BOSTON -- First impressions from the Red Sox 2-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays:
Aaron Sanchez is a big reason why the Blue Jays might be the scariest AL team for Boston in the postseason.
Now they may never see each other, but it’s worth noting. J.A. Happ might be a Cy Young candidate, but Sanchez has the best “stuff” on Toronto’s staff by far. He’s done fairly well against the Red Sox all season and if they were to see him again, there’s a good chance he’d come out on top -- barring another fit on the mound after giving up a home run.
Drew Pomeranz looks healthy enough to contribute in the postseason.
Other than throwing from the bullpen, that his specific role isn’t quite clear. But seeing his fastball run up to 95 mph was a nice surprise.
In fact, if you look back at his career average velocity, it’s something he’s not normally done.
Having two lefty power arms from the pen -- both of which can face righties -- would serve as a huge lift.
Boston Red Sox
Although he left down 1-0, David Price’s start was enough to generate positive momentum going into the postseason.
Going up against one of the toughest lineups in baseball -- who knows you very well -- was something Price needed to prep him for the postseason.
Being named the No. 2 starter in the playoffs was a demotion for the lefty, even though he’s truly been the No. 2 all year.
Between that and his general struggles of late, a little confidence boost like Sunday’s start can’t hurt.
The final David Ortiz ceremony couldn’t have gone any better.
Old teammates, the announcement of his number being retired and a gold bat.
Not to mention he got a bridge named after him, probably the coolest gift he could have gotten.
A great ceremony for a deserving player.