BOS Vs SF Series Recap: Reinforcements Arrive.
The Boston Red Sox have defeated the San Francisco Giants in the three game series at Fenway Park, winning two out of three games.
This series included a lot of interesting narratives, including the debuts of two new first baseman, a new second baseman, and a new bullpen arm. While Vaughn Grissom unfortunately caught the flu and couldn’t make his debut this series, we are expected to see him at second base this Friday in Minnesota.
Now, let’s go through the highs and lows of the series, including the performances of the new additions….
DEFENSE:
Positives:
Enmanuel Valdez (again) continued to show strides at second base.
Despite this, the Red Sox signed Zack Short, and Valdez was sent down.
It seems clear that Short is a downgrade from Valdez at second base, however, Short has the versatility to play both middle infield positions.
Defensive versatility is the reasoning for the switch. It will be interesting to see if Valdez can break back into the big league squad with the Red Sox stating that he will take AAA reps at both corners, and in left field.
Both Garrett Cooper and Dominic Smith look to be very capable big league first baseman.
Ceddanne Rafaela is the best athlete on the team. After some adjustment throughout the last two weeks, Rafaela looks capable of making just about any play necessary.
Jarren Duran is playing very well in center. He made a very difficult play on the warding track.
To contrast, the Giants’ new Korean outfielder Jung-Hoo Lee made an error on a much simpler play while battling the sun.
Connor Wong has made mistakes this year, but in the series clinching middle game, he made arguably the Red Sox best defensive play of the season.
Wilyer Abreu is arguably the most reliable defensive right fielder the Red Sox have had since Mookie Betts.
Tyler O’Neill has also proven to be a very reliable outfielder. It would be wonderful if he could stay healthy and available.
Make it stand out
Dominic Smith: 1/4 , RBI in game 2
Negatives:
Bobby Dalbec’s defense at third base will be missed. He was sent down to AAA Worcester following the Red Sox game three loss.
Rob Refsnyder is a replacement level player in the outfield, and is only comfortable in left field.
I wonder if the team will experiment with him at different positions. First base has been mentioned as a possibility, but Refsnyder originally came up as a minor league second baseman.
Reese McGuire isn’t bad, but he is certainly a downgrade from Connor Wong.
STARTING PITCHING:
Positives:
Kutter Crawford gets back Cooper Criswell has been unbelievable in his last two appearances.
The team knows that they can’t rely on Criswell playing well every turn of the rotation, so anything he can give the team is a pleasant surprise.
Negatives:
We unfortunately did not get to see Tanner Houck pitch in this series (He’s not hurt or anything, I just wish he could pitch every night).
Can NESN please stop interviewing the previous day’s starting pitcher during the game?
Two games in a row, the current starter gave up a moonshot during the interview with the previous day’s starter. Crawford gave up a bomb during Criswell’s interview, and Winckowski gave one up during Crawford’s interview.
I don’t despise Josh Winckowski the way that some in Red Sox Nation do, but I would rather not watch bullpen games. I have a hard time even listing Winckowski notes under this section.
THE PEN:
Positives:
Greg Weissert had a good series, pitching 2.1 total innings, and allowing only one hit.
Brennan Bernardino and Justin Slaten both remain two of the best and most reliable arms in this bullpen.
Booser got through an inning without giving up a hit. His remarkable story continues.
The debut of Naoyuki Uwasawa went off without a hitch, getting through two innings without allowing a baserunner.
I still have questions about Chris Martin this year, but he got through an inning without allowing a baserunner.
He’s going to need a lot more outings like this before I start to trust him again.
Negatives:
Zack Kelly cost the team the sweep, allowing two runs in the 7th inning which untied the game. He didn’t walk anyone, but allowed 4 hits. Not a good outing for Kelly, who looked good in game one of the series.
AT THE PLATE:
Positives:
Jarren Duran had a rough game three, but otherwise was the spark plug of the offense in the series, reaching base seven times over the three games and driving in two runs.
Wilyer Abreu additionally reached base six times in the series, despite being given a rest day for game three.
Strikeouts have been a bit of a problem for Tyler O’Neill, but in the third game, he drew two walks.
Connor Wong went three for seven in the series, drawing a walk. He has proven that he should be the team’s everyday catcher.
Both Garrett Cooper and Dominic Smith showed life at the plate, which is a welcome change from the struggles of Bobby Dalbec.
Rob Refsnyder didn’t have a perfect series, but continues to earn playing time.
Ceddanne Rafaela reached base in two of the three games, which is pretty much what we should expect from him at this point in his development.
Rafael Devers reached base in every game of the series, with three hits, three walks, and an RBI.
Make it stand out
Garrett Cooper: 1/6 in the series
Negatives:
Zack Short does not have the offensive ceiling as Enmanuel Valdez.
Given Valdez’s recent performance at the plate, the swap is definitely a viable option for the Sox.
Bobby Dalbec and Enmanuel Valdez both couldn’t buy a hit, which (rightfully) earned them a demotion to AAA.
Not the best series for Rob Refsnyder, but it shouldn’t impact his role.
Overall, the Boston Red Sox are an exciting product. They have given fans in Boston a reason to tune in every night. I don’t know how long they can keep this up, but I’m very happy with the current state of affairs.
