Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Lucas Giolito was dominate in a match up against the Chicago Cubs. In picking up the win, Giolito permitted just 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 13 in the complete-game shutout; Game Score 97. This was Giolito's best outing of the season for the former Boston Red Sox player.

[OmahaBaseball]

Toronto Blue Jays rookie 2B Addison Barger had a tremendous game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In leading his team to 5 to 1 victory, Barger had a 4 for 5 day (2 Runs, RBI) to hit for his 1st career cycle.

[OmahaBaseball]

Oakland Athletics outfielder JJ Bleday took home American League Player of the Week honors. In pick up the award, Bleday went 11 for 26 (.423 batting average) with 4 Doubles, Triple, 2 Homeruns, 3 Runs, and 6 RBI for a slashline of .423/.423/.885 that generated 0.5 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Picking up his 2nd National League Player of the Week award of the season, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds saw the ball very well. On the week, Reynolds batted .407 (11 for 27) with 2 Doubles, 3 Homeruns, 7 Runs, 6 RBI, and 1 Walk for a slashline of .407/.429/.815 that created 0.6 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

No surprise, the Philadelphia Phillies (117.3 points) continue to roll as the top Power Rankings team in the league. The Pittsburgh Pirates (110.1 points) and the Minnesota Twins (107.1 points) are in close pursuit. The Boston Red Sox (91.6 points) had a significant drop to the 14th position. The Chicago White Sox (55.6 points) have regained the bottom spot.

On the week, the Houston Astros (93.8 points) made the biggest jump, moving up from 24th place to 13th place, while the Baltimore Orioles (86.9 points) fell 11 spots to the 21st position. Previous week's rankings: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...&postcount=284

[OmahaBaseball]

The rising stars of baseball showcased their talents during the MLB Prospects Game. The National League squad prevailed with an 8 to 1 victory over the AL team. Leading the way at the plate for the NL was Edwin Arroyo (SS - Cincinnati Reds organization / 1 for 3, Homerun, 2 Runs, 3 RBI, Walk, Stolen Base), while the AL was led by Coby Mayo (1B - Baltimore Orioles organization / 2 for 3, Double, Homerun, Run, RBI, Hit-by-Pitch). Miami Marlins prospect Noble Meyer picked up the victory.

[OmahaBaseball]

What a showcase for MLB's best power hitters. While it was a terrific contest, in the end Baltimore Orioles Gunner Henderson was crowned the Homerun Derby champ after knocking off Fernando Tatis Jr., Matt Olson, and Yordan Alvarez!

[OmahaBaseball]

An exciting All-Star game that saw dominate pitching and stellar defense. In the end, the American League picked up the victory by a 2 to 1 score over the National League.

Oakland Athletics pitcher Mitch Spence earned the win, while Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams was tagged with the loss. Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox earned PofG honors after he went 2 for 2 (2 Doubles) on the day.

Player of the Game: Rafael Devers

[OmahaBaseball]

First game back following the All-Star break did not go much better than the recent pre-break games had gone. In dropping their 5th consecutive game, the Boston Red Sox (52-45) fell by an 8 to 6 score to the Los Angeles Dodgers (54-44).

Dodger starter Tyler Glasnow did not record a decision, as he permitted 5 earned runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, and a hit batsman while striking out 4 in 5 1/3 innings of work; Game Score 38. Evan Phillips (2-3) picked up the win by tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings in which he scattered 2 hits and 1 walk. Bobby Miller (H 2) kept things mostly in check though he permitted 1 earned run on 2 hits before turning the ball over to closer Alex Vesia (SV 8) for the 1 inning, 2 strikeout scoreless final inning. At the plate, Will Smith (2 for 4, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBI), Mookie Betts (2 for 3, Run, RBI, 2 Walks), James Outman (2 for 4, Double, 2 Runs, RBI), and Freddie Freeman (2 for 4, RBI, Walk) had a fine day of hitting.

In an effort to mix things up, the front office choose to move relief pitcher Nick Pivetta into the starting slot, but the gamble did not produce the desired outcome, as Pivetta did not record a decision in allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits, 4 walks, and a wild pitch in 3 2/3 innings of work; Game Score 27. Isaiah Campbell (1-1) was tagged with the loss after he permitted 2 earned runs on 1 hit and 2 walks. Ryne Stanek covered the final 1 2/3 innings but did serve up an earned run on 3 hits and 1 walk. The Red Sox offense was powered by Tyler O'Neill (2 for 4, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBI, Stolen Base), Tristan Casas (1 for 2, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI, 2 Walks), and Marcelo Mayer (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, RBI).

Player of the Game: Will Smith

AL East Standings: 1st Place, 1 Game Lead

[OmahaBaseball]

The Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins reached agreement with a trade that sees several top-200 prospects on the move. In picking up Rosier and Bonaci, the Marlins acquire players who should join the parent club within the next few years (my guess is 2026). Boston gains draft picks for the 2025 draft, as well as two intriguing players in Mesa Jr. and Cova. I am not sure if he was having a bad day, but when the trade was reviewed by Boston Assistant GM Brian O'Halloran responded simply with "Meh".

Miami Received:

Corey Rosier (24-year old CF)
Drafted in 12th round, 12th pick (354th overall) by the Seattle Mariners (2021) 
#189th ranked MLB prospect. 
.319/.427/.499 with 30 2B,  5 3B,  7 HR,  60 R,  50 RBI for 2.5 WAR in  403 PA (AAA / 2024)
.290/.385/.444 with 76 2B, 22 3B, 24 HR, 238 R, 155 RBI for 7.1 WAR in 1451 PA (R, A, A+, AA, AAA / 4 seasons)

Brainer Bonaci (22-year old 2B)
International Free Agent signed by Boston Red Sox (2018) 
Suspended for 2024 season
.272/.368/.409 with 67 2B, 11 3B, 22 HR, 196 R, 157 RBI for 3.5 WAR in 1319 PA (R, A-, A, A+, AA / 4 seasons)

Boston Received:

Victor Mesa Jr. (22-year old CF)
International Free Agent signed by Miami Marlins (2018) 
#119th ranked MLB prospect
.302/.381/.550 with  24 2B,  3 3B, 18 HR,  66 R,  57 RBI for 4.3 WAR in  383 PA (AA / 2024)
.263/.333/.417 with 104 2B, 23 3B, 47 HR, 297 R, 278 RBI for 2.9 WAR in 2117 PA (R, A, A+, AA / 5 seasons)

Luis Cova (17-year old CF)
International Free Agent signed by Miami Marlins (2023) 
.270/.359/.452 with 5 2B, 6 3B, 2 HR, 21 R, 18 RBI for 0.7 WAR in 147 PA (R / 2024)
.227/.324/.372 with 8 2B, 8 3B, 5 HR, 42 R, 32 RBI for 0.3 WAR in 309 PA (R / 2 seasons)

5th Round Draft Pick (slot TBD)
8th Round Draft Pick (slot TBD)

[OmahaBaseball]

A much needed win, as the Boston Red Sox (53-45) used some late-inning scoring to top the Los Angeles Dodgers (54-45) by a 5 to 3 score.

Red Sox starter Tanner Houck (11-7) pitched a solid game, as he permitted 3 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits, 1 walk, and 2 hit batsman in 7 innings of play; Game Score 65. Garrett Whitlock (H 1) notched his 1st hold of the season with a scoreless inning of work before turning the ball over to closer Liam Hendriks (SV 18) who wrapped up the game by getting all 3 outs via strikeout. Leading the way at the plate were Vaughn Grissom (3 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI), Jarren Duran (1 for 3, Run, RBI, Hit-by-Pitch, Stolen Base), and Ceddanne Rafaela (2 for 5, Double, RBI).

Taking the loss was starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-9) who was tagged for 5 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman in 7 innings of work; Game Score 48. James Paxton covered the final 2 innings in a scoreless appearance. The Dodgers offense was generated by Gavin Lux (2 for 4, Double), Enrique Hernandez (2 for 3, RBI, Walk), and Jason Heyward (1 for 4, 2 RBI).

Player of the Game: Tanner Houck (Season: #8)

AL East Standings: 1st Place, 1 Game Lead

[OmahaBaseball]

Keeping an eye on the free agent list, I came across Alexander Ovalles; a 23 year-old 1B out of the Dominican Republic. Previously signed as an international free agent by the Chicago Cubs in 2017, Ovalles has bounced around in the Rangers, Rays, and Reds organizations. I like his ratings and age, and this is a low (no) cost acquisition on my part. No idea why the other teams have let him go previously, but optimistic he can contribute to the organization.

[OmahaBaseball]

Disappointing performance by the Red Sox through the first 5 innings, and the late rally was insufficient to change the outcome. On the day, the Los Angeles Dodgers (55-45) topped the visiting Boston Red Sox (53-46) by a 5 to 3 score.

The Dodgers used a solid outing from Clayton Kershaw (8-7) to pick up the victory, as Kershaw allowed just 1 earned run on 3 hits, 2 walks, and a wild pitch while striking out 6 in 7 innings of play; Game Score 71. Reliever Joe Kelly was tagged for 2 earned runs on 3 hits in 1 inning of play, before turning the ball over to closer Alex Vesis (SV 9) who pitched a final scoreless inning. Leading the way at the plate was Mookie Betts (2 for 4, 2 RBI), Shohei Othtani (1 for 3, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBI, Walk), and Enrique Hernandez (2 for 3).

Taking the loss was Kutter Crawford (7-8) who was roughed up for 5 earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in 4 1/3 innings; Game Score 30. Garrett Cleavinger pitched 3 scoreless innings before Garrett Whitlock tossed the final 2/3 innings in a scoreless effort. The Red Sox offense was generated by Jarren Duran (2 for 4, Double, Run, 2 RBI), Vaughn Grissom (2 for 5, Double, Run), and Tyler O'Neill (1 for 4, Double, RBI).

Player of the Game: Clayton Kershaw

AL East Standings: 1st Place, 1 Game Lead

[OmahaBaseball]

Cincinnati Reds 1B Christian Encarnacion-Strand put together a special week, in which he took home National League Player of the Week honors. In earning the award, Encarnacion-Strand went 6 for 11 (.545 batting average) with a Double, 3 Homeruns, 4 Runs, 4 RBI, and a Walk for a slashline of .545/.583/1.455 that created 0.6 WAR in the shortend week.

[OmahaBaseball]

Baltimore Orioles 1B Anthony Santander smashed the ball in the 3-game post All-Star game series. So much so that he was named the American League Player of the Week after posting a 7 for 13 line (.538 batting average) with 2 Homeruns, 4 Runs, 7 RBI, and a Walk for a slashline of .538/.571/1.000 that generated 0.5 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

The Philadelphia Phillies (127.3 points) continue their dominate play, as they rank at the top of the Power Ranking list once again. The Atlanta Braves (109.7 points) and Minnesota Twins (106.9 points) occupy the 2nd and 3rd spots. The Boston Red Sox (93.3 points) sit in the 12th spot. The Chicago White Sox (64.3 points) have the dubious distinction of being in last place.

On the week, the Baltimore Orioles (96.6 points) made the biggest jump, moving up from 21st spot to 11th place, while the San Diego Padres dropped 11 places to the 21st position. Previous week's rankings: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...&postcount=305

[OmahaBaseball]

The struggle continues, as the Boston Red Sox (53-47) fell to the Colorado Rockies Rockies (44-57) by a 3 to 1 score. With a little over a week left before the trade deadline, I need to figure out how to inject some life back into the team.

Colorado pitcher Ryan Feltner (8-5) tossed a gem of a game, as he allowed just 1 earned run on 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8 batters in 8 innings of work; Game Score 77. Closer JoJo Romero (SV 25) notched the save for his scoreless inning of play. Leading the way at the plate were Adael Amador (2 for 3, Homerun, Run, RBI, Walk) and Ryan McMahon (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, RBI, Walk).

The efforts of starter Brayan Bello (10-9) were squandered due to a lack of run support, as Bello pitched a respectable game in which he permitted 3 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4 in 8 innings of play; Game Score 58. Boston's offense was generated by Vaughn Grissom (2 for 4, Double, Homerun, Run, RBI) and Reese McGuire (1 for 3, Double).

Player of the Game: Ryan Feltner

AL East Standings: 1st Place, 1 Game Lead

[OmahaBaseball]

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that they had reached extension terms with pitcher Dustin May that will keep the flame-throwing righty in the City of Angels for an additional 4 years at the combined incentive of nearly $54M.

2025	Age 27	$ 6,700,000
2026	Age 28	$11,600,000
2027	Age 29	$17,800,000
2028	Age 30	$17,800,000

Promised Role: Starting Pitcher

[OmahaBaseball]

A much-needed win today! On the day, the Boston Red Sox (54-47) used a 7 to 5 score to top the hometown Colorado Rockies (44-58). The victory maintains the slim lead Boston enjoys in the American League race.

Starter Jack Flaherty (10-6) picked up the win, as he permitted just 3 earned runs on 9 hits, 2 walks, and a wild pitch while striking out 12 in 7 innings of work; Game Score 57. Garrett Whitlock was roughed up for 2 earned runs on 2 hits in his 1 inning of play, before turning the ball over to closer Liam Hendriks (SV 19) who pitched a scoreless final inning. The Red Sox was led at the plate by Tommy Edman (4 for 5, RBI, Stolen Base), Pablo Reyes (2 for 5, Double, Run, 2 RBI), Tyler O'Neill (2 for 4, 2 Runs, RBI, Walk, Stolen Base), and Jarren Duran (1 for 3, Run, 2 Walks, 2 Stolen Bases).

Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland (6-10) was tagged with the loss after he allowed 6 earned runs on 8 hits and 4 walks in his 4 innings of work; Game Score 19. Relievers Danial Bard (1 earned run on 2 hits and 2 walks in 1 inning), Rubby Del La Rosa (scoreless 2 innings), and Justin Lawrence (scoreless 2 innings) did a decent job of limiting the damage. The offense was created by Brendan Rodgers (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI), Charlie Blackmon (2 for 3, Double, Run, RBI, Walk), and Ryan McMahon (2 for 5, Homerun, Run, RBI).

Player of the Game: Jack Flaherty (Season: #8)

AL East Standings: 1st Place, 1 Game Lead

[OmahaBaseball]

It has been a challenging year for St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. Between the early season trade to his difficulties at the plate, this has not been a particular good year for Yaz. Sure it is a small sample size, but his recent success against the Pittsburgh Pirates is something to build off of. In leading his team to a 11 to 5 victory, Yaz went 4 for 5 with a Double, 3 Homeruns, 3 Runs, and 5 RBIs.