Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

Not sure what, if anything, he will add to the team, but I wanted to give Zack Greinke a shot and not see him sit on the free agent list to fade away. Signing him to a minor league deal doesn't cost me anything other than I need to clear a spot for him. Not sure how the "Owner's Goals" work, but he should hopefully satisfy the requirement to acquire a Cy Young Award winner.

[OmahaBaseball]

A big day for Rafael Devers at the plate and solid pitching of Jack Flaherty helped guide the Boston Red Sox (10-10) to a 12 to 6 victory over the Cleveland Guardians (9-11). After a disastrous 0-5 start to the season, the team has rebounded to a .500% record which is great to see.

While he only covered 5 2/3 innings of the game, this was a respectable outing from Jack Flaherty (3-0) who limited the Guardians to 2 earned runs on 8 hits and 4 walks while striking out 6; Game Score 47. Reliever Garrett Cleavinger (H 1) was roughed up for 3 earned runs on 4 hits and 1 walk in his 1 1/3 innings of play. Justin Slaten permitted 1 earned run on 3 hits and 1 walk in the final 2 innings of the game.

Gavin Williams (1-1) was tagged with the loss after permitting 5 earned runs on 8 hits in 2 2/3 innings before turning the ball over to Sam Hentges who pitched 3-innings of score ball. Trevor Stephan (3 earned runs on 4 hits in 0 innings) and James Karinchak (4 earned runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in 1 1/3 innings) were ineffective. Scott Barlow wrapped up the game with 1 inning of scoreless ball.

The Red Sox generated a lot of offense today, led by Rafael Devers (4 for 5, Double, Homerun, 3 Runs, 5 RBIs), Tristan Casas (4 for 4, 3 Runs, Walk), Kyle Teel (3 for 5, Triple, RBI), and Ceddanne Rafaela (2 for 4, Double, Run, 4 RBIs, Walk). Leading the way for the Guardians were Gabriel Arias (1 for 1, Triple, Run, 2 RBIs), Bo Naylor (2 for 3, 2 Walks), and Kyle Manzardo (2 for 4, Double, RBI, Walk). Of Note, Devers was recognized as MLB's #1 Performance of the Day.

Player of the Game: Rafael Devers (Season: #3)

AL East Standings: 1 1/2 GB, 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

It was a special night for Albuquerque Isotopes 1B Sean Bouchard, as the Colorado Rockies' Triple-A player smashed the ball for a 3 for 5 night with 3 Homeruns, 3 Runs, and 9 RBIs.

[OmahaBaseball]

In a game pitting the AL vs. the NL, the Boston Red Sox (11-10) topped the Pittsburgh Pirates (10-10) by a 4 to 1 score.

It was a nice outing by Tanner Houck (2-1) who gave up just 1 earned run on 2 hits, 2 walks, and 1 hit batsman in 6 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 69. Joely Rodriguez (H 1) was solid in relief with just 1 hit allowed in his 1 1/3 innings of scoreless work before turning the ball over to closer Liam Hendriks (SV 6) to wrap up the game with his 1-inning of scoreless pitching. Martin Perez (2-1) took the loss after he permitted 4 earned runs on 6 hits and 4 walks while striking out 8 in 7 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 54. Roansy Contreras had a scoreless 1 2/3 innings of relief.

While offense was limited for both teams today, it is worthy to note the performances of Vaughn Grissom (2 for 5, Double, Run, RBI, Stolen Base) and Pablo Reyes (1 for 3, RBI, Walk) for Boston, while Joey Bart (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, RBI) and Jared Triolo (2 for 4, Double) played well for the Pirates.

Player of the Game: Tanner Houck (Season: #2)

AL East Standings: 1 1/2 GB, 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

There was a lot of turmoil generated when the San Diego Padres reached a minor league deal with option with Trevor Bauer. While it is too early to tell if Bauer still has his elite stuff and if the off the field troubles are behind him, he was dealing in a recent game against the Toronto Blue Jays. In picking up the 2-0 victory, Bauer tossed a 3-hitter with 10 strikeouts to finish with a Game Score 90.

[OmahaBaseball]

On a day that saw Boston starter Kutter Crawford get pulled after just 4-innings due with a pitch count at 107, the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-10) outlasted the visiting Boston Red Sox (11-11) by a 4 to 3 score.

Pirates starter Mitch Keller (2-2) picked up the victory after allowing 3 earned runs on 8 hits while striking out 7 in his 105-pitch effort; Game Score 61. Colin Holderman (SV 6) closed out the game to pick up the save. For Boston, Kutter Crawford was ineffective in that he allowed 3 earned runs on 5 hits, 4 walks, 1 wild pitch, and 1 hit batsman in just 4-innings of work. Greg Weissert covered 1 2/3 innings of scoreless ball before Kenley Janson (0-2) was tagged with the loss for allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits in 2 1/3 innings of play. Coming into the season I wasn't too excited to have Janson on the roster (too much money and miles on that arm) and his performance so far has validated my thoughts. I know the season is still young, but he is someone that I will try to move if I get the right deal.

Hitting for the Pirates came from Bryan Reynolds (2 for 4, Double, Run, RBI, Walk, 2 Stolen Bases), Andrew McCutchen (1 for 2, Double, Run, Walk, Hit-by-Pitch), and Ke'Bryan Hayes (2 for 4, Run, 2 RBIs, Hit-by-Pitch). Tyler O'Neill (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI), Tristan Casas (2 for 4), and Jarren Duran (1 for 4, Double, Run) played well in defeat.

Player of the Game: Mitch Keller

AL East Standings: 1 1/2 GB, 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Simply put, this was a masterpiece in pitching by Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider. In tossing the 2-hit shutout, Strider walked 1 while striking out a season high 13 batters. Strider finished with a Game Score 95; the second highest mark of the season thus far.

[OmahaBaseball]

On a blustery night in the Steel City, Garrett Whitlock had arguably the best game of his professional career. In locking down the opposition, Whitlock lead the Boston Red Sox (12-11) to a 5 to 0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-11). This is a game that he won't soon forget.

On this memorable night, Garrett Whitlock (1-2) twirled a 1-hit, complete game gem in which he struck out 7 batters and limited the base runners to just a walk, 2 hit batters, and a wild pitch in the 107-pitch complete game shutout; Game Score 91. On the other side of the field, Paul Skenes (0-5) was tagged with the loss and extended his season woes in which he permitted 5 earned runs on 9 hits, 3 walks, 1 wild pitch, and 1 hit batsman in 8 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 49. Marco Gonzales covered the final 2/3 innings in scoreless performance.

Leading the way at the plate for the Red Sox were Triston Casas (2 for 5, Triple, Run, RBI), Ceddanne Rafaela (2 for 4, Double, Run, Stolen Base), Tommy Edman (1 for 3, Double, Run, RBI, Walk), and Rafael Devers (1 for 5, Homerun, Run, 2 RBIs). Oneil Cruz (1 for 3) had Pittsburgh's lone hit.

Player of the Game: Garrett Whitlock (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 1 1/2 GB, 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

Another week is wrapped up and there is a new leader at the top of MLB Power Rankings. This week's leader is the Chicago Cubs (122.5 pts) followed closely by the Detroit Tigers (121.5 pts). The Boston Red Sox (99.0 pts) moved up 2 spots to the 11th overall spot, while the Los Angeles Angels (50.2 pts) continue to occupy last place. The biggest jump on the week came from the Cleveland Guardians (101.0 pts) moving up from 25th place to 9th place.

Previous week's rankings: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...1&postcount=56

[OmahaBaseball]

It has been a challenging season for Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna, but last week something clicked and he crushed the ball. In picking up his 1st NL Player of the Week award, Ozuna batted .391 (9 for 23) with 3 Doubles, 3 Homeruns, 6 Runs, 10 RBIs, and 2 Walks for a slashline of .391/.440/.913 that generated 0.6 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Detroit Tigers 1B Spencer Torkelson was dialed in last week, so much so that he picked up his 1st American League Player of the Week award. On the week, Torkelson went 6 for 14 (.429) with 5 Homeruns, 5 Runs, 11 RBIs, and 1 Walk for a slashline of .429/.467/1.500 (wow!) for 0.7 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Seattle Mariners superstar Julio Rodriguez had a special day at the plate in leading his team to a 16 to 10 victory over the Colorado Rockies. In hitting for the Cycle, Rodriguez went 4 for 5 with 2 Runs, 5 RBIs, a Walk, and a Stolen Base.

[OmahaBaseball]

With the team jumping out to an early lead, I was optimistic that they could string together things and find a way to pick up the win. Unfortunately, things didn't go the way I had hoped. On the day, the Cleveland Guardians (13-11) bested the visiting Boston Red Sox (12-12).

Cleveland starter Triston McKenzie (2-3) picked up the win after going 8-innings in which he allowed 3 earned runs on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7; Game Score 63. Closer Emmanuel Clase (SV 8) covered the final inning but did permit 1 earned run on 1 hit and 1 walk. While he is among the league-leaders in saves, Clase is having a challenging season and currently sports a 7.24 ERA and a 1.61 WHIP.

For the Red Sox, Brayan Bello (3-2) was tagged for 5 runs (4 earned) on 6 hits and 1 wild pitch in 3 2/3 innings; Game Score 32. Relief pitcher Greg Weissert was called in to stop the damage and did a fine job, as he allowed just 1 hit and 1 hit batsman in 2 1/3 innings of work. Isiah Campbell worked the final 2 innings and allowed 1 earned run on 2 hits.

The star of the day was Cleveland outfielder Steven Kwan who went 3 for 4 with a Double, 2 Homeruns, scored 3 Runs, and had 2 RBIs. Additional offense came from Ramon Laureano (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, 2 RBIs), Tyler Freeman (1 for 3, Double, Run, RBI, Hit-by-Pitch), and Josh Naylor (1 for 3, Double, RBI, Sacrifice Fly). For the other dugout, Vaughn Grissom (1 for 4, Double, 3 RBIs), Triston Casas (2 for 4, Run), and Masataka Yoshida (2 for 4, Run, Walk) played well despite the loss.

Player of the Game: Steven Kwan

AL East Standings: 3 GB, 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

The Red Sox got behind early and could not muster enough offense to overtake the Guardians. On the day, the Cleveland Guardians (14-11) topped the Boston Red Sox (12-13) by a 4 to 2 score. Boston 2B Vaughn Grissom committed an error for the second consecutive game and currently is tied for the MLB "lead" in errors committed with 6 - ugh!

Cleveland starter Gavin Williams (2-1) kept the opposition off balance all day, as he permitted just 2 earned runs on 5 hits and 4 walks while striking out 11 in 7 1/3 innings of work; Game Score 67. Despite inheriting 2 runners, reliever Cade Smith (H 4) wrapped up the 8th inning with 2/3 innings of scoreless work before turning the ball over to Emmanuel Clase (SV 9) who pitched a scoreless final inning to record the save.

Boston starter Jack Flaherty (3-1) had a decent game but it was not enough as he permitted 4 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6 in 7 innings of play; Game Score 50. Nick Pivetta pitched the final inning in relief without permitting any additional damage.

The Guardians offense was powered by Tyler Freeman (2 for 4, Double, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI), Josh Naylor (2 for 4, Double, Run, RBI), and Brayan Rocchio (2 for 3, Double, Walk). The Red Sox were led at the plate by Jarren Duran (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, 2 RBIs, Walk), Rafael Devers (1 for 4, Double, Run), and Tommy Edman (1 for 3, Double, Walk).

Player of the Game: Gavin Williams

AL East Standings: 4 GB, 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

At just 25 years old, New York Yankees outfield Juan Soto is already a superstar and a hall-of-famer in the making. In the Yankees 11 to 7 victory over the Oakland Athletics, Soto went 5 for 5 with 2 Homeruns, 4 Runs, and 4 RBIs.

[OmahaBaseball]

Wow, the bats came alive today! In the 12 to 3 victory, the Boston Red Sox (13-13) pounded out 18 hits as they cruised past the Cleveland Guardians (14-12).

Boston starter Tanner Houck (3-1) picked up the win by limiting the damage to 2 earned runs on 8 hits and 3 walks in 6 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 50. Garrett Cleavinger was called in with the bases loaded with 1 out in the 7th inning and got out of the jam without allowing a run, and finished out the game with 1 earned run on 4 hits in 2 2/3 innings.

The Guardians staff struggled today. Starter Carlos Carrasco (2-2) was hit hard in the 2 2/3 innings he lasted (6 earned runs on 8 hits and 2 walks); Game Score 13. Reliever Trevor Stephan gave up 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 1 walk in 3 innings, while Scott Barlow was rocked for 4 earned runs on 5 hits in 2/3 innings of play. Sam Hentges was the lone bright spot in that he pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless ball.

The Red Sox bats were in overdrive today led by Ceddanne Rafaela (4 for 5, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs), Tommy Edman (4 for 5, Triple, 2 Runs), Kyle Teel (3 for 5, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs), Masataka Yoshida (3 for 6, Double, Homerun, Run, 3 RBIs), and Jarren Duran (2 for 5, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs). The Guardians were led at the plate by Andres Gimenez (3 for 4, Double, RBI), Jose Ramirez (2 for 3, Run, 2 Stolen Bases), and Steven Kwan (2 for 3, Walk, Stolen Base).

Player of the Game: Ceddanne Rafaela (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 4 GB, 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

The Cincinnati Reds announced today that they reached agreement with 29-year old 2B Santiago Espinal to a contract extension worth a total of $24,220,000 that will keep the former All-Star in the Queen City for the next 4 years.

[OmahaBaseball]

The NL leading Cubs traveled to Beantown for a 3-game series. On the day, the Chicago Cubs (17-9) topped the Boston Red Sox (13-14) by a 9 to 6 score.

Chicago starter Justin Steele (3-3) picked up the win despite allowing 6 earned runs on 10 hits and 2 walks in 7 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 40. Julian Merryweather (H 4) kept things in check in his 2/3 innings of work before handing the ball over to closer Adbert Alzolay (SV 11) who closed out the final inning.

For the Red Sox, Kutter Crawford (1-3) was given the opportunity but could only last 2 2/3 innings after serving up 6 earned runs on 7 hits, 2 walks, and 1 wild pitch; Game Score 18. Greg Weissert worked 2 1/3 innings but was largely ineffective in that he permitted the runner he inherited to score and overall gave up 2 earned runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, and 1 wild pitch in 2 1/3 innings of play. Justin Slaten worked 3 innings of scoreless ball before Liam Hendriks was called in for the final inning in which he permitted 1 earned run on 1 hit while striking out 3.

The Cubs offense was working well today, led by Dansby Swanson (4 for 5, Double, Homerun, 2 Runs, 4 RBIs, Stolen Base), Nico Hoerner (2 for 5, Run, 2 RBIs), and Miguel Amaya (2 for 4, 2 Runs, RBI, Walk). The Red Sox received help from Reese McGuire (3 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI), Rafael Devers (2 for 4, Double, Run, 2 RBIs), and Pablo Reyes (2 for 4, Run, 2 RBIs).

Player of the Game: Dansby Swanson

AL East Standings: 4 GB, 3rd Place

[OmahaBaseball]

On a day that saw him pick up his 3rd win of the season, Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes signed a contract extension worth a total of $215,500,000 that will keep him in the Charm City for 6 more years. Additionally, Burnes was able to negotiate a "No-Trade" clause and bonus incentives for earning a Cy Young award ($360,000) or All-Star selection ($68,000). The salary breakdown is as follows:

2025	Age 30	$30,500,000
2026	Age 31	$37,000,000
2027	Age 32	$37,000,000
2028	Age 33	$37,000,000
2029	Age 34	$37,000,000
2030	Age 35	$37,000,000

[OmahaBaseball]

A nice win today for the home team, as the Boston Red Sox (14-14) used the 8 to 4 score to beat the visiting Chicago Cubs (17-10). The defensive struggles of Vaughn Grissom continue, as he booted his 7th error of the season.

The Red Sox gave the start to Garrett Whitlock but he ended up not factoring into the decision. On the day, Whitlock allowed 4 earned runs on 9 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9 in 5 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 42. Kenley Jensen (1-2) picked up the win for his 2 2/3 innings of scoreless ball in which he scattered 3 hits while striking out 4. Nick Pivetta covered the final 2/3 innings without any additional damage.

Cubs starter Shota Imanaga (4-2) was tagged with the loss after he served up 6 earned runs on 6 hits and 2 walks in 5 innings of play; Game Score 33. Hector Neris struggled in his 2 innings of work, allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits and 1 walk. Luke Little wrapped up the final inning with a 3-up, 3-down performance.

Boston hit the ball well today, led by Tyler O'Neill (3 for 4, Double, Homerun, 2 Runs, 3 RBIs, Stolen Base), Triston Casas (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, 2 RBIs), Rafael Devers (2 for 4, Run, 2 RBIs, Stolen Base), and Ceddanne Rafaela (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI). The Cubs offense was also hitting the ball well today, powered by Matt Mervis (2 for 5, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI), Michael Busch (2 for 4, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI, Walk), and Dansby Swanson (2 for 4, Double, Walk, Stolen Base).

Player of the Game: Tyler O'Neill (Season: #2)

AL East Standings: 3 GB, 3rd Place