Bryan Joiner
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Articles by Bryan Joiner
The oddsmakers like the Red Sox. Why don’t we? Original
Note: this column assumes there will be a 2027 MLB season. Please disregard in advance should it not come to pass. Thank you. I was more than a little surprised at how negative the Over the Monster staff was in our recent assessment of 2026. “No, it was not a success. Of course it wasn’t,” wrote Fitzy. “HELL NO!!!” wrote Matthew Gross. Maura McGurk was more terse, but same deal. Only Mike Carlucci and I thought otherwise.
Brewers at Rays liuneups: The hour is nigh?
Brewers at Rays liuneups: The hour is nigh? ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 27: David Hamilton #6 of the Milwaukee Brewers attempts to tag Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning in game four of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field on October 27, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida.
Brewers at Rays liuneups: The hour is nigh?
I’m really upset the Rays didn’t get swept, as they’d lost in 5 and 6 games previous, as they’d have had 3/4 of the potential WS losses after 3 appearances rather than having to wait however many decades to fill out the whole set. Sad. Now they try to hold on against the Brewers in Game 5. Which is fine and all, but the real issue would be if the Rays made Game 7. People forget this, but the Red Sox are the only team to ever force.
…………………………………………………………No. No, it was not a success. Of course it wasn’t. Was the comeback we saw in late June and July incredible? For sure. It gave me something to believe in again heading into the dog days of summer, and I’m thankful for that. The guys in that clubhouse deserve the respect they got for not lying down and for clawing their way back into the picture. I think it’s a big win for the clubhouse culture of a franchise that had been starved of that sense of culture for a while.
How to celebrate Yankee Elimination Day
Yankee Elimination Day is finally here! With the Rays defeating the Yankees in the ALDS last night, a wave of celebration and good spirits has washed over this lonely planet of ours. In light of the, uhh, not great manner in which the Red Sox were recently eliminated, the holiday is likely to prompt some bittersweet — and perhaps even reflective — emotions this year. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t still have a lot to offer in terms of spirituality and fun.
How to celebrate Yankee Elimination Day
How to celebrate Yankee Elimination Day Yankee Elimination Day is finally here! With the Rays defeating the Yankees in the ALDS last night, a wave of celebration and good spirits has washed over this lonely planet of ours. In light of the, uhh, not great manner in which the Red Sox were recently eliminated, the holiday is likely to prompt some bittersweet — and perhaps even reflective — emotions this year. But that doesn't mean it doesn't still have a lot to offer in terms of spirituality and fun.
The highs and lows of the 2026 Red Sox Original
Wilyer Abreu’s go-ahead home run in the seventh inning against the Rays just after the All-Star break. The team went into the break red hot, but at that point they were still only one game over .500, and being a playoff team was far from cemented. When the ball left the park, it was a real “this team might actually be magic” moment, and watching the games stopped feeling like a chore. — Jacob Roy Roman Anthony’s absolutely stunning slide into home plate on August 31 against the Mariners.
The Red Sox lost, but is the Sox-Yankees rivalry inching back toward center stage? Original
Forget the results, if you can. Losing two games in a row is a rounding error for a baseball team in every other month, but in October, it’s definitive. Win and you’re good. Lose and you’re bad. In this telling, the Red Sox rapidly lost to the Yankees, ergo they’re bad. I disagree, and this felt different to me, at least through the first six innings of both games, when things were still close enough. I felt like it was the beginning of the next great era of baseball’s best rivalry.
Red Sox owner John Henry might be a doofus, but Patriots owner Robert Kraft is despicable (and dumb) Original
FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 4: Owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots shakes hands with Principal Owner John Henry of the Boston Red Sox before a game against the Green Bay Packers on November 4, 2018 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Red Sox 5, Angels 2: Labor Day win marks 5 in a row as Adley plays angles Original
Here’s how cursed the Angels remain, no matter the owners (for now): Brayan Bello started today’s game and went 5 innings with 7Ks and without allowing a run. The last time he did anything comparable to that at home this year was all the way back on May 22nd, when he shut out the Twins over 5 with 5Ks, back when the Sox were just the worst.
Red Sox vs. Angels lineups: To the workers of the world Original
It being Labor Day, I’m going to do these lineups with the minimum amount of work in support of the comrades who got us here. How this differs from my normal lineups routine is unknown at this time. We will not be doing the work to investigate as such for reasons already explained. To the grilled meats we go.
Red Sox 9, Mariners 8: Hugs for a Story-book win Original
Tonight’s game at Fenway Park was capital-B Baseball. Yesterday the Red Sox lost 16-1 to the Yankees in ways that were humiliating in line wit what losing to the Yankees naturally implies, especially around Labor Day. Just over a day later, they won as good a regular season game as you’ll ever seen.
Red Sox vs. Mariners lineups: Kirby must be defeated!
16-1, Flemmingate, the whole Yankees nonsense? That’s yesterday’s news. Tonight (well in 30 minutes) the Sox will host the Mariners and look to get back on the schneid. It’s Payton Tolle against George Kirby, pictured. Adley’s sitting this one out. Here you go:
Red Sox vs. Mariners lineups: Kirby must be defeated!
CULVER CITY, CA - JUNE 22: In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, kids meet Kirby at the Kirby: Planet Robobot celebration at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, California, on June 22, 2016. In the new sci-fi adventure game, available now for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, Kirby has the power to save his world from enemies with his mechanized Robobot Armor.
Red Sox 4, Marlins 2: Antony Seigler’s triple is the difference Original
The Red Sox and Marlins played a tense, back-and-forth, entertaining game that our boys won, against a Cy Young Award winner still in his prime, in front of a crowd that the Marlins announcers nonetheless said was Boston supporters by more than half. Which okay but we all know how Florida works you’re the Marlins, even if somehow, this year, less so, and you’re above .500, and life is relatively good. So good that the game enters the 9th inning tied 2-2.
Red Sox at Marlins lineup: Ranger danger in Miami Original
Last week at this time, the Diamondbacks hadn’t yet posted their lineup because Ketel Marte was MIA. Today the Red Sox are in MIA, facing former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara and an uncharacteristically competent Marlins team at 6:40 p.m. Ranger Suarez is on the hill for the Sox, with Andruw Monasterio getting the day off as the Sox look to continue rolling after destroying the hapless Giants: Here are da fish: Go Sox. Enjoy these quiet days while they last.
Red Sox 11, Diamondbacks 1: Sox bounce back in most emphatic way Original
Maria Menounos is a cancer survivor. The Medford native was the third or fourth scheduled Jimmy Fund-supported appearance on tonight’s broadcast/telethon, the scheduling of which was impeccable. The Sox pulled ahead and away early and never let up, and the appearance of Menounos and other affected families was more conspicuous on the broadcast than ever, due to the team kicking a lot of butt.
Red Sox vs. Diamondbacks lineup: Behold the Gamboa gambit Original
The Red Sox, currently in a funk after winning All the Games in July, turn to opener Alec Gamboa in tonight’s game against the Diamondbacks at Fenway. After not losing a series in forever, they’ve dropped consecutive three consecutive slates. A win tonight would help avoid a fourth. Gamboa, making his first career start, will be followed by Brayan Bello, but not be backed up neither by Jahmai Jones, who was a late scratch, nor Jarren Duran, who just ain’t playing.
Blue Jays 2, Red Sox 1: Losing despite scoring one of the strangest runs in baseball history? We’re so back Original
Whatever else can be said about tonight’s game, it had one of the most “you can’t predict baseball” moments of all time. It was the only run the Sox scored, and it was utterly ridiculous, and they lost anyway. The short story is this: Both Sonny Gray and Jameson Taillon were on point, with the first damage coming on a solo homer from Charles McAdoo, his second ever.
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays lineup: Trying to end something called a “losing streak” Original
Before we get to the lineup, some rather important official business, sadly. While we are technically unaffiliated with the Boston Red Sox, we are obviously part of the larger Red Sox community. For those of you hurting out there because the team hasn’t won in 72 hours: We hear you. We feel you. And we’ll do whatever we can to make things right for tonight’s “short-lived Yankees starters” battle between Sonny Gray and Jameson Taillon.
The Red Sox lineup as K-Pop songs Original
When in the course of human events it becomes necessary to throw off the shackles of laziness and write the column you’ve been thinking about for months, you gotta do it. My daughter is 11 and a K-Pop fiend and I was at H-Mart Sunday when one of her favorite songs was playing. I knew every word and the cashier loved it. On my way to the car, I realized that my work for the day was only beginning, as this column needed to escape my fingers.
Grading the trade deadline: What did the Red Sox get?
A. That's the answer. I'm not going to do the online recipe thing and tell you about that time I did this and that and the other before I get there with 4 sections and 3 false endings so you accidentally click on a Carnival Cruise Line ad instead of knowing how many onions to add.
Grading the trade deadline: What did the Red Sox get? Original
Grading the trade deadline: What did the Red Sox get? PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles and Jacob Latz #67 of the Texas Rangers speak during the seventh inning of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images A. That's the answer.
Today on OTM: Who shouldn’t the Red Sox trade?
The Red Sox almost certainly weren’t done making deadline deals before the Curtis Mead trade, and in the wake of his instant season-jeopardizing injury, they’re… almost more certainly not done. The question isn’t necessarily who’s available, but who isn’t? Do they believe Triston Casas still has something? What about Marcelo Mayer? Is Franklin Arias just too good to deal? (Mind you, the same would have been said about the previous two guys at some point.) What about the other top prospects?
Today on OTM: Who shouldn’t the Red Sox trade?
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 12: Franklin Arias #19 of the American League Futures team takes the field during the 2026 All-Star Futures Game Presented by Nike at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, July 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Red Sox 4, A’s 2: Capitol W Original
Ceddanne Rafaela’s first career grand slam lifted the Red Sox over the A’s last night in Sacramento in a game that was otherwise a sleepy affair. Peyton Tolle gave up a first-inning solo shot to Tyler Soderstrom in the most anti-Fenway homer there is: And then the bats on both sides went silent for a while. A’s starter Jack Perkins stymied the Sox despite an ERA over 6, but ran into trouble in the 6th after a Connor Wong leadoff double.
Red Sox at A’s lineups: Tolle moley Original
The shocking Red Sox resurgence has happened nearly entirely on or near the East Coast; that changes tonight, in Sacramento, where the Sox will face the A’s behind Payton Tolle. I’m not being hyperbolic to say that this trip is the Sox’s everything; while this year will always be known for The Streak, the ability to hit the road in the dog days and come back stronger is what powered the 2004 team (for example). It’s time for the Sox to win the games they’re supposed to win.
Red Sox 6, Orioles 5: When it rains, it pours Original
There are winning streak-ass games and winning streak-ass games. This was the latter. The Red Sox, on their greatest streak in nearly a century, fell behind to start, then took the lead, and repeated the process over the course of the game as the Orioles, themselves on a seven-game streak, gave us chances that we exploited quickly and definitively.
Red Sox vs. Orioles lineups: Something’s gotta give Original
Peyton Tolle takes the mound tonight against the Orioles in a matchup of teams that have won a combined 20 games in a row. That’s pretty nuts! I will not be saying the Red Sox’s actual number of consecutive victories as a hedge against jinxing it. I truly do have that power. They say it’s impossible but I’m here to tell you it ain’t. But I’m not going to exercise it, so we have a chance. Shane Baz is on the mound for the O’s, if that does anything for ya: The less said here the better.
Today on OTM: Remember Triston Casas? Original
With Willson Contreras having emerged to become the face of the franchise, it’s fun to look way back in the archives. Like, remember Triston Casas? Whatever happened to that guy? But seriously, when does Casas ever return to the Sox, even if he somehow miraculously stays healthy? Does he ever?
The Odyssey of Willson Contreras in a repaired, electric Home Run Derby Original
The main takeaway of this year’s Home Run Derby: The new format gives plaers 20 swings in the first round and 15 thereafter, unless the final swing results in a homer, in which it can continue to infinite swings. Minus a Stanley Kubrick- or David Fincher-type possessing the skills of Kenny Lofton, this is an ideal scenario. You don’t need to take my word for it though. They wanna hit and tonight, the proof was in the pudding. This derby was fun to start to finish.
Should the Red Sox trade for Francisco Lindor? Original
For as frustrating as the Sox’s season has been, the Mets have been worse. While it’s not exactly stealing our thunder, it’s arguably more impressive (absolute value), given that they have active legitimate superstars, one of whom, Francisco Lindor, is allegedly on the block. And if Sports Illustrated is going to suggest Boston as a destination, who am I to argue? Not that I’m saying it’s a good fit, but with that sweet, sweet SEO already in the ether, it’s time for us to pick up a slipstream.
Rockies 3, Red Sox 2: Giving up eight straight hits to lose it? That’s 2026 for ya Original
LOL. LMAO even. The Sox never trailed until the final run crossed the plate, having built a 2-0 win methodically over the previous eight innings. This was a Little League-ass game (complimentary enough): Against starting pitchers neither team could do much, but the Sox eventually broke through on a sixth-inning RBI double by Willson Contreras. Caleb Durbin followed with another RBI the same inning.
Red Sox at Rockies lineups: Nobody wants this Original
This? Folks, this is bad. The last-place Red Sox, at 31-44, are better than the last-place Rockies, at 30-48. That’s the good news. It’s extremely relative. The Red Sox are a walking catastrophe. If it wasn’t for the Scottish fans, would Fenway have hummed even a little last week? I think not. Now they’re in baseball hell. This was once a World Series matchup. We’re as far from that as possible. And I’ll be here to recount every moment! LMAO. At least Jake Bennett is pitching. Something is potentially fun.
The 2004 Red Sox hereby welcome the 2026 Knicks to the iconic teams club Original
It’s the year 2026, a space travel company that doesn’t do anything is the largest in the world, and it’s been more than two decades since the 2004 Red Sox pulled off their singularly improbable comeback against the Yankees and swept to their first World Series win in 86 years. Anyone who actually remembers seeing the games, even if they’re merely in their late 20s, is at risk of sounding like an oldhead about it, but it defies belief to this day.
Protect your straws, lest they be grabbed Original
Kyle Harrison got rocked last night in Sacramento, the dimensions of which resemble your local Little League park, but the stats count nonetheless. Traded by the Red Sox to the Brewers for Caleb Durbin this offseason, the terrible outing — 8 ER in 2.1 IP — boosted his ERA by more than a full point, from 1.57 to 2.72.
Rays 3, Red Sox 1: At least it was close Original
Yanno, for a game in which the Sox only had five baserunners, made opener Ian Seymour look like Clayton Viola-Koufax for four (!) innings, Tampa couldn’t miss on challenges, and started with a leadoff home run by Yandy Diaz, tonight’s 3-1 loss wasn’t all that bad imho. Connelly Early pitched well and Marcelo Mayer absolutely pasted a homer for Boston’s only run: Ceddy had a neat catch, too. Meanwhile: You win some, you lose some. I wish I had more to say.
Red Sox at Rays lineups: Playing chess? Original
Blech. Yesterday’s bullpen blowup was so bad, the Red Sox traveled to visit first-place Tampa Bay, against whom they probably won’t have a lead to squander. That’s some chess strategy right there. Speaking of which, as a guy who plays a lot of online chess, I hate the “4D chess” analogy. It’s plenty hard enough as it is! Stop using it! Connelly Early gets the start, which is neat, at least: He’ll face Ian Seymour as an opener.
Red Sox 5, Yankees 3: New York nixed
Am I the Willson Contreras whisperer? Many are saying it’s true. Due to a bug/feature in the schedule I haven’t have a game recap since mid-May, when the headline was “Where there’s a Willson, there’s a way, son.” Deja vu?
Red Sox 5, Yankees 3: New York nixed
Jun 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) reacts after an RBI single during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Am I the Willson Contreras whisperer? Many are saying it’s true. Due to a bug/feature in the schedule I haven’t have a game recap since mid-May, when the headline was “Where there’s a Willson, there’s a way, son.” Deja vu?
Red Sox at Yankees lineups: If a tree falls…
You’d be hard pressed to draw up a scenario where fewer people outside of the sickos — that’s you — would care about a Red Sox/Yankees game. For our part, obviously, the Sox stink. The Yankees don’t, but they just lost Aaron Judge. Most importantly, of course, the Knicks are going to play Game 2 of the NBA Finals starting in the fifth inning or so.
Red Sox at Yankees lineups: If a tree falls…
Boston, MA - June 4: Boston Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin reacts to making an out. The Boston Red Sox played the Baltimore Orioles on June 4, 2026. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images You'd be hard pressed to draw up a scenario where fewer people outside of the sickos — that's you — would care about a Red Sox/Yankees game. For our part, obviously, the Sox stink. The Yankees don't, but they just lost Aaron Judge.
OTM Discussion: What is IKF talking about? Original
Isiah Kiner-Falefa has a job with the Red Sox because the Red Sox aren’t very good. But he’s a veteran and all, so when asked why the team was so much worse at home than the road, he dropped this nugget: What do we think he means? Is Craig Breslow skulking around, giving wedgies? Is Fenway haunted? (I mean, yes.) Are there some power-sapping crystals below the stadium that we don’t know about? But seriously, is it really that much of a bummer to be around the Red Sox brass these days?
Why I don’t trust David Ortiz about John Henry being “worried” Original
David Ortiz is near-impeachable in these parts and it’s well-earned. He’s plainly the most important player in the history of the Red Sox, and that distinction has spoils, especially for those with whom he danced to get there, both on the field in the organization. It is for this reason and several others, including his obvious natural charisma, that he to this day and a scandal-free future will be the team’s biggest booster, all on top of being its white knight several times over.
What’s special about the Red Sox anymore? (*Besides Fenway Park) Original
I’ll give the Red Sox this: they can successfully sabotage everything else six ways to seven, but Fenway Park is beautiful until the end. Among MLB stadiums, it’s exactly as spiritually lovely as Wrigley Field, and if there’s anything at which these two environs have been the best to ever do it, it’s lulling the hometown team’s ownership into complacency.
Red Sox 3, Royals 1: Where there’s a Willson, there’s a way, son Original
One cannot tell the complete history of the Boston Red Sox without considering the game they played tonight, Monday, May 18, 2026. I mean, one can, but they’d be doing the team a disservice. Tonight’s game counted and the record should reflect that. It doesn’t matter how wack the team has been and should be looking to the future in the both the near- and long-term. Like, Roman Anthony has suffered a setback and everything.
Red Sox at Royals lineups: Do the earlier birds get the win? Original
Hello again, friends! It’s time to watch the Red Sox flail away once more on a Monday, this time in Kansas City, where the game has been moved up by 30 minutes to hopefully avoid bad weather, now boasting a 7:10 EDT start time. On the bright side, Sonny Gray, one of the team’s best stories this year (not that it’s saying much) takes the mound against Kyle Isbel. On the less bright side, a) the aforementioned weather and b) this is still a lineup that has Mickey Gasper DHing and batting second.
Red Sox Bingo is here! Win a prize! Original
Last year, Dan and I recorded a pre-season podcast where we drafted spots for a Red Sox Bingo card that we never ended up making. I never ended up making. It was me. Despite that, we recorded a pre-season podcast this year where we drafted spots for a Red Sox Bingo card that I never ended up making. Thankfully, Jake Roy made it this year, about a month ago, in like an hour.
Red Sox 5, Tigers 4: Big road win, followed by meditations on John Sterling, Jason Benetti and McGarnagle Original
The Red Sox won 5-4 on Monday night after two-time reigning Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal was scratched for surgery (boo), the game time was moved up to 6:10 (yay?) and the Justin Bieber to all of my Detroit friend fans (a sizeable faction, randomly), Kevin McGonigle did not play. So things were going well and all but I still cannot not think of the Simpsons at every turn when I hear that dude’s name. And so: I’m working through it. Anyhow, back to our sense of hope.
Red Sox at Tigers Lineups: Game moved up to 6:10 as Sox avoid Skubal (not that it’s good or will matter) Original
The Red Sox’s game at the Tigers has been moved to 6:10 p.m. because of expected thunder in the area, but not that from the Sox’s bats. And while it’s theoretically nice that they don’t have to face the two-time reigning Cy Young Award winner in Tarik Skubal, it’s a bummer that he’s hurt but then again, who isnt? Besides Payton Tolle, that is, who starts for the Sox, and lefty Tyler Holton, who starts for Detroit.
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