Nova Prime

What a weird little player Ivan Nova has become.

I mean, he was fine with the Yankees for a while, and he was fine with the Pirates for a while, but...Nova might be the streakiest, most inconsistent pitcher working today. Because when he's on, like in 2011, or during the last half of 2016 with Pittsburgh, he can be deadly, and unhittable. But a lot of the time, he hovers around a 5 ERA, he gives up like 27 home runs a year, and he just sort of...gives you innings in lieu of production. Right now he's leading the league in hits allowed.

But in his first season in Chicago, Nova has been...relatively alright. I mean, he had a slow enough start, but since July he's been red-hot, bringing his ERA down to a 4.50, and in the last month he's got a 1.97 ERA with a 3-2 record. Granted, the consistency that shone through July and most of August is beginning to die down in the last two starts, but on a roster that's without Carlos Rodon, and that can't solely rely on Lucas Giolito, he's been a fine 2nd-starter.

Still, Nova and Gio seem to be the only starters who haven't been shellacked by this team's utter lack of run support- even rookie Dylan Cease is struggling, along with names like Ross Detwiler, Manny Banuelos and Dylan Covey. Yes, the bullpen duo of Aaron Bummer and Alex Colome is still sharp-as-ever, but until they come on, you're kinda screwed.

At the very least, the Sox seemed to have hammered down a solid lineup that could surpass this losing year, with guys like Tim Anderson, Yolmer Sanchez, Yoan Moncada and James McCann feeling like perennial guys. It looks like Jose Abreu may leave next year, and they may call upon a hastily-prepared replacement at 1st, but...I honestly think the 2020 team might be a little better than this one. They start at 0, and get this unit to work together...we could be in for better numbers, finally.

Coming Tonight: He's a perennial All-Star, an outfield asset, and...his team won't be making the playoffs.