Agree with this. I was thinking the same thing. Cora may like what he's seeing with their right-handed-hitter heavy lineup.
World Series 2018--Red Sox vs. Dodgers
- Thread starter DJnVa
- Start date
Hate to sound like a broken record, but I'm not crazy about Eovaldi not being able to start 2 games in this series now. He has been lights out in his 2 post season starts. I certainly understand the win today mentality of Cora, but you must also think long term. Did Eovaldi have to pitch Tuesday with a 4 run lead?..or even yesterday with Barnes/Brasier available?
I don't like the Porcello against this left handed line up he will be facing....and now it might be twice.
The all hands on deck for game 7 sounds good, but I would much prefer Eovaldi on full rest waiting there if it does go 7.
I don't like the Porcello against this left handed line up he will be facing....and now it might be twice.
The all hands on deck for game 7 sounds good, but I would much prefer Eovaldi on full rest waiting there if it does go 7.
I really wonder if Cora is going to use Eovaldi as an opener, or mid game multiple innings, in game 4 and beyond.
Why are we talking about who's starting Game 7? Why? Worry about Game 7 after Game 6. They're up 2-0. This series may not get to Game 5 let alone Game 7. Keep rolling as if it won't get there. And frankly, I'm fine with starting Rodriguez in Game 4 if it means another Dodger lineup lacking some of their biggest boppers (Bellinger and Muncy specifically). I understand the whole match-up thing Roberts is doing, but it's not working for them.
I love what Cora is doing. I wondered briefly why Barnes wasn't in to pitch the 8th, but then Eovaldi blew the doors off the Dodgers and I stopped wondering. Step on their throats and don't let them up.
Interestingly enough, other than a triple Cora hit for us in Toronto, my clearest memory of his playing days in Boston was a play at second where Cora pulled exactly the same move as Machado—kneeling down to catch the ball and blocking the bag with his kneeling leg. He was successful, too.
I remember Remy pointing this out, and him and Orsillo chortling over how smart Cora was and how he got away with one there
Dombrowski talked about Eovaldi being a power arm out of the pen in the playoffs on the day he acquired him. The Sox were thinking long game, and it's coming to fruition. I think he's staying in the pen, and Rodriguez(or even Pom) will get Game 4.
The stories coming out about JDM's leadership role with the team are pretty great. Mookie telling Papi that it feels like he's back. The way he acts as a second pitching coach and the kids flock to him. His work ethic being contagious.
The whole package of JD has been transformational in making this team what it is.
The whole package of JD has been transformational in making this team what it is.
I am fully on board with Cora’s “pedal to the metal” approach (generally known around these parts as the “Playoff Tito” managing style), but nevertheless I’m scratching my head a bit about going to Eovaldi last night when he had Barnes and Brasier available — particularly when you contrast it with how Cora stuck with Kimbrel in his defined role even when he was putting every other guy on base in the ALDS and ALCS. It’s not like Cora was deciding between Eovaldi and Hembree last night. And I’m even more puzzled by Cora’s statement after the game that he’s planning to use Eovaldi if he has a lead in the 8th on Friday.
People are talking about starting E-Rod as if he is just another starting pitcher ready and waiting to go, but he has pitched four total innings this postseason — it seems pretty implausible that he could pitch more than a few innings on Saturday.
All that said, I trust that Cora had his reasons for not pitching either of the two usual setup guys last night, and I’m on board with doing whatever it takes to get to 3-0. But I have some angst re: a scenario where he uses Eovaldi again with a lead on Friday, and he coughs it up (or Kimbrel does), and then finding ourselves battling to avoid a 2-2 tie without anybody to pitch more than a couple innings on Saturday.
People are talking about starting E-Rod as if he is just another starting pitcher ready and waiting to go, but he has pitched four total innings this postseason — it seems pretty implausible that he could pitch more than a few innings on Saturday.
All that said, I trust that Cora had his reasons for not pitching either of the two usual setup guys last night, and I’m on board with doing whatever it takes to get to 3-0. But I have some angst re: a scenario where he uses Eovaldi again with a lead on Friday, and he coughs it up (or Kimbrel does), and then finding ourselves battling to avoid a 2-2 tie without anybody to pitch more than a couple innings on Saturday.
Max Muncy OPS'd .890 vs lefties this season.
Brian Dozier OPS'd .643 vs lefties this season.
Benching Muncy for Dozier is next level stupid.
Brian Dozier OPS'd .643 vs lefties this season.
Benching Muncy for Dozier is next level stupid.
However, probably only a few innings of ERod are needed/expected on Saturday.
ERod for 3 with hopefully Roberts continuing his match up strategy
Then empty the pen (only leaving the potential game 5 starter, ie, Sale or Eovaldi unused) especially if it is a potential close out game to get those 27 outs.
Cora's genius playoff moves: Eovaldi/Porcello use, faith in Kelly, reinvigorating and adjusting Kimbrel. Cora was able to transform what is usually a fatal playoff weakness (a mediocre bullpen) and turn it into a strength. That along with Price has lifted the RS up to overcome their ace at much less than 100% and Mookie being less than spectacular.
Eovaldi did throw only 13 pitches last night, and with an off day today, would still be available for a Game 4 start.
I'm guessing (which is all I can do) that Cora likes Eovaldi in that late inning relief role more than either Barnes, who's had some control issues at times during the season, and Brasier, who for all we know could simply be riding a 40 inning hot streak.
There is a time to worry about Game 4, and that is after Game 3. There are options if Eovaldi is unable to start in Game 4: EdRod or Pom as "openers", Sale and/or Price pitching an inning or 2, using Kelly for 6 or 9 outs, etc. And there are too many things that can happen in Game 3 that can change things anyway (extra innings, blowout win or loss).
I'm guessing (which is all I can do) that Cora likes Eovaldi in that late inning relief role more than either Barnes, who's had some control issues at times during the season, and Brasier, who for all we know could simply be riding a 40 inning hot streak.
There is a time to worry about Game 4, and that is after Game 3. There are options if Eovaldi is unable to start in Game 4: EdRod or Pom as "openers", Sale and/or Price pitching an inning or 2, using Kelly for 6 or 9 outs, etc. And there are too many things that can happen in Game 3 that can change things anyway (extra innings, blowout win or loss).
I was looking at the same thing but there may be a reason for it. According to this article, Muncy pounds fastballs but can't handle breaking pitches, hitting just .181.
Going to fangraphs, I see that Munch hit (all #s Avg / OBP / Slg) .285 / .423 / .610 against FBs; .263 / .381 / .561 against sliders; and .296 .375 .481 against cutters but had also had the following splits:
Sliders: 2018 (276 pitches) = .172 .250 .397 ; career (394 pitches) = .157 .239 .313
Change: 2018 (244 pitches) = .231 .315 .492; career (380 pitches) = .204 .275 .387
Curve = 2018 (271 pitches) = 175 .250 .350; career = (358 pitches) = .143 .222 .286
Interestingly, he does do well against splitters:
2018 (25 pitches) = .438 .500 .938; career (79 pitches) = .667 .714 2.000.
All of this may be why Muncy is hitting .194 / .370 / .361 in the playoffs. Seems like he could be very easily pitched to.
I'm actually fine with that as long as Eovaldi is ready to pitch game 7 if needed. If it gets to that point, Sale and Price would have just pitched and probably not available(Maybe Sale for 1 inning). I wouldn't want to rest my hopes on Erod or Porcello in a game 7.
The all hands on deck doesn't really matter that much if the starter allows 2-3 runs early.
Dave “Doc” Roberts: Embedded Red Sox
Didn’t Evoldi warm up on Tuesday before the Nunez Smash? So using him then made sense, plus the alternatives were Pom and Hembree
Zero other folks rooting for the Sox last night in the Cerritos sports bar (BJ’s) we were at. This is just over the border from Orange County into Los Angeles County. Do Angels fans just disappear when their team is done or do they do what no one in NYC or Chicago would ever do and pull their Dodgers shirts out of the closet and root for their “other local team”?
I can get behind WS games lasting 3:20.
Didn’t Evoldi warm up on Tuesday before the Nunez Smash? So using him then made sense, plus the alternatives were Pom and Hembree
Zero other folks rooting for the Sox last night in the Cerritos sports bar (BJ’s) we were at. This is just over the border from Orange County into Los Angeles County. Do Angels fans just disappear when their team is done or do they do what no one in NYC or Chicago would ever do and pull their Dodgers shirts out of the closet and root for their “other local team”?
I can get behind WS games lasting 3:20.
I love, love, love Cora's killer instinct. Win today's game today, worry about tomorrow's game tomorrow. Make the Dodgers feel like they are suffocating, and that Cora's Sox will not let up for even a second. Game 3 or 4 could be a blowout that gets Pomeranz or Hembree significant innings. Plus, these guys are all in - these starters are just itching to get into games and keep it rolling. Love this.
And for all we know Pom (pause for gasps all around) may have impressed the coaching staff with his workouts and bullpen sessions since we last saw him. Good Pom was pretty damn lights-out and maybe, just maybe, this rest and regrouping will allow Good Pom to re-emerge and give the Sox one more lefty starter to keep the Dodgers in their weak-ass righty only alignment that much longer.
It's easy to forget that Pomeranz was the Sox second best starter last season, and was a 4 WAR player
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Do we really think Pom or Erod could possibly start game 4? Erod maybe a 10% chance...Pom 0%. Starters do matter.
Why is ERod a 10% chance? He was really good this year. 3 WAR, 3.65 FIP.
ERod for 3, Eovaldi for 3, BArnes, Brasier, Kimbrel. Celebrate!
not a bad plan actually..except Kelly has to be in the mix. Might keep the lefties on the bench again for at least one time through the order. This would also keep Eovaldi relatively fresh for a Game 7 start if needed.
I like the idea of starting one of Eovaldi/Rodriguez in Game 4 for maybe 3 innings/once through the lineup, and then switching to the other. It would force Roberts into a situation where he either has to burn many of his starters early for better platoon advantages, or stick with less-ideal matchups.
I mean, I know we have to plan, but to keep worrying about a game 7 when we're up 2-0---man, enjoy it.
Can't find it now, but someone noted that Pomeranz's fastball was back up to 93 in whatever workouts he was doing. Maybe it was during his work as Kershaw on the "scout team."
Anyway, I think most here accept the possibility that he can be useful at 93, as that might lead to hacks at curveballs that aren't strikes.
And Cora has seen him up close. But Cora's not dumb, and he was here all season. I suspect that he'll consider using Pomeranz to possibly turn the Dodger lineup, but not if the tying run is nearby. Given what Nunez said about preparation, Pomeranz has probably been told already which of 6 specific LA batters he might face.
Start the righty, since the end game is all RHPs for the Sox. Roberts would have to stick with his lefties for a middle-inings run of Rodriguez or risk not having his best players in at the end.
It's here (from WEEI):
In his weekly interview with OMF Tuesday, Cora said Pomeranz’ velocity is back in the mid-90s after it dipped for the majority of the season.
Up 2-0 is great, but the Sox just held serve. I always think ahead, it's just what I do. Honestly, I hate the worry about game 7 only after game 6 type responses. A manager has to be smarter than that, and I'm sure Cora is.
Considering the team that goes up 2-0 wins 85% of the time, they did way more than hold serve.
There is no holding serve here. The Sox won 70% of their home games this season. They just won 100% (yes, that, is ridiculous. But that seems to be the coin of the realm.) I am quite certain Cora is thinking ahead. But he is not thinking ahead to the point where he is managing to "make sure that Nathan Eovaldi can pitch game 7 no matter what..."
It seems to me that his pitching algorithm so far has been scary simple, and consists of two questions:
1) Who is available right now?
2) Which of those guys gives me the best chance of winning this game?
He does not seem to worrying a heck of a lot about the impact of today's (2) answer on tomorrow's (1) answer.
Completely agree with this, love the way Cora is managing for today.... Pitching Sale in Game 4 vs. Yankees, Eovaldi and Porcello in so many late inning spots, etc. Win today and worry about tomorrow, tomorrow
I think it’s a little more complicated. I don’t think he would have used Eovaldi in a tie game last night or even against the bottom of the order. Maybe that falls in the best chance to win category but I think there’s a little nuance there. Even if he thought Barnes slightly inferior on the night I think contingency planning for Eovaldi would have taken precedence.
So, I guess I’d say that when in a winning position Cora is doing what you’re saying and viewing a bird in the hand as worth two in the bush.
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Ehhh I'm more pessimistic here. The Sale situation reeks of one of those post-WS announcements of "Sooo..... Sale was pitching with (insert significant injury) here and will be going under the knife next week. I could be wrong... I hope I am... but that's how it feels.
Well, two points here I guess. First, when they talk about those stats they are a little misleading. How many of those were teams that won the first two games in the other team’s park? I bet that skews the number a little. Second, for some of us a certain series where the Sox had a 2-0 lead is indelibly seared on our sports consciousness. I know, I know, different team, different era. But sometimes it can be just a bit hard to shake.
Starting Pomeranz could be another genius move. I assure you that the Dodgers have not gamed out a Pomeranz start and making the Dodgers guess who'll be on the mound for game 4 can only advantage the Red Sox.
How about win today with an eye on tomorrow?
Not thinking ahead would be bad managing..and Cora is not a bad manager.
Trust in Cora. Do whatever it takes to win Tomorrow. If that means Eovaldi out of the pen for 1 or 2, so be it.
Good read by Jeff Passan. Ignore the fact that after game 1 of the ALCS he basically said it's the Astros world and we're just living in it.
The beauty was its simplicity. And, of course, the two-games-to-none lead it gave the Red Sox. If this was indeed a send-off to the 38,454 who packed Fenway Park, it was proper. All year the Red Sox have preyed on the tiniest opening, feasted on the vulnerable.
I learned from that article that Ryan Madson is 2nd all time in postseason pitching appearances, behind Fruitbat. That seems crazy.
The beauty was its simplicity. And, of course, the two-games-to-none lead it gave the Red Sox. If this was indeed a send-off to the 38,454 who packed Fenway Park, it was proper. All year the Red Sox have preyed on the tiniest opening, feasted on the vulnerable.
I learned from that article that Ryan Madson is 2nd all time in postseason pitching appearances, behind Fruitbat. That seems crazy.
I don't think it's an accident that Kelly and Eovaldi were chosen over Barnes here. I gotta believe the Sox saw something in the scouting report about Dodgers' difficulty with blazing heat.
They may have scouted a Pom start, but if Cora's comments are true then they haven't seen this version of him. Cora said Pom's velocity is up to 93-94 where it hasn't been that high all year.