Superstar Lamar

Two freaking closers...top of the order in a tie game in the 7th and he brings in a kid...there are important moments other than the 8 and 9 innings, you freaking rummy

I'm sure you made a copy of your $5 unloading bet

No you didn't The line was at -122 this morning and has been bet down for the entire day to the current -102 Enjoy your fake bet but sharper people then you appear to differ

What all the hub bub? Is there a game today?

yep

as bad as yesterday's matchup looked for the Sox is as good as it looks for them today

line down to Sox +107 and dropping, so someone likes our chances

2x around the order and then put the foot on the top step of the dugout for the first sign of trouble

I think Lopez moving back to the bullpen gives them flexibility to use Kopech whenever he is needed.

Should be a great game and a great series. I think the starting pitchers for both sides will rule with the bullpens being the deciding factor

This wouldn't have been my choice but this IS precisely the reason they traded for Lynn

He can take over Kopech's role from this year when Kopech becomes a starter next year...or maybe he takes crochet's role when crochet takes kopech's role

just gets lynn even more rest for game 2

I would hope the pitching is a dress rehearsal for the playoff game, with people playing their same roles

120 games is only about 3/4 of a season

I wonder if Kimbrel's presence changes the way Hendriks is used in the playoffs? Larussa could confidently use him for 2 inning saves, knowing Kimbrel can hold down the role if needed the next day.

I have real concerns that he is even going to be on the playoff roster at this point.

It would be nice if Larussa let Lopez stay out there for six innings finally

I think he can have a Rich Hill type career from here, where his innings and starts will always be limited but the production is very good when managed correctly

I don't know why owners wouldn't buy up cheap land in these secondary cities and build a dorm type situation to house players, including cafeteria. They could maintain control of their players nutrition, sleep and activities. The land would also probably increase in value over time.

any updates on Engel?

Lynn is historically terrible on short rest and fantastic on extended rest. I'm interested in the idea of starting him in Game 3, as it does seem to be a spot that is consistent with his stats. It also sets up a firewall should the first two games in Houston go poorly. If you are of the mindset to only use 3 starters, it also allows Rodon and Giolito to be the short rest guys. However, I am not of that mindset. Lynn is horrible on short rest, Rodon has battled shoulder fatigue this season and Giolito seems like a creature of habit. I also like Dylan Cease in that Game 4 spot. He pitched well last year in his playoff appearance.

I see we are going to pretend there is no bench today

where has Keuchel earned the right with Larussa to get to walk out there for a sixth inning but Lopez has not?

the lynn history is being remedied by skipped starts and short outings down the stretch Giolito was a minor issue which probably didn't require the time off. It was a luxury afforded by the well earned lead. If we had to go to war in the playoffs with Lynn, Giolito, Cease and Lopez as starters, I would still feel confident. I don't think there is any doubt those four will be available. That is a pretty good, worst case scenario