AL East Round Up: Report Card Edition: Offense and Defense

Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Red Sox

I have taken great pleasure watching John Ferrell’s squad hanging out in the basement for so long. Although, now I’m not laughing so loudly. Especially since these Red Sox have come in to Toronto and put the Jays in their place. Literally. The Red Sox are starting to come around and we’re seeing them climb the standings. Their offense will eventually live up to its potential. The defense needs to pick up the slack.

Grades:

Offense- B-
So far, 2014 has not been kind to the Red Sox. Considering their lineup and what is expected of them, they’ve flat out struggled. They are sitting on a .243 average which is good for 12th in the AL. They are 7th in hits (207), 6th in HR (22), 2nd in doubles (49) and 8th in runs scored (104). The Red Sox are striking out with an average of  9/game. But they continue to be patient working teams for 102 walks (3rd in AL). Mike Napoli seems to be the pillar of consistency for this team. He’s hitting .307 with 5 HR and 15 RBI. Good thing the Jays let him go for Frank Francisco…where is he now? David Ortiz may not have the average we’re used to seeing, but he is making the most out of the hits he does get. He’s got 5HR and 13 RBI to go with 3 2B. Like every other team, if the bats start working at the same time, this team will be dangerous. It seems like a 3 game set against the Blue Jays will be just what the doctor ordered.

Defense-  C
The Red Sox defense has been…meh. They haven’t exactly been solid. They have committed 19 errors. In 25 games. Their fielding percentage is at .980 (10th) and they’ve turned 57 double plays (9th). They likely miss the presence of a healthy Jacoby Ellsbury. Chris Toman of MLB.com expresses the Red Sox’ concern over defense in this piece.