If you’re like most in Red Sox nation, this season’s start is less than ideal. At 2-9, Boston is not behind the eight ball yet, but they are well on their way.
Consider their numbers:
After 11 games, the team’s batting average is .230. They have only seven home runs and are scoring a little over three runs a game. Now add to this a pitching staff whose earned run average is 6.77. It certainly paints a portrait as to why the Red Sox are struggling.
The good news is the season is far from over. While the last few games have made me chug as much antacid as Robert De Niro’s character in Casino, the good news is it’s a long season. Things can change quickly.
The Red Sox have the talent to turn it around. There’s no questioning that. Even after a stinker of an opening they are only five games out of first place in the AL East. So the sky isn’t falling on Boston yet.
Still, it’s clear they have a lot of work to do in order to turn it around.
It begins with consistency. In five of their losses, opponents have scored more than eight runs. With a pitching staff as talented as Boston’s, this has to improve. Additionally, they need to find a lineup that works. Boston has eight batters who are currently hitting under .200. It’s vital players like Carl Crawford step up and provide a spark.
The Red Sox begin a crucial series with Toronto this weekend. Following this four-game series they take a six-game trip to the west coast to play Oakland and Anaheim. It’s time Boston starts to make strides in the right direction. If they don’t, April could end up being one of the worst months for Red Sox baseball in some time.
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