2011 MLB mid season review: Boston Red Sox
We start our 2011 MLB mid seasons review with the Boston Red Sox. They have a 45-33 record, and sit 1.5 games behind the New York Yankees for the lead in the American League Central. So far, they have spent 20 days of the 2011 season in first place. They also have pretty even record at home and on the road. They are also 6-6 in interleague play so far this year.
So far, the BoSox have scored 409 runs on 748 hits. That hit total leads the American League as we approach the MLB All Star break that signifies the first half of the 2011 season. As a team, they are hitting .277 and that stat leads the American League. So far, their best hitter is first baseman Adrian Gonzales who is batting .361 with a .415 OBP. Right Fielder JD Drew has the lowest BA of their regular nine starters with a .232.
Their pitching staff has given up 324 runs and has a staff ERA of 3.97. That ranks their staff ninth of the 14 American League teams. They have had some struggles in he starting rotation losing Daisuke Matsuzaka for the year and likely more with Tommy John surgery. So far, the BoSox staff has struck out 545 batters and issued 262 walks. Their closer, Jonathan Papelbon has converted 14 saves, and appeared in 30 games.
Looking over the numbers it seems clear that the Red Sox could use another starting pitcher to make a second half run at the divisional championship. I do not think Andrew Miller is that guy, even though he pitched well in his first start of the year. I would expect to see the Sox work to add a back of the rotation starter to help them get over the loss of Daisuke.
Related Links:
- Boston Red Sox news and notes
- Joshua Lobdell.com
