Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

As he continues to build a Hall of Fame case, St. Louis Cardinals 1B Paul Goldschmidt inched closer by achieving entry into the 2,000 hit club with his 2 for 5 day at the plate.

[OmahaBaseball]

Not a good game if you were looking for a pitching gem, but an outstanding game at the plate for rookie Marcelo Mayer. On the day, the visiting Boston Red Sox (55-47) topped the Colorado Rockies (44-59) by a 11 to 6 score. Now just a week away from the trade deadline, I am actively looking to see how I can make this team better for the playoff run this year, without impacting long-term goals.

Tanner Houck got the nod for the start, but was largely ineffective. Lasting just 2 2/3 innings, Houck permitted 5 earned runs on 5 hits and 4 walks in his no-decision effort; Game Score 21. Isaiah Campbell (2-1) picked up the victory for his 2 1/3 innings of scoreless play in which he allowed 1 hit and 2 walks. The combination of relievers Ryne Stanek (H 2; scoreless 2 innings), Justin Slaten (1 earned run on 3 hits and 2 walks in 1 2/3 innings), and Liam Hendriks (SV 20; scoreless 1/3 inning; game into the game with the bases loaded) preserved the win. Leading the Red Sox offense was Marcelo Mayer (3 for 4, 2 Homeruns, 4 Runs, 2 RBI, Walk), Jarren Duran (2 for 5, Triple, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI), and Masataka Yoshida (3 for 5, Double, Triple, Run, 4 RBI). Of Note, Mayer was named MLB's top performance of the day!

The Rockies hoped that German Marquez could provide a quality start, but ended up with 5 earned runs on 7 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5 in 4 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 34. Daniel Bard (2-1) was burdened with the loss after he gave up 3 earned runs on 2 walks and a hit batsman in 1 inning of work. Reliever Anthony Molina was ineffective as he served up 3 earned runs on 5 hits in 2 1/3 innings before Jalen Beeks covered the final inning in a scoreless appearance. Leading the way at the plate was Nolan Jones (2 for 3, 2 Homeruns, 2 Runs, 2 RBI, 2 Walks), Ryan McMahon (1 for 2, Double, Run, 3 Walks), and Brendan Rogers (1 for 5, Double, 2 RBI).

Player of the Game: Marcelo Mayer (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 1st Place, 1 Game Lead

[OmahaBaseball]

In an effort to shore up its bullpen, the Boston Red Sox agreed to trade terms with the Cleveland Guardians that brings reliever Anthony Gose and prospect Joey Cantillo to the team, but required parting with Isaiah Campbell and a 20th round pick in the 2025 draft. For reasons which neither team would comment on, Gose was dangled on the "trade block" by the Guardians, and who picked up the remaining 2024 salaries of both Gose and Cantillo.

Cleveland:

Isaiah Campbell (26-year old RP)
Drafted in 2nd round, 35th pick (76th overall) by the Seattle Mariners (2019) 
 2-1 W/L record with  24 K, 13 BB,  1 SV, and 4.40 ERA for -0.2 WAR in 30 2/3 IP (MLB / 2024)
 6-2 W/L record with  57 K, 26 BB,  2 SV, and 3.64 ERA for  0.2 WAR in 59 1/3 IP (MLB / 2 seasons)
10-5 W/L record with 106 K, 25 BB, 16 SV, and 2.01 ERA for  1.8 WAR in 89 1/3 IP (A+, AA / 3 seasons)

20th Round Draft Pick (slot TBD)

Boston:

Anthony Gose (33-year old RP)
Drafted in 2nd round, 5th pick (51st overall) by the Seattle Mariners (2008) 
0-0 W/L record with  21 K,  9 BB, 0 SV, and 3.24 ERA for -0.1 WAR in 16 2/3 IP (MLB / 2024)
3-0 W/L record with  58 K, 25 BB, 0 SV, and 3.65 ERA for -0.1 WAR in 44 1/3 IP (MLB / 3 seasons)
9-7 W/L record with 122 K, 88 BB, 7 SV, and 4.10 ERA for -0.4 WAR in 98 2/3 IP (A+, AA, AAA / 4 seasons)

Joey Cantillo (24-year old SP)
Drafted in 16th round, 3rd pick (468th overall) by the San Diego Padres (2017) 
  4-9 W/L record with 121 K,  54 BB, 18 GS, and 5.01 ERA for  1.2 WAR in 113 1/3 IP (AA, AAA / 2024)
28-25 W/L record with 594 K, 217 BB, 89 GS, and 3.43 ERA for 12.2 WAR in 474 2/3 IP (R, A, A+, AA, AAA / 7 seasons)

[OmahaBaseball]

What a game this was, as both starting pitchers were dialed in and kept the opposition off balance. Much to the delight of the home crowd, the Boston Red Sox (56-47) prevailed over the visiting New York Yankees (55-50) by a 1 to 0 score.

Boston starter Kutter Crawford (8-8) pitched one of his best games of the season, as he tossed 7 innings of scoreless ball in which he scattered 6 hits, 3 walks, and a wild pitch while striking out 6; Game Score 68. Nick Pivetta (H 4) pitched a scoreless inning before turning the ball over to closer Liam Hendriks (SV 21) who wrapped things up. At the plate, Rafael Devers (3 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI) and Ceddanne Rafaela (2 for 3, Stolen Base) made the victory possible.

While he was tagged with the loss, Nelson Cortes (10-10) had a solid game in that he permitted just 1 earned run on 5 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6 in 6 innings of play; Game Score 61. Jonathan Loaisiga pitched the final 2 innings of scoreless ball. The Yankees limited offense was generated by Anthony Volpe (2 for 4), Oswald Peraza (1 for 3, Walk, Stolen Base), and Aaron Judge (1 for 3, Walk).

Player of the Game: Kutter Crawford (Season: #8)

AL East Standings: 1st Place, 2 Game Lead

[OmahaBaseball]

In a noteworthy MLB trade, the San Diego Padres traded 33-year old SP Trevor Bauer and 21-year old minor league C Oswaldo Linares to the Toronto Blue Jays in return for 34-year old CF Kevin Kiemaier. In picking up the 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner, Toronto is hoping Bauer can add depth to the staff without the distraction. The Padres pick up the 4-time Gold Glove winner in Kiemaier.

[OmahaBaseball]

While things did get a little uncomfortable in the 9th inning for the home crowd, they were able to celebrate their team's victory over their historic rival. On the day, the Boston Red Sox (57-47) prevailed over the visiting New York Yankees (55-51) by a 10 to 8 score.

Picking up the win was starter Garrett Whitlock (5-7) who permitted 5 earned runs on 4 hits, 4 walks, and a wild pitch while striking out 8 in 6 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 50. Ryne Stanek (H 3) covered 2 innings of relief though he did allow an earned run on 2 hits. Liam Hendriks was called in to keep the game in hand, but struggled in his 1/3 inning of work as he served up 2 earned runs on 2 hits. Boston's offense was powered by Tommy Edman (2 for 4, Double, Homerun, Run, 6 RBI), Masataka Yoshida (3 for 4, Double, Triple, Homerun, 3 Runs, 2 RBI), and Rafael Devers (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI, Hit-by-Pitch).

The Yankees turned to starter Carlos Rodon (11-7) but did not find success, as he was tagged for 5 earned runs on 4 hits and 2 walks in 3 2/3 innings; Game Score 32. Relievers Victor Gonzalez (1 earned run on 1 hit and 1 walk in 2 2/3 innings) and Caleb Ferguson (4 earned runs on 2 hits and 2 walks in 1 inning) were ineffective. Luke Weaver covered the final 2/3 inning in scoreless outing. Leading the way at the plate were Jon Berti (2 for 4, Homerun, 2 Runs, 4 RBI, Walk, Stolen Base), Anthony Volpe (2 for 5, Double, 2 Runs, RBI), and Aaron Judge (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, 3 RBI).

Player of the Game: Tommy Edman (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 1st Place, 3 Game Lead

[OmahaBaseball]

Liked what I saw from the team today, as they fought back from a 3 to 1 deficit to come out on top. On the day, the Boston Red Sox (58-47) topped the visiting New York Yankees (55-52) by a 4 to 3 score. With the trading deadline just days away, I am struggle on whether to make a major move for a front-line starter at the expense of my farm system.

Picking up the win today was pitcher Brayan Bello (11-9) who allowed 3 earned runs on 10 hits, 1 wild pitch, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 9 in 6 innings of work; Game Score 49. Newly acquired Anthony Gose (H 1) kept things in check with 2 innings of scoreless/hitless ball in which he struck out 4 before turning things over to closer Liam Hendriks (SV 22) who pitched a scoreless final inning. The Red Sox were led at the plate by Marcelo Mayer (2 for 5, Double, Run, RBI), Kyle Teel (2 for 3, Run, Walk, Stolen Base), and Masataka Yoshida (2 for 4, Run, 2 RBI).

Yankee starter Clarke Schmidt did not record a decision after permitting 3 earned runs on 8 hits and 4 walks while striking out 5 in 5 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 42. Trent Thornton (0-1) (BS 1) was tagged with the loss after he gave up 1 earned run on 2 hits while striking out 5 in 2 1/3 innings. Plate production was generated by Oswald Peraza (2 for 4, 2 Doubles, 2 RBI), Aaron Judge (1 for 4, Run, RBI, Walk), and Jasson Dominguez (1 for 3, Run, Hit-by-Pitch).

Player of the Game: Brayan Bello (Season: #3)

AL East Standings: 1st Place, 3 1/2 Game Lead

[OmahaBaseball]

In what might be his first healthy season in 5 years, Los Angeles Angels 1B Anthony Rendon is making the most of it and swinging a hot bat. In earning American League Player of the Week honors, Rendon batted .545 (12 for 22) with 3 Doubles, 2 Triples, a Homerun, 5 Runs, 7 RBI, 3 Walks, and a Stolen Base for a slashline of .545/.577/1.000 that resulted in 0.8 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Fans of the Atlanta Braves have known for several years that CF Michael Harris II is something special. As he continues to produce outstanding results, Harris is now gaining national recognition. In picking up National League Player of the Week honors, Harris posted a .462 batting average (12 for 26) with 3 Doubles, Triple, Homerun, 9 Runs, 6 RBI, and 2 Walks for a slashline of .462/.500/.769 that generated 0.7 WAR on the week.

[OmahaBaseball]

Honestly, I am not sure how the Philadelphia Phillies (123.3 points) continue to do it. For the 8th consecutive week, they sit atop the weekly Power Rankings list. The Kansas City Royals (111.2 points) and Houston Astros (110.4 points) occupy the 2nd and 3rd positions. The Boston Red Sox (106.4 points) again moved up in the rankings, as they now occupy 5th spot. The Los Angeles Angels (60.4 points) hold down the final spot.

Previous week's rankings: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...&postcount=316

[OmahaBaseball]

What a game by Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha. In picking up the 3 to 0 win, Wacha No-Hit the Cubs by striking out 15 and allowing just 1 walk and 1 hit batsman. Wacha finished with a Game Score of 101.

[OmahaBaseball]

Picked up from the Texas Rangers earlier in the season, pitcher Jack Leiter is trying to work his way through the minor-league system. If his recent outing is a sign of things to come, he is making fine progress. In picking up the win, Leiter tossed a complete-game shutout in which he struckout 13 batters and recorded a Game Score of 85.

[OmahaBaseball]

To be honest, this was a pure salary move to trade away 36-year old RP Kenley Jansen who had seen limited time (5 appearances totaling 7 1/3 IP) out of the bullpen over the last 2+ months, was a free agent at the end of the year that I would not look to bring back, and was making $16M on the season. To move Jansen, I had to include 25-year old RP Shane Drohan (borderline starter) who had been previously claimed by the Chicago White Sox during the 2023 Rule 5 Draft but was returned back to Boston following his release from Chicago, 24-year old RP Garrett Ramsey, and a 19th round draft pick in the 2025 draft.

In return, I acquired 30-year old RP Ian Gibaut, 25-year old C Matheu Nelson, an 8th round pick in the 2025 draft, and $865K in cash. The Reds picked up the Gibaut's remaining portion of his $750K 2024 salary. To be honest, I am not sure what, if anything, Gibaut will contribute to the Organization. In fact, I could see him being used in future trade opportunities. The salary savings and cash considerations benefited the Red Sox by $6.5M, and I did acquire a former 1st-round pick in Nelson and hope to find a diamond in the rough with the 8th round future pick. The often cantankerous opinion of my Assistant GM (Brian O'Halloran) was no different here, as he stated with a growl that "I like it, but don't love it."

Cincinnati:

Kenley Jansen (36-year old RP)
International Free Agent signed by Los Angeles Dodgers (2004) 
All-Star (2016, 2017, 2018, 2023); NL Reliever of the Year (2016, 2017) 
  2-2 W/L record with   22 K,   6 BB,   0 SV, and 2.19 ERA for  0.2 WAR in  24 2/3 IP (MLB / 2024)
47-36 W/L record with 1181 K, 249 BB, 420 SV, and 2.52 ERA for 18.5 WAR in 837 1/3 IP (MLB / 15 seasons)

Shane Drohan (25-year old SP/RP)
Drafted in 5th round, 17th pick (148th overall) by the Boston Red Sox (2020) 
  1-0 W/L record with  21 K,  10 BB,  0 SV, and 5.73 ERA for  0.0 WAR in  22 1/3 IP (MLB / 2024)  
  2-1 W/L record with  33 K,  23 BB,  4 GS, and 6.75 ERA for -0.2 WAR in  36 1/3 IP (AAA / 2024)
26-20 W/L record with 405 K, 191 BB, 77 GS, and 4.55 ERA for  4.7 WAR in 377 1/3 IP (A-, A+, AA, AAA / 4 seasons)

Garrett Ramsey (24-year old RP)
Drafted in 16th round, 23rd pick (489th overall) by the Boston Red Sox (2022) 
1-0 W/L record with 13 K,  4 BB, 0 SV, and 0.90 ERA for 0.4 WAR in 10 1/3 IP (R / 2024)  
2-3 W/L record with 50 K, 24 BB, 0 SV, and 3.80 ERA for 0.4 WAR in 42 2/3 IP (R, A / 2 seasons)

19th Round Draft Pick (slot TBD)

Boston:

Ian Gibaut (30-year old RP)
Drafted in 11th round, 13th pick (328th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays (2015) 
  2-0 W/L record with  23 K,  19 BB,  0 SV, and 7.33 ERA for -0.2 WAR in  27 1/3 IP (AAA / 2024)
 10-8 W/L record with 151 K,  67 BB,  4 SV, and 4.10 ERA for  0.9 WAR in 145 1/3 IP (MLB / 5 seasons)
22-13 W/L record with 372 K, 139 BB, 38 SV, and 3.52 ERA for  4.7 WAR in 313 2/3 IP (R, A, A+, AA, AAA / 10 seasons)

Matheu Nelson (25-year old C)
Drafted in 1st round, 35th pick by the Cincinnati Reds (2021) 
.190/.327/.435 with  2 2B, 0 3B, 13 HR,  35 R,  34 RBI for 0.0 WAR in 202 PA (A+, AA / 2024)
.216/.325/.408 with 27 2B, 3 3B, 42 HR, 138 R, 108 RBI for 0.4 WAR in 969 PA (R, A+, AA / 4 seasons)

$865,000 cash
8th Round Draft Pick (slot TBD)

[OmahaBaseball]

This was a solid showing by the team, as they came back from an early deficit to reward the home crowd. On the day, the Boston Red Sox (59-47) topped the visiting Seattle Mariners (47-61) by a 3 to 2 score. Adding an additional layer of intrigue is a rumor circulating that the teams are in discussion regarding a potential trade involving front-line pitching.

Picking up the win was Red Sox starter Jack Flaherty (11-6) who permitted just 2 earned runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, 3 hit batsman (ouch!), and 1 wild pitch while striking out 7 in 8 innings of work; Game Score 67. Liam Hendriks (SV 23) pitched a scoreless final inning to close out the game. While hitting was limited, Ceddanne Rafaela (2 for 4), Marcelo Mayer (1 for 2, Run, 2 Walks), and Vaughn Grissom (1 for 4, Triple, RBI) provided some punch.

Seattle starter Luis Castillo (7-8) was tagged with the loss after he allowed 3 earned runs on 5 hits, 5 walks, and a wild pitch in 6 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 53. Reliever Matt Brash covered the final 1 1/3 innings without allowing any additional damage. Leading the way at the plate were Ty France (3 for 3, Double, Run, Walk), Jorge Polanco (1 for 4, Triple, Run), and Dominic Canzone (2 for 4).

Player of the Game: Jack Flaherty (Season: #9)

AL East Standings: 1st Place, 3 1/2 Game Lead