AL East Round Up- “As Pitching Goes” Edition

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Red Sox

Felix Doubront was shaken for 5 earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings against the Rangers. Jake Peavy was solid against the Rangers. He struck out 8 and only allowed 1 earned run. Clay Buchholz was good in his start against the Yankees going 6 innings, giving up 4 runs (2 earned). Turns out that Michael Pineda was that much better on that night.  Jon Lester gave a nice, quality start on Friday. His previous start against Milwaukee was also a good start, but he ended up losing as the Sox were swept by the Brewers. John Lackey was shelled for 6 earned runs over 5 1/3 innings on Saturday, but his start against the Rangers before that was great (7 innings, 0 earned runs) What does all of this mean? Like every team, the Red Sox need their starting pitching to carry them. They have a great offense, and so far that offense is what has kept them from losing more games than they have. When the Sox pitchers are on, so are the other teams’. When theirs are off, the offense is there to bail them out. While this recipe has not led to success in the early goings, this team is too good to be sitting in last place for long…as much as Jays fans are enjoying it right now.

NOTES:

-In a bit of irony, the Red Sox took issue with Yankee pitcher Michael Pineda having pine tar on his hand. In a piece by Ian Browne at MLB.com, the Red Sox tried to brush it off by saying things like ‘It makes sense he’d want to improve his grip on a cold night, but he should try and hide it better.’ One wonders if they are being so nonchalant about it because they remember Clay Buchholz’ incident last year. Why would you be OK with another team appearing to cheat unless you do too? Just saying.

–Grady Sizemore is back! It looks like he his healthy and contributing again. This is great for baseball, but also for him. Celebratory butt pat for Sizemore!