It’s hard to find a bright spot about the Red Sox in this young season.
Let’s see: Dustin Pedroia is hitting great – at a .367 clip – and already has five home runs. John Lackey, has pitched well in his first two starts. That’s about it.
The Sox are 4-8. They’ve lost three games in a row to the Tampa Bay Rays, and looked outclassed in every phase of the game. Their hitting is as bad as many fans feared. Their bullpen is very shaky. Their best starter, Jon Lester, has pitched poorly in his first three outings. Even their much-vaunted defense – supposed to bring the “run-prevention” that GM Theo Epstein promised, has been absent. In fact, newcomer Mike Cameron, normally an outstanding glove man, made a critical error last night that rattled his pitcher, Clay Buchholz, and became a turning point in the game. Catcher Victor Martinez and backup catcher Jason Varitek cannot throw out anyone attempting to steal a base. (The Rays, typically, have stolen bases effortlessly) I could go on…….
Just how bad are the 2010 Red Sox? It’s way too early, of course, but, I fear that in this particular season, the early signs might be indicative of what to expect for much of this season. This team seems to have too many weaknesses to overcome in order to compete with the NY Yankees or the Rays, who both seem far superior to the Sox right now.
This team, as I feared, has such a mediocre hitting lineup that its pitching must be superb if it is to win many games. Once a pitcher gets past Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Victor Hernandez, there is no one who is that “threatening” at the plate. So, far, David Ortiz, now hitting .171, and J.D. Drew, hitting .132, have been a piece of cake for opposing pitchers. The Red Sox, suddenly, seem to have a National League hitting cast. It won’t cut it in the American League East, or, against other good AL teams.
I heard today the Red Sox had not has this bad a start since the late 1990s. With each passing game, I appreciate what Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz achieved here in their heyday even more. Last year, Jason Bay was so on fire for a chunk of the season that it distracted fans from the loss of Ramirez & Big Papi. Now, with Bay gone, Ortiz looking “done” so far and no other slugger, the Red Sox look so embarrasingly bad that, if the trend continues, GM Theo Epstein, CEO Larry Lucchino and owner John Henry might have to make some very tough decisions earlier than anticipated. Will they have to “sacrifice” this year while waiting for their young talent to mature by 2011? How will they respond to fan pressure to make a deal for a big bat? After all, they have a terrific pitching staff — Are they going to let it go to waste?
Then, there is the matter of Clay Buccholz and if he, finally, can overcome mental lapses to become the pitcher so many believe he can. On Saturday night, Buccholz was his typical self – After Cameron made a bad error instead of recording the third out of the first inning, Buchholz became rattled and gave up a double to Pat Burrell with the bases loaded. Buchholz looked increasingly shaky as he got into trouble — which is his pattern. When he gives up hits or walks, Buchholz still struggles with a rookie-type loss of confidence. Often, one senses that if he could maintain his composure and believe in his pitches, he’d endure these moments much easier. Peter Gammons, now a commentator for NESN, which televises the Sox games, said he still thinks Buchholz has first-rate “stuff” that could make him an elite pitcher. But, I think time is running out a bit for Buchholz in Boston. If he cannot improve his focus this year, I think he may not even remain on the team. On the other hand, after the first inning Saturday, he calmed down, and was displaying his excellent stuff until leaving after five innings. So, which Buchholz will emerge in 2010?
A final point: I heard a caller on a sports radio show a day or two ago who spoke for many when he blurted out: “This team is so boring…..”
Like I said, these first 12 games of mediocrity have made me realize – again – how spoiled we Red Sox fans have become in the past ten years or so. We’ve always had someone exciting to cheer on – whether Pedro, Manny, or Big Papi. Suddenly, just the thought of an uneventful season feels unbearable.
At least, it’s still early……I can’t imagine the Red Sox out of contention!!!
