Home Stretch

With a month to go in the season, the Red Sox have put together a successful season so far. Considering all the team has had to go through with injuries, inconsistencies, and David Ortiz, adds to the impressive performance.

At 76-54 and leading the wild card, the Sox are meeting pre-season expectations—at first glance. However, if David Ortiz had been hitting all season, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield were healthy, and Brad Penny and John Smoltz actually paid off, the Sox’s record might be even more impressive. Although if that did happen, we most likely wouldn’t have Victor Martinez and Alex Gonzalez now, which could have hurt in the postseason.

Since were on the topic of mid-season acquisitions, I think I’ll break down the new guys. Victor Martinez has added depth to the Sox and gave David Ortiz the slugger he asked for in the offseason. Defensively he’s no Jason Varitek, but his big bat more than makes up for that. Alex Gonzalez has been giving the Sox much more than they ever asked for. After claiming him from Cincinnati, their goal was to plug up the defensive hole that was shortstop. He’s clearly the one for the job, seeing as how he is the best defensive shortstop the Red Sox have ever had—he set the club record for fielding percentage at shortstop in 2006. Offensively, he has been a bonus from the number 9 spot and has become a big part of the Sox for the final month. Billy Wagner still has to prove himself though, and if he’s anything like Eric Gagne, the Sox could be in trouble. Thankfully, Okajima has emerged as one of the game’s top setup men, so Wagner won’t be a necessary part of the ‘pen for the postseason. Paul Byrd is also worth noting, as he was seen as Theo recycling another old pitcher, but his return to the Majors last night was impressive as he shutout the Jays over six innings.

The Red Sox’ upcoming schedule is tough, wtih the Rays, Angels, and Yankees as the top foes. They do have a few easy series against the Orioles, Royals, and Indians, but by the time those games come around, the playoff picture may very well be determined.

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