Red Sox: Three up, three down from the month of June

We’re nearing the trade deadline and the mid-way point of the season. It’s time for contenders like the Red Sox to take stock of what they have.

As the calendar once again turns, this time from June to July, it’s time to take a look at those members of the Boston Red Sox who’ve stood out from their peers, either for good or for ill. As we draw ever nearer to the All-Star Break, and therefore to the trade deadline, the Red Sox front office will intensify its scrutiny of the current roster.

Those who wind up on management’s naughty list by the time Baseball Christmas rolls around may find themselves re-gifted to other teams. Others, though disappointing, will remain. There’s always hope that they’ll one day live up to their enormous value.

Some players, of course, have made themselves untouchable. The likes of Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez, Chris Sale, and Craig Kimbrel will obviously remain right where they are. Some have more recently joined that group and though they don’t enjoy the same level of job security. They should consider themselves valued contributors.

The name of the game is October, and it’s all about convincing those in charge that you’ll be of use when that most sacred month finally arrives. So, with that in mind, let’s take a moment to examine who’s pushed themselves further into keeper territory, and who has left many wondering exactly how useful they actually are.