Boston Red Sox: Three up, three down since the All-Star Break

The All-Star Break and trade deadline have come and gone. The stretch run of the season is here. Some Red Sox are rising to the occasion, while others may play themselves off of the playoff roster.

We’ve passed the trade deadline, and the Boston Red Sox were relatively quiet. Many thought they might add a big-time relief pitcher, and perhaps they might yet, but in the end, Dave Dombrowski indicated his satisfaction with the team as currently composed.

Given how well the team has played since the All-Star break, and really all season long, it’s hard to blame him. Boston has a comfortable lead in the American League East and is on pace to win a franchise record 113 games. What matters more, however, is that they look to be hitting their stride and playing their best baseball at just the right time. The starting rotation has been more or less excellent, and the lineup looks unstoppable.

As we head down the stretch, it’s crucial that the Red Sox continue to build on these successes. We’ve seen what happens when they rest on their laurels before the season is truly wrapped. Some players have stood out since the break and must continue to do so going forward. Others, however, have turned in lackluster performances far too often. If the Red Sox are going to turn this spectacular season into a championship season, they’ll need more out of those players.