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happymeal88 · 07-03-2007, 08:03 PM

Boston, MA -- The Boston Red Sox have struggled out of the gate this season, generating a third place record of just 22-34. Through numerous struggles it seems as though the Red Sox have fallen out of the American League East race. The main source of the struggle for the Red Sox has been the starting pitching after the dual aces of Curt Schilling and Scott Sanders. Despite the efforts of those two, the other three starters have combined for 16 of the 34 losses and none of the three have ERA’s below 6.70.

Schilling has yet to struggle like rotation-mates

In contrast Schilling has a 3.86 ERA and Sanders is spotting a 3.60 and together they combine for 9 wins (which is more than the other three combined). The other pitchers on the staff also seem to have avoid struggles with ERA’s ranging from 3.58 for the closer Ricky Bottalico to the 3.95 that Tim Davis has in the set up role. Yorkis Perez and Ricky Honeycutt, the primary middle relief pitchers, have a 3.67 and 3.86 ERA respectfully.

So despite the solid pitching from the bullpen and the top two starters it has been hard for the Red Sox to overcome the struggles of their bottom three pitchers. Likewise, the offense has tried its hardest to overcome their pitching woes but is unable to do it as of the start of July.
Top draft picks Bill Mueller, Jeff Cirillo, Bob Hamelin, Richard Hidalgo, and Mike Stanley have all done admirably at the plate. Mueller and Hidalgo have both hit for over .300 while all five of them have on base percentages above .350, while the entire team ranks third in the AL with a team OBP of .344. The Red Sox also rank third in the league in extra base hits, proving that this lineup isn’t just hitting the ball well, but also hitting it hard.

Mueller a Bright Spot for Sox

So despite solid success at the plate, the fourth best bullpen ERA in the league and the good start by the Red Sox two aces they are struggling to reach .500. This has led to Tim Naehring, the platooning short stop, to reportedly request a trade with the Red Sox front office. Andrew Habermehl, the team General Manager, replyed to inquires about this demand with a curt “no comment” but it remains to be seen how much longer Naehring will wear a B on his cap. The success of his platoon partner, Jeff Frye, could also lead to his exit from Boston.

If he does get traded, the Red Sox hope he brings the losing ways that have plagued them with him. But more importantly, a solid third starter would be nice in return for the seven year Red Sox player.

07-03-2007, 08:03 PM	#7
happymeal88 Bat Boy Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 11	Boston, MA -- The Boston Red Sox have struggled out of the gate this season, generating a third place record of just 22-34. Through numerous struggles it seems as though the Red Sox have fallen out of the American League East race. The main source of the struggle for the Red Sox has been the starting pitching after the dual aces of Curt Schilling and Scott Sanders. Despite the efforts of those two, the other three starters have combined for 16 of the 34 losses and none of the three have ERA’s below 6.70. Schilling has yet to struggle like rotation-mates In contrast Schilling has a 3.86 ERA and Sanders is spotting a 3.60 and together they combine for 9 wins (which is more than the other three combined). The other pitchers on the staff also seem to have avoid struggles with ERA’s ranging from 3.58 for the closer Ricky Bottalico to the 3.95 that Tim Davis has in the set up role. Yorkis Perez and Ricky Honeycutt, the primary middle relief pitchers, have a 3.67 and 3.86 ERA respectfully. So despite the solid pitching from the bullpen and the top two starters it has been hard for the Red Sox to overcome the struggles of their bottom three pitchers. Likewise, the offense has tried its hardest to overcome their pitching woes but is unable to do it as of the start of July. Top draft picks Bill Mueller, Jeff Cirillo, Bob Hamelin, Richard Hidalgo, and Mike Stanley have all done admirably at the plate. Mueller and Hidalgo have both hit for over .300 while all five of them have on base percentages above .350, while the entire team ranks third in the AL with a team OBP of .344. The Red Sox also rank third in the league in extra base hits, proving that this lineup isn’t just hitting the ball well, but also hitting it hard. Mueller a Bright Spot for Sox So despite solid success at the plate, the fourth best bullpen ERA in the league and the good start by the Red Sox two aces they are struggling to reach .500. This has led to Tim Naehring, the platooning short stop, to reportedly request a trade with the Red Sox front office. Andrew Habermehl, the team General Manager, replyed to inquires about this demand with a curt “no comment” but it remains to be seen how much longer Naehring will wear a B on his cap. The success of his platoon partner, Jeff Frye, could also lead to his exit from Boston. If he does get traded, the Red Sox hope he brings the losing ways that have plagued them with him. But more importantly, a solid third starter would be nice in return for the seven year Red Sox player.