Red Sox Annihilate Blue Jays (6/28/25)

With fans calling for a boycott, media pointing fingers at who's to blame for the Rafael Devers disaster, for one night anyway everybody can shut up. The Boston Red Sox completely dismantled the Toronto Blue Jays in tonight's game. The normally anemic offense smacked Chris Bassitt and the Blue Jays for 18 its and FIFTEEN runs. Wilyer Abreu set the tone with a first inning 3 run bomb while Romy Gonzalez, Abraham Toro and Ceddanne Rafaela all drove in 2 runs apiece. On the other side of the ball, Lucas Giolito (4-1, 3.99 ERA) was outstanding, holding the Jays to just one unearned run in 7 strong innings. It definitely won't last but for one night the offense came alive to win 15-1 over Toronto at Fenway Park.

                                                          Nikki Brooks approves of the win

Giolito got the ball in the top of the first inning and Bo Bichette flied out to center to start. Addison Barger took strike three and Vladimir Guerrero Jr popped up to second to end the inning. Bassitt got the ball in the bottom of the first and Jarren Duran struck out swinging to start. Roman Anthony grounded out to second but Abraham "El" Toro singled to left. Carlos Narvaez singled to right and Wilyer Abreu bashed his 14th home run of the season to put the Sox on top. Trevor Story walked, Romy Gonzalez got a base hit to center and Nick Sogard was hit with a pitch to load the bases. Ceddanne Rafaela forced Sogard at second to end the inning with the Sox ahead 3-0.

                                                           Sox up early

Alejandro Kirk flied out to left to start the top of the second before Springer got a base hit in the hole at short. Nathan Lukes grounded out to second to move Springer to second and Ernie Clement lined out to center to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the second as Duran popped up to third to start. Anthony got a base hit to center and El Toro walked, but Narvaez struck out swinging. Abreu then doubled to right to score Anthony and Story got a base hit to right to score Toro and Wilyer. Story stole second and Gonzalez struck out swinging to end the inning with the Sox up 6-0.

                                                        Another rbi for Abreu

Andres Gimenez struck out swinging to start the top of the third but Giolito booted a grounder by Shaw. Bichette struck out swinging but Barger doubled to right to score Shaw. Guerrero Jr flied out to right to end the inning with the Jays down 6-1.

                                                         Barger drives in a run

The Sox poured it on in the bottom of the third as Sogard walked to start. Rafaela got a base hit to center and Duran walked to load the bases with nobody out. Braydon Fisher came in to pitch and Anthony forced Sogard at home, but Toro walked home Rafaela. Narvaez hit a sac fly to center to score Duran and move Anthony to third. Toro took off for second and Kirk threw the ball away, allowing Anthony to score and Toro to reach third. Abreu watched strike three go by to end the inning with the Sox up 9-1.

                                                        Duran scores a run

Kirk singled to center to start the top of the fourth before Springer flied out to right. Lukes walked but Clement popped up to third. Gimenez struck out swinging to end the inning. Story flied out to right to start the bottom of the fourth but Gonzalez doubled to left. Sogard flied out to center to move Gonzalez to third but Rafaela popped up to third to end the inning.

Straw flied out to right to start the top of the fifth before Bichette singled to center. Barger flied out to center and Story made a great catch to rob Guerrero of a hit to end the inning. Paxton Schultz came in to pitch the bottom of the fifth and Duran took strike three to start. Anthony doubled to left but El Toro got a base hit to right to move Anthony to third. Narvaez flied out to right and Abreu grounded out to third to end the inning.

Kirk grounded out to short to start the top of the sixth and Springer flied out to right. Lukes grounded out to short to end the inning. The Sox struck again in the bottom of the sixth as Story doubled to left to begin. Gonzalez flied out to right but Sogard singled to left to score Story. Rafaela then bashed his 9th home run of the year to increase the lead. Duran walked and Mason Flaherty came in to pitch to Anthony. Roman took strike three and Toro grounded out to short to end the inning with the Sox up 12-1.

                                                  Its gone, Ceddanne

Clement got a base hit to center to start the top of the seventh but Gimenez flied out to right. Straw forced Clement at second and Will Wagner pinch hit for Bichette. Wagner got a base hit off the glove of Sogard but Barger struck out swinging to end the inning. Giolito was outstanding, tossing 7 innings and allowing just the unearned run off 6 hits and a walk.

                                                       Good work Giolito

Jonatan Clase came in to play left field to start the bottom of the seventh and Narvaez singled to left to start. Abreu struck out swinging and Nate Eaton pinch hit for Story. Eaton popped up to second and Gonzalez belted his third home run of the season to increase the lead. Sogard hit a ground rule double into the right field stands but Rafaela grounded out to third to end the inning with the Sox ahead 14-1.

                                                   Gonzalez joins the hit parade

Chris Murphy made his return from the injured list and took over on the mound for the top of the eighth. Guerrero Jr grounded out to second before Kirk struck out swinging. Clase grounded out to first to end the inning. Davis Schneider took over for Gimenez at second with old friend Tyler Heineman the catcher now on the mound. Duran was hit with a pitch and Anthony pounded a ground rule double into the right field stands. El Toro hit a sac fly to left to score Duran and Narvaez flied out to right. Abreu flied out to center to end the inning with the Sox up 15-1.

                                                         Duran scores the final run

Murphy returned for the top of the ninth and Lukes walked to start. Clement popped up to second and Davis Schneider walked. Straw struck out swinging and Wagner popped up to second to end the game. The Sox had won the game 15-1.

                                                         "That's right, we bad"

Hero of the Night is Lucas Giolito. The offense was a balanced attack but Gio allowed no earned runs in 7 innings of work. He allowed 6 hits and a walk while striking out 5.

                                                               Gio The Hero

The Good:

Roman Anthony was 3 for 6 with 2 runs scored.

Abraham Toro was 2 for 3 with 2 walks, 2 rbis, a stolen base and 2 runs scored.

Carlos Narvaez was 2 for 5 with an rbi and 2 runs scored.

Wilyer Abreu was 2 for 6 with a 3 run home run, 4 total rbis and 2 total runs scored.

Trevor Story was 2 for 3 with a walk, 2 rbis, a stolen base and a run scored.

Romy Gonzalez was 3 for 5 with a 2 run home run.

Nick Sogard was 2 for 3 with a walk, rbi, a hit by pitch and a run scored.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 2 for 5 with a 2 run home run and 2 total runs scored.

Chris Murphy tossed 2 scoreless innings.

The Bad:

Nate Eaton was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts but walked twice, got hit with a pitch and scored two runs.

Final Thoughts:

Just when you thought the Sox were dead and giving up, they lay waste to the bungholes of the Toronto Blue Jays.  They couldn't miss offensively but more importantly, Giolito looked great. He's definitely shaken off the rust and showed why he was the durable starter he was in Chicago. He doesn't have to be an ace but he pitched like one tonight. Chris Murphy coming back and looking good also helps, that makes the bullpen even stronger. If only they had a certain middle of the order bat and they might have been a contender. Nights like this are an anomaly but they'll take it. They need to make a statement in the AL East and taking tonight and tomorrow would be ideal. The Sox are most likely headed to another .500 campaign but nights like this are fun anyway. The win improved the Sox to 41-43, 7 games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to take two of three from Toronto tomorrow afternoon when Walker Buehler (5-5) takes on Eric Lauer of the Blue Jays. The game begins at 1:35 PM at Fenway Park.

Blue Jays Blank Slumping Sox (6/27/15)

Before the game the Boston Red Sox made a roster move. Marcelo Mayer was placed on the Bereavement List to mourn a personal loss and Nick Sogard was called up from Worcester to take his place. Condolences to Mayer.

                                                                        OUT

                                                                      OUT

As for the game, the Sox might have just hit rock bottom. After getting swept by the lowly Los Angeles Angels, the Sox continued their offensive tank job by putting up a goose egg against the Toronto Blue Jays. Jose Berrios held the Sox to just 4 hits and a walk in 7 strong innings. Meanwhile the Jays feasted on Sox pitching for 16 hits and 9 runs. Brayan Bello (3-3, 3.41 ERA) tossed six solid innings and held the Jays to just three runs, but the duo of Luis Guerrero and Brennan Bernardino allowed 6 runs in the next two innings to put the game away. Andres Giminez had 3 rbis with George Springer knocking in two more. It all added up to a devastating 9-0 loss at Fenway Park. What did the Sox get for runs John Cena?

Bello got the ball in the top of the first inning and Bo Bichette grounded out to short to start. Addison Barger struck out swinging but Vladimir Guerero Jr singled to right. Vlad stole second and Alejandro Kirk walked. It looked like Guerrero was thrown out at home on the base hit to center by George Springer but Jays manager John Schneider challenged that Vlad was safe. Sure enough, Vlad was ruled safe and the Jays were up for good just 5 batters into the game. Nathan Lukes grounded out to second to end the inning with the Jays up 1-0.

                                                                  Jays ahead already

Berrios got the ball in the bottom of the first and Ernie Clement fell into the stands to catch Jarren Duran's pop up to start. Abraham "El" Toro lined out to short but Roman Anthony hit a ground rule double into the right field stands. Trevor Story struck out swinging to end the inning.

Clement walked to start the top of the second inning and Andres Gimenez singled to center. Jonatan Clase flied out to left and Bichette got a base hit to center to score Clement. Barger grounded out to first to move the runners over but Guerrero Jr grounded out to first to end the inning with the Jays up 2-0.

                                                           This is gonna be a long night

Wilyer Abreu got a base hit to right to start the bottom of the second but Ceddanne Rafaela grounded into a double play. David Hamilton flied out to left to end the inning.

The Jays got another run in the top of the third as Kirk flied out to right to start. Springer singled to left but Lukes flied out to center. Springer stole second and Clement got a base hit to center to score George to ice the game. Gimenez got a base hit to left but was picked off by Wong to end the inning with the Jays up 3-0.

                                                             Clement drives in a run

Connor Wong struck out swinging to start the bottom of the third before Nick Sogard took strike three. Duran flied out to center to end the inning.

Clase flied out to left to start the top of the fourth before Bichette grounded out to short. Barger lined out to center to end the inning. Toro struck out swinging to start the bottom of the fourth before Anthony swung at air. Story lined out to center to end the inning.

Guerrero Jr grounded out to third to start the top of the fifth before Kirk singled to left. Springer forced Kirk at second and Lukes grounded out to short to end the inning. Abreu took strike three to start the bottom of the fifth but Rafaela got a base hit to left. Hamilton walked but Wong went down hacking. Sogard flied out to left to end the inning.

Bello returned for one final inning in the top of the sixth and Clement walked to start. Gimenez popped up to third and Clase grounded out to first. Bichette flied out to center to end the inning. Bello got no run support but allowed just 3 runs in 6 innings off 8 hits and 3 walks.

                                                        Bello didn't do too bad

The Sox offense failed to pick up Bello in the bottom of the sixth as Duran singled to center to start. Toro flied out to center and Anthony grounded out to second to end the inning.

Luis Guerrero came in to crap his pants in the top of the seventh as Barger doubled to center to start. Guerrero Jr walked and Kirk doubled off the Monster to score Barger. Springer grounded out to third and that was it for Guerrero. Brennan Bernardino came in and Myles Straw pinch hit for Lukes. Straw grounded back to the mound but Clement was intentionally walked to load the bases. NaturallyGimenez walked to score Guerrero. Clase flied out to right to end the inning with the Jays up 5-0.

                                                                    Jays pour it on

Story struck out swinging to start the bottom of the seventh and Abreu lined out to right. Rafaela grounded out to third to end the inning. 

The Jays poured it on in the top of the eighth as Bichette grounded out to second to start. Barger walked and Guerrero Jr singled to left. Kirk walked and Springer got a base hit to right to score Barger. Sox manager Alex Cora tried to stop the bleeding by bringing in Jorge Alcala but Straw hit a sac fly to center to score Vlad Jr. Clement got a base hit inside the first base bag and Gimenez got a base hit to left to score Kirk and Springer. A wild pitch moved Gimenez to second but Clase struck out swinging to end the inning with the Jays up 9-0.

                                                          Gimenez was unstoppable

Nick Sandlin came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Hamilton walked to start. Wong popped up to second and Sogard grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Infielder Nate Eaton took the mound in the top of the ninth and Bichette got a base hit to left to start. Somehow Barger grounded into a double play and Alan Roden pinch hit for Guerrero. Roden doubled to left and Kirk flied out to center to end the inning. Eaton had the best outing of any pitcher tonight and he's an infielder.

                                               "The stopper" Nate Eaton

Paxton Schultz came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth and Duran flied out to right to start. Toro popped up to short and Eaton grounded out to third to end the game. The Jays had won the game 9-0.

                                                                Sox are depressed

Jackass of The Night is Brennan Bernardino. He allowed an inherited runner to score and was charged with 4 of his own.

                                                      Nice going Jackass

The Good:

Roman Anthony was 1 for 3.

Wilyer Abreu was 1 for 3.

Ceddanne Rafaela was 1 for 3.

David Hamilton walked twice in 3 plate appearances.

Nate Eaton pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bad:

Abraham was 0 for 4 with a strikeout.

Trevor Story was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts.

Connor Wong was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts.

Nick Sogard was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Luis Guerrero was charged with 2 runs in 1/3 of an inning.

Jorge Alcala allowed 3 inherited runners to score in 2/3 of an inning.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was just 1 for 4.

Brayan Bello took the loss but allowed just 3 runs in 6 innings. He allowed 8 hits and 3 walks.

Final Thoughts:

Looks like the Rafael Devers trade was the final nail in the coffin for this year's Sox team and we're not even out of June yet. That's 6 losses in a row after going 3-1 after the trade. Who knew trading your best hitter would result in the offense going into the toilet? Well sane individuals knew that anyway. Once again, its one thing if you trade a guy and get something in return, its another thing to make an emotionally charged salary dump and get little in return. Jordan Hicks is a bum, Kyle Harrison is the next Nick Pivetta at best and James "Leroy Jethro" Tibbs isn't going to help this season. The Sox needed a first baseman after Triston Casas went down and now they need a DH/3B with Devers gone. Replacing the two of them with utility players like Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez is clearly not working. That's par for the course in the last 5 years though, trading your best players for nothing or let them walk for nothing. Worst part is, as mentioned earlier, its not even July yet. The loss dropped the Sox to 40-43, 8 games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. The Sox look to snap their six game losing streak tomorrow afternoon against the Jays when Lucas Giolito (3-1) takes on Chris Bassitt of Toronto. The game begins at 4:10 PM at Fenway Park.

Off Day News: 2023 Draft Revisited (6/26/25)

Its an off day and since we're under three weeks away from the MLB Draft, its time to take a look at former Red Sox GM Chaim Bloom's final draft back in 2023.

1st Round - C Kyle Teel

The Red Sox scored with their first round pick, 14th overall in Virginia University catcher Kyle Teel. He made an immediate impact driving in 20 runs in 23 games between the Greenville Drive and Portland Sea Dogs to end 2023. In 2024 he was part of the "Goldust Trio" with Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony hitting 13 home runs and driving in 78 runs between Portland and the Worcester Red Sox. Then he was shipped out along with Chase Meidroth, Wilkeman Gonzalez and 2024 first round pick Braden Montgomery to the Chicago White Sox for ace pitcher Garrett Crochet. Teel slugged his way through AAA then made his Major League debut on June 6th for Chicago. Currently he's hitting .250 with no home runs but there's still 3 months left in the year. Ex-Sox GM Chaim Bloom scored with this pick and current Sox GM had to trade him to get the ace the Sox needed. Its business.

Currently - Chicago White Sox

2nd Round - SS Nazzan Zanatello

One of the reasons the Red Sox have a lack of depth at first base and catcher is Chaim Bloom drafting nothing but shortstops in the top 50 for 4 consecutive years. Nazzan Zanatello was taken in the second round out of Christian Brothers High School and hit just .156 for the Salem Red Sox last year in his first professional season. This year with the Greenville Drive he's hitting just .174 but with 5 home runs and 27 rbis. He's only 20 years old so he's got time to get his bat on the ball more often. I won't bother comparing him with other draft picks of the round because that would be unfair, maybe next year.

Currently - Greenville Drive

3rd Round - SS Antonio Anderson

Once again, Chaim Bloom took another high school infielder in an early round when he took North Atlanta High School shortstop Antonio Anderson in the third round. He hit just .186 for Salem last year but with 5 home runs and 34 rbis. This year he had 29 hits in 84 at-bats to get promoted to Greenville where he's currently hitting .252 with 2 home runs. He turns 20 in two days so the jury is still out on him as well, no sense comparing him to other draft picks yet.

Currently - Greenville Drive

4th Round - RHP Matt Duffy

The Sox didn't take their first pitcher until the fourth round when they tabbed Canisius University right handed pitcher Matt Duffy. Duffy had a 4.32 ERA his senior year in 14 starts and pitched in just 3 games to finish 2023. Last year his record was just 4-5 but had a 2.83 ERA in 21 starts for the Salem Red Sox. Unfortunately he had Tommy John surgery in March and won't pitch this year. Hopefully he'll bounce back next year.

Currently - Full Season Injured List

4th Round Compensation - SS Kristian Campbell

Talk about the end of one era starting another. When the Red Sox lost Xander Bogaerts to the San Diego Padres, they got an extra pick in the fourth round. Bloom scored when he picked Georgia Tech shortstop Kristian Campbell. The 22 year old (23 in two days) hit .306 for Greenville last year with 8 home runs before getting promoted to Portland. He hit 8 home runs and drove in 35 runs to finish the season. If the "Goldust Trio" was Kyle Teel, Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony, then Kristian Campbell was not far behind. As it was, he was the first to make his MLB debut as a torrid hot streak in spring training had Kristian on the opening day roster. He tore it up in April becoming one of the top rookies, but faltered in the last two months dropping to a .223 batting average. He got demoted to Worcester where he's only hitting .200, but there's still time to turn it around. Still, even if he stays in Worcester for the next few months, at least he got to the dance. That's more than a lot of others in his draft class will say.

Currently - Worcester Red Sox

4th Round Compensation - SS Justin Reimer

The Sox received another fourth round compensation pick for losing Nathan Eovaldi to the Texas Rangers and selected yet another shortstop in Wright State's Justin Reimer. Reimer was a crapshot because he tore his ACL for Wright State before the draft and played in just 38 games for the Florida Complex Sox and Salem to end 2024. This year so far he's hitting .229 with no home runs in 39 games for Greenville. That's not good, especially when you're supposed to sacrifice average for power. He was never a power guy in college so his average better improve soon.

Currently - Greenville Drive

5th Round - LHP Connelly Early

Bloom finally got his head out of his ass and took a left handed pitcher in the fifth round, Virginia University's Connelly Early. Early went 12-3 for the Cavaliers but pitched in just 1 game for Salem to end the season. Last year he had some bad luck going 1-6 for Greenville in 15 starts but with a 3.72 ERA, earning a promotion to Portland. He was 2-3 with a 4.50 ERA to end the season. This year he's arguably been Portland's best pitcher, going 6-2 with a 2.70 ERA. The Sox haven't drafted a great lefty since Jon Lester, maybe Early will be the next one. Time will tell.

Currently - Portland Sea Dogs

6th Round - RHP CJ Weins

In the sixth round, the Sox took right handed pitcher CJ Weins out of Western Kentucky University. He was 0-2 with a 4.81 ERA last year for Salem when he was traded just before the trade deadline to the Detroit Tigers for veteran reliever Trey Wingenter. Weins began to pitch better, going 1-0 with a 2.20 ERA for the Lakeland Flying Tigers and 1-1 with a 1.69 ERA for the Western Michigan Whitecaps. He finished 2024 with the Erie Seawolves allowing 1 run in 3 innings. This year he's 3-0 with a 3.26 ERA for the Whitecaps and appears to be knocking on the door to AA again. Its too bad the Sox gave up his career for less than a month of Wingenter.

Currently - Western Michigan Whitecaps

7th Round - OF Caden Rose

In the 7th round, the Sox took Alabama University outfielder Caden Rose. Rose finished 2024 hitting .187 for Greenville but with 4 home runs. This year so far he's hitting just .162 in 56 games, albeit with 5 home runs. That's not gonna get it done, especially with other outfielders in the system such as James Tibbs and "The Password" coming up. He better start making some contact or he might be out of here in a year or two.

Currently - Portland Sea Dogs

8th Round - RHP Trennor O'Donnell

In the 8th round, the Sox tabbed right handed pitcher Trennor O'Donnell out of Ball State University. Trennor was 3-7 with Salem with a 4.00 ERA last year when he had shoulder surgery in July to end his season. This year he's 1-3 with a 4.70 ERA for Salem which isn't good. He turned 24 on June 6th so it'll be worth it to keep him around another year, but struggling to get Low A batters out is concerning. Worse yet, four picks after O'Donnell was chosen, the Milwaukee Brewers took Indiana University pitcher Craig Yoho. Craig made his debut for the Milwaukee Brewers on April 21st and is currently dominating AAA with the Nashville Sounds. This might be an oops when all is said and done.

Currently - Salem Red Sox

9th Round - RHP Blake Wehunt

The Sox once again drafted a mediocre pitcher when they took right handed pitcher Blake Wehunt in the ninth round. He was 4-4 with a 4.83 ERA for Kennesaw State before rising through the ranks in 2024. He was 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA for Salem but was 1-6 with a 4.42 ERA for Greenville. He ended the season pitching a game for Portland. This year he's 2-6 with a 3.72 ERA for Portland. The ERA is starting to look better but he turns 25 in November. He better get to Worcester real quick because other pitchers are going to pass him by.

Currently - Portland Sea Dogs

10th Round - LHP Ryan Ammons

It was a case of give up something to get something when it comes to 10th round pick, left handed pitcher Ryan Ammons out of Clemson University. Ammons never played a minor league game for the Sox before he was traded in December for current Sox reliever Justin Slaten. Slaten has been one of their reliable bullpen arms the last two seasons while Ammons is 3-0 with a 1.96 ERA for the Brooklyn Cyclones in the New York Mets system. He's 24 years old at High A, but at least he looks like he has High A figured out. Still, the Sox would rather have Slaten for sure, nothing against Ammons.

Currently - Brooklyn Cyclones

11th Round - OF Nelly Taylor

In the 11th round, the Sox tabbed Polk State University outfielder Nelly Taylor. He looked pretty good last year when he belted 8 home runs and drove in 54 runs between Salem and Greenville before starting this season in Greenville. He's currently hitting .242 but with 5 home runs so far. The power is there, hopefully he can get that average up to make it to Portland. Time well tell on this one.

Currently - Greenville Drive

12th Round - RHP Max Carlson

The Sox selected North Carolina University right handed pitcher Max Carlson with their 12th round pick. Carlson looked like another bum as he was 5-2 with a 5.45 ERA in college, but turned it around in the pros. He was 5-1 with a 2.81 ERA and 6 saves out of the bullpen for Salem last year before going 1-1 with a 2.31 ERA for Grenville to end the season. This year he's slipped going 3-1 with a 4.08 ERA in 36 games. Still, he's only 23 and might pick it back up as the season goes on. The problem is, 9 picks after Carlson, the Seattle Mariners took current starting pitcher Logan Evans who's 3-2 with a 2.97 ERA for Seattle. Carlson has some work to do.

Currently - Greenville Drive

13th Round - RHP Cade Feeney

Life isn't fair for 13th round pick, right handed pitcher Cade Feeney out of North Dakota State University. He was 0-1 with a 3.66 ERA for the Greenville Drive last season before he had Tommy John surgery in October, knocking him out of this season. Let's see if he bounces back in 2026.

Currently - Greenville Drive

14th Round - LHP Jojo Ingrassia

In the 14th round, the Sox went with Cal State Fullerton left handed pitcher Jojo Ingrassia. He utterly dominated Salem in 2024 going 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA in 21 games. The problem was he missed the rest of the season due to an elbow injury. This year in Greenville he's 0-2 with a 3.18 ERA in just 17 innings. Let's see what he looks like when his elbow is properly healed.

Currently - Greenville Drive

15th round - OF Phoenix Call

The Sox first "did not sign" didn't occur until the 15th round when they took Calabasas High School outfielder Phoenix Call. Call ended up going to play college ball for the UCLA Bruins. He just finished his sophomore year at second base and hit .256 with 31 rbis. Not exactly eye popping numbers but then again. he's only a sophomore. He might get drafted at the end of next year or at least in 2027.

Currently - NCAA

16th Round - RHP Isaac Stebens

The Sox finally drafted a pitcher with good stats when they chose right handed pitcher Isaac Stebens out of Oklahoma State University. Stebens had a good showing last season, allowing just 1 earned run in 11 innings for Salem before going to Greenville where he was 3-3 with a 3.68 ERA. This year he's Greenville's closer, going 2-0 with a 1.97 ERA with 6 saves. Good closers are hard to find so hopefully he can keep this up when he reaches Portland.

Currently - Greenville Drive

17th Round - OF Dylan Schlaegel

The next non-signee was in the 17th round when the Sox took Legacy High School outfielder Dylan Schlaegel out of Texas. He chose to play college ball for Dallas Baptist instead. This season he hit .250 with 1 home run and 8 rbis in just 24 games. Maybe the Sox dodged a bullet with him not signing, but it was still a wasted draft pick.

Currently - NCAA

18th Round - LHP Zach Fogell

In the 18th round, the Sox took left handed pitcher Zach Fogell who had a miserable college experience. His first year at Brown in 2019 sucked and not only did Covid wipe out 2020, famously the Ivy League refused to play in 2021 as well. Fogell could have been drafted in 2022 but instead due to heavy rust, he went 0-4 with a 6.46 ERA. He transferred to UConn for 2023 to finish out his career and dominated, going 8-1 with a 1.89 ERA. Fogell ended 2023 not allowing an earned run for the Complex or Salem. Last year he was 5-2 with a 3.32 ERA for Greenville and this year he's allowed just 7 earned runs in 16 innings for the Drive. A promotion to Portland is imminent, just a question of when.

Currently - Greenville Drive

19th Round - OF Stanley Tucker

What a sad turn of events for 19th round pick, outfielder Stanley Tucker. He had just 10 hits in 67 at-bats for the Complex and Salem in 2023 after being chosen out of Texas A & M University. Last year he hit just .195 with 2 home runs for Salem. Some pundits thought he'd have a breakout in 2025, instead he hurts his wrist in Spring Training and hasn't played since. With the draft less than a month away, this was a crucial year of developing he's missing. Its a shame, can't fault a guy for being hurt but he wasn't playing well even before that.

Currently - Salem Red Sox

20th Round - RHP Robert Orloski

With the final pick in the 20th round, the Sox took Middleton High School right handed pitcher Robert Orloski from the state of Idaho. Orloski didn't sign with the Sox and chose to go to college at University of Texas San Antonio. He was 3-5 with a 5.94 ERA his freshman year but turned it around to go 8-0 with a 3.36 ERA with 9 saves out of the bullpen. He could be the UTSA closer next year which will greatly improve his draft stock. He would have made 150 grand if he signed with the Sox, maybe he'll make more next year. Either way, another wasted pick.

Currently - NCAA

Undrafted Rookie Free Agent - 1B Drew Ehrhard

Back in 2021, the Red Sox drafted Florida prep school shortstop Zach Ehrhard who ended up not signing with the Sox. Two years later, the Sox signed his older brother Drew out of Tampa University as a rookie free agent. Drew played 21 games for the Portland Sea Dogs last year and did hit .265 with 2 home runs. This year playing with his brother, Drew is hitting .245 with 2 home runs in 33 games. For a guy who wasn't even drafted, getting some playing time and getting some hits here and there in AA is further than a lot of guys drafted will reach. Keep fighting, Drew.

Currently - Portland Sea Dogs

Undrafted Rookie Free Agent - RHP Cooper Adams

Another undrafted crap shot the Sox took was right handed pitcher Cooper Adams out of Mt. St Mary's College where he was 8-3 but with a 5.03 ERA. He was 2-5 with a 5.08 ERA last year for Greenville and this year he's 2-3 with a 4.35 ERA for Greenville so far. He may not be putting up eye popping numbers but he's not getting lit up either. Other undrafted and late round picks in previous years couldn't even say that. Let's see how long he can hang, keep on trucking Cooper.

Currently - Greenville Drive.

Of the 22 players the Sox selected or signed, 3 never signed, 1 is currently in the majors, 1 made the majors but is currently in AAA, 12 are in High A, 3 are in Single A and 2 are in AA. Chaim Bloom's final draft produced two major leaguers in just two years and time will tell on the rest. Connelly Early is currently the one out of this group with the most potential to join Kristian Campbell and Kyle Teel but others might step up as well. Chaim Bloom's legacy does include Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, Kyle Teel, Niko Kavadas, Nick Yorke, Chase Meidroth, Kristian Campbell, Luis Guerrero and Hunter Dobbins already in the majors so it wasn't a total loss. Unfortunately drafting nothing but infielders in the first few rounds every year came back to bite the big club in the pitching department. Having to sacrifice Meidroth, Yorke, Teel and Kavadas for pitching is the price you pay for mistakes like that. Hopefully Craig Breslow doesn't make the same mistake next month.

Angels Sweep Fading Sox (6/25/25)

Looks like the Rafael Devers trade did more harm than good for the Boston Red Sox. The Sox have now lost 6 of their 9 games following the trade including an embarrassing three game sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels. The Sox broke out to a 2-0 lead on a 2 run single by Trevor Story off Yusei Kikuchi but that would be the only runs scored the rest of the game for Boston. "Big" Dick Fitts lasted just four innings but left with the game tied 2-2. Luis Guerrero (0-1, 3.18 ERA) allowed rbi singles to Jo Adell and Travis d'Arnaud to put Los Angeles up for good. Mike Trout added another run off Brennan Bernardino and the Angels swept the Red Sox 5-2 at Angel Stadium.

                                                               Fans are unhappy

The Sox wasted no time getting to Kikuchi in the top of the first inning as Rob Refsnyder struck out swinging to start. Scott Kingery booted a grounder by Jarren Duran for an error and Romy Gonzalez got a base hit to right. Carlos Narvaez hit one up the elevator shaft but Wilyer Abreu walked. Trevor Story drilled a base hit to left to score both Duran and Gonzalez. Ceddanne Rafaela forced Story at second base with the Sox ahead 2-0. They would have just 1 more hit the rest of the game.

                                                              Story drives in a pair

Fitts got the ball in the bottom of the first and Nolan Schanuel lined out to right to start. Christian Moore was hit with a pitch and Mike Trout walked, but Taylor Ward grounded out to first. Jo Adell struck out swinging to end the inning.

Marcelo Mayer struck out swinging to start the top of the second before Nate Eaton took strike three. Refsnyder struck out swinging to end the inning. Travis d'Arnaud popped up to short to start the bottom of the second before LaMonte Wade Jr struck out swinging. Luis Rengifo singled to right but Kingery forced him at second base to end the inning.

Duran struck out swinging to start the top of the third before Gonzalez flied out to center. Narvaez got the last hit of the game for the Sox on a single to center but Abreu struck out swinging to end the inning. Schanuel lined out to left to start the bottom of the third before Moore went down hacking. Trout was rung up for strike three to end the inning.

Story struck out swinging to begin the top of the fourth before Rafaela also swung at air. Mayer grounded out to first to end the inning. The Angels finally got to Fitts in the bottom of the fourth and Ward lined out to center to begin. Adell then hit a home run all the way to the moon to cut the lead. d'Arnaud then hit a home run all the way to Peru to tie the game. Wade Jr singled to center but Rengifo struck out swinging. Kingery struck out swinging to end the inning with the game tied 2-2. Once again Alex Cora was going to tax his bullpen by yanking Fitts after just 4 innings and 83 pitches. He allowed just the two home runs.

                                                         Didn't last long thanks to Cora

Eaton struck out swinging to start the top of the fifth and Refsnyder was rung up for strike three. Duran also went down hacking to end the inning. Luis Guerrero came in to crap his pants in the bottom of the fifth as Schanuel walked to start. Moore forced Schanuel at second but Trout walks. Ward took strike three but Adell singled to center to score Moore. d'Arnaud singled to left to score Trout to ice the game. That was it for Guerrero as Brennan Bernardino came in to get Wade to ground out to short to end the inning with the Angels ahead 4-2.

                                                               Angels take the lead

Gonzalez flied out to center to start the top of the sixth and Narvaez lined out to second. Abreu hit one up the elevator shaft to end the inning. The Angels struck again in the bottom of the sixth as Rengifo singled in the hole at third to start. Kingery dropped down a bunt to catch Bernardino asleep but Schanuel popped up to short. Zack Kelly came in to freeze Moore for strike three, but Trout got a base hit to right to score Rengifo. Ward struck out swinging to end the inning with the Angels up 5-2.

                                                            Trout with the kill shot

Story grounded out to third to start the top of the seventh before Rafaela struck out swinging. Mayer flied out to right to end the inning. Adell struck out swinging to start the bottom of the seventh before d'Arnaud doubled to left. Wade Jr lined back to Kelly and Rengifo struck out swinging to end the inning.

Old Sox prospect Ryan Zeferjahn came in to pitch the top of the eighth and David Hamilton pinch hit for Eaton. Roman Anthony pinch hit for Refsnyder and walked, but Duran flied out to right. Abraham "El" Toro pinch hit for Gonzalez and flied out to center to end the inning. Jorge Alcala came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth and Kingery walked to start. Kingery was thrown out at second trying to steal and Schanuel grounded out to second. Moore struck out swinging to end the inning.

Narvaez struck out swinging to start the top of the ninth before Abreu took strike three as well. It looked like Story had blooped a base hit to left but replays showed Ward caught it to end the game. The Angels had won the game 5-2.

                             "Angels win, now everybody go home!" - Alan Porter

Jackass of The Night is Luis Guerrero. He allowed the go-ahead runs to score in the fifth inning.

                                                     Jackass Guerrero

The Good:

Roman Anthony walked as a pinch hitter.

Romy Gonzalez was 1 for 3 with a run scored.

Jorge Alcala pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

The Bad:

Rob Refsnyder was 0 for 3 with a hat trick of 3 strikeouts.

Abraham Toro was 0 for 1.

Marcelo Mayer was 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Nate Eaton was 0 for 2 with 2 strikeouts.

David Hamilton was 0 for 1.

Brennan Bernardino allowed a run in 2/3 of an inning.

The Ugly:

Jarren Duran was 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts but scored a run.

Carlos Narvaez was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout.

Wilyer Abreu was 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts but walked.

Trevor Story was just 1 for 4 with a strikeout but drove in 2 runs.

Richard Fitts allowed 2 runs in 4 innings of work. He allowed 4 hits and a walk while striking out 6.

Zack Kelly allowed an inherited runner to score but none of his own in 1 2/3 innings.

Final Thoughts:

Its been the same story for five years now. Cora yanks a starter early at the first sign of trouble, the bullpen blows it and the offense can't come back. Having a bonafide Triple A lineup doesn't help though. Red Sox ownership have no one to blame but themselves for trading Rafael Devers and watching the offense evaporate as a result. The bullpen didn't help in this one as they allowed 3 runs in 5 innings but having to throw 5 innings is embarrassing in itself. The Sox need another bat at the trade deadline now that Devers is gone but good luck getting the front office to pony up the prospects or money to get one. For the fourth straight year we're headed to another .500 season or worse. The loss dropped the Sox to 40-42, 7 games behind the Yankees for first place in the AL East. After an off-day tomorrow the Sox come back home for a six game homestand. First on the list is the Toronto Blue Jays this Friday night.  Brayan Bello (3-2) takes on Jose Berrios of Toronto at 7:10 PM at Fenway Park.