Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

Not understanding the game AI on this transaction. To set the sequence, Aledmys Diaz was, at the start of the 2024 season, the Oakland A's starting 2B. Diaz played in (and started) 44 games. When he struggled (.218/.244/.300 / -0.9 WAR), the A's placed him on irrevocable waivers and then released him on May 30, 2024 while still on the hook for the remaining portion of his 2024 salary of $8M. I took a look at him (contemplated signing to a minor-league deal with the intention of flipping him in a trade but did not want to game the system) but ended up passing. Well just 3 days later, the A's not only reached a minor-league contract with him with a majors option, they called him up and he is back on the 26-man roster now at a salary of $900K. Maybe there is some strategy that was employed here, but I am left to ask -- HUH?

[OmahaBaseball]

While his team was thumped by a score of 14 to 4, Washington Nationals SS CJ Abrams was dialed in. On the day, Abrams went 3 for 4 with 3 Homeruns, 3 Runs, 4 RBI, and a Sacrifice Fly from the leadoff position. For his efforts, Abrams was named the Player of the Game.

[OmahaBaseball]

Fun to see that I unlocked two (2) achievements on the same day. The first with Jarren Duran's 4-game Homerun streak. The second with Rafael Devers streak of 8 consecutive AB's reaching on-base.

[OmahaBaseball]

Despite jumping out to a 4 to 1 lead after the 1st inning, the Red Sox could not hang on and ended up with a loss. On the day, the visiting Detroit Tigers (32-27) topped the Boston Red Sox (32-28) by a 5 to 4 score.

Detroit starter Casey Mize (5-5) picked up the win while allowing 4 earned runs on 8 hits and 4 walks in 6 innings of play; Game Score 40. Relievers Ty Adcock (H 2) and Tyler Holton (H 1) kept things in check over the next 2 innings before turning the ball over to closer Jose Alvarez (SV 9) who wrapped up the game with his 1 inning of scoreless play. The Tigers were powered on offense by Wilyer Abreu (2 for 5, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI, Stolen Base), Riley Greene (3 for 5, Double, 2 Runs), Kerry Carpenter (2 for 4, 2 Doubles), and Colt Keith (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, 3 RBIs).

Taking the loss was Jack Flaherty (5-4) who was tagged for 5 earned runs on 9 hits, 1 walk, 2 wild pitches, and 2 hit batsmen in 6 innings of play; Game Score 43. Joely Rodriguez pitched the final 3 innings without permitting a run and lowered his ERA to 0.49 on the season. Leading the way at the plate for Boston was Rafael Devers (2 for 3, Run, RBI, 2 Walks), Masataka Yoshida (3 for 4, Double, Run, Walk), and Jarren Duran (1 for 5, Run, 2 RBI).

Player of the Game: Rafael Devers (Season: #7)

AL East Standings: 2 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran was named the American League Player of the Week. In picking up the award, Duran had a .323 batting average (10 for 31) with 2 Doubles, Triple, 5 Homeruns, 9 Runs, 13 RBI, Walk, and Stolen Base for a slashline of .323/.344/.935 that led to 0.8 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds had a tremendous week at the plate, as he smashed the ball to the tune of a .579 batting average (11 for 19) with 4 Doubles, 2 Homeruns, 9 Runs, and 9 RBI for a slashline of .579/.636/1.105 that generated 0.9 WAR. For his efforts, Reynolds was named the National League Player of the Week.

[OmahaBaseball]

Week 10 Power Rankings are out and the Philadelphia Phillies (120.9 points) have the top spot. The Minnesota Twins (117.9 points) and Los Angeles Dodgers (116.1 points) are close behind. The Boston Red Sox (96.9 points) moved up 5 spots to occupy the 10th spot. The Los Angeles Angels (48.0 points) retained its hold on last place. The biggest jump of the week went to the Seattle Mariners from #24 to #15 spot, while the St. Louis Cardinals had the largest fall from #10 to #18 spot.

Previous week's rankings: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...&postcount=153

[OmahaBaseball]

The Red Sox jumped out to an early lead after the 1st inning, but the visiting Braves used the long-ball to prevail. When all was said and done, the Atlanta Braves (32-28) topped the Boston Red Sox (32-29) by a 6 to 3 score.

Getting the start for Atlanta was ace Spencer Strider (5-4) who picked up the win by limiting the opposition to 3 earned runs on 4 hits and 7 walks (yikes!) while striking out 9 in 7 innings of play; Game Score 59. Raisel Iglesias (H 3) allowed a harmless single in his 1 inning scoreless appearance before turning the ball over to closer Piece Johnson (SV 4) who wrapped up the game with a perfect final inning. Leading the way at the plate was Ozzie Albies (3 for 4, 2 Doubles, Homerun, 2 Runs, 3 RBI), Ronald Acuna Jr. (2 for 4, Double, Run), and Marcell Ozuna (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI).

Taking the loss for the home team was Tanner Houck (7-3) who was tagged for 5 earned runs on 8 hits and 1 walk while striking out just 3 in 5 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 35. Kenley Jansen covered 2 1/3 innings and allowed 1 earned run on 3 hits while striking out 3. Liam Hendriks pitched a scoreless final inning. The Boston offense was generated by Rafael Devers (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, 3 RBI) and Tristan Casas (1 for 2, Run, 2 Walks).

Player of the Game: Ozzie Albies

AL East Standings: 2 1/2 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

The red-hot play of Boston Red Sox star Jarren Duran churned out an achievement: 7-Game RBI Streak.

[OmahaBaseball]

What an outing by Miami Marlins ace Jesus Luzardo against in-state foe Tampa Bay Rays. In just 6 2/3 innings of scoreless play, Luzardo scattered 3 hits while striking out 15 batters. It is unfortunate that the team turned to the bullpen, as Luzardo was on pace to equal or beat the 21-K record mark.

[OmahaBaseball]

What a fun, extra-innings game in which both starting pitchers were dealing BBs today. In the end though, the Boston Red Sox (33-29) bested the visiting Atlanta Braves (32-29) by a 3 to 2 score.

While starter Kutter Crawford did not record a decision, he pitched a fine game in which he allowed just 1 earned run on 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8 in 8 innings of play; Game Score 77. Liam Hendricks tossed 2 1/3 innings of scoreless / hitless ball before turning it over to Nick Pivetta (1-1) for the win despite allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits in 1 2/3 innings. The Red Sox offense was powered by Tyler O'Neill (2 for 5, Double, Homerun, Run, RBI), Pablo Reyes (2 for 5, Double), and Tristan Casas (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, RBI).

Getting the start for the Braves was the dialed in Chris Sale who permitted 1 earned run on 5 hits while striking out 13 in 8 innings of work; Game Score 81. A series of relievers led by A.J. Minter (1 inning), Pierce Johnson (1 2/3 innings), and Joe Jimenez (1/3 inning) kept things in check. Things fell apart though when in the 12th inning, Raisel Iglesias (1-3) (BS 3) was tagged for 2 earned runs on 3 hits and the game was lost. At the plate, Marcell Ozuna (3 for 5, 2 Doubles), Matt Olson (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, RBI, 2 Walks), and Ozzie Albies (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, RBI) played well despite the defeat.

Player of the Game: Kutter Crawford (Season: #5)

AL East Standings: 2 1/2 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Coming into the game with a slashline of .147/.260/.232, it has been a rough season for New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham. While it is too early to tell if he is turning things around, Grisham was locked in at the plate with a 3 for 4 night that saw him tally 3 Homeruns, 3 Runs, and 6 RBI to lead his team to a 8 to 4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

[OmahaBaseball]

The bullpen did not perform up to its normal level, but the solid pitching of Garrett Whitlock guided the Boston Red Sox (34-29) to a 7 to 4 win over the Chicago White Sox (29-35).

Boston starter Garrett Whitlock (3-4)picked up the victory by limiting the opposition to just 1 earned run on 5 hits and 3 walks while striking out 5 in 7 innings of play; Game Score 65. Isiah Campbell was tagged for 2 earned runs on 3 hits in 1 inning of work, while the normally ultra-reliable Liam Hendricks permitted an earned run on 2 hits, 2 walks, and a wild pitch in 1 inning of play. At the plate, Jarren Duran (2 for 4, Double, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBI, Hit-by-Pitch), Kyle Teel (2 for 5, Homerun, Run, 3 RBI), Pablo Reyes (2 for 3, Run, 2 Walks, 2 Stolen Bases) had a fine day.

Taking the loss for the White Sox was Mike Clevinger (1-7) who was knocked around for 6 earned runs on 7 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman in 6 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 39. Reliever Matt Foster had a shaky appearance in which he allowed 1 earned run on 3 hits, 1 walk, 1 wild pitch, and 1 hit batsman. Prelander Berroa covered the final inning without allowing any further damage. Nicky Lopez (3 for 4, Run, RBI, Stolen Base), Eloy Jimenez (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, 3 RBI, Sacrifice Fly), and Edgar Quero (2 for 3, Double, Run, Walk) played well in the defeat.

Player of the Game: Garrett Whitlock (Season: #3)

AL East Standings: 2 1/2 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Chicago White Sox budding ace Garrett Crochet reached a contract extension that will keep him in the Windy City for the next 4 years at the cost of $56.1M for his services.

2025	Age 25	 $4,240,000
2026	Age 26	 $9,500,000
2027	Age 27	$21,200,000
2028	Age 28	$21,200,000

Promised Role: Starting Pitcher

[OmahaBaseball]

A low-scoring game that saw pitcher Brayan Bello toss a gem to lead his Boston Red Sox (35-29) to a 4 to 0 victory over the Chicago White Sox (29-36).

Picking up the win for the Red Sox, Brayan Bello (8-5) had a fine day in which he scattered 3 hits, 4 walks, and 1 wild pitch while striking out 8 in 8 1/3 innings of work; Game Score 81. Nick Pivetta covered the final 2/3 innings to end the game. Marcelo Mayer (3 for 4, 2 Runs, Stolen Base), Tristan Casas (1 for 2, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI, 2 Walks), and Ceddanne Rafaela (1 for 4, Triple, Run) at a fine day at the plate.

Drew Thorpe (4-5) was saddled with the loss despite limiting the opposition to just 1 earned run on 2 hits and 3 walks while striking out 4 in 6 innings of work; Game Score 65. Michael Kopech was rocked for 3 earned runs on 3 hits in just 2/3 innings of play. Tim Hill covered the final 2 1/3 innings without allowing any additional scoring. The White Sox offense was limited to 3 harmless singles from Luis Robert Jr, Dominic Fletcher, and Nicky Lopez.

Player of the Game: Brayan Bello (Season: #2)

AL East Standings: 2 1/2 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Going up against one of the worst starting pitchers in the AL and facing off against a team that has been struggling, I really liked the odds of another win. Instead, the Chicago White Sox (30-36) topped the visiting Boston Red Sox (35-30) by a 4 to 1 score.

The White Sox capitalized on the surprising solid outing of Jairo Iriarte (2-6), who came into the game sporting an ERA of 8.01, in which he permitted just 1 earned run on 3 hits, 2 walks, and 2 hit batsman while striking out 9 in 7 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 75 (his best mark of the season). Reliever John Brebbia (H 8) pitched a scoreless 2/3 innings before turning the ball over to closer Prelander Berroa (SV 13) for 1 inning of work to close out the game. At the plate, the team was led by Yoan Moncada (1 for 3, Double, 2 Runs, Walk, Stolen Base), Luis Robert Jr. (2 for 3, Walk, Stolen Base), and Andrew Vaughn (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI).

The pitching start for the Red Sox went to Jack Flaherty (5-5) who allowed 4 earned runs on 5 hits, 5 walks, 2 wild pitches, and a balk while striking out 9 in 8 innings of work to take the loss; Game Score 60. The limited offense was generated by Jarren Duran (2 for 4) and Rafael Devers (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI).

Player of the Game: Jairo Iriarte

AL East Standings: 2 1/2 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

The latest look at how the American League All-Star voting is going. The Boston Red Sox have 1 player (Rafael Devers) leading a position category, while the Houston Astros lead with 3 players (Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, and Framber Valdez).

[OmahaBaseball]

Updated voting tallies are out, and the National League is shaping up to be something really special. The Los Angeles Dodgers lead with 4 players leading their respective positional categories (Will Smith, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Shohei Ohtani).

[OmahaBaseball]

During a press conference today, the Minnesota Twins announced they had reached agreement with outfielder Max Kepler to extend his contract for 2 additional years at a total cost of $30.8M. Kepler currently has a slashline of .248/.314/.430 with 1.4 WAR in 236 PA for the 2024 season, while a career slashline of .236/.319/.434 with 11.6 WAR.

2025	Age 32	$15,400,000
2026	Age 33	$15,400,000

Promised Role: Starting Lineup

[OmahaBaseball]

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez smashed the ball this past week, so much so that he was named the American League's Player of the Week. On the week, Alvaez went 9 for 22 (.409 average) with 3 Doubles, 4 Homeruns, 6 Runs, 9 RBI, and 4 Walks for a slashline of .409/.500/1.091 which generated 0.8 WAR.