Play Tessie - A Red Sox Podcast

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat finally get serious about the Wild Card Series between the Red Sox and Yankees we've all been expecting for a while. What's the confidence level in Payton Tolle throwing Game 1 against Sox arch-nemesis Cam Schlittler? Also, it wasn't the best weekend to end the regular season with Tyron Guerrero and Mickey Gasper being injured and out for the series. And, the guys look at each position and decide who has the edge between Boston and New York.

Gordo and Sammy have a lot of news to break down despite the Red Sox having their playoff fate firmly locked. Reacting to Chad Tracy becoming the full-time manager and the extension given to Craig Breslow and the timing of both moves. Also, Ceddanne Rafaela is giving everyone a scare by leaving his return from the groin injury he suffered with hamstring tightness. And, its more than a small sample size of the Sox offense not scoring a ton which should raise at least some concern heading into October.

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat are all smiles after the Red Sox officially clinch their spot in the playoffs despite a series loss in Tampa. How wild was the journey for the Sox from bottom feeder to postseason bound? Then, there was a shift in the upcoming rotation that could signal Payton Tolle being the Game 1 starter in the Wild Card round. And, Brayan Bello had potentially the best start of his career that may give him the nod as a fourth starter in that playoff rotation.

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat aren't in pure panic yet after two losses from the Red Sox in Texas, but are concerned it could get to that level. What would have to go wrong for things to reach full panic? Also, the heart of the Sox issues is the lineup struggling lineup that has two of their best hitters Roman Anthony and Adley Rutschman ice cold at the plate. And, Erik Miller having issues and Justin Slaten out for the year puts a few holes into a bullpen that looked like one of the best before.

Gordo and Pat get the chance to speak with Red Sox lefty reliever Erik Miller about many things including the whirlwind of being traded from the Giants at the deadline and getting integrated with the city of Boston and the Sox themselves.

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat had eyes on the Red Sox series win over the Royals, but not necessarily on the games themself. With Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, and Payton Tolle all pitching this weekend, what should the rotation look like and who should start in Game 1 in a potential Wild Card series? Also, Caleb Durbin seems like the key cog in the Sox lineup, but what kind of impact he should have and where remain open for debate. And, Willson Contreras made a strong return from injury, but had an odd scene in Portland before during his rehab stint.<...

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat are more deterred by some recent pitching performances from the Red Sox more than them losing two of three to the Angels. Should there be concern about Jake Bennett after getting shellacked by LA in the series finale? Then, the timeline for Garrett Crochet's return seems to be after the playoffs start which does raise some nervousness. And, Mickey Gasper back at the catcher spot does leave some wondering as to what role he will have by the postseason.

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat get the chance to speak with Red Sox replay coordinator and staff assistant Mike Brenly about all the ins and outs about challenging a play. Brenly also discusses his journey towards becoming the key cog of the replay room and his thoughts on the last two controversial calls involving Ceddanne Rafaela and Eli White.

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat believe it was an ideal weekend for the Red Sox in Baltimore in their sweep of the Orioles. Which pitcher's start was the most encouraging and does this affect any postseason decisions to be made? Then, Mickey Gasper continues to tear it up to the point he may need a spot in a playoff lineup. And, we're still trying to figure out what Blaze Alexander was mad at Nick Sogard about.

After a thrilling Baseball Isn't Boring night at Fenway, Gordo, Sammy, and Pat have their eyes on the Red Sox focusing on getting guys rest in their latest stretch. Should this be the priority as the Sox remain locked in a postseason spot? Then, a name has emerged as a serious pitching option to help down the stretch and that's Tanner Houck. And, Roman Anthony has been on a tear since returning from injury, but the feel good return has been Trevor Story.

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat are all frustrated like everyone else about the Red Sox losing three of four to the Yankees in The Bronx. What from the weekend was the most frustrating and how much of a mess was Ceddanne Rafaela's apparent non-catch? Also, Ranger Suarez hasn't quite looked like himself putting his place in a potential postseason starting rotation in jeopardy. And, Roman Anthony and Trevor Story both made their return from injury which in Story's case, was surprising to see really good at-bats from.

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat react to another series win for the Red Sox over the Marlins with maybe the most important series of the season with the Yankees coming up. What were the biggest takeaways from the Sox trip to Miami? Then, Mickey Gasper has been on a stretch very few have had, but with Roman Anthony ready to return he still appears to be on the roster bubble. And, Trevor Story also seems ready to return which is another tough decision to make about who gets sent down for him.

Gordo, Pat, and then eventually Sammy are getting good vibes from the Red Sox sweep of the Giants, but the biggest story was of course Rafael Devers' first return to Fenway Park. Was the fans' negative reaction towards Devers warranted or deserved? Also,  would things have been different if so much time hadn't passed or the Sox were not as good as they are? And, before the Devers' conversation, the guys wonder if there is really a need to bring back Trevor Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa so soon from their rehab assignments.

Gordo and Sammy have good thoughts about the Red Sox winning 2 of 3 over the Diamondbacks, but the series finale loss leaves a bitter taste. What stands out from the success of Mickey Gasper to the struggles of Greg Weissert and Jovani Moran? Then, Trevor Story and Roman Anthony officially began their rehab assignments, but Story wanting to return soon makes you wonder if he's being rushed back. And, the first look at the upcoming series with the Giants and how Rafael Devers will be received in his return to Fenway.

Gordo and Sammy open up the mailbox and answer some listener questions about everything from lingering Red Sox roster decisions to what actually is the reason for living.

Gordo and Sammy react to a very cold road trip for the Red Sox after another series loss this time in Pittsburgh. Where are things going wrong the most for the Sox and how do the newest batch of injuries hamper the team? Then, the starting rotation looks to have become mortal while the bullpen now looks unsettled. And, Trevor Story and Roman Anthony are headed onto rehab assignments, but the biggest player to wonder if they'll join the roster is Franklin Arias.

Its feeling like Deja vu for Gordo, Sammy, and Pat with the Red Sox on a five-game losing streak. Should there be any concern with the defense slumping and the pitching staff being short like the pre-winning streak days? Then, Adley Rutschman was the lone bright spot after his debut while Willson Contreras seems to be at the center of recent struggles on and off the field. And, Roman Anthony keeps getting closer to returning, but when will he go on a rehab assignment?

Gordo and Sammy chat with Andrew Parker from SoxProspects.com about all the latest news and notes from the Red Sox minor league system. What were the true feelings about Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon before the Adley Rutschman trade? Also, the apparent new strategy from the Sox in developing prospects after this year's draft.

Gordo and Sammy are here after the Red Sox streak of nine consecutive series wins came to an end against the Athletics. Should there be any concern or was this just baseball? Then, Adley Rustchman dazzled in his rehab assignment with Worcester and fans can really start getting excited for what he'll bring hopefully soon. And, its even more exciting with Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet returning that even John Henry can't help but be thrilled.

Gordo and Sammy are joined by Red Sox flame-throwing Tyron Guerrero for a wide-ranging conversation including his long journey back to the big leagues and what it feels like to be a part of the historic run the Sox are on.

It was a wild trade deadline day for Gordo, Sammy, and Pat as they react to the biggest deal for the Red Sox in acquiring Orioles All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman. Was it too big of a price to pay Baltimore? Then, another big move was trading away Marcelo Mayer to the Giants ending a wild calendar year for the shortstop. And, despite saying they were needs, the Sox did not trade for a shortstop or add depth to the starting pitching.

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat are thrilled with how the final weekend before the trade deadline went with the Red Sox sweeping the Dodgers in LA. How dominant were the Sox over the two-time defending champs and what are the feelings now leading up to the deadline? Then, its now 24 hours from said deadline and the how big the needs are in the bullpen and behind the plate have changed. And, names like Zach Neto and Adley Rutschman are getting louder with the championship window the Sox are now in.

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat bring you the Red Sox trade deadline special where they look at the names linked to the Sox and if that's a deal they should make. How would Otto Lopez fit in Boston if the Sox acquired him from the Marlins? Then, Zach Neto was the first name mentioned with the Sox and he certainly has his flaws along with the power in his bat. And, the market is very thin at catcher so Boston may have to pay a big price if they want to upgrade there.

The guys decide to let producer Joe Braverman propose a Who Says No trade for maybe the biggest name out on the entire trade market. Would the Red Sox and Rockies agree to a deal that sends catcher Hunter Goodman to Boston for Connor Wong, Kyson Witherspoon, Henry Godbout, and Hayden Mullins or should that package be modified?

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat react to not just another series win for the Red Sox over the Blue Jays, but the first big move of trade deadline season with the acquisition of Curtis Mead for Connelly Early. How do the feelings of the deal compare now to when it was first announced late Saturday? Then, Mead will be playing out of position with Caleb Durbin at third base, but the Sox will have to sacrifice some defense anyway. And, the next areas of focus before next Monday's deadline.

The winning streak for the Red Sox may have ended at a franchise-tying 15, but Gordo, Sammy, and Pat are all smiles for how Boston turned their season around. How should everyone be feeling now that the Sox have lost a game and is there any drop-off to be expected? Also, Chad Tracy should be showered with praise for galvanizing this group the way he has to keep the season alive. And, we're still not quite sure what Brayan Bello's role will be, but he should still be seen as an effective piece of the puzzle.

Now that the Red Sox are firmly in a buying stance, Gordo has a Who Says No deal to present to Sammy to get the superstar Boston has been looking for. Would the Sox and New York Mets agree to a trade to send Francisco Lindor to Boston for Trevor Story, Kyson Witherspoon, and Marcus Phillips?

Gordo and Sammy can't help but be hyped as the Red Sox make it 13 straight wins following a four-game sweep over the Rays. Now that they're back to and over .500, is it time to get fully emotionally invested without turning back? Then, its hard to expect this win streak to last forever, but the Sox continuing to hit the ball well enough is on the table. And, its time to start looking at trade targets now that buying is a firm option for the trade deadline.

Sammy gives a Who Says No proposal to Gordo and Pat where he rights the wrong of the Rafael Devers trade. Would the Red Sox and Giants agree to return Devers back to Boston in exchange for Masataka Yoshida, Jake Bennett, and prospect Miguel Bleis?

It feels surreal to Gordo, Sammy, and Pat that the Red Sox potentially salvaged their season by concluding a ninth consecutive win by rallying for their third straight road sweep over the Mets. Have thoughts about the trade deadline officially changed from selling to buying? Then, if the Sox do stay in the buy column, a debate rages about if the bullpen needs an addition more than the lineup. And, with the All star break now here, the guys share their first half superlatives like the biggest disappointment and who's been the team MVP.

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat can't help but feel good for the red hot Red Sox who've once again won five straight games. Is it now time to emotionally care once again or is this just a mirage? Then, Jake Bennett continues to dominate in his starts which puts another win in Craig Breslow's column. And, before getting hurt, Willson Contreras was riding high with making the All-Star team and committing to the Home Run Derby.

Gordo and Pat break down the suddenly hot Red Sox who are 8-2 in their last 10 games after a sweep in Anaheim. Is there now a realistic position where the Sox can be buyers at the trade deadline? Also, how much the Sox sell off may even change with the sudden hot streak going on. And, its hard imagine an All Star Game without Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras no matter how bad the team record is.

All those good feelings earlier in the week were wasted for Gordo, Sammy, and Pat with the Red Sox losing their series to the Nationals. Are we back to where the Sox have been all season or is this just a bad two-game stretch? Plus, Willson Contreras sparking the benches to clear and Connelly Early leaving with an injury was apparently too much for the Sox to overcome. And, vibes in the city get even lower with the Celtics getting almost nothing for their NBA Finals' MVP Jaylen Brown.

Gordo and Sammy chat with the Red Sox infielder taking the city by storm Anthony Seigler about his hot hitting since being called up. Seigler also mentions how he blacked out after hitting his first career home run off Gerrit Cole and where he gets his joy for the game.

There is a new energy from Gordo and Sammy fresh off a thrilling walk-off win to cap off a four-game Red Sox sweep over the Yankees. How incredible was this weekend for the Sox and when was the last time the fan base felt this god? Then, it still will take a long stretch of success for fans to buy back into having a competitive season again. And, the slings and arrows towards Craig Breslow does draw a tiny bit of sympathy after his radio interview last week.

Things continue to get lower and lower for the 2026 Red Sox as Gordo, Sammy, and Pat react to a series loss in Colorado to the worst team in the MLB. What is it that's keeping fans around watching these games despite the lost season? Then, it feels like the gamble Craig Breslow made with holding onto Jarren Duran is biting him and the Sox organization in more ways than one. And, its a really rough stretch for Marcelo Mayer, but nothing about his long-term future should be questioned at this moment.

Gordo and Pat have a feeling of Deja Vu with the Red Sox having the same outcome as last weekend only this time in Seattle. How much more has to happen for any discussion of a turnaround and does Chad Tracy come back as manager next season? Then, Sonny Gray is the obvious rental to sell off, but there is a debate to be had if he should be extended to have him on next year's roster. And, old friend Rafael Devers had more public drama on the holiday anniversary of him being traded away in 'Nuff Said. 

Gordo, Sammy, and Pat don't think things can get more embarrassing for the Red Sox then their last two losses to the Blue Jays. Just how unbelievably bad is this lineup and have fans' anger turned into acceptance with every passing loss? Then, all eyes shift to the trade deadline and what the Sox could get by selling off Sonny Gray and even Aroldis Chapman. And, if Jarren Duran is to be sold then revisiting what his actual value is needs to happen first.

Gordo is going in the sell direction in his latest Who Says No trade proposal for Sammy and Pat. Would the Red Sox agree to a deal that sends Jarren Duran and Sonny Gray to the Chicago Cubs for a guy Boston reportedly had eyes on last offseason in Matt Shaw?

After a whirlwind week from the Red Sox, Gordo, Sammy, and Pat give their vibe check after a series win at Fenway over the Texas Rangers. What more needs to happen to keep the season salvageable and are Connelly Early's struggles concerning? Then, everyone is still reeling about Sam Kennedy's comments about pivoting towards selling and the guys talk about if Willson Contreras should be one of those players to sell off. And, if John Henry really is worried about his franchise then there may be a big change coming soon.