Autumn Dreamin

I just noticed that the first 3 games vs. KC all had a 2-0 score, and now the last 3 have all had a 6-5 score (all Sox wins).

Yeah, it adds a fun layer of strategy and fans get into the replays. Umps also do get the live feedback, and it's apparently leading to improved performance. I would raise the limit from 2 but other than that I'm happy with it. Not sure I love the check swing challenges being tested though. The idea of it is good, but the line they're using is pretty favorable to hitters.

I don't like full ABS, and neither did the players when they tested it. In the KBO where they use it, pitchers are apparently min-maxing for pitches that clip the zone by a micron in a way that's a less than engaging watch. I think the challenge system is a good compromise, though maybe I'd bump the amount of challenges up.

Also got a kick out of these on a KCR blog yesterday:

First time at or above .500 this late in a season since 2022. 11-9 at home will play. 4 wins vs. KC is more than all of last season. In fact, it equals the total for 2024 and 2025 combined. The rest of the division maybe due for a reality check about what their records look like when not padded by 8+ wins vs. the White Sox? CLE won, so no gain on first (1.5 GB). DET and MIN both lost. Still in a WC spot, by how much is pending results for TEX/SEA. W4 is the longest active in the AL. 15-10 in their last 25, 7-4 so far in May after a .500 April. Another game with a big contribution from a depth OF, but Colson's insurance HR was the difference. He leads all MLB SS in HR.

Save #10, they don't all have to be pretty

I think you can criticize the umpiring without doing this, no?

Leads all SS in HR after that one

That's 10 straight scoreless for Hicks btw

Some nasty stuff when he needed it

What broke TA was rushing back from the Hanser Alberto-induced injury to try to spark the team, long before the JRam incident.

Yep. He's having a bit of Vargas-style bad luck on hard contact, but his expecteds are great.

FWIW...

Alexander Albertus in the lineup for Kanny 👀

Kay isn't pitching in the Cubs series, he goes tomorrow. They used the off day to swap him and Burke. And Teel won't be ready, he played 5 innings at C yesterday and will probably only DH today.

Prior to yesterday's W which adds to most of these tallies

Mune, the model breaker: But he doesn't care about your models: Keller was in from the start: Lol: Mune again confirms his interest in staying: The full article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7274416/2026/05/13/munetaka-murakami-npb-mlb-success/

I unironically hope he is passing on any useful "huge lefty" tips he's got to Schultz.

Back to back comebacks for win #20! Last year's 20th win was on 6/5, to get to a 20-43 record....This year's team gets there with less than half of the losses. Their 3rd win vs. KC matches 2025's total (3-10). CLE won so no game gained, but DET losing buys a half game for 2nd. Still in the last WC spot. Fedde did the vet thing and settled down for a solid 5 after the 2 HR first inning. Wish he got the win. Hudson extends his scoreless streak, this time with a save. Hell of a game for Derek Hill and solid offensive production even without the big guys chipping in much.

King of the Hill!