South Side Hit Men

Yermin is the stomach growl.

Of the 34 substitutions of hitters this season, only eight were for pinch hit (the rest either defense or to pinch run). Of those eight, one was to get Moncada out in a blow out (Mendick pinch hit), a second had Leury pinch hit early in the year for Andrew Vaughn. Tony just doesn't believe in pinch hitting for his weak hitters late in ballgames when it matters, at least to start this season. In a game were strikeouts are plenty (reducing the chances defensive substitutions matter) and offense is at a premium, Tony prioritizes bunting, defensive substitutions and pinch running.

Rob Manfred hands Nick Castellanos an 80 game suspension for breaking COVID protocols when he fist bumped the Reds fan. MLB also issues a permanent ban and filed a civil suit against the fan for assaulting Nick Castellanos.

Thank you for bringing in Wade Gas Can Davis you ass clown.

Len and DJ said Yoan ran through the stop sign.

I'm just hoping Tony doesn't pull a double switch to start the inning at second base.

It's still a dumb move, this isn't the 1980s.

Lazy ass Moncada. Fuck you Steve Stone.

Tony's substitutions are primarily for two of the best hitters, Vaughn and Mercedes. 2021 Substitutions: Vaughn 12 Lamb 5 Mercedes 4 Grandal & Mendick 2 Nine other players 1

Like the fact the top of the order will face Wade Fucking Davis.

Like Mendick PH here.

Elite.

The Starters have been the problem this series. Lucas and Rodon gave up 9 runs.

Fosters pitched fine this month, scoreless. Stats still inflated by Tony’s asleep at the wheel game.

Perhaps Tony will learn to not pit him in to start a new inning before he retires.

Yes, four days ahead of his once every ten day routine. He usually gets motivated to swing after screwing up behind the plate.

Yes, could have stayed in if he didn’t throw the pickoff away. Still a sailor effort today.

Nice getting out of the jam. Now get more runs.

James Fegan @JRFegan Tony La Russa said an announcement on a rehab assignment for Adam Engel should come pretty soon Adam Eaton is back in the No. 2 slot today. Against RHP, La Russa said that will remain the most used option

Vaughn would be a good candidate, especially vs. LHP. Mendick should be playing more as well, another candidate. Also, Hamilton and Garcia should never both be in a game, at least until the final three outs of a game. OPS+ Solid: Dylan (560); Yermin (171); Tim (136); Jose (131); Yoan (124); Danny (124); Vaughn (115). Average/ Below Average; Catchers (Both 101); Eaton (92); Lamb (88); Madrigal (86). Not ML quality hitters, play one until Engel returns: Hamilton (47); Garcia (46).

Adam was great in limited opportunity last season. Not to oversell it, but if he retains that form, he will be a valuable 3rd/4th OFer for years to come. Should really be in rightfield, if Tony cvn find the flexibility to put Eaton and Garcia in LF. Engel is a HUGE upgrade over the current alternatives. Adam Engel 2020: .811 OPS 120 OPS+ 2021 Alternatives Leury Garcia .510 OPS 46 OPS+ Billy Hamilton .515 OPS 47 OPS+

James Fegan posted video the other day of him running. After a likely AAA assignment to get his timing, I'm looking forward to his return and hopeful continuance of the major steps he took hitting in 2020. I believe he can provide vital contributions in the OF, even when Robert returns. While you really rather have your regulars available, if Eloy makes a full recovery later this season, this may truly be a "blessing in disguise", both for his career (quickened transition out of LF) and the opportunities provided to Vaughn in LF and Yermin at DH. Yermin would likely not have made the team if Eloy remained healthy.

I'm OK with giving Adam rest, let him recover. Would like to see two primary lineups until Engel returns, though OK with Collins sticking with Rodon and Giolito starts, as their comfort more important than marginal hitting improvement. vs. LHP: 1. SS T. Anderson; 2. LF A. Vaughn; 3. 3B Y. Moncada #; 4. 1B J. Abreu; 5. DH Y. Mercedes; 6. C Y. Grandal #; 7. RF D. Mendick; 8. CF B. Hamilton #; 9. 2B N. Madrigal. vs. RHP: 1. SS T. Anderson; 2. RF A. Eaton^; 3. 3B Y. Moncada#; 4. 1B J. Abreu; 5. DH Y. Mercedes; 6. C Z. Collins^/Y. Grandal #; 7. LF A. Vaughn; 8. CF L. Garcia #; 9. 2B N. Madrigal.

That's the way!!! Now go kick their asses Chicago White Sox!!!

Smart play sending the runners by KC, taking advantage of the situation.