The Red Sox are off to a historically good start to the 2015 campaign, having won their first three series for the first time since 1952, when they won the first six series in an ultimately disappointing season, per ESPN Stats & Info.
What’s even more impressive, the Red Sox have started so well despite a relatively poor start for the pitching staff. The club ranks 25th in team ERA (4.75) and 29th in starters’ ERA (6.16), although much of that can be attributed to a 14-run explosion by the New York Yankees on Sunday.
As expected, hitting has been the real strength of the club, with Boston’s 6.2 runs per game ranking second in the major leagues, behind only the 6.4 scored by the Kansas City Royals.
Of course, as the 1952 Red Sox showed, a good start often fails to translate into a successful season. That club finished with a 76-78 record, despite winning 12 of its first 15 games.
To be fair, this version of the Red Sox quite clearly has enough talent to avoid a similar fate, with the lineup led by a frightening mixture of new and familiar names. Second baseman Dustin Pedroia, first baseman Mike Napoli and designated hitter David Ortiz are joined by offseason acquisitions Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval, while rookie outfielder Mookie Betts is also subject to high expectations.
Given that the Red Sox have both star power and depth in the lineup, a mediocre season from the pitching staff should be good enough to secure a playoff spot.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com