Time to Push the Button?
No, this has not turned in to a Lost fan site - I’m talking about the proverbial panic button.
The Red Sox have lost 5 out of 6 and seen their lead on first place slip to 9 games (though they are still the only team in the AL East with a winning record). They are now 5-5 in their last 10, which is acceptable but obviously not ideal. They still have the best record in baseball, though no longer the most wins (The Angels have the most wins with 38 vs. Boston’s 37).
At times like these, you have to start looking at those who are not performing (Drew/Lugo). The Youkilis/Pedroia show isn’t going to keep going the way they have been, like we’ve seen in the 2 Oakland games so far. Alex Cora cooled off, Mike Lowell is not going to lead the team in home runs and hit .330 all year. Someone is going to have to step it up soon or we are going to see a real slump.
That guy who steps it up really should be JD Drew. Julio Lugo isn’t hitting, but he’s still getting on base and driving in runs. Drew is they guy who has suddenly forgotten how to hit. Hopefully he can be a catalyst when he finally comes around and carry the team, at least for a little while. Though who knows if he’ll even play today since the Sox are up against another lefty (side note - how much money could we make betting against the Sox every time a lefty pitches? They win maybe 1 out of every 3 I’d say) and they are committed to getting Wily Mo his at bats in hopes he can get hot again. Don’t forget that Wily hit over .300 in limited time last year.
In the end, we can probably stay off the panic button at least for now, but something is going to have to improve before they can start playing .700 ball again.
The pitching is still looking good and isn’t really much of a concern
Stumble it!