Red Sox Mid-Season Report

As of today July 6, 2010 the Red Sox are 49-35, only 2.5 games out of first in the AL East, facing the 2^nd place Tampa Bay Rays and they are starting 5 players that started the year in the minor leagues or on the bench including starting pitcher Felix Doubront, a 22-yr old lefty with a total of 1 major league start under his belt.

This team has been absolutely plagued by injuries, the likes of which I have never seen. It’s as if a tornado of broken bones and sore muscles came barreling through the clubhouse and left us with a team that would more likely be seen in Pawtucket than it would in Boston. It really is unprecedented how debilitated this team is, and how all the injuries seem to be freak accidents. Losing multiple players to vicious foul tips is never a good sign. And then you have Adrian Beltre, the man whose apparent mission is to destroy Red Sox Left Fielders. Considered yourself warned Daniel Nava, you never know when he will strike, the only advice I can give is let him catch the fly ball.

Yet here we are, despite all of these setbacks, the Sox are still producing and still playing some quality baseball.  Boston had 6 or 7(depending on the final vote) players selected to the All-Star team although only 3 of them will be able to play in the game, that is assuming those players do not get hurt (currently knocking on wood). Outside of the injuries the biggest surprise of this season so far has been that this team actually has an offense. Not only does the offense just exist, it’s actually really good. They are leading the league in Runs, RBI, SLG, doubles, and total bases, and in the top 3 in Hits, AVG, OBP, walks, and HR. There are no two-ways about it; this defensive run-prevention team can flat out hit the baseball.  Their ability to hit and their starting pitchers are what have kept this team afloat and still in the AL East race.

Of course there are the usual suspects, like great years from Pedroia, Youk and Vic Mart and pitching of Lester, Lackey and somewhat of a surprise All Star season from Buchholz.  But their good fortune couldn’t be possible without the impressive performances from the most unlikely of characters including a first pitch of major league grand slam from Nava, and that week long stretch where Darnell Mcdonald couldn’t help but win games for the Sox.

This Sox team is different than the past few years; they are not boring as hell. They actually look like they enjoy playing baseball. David Ortiz is smiling again, and when Big Papi smiles its infectious. And he has plenty of reasons to smile with the All-Star season he has been having. But if you ask me who the MVP of the first have is so far, I would tell you it has got to be Adrian Beltre. Beltre can play some baseball, not only has he shown off his glove with a few web gems, he has been the most consistent hitter on the club. Beltre is also a big part of this team’s ability to have fun and enjoy the game. He is a magnificent clubhouse guy bringing a great energy and sense of humor to the team, just don’t touch his hair.

Given all of the injuries and obstacles this team has to endure, they are not doing too shabby. If the Sox ever get 100% healthy, 2010 could be a real good year for the local 9.
  
Update: Since writing this article Youk left the game with ‘right ankle pain,’ Beltre fouled a ball off his leg, the bullpen is struggling and the Sox are now 3.5 games down in the East. Oh well, get ‘em next year.