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Red Sox: Grading the first 50 games

By Rick McNair

Apr 3, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the fifth inning of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the fifth inning of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 29, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Hanley Ramirez (13) hits a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Hanley Ramirez (13) hits a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

OFFENSE

In 2016 the Red Sox offense led the league in just about every positive statistical category – both traditional and metrics. The one item that is the most important runs. Runs win games – even my muddled mind can decipher that earth shattering reasoning. This season the Red Sox are fifth in the AL, but the good news is that figure is climbing.

Collectively, this offense has no home run punch of note as they are last in the AL in that total. In a world turned upside down the Rays are first. The Red Sox do have their usual lock on doubles and this team has a group of players that are quite accomplished at getting the ball in the gap. The offense is also dead last (thankfully) in K%. This is an offense that works a pitcher.

The great offensive void has been third base where Pablo Sandoval was supposed to reside until injury intervened. Every other option has come up negative. The loss of Brock Holt has been critical, but the reality is the team has managed to survive.

To paraphrase Rick Pitino – “A home run hitter is not walking through that door.” What you see offensively is what you will get for the season. Mookie Betts has taken a slight dip back from 2016 and Xander Bogaerts is smart enough to take what he is given and not swinging from his heels. Jackie Bradley may or may not go on a streak and Mitch Moreland is as advertised.

The marathon will continue and in the next fifty games, the Red Sox offense will most certainly improve in the runs category. Right now they appear to be an engine with an occasional sticky cylinder. Maybe Hanley Ramirez will get that cylinder unstuck?

First 50 Grade – B-

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