BoSox Injection
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
Apr 17, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; The US flag is draped over the center field wall during the national anthem prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; The US flag is draped over the center field wall during the national anthem prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

What about the next fifty or so games? The Red Sox have the pitching despite the scourge of injuries. There is a disclaimer and that is all about the recovery of Price. Without Price giving a solid seven or so each game the Red Sox bullpen could be toast after a month. I don’t count on Brian Johnson morphing into vintage Lefty Grove nor do I expect Thornburg and Smith to show up until post All-Star break – if then.

The hitting has been on and off and probably will continue to be just that. Several games were lost by a lack of a crucial hit and Sale seemed to be the one suffering the most. Expect to see the Red Sox to get a bit more production that we witnessed in the first 50 games.

The defense looked better the last few weeks as suddenly all the basics seemed to be collectively remembered. This team needs solid run-saving defense since the hitting has become rather un-Red Sox like.

Next: Catching up with old friends: David Aardsma

This is a team that should be either leading the division or a notch behind at the All-Star break. They certainly have the talent – especially the arms. The depleted farm system offers up little either to help the Big Club or for potential trades. It will be an enjoyable June and July.

Home/Red Sox News