Autumn Dreamin

I just watched the Red Sox get awarded a run late in a close game on a play where they forgot how many outs there were... 1st and 3rd, one out, routine fly ball to CF. Toronto's CF makes the catch, both runners were off on contact as if there were 2 outs, so TOR throws to first for the inning ending double play. But even though BOTH runners left early without tagging, the ruling is that it became a timing play on the throw to first. Then because the runner at 3rd crossed the plate before the play at 1B, BOS gets the run. The umps apparently told Toronto that they could/should have appealed the "fourth out" at third, but Toronto says the umps had already signaled the inning over so they didn't get the chance to (and also who would think to when you just got outs 2 and 3 anyway). Very weird situation.

On that note, even the sleepiest, most banged up, swinging at everything, getaway day 2026 lineup is still more likely to win a game than the '24 team was. Literally. This year's win% in games where they score 2 or fewer (25.7%, 2nd in MLB) is higher than their season win% in 2024 (25.3%). More: In '24, they scored 2 or fewer in 73 games (most in MLB) and went 4-69 in those games. On the other side of the ball, they allowed 5+ runs 83 times and were 5-78 in those games. That's a more than 50% chance of allowing 5+ and a 94% (!!!) chance of losing when they did. The lowest win% in such games since at least 2011. Relatedly, they scored 5+ runs just 41 times (~25% of the time) in 2024. Comfortably last in the league, the next lowest team was the Rays at 53. This year, they've already scored 5+ runs 58 times in 117 games (~50% of the time), T-4th with the Braves.

It's August 10th with 45 games left to play, and you've already seen more White Sox offense this year than the entirety of the 2024 season: 2024 (162 games): 507 runs scored 133 HRs 395 walks 2026 (117 games): 557 runs scored 152 HRs 401 walks Meanwhile, the 2026 Sox would have to allow 6.5+ runs/game for the rest of the season to match the 813 total they allowed in 2024.

Big series win for your first place Chicago White Sox! With 61 wins, they have surpassed 2025's win total with 45 games remaining. They have 8 series wins, 2 splits, and 3 losses since last hosting CLE in June, despite the season apparently being over (at least) twice a week during that time. They lead the CLE season series 6-4, which means just one win in the remaining road series to secure the extra edge. DET won and MIN lost, so suddenly the Tigers have ridden an easy stretch of their schedule into 2nd place with the Sox 3.5 up. But DET and CLE face off next, which means one of them has to lose ground (and barring a sweep, both will still be under .500). Twins will be hosting the O's. Congrats to Hagen on career win #1 in his debut.

Think it was best in AL, but still quite the take

Thought he was safe by a fingertip, surprised it's confirmed rather than stands

Why is this guy laughing after hitting guys?

That's the first time a starter has gotten 2+ K's on Kwan since May 10

Neither have the 72 win Brewers. Long loss streaks are more correlated with bad records than long winning streaks are with good ones.

Yep

The guys didn't get in til 3 AM this morning...hopefully the home crowd can give them some extra energy to feed off of. Quero recalled as expected. Sandlin comes up for Murphy (who goes to the IL with a flexor strain rather than to AAA). Today would have been Sandlin's regularly scheduled start, so he should be available for as many innings as they need to reset the pen, I'm expecting basically a piggyback with him and Schultz.

Yep, I've seen him on stream this week coaching against Kannapolis.

Brazoban has options technically, but they won't do that, so it should be Murphy. Schweitzer threw 2 IP today though, the replacement would need to be someone else. If they want to prioritize length, Urquidy last started on Sunday and Sandlin is scheduled for tomorrow. Between one of them, Schultz, and what's left in the pen, they should be able to get through 9 and reset enough for the rest of the series.

Would be nice to take advantage of this stretch with minimal travel. Maybe walkoff specialist EQ with a chip on his shoulder can take advantage of a home heavy schedule too.

I remember when folks started planning Meidroth trades after Ant hit 1 HR in spring, because they were convinced Chase could never have 10+ HR pop

He'll hit a cold stretch a couple months into his MLB career and there will be a vocal SoxTalk contingent clamoring to sell high before the league realizes he's a bust. Heck, they might not even wait until then. Could start after a 1-11 run in AA.

They're on a 31-5 stretch after looking like guaranteed sellers, literally a historic run.