Well, there were many people this season who had their share of doubts about the "new" Red Sox, without Adrian Gonzalez or Josh Beckett but with Mike Napoli, Jackie Bradley Jr. and John Lackey. Certainly, some people didn't believe that the Sox could do well coming off such a terrible season and appearing to have made no significant off-season pickups. However, those people should look at the standings. Today, the Sox remain in first, a full game ahead of Tampa Bay for the top spot in the AL East. Boston's bats have been alive, and -- believe it or not -- John Lackey and Felix Doubront have emerged as the aces of the BoSox, while Koji Uehara has been pitching excellent relief and closing out ballgames well.
Take last night's game as an example. First of all, Felix Doubront needed very little help, going eight strong innings, giving up just five hits and one run. Yet the Red Sox gave him all the help he needed, with Will Middlebrooks finally delivering with a two-run homer and Stephen Drew also smashing a bomb. Meanwhile, Jacoby Ellsbury lined three hits to get on base and set up several runs. The Sox steamrolled the Giants 12-1, with Uehara coming in to pitch an easy ninth inning. I love that the Sox continue to do well even as we come close to September, driving in runs and supporting their pitchers well. And yes, the Sox have had their fair share of sloppy games and losses, but those things happen over the course of a 162-game season. They still hold a top spot in the AL East and have one of the best records in baseball. Hopefully they will keep up the good work and hold onto the top spot as we roll into September and eventually October.
