| 22 June 2010
Just a passing thought...
Most teams still in the hunt for a playoff run look for an impact player at the All-Star break, but the Red Sox find themselves in a unique position with July just around the corner.
The offense has played above expectation, leading the majors in runs scored with 390, OPS at .821, total bases 1158 and doubles with 174. They also rank second in home runs with 93, batting average at .278 and OBP at .353.
They've done all of this with a patchwork outfield that has included Darnell MacDonald, Jeremey Hermida, Bill Hall, Daniel Nava, Jon Van Every and Josh Reddick... along with a banged up Mike Cameron (hernia) and JD Drew (hamstring).
The Red Sox would be wise to look at option for some outfield depth, but with Jacoby Ellsbury working his way back from a rib injury, the Sox could get that impact player righ off of thier own disabled list.
As we all know, Ellsbury is capable of hitting .300 out of the leadoff spot in the second half, not to mention, stealing 30+ bases and adding to the runs scored total. They are also likely to get Hermida back beofre the break and that would give the Sox all the depth they need in the outfifield without giving up any prospects through a trade.
Like the offense, the pitching staff has rounded into shape after a rough April. Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz are dominating and John Lackey has been good enough to tally 8 wins on the season. The return of Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka should make this rotation even more intimidating, but the jury is still out on how effectove eahc pitcher will be down the stretch.
If we can take anything way from Beckett's disappointing season, it's that he will be super fresh for the run into the playoffs. If he can regain his effectiveness and stay healthy, we'd have one of the best postseason pitchers in recent history, rolling into October with a live arm andsomething to prove.
Bottom Line: With five starters locked in long-term and Beckett and Matsuzaka on the mend, I don't see the Sox trading for a starter, but they will definitely be looking for some bullpen help. They may still look for some OF depth as well, but the reserves have proven they can play and that gives the Sox a handful of potions once Ellsbury and Hermida bounce back.
All that said, the Sox may consider moving Jonathan Paplebon before he decided to walk away... but that'sa discussion for another time.
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