mmmmmbeeer

Bus repair for the Army is definitely a physically demanding job, especially in that Western heat!

Goodwin had a couple of fantastic ABs last night....something like 15 pitches in 2ABs. He's coming around.

They've been very quiet and I think it's becoming clearer that they're unwilling to go into luxury tax territory. I think I read they're like within $1M of reaching the tax. If they expect the Cubs to pickup his salary, they're going to have their farm raided in a Kimbrel deal.

The prices for many of these guys being dealt hasn't been astronomical. If the Sox wanted to make an impact trade for a bigger name, I think they absolutely have the means to do so, especially if cheap ass Jerry would open up his pocket book and allow us to take on a salary dump. Hahn is operating in a window, which makes this deadline different than if we were putting all our chips in on this season. But you can maintain a window outlook while still gambling a bit. I don't hate a Sheets/Engel platoon in RF, but guys like KB and Gallo would represent significant improvements and increase our chances of winning it all this season significantly. I love this team, the roster, and will be a fan for the rest of my breathing days but, fuck, this small market approach really gets old sometimes.

Is he going to pitch?

I don't think it will be too much more significant or they would've snagged Escobar.

Given the Escobar cost, it would be an absolute no-brainer to snag him. At that price, and needing a 2B, it would be a fireable offense for Hahn not to replace Leury/Mendick with a MLB 2B. I take the Escobar deal as good news, because it means the Sox are definitely aiming higher (especially if you believe Story can get back on track). Semien, Schoop, and "it'll never happen" Trea Turner still out there.

Definitely not a coincidence as the FO knows for a fact what the fan reaction would be to this Escobar news. Turn to mouthpiece Bob to leak the possibility of Story within 5 minutes of the Escobar story coming out.

I'm a huge Tim fan but he appears to have gotten a bit full of himself this season. I don't know how to lookup clutch stats but it sure seems he's not near as clutch as he's been the last two seasons. He also seems streakier than he's been in the past, not to mention the absence of power. He's still a fantastic player but I can't help but look at his performances the previous two seasons and feel that he's fallen short this season.

There's some strong psychology at play with this team, imo. The rallying cry since spring has been to work past the injuries and stay in contention. Once guys come back, and we fortify at the deadline, we'll be in great shape. This roster, minus Eloy, has busted their asses day in and day out to win. Now that the idea of things getting a bit easier is in sight, they're exhausted mentally. Done. Eloy isn't going to be a savior this week. The sooner Hahn makes a move, no matter how minor it is, the sooner this team will become reinvigorated. I also think that the impending roster moves are weighing on those who aren't 100% confident in their position on this team moving forward.

Eloy first one back tomorrow....and we weathered the storm by going 19 over .500 and building a 9 game lead in the division. Let's do this shit

Sounds like you bought from a resale seller on TM.

I think this was likely the plan heading into this season but, with the bullpen performance thus far, there's no way you can take him out of his current role (minimal as it's been). It's been said ad nauseum, but we literally have only 2-3 reliable arms out of the pen that can be reasonably counted on to hold a lead. If the plan is to skip starts, we'd better get used to the idea of seeing guys like Steiver and Lopez start some games between now and the end of the season.

We don't need them to all come back and be world beaters. You're talking about replacing Goodwin, Sheets/Burger, and Collins/Seby. Even decent performance will eclipse what we've gotten out of this trio. Also, regardless of how hot/cold the returning players may be, they demand respect from opposing pitchers and can drastically change the way our lineup is attacked. 2-0 count to Vaughn with Collins on deck is going to be pitched considerably different than it would with Yas/Lu on deck.

Uh, what?

Len has made a few snide comments about the home plate umpire's calls. Don't usually hear him being too critical. I guess Tony and Tim didn't get the message across to this crew last night.

Don't hate Yo attacking hittable pitches.

Yeah, but clearly something is wrong lol

Why are you surprised that a line-up missing Nick, Eloy, Lu, and Grandal would have problems beating teams with good pitching? These MIL pitchers are laying waste to teams with their full complement of hitters, and you think we should handle them with nearly half of our opening day starters out? Some of y'all really need to level set your expectations.

If no trade is made, that just leaves Leury as the only backup infielder (unless I'm miscounting). I guess Vaughn could move to 1B or 3B in a pinch but then you're putting Eloy in the OF. I hope you're right, though.....really want Goodwin to stay on the team.

The OF is going to present quite a conundrum. I mean, you can't cut Billy as he's no doubt established himself as one of the leaders and favorite personalities in the clubhouse. Goodwin is a lefty with a little bit of pop and I think he, too, is having the ride of his life. I think you've got to release Goodwin if it's between these two but I really hope we don't come to regret letting him go. These upcoming decisions is where I think TLR's experience is going to really pay off. I have a very strong feeling he has his finger on the pulse of this clubhouse and knows which personalities possess the intangible "TWTW", guys you just can't cut without throwing a real wrench into the works of the clubhouse spirit and culture. Today's episode of Red Line Radio had an interview with Engel. One of the things he spoke about was how each player is responsible for holding other players accountable, day in and day out. With that type of culture in place, I think any potential moves will go beyond simple statistics.

I don't see any reason to rush him, whatsoever. Let him get his 20 games in the minors to shake the rust off. Just adding Eloy to the lineup is going to be a huge boost, both in production and team confidence. Save the other shot in the arm for when he's truly ready.

Everyone points to that game but I can actually point to an AB. I can't remember the team or the pitcher, maybe someone else will, but there was a relief pitcher that varied their wind-up timing and only did it to Yermin. I'm telling you, that AB got in his head and, imo, began his demise.

Good news. And I was bringing cash so that's good to know they aren't accepting it. Thanks, man.