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‘Epic fail’: Ken Rosenthal’s unsparing critique of Craig Breslow, Red Sox at MLB trade deadline
"The Red Sox, I don't get it. I don't understand it, and there's going to be some people in Boston — a lot of people in Boston — questioning what the heck they did."
Ken Rosenthal’s blunt take on the Red Sox: After failing to make any significant additions prior to the MLB trade deadline on Thursday, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow found himself facing heavy criticism on several fronts.
One of the more direct critiques came from longtime MLB reporter and insider Ken Rosenthal. Speaking on a recent episode of “Foul Territory,” Rosenthal sounded off on the cautious Red Sox front office.
“Epic fail,” Rosenthal said of the Red Sox results from the trade deadline. “Comes off as an epic fail last year with Craig Breslow, and this was an epic fail as well.”
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Circling through the rumored players Boston was interested in, including Twins starter Joe Ryan, Rosenthal dismissed any notion that Breslow and the Red Sox were ever close to a deal.
“My understanding is any talks with the Twins were feeble at best,” he said. “They didn’t come at them hard. The Red Sox were one of many teams that use modeling and try to figure out what the best values are on and its’ all about efficiency and getting the best deal and this and that and the other thing. But at some point, you’ve got to fire.”
Pointing out that the team failed to address first base, he also dismissed the starting pitcher that the Red Sox did trade for, noting that Dustin May “has not been a very successful starter for the Dodgers.”
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“My goodness, they needed more,” he continued.
“This is a team that is on the rise,” Rosenthal said. “They might say ‘We’re going to be better next year, our young guys will be that much better.’ Yeah, but that’s what the Orioles were saying a year go. There’s no guarantee in this sport or any other.”
Understanding the fan base’s wider disappointment, he referenced it in his conclusion.
“The Red Sox, I don’t get it. I don’t understand it, and there’s going to be some people in Boston — a lot of people in Boston — questioning what the heck they did.”
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox begin a three-game series against the Astros at Fenway Park starting tonight at 7:10 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
- In a wide-open playoff race, the Red Sox again fail to seal the deal at trade deadline
- What Craig Breslow said about ‘frustration and disappointment’ following Red Sox’s quiet trade deadline
- 4 things to know about new Red Sox pitcher Dustin May
- Should Patriots come calling after Terry McLaurin reportedly requests a trade from Washington?
- Drake Maye is off to an accurate start with his arm, but will he make smart decisions with his legs?
- Celtics’ Jaylen Brown opens up about anxiety, depression while offering advice to younger generation
- Kraft: Vrabel’s playoff win over Belichick convinced him that he’d be a fit as Patriots head coach
- Matt Turner in talks with Revolution, could return to New England in loan move
- Boston Legacy sign midfielder Alba Caño from FC Barcelona
Patriots trains: The MBTA Commuter Rail and Keolis said that round-trip special train service will run from both Boston and Providence during the season.
“Service will be provided from Boston only for the one home preseason game, and from both Boston and Providence for the entirety of the regular season,” noted a Patriots announcement explaining the program. Train tickets will be $20.
An interview with Drake Maye: Kay Adams sat down with the Patriots’ starting quarterback to discuss his thoughts heading into his second season.
On this day: In 1962, Bill Monbouquette threw a no-hitter in a 1-0 win over the White Sox.
Daily highlight: Pedro de la Vega scored a memorable goal to cap a 7-0 Seattle Sounders rout of Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on Thursday.
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