Game of the Week: July 15: BOS @ NYY

[Commissioner Erick]

Boston Red Sox (59-32) @ New York Yankees (39-51)


BOS: Juan Alaniz (9-6, 4.90)
NYY: Jeff Henry (3-4, 4.52)


The Boston Red Sox had a strong first half, but find themselves clustered among a group of four teams atop the AL East, including a Toronto team that has relegated Boston to second place. The Red Sox have the makeup of a team that can go on a run however, and they’ll look to do so starting today.

The team leads the league in offense, and is third in run prevention, so Boston’s fundamentals are excellent. They’re getting a tremendous season out of Joel McCabe to lead them, as the infielder has a .324 average, 20 homers, and 76 RBIs at the break.

Boston will take on a New York Yankees team having a dreadful go of it. The veterans have turned to ash, investments in pitching haven’t turned out, and the club founds itself 39-51. All eyes will be on Justin Campbell, an exciting youngster whose sophomore season is going much better than his rookie campaign. Campbell is hitting .287 with 21 doubles, 13 homers, and an .835 OPS. Still developing, the future is bright for the USC alum.


Questions for the GMs:


For Mike Ball, Joe Taylor has recovered from his bad back. Will he be on the roster or go on a rehab assignment?

Alan Medina has gotten better as the months have warmed up. Are you satisfied with what he’s giving you at Third Base?

Will you look to make any upgrades at the trade deadline?

For Terry Kift, most of your players are under contract for next year, limiting how many upgrades you can make this offseason. Do you plan on being active in the trade market, or letting your guys play out the string so you can clear up your books for 2034?

Justin Campbell looks like a good hitter, but he’s running a -10.4 Zone Rating. Will he be playing Right Field for you next year?

Justin Wilks is banged up with a bruised elbow. Will he play through it, or will you replace him on the roster?


TRIVIA: Who is the oldest player currently on a PBA roster, as of the All Star break?

[Mike RedSox]

Joe Taylor has recovered from his bad back. Will he be on the roster or go on a rehab assignment?

He'll be back in the majors, it was a minor back thing so we'll skip a rehab.

Alan Medina has gotten better as the months have warmed up. Are you satisfied with what he’s giving you at Third Base?

I'd like better defense, I'm ok with how his bat has come along, I think he'll finish strong.

Will you look to make any upgrades at the trade deadline?

No, man, no, I have no money to acquire anything.  This is the team, they have to do it.  I don't want to trade specs for short term dudes anyway.  Look around guys, nothing is changing.

[tkiftyankees]

1. I have a mix of players coming up on on the end of contracts. player options and the like. It may be until 2034 before I can get things in order but I need to make better choices on who to sign.

2. Campbell is hitting .287 with 13 HRs and a WAR of 1.7. He's improving his stats every year so there's no question he will be back.

3. Justin Wilks is currently on the 10 day IL.

Jose Altuve

[Commissioner Erick]

TRIVIA: Terry correctly guessed Jose Altuve

[Commissioner Erick]

Red Sox 6 - Yankees 4


WP: S. Murillo (4-3)
LP: B. Bynum (2-3)
SV: S. Hartman (19)


The Boston Red Sox downed the New York Yankees, 6-4, at Yankee Stadium. The Red Sox were led by Luis Morales. He belted 2 home runs. He scored 3 runs and drove in 2. Steve Hartman converted his 19th save in 25 tries. The Red Sox have an impressive 60-32 record.

Carlos Flores, the 26-year old second baseman , had a direct impact on the outcome. Flores contributed a run-scoring ground out in the top of the eighth inning to put Boston up, 5-4.

"We'll put this win in our pocket and go after the next one," said Flores.


Questions for the GMs:


For Mike Ball, your bullpen was great, but Juan Alaniz was mediocre again, allowing four runs in 6 innings. Is he in any danger of losing his starting spot?

Did you agree with your manager bot pinch hitting Willis Castro for John Pfeiffer in the sixth inning, down 4-3?

Did you agree with your manager bot pinch hitting Carlos Flores for Castro in a tie game in the eighth?

For Terry Kift, you had a late lead, but couldn't hold it, with Bobby Bynum taking the loss. How secure is his spot for the second half of the year?

Did you agree wih your manager bot's decision to pinch hit Corey Macrow for Nate McClure, who had homered earlier?

Your manager bot also pinch hit Jeff Becnel for Gerwin Schoonen in the eighth. Did you agree with that decision?


TRIVIA: Who is the single-season leader in WBC Saves?

[tkiftyankees]

1. He is still young but he needs to show improvements. His 6+ ERA is his worst yet.

2. That's a puzzlers for sure. Makes you wonder if the manager will be around next year.

3. Yeah, I'll talk to the manager.

[Commissioner Erick]

TRIVIA 2: Luke correctly guessed Sergio Parra