Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

In a rain-shortened game, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Walker Buehler twirled a no-hit gem against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Before a home crowd of 40,346 fans, Buehler (6-4) walked 1 while striking out 5 in the 64-pitch, 5-inning victory; Game Score 71.

[OmahaBaseball]

A great match-up that took 13-innings to decide. In the end, the Tampa Bay Rays (22-29) prevailed by a 5 to 3 score over the visiting Boston Red Sox (26-24).

While Tampa Bay starter Shane Baz did not record a decision, he pitched a solid 8 innings in which he permitted 3 earned runs on 9 hits and 1 wild pitch while striking out 8; Game Score 60. Taj Bradley covered the next 3 2/3 innings in scoreless effort in which he scattered 2 hits with 4 strikeouts. Pete Fairbanks (1-1) picked up the win for his 1 1/3 innings of scoreless work. Leading the Rays at the plate were Jonny DeLuca (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI), Randy Arozarena (2 for 5), and Brandon Lowe (1 for 3, Run, 2 Walks, Stolen Base). On a less glamorous note, Amed Rosario went 0 for 6 with 5 strikeouts - YIKES!

Boston starter Jack Flaherty did not record a decision for his 7 2/3 innings of work in which he allowed 3 earned runs on 4 hits, 5 walks, and 1 hit batsman while recording 8 strikeouts; Game Score 62. Nick Pivetta (1 1/3 innings, 1 strikeout) and Liam Hendriks (3 innings, 1 hit, 5 strikeouts) were outstanding in their scoreless relief appearances. Justin Slaten (1-1) was tagged with the loss after he was rocked for 2 earned runs on 2 hits in 1/3 of an inning of work. The Red Sox were led at the plate by Pablo Reyes (3 for 5, Double, 2 RBI), Kyle Teel (2 for 5, Run), and Vaughn Grissom (2 for 5, Run, Stolen Base). While he did smash a Homerun in the 4th inning, Jarren Duran had a rough day going 1 for 6 with 5 strikeouts.

Player of the Game: Shane Baz

AL East Standings: 4 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

I can understand wanting to hold on to a top-notch closer like Tanner Scott, but I am confused why the Miami Marlins thought a 3-year extension for a total of $64.2M was a good idea. From my perspective, seems a rather rich deal, but time will tell if this was a brilliant or foolish decision.

2025	Age 30	$20,000,000
2026	Age 31	$21,000,000
2027	Age 32	$23,200,000

[OmahaBaseball]

On a windy, cool night the 18,824 fans in attendance were treated to a win. A well-rounded performance for the home team, as the Boston Red Sox (27-24) posted a 12 to 4 victory over the visiting Milwaukee Brewers (23-28).

The Red Sox gave the start to Tanner Houck (6-2) and he did not disappoint. In picking up the win, Houck permitted 2 earned runs on 5 hits, 3 walks, 2 hit batsmen, and a wild pitch while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 64. Isiah Campbell was not entirely effective in his 2 1/3 innings of relief work, as he allowed 2 earned runs on 2 hits and 2 walks. There were several fine batting performances today, with Rafael Devers (2 for 4, Double, Homerun, 2 Runs, 4 RBI, Walk), Tyler O'Neill (3 for 5, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI), Masataka Yoshida (3 for 5, 2 Doubles, 3 Runs, RBI), and Ceddanne Rafaela (2 for 4, Double, Homerun, 2 Runs, 3 RBI) leading Boston.

Milwaukee starter Freddy Peralta (6-5) was tagged with the loss after serving up 8 runs (7 earned) on 8 hits, a walk, and a hit batsman in 5 2/3 innings of work; Game Score 27. Taylor Clarke was rocked in his 1 1/3 innings of relief work, giving up 4 earned runs on 5 hits and a walk. Wade Miley covered the final inning without allowing any further damage. Christian Yelich (3 for 4, 2 Doubles, 4 RBI, Walk) and Brice Turang (2 for 5, Double, 3 Runs, Stolen Base) played well in the loss.

Player of the Game: Rafael Devers (Season: #5)

AL East Standings: 3 1/2 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

San Francisco Giants outfielder Luis Matos had a special night in his team's 6 to 1 victory over the New York Mets. In collecting his 1st career cycle, Matos went 4 for 5 with 2 Runs and 4 RBI.

[OmahaBaseball]

The game went down to the bottom of the 9th inning, but the Boston Red Sox (28-24) dealt the visiting Milwaukee Brewers (23-29) their 8th consecutive loss.

While he did not pick up the win, Kutter Crawford turned out a solid game in which he allowed just 1 earned run on 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 10 in 8 innings of play; Game Score 76. Liam Hendriks (2-3) secured the victory with his 1 inning of scoreless work. At the plate, Tyler O'Neill (3 for 4, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI) and Ceddanne Rafaela (2 for 4, RBI) played well for Boston.

The Brewers squandered a fine start from DL Hall who limited the home team to 1 earned run on 5 hits and 1 walk in 8 innings of work; Game Score 71. Trevor Megill (0-3) was saddled with the loss after he served up an earned run on 2 hits in 2/3 innings of play. The limited offense of Milwaukee came from Blake Perkins (1 for 4, Run) and Jackson Chourio (1 for 4, RBI).

Player of the Game: Kutter Crawford (Season: #4)

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

[OmahaBaseball]

Updated voting on the American League All-Stars is out and Texas Ranger SS Corey Seager leads with 471,986 tallies. The Houston Astros and New York Yankees each have 2 players leading in their respective position categories.

[OmahaBaseball]

Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. continues to lead NL All-Star voting with 483,224 votes. Los Angeles Dodgers DH Shohei Ohtani is in close pursuit with 469,079 votes. The Dodgers currently lead all team with 4 players at the top of their respective positions.

[OmahaBaseball]

During an afternoon press conference, the Atlanta Braves announced they had reach a contract extension with ace Max Fried on a 7-year deal for a total of $191.8M. There was no creativity to the deal; shown as follows:

2025	Age 31	$27,400,000
2026	Age 32	$27,400,000
2027	Age 33	$27,400,000
2028	Age 34	$27,400,000
2029	Age 35	$27,400,000
2030	Age 36	$27,400,000
2031	Age 37	$27,400,000

All-Star Bonus  $72,000

[OmahaBaseball]

To the frustration of the 33,541 fans in attendance, the Red Sox could not get any meaningful offensive momentum going. In the end, the visiting Milwaukee Brewers (24-29) topped the Boston Red Sox (28-25) by a 4 to 2 score.

Brewers starter Jakob Junis (3-5) picked up the win for his 7 1/3 innings of work in which he allowed just 1 earned run on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6; Game Score 68. Trevor Megill (H 3) kept things in check before handing the ball over to closer Devin Williams (SV 10) who preserved the victory despite allowing 1 earned run on 1 hit. Milwaukee was led at the plate by Tyler Black (2 for 3, Double, Triple, 2 Runs, Walk), William Contreras (2 for 4, 2 RBI), and Willy Adames (1 for 4, Double, RBI).

On the other side of the box score, Boston starter Garrett Whitlock (2-4) was tagged with the loss after he allowed 4 earned runs on 8 hits, 2 walks, and a wild pitch while striking out 9 in 8 innings of work; Game Score 57. Kenley Jansen pitched a scoreless final inning. The Red Sox were led on offense by Pablo Reyes (2 for 4, Double, Homerun, Run, RBI), Ceddanne Rafaela (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI), and Rafael Devers (2 for 4, Double).

Player of the Game: Jakob Junis

AL East Standings: 3 1/2 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

While the season hasn't been particular kind to Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia, he put together a fine week of hitting. So much so that he took home the American League Player of the Week award. On the week, Garcia went 9 for 22 (.409 average) with 5 Homeruns, 6 Runs, 7 RBI, and 2 Walks for a slashline of .409/.458/1.091 that generated 0.7 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

While his power numbers might have declined as he advances in age, Colorado Rockies 1B Charlie Blackmon has not forgotten how to hit the ball. In taking home National League Player of the Week honors, Blackmon went 15 for 22 (.682 average) with 4 Doubles, Triple, 3 Runs, and 10 RBI for a slashline of .682/.667/.955 which resulted in 0.8 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

There is a new leader atop the Power Rankings list. The Minnesota Twins (120.6 points) now sit in the top spot, though the Philadelphia Phillies (117.4 points), San Francisco Giants (115.0 points), and Pittsburgh Pirates (114.4 points) remain in striking distance. The Boston Red Sox (96.0 points) fell from the previous week's 12th position to the 15th spot. The Los Angeles Angels (52.4 points) now occupy the bottom spot. The week's biggest jump was the St. Louis Cardinals (102.6 points) move from 18th place to 10th place, while the biggest drop was the Los Angeles Angels move from 23rd place to 30th place.

Previous week's rankings: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...&postcount=138

[OmahaBaseball]

A dominant pitching performance by Washington Nationals promising pitcher MacKenzie Gore against the Seattle Mariners. On the day, Gore (3-6) had a career best 17 strikeouts in 8 innings of work to pick up the victory.

[OmahaBaseball]

While I wasn't looking to make a move, but as a result of the Seattle Mariners placing reliever Ryne Stanek on the trading block put me into action. This is not a major trade by any means, but I think it gives the team a little stronger bullpen, sheds some salary, and brings cash and a higher draft pick into the fold.

In reaching the deal, the Boston Red Sox sent out 29-year old RP Greg Weissert, 32-year old RP Brennan Bernardino, a 19th round draft pick, and a 20th round draft pick. In return, the Seattle Mariners sent back 32-year old RP Ryne Stanek, a 5th round draft pick, and $754,197 in cash. The Mariners retained the remaining portion of Stanek's contract ($2,691,358). Regarding the trade, my Assistant GM Brian O'Halloran stated that the trade was an "okay deal but could do better."

Seattle receives:

Greg Weissert (29-year old RP)
18th round pick, 548th overall, of the New York Yankees (2016) 
  0-0 W/L record with  15 K,  12 BB, and 6.28 ERA for -0.1 WAR in  14 1/3 IP (MLB / 2024)
  3-0 W/L record with  48 K,  25 BB, and 5.12 ERA for -0.1 WAR in  45 2/3 IP (MLB / 3 seasons)
20-18 W/L record with 410 K, 146 BB, and 2.89 ERA for  5.4 WAR in 310 2/3 IP (R, A-, A, A+, AA, AAA / 7 seasons)

Brennan Bernardino (32-year old RP)
26th round pick, 785th overall, of the Cincinnati Reds (2014) 
  4-0 W/L record with  43 K,   8 BB, and 2.02 ERA for 1.1 WAR in  27 IP (AAA / 2024)
  2-2 W/L record with  58 K,  20 BB, and 3.23 ERA for 0.9 WAR in  53 IP (MLB / 2 seasons)
19-12 W/L record with 310 K, 108 BB, and 3.60 ERA for 4.3 WAR in 285 IP (R, A, A+, AA, AAA / 9 seasons)

19th Round Draft Pick (552nd Overall)
20th Round Draft Pick (582nd Overall)

Boston receives:

Ryne Stanek (32-year old RP)
1st round pick, 29th overall, of the Tampa Bay Rays (2013) 
  1-1 W/L record with  1 SV,  11 K,   3 BB, and 4.50 ERA for 0.2 WAR in  12 IP (MLB / 2024)
11-15 W/L record with  5 SV, 417 K, 178 BB, and 3.48 ERA for 2.9 WAR in 359 IP (MLB / 8 seasons)
20-21 W/L record with 14 SV, 319 K, 134 BB, and 3.31 ERA for 6.5 WAR in 329 IP (R, A, A+, AA, AAA / 6 seasons)

5th Round Draft Pick (141st Overall)
$2,691,358 - retained salary of Stanek
$754,197 in cash

[OmahaBaseball]

In a match-up against the one of the best teams in baseball, the visiting Red Sox could not stay with the power-hitting Orioles. On the day, the American League East leading Baltimore Orioles (32-21) used a 6 to 2 score to best the Boston Red Sox (28-26). This marks the 1/3rd way point of the season. I would have hoped for a little better record, but given the rough start the team had I cannot be too upset.

Baltimore starter Cade Povich (3-1) picked up the win by limiting the opposition to 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and 5 walks while striking out 4 in 7 1/3 innings of work; Game Score 63. Craig Kimbrel (SV 1) covered the final 1 2/3 innings in a scoreless relief appearance. The Orioles were led at the plate by Anthony Santander (3 for 4, 2 Homeruns, 2 Runs, 4 RBI), Jordan Westburg (2 for 4, 2 Doubles, RBI), Cedric Mullins (3 for 4, Double, 2 Runs, RBI), and Colton Cowser (2 for 4, 2 Runs, Walk, Stolen Base).

Taking the loss was Brayan Bello (6-5) after he permitted 5 earned runs on 10 hits and 3 walks with 2 strikeouts in 6 innings of play; Game Score 31. Joely Rodriguez pitched the next 2 innings in relief and allowed 1 earned run on 2 hits. Boston's offense was nearly non-existent, with Rafael Devers (1 for 2, Double, Run, 2 Walks) and Jarren Duran (1 for 4, Double, Run, RBI) providing a little spark that never blossomed into a flame.

Player of the Game: Anthony Santander

AL East Standings: 4 1/2 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

While things got a little dicey in the 8th inning, this was a decent showing by the visitors. On the day, the Boston Red Sox (29-26) beat the Baltimore Orioles (32-22) by an 8 to 5 score.

Boston starter Jack Flaherty (5-3) picked up the win after going 7 1/3 innings in which he tossed 120 pitches and allowed 4 earned runs on 5 hits, 3 walks, and a wild pitch while striking out 7; Game Score 56. Garrett Cleavinger was tagged for 1 earned run on 2 hits in his 2/3 innings of play before turning the ball over to closer Liam Hendriks (SV 9) who tossed a scoreless final inning. The Red Sox offense was generated by Jarren Duran (2 for 5, Double, Triple, Run, RBI), Kyle Teel (3 for 4, Triple, 2 Runs, RBI), and Tristan Casas (2 for 5, Homerun, Run, RBI).

Tyler Wells (2-3) was burdened with the loss, as the Baltimore starter gave up 6 earned runs on 6 hits and 1 walk in 2 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 18. Reliever Albert Suarez covered the next 2 1/3 innings in a scoreless outing in which he scattered 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5. Reliever Jacob Webb was not as fortunate, as he was hit for 2 earned runs on 3 hits and a walk. Yennier Cano finished the final 2 innings and did not permit any further damage. Anthony Santander (2 for 4, 2 Runs, Walk) and Ryan Mountcastle (1 for 1, Homerun, Run, 3 RBI) played well for the home team.

Player of the Game: Jack Flaherty (Season: #3)

AL East Standings: 3 1/2 GB, 2nd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb kept the Philadelphia Phillies off balance, as he tossed a 4-hit shutout in which he struck out 11 to finish with a Game Score 89. Webb is having a solid season and should see an All-Star appearance if he keeps this up.

[OmahaBaseball]

A nice game for the Boston Red Sox (30-26), as they jumped out with 5 runs through the first 3 innings and cruised to a 7 to 3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles (32-23).

Boston starter Tanner Houck (7-2) picked up the win with a complete game outing in which he permitted 3 earned runs on 7 hits and 1 hit batsman while striking out 5; Game Score 66. At the plate, Jarren Duran (2 for 4, 2 Homeruns, 3 Runs, 2 RBI, Walk), Tyler O'Neill (2 for 4, Double, Run), and Masataka Yoshida (2 for 5, Run) played well for the Red Sox.

Baltimore ace Corbin Burnes (5-5) was off his game today, serving up 5 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits and 2 walks in 2 2/3 innings; Game Score 33. Danny Coulombe (1 earned run on 4 hits and 1 wild pitch in 2 innings) and Keegan Akin (1 earned run on 1 hit in 3 1/3 innings) attempted to limit the damage. Yennier Cano covered the final inning without permitting a run. Gunner Henderson (2 for 4, Double, Run), Ryan O'Hearn (1 for 3, 2 RBI, Sacrifice Fly), and Anthony Santander (1 for 3, 2 Runs, Hit-by-Pitch) played well in defeat.

Player of the Game: Jarren Duran (Season: #2)

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

[OmahaBaseball]

After jumping out to a 4 to 1 lead after 2 innings, it was looking like Boston would cruise to the win. Unfortunately, a player I traded away a few months ago came up big. In the end, the Detroit Tigers (31-25) posted a 6 to 5 score to top the Boston Red Sox (30-27). In just the 2 months since he was traded, Abreu has already generated 2.0 WAR.

Detroit went with Kenta Maeda for the start, but he did not pick up a decision on a day that saw him give up 5 earned runs on 9 hits and 4 walks in 5 2/3 innings; Game Score 34. Andrew Chafin (2-0) earned the win for the 2 1/3 innings of scoreless ball in which he allowed 1 hit while striking out 3. The red hot Jose Alvarez (SV 8) picked up the save to close out the game in his 1 inning of work. At the plate, Wilyer Abreu (3 for 4, Run, RBI, Walk, Stolen Base), Kerry Carpenter (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI, Walk), Colt Keith (2 for 5, Double, 2 Runs), and Jake Rogers (2 for 4, Double, Run) played well for the Tigers.

Boston turned to Kutter Crawford but like his counterpart, he did not pick up a decision on account of permitting 5 earned runs on 10 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 9 in 6 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 42. Newly acquired reliever Ryne Stanek (0-1) was tagged with the loss for allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits and 2 walks in 1 2/3 innings. Nick Pivetta covered the final 2/3 innings in a scoreless appearance. The Red Sox offense was generated by Jarren Duran (2 for 5, Homerun, Run, 3 RBI), Rafael Devers (3 for 5, Run), Pablo Reyes (2 for 4, Double), and Ceddanne Rafaela (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI).

Player of the Game: Wilyer Abreu

AL East Standings: 3 GB, 2nd Place