Boston Red Sox first half grades
By Rick McNair
Starters
David Price – C-
You have to scale this grade with his early season collapse. Price seems to have recovered until another rough spot surfaced his last two starts. The fact is he has not performed like an ace and is now patient zero for how misleading W/L can be at 8-5 with an ERA that approaches 5.00. More bad news is 15 home runs allowed and some were to hitters that Price should toy with. The good news is his FIP is 3.58, leads the AL in strikeouts and has not missed a start. Oh…and more bad news? What he did in far too many of those 17 starts.
If you figure money into the grading equation I would be tempted to make this an F.
Rick Porcello – B
This is the Porcello that was expected – a gritty inning eater who may have the occasional meltdown, but will keep you in the game. The ERA is 3.78 and FIP of 3.97 is close – and speaking of close – Porcello leads the league in hit batters. Nice to have a pitcher who fights for the inside of the plate. This is the Porcello of 2014 and is an excellent middle rotation pitcher.
I had some lingering feelings that E-Rod could potentially be another Felix Doubront – that is now looking prophetic. Now back in Pawtucket to retool and attempt to salvage 2016. The core numbers are pathetic – ERA 8.59, FIP 6.95, WHIP 1.74 and an HR/9 of 2.8. One can go to Pitchf/x and digest all the numbers regarding velocity, pitch selection, and all the other sundry metrics – it should be R rated.
Clay Buchholz – F
Why bother?
Joe Kelly – F
See Buchholz, Clay.
Steven Wright – A+
Can Wright keep it up? Wright has saved this staff and that means staff including bullpen. Some of his performances are scintillating and compared to the variety of cream puffs dragged out he is a blessing for RSN.
Remains – F
Why even discuss those called up? There is not enough Zoloft to calm my nerves.