caulfield12

But then he shouldn't spend the post game going off about teaching the regulars a lesson when all along he had the Game 2 line-up set in stone. The lesson is that we're going to intentionally give away games to a divisional rival to make the season more interesting down the stretch? In some ways, it's almost hard to fault McEwing for that send of Engel because Harrison and especially Haseley in AAA have been THAT bad. But I think 50% of those watching must have felt deep down that the game was pretty much decided with that play and decided to tune out from that point onward. I mean, it's hard to be a "die-hard" fan when your own manager seems completely indifferent about winning the game. Why should we care more? Or about some 1950's sentimental version of baseball....taking pride every time you take the field, how some of the fans will only come to one game an entire season to see a Tim Anderson, Luis Robert or Jose Abreu, etc.

This is coming from one of the more positive posters on the board, in general...

5/3/0/2/8 95 pitches through 5 and likely pulled. Seems his velocity was down by 2-3 MPH...but increased once again as the game went on and was mostly 94-96, touching 97. New York's a bit cooler, I'm guessing. Another possibility is he's hitting his "dead arm" period coming out of a shortened spring training. Not bad for the "bad" Rodon without his best stuff to completely shut down the best team in baseball, at least record-wise. Seems that's the exact kind of thing an "ace" is supposed to do, especially after two losses in the DH yesterday.

The problem is the Reds are making every team look great...they're playing over their heads now, but they are at the very least competitive again. The extensions signed have really reinvigorated the franchise, at least for the time being.

Welp, there goes all the TLR AL Manager of the Year votes in one fell swoop...

Greg account hijack?

What national baseball writer other than Passan would be willing to call out LaRussa?

All comes down to Moncada and Pollock, gulp, staying healthy.

Better recheck Tony...Cooperstown tonight revisiting whether HoF credentials may be revoked post election. Connie Mack can relax.

Leury can hit fastballs. Hard to make it to the big leagues if you can't at least do that...

https://www.mlb.com/news/trevor-stephan-indians-rule-5-draft Meanwhile Stephan is an extremely clever Rule 5 pick...not a pricey FA acquisition.

If this follows the script, Bummer will get roughed up a bit now. Or not. Seems TLR is determined to leave every stud nailed to the bench to reach some type of lesson. Simultaneously, Rodon facing his old batterymate McCann in NY.

But ESPN rankings...they pretty much have never watched an entire Sox game or paid attention during the offseason. Obviously it was going to be a struggle for any team to beat Bieber today, but we basically did an Appomattox Court House with this second game. Which will forever be known as the McEwing dumb Engel send game.

Terrible lack of accountability by a former Cy Young and World Series winner...thinking more about himself than the team.

Shades of Palka second season...too many over relying on Sheets. That said, shouldn't even be hitting against Gose in the first place.

Stone forgot to mention Engel is out 85-90% of the time there. If you can't trust the upcoming hitters to score a runner from third and no outs...they shouldn't be in the lineup in the first place in those important spots.

That certainly won't make it into the Tim Anderson Story Part Six. Well, the entire day.

The catcher actually ending up with the ball in glove...short hop. 85% of the time that ball gets away. And McEwing was sort of right...no way those guys were going to hit.

No PHer?

McEwing has zero confidence in the offense. It's hard enough to win without having to overcome the coaching staff, too. Harrison and Haseley hitting next lol? Great lineup construction.

Great shorthand pick by the catcher on the bounce...from Kwan.

Why why why?

Have to get the lead with one swing...putting together a string of hits with this lineup?

One more hitter...of course, Mendick will pull hook a homer to left first. Pretty clearly aiming. Down to upper 80s. Gose will be in for next batter.

Indians' announcers complaining he's (Tristan) not as sharp as past starts...only 56% strikes. Already calling down to the pen.