The Boston Red Sox are in a familiar spot as the season enters its final stretch: fighting for a playoff berth while facing questions about past decisions.

Since the trade deadline, the Red Sox have played well, going 8-5. If the playoffs started now, they’d be in. Still, it’s fair to wonder if Boston’s front office was too careful and missed a huge chance to improve the club’s pitching.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today brought up this issue on Sunday . In his column, he questioned whether the Red Sox were already regretting their cautious approach at the deadline.

“You don’t think the Boston Red Sox wish they had … (acquired) Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan, making them as powerful as any team in the American League?” Nightengale wrote.

“They had a chance to go for the gusto and acquire …

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