The Red Sox were swept in a three-game series by the New York Yankees Wednesday night in what is quickly becoming one of the biggest collapses in Boston sports history.
At this writing, the Red Sox would miss the playoffs completely after a suprising and brilliant first 100 games of this season. But all is not lost. The issue with the Sox is hitting, not pitching. And if the pitching holds up with a soft schedule around the corner, the Sox can find it again.
The issue now is what if the Yankees play at their current level for the rest of the year? I’ve written in this space how I didn’t think the Sox were a World Series team to begin with, but missing the playoffs would be a major letdown.
--If you look at the impending MLB free agents there are some interesting possibilities for Chaim Bloom to strengthen the Sox for 2022 and beyond. Freddie Freeman of the Atlanta Braves would be a perfect fit if J.D. Martinez opts out of his deal after the season and head elsewhere. One year at first base then when Tristan Casas is ready, there’s your DH.
--I am starting to think the Celtics TPE credits will turn into nothing more than TP by the 2022 NBA draft.
--Big week for wrestling fans like me. AEW Rampage (Friday nights on TNT) may debut C.M. Punk in a sold out United Center in Chicago. Saturday WWE has ‘Summerslam’ in Las Vegas. And ROH has a big weekend at the old ECW arena in Philadelphia. My laptop will be burning up with men in tights this weekend.
--I will be releasing some early college football betting picks soon. AMATEUR/PRO TIP: bet the first three weeks of CFB heavy, before the books catch on.
--I am not a fan of spreading out NFL preseason games over multiple days. Can’t we keep it to Saturday and Sunday for now?
--I think Trevor Bauer is in some trouble. He has always seemed a tad askew.
--Three random NFL thoughts:
1) I love that Andy Dalton said, “It’s my time” when talking about the Bears and their rookie first round pick Justin Fields. Leaders lead, and that’s what Dalton is doing.
2) Dak Prescott’s day-to-day injury sure doesn’t seem day-to-day.
3) I get Aaron Rodgers doesn’t want to be in Green Bay, but it’s time to shut up and remind us why we fell in love with you in the first place. Go play football.
--For those who listen to ‘Gresh & Keefe’, yes. I am that picky of an eater. FORMER FAT GUY NOTE: I did not like the ‘Wiggy Parm’ sandwich. A proper chicken parm has chicken, sauce, mozzarella cheese, on a toasted roll. And don’t tell me otherwise.
--Eric ‘Badlands’ Booker chugged a two liter bottle of soda in just over 18 seconds this week. EIGHTEEN SECONDS. And there’s a video, I encourage you to watch it. He didn’t miss a drop of that sugary deliciousness.
--Thanks to Rob Bradford for allowing me to spew my B.S. each week.
Gresh is co-host of ‘Gresh & Keefe’ 10a-2p, Monday-Friday on the WEEI Sportsradio Network. He is also co-author of ‘The Great Book of Boston Sports Lists’