poppysox

The boys finish the first half 18-12 a .600 winning %. Duplication of that effort will put us nicely in the playoff picture. With two top-end starters a very solid bullpen and this lineup...we can win it all.

I agree! Seems kind of obvious doesn't it?

A runner never looks worse than when overrunning third base with no outs. Awful!!!

The Pirates might be just what EE needs to get on track.

Yolmer is the prototypical bench player. I like the move a lot.

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.