Since 1901: A Boston Baseball Podcast · DraftKings

Since 1901: A Boston Baseball Podcast Episode 33 | Don’t Hit the Panic Button

·12 min·1 clip

With the MLB trade deadline a week away, Emerson Lotzia urges Red Sox fans not to panic despite a four-game losing streak.

This episode analyzes the Boston Red Sox's position ahead of the MLB trade deadline following a four-game losing streak. Hosts Emerson Lazia and Steve Buchanan, voices of the Boston-focused podcast, assess the team's strategy. They recorded on July 23rd, exactly one week before the deadline. The hosts discuss three specific, winnable losses to the Dodgers and Rockies after the All-Star break. They note key bullpen absences, including pitchers Chris Martin, Greg Slayton, and Kenley Jansen. Steve Buchanan references ESPN's Jeff Passan previewing the Red Sox as potential buyers *and* sellers. Buchanan argues against trading top prospects like Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, or Kyle Teel for a massive acquisition like White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet. He instead advocates for acquiring more affordable help, such as White Sox starter Erick Fedde. Veteran players Kenley Jansen and Trevor Story have publicly stated the team needs added pitching and a right-handed bat. The recent designation of former Red Sox pitcher James Paxton by the Dodgers is mentioned as a low-cost possibility. Buchanan characterizes Paxton as a "number four at best" starter due to persistent injury issues. Across MLB, 22 of 30 teams are within five games of a playoff spot, creating a complex market. Teams like the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, still in contention, have signaled they may sell. A surprising insight is that Kenley Jansen required a heart-shocking procedure three separate times after pitching in Colorado. The hosts express that player frustration could cause clubhouse drama if the front office doesn't add roster help, referencing past campaigns. They highlight the paradox of a team attempting to buy and sell simultaneously at the deadline. The National League's tight wild-card race, with a massive clump of teams, is predicted to heavily dictate trade activity. The hosts find the idea of widespread trade deadline chaos appealing, stating they love the injected drama. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow is described as the public face who will receive praise or blame for deadline moves. The episode maintains a conversational and opinionated tone between two knowledgeable fans. The style is immediate and reactionary, focused on the urgency of the upcoming week. This episode is ideal for Red Sox fans anxious about the team's slump and seeking trade speculation. Listeners interested in the broader MLB deadline landscape and its strategic paradoxes would also enjoy it. Those seeking hard news or interviews with executives might find it less informative.

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