Boston Red Sox 2018 World Series: 3 big storylines vs L.A. Dodgers

Manny Machado’s return to Fenway

Manny Machado’s tenure with the Baltimore Orioles featured a multitude of instances where the Sox inexplicably threw behind him. Here’s a video of Chris Sale and Matt Barnes doing just that in a couple of regular season games over the past few years. Both times did not work in Boston’s favor, as the star third baseman belted a home run in his preceding at-bats.

The clip also brings to light the many facets of Machado’s game, specifically on defense. Some of the catches he makes at his position are almost impossible for other third basemen, and his two Gold Gloves reflect that ( he should have more honestly).

According to MLB.com, Machado has hit .289 against all of the Boston Red Sox pitchers (all when he was still with the Orioles), and has the most success against Drew Pomeranz. Luckily for the Sox, Pomeranz probably won’t find himself pitching in this World Series, especially since he’s rarely been utilized so far in the 2018 postseason.

Instead, manager Alex Cora should look into using the other lefty, Eduardo Rodriguez. Machado surprisingly happens to be a dismal 0-8 when facing him this year. On top of that, the third baseman is a combined 2-9 in 2018 against Chris Sale and David Price, something that will be crucial when the games roll around. Ideally, both of those southpaws will be Cora’s options as one and two starters.

I’m also sure the bad blood still exists between Sale and Machado, even if a lot has changed since their altercation back in 2016. Although Machado is in a new uniform, he’s still facing the same team that always gives him problems. And normally when he’s angry, he’ll produce, so Boston must eliminate any problems before he gets hot.