Red Sox first half player and management grades

BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations, left, and Mike Hazen, new Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Red Sox, address the media during a press conference to announce Hazen’s promotion before the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on September 24, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Management

Carl Willis– A

The staff finished the first half as the best in the AL with a 13.2 fWAR. A 2.56 BB/9 is also AL best. LOB% is 74.9 and second best in AL. Starters are ranked number one and bullpen is ranked fourth so Willis is doing something right.

With the loss of Wright and injuries to Rodriguez and Price the rotation has still done the job. How much is the Pomeranz improvement based on Willis? The ‘pen has done remarkably well despite Tyler Thornburg and Carson Smith not being available.

John Farrell – B+

Are the Red Sox winning because of Farrell or in spite of Farrell? They are 2-0 with Farrell out of the picture. There is also some simmering in the clubhouse, but that seems to be both a natural occurrence and something that has been addressed.

Next: Betts and Devers earn weekly honors

Dave Dombrowski – INC

If the Red Sox go on and win a World Series then DD will most certainly get an A+. If the Red Sox miss out again this grade will sink dramatically. The farm system has been stripped clean, but two stars in Sale and Kimbrel outweigh the negativity – at least at this point.

Statistics through 7/2

Schedule