Are Red Sox in Trouble?
So far this season, the Boston Red Sox are still looking a far cry from the 2013 World Series winning team they once were. Currently they sit bottom of the AL East Division with a record of 16-18 and a winning percentage .471 which puts them 4.5 games out 1st place. Might not sound terrible but when you consider that they were the heavy favourites to sweep this division, a heavy cloud comes over proceedings. On the MLB power rankings, the Red Sox currently rank 22nd overall! When you consider that this is below team such as the Miami Marlins and the Baltimore Orioles, then serious questions are raised.
During the off season, the Red Sox appeared to have filled the gaps from last season by landing some of the most sought after free agents such as former Giants slugger, Pablo Sandoval, Hanley Ramirez and pitcher Justin Masterson. All seemed bright in the state of Massachusetts, but since then things haven't been so straight forward. Having a consistent starting pitcher seems to be continuing burden for Boston and ever since Jon Lester left town, there has been a gaping hole. Clay Buchholz has done his best, but there just doesn't appear to be a real ace in the pack. Looking at the bullpen consisting of Joe Kelly, Wade Miley and Masterson among others, it just doesn't strike fear into your enemies hearts.
Another issue faced by Boston is that many of their talents are approaching twilight years! David Ortiz can still knock the cover off a ball, but at 38 years old even his time is slowing down. Shane Victorino is 34, Mike Napoli is 33 and even Dustin Pedroia is in his early 30's now! There has been some young blood pumped in lately in the form of Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts. But even they have failed to stop the rot of late at Fenway. Manager John Farrell if he wants to keep his job at Fenway better start coming up with a good game plan, because while the Yankees are sailing, Boston are sinking!
During the off season, the Red Sox appeared to have filled the gaps from last season by landing some of the most sought after free agents such as former Giants slugger, Pablo Sandoval, Hanley Ramirez and pitcher Justin Masterson. All seemed bright in the state of Massachusetts, but since then things haven't been so straight forward. Having a consistent starting pitcher seems to be continuing burden for Boston and ever since Jon Lester left town, there has been a gaping hole. Clay Buchholz has done his best, but there just doesn't appear to be a real ace in the pack. Looking at the bullpen consisting of Joe Kelly, Wade Miley and Masterson among others, it just doesn't strike fear into your enemies hearts.
Another issue faced by Boston is that many of their talents are approaching twilight years! David Ortiz can still knock the cover off a ball, but at 38 years old even his time is slowing down. Shane Victorino is 34, Mike Napoli is 33 and even Dustin Pedroia is in his early 30's now! There has been some young blood pumped in lately in the form of Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts. But even they have failed to stop the rot of late at Fenway. Manager John Farrell if he wants to keep his job at Fenway better start coming up with a good game plan, because while the Yankees are sailing, Boston are sinking!
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