SCCWS

But Hahn obviously decided Kimbrel was his number 1 deadline addition. He must have felt the Sox had a chance to win it all. So If Kimbrel is his top target, who do the Cubs want as the headliner? We heard names like Madrigal, Crochet, Vaughn and Kopech. Of those 4, I would have chosen Madrigal or Crochet. Especially since he wouldn't have played in this year's playoffs, Madrigal probably over Crochet. But obviously the Cubs also influenced the pick. We will see if it was a mistake or not

I think you missed the key point. When Moncada slid into the stands on the foul pop , there was an extended delay. When play resumed , Gio seemed to struggle and TLR pulled him. After losing game 1, a quick hook was needed in Game 2. If they had won Game 1 , maybe you go longer w Gio in 2.

Never say never. If Madrigal ends up being a utility guy for Cubs that should convince you. If Kimbrel is a stud reliever for Sox next year and leads us to World Series win that should convince you. If Kimbrel implodes next year and Madrigal has a solid year w Cubs you will be correct the trade was dumb.

Or get hot at the right time. Look at the AL East. Tampa ran through the division all year. Boston was really hot then really cold and limped into the playoffs on the final day. Yankees struggled then got really hot and then died the last week and also limped in. Boston soundly beats NY gets embarrassed 1st game in Tampa and then blows out the Rays in 4. Many teams are streaky because many players are streaky. Boston and Houston are now going into a 7 game series. Two teams with very questionable starting pitching but both had very productive offenses which helped their patchwork pitching survive.

Agree. Marte would be perfect except he is 33. But he will fit our window of opportunity.

We hopefully have 2 solid power bats in the OF already. My choice would be a a guy who gets on base, has speed and above average defense. Basically a guy w high OBP who can steal 20+ and a plus defensive outfielder. 15 ish HR would be fine.

Just me, but Boston or Tampa Bay did not have the starting pitching for a 7 game series. I take Lynn and Gio over any two Boston will throw. But I am assuming Sale is not the real Chris Sale since he came back this late in year. Imagine Chris Sale starting Friday night at GRF.

Kopech bounces back but I think he is done for the night

Damn Altuve.

I found it strange that Crochet not Bummer was the first lefty in. Now maybe the match-up( i.e Alvarez) dictated Crochet despite his back-back issues. But Bummer was the gas can that Kimbrel eventually blew up.

No they will not. JR is probably very happy his team made the playoffs and attendance is up. I am sure the bottom line looks real good. If TLR wants to come back , JR will decide not Hahn.

As you say, we can't get rid of the whole team but Hahn assembled the whole team not TLR. So in the private sector Hahn would have been let go and a new GM hired. Now if the new GM has the final say on a manager, which Hahn didn't have, them maybe Hahn's replacement would get rid of TLR.

That was a Gio inning by Valdez

GIO!!!!

No this is a post regarding today's game not an ego fest between 2 posters. Take it to private messages

Just the dog or did he also bring a dessert

Robert and Abreu each had 2 hits. That was positive.

I have to add Lopez was turtle speed as well.

Boston pitching is very average. Sale is not overpowering since he returned and their pen does not have a true closer since Barnes went out in early Sept. I think Rays pitching could be the difference. Boston does have a lot of guys w playoff experience. Hope they go 5 and wear each other out a little.

Very much so and also strong unions.

It is in Northeast. I doubt MLB will factor in Marathon. Usually Red Sox do morning game to accommodate Marathon

couple of thoughts regarding TV and game times. . If it ends up on Monday 10/11 that it is Tampa @ Boston , Monday is a partial Holiday for Columbus Day as well as Boston Marathon Day. Sunday night NFL is Buffalo vs KC which should be a big TV draw as well as MLB. Good the Brady bash wasn't this Sunday night. That game's rating were through the roof

To TLR who turns 77 today.

UGGGH : Chris Sale is going for clincher tomorrow. Washington bullpen is dynamite ready to blow any game in case Sale fails.

Thank you for your efforts to keep this post alive and updated.