Alrighty folks, that was some game with many interesting moments, insights, and outliers. After taking in my first in person game since 2021, I figured it would be good to share with the board.

In no particular order:

1.) For the first time in a long time, this team has energy. We are no longer languishing in between LaRussa naps or Griffol false bravado. Will Venable is lively, youthful, and already is demonstrating wisdom. Before the game during BP he was jogging the bases, tossing balls at camera men, and was focused yet loose. When the team was down by 1 run heading into the ninth inning, he came down into the dugout from the top step and huddled up the guys. While we didn’t end up scoring we loaded the bases and had opportunities to score.

2.) The youthful energy exposes one of our greatest weaknesses: Lack of experience. With a runner on third and Colson up with one out, all he needed to do was get the ball in the air. Sam was on third and was like a dog pulling on a leash to get his toy at home. He would have scored on almost anything hit in the air. Instead of making contact, Montgomery struck out.

3.) Erik Feddie and Anthony Kay will not be in our starting rotation IF we are in serious playoff contention come August. Smith will need to smooth his command and be called up as a back of the rotation option and we will likely need to trade for another arm.

4.) These guys never give up and have a belief in themselves that has been a gaping hole in years past. ( Speaking of years past, it was such a joy to rag on Yoan Moncada. I know he heard me and the bum deserves an ear full until he is out of the league where his premadonana ass belongs ).

5.) When Teel is back, he will bring another dimension of winning ball. He is the Paul Konerko like approach oriented example others on the team need to learn from ( Vargas and Montgomery, here’s looking at you. )

6.) Our bullpen looks like a real strength and it is so nice to have a new coaching staff around the team. It shows in the dugout and on the field.

7.) It was nice to see Will be quick to make changes to the lineup when the game dictated it. Though, I questioned his preference for Kelenck over Grechic AND wanted him to pinch hit Romo in Quero’s spot at the games end.

Bottom line: This game was confirmation that we are moving in the right direction… fast. It will only get better as these players get maturity, get reinforcements from more call ups, deadline trades, and returning players from the IL.

I had thought we would see a playoff run by 2028 but this team has me thinking next year we will crack that milestone ( if there’s a season ). Hell, if the cards fall in the right spots and Vasil’s wand works its magic… we may see THIS team in the playoffs…

And to even be having such thoughts at this point in the season… it is a welcomed surprise.

Check back tomorrow for a reprise.

Way too optimistic but appreciate the info.

8 minutes ago, chitownsportsfan said:

Way too optimistic but appreciate the info.

Can't expect every prospect to hit the ground running.

Pitching already taking a hit.

Expectations for Braden and Bonemer and Cholowsky probably on the unrealistic side...that they're just going to take off like Colson and Murakami.

Teel definitely will have his struggles getting his timing back.

Hitters that miss ST and 1-2 months almost always do struggle until the second half.

Martin's not going to remain third best starter in mlb.

1 hour ago, chitownsportsfan said:

Way too optimistic but appreciate the info.

Meh… 2027 / 2028 as potential playoff years with this year being a Hal Mary possibility is too optimistic?

I don’t think so. There’s plenty of criticism in what I observed. 🤣

1 hour ago, caulfield12 said:

Can't expect every prospect to hit the ground running.

Pitching already taking a hit.

Expectations for Braden and Bonemer and Cholowsky probably on the unrealistic side...that they're just going to take off like Colson and Murakami.

Teel definitely will have his struggles getting his timing back.

Hitters that miss ST and 1-2 months almost always do struggle until the second half.

Martin's not going to remain third best starter in mlb.

Funny, I don’t think I even mentioned Bonemer or Cholowsky. 🤣

Just now, hi8is said:

Funny, I don’t think I even mentioned Bonemer or Cholowsky. 🤣

Sure....but almost every one is jumping ahead psychologically to when those players join.

Ron starts a new thread every day.

Jacob Gonzalez

Hagen Smith

Braden Montgomery

etc. etc.

There's a light at the end of the tunnel finally.

13 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

Sure....but almost every one is jumping ahead psychologically to when those players join.

Ron starts a new thread every day.

Jacob Gonzalez

Hagen Smith

Braden Montgomery

etc. etc.

There's a light at the end of the tunnel finally.

It’s a better place that we were in during any recent year so I’d say there is good reason for optimism… finally. Blind optimism, no.

Of course most players will take there lumps ( we saw many last year and are continuing to see them this year. ) Last night was full of mistakes. The 2027 or 2028 team wins last night.

I sincerely do not think it is unrealistic for us to expect for this team to be competitive for the rest of this season, expecting them to make mistakes which are evidence of a lack of maturity.

I also do not think it is unrealistic for us to expect the following two seasons to be playoff worthy teams.

It’s not like we’re in the AL East here. 🤣

52 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

Sure....but almost every one is jumping ahead psychologically to when those players join.

Ron starts a new thread every day.

Jacob Gonzalez

Hagen Smith

Braden Montgomery

etc. etc.

There's a light at the end of the tunnel finally.

I think by "everybody", you mean "Caulfield".

Agree with a lot of what was said in the first post. Just curious, what starting pitchers would be available?

11 hours ago, hi8is said:

Alrighty folks, that was some game with many interesting moments, insights, and outliers. After taking in my first in person game since 2021, I figured it would be good to share with the board.

In no particular order:

1.) For the first time in a long time, this team has energy. We are no longer languishing in between LaRussa naps or Griffol false bravado. Will Venable is lively, youthful, and already is demonstrating wisdom. Before the game during BP he was jogging the bases, tossing balls at camera men, and was focused yet loose. When the team was down by 1 run heading into the ninth inning, he came down into the dugout from the top step and huddled up the guys. While we didn’t end up scoring we loaded the bases and had opportunities to score.

2.) The youthful energy exposes one of our greatest weaknesses: Lack of experience. With a runner on third and Colson up with one out, all he needed to do was get the ball in the air. Sam was on third and was like a dog pulling on a leash to get his toy at home. He would have scored on almost anything hit in the air. Instead of making contact, Montgomery struck out.

3.) Erik Feddie and Anthony Kay will not be in our starting rotation IF we are in serious playoff contention come August. Smith will need to smooth his command and be called up as a back of the rotation option and we will likely need to trade for another arm.

4.) These guys never give up and have a belief in themselves that has been a gaping hole in years past. ( Speaking of years past, it was such a joy to rag on Yoan Moncada. I know he heard me and the bum deserves an ear full until he is out of the league where his premadonana ass belongs ).

5.) When Teel is back, he will bring another dimension of winning ball. He is the Paul Konerko like approach oriented example others on the team need to learn from ( Vargas and Montgomery, here’s looking at you. )

6.) Our bullpen looks like a real strength and it is so nice to have a new coaching staff around the team. It shows in the dugout and on the field.

7.) It was nice to see Will be quick to make changes to the lineup when the game dictated it. Though, I questioned his preference for Kelenck over Grechic AND wanted him to pinch hit Romo in Quero’s spot at the games end.

Bottom line: This game was confirmation that we are moving in the right direction… fast. It will only get better as these players get maturity, get reinforcements from more call ups, deadline trades, and returning players from the IL.

I had thought we would see a playoff run by 2028 but this team has me thinking next year we will crack that milestone ( if there’s a season ). Hell, if the cards fall in the right spots and Vasil’s wand works its magic… we may see THIS team in the playoffs…

And to even be having such thoughts at this point in the season… it is a welcomed surprise.

Check back tomorrow for a reprise.

11 hours ago, hi8is said:

Alrighty folks, that was some game with many interesting moments, insights, and outliers. After taking in my first in person game since 2021, I figured it would be good to share with the board.

In no particular order:

1.) For the first time in a long time, this team has energy. We are no longer languishing in between LaRussa naps or Griffol false bravado. Will Venable is lively, youthful, and already is demonstrating wisdom. Before the game during BP he was jogging the bases, tossing balls at camera men, and was focused yet loose. When the team was down by 1 run heading into the ninth inning, he came down into the dugout from the top step and huddled up the guys. While we didn’t end up scoring we loaded the bases and had opportunities to score.

2.) The youthful energy exposes one of our greatest weaknesses: Lack of experience. With a runner on third and Colson up with one out, all he needed to do was get the ball in the air. Sam was on third and was like a dog pulling on a leash to get his toy at home. He would have scored on almost anything hit in the air. Instead of making contact, Montgomery struck out.

3.) Erik Feddie and Anthony Kay will not be in our starting rotation IF we are in serious playoff contention come August. Smith will need to smooth his command and be called up as a back of the rotation option and we will likely need to trade for another arm.

4.) These guys never give up and have a belief in themselves that has been a gaping hole in years past. ( Speaking of years past, it was such a joy to rag on Yoan Moncada. I know he heard me and the bum deserves an ear full until he is out of the league where his premadonana ass belongs ).

5.) When Teel is back, he will bring another dimension of winning ball. He is the Paul Konerko like approach oriented example others on the team need to learn from ( Vargas and Montgomery, here’s looking at you. )

6.) Our bullpen looks like a real strength and it is so nice to have a new coaching staff around the team. It shows in the dugout and on the field.

7.) It was nice to see Will be quick to make changes to the lineup when the game dictated it. Though, I questioned his preference for Kelenck over Grechic AND wanted him to pinch hit Romo in Quero’s spot at the games end.

Bottom line: This game was confirmation that we are moving in the right direction… fast. It will only get better as these players get maturity, get reinforcements from more call ups, deadline trades, and returning players from the IL.

I had thought we would see a playoff run by 2028 but this team has me thinking next year we will crack that milestone ( if there’s a season ). Hell, if the cards fall in the right spots and Vasil’s wand works its magic… we may see THIS team in the playoffs…

And to even be having such thoughts at this point in the season… it is a welcomed surprise.

Check back tomorrow for a reprise.

I hope you're taking Litle hi8is with you.

2 minutes ago, oldsox said:

I hope you're taking Litle hi8is with you.

He also takes his son to games as well.

34 minutes ago, Colome's Hat said:

Agree with a lot of what was said in the first post. Just curious, what starting pitchers would be available?

Other than bringing up Hagen-Smith, no clue. They may have to get creative… stretch out Taylor… bring up McDougal…

Or if Feddie / Kay can’t cut it and none of the above provide better results, then they will have to get creative on the trade market.

Duh - also forgot about Shane Smith. There’s signs and hope for him to turn around as well.

Edited Wednesday at 06:11 PM1 day by hi8is
Shane Smith

13 minutes ago, oldsox said:

I hope you're taking Litle hi8is with you.

On the way to pick him up from school right now to go again today. He wasn’t able to go with me yesterday but today it’s a family affair.

👏🏼🧦⚾️🔥

4 minutes ago, hi8is said:

Other than bringing up Hagen-Smith, no clue. They may have to get creative… stretch out Taylor… bring up McDougal…

Or if Feddie / Kay can’t cut it and none of the above provide better results, then they will have to get creative on the trade market.

McDougal is shut down for weeks at minimum. Flexor strain.

4 minutes ago, DirtySox said:

McDougal is shut down for weeks at minimum. Flexor strain.

Yeah, as of today, McD and Hagen aren't realistic options for starters.

7 minutes ago, DirtySox said:

McDougal is shut down for weeks at minimum. Flexor strain.

That’s right - damn injury bug.

One note I forgot to mention from yesterday was that Teel was looking great in BP. I think he could have come back with the original timeline but they’re ( rightfully ) playing it safe.

30 minutes ago, southsider2k5 said:

Yeah, as of today, McD and Hagen aren't realistic options for starters.

Might not be realistic, but Hagen will be starting games sooner rather than later by most accounts

Just now, fathom said:

Might not be realistic, but Hagen will be starting games sooner rather than later by most accounts

Not until they start pushing him up towards 100 pitches.

1 hour ago, hi8is said:

Other than bringing up Hagen-Smith, no clue. They may have to get creative… stretch out Taylor… bring up McDougal…

Or if Feddie / Kay can’t cut it and none of the above provide better results, then they will have to get creative on the trade market.

Duh - also forgot about Shane Smith. There’s signs and hope for him to turn around as well.

Isn't S.Smith also dealing with rotation cuff issues?

Seems it's down to Sandlin and rehabbing Mason Adams.

51 minutes ago, fathom said:

Might not be realistic, but Hagen will be starting games sooner rather than later by most accounts

What good does it do us if he has to be taken out by the 3rd inning cause he's already walked 4 guys?

2 hours ago, caulfield12 said:

Isn't S.Smith also dealing with rotation cuff issues?

Seems it's down to Sandlin and rehabbing Mason Adams.

Yes he is.

You can never have enough pitching (and good pitching is very expensive which is why the Sox never have enough with JR as owner.)

2 hours ago, Lip Man 1 said:

Yes he is.

You can never have enough pitching (and good pitching is very expensive which is why the Sox never have enough with JR as owner.)

Except to start 2006....then it all broke down the second half.

I think it's obvious after going the last few years when the Sox are in town and sitting within earshot of the dugout that Will is the first decent man manager we've had since young Ozzie. Maybe TLR for like 6 weeks before he succumbed to being an old f*** his first year.

But that doesn't win games, it can help prevent losing them I guess, but talent wins games. Motivated talent is hard to stop, maybe Will will still be here when we find a bunch more.

Edited yesterday at 01:29 AM1 day by chitownsportsfan

1 hour ago, chitownsportsfan said:

I think it's obvious after going the last few years when the Sox are in town and sitting within earshot of the dugout that Will is the first decent man manager we've had since young Ozzie. Maybe TLR for like 6 weeks before he succumbed to being an old f*** his first year.

But that doesn't win games, it can help prevent losing them I guess, but talent wins games. Motivated talent is hard to stop, maybe Will will still be here when we find a bunch more.

Angels were impressed with how the Sox battled back yesterday...Venable having meetings/pep talks in the dugout and encouraging players, etc.

Said team was night and day compared to 2024-25 teams. Not a joke/punchline but the beginnings of a real team to be reckoned with.

Thought Murakami presence made a huge difference in providing more confidence to the rest of the lineup.

Edited yesterday at 03:02 AM1 day by caulfield12