A 5-2 week against the Mets and Cubs. The Rox currently stand at 51-75 (second half record at 18-23). Nineteen games behind the Giants for the division lead in last place. Currently 26-39 at home and 25-36 on the road, the Rox have been outscored by its opponents 699-589 (expected wins is 53 versus historical wins at 60). On pace for 66 wins with 757 runs scored and 899 runs against. Playoff indicator (Runs Scored/Runs Against ratio) is 0.84 (1.16 indicates high playoff potential).
In the last two weeks, Rox have played 10-4 baseball. After reaching a low point over two weeks ago and playing on pace for only 59 wins someone decided it was purple time. Since the mandatory wear of purple, Rox have gone on a tear. Good to see some positives in this otherwise dismal season. Although I'm not declaring what I have seen a success it at least points to something that can be built upon. Of course it also would suggest some real conflicts. Biggest being Helton and Cuddyer. Team didn't win with them and are now winning without them. I believe the Rox should put Cuddyer on waivers and see if anyone bites. With cheaper alternatives in Colvin and EY Jr for next year why bother paying $20M? Helton I think will take on a more Giambi type roll next year with a couple starts a week. Rox have been terrifically faithful to our players to a fault. With Helton I think it is time to think to the future.
Additionally I think the 75 pitch thing will continue. The trick in the off season is to find pitchers who accept it. At this right I think you will only find scrap heap pitchers looking for a major league team (Francis and Cook, anyone) and rookies, who don't have a choice. The next key is finding that piggyback reliever. Rox, who I don't think planned for Roenicke and Ottavino slipping into this role, will have to find similar type pitchers for this to work. A bullpen record of 17-9 since the start of the 75 pitch limit might be a little luck.
Evil Empire Returns
Well if we didn't know, we do now and that is we are living in Dodger Country! With the Dodgers taking on over $260M in contracts from the Red Sox over the weekend I think it should only make Rox management sit up and take notice that we have to be doing it better and cheaper. We will never be able to compete with those zeroes but Tampa Bay has proven that you can compete against the money clubs through smart drafts and wise free agent signings. It will certainly be a struggle but the Rox need to decide their path forward before Dodgers get too entrenched.
In the last two weeks, Rox have played 10-4 baseball. After reaching a low point over two weeks ago and playing on pace for only 59 wins someone decided it was purple time. Since the mandatory wear of purple, Rox have gone on a tear. Good to see some positives in this otherwise dismal season. Although I'm not declaring what I have seen a success it at least points to something that can be built upon. Of course it also would suggest some real conflicts. Biggest being Helton and Cuddyer. Team didn't win with them and are now winning without them. I believe the Rox should put Cuddyer on waivers and see if anyone bites. With cheaper alternatives in Colvin and EY Jr for next year why bother paying $20M? Helton I think will take on a more Giambi type roll next year with a couple starts a week. Rox have been terrifically faithful to our players to a fault. With Helton I think it is time to think to the future.
Additionally I think the 75 pitch thing will continue. The trick in the off season is to find pitchers who accept it. At this right I think you will only find scrap heap pitchers looking for a major league team (Francis and Cook, anyone) and rookies, who don't have a choice. The next key is finding that piggyback reliever. Rox, who I don't think planned for Roenicke and Ottavino slipping into this role, will have to find similar type pitchers for this to work. A bullpen record of 17-9 since the start of the 75 pitch limit might be a little luck.
Evil Empire Returns
Well if we didn't know, we do now and that is we are living in Dodger Country! With the Dodgers taking on over $260M in contracts from the Red Sox over the weekend I think it should only make Rox management sit up and take notice that we have to be doing it better and cheaper. We will never be able to compete with those zeroes but Tampa Bay has proven that you can compete against the money clubs through smart drafts and wise free agent signings. It will certainly be a struggle but the Rox need to decide their path forward before Dodgers get too entrenched.
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