The MLB Season is just about a quarter finished, and one has to begin to wonder if the Bosto
n Red Sox team that we are currently seeing is capable of improvement. There is not just one problem to point out when referring to the team’s early failures. If they cannot hit one night, the offense could score 9 runs the next but still lose. No lead is safe enough for the bullpen, and the apparent improvement of the defense hasn’t come as advertised. Despite the inconsistent nature of their play, there are a few things that remain constant:
Outside of Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, the starting pitching has been awful
In 39 games played, the pitching rotation has just 18 Quality Starts (6 IP, 3 or less ER) to their credit. John Lackey has been disappointing thus far, as his strikeout rate (5.58/9 IP) and his strikeout-to-walk ratio (1.48) have been the worst of his career to this point. In his last 2 starts, he has allowed 11 earned runs in 13 innings, causing his ERA to jump a full run to 4.86. Not exactly what you’re looking for in your highest paid player. Josh Beckett has allowed a staggering 52 hits in just 41 innings with a pitiful 7.46 ERA, and Daisuke Matsuzaka is his usual disappointing self, as he has made past the 5th inning just twice in 4 starts, once of which was against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Offense has been better than expected despite injuries
The Red Sox are 2nd in the A.L. with 54 HR, and 3rd in runs scored with 203. J.D. Drew has been the most productive hitter with 26 RBI, and Adrian Beltre is an unlikely candidate to be leading the team in hitting with a .312 average. Even David Ortiz is showing signs of life lately with 6 HR in May. Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis have been their consistent selves. Victor Martinez was moved down to 5th in the lineup and hit 2 HR last night. Marco Scutaro has been a good leadoff hitter, with a .363 OBP. Jason Varitek has been good when he’s been asked to spell Martinez. One would think that Beltre will come back to earth, as his patience at the plate has not been great (8 walks in 149 Plate Appearances), but the offense in general should improve once Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron Return.
The middle relief has been horrible, but the late inning relief has been solid
Since the starting rotation is rarely going deep into games, the bullpen continues to be tax heavily, which mean that Hideki Okajima and Ramon Ramirez are pitching much more than they should. Each is sporting an ERA over 6.00, and are both possible candidates to be released at some point should there be more of the same. Addtionally, left-handed hitters are hitting .346 off “lefty-specialist” Scott Schoenweis. Things usually don’t bode well for pitchers who are paid to get 1 out a game and can’t do it. The back end of the bullpen has been solid however, as Daniel Bard has been great, striking out 26 batters in 20 innings. Despite last night’s rough outing, Jonanthan Papelbon has been good, converting 9 of 10 save opportunities.
So what needs to happen for this team to succeed? If the starting pitching can come around and get into the 6th and 7th innings consistently, the Red Sox can improve. Once the offense is healthy, they will score more runs, and Ellsbury’s speed will make them more diverse of a threat. Hopefully by the time these things happen, the Red Sox won’t be 15 games out of first.
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