Welcome to Kvetch of the Day, your chance to ask us your burning questions.
Two questions from the Red Sox this week, because everyone loves a doubleheader.
Reader Jay Hurley asks, “Why don’t the Sox make Garrett Whitlock the closer? What am I missing?
Red Sox hit writer Steve Hewitt responds: “That’s a fair question, given that Whitlock is by far the Red Sox’s best and most reliable pitcher in the bullpen, and probably the entire staff. But Whitlock is stretched, and right now the Red Sox see more value in him pitching three- or four-inning stretches where they can use him in any role they want. Sometimes, as he already has in wins over the Tigers and Twins earlier this season, that includes throwing multiple innings to finish a game and preserve a win. Alex Cora even used him in the ninth this week to close out a win over the Blue Jays, so, in an untraditional way, he’s already been used as a closer. Cora has said repeatedly that he hopes Matt Barnes can get the closer job back, and will give him time to do so. In the meantime, the manager will use Whitlock like a Swiss Army knife and play matchups to end with wins. But if Barnes ultimately can’t get the job back, there’s certainly a chance Whitlock ends up being named the closer.”
And Manny F wonders how the club will replace the power he let go: “I’m so mad the Red Sox traded Hunter Renfroe to Milwaukee and didn’t sign Kyle Schwarber. There are over 60 home runs missed. Trevor Story’s signing is a head scratcher unless it’s protection if Xander Bogaerts signs elsewhere.”
Sox scribe Jason Mastrodonato says, “In what world does Trevor Story sign a head scratcher? The Sox haven’t had a regular second baseman they can trust since Dustin Pedroia. And after they fail to secure Xander Bogaerts on a contract extension, Story gives them insurance on the job. Story and Hunter Renfroe entered the major leagues in the same year, 2016, and Story has hit 158 home runs to Renfroe’s 129 home runs in that span. Renfroe had a great arm, but he actually cost the Red Sox defensive runs last year. And he had a terrible postseason (.194 batting average, 12 strikeouts, no home runs in 36 at-bats). They made a huge upgrade going from Renfroe to Story, and that’s not in dispute. But not signing Kyle Schwarber is a separate crime, one that could actually cost them later this year if Bobby Dalbec doesn’t improve his season. Top prospect Triston Casas is off to a strong start at Triple-A Worcester and could be the Sox’s major league first baseman in no time.”
Something bothers you? Grind your gears? You got excited?
We want to hear about it. And we will try to get a good response from our sports staff. We know you’re upset about… something. Hey, this is Boston. We love to talk about the Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots. There are millions of unemployed general managers and coaches in the metaverse.
So ask. Send your complaint or question to [email protected].
Air it up, let it rip. You’ll feel better. And check back next Sunday for our answer.
Reference-www.bostonherald.com