 BOS AL ALCS W HOU 0 0 4.50 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.0 1 2 2 0 4 0 5 1 0 0 17 1.250 2.3 0.0 9.0 11.3 1.25 -0.02 -0.5%
29 BOS AL WS W LAD 0 0 5.40 2 1 1 0 0 0 5.0 5 3 3 1 2 0 10 0 0 0 22 1.400 9.0 1.8 3.6 18.0 5.00 -0.02 -0.5%
32 BOS AL ALWC W NYY
32 BOS AL ALDS TBR 0 0 45.00 1 1 0 0 0 0 1.0 4 5 5 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 8 5.000 36.0 9.0 9.0 18.0 2.00 -0.45 -4.2%
1 2 .333 7.27 8 5 1 0 0 0 26.0 28 21 21 6 10 0 38 1 0 0 115 1.462 9.7 2.1 3.5 13.2 3.80 -0.48 -4.6%
1 2 .333 8.47 5 3 0 0 0 0 17.0 22 16 16 5 4 0 23 0 0 0 76 1.529 11.6 2.6 2.1 12.2 5.75 -0.45 -3.6%
0 0 4.50 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.0 1 2 2 0 4 0 5 1 0 0 17 1.250 2.3 0.0 9.0 11.3 1.25 -0.02 -0.5%
0 0 5.40 2 1 1 0 0 0 5.0 5 3 3 1 2 0 10 0 0 0
Formatting is a mess on my screen. But I’m aware of how terrible he’s been in the post-season.
Anyone know what’s up? Could-with some luck- probably piece together 2 more wins against Tampa with the rotation but without Sale and Erod pitching well it’s not getting any further.
 

lexrageorge

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Formatting is a mess on my screen. But I’m aware of how terrible he’s been in the post-season.
Anyone know what’s up? Could-with some luck- probably piece together 2 more wins against Tampa with the rotation but without Sale and Erod pitching well it’s not getting any further.
26 innings is a miniscule sample size.

He got belted around by the Trash Cans in the opening start of the 2017 ALDS. He led the AL in innings and was allowed to throw 111 pitches on September 20th so he could lead the AL in K's. He was OK in the 2nd start but was pulled early as the Sox were in desperation mode.

He was really good in 2018 postseason in 3 starts in 2 relief appearances, but was on a short leash as he missed most of September with shoulder issues. Not enough innings to substantially lower his ERA from the 2017 opener. Then of course his inning last night further inflates ERA.

In summary, 2 solid starts, 2 OK-to-mediocre starts (both against the Astros), 2 lights out relief appearances, and 2 horrific starts.
 

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Also... hear me out.... Consider:
For Game 3-
Schwarber 1B
Dalbec 2B
Why? They just scored 2 touchdowns. Why weaken the defense even more. Arroyo had a bad game but was 2-3 in game 1 and generally has played solid defense. That seems like a panic move and this isn’t the time to panic.
 

bosockboy

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Why? They just scored 2 touchdowns. Why weaken the defense even more. Arroyo had a bad game but was 2-3 in game 1 and generally has played solid defense. That seems like a panic move and this isn’t the time to panic.
I think just because Dalbec is really seeing the ball well and you hate to sit him. It’s possible but unlikely.
 

tims4wins

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26 innings is a miniscule sample size.

He got belted around by the Trash Cans in the opening start of the 2017 ALDS. He led the AL in innings and was allowed to throw 111 pitches on September 20th so he could lead the AL in K's. He was OK in the 2nd start but was pulled early as the Sox were in desperation mode.

He was really good in 2018 postseason in 3 starts in 2 relief appearances, but was on a short leash as he missed most of September with shoulder issues. Not enough innings to substantially lower his ERA from the 2017 opener. Then of course his inning last night further inflates ERA.

In summary, 2 solid starts, 2 OK-to-mediocre starts (both against the Astros), 2 lights out relief appearances, and 2 horrific starts.
I would argue this. He hasn't had 2 solid postseason starts in his career. He's had one. And 2 ok-to-mediocre starts is really generous as well. The guy has started 5 playoff games and has recorded more than 15 outs once. That is the one solid start. In the only other start where he recorded 15 outs, he gave up 10 baserunners and 7 runs. That's a lousy start.

In the other three starts, he has gone:
4 IP, 1 H, 4 BB, 2 ER, 5 K - this was game 1 of the ALCS in 2018. I don't consider 4 IP and 2 R an ok-to-mediocre start, but I guess you could call it that?
4 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 ER, 7 K - this was game 1 of the WS in 2018. Again, I don't see how 4 IP and 3 R is an ok-to-mediocre start. It's a 6.75 ERA and making your bullpen throw 5 innings. From your "ace".
1 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 ER, 2 K - last night, total dumpster fire.

He's been better in relief, but even so, gave up that huge HR in game 4 of the 2017 ALDS. His line that day was 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 2 ER, 6 K. He was good... until he gave up the game winning homer.

He has yet to have a great playoff start.
 

joe dokes

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Why? They just scored 2 touchdowns. Why weaken the defense even more. Arroyo had a bad game but was 2-3 in game 1 and generally has played solid defense. That seems like a panic move and this isn’t the time to panic.
This. Having dependable defense at 2B and CF is an underappreciated (not by Cora) godsend, given the weeks prior.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

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I think just because Dalbec is really seeing the ball well and you hate to sit him. It’s possible but unlikely.
I think it's more likely we see Dalbec at 3B at some point than we see him at 2B. With the way Devers looked in Game 1 and his first PA last night, I was beginning to think it was going to happen. Can't expect the Rays will continue to give Devers hittable pitches down low when he's clearly vulnerable to high hard stuff with that arm injury.
 

lexrageorge

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I would argue this. He hasn't had 2 solid postseason starts in his career. He's had one. And 2 ok-to-mediocre starts is really generous as well. The guy has started 5 playoff games and has recorded more than 15 outs once. That is the one solid start. In the only other start where he recorded 15 outs, he gave up 10 baserunners and 7 runs. That's a lousy start.

In the other three starts, he has gone:
4 IP, 1 H, 4 BB, 2 ER, 5 K - this was game 1 of the ALCS in 2018. I don't consider 4 IP and 2 R an ok-to-mediocre start, but I guess you could call it that?
4 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 ER, 7 K - this was game 1 of the WS in 2018. Again, I don't see how 4 IP and 3 R is an ok-to-mediocre start. It's a 6.75 ERA and making your bullpen throw 5 innings. From your "ace".
1 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 ER, 2 K - last night, total dumpster fire.

He's been better in relief, but even so, gave up that huge HR in game 4 of the 2017 ALDS. His line that day was 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 2 ER, 6 K. He was good... until he gave up the game winning homer.

He has yet to have a great playoff start.
Those 4 inning starts are standard for playoff pitchers these days. 12 K’s in 8 innings as well.
 

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For all our hand wringing over whether Sale gets the ball for Game 5, wondering how TB feels about Baz in that spot. What would be their options?
 

Red(s)HawksFan

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For all our hand wringing over whether Sale gets the ball for Game 5, wondering how TB feels about Baz in that spot. What would be their options?
They haven't announced a starter for Game 4 yet and their Game 1 starter, McClanahan, threw 82 pitches so he's an unlikely candidate to start then on short rest. Based on who hasn't been used yet, my guess is they'll start Patino in Game 4, which leaves them with McClanahan and Baz both available for Game 5. Wacha is also a possibility, but he threw more pitches (and worse) than Baz did last night.
 

chrisfont9

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I would argue this. He hasn't had 2 solid postseason starts in his career. He's had one. And 2 ok-to-mediocre starts is really generous as well. The guy has started 5 playoff games and has recorded more than 15 outs once. That is the one solid start. In the only other start where he recorded 15 outs, he gave up 10 baserunners and 7 runs. That's a lousy start.

In the other three starts, he has gone:
4 IP, 1 H, 4 BB, 2 ER, 5 K - this was game 1 of the ALCS in 2018. I don't consider 4 IP and 2 R an ok-to-mediocre start, but I guess you could call it that?
4 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 ER, 7 K - this was game 1 of the WS in 2018. Again, I don't see how 4 IP and 3 R is an ok-to-mediocre start. It's a 6.75 ERA and making your bullpen throw 5 innings. From your "ace".
1 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 ER, 2 K - last night, total dumpster fire.

He's been better in relief, but even so, gave up that huge HR in game 4 of the 2017 ALDS. His line that day was 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 2 ER, 6 K. He was good... until he gave up the game winning homer.

He has yet to have a great playoff start.
Poor guy, it's too bad the White Sox were so terrible and he couldn't get a whiff of the postseason until his body was ready to start breaking down.
 

chrisfont9

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They haven't announced a starter for Game 4 yet and their Game 1 starter, McClanahan, threw 82 pitches so he's an unlikely candidate to start then on short rest. Based on who hasn't been used yet, my guess is they'll start Patino in Game 4, which leaves them with McClanahan and Baz both available for Game 5. Wacha is also a possibility, but he threw more pitches (and worse) than Baz did last night.
God doesn't love me enough for the Rays to start Wacha in a possible game 5.
 

pk1627

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He got belted around by the Trash Cans in the opening start of the 2017 ALDS. He led the AL in innings and was allowed to throw 111 pitches on September 20th so he could lead the AL in K's. He was OK in the 2nd start but was pulled early as the Sox were in desperation mode.
You’ve stated this twice now. He had 1 start in 2017. The second appearance was in relief and Bergman took him deep to tie the game.
 

tims4wins

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You’ve stated this twice now. He had 1 start in 2017. The second appearance was in relief and Bergman took him deep to tie the game.
Correct and he also got the loss after he let two on with two out and Kimbrel let the inherited runner score. He went 0-2 in the 4 game series.
 

E5 Yaz

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Correct and he also got the loss after he let two on with two out and Kimbrel let the inherited runner score. He went 0-2 in the 4 game series.
Kimbrel allowed inherited runners to score in a playoff game? Hard to imagine that happening.
 

nvalvo

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Formatting is a mess on my screen. But I’m aware of how terrible he’s been in the post-season.
Anyone know what’s up? Could-with some luck- probably piece together 2 more wins against Tampa with the rotation but without Sale and Erod pitching well it’s not getting any further.
A lot of Sale’s postseason record is a calamitous start against the Astros in 2017 where they, umm, seemed to know what was coming.
 

tims4wins

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A lot of Sale’s postseason record is a calamitous start against the Astros in 2017 where they, umm, seemed to know what was coming.
Take out that start and his playoff ERA is still 6.00. Take out last night and it is still 4.05. It's all SSS, but it's not great when you throw out the two worst appearances out of 9 total appearance and 26 IP and the ERA is still north of 4.

He's made 5 playoff starts and has thrown 19.1 IP in those 5 starts. That's 3.87 IP / start. No way to make that good. It's bad.
 

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Take out that start and his playoff ERA is still 6.00. Take out last night and it is still 4.05. It's all SSS, but it's not great when you throw out the two worst appearances out of 9 total appearance and 26 IP and the ERA is still north of 4.

He's made 5 playoff starts and has thrown 19.1 IP in those 5 starts. That's 3.87 IP / start. No way to make that good. It's bad.
Sept/Oct is his weakest regular season month across his career as well.
 
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Sausage in Section 17

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Mar 17, 2004
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But I wouldn't trust Dalbec in a pinch hitting role against a guy throwing 95+. Dalbec can do damage, but it might take him 4 ABs to run into one.
He’s .877 OPS against lefties. He’s also at .900 at home (against everyone) for the season. That’s a solid pinch hitting matchup. This is the spot Cora will try to use him in.
 
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Sandy Leon Trotsky

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SoSH Member
Mar 11, 2007
6,347
I mean there’s no real way to spin it. He Has not been a good playoff pitcher. That’s it.
But despite all that…. I still Ws t him starting Game 5 if we get to that. No questions asked. He’s still Chris Sale.