Is this Red Sox Losing Streak Cause for Concern?
Oh god, oh god, oh god. The Red Sox have lost three games in a row for the first time since April. There is mayhem in the streets of New England.
Not actually, but this losing streak is a little bit concerning. I am aware that the streak is only at three games but the fact that they have lost the first two games of a four game set against an actual World Series contender has me shook.
The Cleveland Indians really did not scare me to start the season but as the year has gone on they have become more and more of an issue. The Tribe has the ability to match up with the Sox in every aspect. Their lineup and pitching are capable of competing with Boston on every night, making them a bigger threat to Boston than the Yankees at this point.
If you have an argument against that you are just plain wrong. The Yankees have an inconsistent rotation, a lineup without Aaron Judge (who knows how he will be when / if he comes back), and are led by a manager who seems lost at points.
Looking at things in a positive light, the Red Sox were due to slow down at some point. I mean losing three games in a row for only the second time all season? That is just downright insanity and even laughable. They had to go on a losing streak again at some point; this is the crazy game of baseball.
Still, I consider myself a pessimist. When the Sox start losing I always look at what is going wrong. For example, Nathan Eovaldi looked like garbage last night. I am already ready to toss him into the bullpen but I know that’s unrealistic. For the postseason though? I think it has become more and more likely that he ends up there because of how inconsistent he’s been since his first two starts in Beantown.
Anyway, it isn’t time to hit the panic button just yet. The Sox are still 49(!) games over .500 and look too good to lose their division lead. They have a lineup and rotation that can matchup with just about any team in the MLB, so World Series hopes should not dwindle just because of these three lousy games.
-Jarrod Ribaudo (@Jribs53)