Team Analysis After The Second Game

Despite game two being rained out in the fourth, the 2-0 win was much better played than the first game of the set. There were some promising signs from many players who proved game one was just an unlucky day.

- Bichette had good plate vision in his two strike counts. He didn’t swing at anything out of the zone, and did a fantastic job protecting, bringing up the pitch count significantly after a long battle of foul balls. Unfortunately he couldn't get his timing right, resulting in many good pitches going to waste. Could just take some time to regain his timing after such a long break. Defensively Bichette put on a show. Anyone who may have seen the team's social media saw a great defensive diving play at short that took away a hit. Bichette made another play deep in the hole later on, but couldn’t get enough on the throw to make the still fantastic play. Later during his second at bat, his selection was pathetic, only swinging at stuff far out of the zone. It’s a concern that he will have to work on going into the season after producing similar results in the first game too.

- Biggio wasn’t too significant in the short game, but had a strong second at bat. He took a good pitch into the outfield for a single, making for a flat line drive on a low pitch down the middle. Good selection, better swing.

- Guerrero’s first at bat looked very concerning, full of bad swings on pitches way out of the zone leading to an infield pop out. The second at bat however reminded fans of his incredible potential, as he capitalized on a mistake and hit an absolute moonshot. Went right over the green monster, and every player in the stadium knew it was gone right off the bat. Looked like the home run derby for him in what was possibly the team’s most exciting moment since returning.

- Thornton had a very well pitched game, especially compared to his peers the night before. Not the greatest accuracy, but when he missed his spots, it was out of the zone, which is critical. He had some excellent movement, and put his pitches in some great spots. He remained composed, limited mistakes, and focused on the task at hand. Coming out of the game strong against a great lineup, he likely forced his way into the rotation.

- Alford was the player to watch in the game, as he either makes the team, or will be put on waivers due to lack of options. Unfortunately, he didn't do anything to improve his case towards making the team. His first at bat showed a lack of plate discipline, and his second at bat wasn’t much better. Despite being up 2-0 after some great takes, he swung at a pitch well outside the zone for an easy out. Terrible decision on his part.

- McGuire’s first at bat was one pitch, one out. The second at bat, was much better, with some smart decisions, great plate vision, and a fantastic job protecting. Unfortunately it ended in a pop out in foul territory, as he had to protect with two strikes and made contact with a poor pitch. Defensively, he was working a little too high in the zone for comfort, but made smart decisions with his pitch calls.

- Grichuk had a good game, even though the 0 for 1 in the box score might not show it. In walked in his first at bat, and despite an out in his second at bat, it showed promise. He had just missed a home run, and how loud contact, something the lineup hadn’t had much of the game before. Loud outs and hard contact are always a good sign as the team moves into the regular season.

- Yamaguchi wasn’t anything special. Although he didn’t allow a run, there was lots of loud contact as a result of easy to hit pitches thrown in the middle of the zone. He had good movement, but pitch location was the issue for him. Wasn't terrible, wasn't great. Just ok. Might be enough for a bullpen role, but likely not enough for the rotation.

- Fisher really looked worrying. Despite two home runs in game one, his pitch recognition and plate vision were seriously lacking, and the disaster only continued. Horrible swings on even worse pitches over and over for him. Might not be a bad idea to expect a slow start to the season from him.

The Red Sox didn’t have a great game on the bump, and it was disappointing the Jays offense couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity at hand. Perhaps had the rain not been a problem, there would’ve been a much better number on the scoreboard, as the hard hits were a promising sign for the team, despite many coming in the form of outs. After the second game, the team looks much more prepared going into the season than after game one.