Normally I think the idea of CO-MVPs is really some soft shit. With rare exceptions, there's usually a clear cut guy who deserves series MVP. The 2001 World Series with Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling is the most glaring example of deserving co-mvps.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't lose any sleep over it, and this is the definition of a champagne problem, as my favorite team just won the World Series. I'm complaining about who won World Series MVP, but I still am shocked David Price didn't the very least earn a co-MVP for his work in the 2018 Fall Classic. My mans was robbed worse than Cambridge Merchants in The Town. Honestly I would've given it to him outright over Pearce. I just think Pearce was so good that if there was ever a time to give co-MVPs, this was the time. Look, Steve Pearce was awesome, I love Steve Pearce and his story. Did you know he grew up a Red Sox fan? Of course you did because Fox told you every 20 seconds. I don't wanna take away from his performance. His home runs brought me great joy. Butttt he hit 3 home runs. Plenty of guys have hit 3 home runs in a World Series. Pablo Sandoval did it in one game. I'm not trying to take away from him because I think it should've been split award. It's not like JBJ in the ALCS where he only got 3 hits, but they were probably the biggest 3 hits of the series, so it worked. Plus there was no one pitcher who really stood out as a potential MVP. So even hitting .200 JBJ made sense. I bet if you gave Steve Pearce truth serum he'd say he was surprised to win it. Because what David Price did in the World Series, for lack of a better word was historic. I was shocked when Pearce was by himself getting that ugly truck. Maybe that's what it's all about? Chevy doesn't wanna shell out two free cars to multi-millionaires?
Because I've thought about it. It's not like baseball has never done co-MVPs. There have been two in the last three seasons in the NLCS. For God's sake in 1981 there were THREE World Series MVPS,,, THREE. Back then it wasn't a big deal they probably just gave you a VCR.
In my eyes this is Chevy trying to save a buck. Why else would you not recognize a man who did more to help his team win the World Series? Maybe they figured Pearce could use a free car more since he's a journeyman and Price is a Cy Young Winning 1st overall pick? But there have been a few instances since 2001 where multiple guys were worthy of MVP. 2013 stands out to me (for obvi reasons) David Ortiz hit fucking .688, but Jon Lester also went 2-0 with a 0.59 ERA. I can't remember when the car started. I know Bumgarner got one in 2014, because who could ever forget that?
Getting back to Price though.... What David Price did in this Fall Classic has only been done a handful of times in last 60+ years.
Since the World Series MVP award was first awarded in 1955, 12 series have ended in 5 games. In those 12 series, only four times has a starting pitcher won two games. Those SP were Whitey Ford in 1961, Jerry Koosman in 1969, Jack Morris in 1984 and Orel Hershiser in 1988. Pretty nice company to be a part of. Once a RP went 2-0, Mike Stanton went 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 4.1 IP for the 2000 Yankees. In laymen terms, two wins in a five game series is pretty rare. I know the win isn't everything for determining how good a pitcher is, but I'm sorry postseason wins for sure matter for showing how good a pitcher is. You aren't gonna see too many dudes going 5 allowing 6 earned picking up W's in October. Wins for sure aren't everything, look at Rich Hill. His career ERA in the World Series is 1.80 and he's winless, but October is about wins plain and simple. Wins are what gets you a ring, not WHIP or ERA. I was shocked to see of those four times, only twice was a 2-0 starting pitcher of a 5 game World Series awarded series MVP. They were: 1961 Whitey Ford went 2-0 with a cool 0.00 ERA in 14 innings (only gave up 6 hits) 1988 Orel Hershiser went 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA in 18 innings In 2008 Cole Hamels went 1-0 in two starts with a 2.77 era in 13.0 innings and was named series MVP. I find it hard to believe in this series that were so short that starting pitchers who carried teams were not rewarded for it. To win a series that quickly you're gonna need great starting pitching and that's exactly what David Price provided. After all the shit he's gotten for choking in October, this year he righted the ship. In the 2018 World Series David Price went 2-0 in 3 appearances (2 starts) with a 1.98 ERA, 10 strikeouts, and only surrendered 10 base hits, his WHIP was 0.951 which for those of you who don't know non-traditional stats, is very good. I'm sorry, but David Price is why the Red Sox won the World Series. What he did was incredible. To pitch on short rest multiple times and give those kind of performances is the stuff of legends. Now over the course of time it'll be forgotten by most because there isn't the MVP label on it, but do not get it twisted, it was an MVP performance. This was the series David Price put the haters to bed. Forever.
Yes, he picked up his first win as a starter the series before against the Astros, but that was just one win. Has Price gotten shelled in his first start the narrative would return and everybody would just say game 5 against Houston was a fluke. Plus frankly, it wouldn't have really mattered if he sucked in the World Series. Steve Pearce was fucking awesome, and dominated games 4 and 5, but did nothing in games 1-3. David Price shut down the L.A. Dodgers and was absolutely dominate. I don't understand how MLB didn't recognize him considering his infamous postseason history.
I don't really like the idea of CO-MVPs, but if there was ever a time to give one, it was this year. This Red Sox team embodied what it meant to be a team all season long. Price showed he's a team guy by pitching whenever needed, including a key relief appearance in game 3 after starting (and winning) game 2.
In the 2016 and 2017 NLCS' their were co-mvps. With no cars given away I wonder if that's why the tough decision wasn't made? They were probably like fuck it, just give it to both of them. In 2016 the Cubs beat the Dodgers in 6 and SP Jon Lester (1-0 in 13.0 IP with a 1.38 ERA in 13.0 IP) split MVP honors with Javy Baez (.318 7/22 with 5 RBI). The next year the Dodgers got revenge and won in 5, the CO-MVPs were Chris Taylor (.316 2 HR and 3 RBI) and Justin Turner (.333 2 HR 7 RBI). A simple eye test tells me Price and Pearce were better. 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA and .333 with 3 HR and 8 RBI respectively. Give me those guys, now that I think of it the only explanation as to why they didn't split it was the car giveaway. Maybe racism? That's a great conclusion people seem to love to come to when they don't have any further explanation for something. Screw the car, Price and his 217 million (just from the Red Sox) can get whatever car he wants, this is about honor and respect, both of which Price deserves after this postseason. As he said he holds the trump card now. He was robbed and it's not right. Am I an SJW now? Given the narrative of his career of to this point it would've been fucking perfect. Whatever, he has a ring now and out-pitched two of the best pitchers (Verlander and Kershaw) of this generation but damn it man, the right man did not win series MVP.
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Song: Mo Bamba Artist: Sheck Wes Album: Mud Boy 
Weezy F Baby and the F is for Fuckin World Series Champs was in the building tn!!!
LET'S FUCKING GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For the 4th time since 2004 the Boston Red Sox are World Series Champions.
3-0 in series against the trolls!!!!!!! Pay that gd troll toll!!!!!
Just like a century ago, the Boston Red Sox are the champions in the 18th year of the new century.
4 World Series titles since 2004. 3 different managers. All won it all in year one. There have been some lean years in between, but what a fucking run it has been for the 2018 Red Sox. Yes, they are the best team in Red Sox history. 119 wins including the playoffs. That's some all-time team shit.
Hopefully this won't be the last title before an 86 year drought. I am confident in saying it won't be. I love Hanley, but releasing him was huge to save money. Plus it led to Steve Pearce. Such a great core, and an even better manager. This team can go on a run. 2004 will forever be the most important, 2007 sadly gets forgotten, 2013 healed a city, and 2018 was TIna Turner....simply the best!
This is sexy!!!!
David Price has put on his big boy pants this October. 3 wins, including 2 in the World Series. 1.98 ERA in the Fall Classic. Likely at the very least World Series Co-MVP. Watching the ceremony as I type this, talk about up to the minute blogging. I am dedicated. Go Sox! Hire Dozo! Could've pitched longer, but who cares it was the right decision and the Boston Red Sox are World Series Champs!
BIG FUCKING MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!
David is 3-0 in the playoffs since the ALDS. He is 2001 Randy Johnson. All the short rest starts. Man does he fucking deserve. Way to shut the haters up. He's worth every cent!!! All the idiot fans have to eat their word, while I've definitely talked my fair shit about Price, I've also been the first guy to say he still can do it and supported him throughout everything.
Wow how did Price not get any MVP love???????? That is some series BS. I'm pretty not sober rn and soaking all of this in but man what a fucking ride it's been. Mookie struggled in October but picked a fantastic spot to break out against an all-timer. After starting his postseason career 0-9 Price is 3-0 and beat Verlander and Kershaw, the best pitcher from each arm respectively in this generation in series clinching games.
11-3 in the Postseason. Tied the 2004 Red Sox for best record of a Red Sox world champ team. But this was a much different, much more dominant 11-3. I love going for the jugular with Sale in the 9th. He proceeded to strike out the side, including Manny Machado (scumbag, lazy, dirty, pussy, awful-hair having bum) to win the World Series!!!
Joe Kelly!!!!!!!!!! Pitching like the best Joe Kelly we've seen!!!!!!!
Let's not forget about the bats!!
Every run was scored via the home run tonight.
What a way to end an 0-13 slump.
Moonshot against the best lefty of this generation.
More to come tomorrow. I am so fucking happy!!!!!!!!
More to go and later. GO SOX!!!!!!!!! LFG!!!!!!!!!!
11-3 in October. 6-1 on the road. What a fucking team.
Aaron Judge you're a chicklet loser!!! Have fun never winning the AL East
S/o to The Texas Rangers for being able to laugh at themselves.
Been way too tired to blog after the games the last two nights (I'm an old loser) and have been waiting all day to get this out.
LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Half way home baby! *Joe Castig voice* Caaan youuu believe it? The Red Sox are up 2-0 and two wins away from a 4th World Series title since 2004.
It's a great spot to be in. — MLB (@MLB) October 25, 2018
The series still technically isn't over, but I feel fantastic about the Sox chances.
I love Dave Roberts, but Alex Cora has out-managed him to like the 8 millionth degree through two games.
We (I) 've been doubting this team all season, mainly to avoid potential heartbreak, and are really starting to look like buffoons as the Red Sox are rolling through the best major league baseball has to offer them this October.
9-2 to start to October. None of the previous World Series teams have had this hot of a run to get into the Fall Classic. Those teams had to scratch and claw in the ALCS coming back from 3-0 and 3-1 and took down a superior Tiger team in 6. Like no question about it, the Sox have unzipped their pants and just starting slingin 108 win dick everywhere knocking the shitty 100 win teams down like me knocking down girls in high school gym playing soccer. They are cutting like a hot knife through butter, except instead of butter it's teams the "experts" said would beat us. Sucks 2 suck. Can we just take a step back for a second and appreciate this? Like I still cannot believe they beat the defending champion Houston Astros in 5 (FIVE) games (including three wins in Houston) but now they're already half way to a World Series crown. You don't even have enough time to soak in and enjoy these wins. Thank God it's an off night. Feels like it was a week ago already but In game 1 the Sox handled the Dodgers 8-4. Kershaw was horrible. But in his defense....it was cold, guys!!! Mookie starting the series off with a hit was a great sign. Whenever the Dodgers scored, the Sox answered right back. Benny Teddy baby! 4-5. Eddie's pinch hit homer basically ended the game. What a night. Red Sox are now 4-0 in the World Series game 1's this millennium and have scored in the bottom of the 1st in all 4 games.
With the exception of J.D.'s ankle potentially being bad enough to keep him out of the outfield in Los Angeles the first two games couldn't have gone any better. Bullpen has been great. BIG S/O to Joe Kelly. (even though I'm still mad he cut his flowwww)
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) October 25, 2018
Kimbrel looks like he's back to his old self too. Bats have been solid. Killing it with 2 outs at a historic clip. Mookie and Benny are getting locked in at the perfect time. JD is driving everybody in. Sure, would have been cool to see Chris Sale pitch long enough to qualify for a win? Of course. But he gave them enough to stay in the game and let the bats do the talking. The defense has been superb too.
Classic example of my fire tweets that would be littered with retweets and favos if I had real followers and wasn't yelling about baseball to 23 people that don't care.
HOW ABOUT DAVID TAYLOR PRICE?????? 
Continuing to shit the h8rs up, after going win less in his first 11 postseason starts David is now 2-0 (100 winning %) in his last three. It looks as if like he's finally gotten over that October hump. Whatever he realized when he was raking the bullpen in Houston obviously has paid off. He's looking like a bargain at 31 mil per. Had a little hiccup in the 4th, but for the most part was lights out.
I feel like he could've kept pitching, but Cora probably made the right call to not let him get into trouble and be happy with 6 solid innings of work.
In sports we've seen countless times that the series isn't over, until it's over, but I mean come on, this team is fucking rolling. I really don't think the series is coming back to Boston. Everybody is saying the umps are gonna do all they can to extend the series for Fox and ratings blah, blah, blah. Fuck that. Pretty Ricky is going game three and he's probably gonna hit a homer.
I am so fucking ready for game 3. Go Sox!
P.S. V fucked up of the Red Sox to not invite Curt Schilling for the 2004 first pitch. I already hate when they do first pitches with more than one person, but how can you have an 04 thing and not invite Schilling.? Alan Embree, seriously? It's like if you had a Toy Story reunion but instead of getting Woody and Buzz you got brought out Mr. Potato Head's Mustache and the walking microphone. Stop being liberal pussies and crying because you disagree with him politically. Wah I don't agree with you, you're a bigot! I don't like a lot of what he has to say either, but it's baseball, that shouldn't matter. This man helped break the fucking curse and kill the Yankees. That should be his legacy. If you wanna hate him for 38 studios you can I guess. I don't. 2004 trumps (no pun intended) all. Who cares that he's a Trump guy? What the fuck is wrong with this country. The idea of by-partisanship is DEAD.
After David Ortiz, he was the most important player in the 2004 postseason and is responsible for one of the most historic single-game performances in all of postseason history. Talking all the sports. The bloody sock game is at the top of the list for gutsy performances ever. Screw Willis Reed he only scored 4 points. Schilling shut down the Yankees for 6 innings with a dead guy's tendon in his ankle. Curt lives less than 20 miles from Fenway. It's absolute shame how he's been treated by Red Sox ownership.
Song: Wish You Were Here Artist: Pink Floyd Album: Wish You Were Here Fenway is singing this to me tonight. 
Obviously I'm picking the Red Sox, but I don't think it's a biased pick. Yes, I am a Red Sox fan. And yes, I care about this team more than a lot of people with the same last name as me. But let's also look at some quick numbers. 2018 regular season record: Los Angeles Dodgers: 92-71. Boston Red Sox: 108-54. Team batting average (2018 regular season): Los Angeles Dodgers: .250 (14th in MLB) Boston Red Sox: .268 (1st in MLB) Team OPS (not nearly as drastic): Los Angeles Dodgers: .744 (3rd in MLB) Boston Red Sox: .792 (1st in MLB) The Red Sox are the better team. Yes the Dodgers are the defending NL champs, but this is a much different roster than last year. They are obviously good or else they wouldn't be here, but this is the Red Sox series to lose. Plain and simple. They're semi-heavy favorites for a reason. It would one of the biggest upsets in World Series history (record wise) if the Dodgers pulled it off. The Red Sox led the bigs in every offense stat that mattered. The bullpen is starting to look really good. The starting pitching has been good enough. They are facing an unfamiliar foe in the Fall Classic in the LA Dodgers, but they are a beatable foe. Now to their defense the Dodgers roster is a better than 92 win team, they've battled their injuries for sure, and in October the regular season record does not matter, ask the 2006 Cardinals. 
But man, look at what the Red Sox have done in October. How can you not feel confident? Against the 100 win Yankees they weren't picked by many to win the series. This was a team who had won the division in 2016 and 2017 and quickly bowed out of the postseason. They proceeded to beat the Yankees in 4, sweeping the Yankees IN New York, outscoring them 20-4 in the process. Next came the big, bad Houston Astros. More like Houston ran-out-of-gas-trosss because they dropped four straight after winning game one. Three straight L's at home to end the season, ouch. Now we're here back in the Fall Classic after a long 5 year drought. Now in a way that doesn't matter, it's the past. The Red Sox 7-2 record, (including a perfect 5-0 on the road) is what got them to the World Series, but isn't going to win it for them, but it sure is fucking encouraging to see how well they played against two frankly superior teams to the Dodgers. Here are 5 things most concerning to me about the World Series. 5. Craig Kimbrel 
In 5 postseason appearances this year Kimbrel has 8's and 6 walks, 5 earned runs in 6.1 innings. Not ideal!
There's rumors Eric Gagne may have helped Kimbrel with a mechanical issue that could've been causing him to tip his pitches, he was closer to vintage Kimbrel in game 5 of the ALCS, but man oh man how could feel good about this guy right now? Closers giving up runs in 4 of 5 appearences is not a World Series winning formula.
4. Chris Sale's Health
Pretty simple stuff here: when he's on he's one of the best pitchers in baseball. When he's not, its battle to go four innings. If the Red Sox want to win this series they are going to need the pre-July Chris Sale. What's good with that tummy, Chris? Also what's good with that shoulder, Chris??? I am scared!! 3. Manny Machado 
I fucking despise Manny Machado. I can't think of one nice thing to say about him. I'm worried about dirty baseball, I'm worried about his bat. I do not what this lazy fuck to cost the Boston Red Sox a championship. He's a future Yankee and I hate everything about him. Doesn't hustle, shitty guy, and most importantly, HORRIBLE hair. I cannot have Manny Machado ruining my winter.
2. Clayton Kershaw and Dodger Narratives
I always am talking about the narratives in sports but what does that really mean?
Well here it's pretty simple with the Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw so I'm bunching them together. Despite being the best pitcher of this generation, with some spectacular postseason starts under his belt Clayton Kershaw still has that loser label to him in October. He'll likely have it unless he lead the Dodgers (or another team) to a World Series win. The Dodgers haven't won the World Series in 30 years AND are returning after losing in 7 last year. It could be a team of destiny story with how they were like 16-26 at one point and had to play in a tie breaker just to make the playoffs. Kershaw and Dodgers could exercise those demons this series. I really don't want to have the Patriots be the team that gives the fucking Philadelphia Eagles their first Super Bowl win AND have the Red Sox be the team who cements Clayton Kershaw's legacy/ end Dodgers World Series drought in the same calendar year. I cannot take that. I will die inside even more. There's too many pro-Dodger potential story lines in this series. Not to mention the life and death of Tommy LaSorda is on the line. Tommy famously basically said he wants the Dodgers to win it all so he can just die. "I want to tell you this, I just had a birthday; I was 87 years old. And before I die I want to see that championship flag flying out there in center field. ... I've got a great feeling about this team. I think we're going to do it, I think we're going to get to the Fall Classic, and then the big Dodger in the sky can take me away."
1. Getting beaten by a scrub
Sports are unpredictable bro, that's why we love them (and hate the NBA). You can't write this shit, upsets happen all the time. This year we finally saw a 16 seed take down a 1. Anything can happen, cliche, cliche, cliche. I can deal with Kershaw being a stud, or a guy like Justin Turner having a big series. But I cannot have the Red Sox lose with some David Tyree bullshit. Granted the Dodgers don't have too many bums on their roster, and I like him as a player and guy so I hate to use him as an example, but like, if Kike Hernandez is series MVP and bats like .525 I'm jumping off a bridge. The series is really simple, and while idiots like Jessica Mendoza think the X-factor is JD Martinez and Mookie Betts
This is going to come down to starting pitching. Yes in today's baseball the bullpen dominates October. But guys like Nathan Eovaldi or Walker Buehler can be the real x-factor here. Then there's the well known guys? How will Price follow up his first postseason win as a starter? WTF is good with Chris Sale's health? Is Kershaw going to finally get the monkey off his back or nah? That is what will dictate this series IMO.
My official pick is Sox in 6. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Dodgers win game 1 with Kershaw then the Sox take the next two. I'm feeling a similar series to the 2013 ALCS. Lose game one, win 2 and 3, lose 4, win 5 on the road then come home to win at home in 6. My MVP pick is Rafael Devers! AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WILL BABY BELUGA FINALLY CATCH ON????????????? It's soooooooo much better than Raffi Big Scoops.
 It wasn't that long ago when then 2nd basemen Mookie Betts was considered "the most blocked" prospect in all of baseball. The Red Sox were just coming off their 2013 World Series win, with one of the hottest prospects in all of baseball,,,, with nowhere to play. With the gift of hindsight, this article from 2014 seems nearly impossible to believe, looks ridiculous now with the names considered to be "above" Mookie at the time. via: www.overthemonster.com/2014/3/5/5473856/keith-law-names-mookie-betts-the-most-blocked-prospect-in-baseball Boston's farm system and the prospects therein have received its fair share of accolades these past few months, but here's a new one for you: Mookie Betts is baseball's most-blocked prospect, at least according to Keith Law. What does it mean to be blocked? It's not as simple as having a veteran position player in your way. At least not for the players on Law's list. No, we're talking degrees of being blocked here, and Law points out that there's pretty much nowhere to put a guy like Mookie, at least not without forcing other pieces to move. Second base is right out for obvious reasons. Can he move to shortstop? But then what about Xander? Third? Cecchini and Middlebrooks are already anticipating their own jam over there. Center? Jackie Bradley Jr. Mother fucking Will Middlebrooks and Garin Cecchini in the same class as Mookie Betts.. Insane. That's like saying candy corn is better than Reeses. *pats self on the back for shitty halloween candy analogy* (and if you're one of those pyshcos who likes Candy Corn you can stop reading...don't really, I need the clicks) Middlebrooks was gone after 2014 and has like 45 minutes in the bigs since he left Boston. What's the scariest part of this article is this: "It's hard to find a scenario in which they all play for the Red Sox without deleting someone from the roster due to trade or injury. Betts is seemingly the most likely to be traded of all the names here." Omg is that not the grossest thing you've seen today? Thank God this is just from a Red Sox blog recapping an ESPN article, but good God, man. Had the Red Sox traded Mookie Betts because of Garin Cecchini (who's played a whopping 14 games in the big leagues) I for sure would be dead right now. It'd be the Babe Ruth trade only worse, because at least the Red Sox got to win a few World Series with Ruth first. Now this blog isn't to go all @oldtakesexposed on this post, but more so to talk about the versatility of Mookie Betts and the decisions Alex Cora will need to make at Dodger Stadium for games 3-5 of the 2018 fall classic. In case you've been under a rock, in the National League ballpark the Red Sox will lose DH. meaning J.D. Martinez is gonna have to move to OF. Leaving 4 men for 3 outfield jobs. Alex Cora (on paper) will need to decide to not play either Andrew Beintendi or ALCS MVP Jackie Bradley, Jr. because the only way Mookie Betts is coming out of the line-up is if he's dead, or Cora wants to pull a 1919 Black Sox. The big topic of discussion this week in sports has been should the Red Sox move Mookie Betts back to his natural 2nd base for games 3-5 in Los Angeles so the Red Sox can keep Benny, and JBJ both in the line-up? Given the lack of production (outside of Brock Holt's cycle) the Red Sox have gotten offensively from 2B this October it's very intriguing scenario. I am not against the move, I think it's daring, and aggressive. It's a move that personally, I love to see (even hypothetically) from my manager; that he's willing to think outside the box, and channel 1968 Mayo Smith to win a championship. Like the 2nd worst band in music, Imagine Dragons says, "do whatever it takes". This wouldn't quite by Mickey Stanley to SS in the 1968 World Series, considering Betts is a natural 2nd basemen, but I still think it's not a risk the Red Sox have to necessarily take. Let's talk facts for a second: Mookie Betts is the best RF in all of baseball. The eye test tells me Mookie is the best, but the stats also back him up as well. Look at all the uber-fancy, sabermetrics, Mookie is at the top, or near top in nearly all of them. He's won the last 2 American League RF gold gloves, and is a shoe-in for 3rd this year. While Gold Gloves are nice, they are also a popularity contest (looking at you, Jeter). From www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/10/22/red-sox-mookie-betts-second-base/1733048002/ Betts has led all qualified big-league outfielders in UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating) in each of the last three seasons. Somewhat amazingly, he is the top rated outfielder over that span in all three components of the stat: He has the best arm, most range, and surest hands. I understand why the home run that was ruled an out from game 4 was so controversial. But I'm sorry, that's a catch Mookie Betts makes. I'd say he makes that catch greater than 80% of the time. That's why to me it was an easy decision to make. It was interference. I know this isn't how the rule is interpreted, but maybe it's how it should be. If Nick Swisher is playing right, that's a homer, if Melky Cabrera is playing right, that's a homer. Mookie showed us the very next night that he can make that catch. Here's another fact: Jackie Bradley, Jr is a career .238 hitter. Look I am the biggest Jackie Bradley, Jr fan around, I've called into WEEI defending him recapping-my-experience-on-weei.html. I was ecstatic to see him win ALCS MVP. I think he's the best defensive CF in baseball, I am a Jackie Bradley, Jr guy. The reason Jackie Bradley, Jr is still so valuable despite his streakiness, and frankly overall under-performance (for his career) at the plate is for his glove and run-prevention. I've blogged about him many times, I don't need to add the videos of his highlights, but I will anyway. Run-prevention is nearly as important as scoring itself. Which is exactly why I am not loving the idea of moving Mookie Betts to 2nd base. As stated earlier, Mookie Betts is the best defensive (and also overall) RF in baseball. We saw the stat. So we're gonna make our outfield defense worse by getting rid of him, and likely making the infield defense worse too? Now here is when I do my whole no real evidence, just go from the heart blogger thing, but despite being a phenomal athlete would this be asking too much of Mookie Betts? I could be completely wrong here, but even after playing 2nd his whole life until a few years ago, Mookie hasn't been an everyday 2nd basemen at any level since 2014. A lot can change in 4 years, for example, in that same time frame Mookie Betts became a 2x Gold Glove winner and arguably the best player in baseball not named after a fish. No turning-two, no sliding infield stops, no playing 2nd base (except for 6 innings in an emergency role earlier this year) for four years. Kids went through HS w/o seeing Mookie Betts play 2nd base. Yes, Ian Kinsler has left more to be desired this October at 2nd, and despite being a fan favorite, and producing all season long, Brock Holt has had a hard time sniffing the field. But is Mookie Betts better at 2nd for you defensively than they are? I don't know. I'd probably rather have Brock Holt playing offensively than Jackie if I got to pick between the two. I think defensive JBJ and Mookie are pretty close to the same guy so it's kind of a wash there. But, regardless, is it worth making your defense (i.e. run prevention) worse in both the outfield and infield by moving Mookie from RF to 2nd? This isn't as simple as just saying. Okay Mookie today you're back where it all began. It's all about how well Mookie can play 2nd. He's a freak athlete and believe in him 100% If this was a move happening for 2019 I think he'd be able to do it no problem. I just wonder if this is too quick of a turnaround? I never played baseball, so I could be wrong, but is playing 2nd base like riding a bike? I would think not. The outfield is going to be impacted one way or another, JD Martinez is going to play. He's not a complete liability like some 2015 Kyle Schwarber, but he's no Mookie Betts and the combo of Benny, JBJ and Mookie have been three vacuums in the OF, sucking up everything. I honestly don't know what the right move is here. and I don't envy the position Cora is in. I just feel like it'd be better to go Benny, Mookie, JD in the OF in whichever positioning they feel best over Benny, JBJ, JD with Mookie playing 2nd for the first time that actually matters in 4 years in the God Damn World Series? I also think the series and match-ups are indicative of what happens. Where is the series when it goes west? Were we up 2-0? Split....god-forbid down 0-2. All that matters, as well as how dudes are performing. If JBJ is 0-7 with a walk and 5 Ks I don't think it's smart to move Mookie to infield to have him start. Yeah it's sorta unfair, given the small sample size and that one of the games is against Clayton Kershaw, but I'd be a lot cooler with having Mookie start at 2nd for the first time since 2014 up 2-0 than down 0-2. Kind of an obvious take, but one that I felt needed to be said. Like I said, I love JBJ, but he had 3 hits in the ALCS. Yes, they were huge, clutch, game winning hits, and we all know his defense. But let's not act like he turned into Barry Bonds overnight. Back in the 2007 ALCS Kevin Youkilis batted fucking .500 (14-28) with 3 HR (and should've been CO-MVPs with Beckett), but was benched in the World Series for David Ortiz when the series shifted to Denver. In the snowflake age of CO-MVP's (2 of the last 3 NLCS have had co-MVP) if there was ever a time to give them, Youk sure as shit earned a share of one in 07. They took their hottest bat out of the line-up to keep David Ortiz in it. Youk was versatile too. He could've played 3rd, but Mike Lowell was busy winning WS MVP. Anyways, my point is that if the Red Sox were willing to bench Youk who hit fucking .500 in the ALCS so a better player could play, I think the same should go for JBJ here. It's just so crazy to me how fast life can go. A few months ago people were calling for Jackie to be traded, and now people want Mookie to play 2nd base in the World Series so they can keep his "hot" bat in the line-up. Life comes at you fast. Whatever happens, I'll be watching every pitch on pins and needles. Cora has pressed all the right buttons this October, so whatever he does with Betts will likely be the right move. Ideally if he does I'd imagine with a lead you'd take J.D. out and move Mookie back to the OF late in the game should Mookie start at 2B. Idk, dude. I'm just a nervous wreck, Boston sports fan who wanted to write about this topic and needs to get discovered. P.S. The whole I don't want Mookie playing 2nd because of Machado take is a lazy one. Yeah, I'm worried about that dirty, lazy, scumbag going after Mookie too, but that would mean Machado would have to be getting to 2nd base. Something I don't plan on happening much this series. Song: Your Smiling Face (LIVE) Artist: James Taylor Album: JT 
3 of the biggest hits you'll ever see!!!! Jackie Bradley Jr is your ALCS MVP!!! Batting average doesn't matter!! Who cares he only hit .200???
LET'S FUCKING GO EVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alex Cora is the 3rd Red Sox manager since 2004 to make it to the World Series in his rookie year as Sox skipper. The other two won it. I think AC will be the 3rd. This is Alex Cora's time. Happy Birthday BTW.
I am fired up and also a little fucked up so this is for sure gonna be all over the place but how about David fucking Price??? Way to put your nuts on the table in the biggest spot possible. Pennant clinching win for the Price man to get his first win as a starter in October. Absolutely DEALT on 3 days rest.
Biggest win of David Price's career. What a spot to have it! I am soooo happy for Price.
As a Red Sox fan obviously I thought they could win this series and thought they would win, but I never would've ever guessed this series would go 5 games. ESPECIALLY after losing game 1 at home, but man oh man did the Red Sox get hot after game 1. Four straight wins against the defending World Series Champion, 103 win Houston Astros. I was saying Sox would win 2 of 3 kind of going hot takey, I honestly thought that there was no chance the Sox would win 3 straight in HOUSTON. I can't believe this. What a fucking win. David Price man, no longer can we talk shit, he earned it tonight, I called it. This was his time, and man did he show up. No more can fans say he can't win the big game bcause he absolutely killed it in the biggest game he's ever pitched as a starter. And now Chris Sale gets a huge break after going to the hospital. God, what a night. What a time for those Boston Red Sox.
I'll 100% admit the umps fucked up... JD should've been struck out, but was given second life against Verlander...next pitch home run and the Sox never looked back.
Baby Beluga!!
Sox are going to World Series favorites no matter who they face. What a series. 7-2 in October, undefeated on the road. It is there's to lose. I fucking love this team. Absolutely filthy shit tonight by Price, his signature game. 3 days rest 6 shut out innings. I don't think you understand how big of a deal this is.
I have rambled enough. Brewers/Dodgers here we come! Sale is coming game one, Evo is making himself 10's of millions this October, Price picked up his first win, Kimbrel didn't suck tonight! Watch the fuck out, we didn't win 108 by mistake!
How about Evo tonight? Absolute kill shot to go to him in the 7th. Absolutely killed it tonight, so did craig to his credit. Great time to go for the scoreless inning, WORLD SERIES BOUND I CANNOT SAY IT ENOUGH!!
SUCK MY DICK BREGMAN!!!!!
P.S.
still think he wouldn't have caught it?
The Red Sox Have a Chance To Clinch The American League Tonight...With David Price on the Mound10/18/2018 
Going into this series a lot of people were picking the Astros, saying the Red Sox had no chance with the way their current roster is built, that the bullpen would cost them.
I thought it would, along with most rational Red Sox fans. I was extremely nervous going into the series and still am. The Astros won 103 games this year...they don't suck. The series isn't over until a team has four wins and I have a hard time believing the Red Sox will sweep the Astros in Houston. All Red Sox fans should know that a series isn't over until it's over that given this team's history. They own the most famous comeback in the history of sports in addition to one of the worst collapses in baseball history. 
Somehow (outside of Kimbrel) the pen has been lights out all postseason, and in Houston the bats have come alive from the Sox. They've scored 8 runs the last two nights to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Lead by the most unlikely of power sources (to some,,,, I've believed in Jackie all year).
I'm not getting into it because the right call was made, but if you don't think that was interference by the Astro fans last night with Mookie you're macadamia nuts. The fans hit his glove and stopped him from making the play. Plain and simple. I will say this... 8:40 start times are idiotic. Some people have these things called jobs in the morning that they need to sleep for @MLB. Nobody gets in their own way quite like baseball. As for the game tonight, Houston has just the man they want on the bump down 3-1 in Justin Verlander. Verlander is IMO the best RHP of this generation and had shown time and time again (except in the World Series..although he didn't suck in it last year) that he can get it done on the biggest of stages. He's a big game horse. JV won game one of this series pitching 6 innings allowing 2 runs (neither which scored via a hit), and striking out 6. Verlander has been a stud in the postseason for Houston. He was the ALCS MVP last season and is 6-1 over the last two postseasons for the Stros. I still can't believe they were able to get him last year. 
The Red Sox have David Price pitching on short rest. Despite holding the series edge, starting pitching has been the biggest weakness for the Red Sox this October. Chris Sale is hurt and has a stomach issue, Porcello has been himself, but struggled last night, Evo has been lights out, and then there's David Price. Neither his starts were really promising, although he did get that elusive "team win" monkey off his back in his last start. On paper the Astros should win tonight. They have their ace going and are pissed over the controversy regarding the Mookie play. They're at home, fighting for their lives. That is exactly why I love David Price in this start. Sure in about 5 hours I could be eating my words, but as a noted narrative guy, I love the story-line tonight: David Price can exercise all his October demons to lead the Red Sox to the World Series. Knock out the defending champs, in their house. This is some movie script shit in the making. Now between the short rest, and emphasis on taking starters out early in the playoffs, it seems unlikely that Price would even make it the full 5 innings to qualify for a win, even if he was pitching well. Dudes used to be men in baseball and pitch on short rest in October. Now it's a win if they go 5. I just have this feeling that tonight is going to be his night. No stats to back it up, just my (big ass) gut. David Price has given Red Sox fans plenty of reasons to not like him over the years, but I still am a fan. This is the perfect chance to not only win, but to shove it down all the haters who have said he just can't do it in October. I've been that guy on this blog many times, but I still believe in him. The sample size is still pretty small in relation to his entire career. Like David Price does not suck. Plain and simple. He can do this. The man has won a Cy Young. I truly think that his no decision in game 2 is going to get the ball rolling for him. Over the years it's been the same song and dance for him, pitch like shit, team loses, and goes home. Not this year. Not with this team. David Price has a chance to put all that shit behind him. If he can keep the Astros at bay and pick up the W his life is going to change forever. Plus it's his manager's fucking birthday. Like if you are a good guy, you'll win tonight as birthday present. Sure some people will remember the 0-9 start to his postseason (starting) career. But a win in a pennant clinching game is a pitching nice trump card. Not a bad time to pick up his first win in October as a starter. I do not want to see this series go back to Boston, end it now, don't give the Astros any life, because they for sure can beat this three straight games. Who knows what's up with Sale? Kimbrel is giving away runs like he's handing out flyers on a sidewalk. Just kill them now, do not give them any life, break their necks, don't let the Astros nurse themselves back to health and then kill you. Because they for sure can. You don't wanna be screaming I should've killed you when I had the chance watching the Astros celebrate a pennant at Fenway Park. The time is now, if David Price is ever going to shake the loser label, this is the perfect fucking spot to do so. He can do it. Put your nuts on the fucking table and pitch like you're a 217 million dollar pitcher. I'm fully talking myself into it. Price has this tonight. Go Sox! Go David! and Happy Birthday AC!!
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