Boston Red Sox: 100-win season may be possible, but meaningless

Eduardo Rodriguez (The guy who somehow’s finessed 11 wins)

That’s right. I refuse to credit E-Rod for the 11-wins sitting on his record, and here’s why.

Unlike the case of Chris Sale, offense seems to always come through for Rodriguez. Why do I say so? That’s because Rodriguez is a massive bullpen killer. In 18 games this season, he’s lasted just 5.1 innings per start. This comes with the offense giving him 5.6 runs per game.

Rodriguez is simply another case of an unreliable arm in the rotation. He hasn’t reached 7.0 innings during any of his 18 starts this year.

Just another lefty Cora can’t rely on in October.

Drew Pomeranz (Where is he?)

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After last season, Pomeranz began to change my judgment and verdict on him.

Yet that’s all changed. I throw Drew Pomeranz in the same pile of Dave Dombrowksi’s failed trades as Head of Baseball Operations. Tyler Thornburg, Carson Smith, and Addison Reed. Just a few names of moves I didn’t and still don’t understand.

In Pomeranz’ case, there’s a similar situation. Let’s begin by revisiting why Pomeranz was an enticing target for Dombrowski at the 2016 trade deadline. All-Star recognition with a 2.47 earned run average… in San Diego.

Now I understand it’s unfair to hold a team against a player, but what about his own history? Pomeranz has made only 1 All-Star appearance; and prior to that, spent his first 5 seasons as a relief pitcher.

Much like Porcello, Pomeranz has had an inconsistent and odd stint since joining the Red Sox. Last season he was among the most dominant arms in the rotation. 17 wins and a 3.32 ERA to finish 2017. Yet it appears as though his hot streak as a starter has faded away. Pomeranz sits struggling to make it through starts, not with Boston but down in Triple-A.

It’s unknown where this’ll lead Pomeranz and even if he’ll be an option come October.

Overall…

What the 2018 Boston Red Sox have done thus far is undoubtedly remarkable. 66 wins with three games remaining scheduled prior to the July All-Star break. A 10-game win streak. Seems as though everything’s clicking for this Red Sox team. Even aside from the recent 13-7 loss against Toronto on Friday night.

Next: Why these 2018 Boston Red Sox are a team you can believe in

However until I can see some foundation in pitching, I can’t say I’m all in. There’s just too much that can easily be pin-pointed as the cause for a repeated ending. Much like we’ve seen in the past two seasons.