Whoa. It's been a while since we posted up a Red Sox article. But, what better time to post one now, right at the All-Star break. Now is the time of year to take a step back and recharge for a few days, enjoy the festivities and get ready to go for the rest of the season.
Now, let's take a look at who stood out, and who needs to tweak a few things going into the second half. John Farrell: B+ Besides the occasional bone-headed noon-move to the bullpen or not putting in a pinch hitter that would clearly be a better fit in the given spot, you can't really fault the man too much. After all, the team is in first place in the AL East and has reached 50 wins. Not too shabby, John. Not too shabby. Rotation: B This grade would be lower, but Chris Sale is on the team. Thank the lord. Other than Sale (11-4 2.75 ERA), and Drew Pomeranz who has been a pleasant surprise with 9 wins at the break, the rotation has been, at best, average. The rest of the rotation, especially David Price, will need to return to form if Boston has plans to go deep into October. Bullpen: A+ The bullpen this year has been absolutely phenomenal, minus Matt Barnes, but that's okay. Craig Kimbrel, who is an All-Star, has been lights out all season long, and could even be considered for the Cy Young award. Joe Kelly is another guy who's been a surprise. Coming out of the pen and throwing missiles upwards of 100 MPH. All in all, the bullpen might be what saves Boston in the postseason if their starters continue struggling. Catchers: C+ Defensively, the catchers have been very good. Offensively however, that's a different story. Sandy Leon and Christian Vazquez (hitting .244 and .267) will need to pick it up a little bit with their bats to take some of the pressure off the top of the lineup. First Base: A- Besides Chris Sale, Mitch Moreland has been arguably the best off-season acquisition. Although his stats may not show it, (.257, 12 HR, 41 RBI) Moreland has come up with a bundle of big hits for the Sox when they need it, and he also has been very solid in the field as well, boasting a 1.4 WAR. Second Base: A+ There's really not much more Dustin Pedroia can do to help the team this year. He's done it all, and his stats show just how dangerous he can be when he's healthy. Dustin is hitting .303 with 4 homers and 41 RBI, and of course, he's doing it yet again with his glove, which has been his trademark since he entered the league back in 2007. Shortstop: A+ Just like Pedroia, Bogaerts has been anther irreplaceable part of the Sox lineup. Bogaerts has a 2.0 WAR, is batting .303 with 6 homers and 41 RBI. Xander even earned enough recognition around the league and was in the final vote for the American League All-Star team. Xander is having a heck of a season, and will be a crucial piece of the Boston lineup for years to come. Third Base: D+ The Red Sox third base crisis is one that I can't remember ever seeing in baseball before. Boston just can't find a consistent third baseman that can play everyday. Pablo Sandoval is down in Triple-A "rehabbing" an inner ear infection. Josh Rutledge can't hit, and neither can Deven Marrero. The hot corner is a major hole for Boston, and one that is going to have to be fixed quickly. Outfield: A Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr. are a trio that make up one of the best outfields in baseball. All season long, they've been making plays with their gloves, as well as their bats. Betts is hitting .272 with 16 HR and 53 RBI. While Bradley is hitting .280 with 12 HR and 38 RBI and has been one of the most consistent hitters in the Sox lineup all year. Keep on dancin' fellas. Designated Hitter: B Now, Hanley Ramirez is obviously no David Ortiz, but he has been turning his season around as of late, which is the reason for a B grade. Hanley is hitting .261 with 13 HR and 34 RBI.
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