Since the start of the 2022 season, the Boston Red Sox have not played up to their talent. Last year, the season was difficult.
And even this year, it’s not good.
It’s less tempting to create story lines with them under such conditions. And that, Nestor Cortes Jr. is fully aware of.
The New York Yankees starting pitcher said the rivalry with Boston isn’t what it used to be because Boston hasn’t been up to the job for a few years.
In his eyes, what’s happening with the Rays or with the Blue Jays is more intense right now – especially with Toronto. And it is true that for 18 months, the clubs have been bickering a bit more.
First, if there were more division duels between the teams, it would be more intense. Why haven’t New York and Boston crossed swords before today? We are in June!
Second, Cortes Jr. is clearly forgetting about the 2021 playoffs…
But third, he’s right: there’s less emphasis on rivalry when an opponent is less good. It’s normal.
He just gave the Red Sox some gas, though.. and maybe even the Orioles, who are becoming an MLB powerhouse before our eyes.
The Yankees pitcher is not the only one to think so.
Alex Cora, who recalled the successes of 2021 in the playoffs, recalled that the Red Sox were not afraid to play in big games in 2018 and 2021. He also added that he likes the rivalry.
We feel a bit, reading his comments, that he is annoyed by what Cortes Jr. said.
It is true that seeing a big rivalry between Boston and New York always helps the popularity of the league. It’s just natural, we get along.
Can it start again a little at the end of the week with the words of Junior?
