poppysox

Can you believe tonight's game marks the halfway mark? Have enjoyed the importance placed on each game and series.

Hope Giolito's newfound pregame warmup continues to help get him past the first inning fumbles.

I would love to add Pence. Have thought well of him since watching him with the Corpus Christi Hooks. His All-Star years are behind him but very hard to believe there isn't a little left in the tank.

Jose has found new life with this WS team. His hitting speaks for itself. His defense is much improved and his running is improved. Dropping those 20+ pounds helped big time.

I like seeing Lopez in discussion with Giolito after he was pulled. Seemed to be helping each other to succeed. I hope they let Cease into those discussions. They all suffered from seemingly not being ready in the first inning when the bell rings. Giolito shared the other day that he threw the last 15 pitches in the warm-up with game intensity. Worked well for him and for sure Cease and Lopez have the same issue.

I hate Colome in this situation. Ricky can be so bullheaded.

Well...looked very good. Maybe we can breathe a bit at least.

Ricky...get a firm grip on that leash!

Lopez needs to be kept on the World's shortest leash. We have 1st place in our sights...this is no time for Ricky's gentle management technique.

It's a great question. I know the politically correct answer is to let them play and see what we have. My personal preference would see more of Engel in RF and McCann being used more as DH. The lineup that helps me win tonite's game is the one I prefer to have on the field.

Engel in right field is a good look.

I would welcome him back so long as he leaves the Gatorade high jinks in the past. That stuff doesn't look good on a contender.

Thanks for your work in doing such thoughtful writeups.

My heart says to keep him but my brain says what will you give me for him.

Abreu has looked much better all-around this year.

Two games behind Minnesota. Soxtalk sure feels different than it did one week ago.

And Ricky should be given at least some credit for this.

Foster looks like the real deal...going to be goooood!

I love our team speed!

Sure didn't look rattled after that double.

Dunning would be a great find if he could hold down a spot in the rotation. The lineup and bullpen have really developed nicely. The starting staff will make us or break us in this short "every game counts" season IMO.

This Grandal situation is why I love our catching duo. Catching is a physical job...the ability to have McCann come in and not miss a beat is a luxury few if any other teams have.

His extensions alone make this statement untrue. Sale...Q...Moncada, Anderson, Eloy, and Robert to name a few.

I call it a "big" loss.

You make a good point. However, McCann has earned our support as well.