That he was obviously valuable doesn't mean there wasn't tampering.

Yeah, for sure. What I was trying to point out was that, at the time, there were people arguing that the only way he would have opted out was if he had been tampered with. It was really the only reason people gave for thinking there was tampering. But, in fact, he had obvious value above his remaining contract, so there was no evidence of tampering beyond any other player.

160-2 here we come!!

Your casual use of quotation marks aside, do you think Sale was saying that he literally had no idea when he'd be back? Like, maybe next month, maybe 2023?

Yeah, maybe 2023. Maybe later. Maybe never. Maybe June.

I mean, you can't legitimately count on him returning AND being effective. He'll have to prove he can pitch every 5 days without getting hurt again.

This more recent article says Paxton was expected to be back for the second half when they signed him and he is currently ahead of that schedule.

Paxton suffered a setback. Discomfort in his elbow. They're downplaying it, of course.

At this point I'm expecting the clubhouse to burst into flames. I want to say that's the only thing left to go wrong but it's possible that might be the best thing that's happened all year.

I disagree with the implication that things "went wrong" with this team. Obviously. I stated before the season started that the roster was weak, and they'd be a shitty team. Things went as expected. Maybe not by you or others, but what can I say about that without being rude?

Nah.

I doubt that every newspaper etc forecast a successful Red Sox season, but, be that as it may, if that's what you go by when you post...why bother? Are you just regurgitating what you read elsewhere?

Too late for "nah", and thanks for the congratulations.

Anytime.

The rotation blows, especially on the back end. The OF is weak. They're a .500 team, at best. They'll be fighting the Yankees for 3rd place. Tampa and Toronto are a toss up to win the division, well in front of Bos/NY.

Congratulations on this brilliant prognostication.

Congratulations on this brilliant prognostication.

Thanks! I'll also predict that the season doesn't end on May 13th. Seems obvious, but, YMMV.