So is momentum a big thing in the world of baseball when you're heading into the postseason?

It's a really good question.

I think it might be a little bit different than some other sports for reasons that you just pointed out.

And also because starting pitching has such an outsized impact on a game and on confidence and on momentum that when you're in a position to kind of place your rotation exactly as you want and you can look back at our season and understand when we've got certain guys on the mound, our chances of winning are really, really good.

Now, I would like buffer that against over the course of 162 games, there are just so many kind of stretches where, you know, we had this, these streaks where it was really difficult for us to win games.

And then we had streaks where, you know, I know the guys felt like we could beat anybody.

gone through that, there is the ability to take a step back and say, you know, given how many different things have been said about our season where this is the first team in history to do blank, like these guys are never going to find themselves in a situation where something's going to feel overwhelming or something's going to feel like they can't overcome it.

But when you look at the team you have in place today and compare it to who you thought you had back at spring training, what's the biggest thing that surprised you as you entered the last portion of a season?

So is momentum a big thing in the world of baseball when you're heading into the postseason?

It's a really good question.

I think it might be a little bit different than some other sports for reasons that you just pointed out.

And also because starting pitching has such an outsized impact on a game and on confidence and on momentum that when you're in a position to kind of place your rotation exactly as you want and you can look back at our season and understand when we've got certain guys on the mound, our chances of winning are really, really good.

Now, I would like to buffer that against over the course of 162 games.

There are just so many kind of stretches where, you know, we had this these streaks where it was really difficult for us to win games.

And we had streaks where, you know, I know the guys felt like we could beat anybody.

They'll probably never experience a season like this again, but when you look at the team you have in place today and compare it to who you thought you had back at spring training, what's the biggest thing that surprised you as you entered the last portion of a season?

So is momentum a big thing in the world of baseball when you're heading into the postseason?

I think it's a really good question.

I think it's, it might be a little bit different than some other sports for, for reasons that you just, you just pointed out.

And also because starting pitching has such a outsized impact on, on a game, um, and on confidence and on momentum that when you're in a position to kind of place your rotation exactly as you want, and you can look back at our season and understand when we've got certain guys on the mound, our chances of winning are really, really good.

Um, Now, I would like buffer that against over the course of 162 games.

There are just so many kind of stretches where, you know, we had this these streaks where it was really difficult for us to win games.

And then we had streaks where, you know, I know the guys felt like we could beat anybody.

But when you look at the team you have in place today and compare it to who you thought you had back at spring training, what's the biggest thing that surprised you as you entered the last portion of a season?

So is momentum a big thing in the world of baseball when you're heading into the postseason? I

think it's a really good question.

I think it's, it might be a little bit different than some other sports for, for reasons that you just, you just pointed out.

And also because starting pitching has such a outsized impact on, on a game, um, and on confidence and on momentum that when you're in a position to kind of place your rotation exactly as you want, and you can look back at our season and understand when we've got certain guys on the mound, our chances of winning are really, really good.

Um, Now, I would like buffer that against over the course of 162 games.

There are just so many kind of stretches where, you know, we had this these streaks where it was really difficult for us to win games.

And then we had streaks where, you know, I know the guys felt like we could beat anybody.

But when you look at the team you have in place today and compare it to who you thought you had back at spring training, what's the biggest thing that surprised you as you entered the last portion of a season?

Find yours at T-Mobile.com.

it's a really good question.

I think it's, it might be a little bit different than some other sports for, for reasons that you just, you just pointed out.

And also because starting pitching has such a outsized impact on, on a game, um, and on confidence and on momentum that when you're in a position to kind of place your rotation exactly as you want, and you can look back at our season and understand when we've got certain guys on the mound, our chances of winning are really, really good.

Um, Now, I would like buffer that against over the course of 162 games.

There are just so many kind of stretches where, you know, we had this these streaks where it was really difficult for us to win games.

And we had streaks where, you know, I know the guys felt like we could beat anybody.

But when you look at the team you have in place today and compare it to who you thought you had back at spring training, what's the biggest thing that surprised you as you entered the last portion of a season?

right now?

Yeah.

I guess the answer would be maybe in that where we are is wanting to make sure that guys who have either some lingering injuries, discomfort, soreness, or are approaching workloads that maybe they haven't before, we're trying to be as smart as possible about making sure that we're completely healthy, recovered, fresh for a stretch run.

I don't think, though, that We're in a position to just take healthy guys, you know, and try to manipulate how much work they're taking on.

You know, we think about Sonny and, you know, having him skip a start and then slot back into rotation this weekend.

This was not a reaction to something that's happened recently.

This is more an accumulation of the work that he's had over the last month and a half or so, and him wanting to stay on regular rest the last, I think, four or five turns through, and then just saying, hey, I benefit from a few days.

When you can take into consideration that he was your main acquisition at the trade deadline and what you've had to deal with since then, how serious is it and what would you rate that trade now?

Is that kind of what strategy-wise what you guys are doing right now?

Yeah.

I guess the answer would be maybe in that where we are is wanting to make sure that guys who have either some lingering injuries, discomfort, soreness, or are approaching workloads that maybe they haven't before, we're trying to be as smart as possible about making sure that we're completely healthy, recovered, fresh for a stretch run.

I don't think, though, that We're in a position to just take healthy guys and try to manipulate how much work they're taking on.

We think about Sonny and having him skip a start and then swap back into rotation this weekend.

This was not a reaction to something that's happened recently.

This is more an accumulation of the work that he's had over the last month and a half or so, and him wanting to stay on regular rest the last, I think, four or five turns through, and then just saying, hey, I've benefited from a few days.

When you can take into consideration that he was your main acquisition at the trade deadline and what you've had to deal with since then, how serious is it? And what would you rate that trade now?

Is that kind of what strategy-wise what you guys are doing right now?

Yeah.

I guess the answer would be maybe in that where we are is wanting to make sure that guys who have either some lingering injuries, discomfort, soreness, or are approaching workloads that maybe they haven't before, we're trying to be as smart as possible about making sure that we're completely healthy, recovered, fresh for a stretch run.

I don't think, though, that We're in a position to just take healthy guys, you know, and try to manipulate how much work they're taking on.

You know, we think about Sonny and, you know, having him skip a start and then slot back into rotation this weekend.

This was not a reaction to something that's happened recently.

This is more an accumulation of the work that he's had over the last month and a half or so and him wanting to stay on regular rest the last, I think, four or five turns through and then just saying, hey, I benefit from a few days.

When you can take into consideration that he was your main acquisition at the trade deadline and what you've had to deal with since then, how serious is it? And what would you rate that trade now?

Is that kind of what strategy-wise what you guys are doing right now?

No.

I guess the answer would be maybe in that where we are is wanting to make sure that guys who have either some lingering injuries, discomfort, soreness, or are approaching workloads that maybe they haven't before, we're trying to be as smart as possible about making sure that we're completely healthy, recovered, fresh for a stretch run.

I don't think, though, that We're in a position to just take healthy guys and try to manipulate how much work they're taking on.

We think about Sonny and having him skip a start and then slot back into rotation this weekend.

This was not a reaction to something that's happened recently.

This is more an accumulation of the work that he's had over the last month and a half or so, and him wanting to stay on regular rest the last, I think, four or five turns through, and then just saying, hey, I benefit from a few days.

When you can take into consideration that he was your main acquisition at the trade deadline and what you've had to deal with since then, how serious is it and what would you rate that trade now?

from your perspective running the whole thing what is the identity of this team the last month and a

half yeah Sure, I think off the field there's a confidence and a belief in each other.

I think there's, you had talked about guys overachieving, which means that there was a level of expectation that they're exceeding.

So I don't know if that's totally fair, but I think what we have is guys who understand the contributions that they can make to the team and understand what their roles are and how they fit into that.

And I think that comes from understanding their skills and their abilities and also Chad and the staff doing a really good job of walking through how each piece fits.

And then on the field, I think the identity has been pitching and defense that keeps us in every single game.

And then offensively, a team that is able to grind out at bats to really put pressure on opposing defenses, opposing starting pitchers.

How do you fix those problems? And were you punishing him?

From your perspective, running the whole thing, what is the identity of this team the last month and a

half? Yeah.

Sure.

I think, um, you know, I think off the field there's a confidence and a belief in each other.

I think there's a, you know, you had talked about guys, overachieving, which means that there was a level of expectation that they're exceeding.

So I don't know if that's totally fair, but I think what we have is guys who understand the contributions that they can make to the team and understand what their roles are and how they fit into that.

And I think that comes from understanding their skills and their abilities and also Chad and the staff doing a really good job of walking through how each piece fits.

How do you fix those problems? And were you punishing him?

From your perspective, running the whole thing, what is the identity of this team the last month and a

half? Yeah.

Sure.

I think off the field, there's a confidence and a belief in each other.

I think there's, you know, you had talked about guys.

overachieving, which means that there was a level of expectation that they're exceeding.

So I don't know if that's totally fair, but I think what we have is guys who understand the contributions that they can make to the team and understand what their roles are and how they fit into that.

How do you fix those problems? And were you punishing him?

From your perspective running the whole thing, w-what is the identity of this team the last month and a half?

Yeah.

Sure.

I think, um, you know, I think off the field there's a, a confidence and a belief in each other.

I think there's, uh, you know, you, you had talked about guys overachieving, which means that, you know, there was a level of expectation that they're [laughs] exceeding.

I don't...

So I don't know if that's totally fair, but I think what we have is guys who understand the contributions that they can make, uh, to the team and understand what their roles are and, uh, and how they fit into that.

How do you fix those problems? And, and were you punishing him?

As a guy who pitched here, won a World Series here, we'll let you start, and we'd like you all to just jump in about understanding what this market expects and how that helps you put together a team that can achieve what you hope to achieve.

Yeah, I think first, I just want to say what an honor it is to be here and to support the Jimmy Fund.

I can remember as a player, this being a highlight of the season.

And, you know, often people approach us and ask if we would take time out of our schedules to support this cause, not realizing what an honor and privilege it is to be able to do that.

So I just wanted to say that.

But putting that aside...

The expectations in this market are unique.

Is there something that stands out where you meet a player and you're going, you know, this person will relish in a city where the fans are smart, they know their sports, and they expect greatness?

As, as a guy who pitched here, won a World Series here, we'll let you start, and we'd like you all to just jump in about understanding what this market expects and how that helps you put together a team that can achieve what you hope to achieve.

Yeah, I think first w- just wanna say what an honor it is to, to be here and to support the Jimmy Fund.

I can remember as a player, uh, this being a highlight of, of the season.

And, uh, you know, often people approach us and ask if, uh, you know, we would take time out of our schedules to, to support this cause, uh, not realizing what, uh, what an honor and privilege it is to, to be able to do that.

So I just wanted to say that.

But putting that, putting that aside, um, the expectations in this market are, are unique.

Uh, they are rightfully sky-high.

Is there something that, that stands out where you meet a player and you go, "You know what? This person is-- will relish in a city where the fans are smart, they know their sports, and they expect greatness."

Is that something that can happen with guys when it comes to the trade deadline? Because I'm sure that's on everybody's mind.

Absolutely.

And we know how much Jaron cares about.

He cares about the team and the organization and the fans, and he cares about winning.

But also, he's been struggling.

He's been very outspoken about his struggles.

Um, you know, I think the biggest thing is there's a lot of people inside, inside the walls of Fenway park that believe in him and understand exactly how talented he is.

when it comes to Courtney was talking about roster down the road, when, when it comes to call-ups, you have the, I believe the number two prospect in the game who is, uh, as Shime would, uh, would describe him raking, uh, And in Worcester, how do you make a decision when it comes to a guy like that and bringing him up at some point?

Is that something that can happen with guys when it comes to the trade deadline? Because I'm sure that's on everybody's mind.

Absolutely.

And we know how much Jaron cares about.

He cares about the team and the organization and the fans, and he cares about winning.

But also, he's been struggling.

He's been very outspoken about his struggles.

Um, you know, I think the biggest thing is there's a lot of people inside, inside the walls of Fenway park that believe in him and understand exactly how talented he is.

Um, when it comes to Courtney was talking about roster down the road, when, when it comes to call-ups, you have the, I believe the number two prospect in the game who is, uh, as Shime would, uh, would describe him raking, uh, And in Worcester, how do you make a decision when it comes to a guy like that and bringing him up at some point?

Is that something that can happen with guys when it comes to trade deadline? Because I'm sure that's on everybody's mind.

Absolutely.

And we know how much Jaron cares about.

He cares about the team and the organization and the fans, and he cares about winning.

But also, he's been struggling.

He's been very outspoken about his struggles.

Um, you know, I think the biggest thing is there's a lot of people inside, inside the walls of Fenway park that believe in him and understand exactly how talented he is.

When it comes to call-ups, you have, I believe, the number two prospect in the game who is, as Shyam would describe him, raking – And in Worcester, how do you make a decision when it comes to a guy like that and bringing him up at some point?

Find your way forward at kia.com. Kia, movement that inspires.

By saying that, uh, Franklin is-- he's a very, very, very good player and a very, very good young man, uh, with maturity and, uh, a really steady head on his shoulders.

Um, that said, you know, he's 20 years old and he's played all of, I think, two weeks in, in triple-A.

Um, so the most important thing is for him to continue to, to develop where he is.

Um, and separately, we're constantly evaluating the play of our, our Major League team and, um, you know, we, we may be rolling out a, you know, someone that we, we thought wasn't going to be, uh, playing every day at shortstop when we started the season.

But after Trevor got hurt, and Isaiah got hurt, and Marcello got hurt, and, uh, you know, Mona stepped in and, and he's been awesome.

Uh, I think if you look at what he's done offensively over the last month, he's been like a, a top 10 player.

The series against the Dodgers, going out there and beating the team that had just won the World Series, did that give you extra confidence when you look at this team and the belief that you guys not only can contend for a World Series, but actually can win a World Series?

Craig, with the Meade injury, does that change how you're going to handle the trade deadline next week or are you staying kind of pat?

Well, first, just such a brutal injury for Curtis and for the team.

I just really feel for him knowing how frustrated he is and wanting to come in and continue on the great season that he's been having and make a really positive impact on the team.

I think the guys were really excited to have Curtis.

guy that can hit in the middle of the order, um, can hit for power, doesn't chase, can do so many different things.

Well, uh, so it doesn't really feel for him.

Um, but with respect to how it affects, um, our deadline, you know, it's still, we're still a few days out and we're still getting as much information as we can about what players might be available, what the cost of those players might be.

Is there an area that you feel like you need to address in order to make a deep postseason run?

Craig, with the Mead injury, does that change how you're gonna handle the trade deadline next week, or are you staying kind of pat?

Um, it's-- Well, first, uh, just such a brutal injury for, for Curtis and for the team.

Just really feel for him knowing, uh, how frustrated he is and wanting to, to come in and continue on the great season that he's been, been having and make a, a really positive impact on the team.

And I think the guys were really excited, um, you know, to, to have a guy that can hit in the middle of the order, um, can hit for power, doesn't chase, can do so many different things well.

Uh, so just really feel for him.

Um, but with respect to how it affects, um, our, our deadline, y-you know, it's still-- we're still a few days out, and we're still getting as much information as we can about what players might be available, what the cost of those players might be.

Um, and we were going to approach this probably pretty similarly.

When you start to look at this team and you go, "All right, if we wanna make a deep postseason run, we need to get better or address this area," is there an area that you feel like you need to address in order to make a deep postseason run?

When you start to look at this team and you go, "All right, if we wanna make a deep postseason run, we need to get better or address this area," is there an area that you feel like you need to address in order to make a deep postseason run?

Um, it, it, it's hard to say need versus w- would like to or want to because, um, you know, you know, the roster that we have on the field, uh, you know, will have on the field tonight is, is one that, uh, has won a bunch of games in, in July and, and won 15 games in a row.

Um, now, I think realistically, we know that As, uh, you know, as you work your way through the postseason, you're getting only the team's best lineup, the opposing team's best lineup, and only the opposing team's best, you know, three or four starting pitchers, and their best two or three relievers.

Um, you know, in the postseason it's a lot harder to stack single after single after single, and most runs come via the home run.

Um, you know, so, so power has been a conversation for, for this group for a while.

But, you know, I think as a result of the work that the players are doing and the coaches are doing, we're also seeing the quality of our bats go up and the, uh, the, the damage on, on balls that get put into play go up with, with the same players.

Um, so I don't wanna discount the improvements that have been made within the group and, and the work that's being done.

Is there an area that you feel like you need to address in order to make a deep postseason run?

Is there an area that you feel like you need to address in order to make a deep postseason run?

Yeah.

It's hard to say need versus would like to or want to because the roster that we have on the field will have on the field tonight.

is one that has won a bunch of games in July and won 15 games in a row.

I think realistically, we know that as you work your way through the postseason, you're getting only the opposing team's best lineup and only the opposing team's best three or four starting pitchers and their best two or three relievers.

In the postseason, it's a lot harder to stack teams.

single after single after single, and most runs come via the home run.

there an area that you feel like you need to address in order to make a deep postseason run?

Craig, with the Meade injury, does that change how you're going to handle the trade deadline next week or are you staying kind of pat?

Well, first, just such a brutal injury for Curtis and for the team.

I just really feel for him knowing how frustrated he is and wanting to come in and continue on the great season that he's been having and make a really positive impact on the team.

I think the guys were really excited to have Curtis.

a guy that can hit in the middle of the order, can hit for power, doesn't chase, can do so many different things well.

So it doesn't really feel for him.

But with respect to how it affects our deadline, we're still a few days out, and we're still getting as much information as we can about what players might be available, what the cost of those players might be.

Is there an area that you feel like you need to address in order to make a deep postseason run?

Craig, with the Meade injury, does that change how you're going to handle the trade deadline next week or are you staying kind of pat?

Well, first, just such a brutal injury for Curtis and for the team.

I just really feel for him knowing how frustrated he is and wanting to come in and continue on the great season that he's been having and make a really positive impact on the team.

I think the guys were really excited to have Curtis.

guy that can hit in the middle of the order, um, can hit for power, doesn't chase, can do so many different things.

Well, uh, so it doesn't really feel for him.

Um, but with respect to how it affects, um, our deadline, you know, it's still, we're still a few days out and we're still getting as much information as we can about what players might be available, what the cost of those players might be.

Is there an area that you feel like you need to address in order to make a deep postseason run?