Although I did not watch the game since I am studying for my Wednesday Constitutional Law final… I did have gameday on and was very happy Lester got the win. Interesting game, with an unexpected homer from Ross, several no-hit innings from Lester, an error from our power hitting shortstop Drew.. correction another 0-4 game with 3 strikeouts. When are the sox going to demote him to AAA so he can regain his timing without harming an already struggling Sox offense. When 50% of the games runs are driven in by Ross.. you know it hasnt been a high scoring game. Put Xander back at SS, Holt can slide to 3rd w/Cecchini/Herrera getting some at-bats.
Removing Drew is the perfect solution for this club.. Not that we dont want Stephen to play at all.. he’s sure handed as it gets, but we cant let him chase high heat.. it’s all too reminisent of Vtek’s end of career struggles. Letting Drew get his “spring training” reps in the minors allows for the ideal roster flexibility. Now Holt can get some infield highlights, Mookie can start in CF with JBJ in right and Nava/Gomes trying to get production out of what was a very successful platoon last year. But Nava went 0-4 in the 2-hole. and JBJ 0-3 with what seemed like too many first pitch outs. Can these guys try some new bats or stand somewhere new in the box.. or just get hits.. preferably big ones?
If drew is going to remain with the club, i admit that I kinda like the Drew/Xander tandem, but 0-7 combined doesnt look good. Xander seems to have lost his patience at the plate, and when he gets 2-2.. which seems like every at-bat… he is chasing the breaking ball on the inside corner.. or fastball high and away.. instead of how he usually takes those pitches. If he can just try to foul off some pitchers pitches, instead of weakly putting them in play.. he’ll have much better results.
Anywho.. Sox have won 100% of their games with Mookie on the roster. Lets hope that continues.. for as long as possible.
Jules Toraby 