World Series 2018--Red Sox vs. Dodgers

[DJnVa]

While we hope the NLCS goes 7 games, there's 3 main things to hammer out on our side:

1--Starting rotation--Sale, Price, Eovaldi, Porcello (or flip the last 2) is where I imagine we're heading.

2--1B/2B/3B--it's really nuts that we have 6 guys that Cora could conceivably run out there. Straight lefty/righty platoon? Once we have opponent nailed down, we can see if any of the guys have had major successes or failures versus potential starters.

3--What happens when we go on the road? Do we sit the ALCS MVP? Do we go crazy and bring Betts in to play 2B?

 

[Ale Xander]

I'd bring in Evoo for game 2 so Price doesn't feel as much pressure.

On the road we rotate Beni and Bradley I think. Or we could play JDM at 1B?

 

[Adrian's Dome]

I don't see how you can sit Devers against a RHP at this point.

Kinsler/Holt and Moreland/Pearce will be platooned as per usual.

Who knows what happens on the road. Part of me thinks JDM may sit the beginning of games to have optimal D and have his bat off the bench, but Cora hasn't been afraid to start him in the field all season. If I had to guess, he'll just straight up play the optimal matchups for whoever is on the mound. The flexibility of the lineup and bench is a pretty big plus for those games, this team isn't as hamstrung by the DH and bad defensive OF options as past Sox squads.

 

[DJnVa]

Or we could play JDM at 1B?

He's never played 1B in the majors. If we're going radical, it will be Betts at 2B or 3B.

 

[DeadlySplitter]

I was planning to make this thread when the opponent was known, but sure.

-as long as Sale is healthy, that should be the rotation order.
-the Dodgers have 3/4 lefties in their rotation right now. Brewers are a bullpen game almost all the time but also have Gio Gonzalez and Wade Miley as starters/openers. I want Devers in there regardless of all this but I have a feeling Cora will pull out Nunez once or twice.
-sitting JBJ/Beni against a tough lefty (Rich Hill? there's a familiar name) on the road might make sense anyways. if it's the Brewers they'll be bullpening so much I don't know

 

[JohntheBaptist]

I was planning to make this thread when the opponent was known, but sure.

-as long as Sale is healthy, that should be the rotation order.
-the Dodgers have 3/4 lefties in their rotation right now. Brewers are a bullpen game almost all the time but also have Gio Gonzalez and Wade Miley as starters/openers. I want Devers in there regardless of all this but I have a feeling Cora will pull out Nunez once or twice.
-sitting JBJ/Beni against a tough lefty (Rich Hill? there's a familiar name) on the road might make sense anyways. if it's the Brewers they'll be bullpening so much I don't know

Gio's out fwiw. Replaced on the LCS roster.

I would 100% go Mookie at 2B (although that changes a bit w the Dodger LHP) but maybe I'm alone on that.

Will be a nice shot in the arm to have Wright back. edit--maybe I'm jumping the gun there? edit 2-- this seems promising.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

I can't be the only one who thinks its really weird this team made a World Series with Dustin Pedroia playing 3 games all season, right?

He must be dying to get out there.

 

[The Raccoon]

I wanna see Porcello in Game 3 so he is available in G5 to pitch and hit if needed.
Gotta get your best hitter to the plate as often as possible:
.429 / .714 / 1.143 puts him on top of all Red Sox in AVG, SLG and OPS. Mookie who...?

 

[Monbo Jumbo]

Will Wright be on the roster?

Wright (knee) threw a successful bullpen session Wednesday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Wednesday marked the veteran hurler's first bullpen session since being shut down and removed from the ALDS roster with a knee issue. Wright said afterwards that he feels like he could pitch right now if asked, suggesting he could be added to the team's World Series roster should Boston advance.

 

[NJ_Sox_Fan]

I think the solution is simple, you sit JBJ and bring him in for defense in late/close situations. He had 3 clutch hits, but he had 3 hits. I would not want to risk any injury at 2B with the league's dirtiest player out there.

 

[chawson]

The rub on the Dodgers much of the year was that they were vulnerable against LHP. Doesn't seem true anymore.

Through July 31: 90 wRC+ - 20th in MLB
After Aug 1: 121 wRC+ - 2nd in MLB (HOU)

 

[Ferm Sheller]

Seems like a lot of people are banking on the Dodgers advancing. I haven’t really been following the NL playoffs but know that the series is back in Milwaukee. How likely or unlikely are the Brewers to win the next two?

 

[Rovin Romine]

I can't be the only one who thinks its really weird this team made a World Series with Dustin Pedroia playing 3 games all season, right?

He must be dying to get out there.

He's been both productive (above average OPS+) and a reliable starter (140+ games) for one of the past 5 years.

He can still contribute, but he hasn't been a major cog for awhile.

 

[ookami7m]

Seems like a lot of people are banking on the Dodgers advancing. I haven’t really been following the NL playoffs but know that the series is back in Milwaukee. How likely or unlikely are the Brewers to win the next two?

The series has looked pretty tight and I’d be willing to bet that it goes seven. Dodgers maybe a slight bit better based on Counsell’s interesting bullpen moves.

 

[DJnVa]

98.5 was beating this drum this morning:

"Sale is so obviously sick/hurt that he should be pushed back to game 3 or 4--Eovaldi in 1 and Price in 2."

 

[DJnVa]

I was planning to make this thread when the opponent was known, but sure.

Didn't mean to jump the gun, but it could be late Saturday/early Sunday before we know the opponent. Figured we'd want to talk about some things leading up to that point.

 

[Jim Ed Rice in HOF]

Will Wright be on the roster?

If the reports of his health are true they've got some time to see how he throws off the mound before making a final decision so I don't see why he wouldn't replace Workman. If the injury flares up again they are allowed to replace him.

 

[Saints Rest]

I found it interesting that only X and Workman were on the 2013 WS roster (not including Pedey as he won’t be on this year’s roster).
I was similarly surprised that on the regular season roster, at some point in 2013, were JBJ, BROCKSTAR, and Wright.

 

[dealktf]

I think the solution is simple, you sit JBJ and bring him in for defense in late/close situations. He had 3 clutch hits, but he had 3 hits. I would not want to risk any injury at 2B with the league's dirtiest player out there.

I think you are correct that this is probably where things end up. On the one hand, it seems crazy given the exceptional defensive performance turned in by the outfield in the ALCS to tweak it, but I don't know what choice you have. I hadn't even thought about the injury risk at 2B, but I think you're right.

And while on the topic of Machado, I wonder why Supercuts didn't use him as their MLB spokesman? Everytime I see him, I think of Major League: "You got a name or are you just going to go with veg-head?"

 

[AutomatedTeller]

Seems like a lot of people are banking on the Dodgers advancing. I haven’t really been following the NL playoffs but know that the series is back in Milwaukee. How likely or unlikely are the Brewers to win the next two?

Not very. If you think they are 50/50 to win each game, then it's a 25% chance to win 2. I think the Dodgers are better, though, so it's less than that. Obviously, though, that's why they play the games, because the odds will be meaningless by Saturday night.

 

[bosox4283]

I think the solution is simple, you sit JBJ and bring him in for defense in late/close situations. He had 3 clutch hits, but he had 3 hits. I would not want to risk any injury at 2B with the league's dirtiest player out there.

Does this statement imply that Martinez plays the outfield?

 

[The Talented Allen Ripley]

Where else would he play in an NL park? He's never played 1B in the bigs, only 3 games there in the minors.

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

Simple, guys. Beni-JBJ-JDM in the OF, Mookie at second base.

 

[Wake49]

I think you are correct that this is probably where things end up. On the one hand, it seems crazy given the exceptional defensive performance turned in by the outfield in the ALCS to tweak it, but I don't know what choice you have. I hadn't even thought about the injury risk at 2B, but I think you're right.

And while on the topic of Machado, I wonder why Supercuts didn't use him as their MLB spokesman? Everytime I see him, I think of Major League: "You got a name or are you just going to go with veg-head?"

I think Gurriel was more worthy of that distinction.

 

[soxhop411]

Simple, guys. Beni-JBJ-JDM in the OF, Mookie at second base.

Yah. That’s where I’m headed as well.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

Much as I am tempted to go along with this, that doesn't seem to be how Cora handles his players

 

[grimshaw]

The rub on the Dodgers much of the year was that they were vulnerable against LHP. Doesn't seem true anymore.

Through July 31: 90 wRC+ - 20th in MLB
After Aug 1: 121 wRC+ - 2nd in MLB (HOU)

A big chunk is because of adding Machado and a healthy Turner.

They basically only neutralize Bellinger, Puig, Dozier (who has been self-neutralizing all year) and Pederson. Pederson wouldn't start vs them anyhow. Everyone else hits lefties better than average.

The fan boy in me wants to see them face Kershaw whom I don't believe they have ever faced but
from a match up perspective rather have the Brewers and their iffy rotation. The Dodgers are more well balanced.

The Sox have done well against great bullpens this post season and I have a feeling they'll start to see them better after the first few games since those Milwaukee starters aren't going very deep.

 

[DJnVa]

Much as I am tempted to go along with this, that doesn't seem to be how Cora handles his players

Probably not, but Betts did get some (brief) IF time this season and Cora said he bugs him every day about it.

 

[NJ_Sox_Fan]

Does this statement imply that Martinez plays the outfield?

Of course. I would put him in RF/LF, whichever is easier to play in LA/MIL. There is no way you can sit his bat, and using him at 1B makes zero sense.

Sitting Benintendi does not make much sense, as he is the better hitter by far. I don't like missing JBJ's glove, but I cannot see risking Betts at 2B. Not because he cannot do it, but for injury concerns.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

Probably not, but Betts did get some (brief) IF time this season and Cora said he bugs him every day about it.

Oh yeah, which is why i would love it, but he won't do that to Kinsler and Holt

 

[tims4wins]

Loving the idea of Mookie at 2nd

 

[DJnVa]

Oh yeah, which is why i would love it, but he won't do that to Kinsler and Holt

Well, I mean, you're benching Kinsler/Holt or you're benching the dude the just won the ALCS MVP and is likely a bigger part of the team going forward.

But I agree, that it's doubtful. Fun to think about though. I could see it happen in a double switch type of move maybe.

 

[Bozo Texino]

Not very. If you think they are 50/50 to win each game, then it's a 25% chance to win 2. I think the Dodgers are better, though, so it's less than that. Obviously, though, that's why they play the games, because the odds will be meaningless by Saturday night.

 

[Sam Ray Not]

Apologies for jumping the gun — the Brew Crew still have a decent chance — but I like this pic of the last Red Sox team to meet the Dodgers in the World Series. (The dude in front to the right of the ballboy looks strangely familiar).

 

[TheYaz67]

Oh yeah, which is why i would love it, but he won't do that to Kinsler and Holt

Well, except for the fact that Kinsler and Holt combined for just under 4 WAR this year, which last time I checked, was a bit lower that what Mookie put up this year. I don't think either Kinsler or Holt would mind deferring to the likely AL MVP, you know because of the "big picture" (a WS Championship) ....

 

[shepard50]

I can't be the only one who thinks its really weird this team made a World Series with Dustin Pedroia playing 3 games all season, right?

He must be dying to get out there.

He is: SI article

As far as Mookie playing second, do you guys really Cora would do that, or are you just fantasizing? It just doesn't seem like his style. Apparently Mookie begged him earlier in the season. He has the one appearance at 2nd in four years, notably AFTER Cora was tossed from the game.

 

[DJnVa]

He is: SI article

As far as Mookie playing second, do you guys really Cora would do that, or are you just fantasizing? It just doesn't seem like his style. Apparently Mookie begged him earlier in the season. He has the one appearance at 2nd in four years, notably AFTER Cora was tossed from the game.

Most of us have said we don't think it will happen. But we have time to kill.

 

[Sam Ray Not]

I can't be the only one who thinks its really weird this team made a World Series with Dustin Pedroia playing 3 games all season, right? He must be dying to get out there.

If the Sox win it all, Pedey 2018 may go down with Nomar 2004, Trot 2007, and Youks 2013 as "beloved franchise players who shuffled off their mortal Red Sox coil to usher in a new champion."

 

[snowmanny]

Apologies for jumping the gun — the Brew Crew still have a decent chance — but I like this pic of the last Red Sox team to meet the Dodgers in the World Series. (The dude in front to the right of the ballboy looks strangely familiar).

The Red Sox destroyed the Robins/Dodgers in that World Series, but the answer to the bar bet question
“which team in the National League have the Red Sox defeated the most times” is the Brewers. So I’ll take our chances with either one of these Division II teams.

 

[Kliq]

Play him at second; he is fucking Mookie Betts.

 

[Earthbound64]

1919 - 2003: 4 World Series appearances
2004 - 2018: 4 World Series appearances

It really has been an amazing past 15 years.

 

[wiffleballhero]

Play him at second; he is fucking Mookie Betts.

vs. lefties, yes because it gets Kinsler out of the line-up but vs. righties, I'm not so sure.

Maybe vs righties Mookie should pitch. He can do it all, and we know he can throw strikes (that was a lame bowling joke, FYI).

 

[bigq]

1919 - 2003: 4 World Series appearances
2004 - 2018: 4 World Series appearances

It really has been an amazing past 15 years.

It sure has. Last night my 10 year old daughter asked if it was possible that the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Bruins could all win their respective championships this season. I said it was unlikely but certainly possible. Damn it is a great time to be a Boston sports fan!

 

[Tharkin]

If Mookie plays 2B, the pitchers are not allowed to let Machado on base. It'd be fun to watch though.

 

[wiffleballhero]

It sure has. Last night my 10 year old daughter asked if it was possible that the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Bruins could all win their respective championships this season. I said it was unlikely but certainly possible. Damn it is a great time to be a Boston sports fan!

This has been an ongoing dream of mine since, first, in 86 when it seemed pretty damn close with the Celtics, Sox and Pats all making the finals. As an adult the Pats seem to give us a chance to thread this needle every year, but the Bruins are always suspect.

I've decided that it is fine for it to be within the 12 months, it does not have to be the calendar year (IE, I'll be happy with 2018 WS, 2018 NFL season/2019 SB, 18-19 seasons for NBA and NHL). On this score, three of the four seems possible actually, and the Bruins might catch lightening in a bottle. Dare-to-Dream!

 

[budcrew08]

There’s 141 2/3 % chance this post is awesome

 

[Sam Ray Not]

It sure has. Last night my 10 year old daughter asked if it was possible that the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Bruins could all win their respective championships this season. I said it was unlikely but certainly possible. Damn it is a great time to be a Boston sports fan!

Current Vegas odds:

Red Sox 5-6
Celtics 6-1
Pats 13-2
Bruins 14-1

Back-of-envelope, that works out to on the order of a 1 in a 1000 shot. Certainly possible, but don't bet the farm!

Totally agreed overall though: a truly amazing time to be a Boston sports fan, particular one who moved to the Bay Area at age 17 and picked one local team to fall for — the lovable, sadsack Golden State Warriors. If you had told me ca. 2001 where my three teams (Sox, Pats, Warriors) would be now, I'd have been highly amused.

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

vs. lefties, yes because it gets Kinsler out of the line-up but vs. righties, I'm not so sure.

Actually vs. lefties no, because then you have a valid reason to sit Bradley or Benintendi (honestly, the way they've both been hitting for the past month or so, I'd sit Beni).

I thought I was kidding about Mookie at second, but apparently I wasn't.

 

[dealktf]

Well, I mean, you're benching Kinsler/Holt or you're benching the dude the just won the ALCS MVP and is likely a bigger part of the team going forward.

But I agree, that it's doubtful. Fun to think about though. I could see it happen in a double switch type of move maybe.

I think it gets interesting when you start framing things from the standpoint of whether you feel scoring runs or preventing runs is more important, and where you are willing to make sacrifices. Run scoring is already being compromised with the pitcher's spot batting. You sacrifice run production (or potential run production) further if you maintain your status quo defensively. Conversely, you lose some of your ability to prevent runs to keep JD's bat in the lineup. I'm in no way suggesting he sit, but I like the discussion of strategy.

To some extent, I think it becomes less of an issue if the Brewers would end up winning just based on the number of pitching changes they make. If Cora is going to play the match-ups (which seems likely based on the 171 games in which he's managed the Sox), I could almost see a situation where we see guys coming off of the bench to pinch hit much earlier than we're used to (perhaps the third or fourth inning). I don't necessarily see this happening, at least as early, with a team like LA. Their approach to pitching has obviously been a bit more "traditional". Either way, it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

In the end, it's a great problem to have.

 

[johnmd20]

I can't be the only one who thinks its really weird this team made a World Series with Dustin Pedroia playing 3 games all season, right?

He must be dying to get out there.

No Nomar in 2004 was weird. Pedrioa hasn't been a part of this team all season. And he's been a meager player for a few years as it is. I can't say I've thought about him very much during the playoffs, if at all, unless the camera showed him.