Yanks Go Yard Radio Show Rewind: Red Sox-Yankees Preview (8/4-8/6)

On last night’s episode of the Yanks Go Yard Radio Show, I started off the episode by talking about the New York Yankees (59-45) taking two out of three from the Chicago White Sox over the weekend at US Cellular Field. Over the course of those three games, the Yankees’ offense scored 27 runs, including double digit runs in both of their wins.

In their final road trip outside of the Eastern time zone, the Bronx Bombers went 6-4 and they now lead the Orioles and Blue Jays by 5.5 games in the AL East. Plus, even though New York did not make a significant trade outside of Dustin Ackley (who is now on the disabled list), they did promote 21-year-old pitcher Luis Severino to the majors. Severino will be making his debut on Wednesday night against the Boston Red Sox (47-59).

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While the Red Sox did not make any big selling moves at the trade deadline, outside of dealing Shane Victorino to the Angels, Boston had significant news off the field over the weekend. CEO and President Larry Lucchino will be stepping down at the end of the season. Lucchino has been the CEO of the Red Sox since 2002.

Since the All-Star Break, the Red Sox are 8-14 and are now 13.5 games behind the Yankees in the AL East. Since the break, the Red Sox are tenth in the American League In runs scored, ninth in on-base percentage, and fifth in batting average (.264). Their main run producer in the second half has been David Ortiz (.246, 20 HR, 59 RBI’s). Ortiz is hitting .317 with five home runs and 16 RBI’s over his last 16 games.

However, on the mound, the Red Sox have struggled to find consistency all season. Their team ERA of 4.95 is the third highest in the American League since the All-Star Break. In addition, their starters’ ERA of 4.90 is the worst in the AL. Manager John Farrell is without two of his starters as Clay Buchholz and rookie Brian Johnson are on the disabled list. However, rookie left-hander Henry Owens will be making his debut tonight.

To talk more about the Red Sox struggles and a look back at the legacy of Larry Lucchino, I spoke with DJ Smith, the host of the Chowder and Champions Podcast, to get his take on the future of the Red Sox. Here are some of the topics we discussed:

• Uneasiness with John Henry and Tom Werner running baseball operations
• Should the Red Sox have sold more pieces at the trade deadline?
• Is Mike Napoli next to be traded before the August 31 deadline?
• Pitching Matchup Breakdown
• Scouting Report on Henry Owens
• Masahiro Tanaka’s (tonight’s Yankees starter) control issues during his last start
• What to expect from Yankees’ top prospect Luis Severino tomorrow night
• Steven Wright (tomorrow’s Red Sox starter) auditioning for the rotation
• Eduardo Rodriguez (Thursday’s Red Sox starter) still having issues tipping his pitches
• CC Sabathia (Thursday’s Yankees’ starter) does have success against Boston this season
• Red Sox hitters to watch: David Ortiz and Hanley Ramirez
• Yankees hitters to watch: Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez
• Should Boston be taking a closer look at Allen Craig, who is down at triple-A?

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