The Boston Red Sox are one of the most surprising teams in baseball this season. Despite being written off by many before the season began, Boston has proved the prognosticators wrong. They currently find themselves in the postseason race and have an opportunity to bring October baseball back to Beantown. However, I think that the city of Boston will be waiting a little longer for the Red Sox to return to the playoffs.
The Red Sox Have Been A Surprising Team
Embed from Getty ImagesBefore the season began, it was very easy to consider the season lost for the Boston Red Sox. Many people thought that this team would be one of the worst teams in the franchise’s history. However, the players once again have proved that they have the final say on what happens on the field. The pitching staff has performed better than expected and their offense has been one of the best in the American League. While the team should be a buyer at the trade deadline, Red Sox fans shouldn’t get their hopes up.
The Red Sox Are A Terrible Fielding Team
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Red Sox defense is once again atrocious. Boston is currently tied for first with the Miami Marlins with 67 errors. Not making the plays that should be made and constantly giving away extra outs is a recipe for disaster. The Red Sox’s poor defense will catch up with them in the second half. The kinds of opponents Boston is playing in the second half will make them pay.
A Brutal Second Half Schedule
Embed from Getty ImagesBoston has a brutal schedule ahead. On paper, they have the hardest in the second half of the season. The month of August is especially tough with games against the Royals, Astros, Orioles, and Diamondbacks. Boston currently has a record of 25-32 against opponents with a .500 or better record. They’ve also only won four series against playoff-contending opponents this season as well. Given the early sample size, Boston’s fate doesn’t look too promising.
The Pitching Staff’s Success Has Been Mostly Lucky
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile the Sox pitching staff has been better statistically, the numbers are very misleading. As a staff, Boston has given up 413 unearned runs compared to 354 they were at fault for. The starting rotation also isn’t very deep. They’ve pitched a starter short all season long due to losing Garrett Whitlock for the season. Boston has tried using Cooper Criswell and Josh Winckowski in the rotation and both have been inconsistent. The team is essentially one injured starter away from their rotation becoming a serious problem. The Red Sox pitching staff’s success has been the product of mostly luck.
Expect An Underwhelming Trade Deadline
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite Boston being in playoff contention, Boston is still being indecisive about what they want to do at the deadline. I’m fully expecting the Red Sox to underwhelm at the trade deadline. Fans shouldn’t get their hopes too high and expect them to acquire a big star. In recent years, the Sox have refused to trade away any of their top prospects for proven MLB talent. Team owner John Henry has refused to add a significant amount of payroll as well. Despite having a new chief baseball officer, I don’t expect that thinking to change.
Don’t Get Your Hopes Up
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile the Red Sox have been a surprise this season, the clock will eventually strike midnight on this Cinderella story. Their poor fielding will eventually hurt them at the worst time. Boston’s second-half schedule does them no favors and they have a losing record against winning teams. While the Sox pitching staff has been better than expected, it’s been a product of luck and that isn’t sustainable. Given how the team has operated in recent years, fans shouldn’t get their hopes up at the trade deadline. While the Sox are playing meaningful baseball right now, don’t expect them to clinch a postseason berth.
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