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

[OmahaBaseball]

J.D. Martinez of the Tigers picked up the AL Player of the Week (PoW) award, while Brandon Moss of the Cardinals took home the NL PoW award.

[OmahaBaseball]

The first power ranking list is out and the Red Sox find themselves in unfamiliar territory; in the Top 10 at #7.

[OmahaBaseball]

What a great way to start off the new season for the home crowd. Before 37,000+ fans, Boston jumped out to an early lead after the 1st inning and had built up a 7-1 lead after the 3rd. Boston never looked back, cruising to the easy 10-3 opening day victory.

Wacha pitched 6 solid innings to improve his record to 2-0 on the year. He gave up 1 run (earned) on 5 hits, and striking out 5. Not sure if it was opening day jitters or the weather, but he did have some control issues today, throwing a wild pitch, hitting a batter, and walking 3. Game score 60. Taking the loss for Philadelphia was Buchanan (1-1) who managed to last only 2 1/3 innings after giving up 7 runs on 6 hits.

The Boston offense was led by Xander Bogaerts who smashed two (2) HR's on the day (2 for 3, 3 RBI) and Jackie Bradley Jr. who went 3 for 4 with 3 RBI and his second stolen base of the year. Goldschmidt (who is still not hitting the ball that well) was ejected from the game for arguing a strike call in the 5th inning.


Season Record: 5-2 (Tied 1st Place)

[drowssap]

You need a RF. Allow me to suggest Wil Myers. Power develops and has a great eye. Won 2016 WS with him on the Sox.

Just judging by my league, dump Betts as fast as you can. He tanked in 2017 (sub .180 BA)

[OmahaBaseball]

Originally Posted by drowssap

You need a RF. Allow me to suggest Wil Myers. Power develops and has a great eye. Won 2016 WS with him on the Sox.

Just judging by my league, dump Betts as fast as you can. He tanked in 2017 (sub .180 BA)

Thanks for the heads up on Myers. RF was a problem spot last year for me and it is not looking much better early in the season. Too bad about Betts, I really hoped he would be an anchor for a decade+ for the team. I will have to keep a close eye on him.

[OmahaBaseball]

Boston got behind early to the Phillies and just could not make up enough ground to keep in close, losing 5-2 in front of the Fenway Park faithful.

Taking the loss was Marcus Stroman, dropping to 0-2 on the year, who went 7 1/3 innings, allowing 5 runs (earned) on 9 hits, striking out 7 while walking 0. Giving up 2 HR's sure didn't help his chances much. Game score 47. Picking up the win for the Phillies was Aaron Nola (1-1) who pitched 8 strong innings of 6 hit ball, allowing 2 runs (earned) while striking out 8.

What is quickly becoming the norm, Boston was unable to generate much offense. Lawrie (2 for 3, walk) and Bradley (1 for 3, home run) were the lone bright spots. As it stands now, Boston has six (6) starters batting .219 or less right now. Not a pretty sight.


Season Record: 5-3 (2nd Place)

[OmahaBaseball]

What a way to follow up his last outing. Trevor Bauer threw a CG, 4 hit shutout in which he struck-out 10 Philadelphia batters. Game score 88. The win moves Bauer's record to 2-0 on the year with 2 CG shutouts to his credit. Taking the loss for the Phillies was A. Morgan (0-2) who went 7 innings, scattering 6 hits and giving up 5 runs (earned). Game score 50. Boston was led by Xander Bogaerts (2 for 4, double) and Lawrie (1 for 3, HR). Overall, the offense is really struggling and thankfully my starting rotation and the defense have been outstanding so far.

Season Record: 6-3 (2nd Place)

[OmahaBaseball]

With Boston up 4-0 going into the top of the 7th inning, it looked like Sonny Gray was going to cruise to another easy win. The Blue Jays had different plans. Despite being nearly untouchable for most of the day, Gray got into a bases-loaded jam with 2 outs in the 7th inning. On a 2-2 pitch to Yoan Moncada (yes, the former Red Sox prospect that I traded away), the Toronto rookie smashed a 3-run double to knock Gray out of the game. Through the combined efforts of 4 pitchers, the Boston bullpen was able to hold on for the 4-3 win.

Gray (3-0) finished the day with 6 2/3 innings pitched, giving up 3 runs (earned) on 5 hits, striking out 8 while walking 3. Game score 57. Taking the loss for the Blue Jays was Rick Porcello (0-3) who lasted 4 2/3 innings, giving up 4 runs (earned) on 6 hits, striking out 1 and walking 2. Game score 35.

While the Boston offense is still waiting for its big "breakout" moment, it was able to scratch out 4 runs on 7 hits. Goldschmidt (2 for 3, HR and 2 RBI) and Swihart (2 for 4, Triple and RBI) led the way. After going 1 for 3 on the day, Pedroia was able to raise his average to .129 for the season, while a 0 for 3 day has placed Piscotty at a .118 average on the year. YIKES!

Season Record: 7-3 (Tied 1st Place)

[OmahaBaseball]

In a game that saw Boston fall behind early in the game, the team was able to battle back and take the lead in the 7th inning, and then put the game away in the 8th. Boston topped the Jays by a score of 7-3.

While not factoring in the decision, Wacha went 6 innings, giving up 3 runs (earned) on 8 hits, striking up 4 and walking 1. Game score 47. Picking up the win for Boston was J. Machi (1-0) who pitched a perfect 2 innings, striking out 4. Crockett pitched a perfect 9th, striking out 3. Out of the 9 batters faced by the bullpen, 7 were victims of the "K." Toronto starter Mazzoni lasted 6 innings, giving up 3 runs (earned) on 7 hits, striking out 5 while walking none. Game score 51. Brandon League took the loss (0-1), lasting only 2/3 of an inning.

Boston's offense came to life, smacking 12 hits and creating 7 runs. Swihart (2 for 5), Bogaerts (2 for 5, HR), Goldschmidt (2 for 4), Ortiz (2 for 4), Bradley (2 for 4), and Lawrie (1 for 3, HR and Walk) all had a good day at the plate. Swihart committed the first error of the year.

Season Record: 8-3 (1st Place)

[OmahaBaseball]

Before a home crowd of 36,494, the Fenway faithful saw another close game between the Red Sox and Blue Jays. In the end, it was a combination of solid pitching from Marcus Stroman and the timely hitting of Xander Bogaerts and Paul Goldschmidt that proved to be the difference in the 3-2 victory.

After a couple of rough outings this year, Stroman (1-2) held the Jays to 1 run (earned) on 4 hits over 6 innings of play, striking out 9 and walking 1. Game score 68. The combination of Samardzija, Layne, and Ogando held the Jays in check until Tazawa could close out the game for his 4th save of the year. Taking the loss for the Jays was Aaron Sanchez (1-1) who gave up 2 runs (earned) on 7 hits over 6 innings, striking out 7 while walking 3. Game score 54.

At the plate, Bogaerts (3 for 3, 2 doubles walk and 3 runs) and Goldshmidt (3 for 3, double) provided enough offense to lead the team to victory. On the other side of the plate, Moncada (I think he is going to make me regret ever trading him) went 2 for 3 with an RBI.

Boston now has the best record in the AL and tied for the second best record in MLB. Not bad for a team that was so pathetic last year.


Season Record: 9-3 (1st Place)

[OmahaBaseball]

Another week has passed and the Red Sox continue to climb in the MLB "Power Rankings." After going 5-1 on the week, Boston is now rated as the #2 team.

[OmahaBaseball]

The AL "Player of the Week" award went to the Tigers right-fielder Jason Heyward. Heyward went 10 for 20, smashing 2 HR's, and drove in 7 RBI's. The NL Award went to the Giants third-baseman Matt Duffy for his .519 BA and the 9 RBI that he drove in last week.

[OmahaBaseball]

It was not looking good for the Fenway faithful, as Bauer proved he was human and Boston fell behind early. Despite being down 3-0 going into the bottom of the 4th inning, the team continued to battle and was able to tie the score in the 4th and then put the game away in the 5th.

Bauer (3-0) pitched well enough to pick up the win, going 6 innings while giving up 3 runs (earned) on 5 hits. Bauer struck out 5 on the day, but did have some control issues with walking 4 and hitting a batter. Game score 51. Crockett pitched a clean 8th inning, striking out 2 and picking up his 2nd hold of the year. Tazawa covered the 9th inning to earn his 5th save of the year. Taking the loss for the Blue Jays was Roach (1-1) who lasted only 4 2/3 innings, giving up 6 runs (earned) on 8 hits, striking out 2 while walking 4.

The Boston hitters did well against the Toronto pitching, smacking 13 hits and scoring 7 runs. Betts went 3 for 5 (2 RBI, double), Ortiz was 3 for 4 (2 runs, 1 RBI), and Piscotty was 2 for 4 (2 RBI). Thanks to a 1 for 2 day (1 run, 2 RBI, and 2 walks), Pedroia is now batting .139 on the year.


Season Record: 10-3 (1st Place)

[OmahaBaseball]

It took nearly 4 1/3 hours and extra innings, but Boston was able to top the Yankees by a score of 9-5 in 12 innings. While Barnes did not factor into the decision, he did put together a respectable start, going 6 innings while allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits and striking out 3. Game score 51. Though Boston ended up using 6 more pitchers, it was Ogando (1-0) who finished up the game to earn the win. For the Yankees, Pineda did not get a decision but pitched well, allowing 3 runs (earned) on 10 hits over 6 2/3 innings. Game score 48. Taking the loss for New York was Blevins (0-1) who, in 2 innings of work, gave up 2 runs (earned) on 4 hits.

The Boston offense appears to be heating up, getting 18 hits and turning them into 9 runs. All Boston starters had a hit on the day with the exception of Pedroia's 0 for 7 day. He is now batting .116 on the season and is quickly showing to the front office that the time to move him is near. On the day, Swihart was 4 for 6 ( 2 runs & 2 doubles), Goldschmidt (3 for 6), Cecchini (3 for 6, 2 runs & 2 doubles) and Bogaerts (2 for 6, 4 RBI) provided the firepower.

Season Record: 11-3 (1st Place)

[OmahaBaseball]

For the second night in a row, Boston and New York played extra innings and the Red Sox were once again victorious. Boston jumped out to a early 1-0 lead thanks to a Blake Swihart solo shot in the 1st inning. After falling behind and down to their last few outs, Boston was able to tie the game in the 9th inning thanks to a sacrifice fly ball by Piscotty that drove in Goldschmidt. The game winning run occurred when Goldschmidt drove in Swihart with a single in the 10th.

Getting the start for Boston was Sonny Gray, though he did not end up involved in the decision. Gray gave up 3 runs (earned) on 7 hits over 7 innings, striking out 4 and walking 2. Game score 53. Ogando (2-0) pitched a clean 9th inning to earn the victory, while Tazawa closed out the game in the 10th inning to earn his 6th save of the year. For the Yankees, Tanaka got the start and pitched well, giving up 2 runs (earned) on 6 hits over 6 innings of play, striking out 6 while walking none. Game score 58. Betances (0-1) was saddled with a blown save (2nd of the year), as well as the loss.

The big hitters for Boston were Betts (2 for 5, RBI), Ortiz (2 for 5), and Piscotty (3 for 3, RBI & Run). The Pedroia watch continues with another 0 for 3 day to his credit. He is now sitting at .109 on the year.


Season Record: 12-3 (1st Place)

[OmahaBaseball]

Well, it was fun while it lasted. Boston got behind and just could not catch up to the Yankees. Wacha (2-1) took the loss, giving up 3 runs (earned) on 5 hits over 6 1/3 innings. Again, control was a problem for Wacha, walking 5 and hitting 1 batter. Game score 50. Josh Johnson (1-1) picked up the win for the Yankees, allowing 2 runs (earned) on 4 hits over 6 innings. Game score 56.

The Boston hitters were held in check today, getting only 5 hits on the day and with no batter collecting more than 1 hit. The solo shots of Goldschmidt and Vazquez were not enough to lead the team to victory. Pedroia went 1 for 4 and his BA is now .120 for the year.


Season Record: 12-4 (1st Place)

[OmahaBaseball]

What a way to ruin a great pitching duel. Through 7 innings, Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez were locked in a great match up of two young rising stars. Stroman gave up 3 hits, walked 3, and struckout 7. Game score 72. Sanchez gave up 1 run (earned) on just 2 hits, walked 3 and struckout 5. Game score 71.

With Boston leading 1-0 at the end of 7 innings, and after throwing 116 pitches, Stroman was sat down and the ball was turned over to the mostly reliable bullpen. Unfortunately, Alexi Orgando (2-1) had other plans because managed to last just 1/3 of an inning, giving up 5 runs (earned) on 3 hits and 2 walks; taking the loss and blown save.

With just 3 hits on the day, there clearly is not much to talk about on the offense side of things. Xander Bogaerts went 2 for 4 (HR) with a run and RBI. Pedroia went 0 for 3 again, lowering his BA to .113 on the year.


Season Record: 12-5 (1st Place)

[OmahaBaseball]

One day after getting no offense, the Red Sox exploded for 13 runs on 17 hits in a 13-4 victory over Toronto.

What was most surprising about the game was the way that Boston exploded with 8 runs in the 9th inning. With the score at 5-4 going into the 9th, Boston got 6 hits and 3 walks to tack on 8 more runs. Big hitters on the day included Jackie Bradley Jr. (4 for 5, 3 RBI & run), Goldschmidt (3 for 5, 3 Runs and 1 RBI), Swihart (2 for 5, 2 Runs 2 RBI and 1 walk), and Mookie Betts (2 for 6, 2 runs and RBI). Pedroia went 1 for 3 (2 runs, 2 RBI, and 2 walks) on the day and is now batting .125 on the year.

Trevor Bauer (4-0) picked up the victory for Boston, giving up 4 runs on 4 hits over 6 innings. Game score 52. Samardzija and Crockett each picked up their 4th hold of the year. Ogando pitched 1 2/3 innings to earn his 1st save of the year. Colt Hynes (2-1) took the loss, giving up 4 runs (earned) on 8 hits over 5 2/3 innings. Game score 39.


Season Record: 13-5 (1st Place)

[OmahaBaseball]

One month down and Boston is in 1st Place! With the best record (13-5) in the American League (and second best in the MLB), the Red Sox finished the month of April with a 3 game lead over the Blue Jays. While it is still very early in the season, it is surprising to see last year's WS teams (Dodgers & Angels) starting off slow. The Nationals are going to be a tough team to beat this year.

Jason Heyward is adapting to his new home very well, already crushing the ball like many scouts thought he would. Bryan Price is making the transition from RP to SP very well, though his low stamina level might cause some issues down the road. The Padres have a nice foundation in Yonder Alonso and Wil Myers.

[OmahaBaseball]

It is great to see Boston leading in multiple pitching/defense categories. Goldschmidt is pounding the ball right now and Bauer has been a great surprise for the rotation.