With the Boston Red Sox pitching staff struggling in recent weeks, here is a look back at the top eight pitchers in Red Sox history that they should emulate.
In my last article, I highlighted former Red Sox pitchers, like Jon Lester and John Lackey, who are currently dominating the National League. It poured salt into the already deep wounds of Red Sox fans, who last night were forced to watch Clay Buchholz return to the mound for yet another dismal performance.
The Red Sox pitching staff is ranked 18th in the majors with a 4.36 ERA. They have given up 334 earned runs in 689 innings pitched. Red Sox pitchers have walked 260 and struck out 665 batters, and have recorded a BAA or opponent’s batting average of .247.
Of the 77 starts made by Red Sox pitchers, only 40 have been deemed quality, and this year, Red Sox relievers have recorded 18 total saves.
The team’s best pitcher is, without question Steven Wright, who has the fifth lowest ERA in baseball (2.18), and has earned a record of 8-5, recording 84 strikeouts, and allowing only five home runs and seventy-eight hits in fifteen starts. Wright’s performance this year has been a welcomed surprise, as opposed to the unwelcome one that has been the performance of David Price.
Perhaps the Red Sox pitching staff should start channeling the energy of the following eight men, who are the greatest pitchers in Red Sox history.
Next: Luis Tiant