I'll get right to the point: This is a crucial, make-or-break month for the Sox in respect to their playoff chances. As of today, they are 5.5 games out of a playoff spot. It's not an insurmountable deficit, but it means the Sox have to go all out this month and win as many games and as many series as they possibly can. They have to dominate the weaker teams in the league (such as the Indians, who they face this week) and hold their own against their division rivals. This season, they have a history of playing down to their competition. Teams like the Indians, Royals, Orioles and Mariners have given the Sox more trouble than they have given other contenders. This has to stop if they're going to make a playoff push. No letting up on the gas when playing the under .500 crowd A sense of urgency not unlike they would need in playoff games themselves is essential to their survival in the race. The Sox have the talent to make a run for it, but they can't afford to throw any games away. They'll get a boost when Pedey and Ells come back, but until then, guys like Lowrie, McDonald, Patterson, Kalish and Hall need to continue to produce no matter what the score or inning. The bullpen needs to hold leads, especially late in games. The starting rotation needs to continue to pitch deep into games to avoid taxing the pen and keep games within reach. (Keep the 5+ run implosions to an absolute minimum) We'll find out this month just how badly this team wants to play past October 3 (or whenever that last series of the regular season ends)
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!!
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