For a rookie mgr Cora is really tactful with the pitching. Maybe pulled Porce a little early in game 3, but otherwise seamless.
I read an article about sign stealing in game 2. Lavangie got word that Machado was getting our catchers pitch calls while he was on the bases. That resulted in LA getting their two runs off Price. He was stealing the pitch and location.
It's all a part of the game, but we had to make an adjustment. Game within the game.
I agree on Cora, I thought he really screwed up on pulling Porcello but after winning last night it doesn't matter a lot. But I also like that he learns. I find it interesting that managers are as eager to pull starters quickly as they are to make their relievers, and especially closers, extend beyond what they normally do. Last night the right call was to bring in Brasier so you have Kimbrel available if he gets in trouble. Plus what was up with all the curveballs from Kimbrel last night? It tells me even more so that he shouldn't have been the prime option and I worry about him in particular, as well as Kelly for going two (an unsung hero in this series for sure).
Fox is funny. When the Dodgers had their big HR they did a big video montage during the pitching change. Multiple shots, sound effects, visual effects, etc. They didn't do that for Moreland's HR or Pearce's double. But they usually do okay, better than TBS or ESPN.
It is amazing that the Sox are up 3-1 when they haven't had much at all from their biggest hitters, clearly have a banged up starting staff and working with a limited set of relievers (you wonder how catastrophic the situation would have to be for instance to get Pomeranz in). It took LA 18 innings to beat us in a game where we had to use all but one starting pitcher and we gave away runs on both sides of the ball.
Sale will likely have some sort of surgery within a week. Rotator cuff?
Tonight's the night the bats break out. I expect a blow out and the Sox dance in LA.
