This has been the day of the recap that I was most looking forward to. So far throughout the first 97 games of the season the Red Sox have played 41 different players. Some for only a game or two, some for 90+ games. Today, I will rank them all in terms of how valuable they have been so far this season. This is not a straightforward rank, every player was ranked on a curve based on expectations and percentage of games they have had a huge positive impact. If a player has only played in 5 games, but had a substantial positive impact in 2 or 3 of them, they will be ranked higher than a player who has played in 50 games, and had a positive substantial impact in only 9 or 10 of them. So off we go
41. Jonathan Diaz: 5 Games, 0 for 4, .000 batting average: Diaz was brought up as a very temporary injury replacement towards the end of June. He wasnt expected to do much and didnt, besides a couple nice plays on the defensive side of things
40. Daniel Bard: 1 game, 1.0 Innings, 9.00 ERA: One of the most bizarre stories in Red Sox history continues. from 2008-2011 Bard was a young phenom who was thought to be the next Red Sox ace. Then all of a sudden he imploded in early 2012, he completely lost his control and suffered through walk after walk. He was finally demoted to the minors and hasnt been seen since June of 2012, save for one game this year for one mere inning of relief. it looks like Bard may no longer be in the future plans of the Red Sox.
39. Matt Thornton: 1 Game, 0.2 innings, 13.50 ERA. Obviously Thornton should move up this list as the season progresses. The Red Sox just traded for him last week to be a good lefty out of the pen, but he took the loss in his first and only game with the team, so right now he places low.
38. Joel Hanrahan: 9 games, 9.82 ERA. Hanrahan was supposed to be the Red Sox closer this year, but looked awful before being put on the DL with an injury. He returned in mid may but still looked bad and was put on the DL again before it was announced he was done for the season. He ended up saving four games on the season. a wasted year for a good pitcher.
37. Pedro Ciriaco: 28 games, .216 batting average. Ciriaco burst onto the scene last year as a Yankee killer. He hit .420 in 11 games against the Yankees, but .230 against everyone else, which Red Sox fans forgave because as long as you play well against the Yankees theyll love you. This year however, he kind of sucked against every team including the Yankees. Worse than his .216 average was his horrendous defense as 3rd base with just an .854 fielding percentage (League average is .970) Finally in mid june he was traded to San Diego for basically nothing. Adios Pedro.
36. Clayton Mortensen: 24 games, 5.32 ERA: Mortensen has been a serviceable long relief man for the most part, but when thrust into high leverage situations has not been reliable, which has for the time being cost him a spot on the big league team, as he is now spending time in the minors. We may see him with the big club again this year, but it would take a few injuries.
35. Franklin Morales: 6 games, 7.30 ERA. Morales was kind of a disaster out of the bullpen this year, but put together a couple of nice spot starts. He didnt pitch nearly as well as last year, but its apparent now he was pitching injured as he was put on the DL in mid june then it was announced he was out for the year.
34. Allen Webster: 6 games, 9.57 ERA. Webster is going to be a good, maybe even great pitcher one day, but its apparent he isnt ready yet. The Sox had no choice with injuries to give him a shot but he struggled, and was sent back to the minors last week. We'll see him again, and he'll be much better.
33. Pedro Beato: 3 games, 0.00 ERA: Beato has been nothing more than an emergency guy thrust into a game for an inning when the bullpen is depleted and tired. That said, he has done his job, though a limited one, admirably.
32. Alex Wilson: 26 games, 4.88 ERA: Wilson went through April as a reliable middle relief guy, then regressed to average in May and June, then regressed even more in awful to July, and is the guy responsible for the Sox blowing a 4 run 9th inning lead to the Angels on July 6th. After that game he was placed on the DL with no timetable for a return, not that anyone really cares.
31. Ryan Lavarnway: 12 games, .243 batting average. 2 years ago, Lavarnway was thought to be the catcher of the future, but that is no longer the sentiment. After their backup catcher David Ross was lost with a concussion, Lavarnway was called up and has played once or twice a week to give starting catcher Salty a rest. He has done an ok job, but .243 average with limited defense is not optimal.
30. Jackie Bradley Jr: 23 games, .155 average. Bradley Jr is the center fielder of the future and one of the top prospects in all of MLB, but is just not quite ready yet. He has been given a chance a few times this year, but still has some things to work out in the minors.
29. David Ross: 23 games, .185 average, 4 home runs: Backup catcher David Ross is currently on the DL with a concussion, but so far this year he has been a great defensive catcher with a ton of knowledge on the game. His average is bad, but he provides some pop with a home run now and then to make up for it.
28. Will Middlebrooks: 52 games, .192 average, 8 home runs: Dissapointing is really the only word to use. Hopefully he gets another chance this year.
27. Jose De La Torre: 4 games, 7.71 ERA. Another guy who has provided an emergency inning or two now and again when the bullpen needs a rest, Like Beato he has done his job in getting outs when needed in blowouts when giving up runs isnt as big a deal.
26. Brandon Snyder: 10 games, .250 average: I placed Snyder higher than most would because he has had two huge hits. First a leadoff single in a tie game in the 9th that led to a walk off. Second a 3 run double in a 4-1 win. he has had one critical error also however, that probably cost the team a game.
25. Brandon Workman: 2 games, 5.40 ERA. Workman just made his first career start and dazzled, throwing seven innings giving up just two runs. He looks like he could be something this team needs.
24. Brock Holt: 9 games, .300 average. Just called up to to Stephen Drews injury, he has filled in nicely with a few timely hits and adequate defense.
23. Steven Wright: 2 games, 4.82 ERA. Wright has had two night and day games. His first game was awful, gving up seven runs in just two innings, his second game was great throwing six scoreless innings in relief allowing the Red Sox to overcome a four run deficit, single handedly pitching them to a win.
22. Andrew Bailey: 30 games, 3.77 ERA. Bailey has had some great moments, but has blown quite a few saves leading to him losing his job as closer. A job he is still trying to reclaim, but he is getting close.
21. Craig Breslow: 31 games, 2.81 ERA. Breslow has been a solid Mid relief guy, not dazzling, but not majorly screwing up either. Just dependable when called upon.
20. Alredo Aceves: 11 games, 4.86 ERA, 4-1 record. its been a curious year for Alfredo. He had a putrid April, leading to his demotion to the minors, was called back up in June because of injuries and pitched brilliantly. However he last week was once again was demoted, this time just for behavior issues, something not new to Aceves. Aceves can be really good, but is to much of a headcase to consistently rely upon.
19. Jon Lester: 20 starts, 4.58 ERA, 8-6 record. Lester had a great April, but has struggled a lot since, and hasnt regained top form in almost two months now. its beginning to become concerning.
18. Mike Carp: 52 Games, 8 home runs, .303 average. Carp was signed as a bench player this offseason not expected to do much of anything but has far exceeded expectations, a .303 average was not expected, but the 8 home runs part is the thing that was completely unexpected and evens out the failure season of Middlebrooks.
17. Stephen Drew: 66 games, .233 average, 5 home runs. Drew was signed as a one year bridge player until stud prospect shortstop Xander Boegarts is ready for the bigs in 2014. He has done a commendable job in being that bridge with a good amount of clutch hits and a bit of pop for a shortstop with 5 home runs.
16. Ryan Dempster: 19 starts, 4.24 ERA: Dempster was signed as a guy who could throw a lot of innings and pitch efficiently but not dominate. He has 100% lived up to that, consistently throwing seven innings while allowing a manageable 2-4 runs per start, never allowing less than 2, and very rarely ever allowing more than 4. A model of consistency.
15. Jonny Gomes: 66 games, .236 average, 6 home runs: Gomes was mostly brought in as a bench player with a big personality that had the ability to rally a team. the .236 average is not at all indicative of how many clutch hits he has. He has two walk off home runs, a couple more late inning hits to break a tie and 2 pinch hit home runs. He has also provided some good defense in left field.
14. Andrew Miller: 37 games. 2.64 ERA: Miller was dominant in a middle relief role before being lost for the season in early July.
13. Jarrod Saltalamacchia: 74 Games, .266 Average, 8 home runs: Hes on pace for only 14 homers, way down from his 25 last year, but his average is way up from .222 last year. He has also been a great catcher in terms of calling games behind the plate, and hes starting 5 or 6 times a week, a brutal workload for a catcher that he has taken on without complaint.
12. Junichi Tazawa: 43 games, 3.02 ERA: A solid guy out of the bullpen who has done some middle relief, also done well in a set up role, and even closed a game from time to time.
11. Mike Napoli: 87 games, 11 home runs, .259 average. Basically carried the team on his back in April, leading the league in RBIs through May 10th, but has slowed down considerably since. Overall stats still impressive though, even though he strikes out way to much.
10. Felix Doubront: 17 games, 3.91 ERA: Doubront was awful through Mid May, posting a 5.24 ERA and came one bad start away from losing his starting pitcher job. Then he miraculously turned things around, posting a 2.70 ERA and 4-1 record over his past nine starts, finally coming through in his potential.
9. Jose Iglesias: 52 Games, .367 average: After hitting .118 last year and being a career .247 hitter in the minors, he was basically called up this year to fill in temporarily for an injury. Then he baffled everyone by hitting everything, and hasnt looked back since. three and a half months later and he still has a .367 average, stunning everyone who watched him look lost at the plate last year.
8. Clay Buchholz: 12 starts, 9-0 record, 1.71 ERA. Through Mid June, Buchholz was the heavy favorite for a cy young, and at that point, would have been #1 on that list. However, he got injured and hasnt pitched since June 8th, and his return keeps getting pushed back. The Sox will need him back to make a second half push.
7. Shane Victorino: 64 games, .290 average: Seems to miss about one game a week on average with minor injuries, but when hes in plays amazing defense in right field, and provides a good average with plenty of stolen bases.
6. Daniel Nava: 87 Games, .288 average, 10 home runs: No name player that has come out of nowhere this year as a all around great hitter. Plays adequate defense, hits homers, draws walks, doesnt strikeout, basically a pitchers nightmare, all this from a guy who was the team "manager" all throughout college because he wasnt good enough.
5. Koji Uehara: 44 games, 1.70 ERA, 8 saves: The most dominant and dependable relief pitcher on the team in years. Took over as closer after Bailey lost the job and has been absolutely lights out in that position, often striking out all three batters in his inning. has a mind blowing 60 strikeouts in just 42 innings.
4. Jacoby Ellsbury: 88 games, .305 Average: The Red Sox leadoff hitter was having a real tough season, hitting just .243 on memorial day. Since then he has exploded hitting .362, to raise his average to .305. He also leads the league in stolen bases and plays great defense. Add a high walk rate and hes everything you want in a leadoff hitter.
3. John Lackey: 16 starts, 2.78 ERA: Another amazing story that helped turn the Sox from disaster in 2012 to first place in 2013. In 2011 Lackey had the worst season in Red Sox history for a pitcher, going 3-19 with a 6.41 ERA. He took 2012 off, which Red Sox fans rejoiced in, but when he decided to come back this year, fans groaned and expected the worst. He has been nothing short of spectacular, which has shocked every single Red Sox fan and writer in existence, and its great to see.
2. David Ortiz: 77 games, .317 Average, 19 home runs: The ageless wonder, still the face of the franchise ten years after his clutch hits ended the Sox world series drought. Its amazing how he doesnt seem to slow with age, I mean 19 home runs at his age would be great for a full season, but in July? and he missed all of April with an injury, its remarkable.
1 Dustin Pedroia: 96 games, .316 average, 6 home runs: its very very close between Pedroia and Ortiz but because hes played in nineteen more games, Pedroia gets the edge. On top of being one of the best hitters for average in the league, he rarely ever strikes out and plays incredible defense. A true MVP candidate.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Red Sox First half Recap Day Two: Top 10 performances
Yesterday we took a look at the best wins and worst losses of the season so far, today we will take a look at the top 10 individual game performances so far this season.
10. May 1st: Mike Napoli hits two home runs and a double and collects 4 RBIs in a 10-1 win over the Blue Jays
9. June 10th: Jarrod Saltalamacchia goes 4-7, and collects four RBIS, including a clutch RBI single in the 4th inning to put the Red Sox ahead of the Rays in a 10-8 win.
8. July 11th: After Ryan Dempter gives up 7 runs in 3 innings, Steven Wright takes over and throws 6 innings of scoreless relief, allowing the Red Sox to come back from a large deficit to win 8-7 in 10 innings. Maybe the most surprising performance of the season as it was Steven Wrights second major league appearances, and his first was a disaster, allowing 7 runs in less than 4 innings. The performance earned Wright his first major league win.
7. May 10th: Jon Lester throws a complete game one hit shutout in a 5-0 win over the Blue Jays. A one hitter probably deserves to be higher, but Lester kind of got lucky in this one with outstanding defense. He only struckout five out of 27 outs, dampening the dominance.
6. April 26th: David Ross goes 4-4, including two home runs in a 7-3 win over the Astros
5. May 18th: David Ortiz hits two homes runs, collects 6 RBIS, adds a 3rd hit in 12-5 win over the Twins.
4. May 6th: Stephen Drew gets four hits, 3 RBI, including a home run and a walk off double in 6-5 win over the Twins.
3. April 14th: Clay Buchholz throws 8 innings, allowing 2 hits and no runs, strikes out 11 in 5-0 win over the Rays.
2. June 18th: Felix Doubront throws eight dominant innings against the Rays, in just 93 pitches including at one point retiring 19 batters in a row in 3-1 win over Rays.
1. April 7th: A bittersweet game to look back on to say the least. Will Middlebrooks broke onto the scene as a rookie phenom last year, hitting .288 clubbing 18 homers in less than half a season. Many expected .300 and 30+ homers from the sophomore this year. In just the 6th game of the season, Middlebrook put on an absolute show, hitting three home runs, adding a double and coming withing 2 feet of a fourth home run on a long fly ball out. Unfortunately, after this game the expectations may have been to high on the kid, who has strugged mightily ever since. From this game through june 23rd, Middlebrooks hit just .187, with just four home runs. Finally on June 24th Middlebrooks was demoted to the minor leagues in an attempt for him to refocus himself and rediscover himself. Hopefully soon he will be back and return to the Home run masher we saw earlier.
10. May 1st: Mike Napoli hits two home runs and a double and collects 4 RBIs in a 10-1 win over the Blue Jays
9. June 10th: Jarrod Saltalamacchia goes 4-7, and collects four RBIS, including a clutch RBI single in the 4th inning to put the Red Sox ahead of the Rays in a 10-8 win.
8. July 11th: After Ryan Dempter gives up 7 runs in 3 innings, Steven Wright takes over and throws 6 innings of scoreless relief, allowing the Red Sox to come back from a large deficit to win 8-7 in 10 innings. Maybe the most surprising performance of the season as it was Steven Wrights second major league appearances, and his first was a disaster, allowing 7 runs in less than 4 innings. The performance earned Wright his first major league win.
7. May 10th: Jon Lester throws a complete game one hit shutout in a 5-0 win over the Blue Jays. A one hitter probably deserves to be higher, but Lester kind of got lucky in this one with outstanding defense. He only struckout five out of 27 outs, dampening the dominance.
6. April 26th: David Ross goes 4-4, including two home runs in a 7-3 win over the Astros
5. May 18th: David Ortiz hits two homes runs, collects 6 RBIS, adds a 3rd hit in 12-5 win over the Twins.
4. May 6th: Stephen Drew gets four hits, 3 RBI, including a home run and a walk off double in 6-5 win over the Twins.
3. April 14th: Clay Buchholz throws 8 innings, allowing 2 hits and no runs, strikes out 11 in 5-0 win over the Rays.
2. June 18th: Felix Doubront throws eight dominant innings against the Rays, in just 93 pitches including at one point retiring 19 batters in a row in 3-1 win over Rays.
1. April 7th: A bittersweet game to look back on to say the least. Will Middlebrooks broke onto the scene as a rookie phenom last year, hitting .288 clubbing 18 homers in less than half a season. Many expected .300 and 30+ homers from the sophomore this year. In just the 6th game of the season, Middlebrook put on an absolute show, hitting three home runs, adding a double and coming withing 2 feet of a fourth home run on a long fly ball out. Unfortunately, after this game the expectations may have been to high on the kid, who has strugged mightily ever since. From this game through june 23rd, Middlebrooks hit just .187, with just four home runs. Finally on June 24th Middlebrooks was demoted to the minor leagues in an attempt for him to refocus himself and rediscover himself. Hopefully soon he will be back and return to the Home run masher we saw earlier.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Red Sox First Half Recap Day One: Best Wins/Worst Losses
The MLB All star break begins today, which means there is no baseball to speak of for the next four nights. Normally, the all star break occurs somewhat close to the midway point of the season, however this year the Red Sox have played 97 games already by the break, and have just 65 remaining. Going into the all star break here is how the AL East Standings shape up
1. Boston Red Sox: 58-39
2. Tampa Bay Rays: 2.5 GB
3. Baltimore Orioles: 4.5 GB
4. New York Yankees: 6.0 GB
5. Toronto Blue Jays: 11.5 GB
It looks as if its going to be a four team race heading to the second half, and if the Yankees dont get hot they will find themselves out of the race very soon. Over the next for days we will be reviewing the first 97 games of the Red Sox season to see the highs and lows that led to them being in first place at the all star break. Heres how the next four days will play out
Monday: Top wins and worst losses of the first 97 games
Tuesday: Top 10 individual performances of the season
Wednesday: Roster power rankings: Ranking every players contribution to the team this season
Thursday: A preview of the final 65 games
So we begin with the top ten wins of the season so far
10. June 4th Vs Rangers: W 17-5: After getting swept by the Rangers earlier in the season, the Red Sox were determined to prove they could beat the team with the second best record in the league. They did so in dominant fashion, opening the three games series by putting up a season high 17 runs. After scoring two in the first, the Red Sox responded with 6 runs in the second, opening up a 8-0 lead. The Red Sox led off three straight innings with home runs in the 4th-6th innings and scored in the first seven innings of the game. It was a fun night.
9. April 1st @ Yankees: W 8-2: Opening day and a chance to start anew after last year awful 93 loss season. Even though it was just one game, the Red Sox did their best to show everyone this team was much different than last years. They ran the bases well, Hit well, played good defense, and pitched well, an all around strong performance, highlighted by a 4 run second inning and a 3 run ninth inning.
8. June 1st @ Yankees: W 11-1: After a loss to the Yankees the night before the two teams were now tied in the standings and a loss in this game would push the Red Sox down to second place. They would have none of that as 3 home runs, including a grand slam from Mike Napoli led the way to a dominant 11-1 win, reclaiming sole possession of first place, a title they have had sole possession of ever since this game
7. June 18th Vs Rays: W 3-1: In the second game of a doubleheader, Daniel Navas solo home run and Felix Doubronts 8 scoreless innings led to a 1-0 lead heading to the 9th inning. However when Andrew Bailey blew the lead in the ninth, it was gut check time. Jonny Gomes answered immediately in the bottom of the ninth, hitting a two run blast to sweep the doubleheader, and show once again the resiliency of this years team compared to last years.
6. July 9th @ Mariners: W 11-8: On a 3 game losing streak, tied for the season high, The Red Sox were trying to avoid their longest losing streak of the season. Things didnt look good however, as the Mariners quickly opened up a 5-1 lead. Two two run homers however would tie the game at 5, and three more homers would open up a Red Sox lead which they hung onto for the largest comeback win of the season, and a win that would be the first of a four game winning streak.
5. May 6th Vs Twins: W 6-5: Once again on a 3 game losing streak, coming off getting swept by the Rangers, the Red Sox returned home to face the Twins. The Twins opened an early 3-0 lead, but the Red Sox fought back to tie it and eventually take a 5-4 lead in the eighth on Dustin Pedroias first home run of the year, ending his long drought. Unfortunately Andrew Bailey couldnt hold the lead in the ninth, as the Twins tied it and we headed to extra innings. It took until the 11th, but Stephen Drew finally ended it on a wall ball double with two outs to end the 3 game losing streak.
4. June 10th @ Rays: W 10-8: A game that can only be described as an emotional slog, one of the craziest games in baseball this season, one that lasted over 5 hours and spanned 14 innings. The Red Sox quickly jumped out to a 7-0 lead before an out had even been recorded. The Rays very slowly came back, one run at a time, before eventually tying it in the eighth on a wild pitch of all things. The Red Sox quickly countered in the tenth, taking an 8-7 lead, but the rays would tie it right back off Andrew Bailey in the bottom of the ninth, and had the bases loaded with no outs, seemingly guaranteed victory. Somehow Bailey didnt allow another run in that situation and we headed to extras. Finally in the 14th, the Sox added two runs, which was enough to get through the bottom of the inning, and the Sox won a game 5 hours after they thought they would win easily after leading 7-0.
3. April 20th Vs Royals: @ 4-3: In an emotional game, the first at Fenway Park since the boston marathon bombings, The Red Sox trailed 2-1 with two outs in the 8th inning. In steps Daniel Nava to hit a clutch 3 run home run to give Boston a 4-2 lead and electrify an emotional crowed. Andrew Bailey gave up one run in the ninth to cut the gap to 4-3, but ultimately saved the game, not only winning an emotional game, but extending the Red Sox winning streak at the time to 7 games, their longest of the season to date.
2. May 26th Vs Indians: W 6-5: Both number 2 and number 1 on this list I was unable to watch due to being in vacation in Vegas. Funny enough, this game was on the last day of that vacation, while the #1 game was on the first day of that vacation. In this one the Red Sox Trailed 5-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning, before surging for a four run ninth, capped by a walk off double from Jacoby Ellsbury. The biggest thing about this game may be that it gave momentum to Ellsburys season. Before the walk off hit he was hitting a weak .243, since then he has hit around .350, raising his overall average to .300
1. May 16th @ Rays W 4-3: Coming into this game, the Red Sox were just a measly 3-9 over their past twelve games, and their season appeared to be spiraling downward, as they had fallen to 3 games back in the division and down to 3rd place. Trailing 3-1 with two outs in the ninth inning, and the bases loaded, Will Middlebrooks came through with a bases clearing double, giving Boston a 4-3 lead. The win put the season back on track, beginning a 5 game winning streak and an impressive 18-7 stretch.
Unfortunately for all the exciting wins, their have also been some tough losses, here are the 10 worst.
10. May 3rd @ Rangers: L 7-0: In the first game of what would be a 3 game sweep, Felix Doubront and the Red Sox pitching was shelled for 18 hits against and seven runs, while the offense did nothing in a 7-0 loss in a game that began a miserable 2-9 stretch for the team.
9. May 14th @ Rays: L 5-3: The previous game was the first game of a 2-9 stretch, this was the last game of it. Ortiz hit a 3 run homer to give Boston an early 3-0 lead, but in the fourth inning, an infield pop up with two outs and the bases loaded, would inexplicably drop to the ground in a classic case of miscommunication, allowing two runs to score, and providing the climax of frustration for Red Sox fans who had endured a rough past couple weeks.
8. May 12th Vs Blue Jays: L 12-4: 6 years ago there was the Mothers Day Miracle, this one would be dubbed the Mothers Day Massacre. This is yet another game within that brutal 2-9 early May stretch, The Blue Jays pounded out 5 home runs against Red Sox pitching including two from Jose Bautista en route to a blowout win.
7. April 23rd Vs As: L 13-0: The biggest blowout loss of the season, and mercifully a game that ended after seven innings due to rain. Theres not much to say about this one except this is fondly remembered as the game where Alfredo Aceves pitched like crap and famously blamed the offense for the loss in his postgame press conference. That got him promptly demoted to the minors for being a clubhouse cancer.
6. May 8th Vs Twins: L 15-8: Yet another game from that 2-9 stretch, and spoiler alert, it wont be the last. Pitcher Allen Webster, making his second career start, allowed four first inning runs to the Twins, but the Red Sox responded with 5 first inning runs of their own, giving them a 5-4 lead after an inning. Unfortunately Webster game up 7 runs right back in the second inning, and the Red Sox found themselves having gave up 11 runs through just 2 innings, and a strong 5 run first inning from the offense already seemed futile. the Twins would tack on a few more over the final seven innings for a 15 run total.
5. April 10th Vs Orioles: L 8-5: This would be higher on the list if it wasnt one of the first few games of the year, therefore making it easier to swallow. Leading 5-4 with two outs in the ninth, a wild pitch allowed the Orioles to tie it at 5, then on the very next pitch, Manny Machado hit a 3 run homer to put the Os on top 8-5, the first of two times this year the Red Sox would lose when they were one strike away from a victory.
4. May 5th @ Rangers: L 4-3: The final game on this list in that 2-9 May stretch. The Sox blew a 3-0 lead before eventually losing in the tenth inning on a base hit from Adrian Beltre. This loss gave the Rangers a sweep over Boston, finishing off the only time the Red Sox have been swept all season.
3. June 20th @ Tigers: L 4-3: The first of a four game series against one of the best teams in the league, the Red Sox knew this would be a very tough series, so any chance they had at a win they needed to take advantage. Unfortunately with a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning, Andrew Bailey allowed a 2 run homer to Jhonny Peralta, sending the Sox to a loss. This would be that would ultimately cost Bailey his job as closer, probably a bit to late.
2. July 6th @ Angels: L 9-7: Leading 7-3 with two outs in the ninth inning, the Red Sox allowed hit after hit before finally allowing the Angels to come all the way back and tie it on an error by Brandon Snyder that would have ended the game. Josh Hamiltons two run homer in the eleventh ended the game.
1. June 23rd @ Tigers: L 7-5: Losing a heartbreaker because one of your pitchers sucked, or even on an error is one thing, but losing one because of a horrendous call from an umpire is another. Tied 4-4 in the eighth, Nava made a catch, but the umpire ruled it hit the ground when it obviously had not. The bad call led to three runs from Detroit, and sent the Red Sox to their third loss in four games. At the time it was feared the loss may send the season back to a downward spiral, but it did the opposite. Since this loss the Red Sox are 13-6
1. Boston Red Sox: 58-39
2. Tampa Bay Rays: 2.5 GB
3. Baltimore Orioles: 4.5 GB
4. New York Yankees: 6.0 GB
5. Toronto Blue Jays: 11.5 GB
It looks as if its going to be a four team race heading to the second half, and if the Yankees dont get hot they will find themselves out of the race very soon. Over the next for days we will be reviewing the first 97 games of the Red Sox season to see the highs and lows that led to them being in first place at the all star break. Heres how the next four days will play out
Monday: Top wins and worst losses of the first 97 games
Tuesday: Top 10 individual performances of the season
Wednesday: Roster power rankings: Ranking every players contribution to the team this season
Thursday: A preview of the final 65 games
So we begin with the top ten wins of the season so far
10. June 4th Vs Rangers: W 17-5: After getting swept by the Rangers earlier in the season, the Red Sox were determined to prove they could beat the team with the second best record in the league. They did so in dominant fashion, opening the three games series by putting up a season high 17 runs. After scoring two in the first, the Red Sox responded with 6 runs in the second, opening up a 8-0 lead. The Red Sox led off three straight innings with home runs in the 4th-6th innings and scored in the first seven innings of the game. It was a fun night.
9. April 1st @ Yankees: W 8-2: Opening day and a chance to start anew after last year awful 93 loss season. Even though it was just one game, the Red Sox did their best to show everyone this team was much different than last years. They ran the bases well, Hit well, played good defense, and pitched well, an all around strong performance, highlighted by a 4 run second inning and a 3 run ninth inning.
8. June 1st @ Yankees: W 11-1: After a loss to the Yankees the night before the two teams were now tied in the standings and a loss in this game would push the Red Sox down to second place. They would have none of that as 3 home runs, including a grand slam from Mike Napoli led the way to a dominant 11-1 win, reclaiming sole possession of first place, a title they have had sole possession of ever since this game
7. June 18th Vs Rays: W 3-1: In the second game of a doubleheader, Daniel Navas solo home run and Felix Doubronts 8 scoreless innings led to a 1-0 lead heading to the 9th inning. However when Andrew Bailey blew the lead in the ninth, it was gut check time. Jonny Gomes answered immediately in the bottom of the ninth, hitting a two run blast to sweep the doubleheader, and show once again the resiliency of this years team compared to last years.
6. July 9th @ Mariners: W 11-8: On a 3 game losing streak, tied for the season high, The Red Sox were trying to avoid their longest losing streak of the season. Things didnt look good however, as the Mariners quickly opened up a 5-1 lead. Two two run homers however would tie the game at 5, and three more homers would open up a Red Sox lead which they hung onto for the largest comeback win of the season, and a win that would be the first of a four game winning streak.
5. May 6th Vs Twins: W 6-5: Once again on a 3 game losing streak, coming off getting swept by the Rangers, the Red Sox returned home to face the Twins. The Twins opened an early 3-0 lead, but the Red Sox fought back to tie it and eventually take a 5-4 lead in the eighth on Dustin Pedroias first home run of the year, ending his long drought. Unfortunately Andrew Bailey couldnt hold the lead in the ninth, as the Twins tied it and we headed to extra innings. It took until the 11th, but Stephen Drew finally ended it on a wall ball double with two outs to end the 3 game losing streak.
4. June 10th @ Rays: W 10-8: A game that can only be described as an emotional slog, one of the craziest games in baseball this season, one that lasted over 5 hours and spanned 14 innings. The Red Sox quickly jumped out to a 7-0 lead before an out had even been recorded. The Rays very slowly came back, one run at a time, before eventually tying it in the eighth on a wild pitch of all things. The Red Sox quickly countered in the tenth, taking an 8-7 lead, but the rays would tie it right back off Andrew Bailey in the bottom of the ninth, and had the bases loaded with no outs, seemingly guaranteed victory. Somehow Bailey didnt allow another run in that situation and we headed to extras. Finally in the 14th, the Sox added two runs, which was enough to get through the bottom of the inning, and the Sox won a game 5 hours after they thought they would win easily after leading 7-0.
3. April 20th Vs Royals: @ 4-3: In an emotional game, the first at Fenway Park since the boston marathon bombings, The Red Sox trailed 2-1 with two outs in the 8th inning. In steps Daniel Nava to hit a clutch 3 run home run to give Boston a 4-2 lead and electrify an emotional crowed. Andrew Bailey gave up one run in the ninth to cut the gap to 4-3, but ultimately saved the game, not only winning an emotional game, but extending the Red Sox winning streak at the time to 7 games, their longest of the season to date.
2. May 26th Vs Indians: W 6-5: Both number 2 and number 1 on this list I was unable to watch due to being in vacation in Vegas. Funny enough, this game was on the last day of that vacation, while the #1 game was on the first day of that vacation. In this one the Red Sox Trailed 5-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning, before surging for a four run ninth, capped by a walk off double from Jacoby Ellsbury. The biggest thing about this game may be that it gave momentum to Ellsburys season. Before the walk off hit he was hitting a weak .243, since then he has hit around .350, raising his overall average to .300
1. May 16th @ Rays W 4-3: Coming into this game, the Red Sox were just a measly 3-9 over their past twelve games, and their season appeared to be spiraling downward, as they had fallen to 3 games back in the division and down to 3rd place. Trailing 3-1 with two outs in the ninth inning, and the bases loaded, Will Middlebrooks came through with a bases clearing double, giving Boston a 4-3 lead. The win put the season back on track, beginning a 5 game winning streak and an impressive 18-7 stretch.
Unfortunately for all the exciting wins, their have also been some tough losses, here are the 10 worst.
10. May 3rd @ Rangers: L 7-0: In the first game of what would be a 3 game sweep, Felix Doubront and the Red Sox pitching was shelled for 18 hits against and seven runs, while the offense did nothing in a 7-0 loss in a game that began a miserable 2-9 stretch for the team.
9. May 14th @ Rays: L 5-3: The previous game was the first game of a 2-9 stretch, this was the last game of it. Ortiz hit a 3 run homer to give Boston an early 3-0 lead, but in the fourth inning, an infield pop up with two outs and the bases loaded, would inexplicably drop to the ground in a classic case of miscommunication, allowing two runs to score, and providing the climax of frustration for Red Sox fans who had endured a rough past couple weeks.
8. May 12th Vs Blue Jays: L 12-4: 6 years ago there was the Mothers Day Miracle, this one would be dubbed the Mothers Day Massacre. This is yet another game within that brutal 2-9 early May stretch, The Blue Jays pounded out 5 home runs against Red Sox pitching including two from Jose Bautista en route to a blowout win.
7. April 23rd Vs As: L 13-0: The biggest blowout loss of the season, and mercifully a game that ended after seven innings due to rain. Theres not much to say about this one except this is fondly remembered as the game where Alfredo Aceves pitched like crap and famously blamed the offense for the loss in his postgame press conference. That got him promptly demoted to the minors for being a clubhouse cancer.
6. May 8th Vs Twins: L 15-8: Yet another game from that 2-9 stretch, and spoiler alert, it wont be the last. Pitcher Allen Webster, making his second career start, allowed four first inning runs to the Twins, but the Red Sox responded with 5 first inning runs of their own, giving them a 5-4 lead after an inning. Unfortunately Webster game up 7 runs right back in the second inning, and the Red Sox found themselves having gave up 11 runs through just 2 innings, and a strong 5 run first inning from the offense already seemed futile. the Twins would tack on a few more over the final seven innings for a 15 run total.
5. April 10th Vs Orioles: L 8-5: This would be higher on the list if it wasnt one of the first few games of the year, therefore making it easier to swallow. Leading 5-4 with two outs in the ninth, a wild pitch allowed the Orioles to tie it at 5, then on the very next pitch, Manny Machado hit a 3 run homer to put the Os on top 8-5, the first of two times this year the Red Sox would lose when they were one strike away from a victory.
4. May 5th @ Rangers: L 4-3: The final game on this list in that 2-9 May stretch. The Sox blew a 3-0 lead before eventually losing in the tenth inning on a base hit from Adrian Beltre. This loss gave the Rangers a sweep over Boston, finishing off the only time the Red Sox have been swept all season.
3. June 20th @ Tigers: L 4-3: The first of a four game series against one of the best teams in the league, the Red Sox knew this would be a very tough series, so any chance they had at a win they needed to take advantage. Unfortunately with a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning, Andrew Bailey allowed a 2 run homer to Jhonny Peralta, sending the Sox to a loss. This would be that would ultimately cost Bailey his job as closer, probably a bit to late.
2. July 6th @ Angels: L 9-7: Leading 7-3 with two outs in the ninth inning, the Red Sox allowed hit after hit before finally allowing the Angels to come all the way back and tie it on an error by Brandon Snyder that would have ended the game. Josh Hamiltons two run homer in the eleventh ended the game.
1. June 23rd @ Tigers: L 7-5: Losing a heartbreaker because one of your pitchers sucked, or even on an error is one thing, but losing one because of a horrendous call from an umpire is another. Tied 4-4 in the eighth, Nava made a catch, but the umpire ruled it hit the ground when it obviously had not. The bad call led to three runs from Detroit, and sent the Red Sox to their third loss in four games. At the time it was feared the loss may send the season back to a downward spiral, but it did the opposite. Since this loss the Red Sox are 13-6
Monday, July 1, 2013
Red Sox Recapping June
It was easy to be somewhat skeptical of these Red Sox heading into the month of June. On June 1st the Red Sox were tied for first place in the division, blowing a 3 game lead they had on May 1st with a dissapointing 15-15 month of May. June was by far, by very far their toughest month of the season schedule wise, as every single one of their 28 games in June would be against playoff contenders. The goal for many Red Sox fans was that their team would simply find a way to survive June with their heads above water and still in the playoff mix. They did way more than that, posting a 17-11 record in the month, an astonishing record given the brutal nature of their schedule. a 17-11 record is a .607 win percentage, which would average out to a 98-64 record through 162 games. They did it with mostly offense, posting a team average of .298 for the month, their best team batting average in an entire month of a season since May of 2006. The month was not without issues, their best pitcher Clay Buchholz only pitched twice the entire month after going down with an injury early in June. Their second best pitcher, Jon Lester, struggled mightily in the month, posting an ERA of over seven. Their closer Andrew Bailey, blew 3 saves before finally losing his job as closer after a loss on June 20th. Mike Napoli, whos supposed to be their big home run hitter, only hit one home run the entire month, on June 1st. But they came out of it resilient as ever, and heading into July 1st, have opened up a 2.5 game lead in the division over the Baltimore Orioles. More importantly they've opened up a 6 game lead over the Yankees and Rays, a nice cushion heading to the second half. Lets take a more in depth look at what the month of June brought us.
The Sox opened the month with two games at Yankee stadium, the first of which they won 11-1, the first act in a big offensive month. The sox hit three homers in the game highlighted by a grand slam from Mike Napoli. The next night the Sox defeated the Yankees 3-0, as Clay Buchholz pitched a gem complete game shutout.
After those two games the Red Sox returned home for a three game series with the Rangers, and in the opener put up their best offensive game of the season, defeating the Rangers 17-5 behind the strength of four home runs, including the first of Jackie Bradleys career. After losing the second game of the series, David Ortiz, mr clutch, would hit a 3 run walk off home run in the series finale to give the Sox a 4-1 record in the early part of June.
Next up was the Angels, who the Sox also took 2 of 3 from, thanks to big offensive outputs, including a 10-5 win in the series finale highlighted by a 2 homer game from catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Bostons record for June was now 6-2.
Next up was a trip to Tampa and the craziest game of the season. The Red Sox opened up a 7-0 lead in the first inning, but the Rays slowly came back to tie it at 7. The ended in a 10-8 red sox win in fourteen innings. The two teams split the final two games of the series pushing the Red Sox record to 8-3 in June.
Next up was a four game tilt in Baltimore and a roadbump in the month. In the first game, the Sox lost another long affair, this one 12 innings. In the second game, the offense was shut down, for really the only time the whole month in a 2-0 loss. The teams split the final two games, meaning the Sox lost 2 of 4 to the Orioles and their record for the month slipped to 9-6.
Back to Fenway for a 3 game, 2 day series with the Rays. The Sox swept a doubleheader from them, capped off by a two run walk off homer from Jonny Gomes in the shortest game of the year, just 2 hours twenty seven minutes. The Rays would win the final game of the series but still the Sox record now stood at 11-7.
In a very frustrating series, the Sox lost 3 of 4 to Detroit, despite hitting .313 in the series as a team, pushing the record to 12-10.
Returning home, the Red Sox posted a 5-1 record thanks to big offensive outputs, including a two game sweep of the Rockies and winning 3 of 4 from the Blue Jays to finish the month at 17-11.
The Red Sox hit .298 as a team for the month, compared to .271 in April and .257 in May.
They scored 5.57 runs per game in June, compared to 5.19 in April and 4.67 in May.
While the offense was at its best, the pitching has slowly declined with each month. The Team ERA in June was 4.13 compared to 3.58 in April and 4.00 in May.
The batting average against for June was .266 compared to .224 in April and .256 in May.
Looking at individual players, pretty much everyone had a big month. jacoby Ellsbury hit .360, Shane Victorino hit .304, Jose Iglesias hit .395, Mike Carp hit .367, Jonny Gomes hit .304.
Will Middlebrooks sophomore slump, however, would continue. After hitting .288 with 18 homers in limited action last year, many were expecting a breakout year. After hitting .194 in April and .211 in May, Middlebrooks hit a new low in June, hitting just .138 before being demoted to the minor leagues a couple weeks ago to try and regain his form he had last year.
On the pitching side, Felix Doubront had a great month, posting a 2.75 ERA in six starts. Lackey also had a good month, with a 3.03 ERA. Lester had a rough month, with a 7.62 ERA in six starts. Andrew Bailey had the worst month, posting a 10.13 ERA, giving up 5 home runs in just 9 innings.
Lets hope for bigger and better things in July, as the schedule is easier than it was in June, their is still a big 10 games west coast road trip that will really challenge the team yet again.
The Sox opened the month with two games at Yankee stadium, the first of which they won 11-1, the first act in a big offensive month. The sox hit three homers in the game highlighted by a grand slam from Mike Napoli. The next night the Sox defeated the Yankees 3-0, as Clay Buchholz pitched a gem complete game shutout.
After those two games the Red Sox returned home for a three game series with the Rangers, and in the opener put up their best offensive game of the season, defeating the Rangers 17-5 behind the strength of four home runs, including the first of Jackie Bradleys career. After losing the second game of the series, David Ortiz, mr clutch, would hit a 3 run walk off home run in the series finale to give the Sox a 4-1 record in the early part of June.
Next up was the Angels, who the Sox also took 2 of 3 from, thanks to big offensive outputs, including a 10-5 win in the series finale highlighted by a 2 homer game from catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Bostons record for June was now 6-2.
Next up was a trip to Tampa and the craziest game of the season. The Red Sox opened up a 7-0 lead in the first inning, but the Rays slowly came back to tie it at 7. The ended in a 10-8 red sox win in fourteen innings. The two teams split the final two games of the series pushing the Red Sox record to 8-3 in June.
Next up was a four game tilt in Baltimore and a roadbump in the month. In the first game, the Sox lost another long affair, this one 12 innings. In the second game, the offense was shut down, for really the only time the whole month in a 2-0 loss. The teams split the final two games, meaning the Sox lost 2 of 4 to the Orioles and their record for the month slipped to 9-6.
Back to Fenway for a 3 game, 2 day series with the Rays. The Sox swept a doubleheader from them, capped off by a two run walk off homer from Jonny Gomes in the shortest game of the year, just 2 hours twenty seven minutes. The Rays would win the final game of the series but still the Sox record now stood at 11-7.
In a very frustrating series, the Sox lost 3 of 4 to Detroit, despite hitting .313 in the series as a team, pushing the record to 12-10.
Returning home, the Red Sox posted a 5-1 record thanks to big offensive outputs, including a two game sweep of the Rockies and winning 3 of 4 from the Blue Jays to finish the month at 17-11.
The Red Sox hit .298 as a team for the month, compared to .271 in April and .257 in May.
They scored 5.57 runs per game in June, compared to 5.19 in April and 4.67 in May.
While the offense was at its best, the pitching has slowly declined with each month. The Team ERA in June was 4.13 compared to 3.58 in April and 4.00 in May.
The batting average against for June was .266 compared to .224 in April and .256 in May.
Looking at individual players, pretty much everyone had a big month. jacoby Ellsbury hit .360, Shane Victorino hit .304, Jose Iglesias hit .395, Mike Carp hit .367, Jonny Gomes hit .304.
Will Middlebrooks sophomore slump, however, would continue. After hitting .288 with 18 homers in limited action last year, many were expecting a breakout year. After hitting .194 in April and .211 in May, Middlebrooks hit a new low in June, hitting just .138 before being demoted to the minor leagues a couple weeks ago to try and regain his form he had last year.
On the pitching side, Felix Doubront had a great month, posting a 2.75 ERA in six starts. Lackey also had a good month, with a 3.03 ERA. Lester had a rough month, with a 7.62 ERA in six starts. Andrew Bailey had the worst month, posting a 10.13 ERA, giving up 5 home runs in just 9 innings.
Lets hope for bigger and better things in July, as the schedule is easier than it was in June, their is still a big 10 games west coast road trip that will really challenge the team yet again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)