The RedSox were rolling. They came back from the well documented failure in April and have been in-out of first place for a couple months. They appeared to have begun to reach their potential and things were great.
This week, David Ortiz develops a heel/foot issue. He has been out of the lineup for the doubleheader yesterday with Tampa and the game this afternoon too. One man doesn't make a lineup, Kevin Youkilis also has missed the games. The issue? In the three games in two days against division rival Tampa the Sox have put a total of 15 runners on base (or HR). Nine hits in three games, five walks and a HBP.
The team went comatose all together. For the season, these RedSox have averaged 13.79 baserunners per contest. 9.8 hits, 3.7 walks and .3 HBP. Amazing that they won a game this week so far.
They will get hot again, maybe when Ortiz and Youk get back in the lineup, maybe before then. If and when they head into the playoffs they need to be ready to hit. While this team has good pitching, it isn't their strength, their ability to hit in spots 1-9 is.
Hey Bl.
ReplyDeleteCarl Crawford was 0-9 with 5 k's against TB. He has been a total and complete flop yet has avoided any major criticism thus far. With Youkilis and Ortiz hurt and AGon struggling, Crawfords uselessness is magnified.
Here's hoping he is just taking one season to get comfortable in Boston and then rakes next year.
Andy
Andy - I've given Crawford a long leash too. I still feel he will be ok at some point later, whether that is down the stretch or next year I don't know.
ReplyDeleteAnytime Lackey only gives up 4 runs you gotta win :)
Last December I purchased tickets to Fenway for 2 games vs the Rays next month. I thought it would be fun to see Crawford stealing bases against his former teammates. He drew criticism in Spring Training and nothing has been brought to light since that time. Disappointing to say the least for the highest paid guy in MLB.
ReplyDeleteto steal a base one must first get on base :)
ReplyDeleteThe whole team needs to get healthy