WBOB Original Reads

Salk: Second Half Questions For The Sox

7/14/2017

Tyler Salk

The season is too old to say it’s still early. We’re past the All Star break, and it’s not too early to recognize the hometown Red Sox are on top of the American League East with a three and a half game lead over the Yankees and Rays (as of writing this). It is too early to declare the team champs, or even division winners, but with a 50-39 record, things are looking good for the team.

The team is sent three players to the All Star Game in Miami; Chris Sale, Craig Kimbrel, and Mookie Betts. The Red Sox haven’t played poorly, but with less than three months left to play, there are definitely some questions that need to be asked.

HERE ARE 5 SECOND HALF QUESTIONS FOR THE BOSTON RED SOX

What’s going on at third base?

I could have told you from the minute a deal was announced, Pablo Sandoval was not a good signing. I’m being honest. I liked Price being brought in, I liked Hanley. Never a fan of Sandoval. He’s proved me right. Even after losing weight, he’s been tougher to watch than the third Major League movie. Lin and Marrero have filled in well. But are we trusting these young guys to keep it up? The team has been linked to one of the Pal’s favorites, Marlin’s third baseman Martin Prado, as of late. They’ve been linked to other 3B all season long. Devers could be up in September. But something has to happen, they can’t give Pablo a way back in.

Can you keep winning without hitting the long ball?

The answer to that question is yes, but there is nothing that can change a game like a home run. The momentum can swing drastically, and you can change the score in a matter of seconds. The Red Sox currently have the least home runs in the American League. They don’t NEED to hit the ball out of the park to win, but in October, it’s certainly a potential game changer for any team. The reason Pedroia went nuts rounding the bases the other day was because a Red Sox home run is rare.

Is your bullpen strong enough?

Craig Kimbrel is more than an All Star. He’s back to having the form he had when he was considered the top closer in baseball. Joe Kelly has been outstanding. The questions begin after them. Matt Barnes has not been overly consistent, however his strikeout numbers do point to success. Heath Hembree has a similar ERA but an atrocious WHIP. Another piece would be helpful for this team, and necessary for them to make a run. Our signature Paw Sox beat writer can fill you in on who is coming up through the minors, and Carson Smith is getting closer to a return, we have to wonder what he is still capable of. One thing is for sure, they’ll need another late inning arm to go far.

Is David Price kind of, sort of, back?

Guys. Guys! He hasn’t been awful. While he has had his hiccups, David Price has only allowed more than three runs in one outing, dating back to over a month ago. He hasn’t allowed a home run over his past four outings, and he overall has looked like a solid rotation piece. Worth the money? Probably not. But it can get a whole lot worse than the 2017 David Price, and if he stays healthy the Sox can have a very strong rotation in October.

Is this team strong enough to make a deep playoff run?

Yes. They are strong enough to have a chance. The way the Astros are playing, they have to be the American League favorites at this point, and with Corey Kluber pitching like an ace again, I give the Indians current roster the edge over the Sox. There are still a lot of moves to be made, the trade deadline is a few weeks away, and rosters can be very different. Guys can get hurt, etc. Do I think they are the best team? Nope. But you’d be a fool to not give this team a chance.

My predictions at the halfway point:

Red Sox make the playoffs, lose to the Indians.

Astros beat the Dodgers in the World Series