The Olde Towne Team: 2015 Boston Red Sox (and beyond...)

[OmahaBaseball]

No matter how big of a lead I have in the standings, I just hate losing to the Yankees. What makes it worse was to lose before the home crowd. I know it should not matter, but it does. With the rotation lining up perfect for the series (Starters 1-3), I really liked my chance. Unfortunately, the Yankees played just a little better than Boston.

Game 1 Boston 8 New York 4: Things were looking good after Boston jumped out to a 3-0 lead, yet the Yankees struck back for 3 runs in the top of the 4th inning to even things up. With the score still tied heading into the bottom of the 6th inning, Boston put up 5 runs to give Sonny Gray the cushion he needed. Gray (15-2) tossed 117 pitches over 7 innings, allowing 4 runs (earned) on 10 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 8. Game score 46. Newly acquired, via waiver wire, middle reliever Luis Avilan recorded his first hold of the season for his 1/3 innings of work, while newly acquired, via trade, middle reliever Mayckol Guaipe picked up his 1st save of the year, tossing 1 1/3 innings of 1 hit ball. Taking the loss for the Yankees was Masahiro Tanaka (8-7) for allowing 7 runs (earned) on 9 hits and 2 walks over 5 1/3 innings of work. The Boston offense had 8 runs on 12 hits & 4 walks, led by Stephen Piscotty (3 for 4, Run and 2 RBI) & Gavin Cecchini (2 for 5, Run and 2 RBI).

Game 2 New York 6 Boston 3: The team fell behind quickly and could not string enough hits to keep it close. The Yankee hitters got to Boston starter Michael Wacha (10-8), with Wacha allowing 5 runs (earned) on 5 hits (2 for extra bases) and 4 walks in just 3 2/3 innings of work. Game score 27. Yankee starter Josh Johnson (9-5) kept Boston in check, giving up just 2 runs (earned) on 5 hits and 2 walks over 6 innings and 101 pitches. Game score 57. Yankee relievers Chris Martin (16th) and Jacob Lindgren (10th) each recorded a "hold," while closer Dellin Betances picked up his 23rd save of the year. Boston hitters Xander Bogaerts (2 for 3, 2 Runs & walk) and Blake Swihart (2 for 2, RBI and 2 Walks) had a good day at the plate. Yankee second baseman Rob Refsnyder got the best of Boston pitching, going 2 for 2 with 2 runs and 2 walks.

Game 3 New York 2 Boston 1: While the outcome was not what the fans wanted, this was a thrilling pitching duel between the teams. Red Sox starter Trevor Bauer (10-3) allowed 2 runs (earned) on 8 hits and 1 walk, striking out 8 on 100 pitches in 7 innings. Game score 60. Yankee starter Michael Pineda (10-5) gave up only 1 run on 3 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings of play. Game score 64. Yankee pitches Miller (17th), Shreve (9th), Blevins (3rd), and Martin (17th) each picked up a "hold," while Betances recorded his 24th save of the year. Gavin Cecchini was the lone bright spot for Boston, going 3 for 4 with 2 doubles and 1 RBI.


Season Record: 72-34 (1st Place, 14 Game Lead over the Yankees)

[OmahaBaseball]

What an outstanding pitching performance by the Boston staff, holding Tampa Bay to just 2 runs on 10 hits in three games, including 2 shutouts. While the #2 & #3 starters have struggled a little lately, the #4 & #5 spots have pitched great.

Game 1 Boston 2 Tampa Bay 0: While Bogaerts and Betts each blasted a solo HR, this game was all about showcasing the pitching talents of Marcus Stroman. Stroman (8-3) held Tampa Bay to just 1 hit and 1 walk, striking out 10 in 8 innings of shutout work. Game score 89. The newly appointed closer, Kyle Crockett, picked up his 3rd save of the year. Alex Cobb (6-8) pitched a complete game, but was tagged for 2 runs (earned) on 9 hits and 1 walk. Game score 65. In addition to what was listed above, Dustin Pedroia also had a good day at the plate, going 2 for 2 with a walk.

Game 2 Boston 4 Tampa Bay 2: In his second start as a Boston Red Sox, Taijuan Walker continues to impress. Walker (9-8) allowed 2 runs (earned) on 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 8 in 7 innings of work. Game score 69. Ogando (7th) and Barnes (1st) picked up holds, while Crockett recorded his 4th save. Drew Smyly (8-9) took the loss, giving up 3 runs (earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks. Game score 60. Blake Swihart (3 for 4, 2 Runs, RBI, HR) and Dustin Pedroia (1 for 3, Run, 3 RBI, HR) led the attack for Boston, while Kevin Kiermaier (2 for 4, Run, 2 RBI, HR) was the offense force for Tampa Bay.

Game 3 Boston 3 Tampa Bay 0: Boston jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead after the 1st inning and never looked back. Sonny Gray (16-2) tossed 8 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5 on 109 pitches. Game score 78. Alexi Ogando earned his 3rd save of the year. Tampa Bay starter Chris Archer (7-12) took the loss, allowing 3 runs (earned) on 6 hits. Game score 58. Mookie Betts went 2 for 4, Run & RBI to lead the team in hitting.


Season Record: 75-34 (1st Place, 17 Game Lead over the Yankees)

[OmahaBaseball]

While I was unable to sign Tazawa and Samardzija to a contract extension, I was able to lock up Alexi Ogando for two (2) years for a total of $4,700,000. Ogando has been solid this year and I cannot afford to let another reliever walk.

[OmahaBaseball]

I am having a hard time finding the right balance between zipping through a month and getting bogged down in series details. I have enjoyed presenting the series recaps, but they are time consuming and are starting to feel stale. I am going to try the "monthly" approach again, but this time mixing in more details from the month, both for the team as well as the league. For those that have followed along, thank you and remember your comments are always welcome.

[OmahaBaseball]

As the teams head into the home stretch, the playoff races are starting to take shape. The AL East (Boston) and the NL West (Dodgers) look to have things pretty much locked up, with the teams having 16 1/2 and 11 1/2 game leads respectfully.

In the NL East, the Nationals have a 8 game lead over the Mets, while in the NL Central, the Cubs have a 8 1/2 game lead over the Pirates. While both teams could face a challenge if the hit a rough spot, I think their leads should be enough to get them into the playoffs.

Where the playoff races still are up in the air is in the AL Central and AL West. In the AL Central Division, the Indians have a 5 1/2 game lead over the Tigers and have been playing very well as of late. In the AL West, the Astros on clinging to a 4 game lead over the Angles. Not only is this the closest race right now, the Astros seem to want to give away their lead given the 1-9 record in the last 10 games.

If the season were to end today, the AL Wildcard teams would be the Tigers and the Angels. In the NL, the Pirates and Mets would make the playoffs. While Boston continues to have the best record (82-45) in the MLB, its lead is quickly diminishing due to the Cubs (80-46) having an outstanding month. At the other end of the spectrum, the Baltimore Orioles (45-81) are just plain bad.

Francisco Lindor of the Indians, Mike Trout of the Angels, and Paul Goldschmidt of the Red Sox are the leading candidates for the AL MVP award. The AL Cy Young award should go to Sonny Gray of the Red Sox. Over in the NL, the MVP race will likely be between Jorge Solar of the Cubs and Cody Asche of the Phillies. The NL Cy Young award has Jake Arrieta's name written all over it.

[OmahaBaseball]

News and Notes from the month of August 2016:

*Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera smacked his 2,500 career hit in a 5-2 win over the Twins.

*Victor Martinez drove in his 1,000 career RBI in a Detroit loss to the Royals.

*Chase Utley crossed home-plate for the 1,000th time in his career, scoring the lone run in a loss to the Rangers.

AL Batter of the Month: Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders for batting .297 with 11 HR's, 26 RBI, and 24 Runs during the month.

NL Batter of the Month: Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki for posting a .415 average with 5 HR's, 23 RBI, and 16 Runs.

AL Pitcher of the Month: Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Andriese who went 5-1 in 6 starts, striking out 27 in 45 2/3 innings and posting a 1.18 ERA.

NL Pitcher of the Month: Cubs ace Jake Arrieta for his 4-0 record in 5 starts, striking out 40 in 34 innings pitched, and a 0.45 ERA.

Team Power Rankings: Boston still sits at the top of the power rankings, but its lead has dwindled a fair bit over the month.

[OmahaBaseball]

The is plenty of money in the bank. The challenge is making sure that it is used wisely. I am very happy to see the fan interest climbing back into the "80's" and that average attendance has eclipsed the owner's goal. With the interest up, and a nice little $$$ stockpile, I should be able to make a run at free agents if I need to.

[OmahaBaseball]

August was not a good month for the team. In fact, it was the first losing month of the season for the Red Sox. The team went 13-15 (.464%) on the month, winning just 2 series, dropping five series, and splitting 2 others. Boston played well against the Rays (2 shutouts) and the White Sox (1 shutout), but were dominated by the Indians, a team that we could easily face in the playoffs.

From a player standpoint, there were some positive things happening during the month. Blake Swihart hit the ball very well, going 31 for 100 (.310) with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HRs, 18 RBI & 12 Runs. Unfortunately, Brett Lawrie, Dustin Pedroia, Stephen Piscotty, and Jackie Bradley all struggled at the plate, batting below .225 for the month.

The pitching staff was equally uncertain. Sonny Gray (4-0), Taijuan Walker (3-0), and Marcus Stroman (3-1) pitched well enough (though Walker caught a few breaks and his record his better than he pitched), while Trevor Bauer (0-4) and Michael Wacha (2-4) had a couple of rough outings. The bullpen situation is just so unpredictable right now. Crockett looked really good in a few outings, but then got roughed up in a few others. Really hoping that things smooth out this coming month.

[OmahaBaseball]

There were many exciting games during the month, but a few stood out from the rest. Here are the August "outstanding performance" games:

In the August 7th match up between the Padres and the Braves, left fielder Alex Dickerson led San Diego to a 10-8 win. Dickerson went 5 for 5, with 4 Runs & 5 RBIs, including 2 HRs and 1 Double -- good for 12 total bases. As of this writing, Dickerson's "game performance ranking" of 113 is the highest this season.

August 14th saw Baltimore pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez toss a gem of a game against the Rays. Jimenez twirled a complete game 2 hitter, striking out 8 while walking just 1 on 109 pitches. His "Game Score" of 90 was the highest of the month for pitchers and is good enough for 7th best for the year.

After looking through the box scores for Boston, I decided to highlight the great game that Marcus Stroman tossed against the Indians. Stroman shutout the opposing hitters, allowing just 3 hits and 1 walk on 94 pitches. Game score 83.

[OmahaBaseball]

This is it -- just a handful of games remaining before the 2016 playoff games begin. At this late point of the season, all of the playoff races have been decided with the exception of the AL Central and AL West races. At this point, it is the Rangers in the AL and the Braves & Pirates in the NL who are on the outside looking in. It will take a hot streak and a little help for those teams to make the playoffs.

The Red Sox (99-54) and the Cubs (103-51) currently have the best record in their respective leagues. With only 9 games left in the season, they should be able to hold onto that distinction baring a complete meltdown. Remaining true to form, the Orioles (56-97) will end the year with the worst record in MLB.

The AL MVP race has come down to either Francisco Lindor of the Indians or Mike Trout of the Angels. Both players are clearly ahead of the other AL candidates. The AL Cy Young award should go to Sonny Gray of the Red Sox, but Danny Duffy of the Royals has made a strong push.

Over in the NL, the MVP race is a bit more convoluted. Jorge Solar and Kris Bryant of the Cubs, Jesse Winker of the Reds, Bryce Harper of the Nationals, and others are still in the mix. The NL Cy Young race has heated up, wit Jake Arrieta's, David Price, Stephen Strasberg, and Clayton Kershaw all making a convincing argument for why they should win it.

[OmahaBaseball]

News and Notes for September 2016:

September 2 ~ Texas Ranger pitcher Cole Hamels picked up his 2,000 career strikeout.

September 3 ~ Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg tossed a complete game 3 hit shutout, striking out 15 Tampa Bay Ray batters.

September 12 ~ Dodger veteran hitter Justin Morneau drove in his 1,000th RBI.

September 28 ~ New York Met slugger David Wright smacked his 2,000 career hit in a 2-1 win over the Nationals.

AL Batter of the Month: Boston Red Sox 3rd baseman Brett Lawrie was named the AL winner, batting .388, 10 HR's, 34 RBI's, and 21 Runs.

AL Pitcher of the Month: Boston Red Sox pitcher Marcus Stroman picked up the award, going 5-0 in 38 innings, striking out 39 hitters and posting a 0.95 ERA.

NL Batter of the Month: Reds slugger Jesse Winker picked up the monthly award, batting .385 with 6 HR's, 17 RBi's, and 27 Runs. Winker is posed to win the Rookie of the Year Award.

NL Pitcher of the Month: New York Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler was named the best for the month of September thanks to his 6-0 record, with 27 k's in 42 innings and a 1.75 ERA.

[OmahaBaseball]

The Red Sox bounced back from a rough August to post a respectable 17-9 (.654%) record in the month of September 2016. Of the 8 series played during the month, Boston won 7 (2 sweeps) and lost 1 (swept). Boston dominated the Yankees (5-1) but could do nothing against the Blue Jays (0-4).

Brett Lawrie clearly had the best month of the Red Sox batters, hitting .388 with 10 Hr's, 34 RBI's, and 21 Runs. Xander Bogaerts and Blake Swihart had a good month as well. Disappointed with how Goldschmidt played, he has dropped off these last few months. As for pitching, Stroman (5-0) and Bauer (3-0) pitched very well, while Gray, Walker, and Wacha (7.33 ERA) did not.

[OmahaBaseball]

There were many exciting games during the month, but a few stood out from the rest. Here are the September "outstanding performance" games:

In the September 2 match up between the Dodgers and the Reds, LA slugger Scott Van Slyke led the team to a 11-0 win. Van Slyke smacked 2 HR's, going 3 for 3 with 1 Run, 1 Walk, and 8 RBI. As of this writing, this is the second highest "game performance ranking" (109) of the season.

September 28 saw Cubs pitcher John Lester pitch a masterful complete game, 2 hit shutout. Lester struck-out 10, and posted a "game score" of 91, good enough for 6th best of the year.

After looking through the box scores for Boston, I decided to highlight the great game that Sonny Gray tossed against the Orioles. Gray threw 8 innings of shutout ball, striking out 13 and walking just 1. Game score 85.

[OmahaBaseball]

The regular season has come to an end and the playoff match-ups are set. The Boston Red Sox (104-58) took home the best record in the American League, and easily won the AL East by 24 games over the Yankees. Joining Boston in the playoffs are the Indians, Tigers, Angels, and Astros. Baltimore, with a record of 61-101, finished with the worst record in MLB. The Tigers and Astros will face off in the wildcard game.

Over in the NL, the Chicago Cubs (107-55) not only had the best record in the National League, they had the best record in all of baseball. Joining the Cubs are the Nationals, Mets, Phillies, and Dodgers. The opening wildcard game will have the Phillies playing the Mets.

[OmahaBaseball]

A look at the batting leaders for the AL & NL. In the AL, Mike Trout dominated, leading in eight (8) different categories, including WAR. In his first full season, Texas Ranger slugger Joey Gallo showed that it was feast or famine when he is at the plate. Gallo lead the league with 41 HR's and 241 strikeouts.

The NL categories were led by a few different players, including Jesse Winker, Jorge Solar, and Corey Dickerson. Billy Hamilton showed that he has lots of speed (52 stolen bases). Wil Myers of the Padres put together a very solid (albeit quiet) season.

[OmahaBaseball]

What a great season for pitching performances. In the American League, Red Sox ace Sonny Gray led multiple pitching categories for nearly the entire year. Danny Duffy and Marcus Stroman will also get consideration for the Cy Young Award.

There is no shortage of pitching dominance in the NL, Kershaw, Fernandez, Price, Strasburg, Arrieta, and Cole were all amazing. In fact, I have no idea who will win the Cy Young Award, though I am rooting for Kershaw.

[OmahaBaseball]

A one game "do or die" playoff game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets. Playing before the home record, the Mets jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the 3rd inning and cruised to the easy victory. The Mets now will face the Cubs.

Picking up the win was Noah Syndergard for his 7 innings of work, allowing just 3 hits and 1 run (earned), while striking out 6. Game score 73. Miguel Gonzales took the loss for the Phillies, only lasting 4 2/3 innings and giving up 5 runs (earned). It is also worth mentioning that Snydergard blasted a HR to help his cause. Plawecki and Flores each had 3 hits in the win.

[OmahaBaseball]

The Tigers jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead and then watched as its ace (Justin Verlander) got shelled. Houston started Dallas Keuchel cruised to an easy victory, allowing just 2 runs (earned) on 5 hits over 8 innings. Game score 68. Houston batters cracked 13 hits on the day, with Correa, Aplin, Reed, Springer, Conger & Altuve each getting 2 hits.

Houston will face off against the Red Sox.

[OmahaBaseball]

The Division Series games are completed and three out of four series ended in a sweep. Boston knocked out Houston, the Dodgers swept the Nationals, and the Mets swept the Cubs. In the final series, the Angels knocked out the Indians 3 games to 1.

I am little surprised that the Angels topped the Indians, but the reigning World Series champs look like they are poised to make another run. What is very surprising is the fact that both the Nationals (101) and the Cubs (107) didn't win a single game. Having the top 2 records in the NL for the regular season did not help either team come playoff time.

[OmahaBaseball]

A closer look at Boston's 3 game sweep of the Astros. Sonny Gray was a little shaky in the first game but got enough run support to get the win. Stroman fell behind in game 2, but the offense came through. Game 3 was a pitchers duel, with Bauer tossing a gem. Brett Lawrie was named the ALDS MVP.