Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Red Sox 100 game Report Card: Grading a World Series contender

By Gio Rivera

TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated by J.D. Martinez #28 after scoring a run in the third inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated by J.D. Martinez #28 after scoring a run in the third inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 10
Next
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Hector Velazquez (The bullpen warrior)

Expectations remained unknown with Hector Velazquez coming into this season. I mean what do you expect from the fill in guy/mop up duty arm? That’s essentially what Velazquez served as for John Farrell last season.

However, this year has been different. Put aside whatever short term start you want to bring up. Velazquez doesn’t deserve to be measured through starts for guys failing to do their job. Yeah, I’m talking about Steven Wright and Drew Pomeranz. Velazquez has paid his dues, earning time out of the bullpen this season.

Current stats: 3-0/4.31 ERA/39.2 IP/41 SO/1.160 WHIP.

Joe Kelly (The other reliable bullpen guy)

Another comeback type season has come from the fearless Joe Kelly. Respect levels rose high for Kelly who took the liberty of being the main participant in a classic Yankees/Red Sox brawl back in April. Kelly had his ups and downs since being acquired by Boston from St. Louis. Nonetheless he’s put all that behind him and is having a very solid season.

Now, I’m well aware Kelly has had a rough stretch recently. In his last 14.2 innings pitched, he’s allowed 17 hit and walked 11 batters. However he’s been a reliant bullpen option overall this season. As a reliever, Velazquez has gone 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA through 38.0 innings pitched.

Current stats: 6-0/2.61 ERA/51.2 IP/34 SO/1.394 WHIP.

Now with every report card, there comes some bad. That’s the same case with this Boston Red Sox team.

Home/Boston Red Sox