Red Sox 2015 Disappointments and Surprises: Week 2

This 2015 Red Sox season has been a roller coaster ride so far. Boston is 7-5 through 12 games this season. During those 12 games, they have shown flashes of brilliance, resilience, dominance, and superb athletic ability. They have also shown flashes of poor timely hitting, failure to score runs, and pitching atrocities. Needless to say that there have been many disappointing and surprising players so far this year.

More from Red Sox News

Surprise: Xander Bogaerts– Xander Bogaerts is off to a red hot start this season. The 22 year old is hitting .366 with a .435 on base percentage. Bogaerts has two extra base hits this season. He has drawn five walks with two stolen bases. The short stop looks to be coming into his own so far this season at the plate. As for defense, the Aruba native has shown a great improvement in his range to both his left and right sides. This could be a breakout season for the young power hitter.

Disappointment: Mike Napoli– Napoli has not found his stroke yet in 2015. Among the 198 hitters ranked, Napoli is 191 on the list with a .132 batting average. Although, Napoli does lead the team in runs scored, which leads you to believe that his knowledge of the strike zone and how to work counts has not yet diminished. Napoli is also playing solid defense at first base. Once Napoli finds his power stroke, this offense will be even deeper.

Surprise: Mookie Betts– Mookie mania has quickly taken Red Sox Nation by storm this year. During his stint in the big leagues last year, the 21 year old showed flashes of super stardom. Betts rocketed through the minors and was quickly converted into a center fielder. While playing basically left field as well as center field due to Hanley Ramirez‘ lack of outfield experience, Betts exhibited a great glove. Betts’ quick bat while at the plate and speed on the base path make him a force in the lineup as well. Betts’ abilities are for real and he will soon beigin picking up hits to raise his numbers.

Disappointment: Tommy Layne and Steven Wright in AAA- The Red Sox have two really good and proven Major League bullpen arms in AAA Pawtucket. Through four Major League stints, Layne has compiled a 2.39 ERA in 74 games. Layne has been a dominant lefty out of the bullpen and could replace Robbie Ross Jr. as a lefty in the bullpen. Steven Wright will be the long man out of the bullpen as well as the spot starter the Red Sox will need at some point this season. In 11 Major League games, Wright has a 3.66 ERA.

Aug 26, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Tommy Layne (59) in the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Surprise: Brock Holt– We all saw the versatility of Holt last year and how valuable it was to the team. Holt played every position except pitcher and catcher last season, and looks to be on his way to do that again this year. I personally beilieve that once everyone has enough at bats to their credit, Holt will become an everyday player, filling some position in the field while batting anywhere in the lineup. Holt will be able to give everyone an off day when needed. He is batting .579 so far in the season in a part time role. I give Victorino another week in right field to show what he’s got, if nothing happens I can see Victorino in a bench spot while Holt starts in right field everyday.

Dissapointment: Pablo Sandoval– Sandoval is hitting .286 so far this season with exactly zero home runs and zero extra base hits. He has ten strikeouts to three walks. Sandoval needs to stop switch hitting. He has no hits batting against left handed pitchers. If he bats only left handed, Sandoval would not see that dramatic of a dip in his numbers.

Notable Surprises: Joe Kelly and Anthony Varvaro have been very good for the Red Sox so far this season. Kelly has been the most consistent pitcher on the team. He has a 2.13 ERA with a 0.71 WHIP and a .191 BAA. While Kelly sometimes exhibits control problems, he looks to be coming into his own this season. Kelly will be a big piece to the Red Sox’ starting rotation. This season, he is tied for second on the team with 11 strikeouts. Varvaro has been a nice piece out of the Red Sox’ bullpen this year. Through 6.1 innings, he has 4 strikeouts and a 1.42 ERA.

Notable Disappointments: The pitching staff is the worst in the league. They have a 6,24 ERA that is good for the worst in baseball. Yes. that ranks 30th out of the 30 teams. The staff needs to put together a few good outings to prove that they don’t need an ace. Shane Victorino is batting .125. Needless to say that the Red Sox have Holt and Castillo waiting to start in right field.

The Red Sox do not play an opponent out of the division until May 11th. This will be a huge test to see if they can hang in the AL East.

More from BoSox Injection

Home/Red Sox News