El Guapo's Ghost Rambles on about the Red Sox

Will Middlebrook AP

The Red Sox have played a legit 600 baseball over the first third of the season.  If they continue on this pace, we are looking at a 95 plus win season and October baseball.  But it is doubtful that the club will continue to play this well as they are currently constructed. 

The Sox pitching is solid and deep.  Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz are bring back memories of Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe.  But unlike in 1988, we are not praying for snow after DLowe's starts.  John Lackey and Ryan Dempster are capable middle of the rotation starters (I have come around on the thirty something pair).  Franklin Morales, Felix Doubront and Alfredo Aceves provide depth in the rotation without even considering the prospects.  The pen has a threesome of late inning relievers and a loogy, which  is the receipe for an effecitve modern bullpen.  But pitching is only one part of the game.

Even though the Olde Towne Team's lineup ranks high in most offensive catgeories, sustained excellence may not continue.  The top producers - Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino - all have health concerns.  The production of journey man, Daniel Nava, has offset the terrible first third of the year put up by Will Middlebrooks.  Nava will probably regress, but we should begin to doubt Middlebrooks ability to get out of his sophomore slump.  The Sox should explore an upgrade at the hot corner that is not a short shop from Cuba.  Jose Iglesias is not the answer.

In all, the 2013 Red Sox has been a pleasant surprise.  But please do not be tempted to trade the future to get back to October baseball at Fenway.  We want sustained success again.

Labels: Red Sox