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

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)

A breakdown of the Boston Red Sox in their first 100 games played in the 2018 MLB season.

Well it’s official. We’ve reached 100 games played with this compelling 2018 Boston Red Sox team. This team is undoubtedly exciting to sit and watch. Let’s put aside the 5-0 shutout loss in Detroit.

There’s one team in baseball with 70 wins and it’s the Red Sox. Alex Cora’s squad is fun and are becoming that much harder to not buy in to. A lineup that’s completely changed, taking just a single February free agency signing. One that only cost the Sox front office $110 million. Plus it’s even that much sweeter when they’re baseball’s hottest team, racking up 68 wins prior to the All-Star break. A team in which we’ve discussed a few major predictions down the road early.

Predictions that are very well possible and within reach.

First, a 100 win season. Something the Fenway faithful haven’t seen since 1946. The same year that World War II ended. Then there’s the lineup leaders. J.D. Martinez, the savior who’s been in Triple Crown talks for a while now. Mookie Betts who’s been in early MVP discussion.

Lets not forget…

That 1946 Red Sox team had themselves an MVP as well. Arguably baseball’s greatest hitter in Ted Williams. That’s right. 38 home runs, 123 runs batted in, and a .342 batting average. That was enough to get Williams 67 percent of the award share votes. 224 vote points and Williams had himself his first ever Most Valuable Player award.

At the time, Boston also had themselves three players reach 100+ runs batted in. Those players being Bobby Doerr (116), Rudy York (119), and of course Williams (123). Two of those three players sit in the National Baseball Hall of Fame today. Williams and Doerr.

Now fast forward 72 years later. We’re talking about the Boston Red Sox having arguably the two best hitters in baseball today in their lineup. A dominant duo that can very well battle for the MVP come the end of this season.

Let’s start with the best young player in baseball.

**Mookie Betts (*The Golden Child***)

I mean it’s true. Let’s take it back to when Mookie Betts got called up to the big leagues.

In case you forgot, Mookie wasn’t a outfielder coming up. He made his debut season playing second base for Boston and soon converted into one of baseball’s top outfielders. Back-to-back Gold Glove Awards in 2016 and 17 tell the story. We saw the promising signs of Betts flourishing in the outfield early too.

Remember in 2015?

September 25th Betts capped off a Rich Hill complete game shutout of the Baltimore Orioles; by robbing Chris Davis of a 2-run home run. That season especially, Davis was among the biggest power threats in baseball. In fact he finished that 2015 year with a massive 47 home run total. His second highest total of his 12-year career.

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Since his first full big league career, Betts has earned All-Star honors in his next three seasons. Becoming not just the talk of the town, but baseball. A sport that not too long ago was reigned by Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. Now we’ve got Mookie Betts in the conversation. He finished runner up for league MVP in 2016. Talks that will re arrive on the streets of Fenway come October.

We thought Dustin Pedroia was a threat inside. Remember those days? The 07′ Champ, Rookie of the Year, and 08′ MVP. Pedroia was impossible to get a high and inside fast-ball by. Capping off 2008 with a .326/.376/.493 season.

Now try getting an inside fast-ball pass Mookie. It’s more than likely to see that ball well over the left fielders head in a span of seconds. Obviously the unique upper cut swing isn’t seen in Betts, but the threat is there. Coming from a guy who claims he isn’t a power hitter. Hard to agree with that when Betts sit 1 homer shy of his last season total; and we’re only in July.

Boston fans had only caught glimpses of Betts’ personality emerging and being seen during the game. Something we first saw this year in Spring Training. During a pre-season games against the Cubs, Betts was mic’d up while in right field. Kris Bryant of Chicago then hit a ball out of Betts’ reached to which he replied “I ain’t getting this one boys”.

Believe it or not, that’s it. Little thing’s like that help with the ongoing “self marketing issue in baseball today. An issue that leaves two-time MVP, Mike Trout to be equally as recognizable to a Brooklyn Nets player. The man who finished last season averaging 5.9 points and 4.8 rebounds.

Have you guessed it yet?

If not I can’t blame you. That’s right we’re talking about Kenneth Faried. It’ll take the modern day American that can recognize a player who’s career ppg average is 11.4, to recognize a once in a lifetime 26-year old phenom. Granted, Trout plays for a losing environment and doesn’t have the opportunity that some around the league do. Just look at Aaron Judge. 50+ home run rookie year later and and Judge is the hottest selling jersey in baseball.

However we don’t see that issue here in the case of Betts. Like I said before, that personality aspect is absolutely rising for Betts. We saw it right before the All-Star break. It only took one swing of the bat, however it was the biggest moment that’s defined this Boston Red Sox team thus far.

The unforgettable thirteen pitch duel against Toronto’s J.A Happ. Betts’ reaction lifted the Fenway crowd like a postseason walk off home run in October. Something you don’t see very often from a player you don’t see in baseball often.

Current stats: .351 BA/24 HRs/52 RBIs/.437 OBP/.663 SLG/1.105 OPS.

**J.D. Martinez (*The almighty lineup savior and free agent gem***)

Giancarlo Stanton? An open opportunity we had to forget about this past off-season. Thankfully it forced the front office to pull off one of the franchises best free agency signings.

J.D. Martinez instantly picked up where he left off last season. However at age 30, Martinez is looking better! Hard to believe it, but it’s true. Lifting a lineup that’s lost identity since the retirement of the great David Ortiz. It hasn’t even been a full year in a Boston uniform and Martinez is reportedly very happy here. It’s been reported Martinez is willing to re-structure his deal to remain a Red Sox, with no opt-out options.

We’re just a little over half a season into Martinez’ career in Boston. While in New York Stanton opened his pinstripe tenure with a sea of 50,000 boos, going 0-5 with 5 strikeouts.

Now I’m not some disillusion Boston fan here. I’m well aware of who the better player and am not trying to convince you that Martinez is the alpha ball player. It’s easy to bring Stanton down, playing his first season in the American League. A season where Stanton failed to get voted into the All-Star Game. Despite having struck out 131 times. Which in fact is the fourth most, just behind another Yankee. Aaron Judge with 132. Yankee fans should remain psyched for the future. Anyhow, it’s all about Martinez and Betts right now.

At this very moment, Martinez is the better acquisition. Especially when comparing the costs between the two. $110 opposed to $325 million? Absolute steal! Kind’ve weird considering Martinez has been a power threat for a while, especially as of recent.

In fact…

Between the 2017 and 2018 All-Star has been baseballs best hitter. Just look at the stats if you don’t believe me (and I can’t blame you). I mean how does such a dominant lineup presence slip up in free agency for just $110 million? Insane right? Well so are the statistics!

Between the last two MLB All-Star breaks, Martinez leads baseball in home runs(59), runs batted in(147), slugging percentage(.685), on-base plus slugging(1.069), and total bases(404). Martinez opened his first half in a Red Sox uniform in Fenway friendly fashion. 29 home runs and 80 runs batted in. That’s a solid complete season for any major leaguer. However we’re talking about a potential triple crown contender come the end of the season.

This just adds to how insanely amazing Martinez has been recently. Think about it. There have only been 15 recipients of the Triple Crown award in the history of baseball’s existence. Two of which have been members Red Sox history. However that’s a piece of hardware we haven’t seen a Boston Red Sox player come home with in 51 years. Insane isn’t it? The last celebration came in the 1967 season when Carl “Yaz” Yastrzemski won it. He finished that legendary year hitting .326 with 44 home runs and 121 runs batted in.

It’s unbelievably exciting what’s what’s in store for Martinez’ future in Boston.

Current stats: .323 BA/31 HRs/85 RBIs/.387 OBP/.633 SLG/1.031 OPS.

**Chris Sale and Craig Kimbrel (*The pitching staff trailblazers)***

The two most dominant arms in Boston’s pitching staff and two of the most feared in all of baseball. None who’ve originally come up via the Boston Red Sox farm system. Yet, despite escaping low market and poor performing organizations, expectations and pressure haven’t touched Chris Sale or Craig Kimbrel. Think about where the two came from? The White Sox and Padres.

Granted, Kimbrel played for a few very solid Atlanta Brave teams coming up in the big leagues. As a matter a fact, the Braves averaged 89.8 wins per season during Kimbrel’s 5 years in Atlanta. Unfortunately for Kimbrel, the same couldn’t be said for the failed Padres experiment of 2015. A veteran stacked roster with a $131 plus million dollar payroll.

And… Chris Sale.

Another situation in which Boston knocked off the experimental attempts. We can all recall the front office’s sorry excuse for a starting rotation of 2015. Justin Masterson, Clay Buchholz, and Wade Miley??? Yeah even today it sounds nonsensical. Refusing to pay three-time World Series Champ, Jon Lester.

A laughing stock of an attempt at improving a 2014 4.63 ERA which was fifth worst in baseball. However thanks to a 2015 international signing, Boston repaired that broken rotation. In February of 2015, $31.5 million dollars landed Cuban prospect, Yoan Moncada. A now 23 year infielder which put veteran ace, Chris Sale in a Boston Red Sox uniform. Thus.. Sale Day was born.

Sort’ve like a mini holiday for Red Sox fans. The Chris Sale start every five games provides Boston with a sense of confidence and assurance. One we haven’t seen since well, Pedro Martinez. In just two seasons in Boston, Sale has also joined legendary conversation. Sale is one of just three pitchers in franchise history to rack up 500 strikeouts through two seasons. Sale’s fellow accomplices, Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez. The Pedro comparisons came incredibly early for Sale; and they’re not outlandish by any means. Think about it. Through Sale’s 53 career starts in Boston, the numbers are neck and neck with Pedro.

Chris Sale vs. Pedro Martinez (first 53 games as a Red Sox):

Sale: 28-12/.700/349.1 IP/2.60 ERA/0.93 WHIP/74 BB/505 K’s
Martinez: 34-10/.773/375.0 IP/ 2.74 ERA/1.06 WHIP/92 BB/445 K’s

Now in some cases the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Through the 53-game span with Chris Sale, the Boston Red Sox went 35-18. With Pedro, Boston went 38-15. Yet remember all those times where run support haunted Sale’s quality outings? This season alone, Sale has lossed four games in which he allowed two or fewer runs through at least six innings of work. That’s another four potential wins on his now 11 win season currently. S

ale currently leads the AL in ERA (2.13) thanks to having only allowed 1 run in his last 34 innings. Homeruns? Those are rare. Sale hasn’t allowed a home run in his last 57 innings, a career high. While run support hasn’t been the most friendly, Sale’s Boston Red Sox tenure certainly has been. Back-to-back All-Star starts for the American League under Boston. There is no doubt that Sale is someone who needs to remain here for the future.

Current stats: 11-4/2.13 ERA/135.0 IP/197 SO/0.87 WHIP.

**Andrew Benintendi and Xander Bogaerts (*The other reliant outfielder and comeback player)***

It’s incredibly hard to believe that this guy was in college just three years ago. Taken with the seventh overall draft selection, Andrew Benintendi had high promise. I mean the guy was named the SEC Player of the Year. The first player to do so in Arkansas baseball program history.

Then, just a little over a year later, Benintendi’s making his major league debut in Seattle. Much like Mookie Betts, Benintendi has experienced little to no setbacks since being promoted to the major league level. There were the critics bashing Benintendi for his size in weight. Months later and those comments were officially banished.

It took little to no time for Benintendi to find his place with this team. His first full season in the big leagues showed Boston that they’ve got a promising every day talent with star potential. 20 home runs, 90 runs batted in, and a 151 game season was Benny’s debut. Fast forward just a season later. Andrew Benintendi had a social media campaign in Boston, in efforts to get him into the All-Star game. Not to mention, Benintendi is only 24 years of age.

Current stats: .302 BA/14 HRs/61 RBIs/.386 OBP/.522 SLG/.906 OPS.

To say last season was a down year for Xander Bogaerts would be an understatement. Most notably on the defensive end. Bogaerts appeared to have no glove in his hand at times when out there, committing a career high 17 errors. However this season is different. All’s gone well thus far for Boston’s shortstop. He’s also been a clutch bat. Bogaerts has had his fair share of memorable moments this season. For example, the 96′ Expos record.

Against the Royals back in March, Boagerts hit Boston’s sixth grand slam at the time. That tied the 1996 Montreal Expos record for most in MLB history before May 1st.

Plus you wanna talk legendary discussion? Xander Bogaerts currently leads baseball with 3 grand slams this season. The only player in Boston Red Sox history to hit over 3 in a single season was Babe Ruth! Ruth hit 4 in the 1919 season, almost 100 years ago. It’s been a comeback caliber year for Xander Bogaerts thus far. He’s one of few players remaining from that 2013 World Series team.

Current stats: .280 BA/16 HRs/64 RBIs/.348 OBP/.525 SLG/.872 OPS.

Eduardo Nunez, Brock Holt, and Steve Pearce (The platoon, bench trio)

All three guys began their tenure’s in Boston very hot. It started with Brock Holt. The only representative of the Boston Red Sox in 2015. Holt hit .295/.383/.807 to earn the All-Star honors.

Then came the “Brock-Star” phenomenon on the streets of Fenway. Nobody knew what we were getting with the Brock Holt part in the six-player trade. The one in which Boston was getting their closer for the future, Joel Hanrahan. Honestly say what you want about him now, but who saw this coming from a 5’10” infielder?

Current stats: .287 BA/1 HRs/25 RBIs/.362 OBP/.383 SLG/.744 OPS.

Similar situation with Eduardo Nunez. An acquisition many saw coming with Boston in need of the infield depth at the time. Nunez instantly emerged as one of the hottest hitters in town. Through just 38 games, Nunez went .321/.353/.539 with 8 home runs and 27 runs batted in and earned himself a re-signing which granted came unusually late. Nonetheless, Nunez is back for another run at it this season.

Current stats: .252 BA/6 HRs/24 RBIs/.272 OBP/.355 SLG/.635 OPS.

And then there’s Steve Pearce. Fairly identical to the Edurado Nunez acquisition.Not a big name. Not a big trade. Just a player flourishing and contributing in his role. The 12-year veteran and 35-year old, Pearce gives Cora much needed flexibility in situations. Pearce is solid first-baseman who can come off for pinch hitting situations and give Mitch Moreland rest.

Current stats: .328 BA/5 HRs/22 RBIs/.392 OBP/.552 SLG/.944 OPS.

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.

**Rick Porcello and David Price (*The overpaid underachievers)***

The unfortunate end of Alex Cora’s rotation. Rick Porcello and David Price have underachieved indeed. It’s almost hard to believe that these are two former Cy Young Award winners we’re talking about. Porcello won it just two years ago in 2016. Price, in 2012. Yet a few pay days later and the Boston spotlight, and we’ve got underachievement. Porcello hasn’t taken faltering steps since his remarkable 2016 season.

Just take last year for example. Porcello led all of baseball with 17 losses! Not the ideal follow up season to a Cy Young Award year. This showing much resemblance to a former Boston Red Sox pitcher. Dennis Eckersley was the recipient of the 1992 MVP and Cy Young Award, deservingly so.

However, his follow up was rather disappointing. His ERA skyrocketed from 1.92 to 4.16 at the end of the season, much like Porcello’s loss total. In 2016, Porcello lost just 4 games. He allowed 85 runs and 23 home runs. A year later, Porcello has 17 losses, allowing 125 runs, and 38 total home runs. Oh yeah and the ERA sit 4.65 to end the year.

While Porcello currently sits with 11 wins, don’t let the record mislead you. He still allows over 4 runs per game. Remember back when Porcello was virtually un-hittable back in 2016? You know, the season he had a .929 win percentage in 2016. You can kiss that goodbye.

Porcello has been significantly more successful on the road. At home Porcello is 4-3 with a 4.97 ERA. On the road, 7-1 with a 4.34 ERA. Put that together with the unbalanced monthly ERA and you’ve got an underachieving and confusing season for Rick Porcello. Thus far at least.

Current stats: 11-4/4.13 ERA/120.0 IP/115 SO/1.242 WHIP.

Ahhh David Price…

It’s been an eventful road for Price in a Boston Red Sox uniform hasn’t it?

From postseason woos to the Eckersely encounter, to this season’s Fortnite saga. Seems like there’s always something going on with David Price. Headlines for the wrong reasons. Now the issue with Price remains the same as it always has his entire career. That being the big game situations. Pitching in the spotlight.

Most noteworthy, the pine-stripe PTSD. That’s right. The Yankees are currently sitting 5.0 games away from the first place Boston Red Sox. They’re fully in contention with plenty of time remaining. A team that Boston can easily come across in October.

However, $127 million can’t justify a bullpen lefty this year. With reliable pitching options being limited for Cora, Price needs to step up this year! Unfortunately we are yet to see that. The Yankees are fully comfortable and happy to see number 24 on the mound for Boston.

New York is hitting .480/.519/1.320 with 6 home runs and 12 runs. These are all highs of any opponent Price has faced this season, and he’s only pitched against the Yankees twice. His ERA? Try 24.92 on for size. That’s not a typo.

It’s hard to remain optimistic with this one.

Current stats: 11-6/4.17 ERA/114.1 IP/114 SO/1.224 WHIP.

Jackie Bradley Jr and Drew Pomeranz (The complete 180 degree season duo)

What happened? Complete 180 turns were taken for the worse with these two.

First off, Drew Pomeranz. A 17-win finish last season through 173.2 innings pitched. Two career highs in a career year! Now?

Boston Red Sox

Well, where is he? Pomeranz hasn’t made a start for the Boston Red Sox since allowing 4 runs against the Houston Astros on May 31st. That’s two months of work in the minor league level. The return to the rotation is set for Tuesday’s game in Baltimore.

A team that Pomeranz hasn’t been particularly successful against. Through 9 career games, Pomeranz is 2-4 with a 4.03 ERA. He’s gonna need to prove himself and come through on Tuesday. Lucky for him, Baltimore is the worst offense in all of baseball with a .227 batting average. No excuse!

Current stats: 1-3/6.81 ERA/37.0 IP/36 SO/1.838 WHIP.

Now, JBJ.

Another example of a follow up season gone wrong. Last season Bradley went for 17 home runs with 63 runs batted in. However at least Cora has had Bradley Jr as an everyday option. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is up to you. However Bradley Jr’s flashy glove work cannot be questioned nor denied.

Just one error committed thus far by JBJ in center-field. Yet the bat hasn’t come around. This is a concern that’s re-appeared regarding Bradley throughout his entire career. Who knows what the final stat line will look like if JBJ is still a member of the Boston Red Sox come October.

Current stats: .211 BA/7 HRs/35 RBIs/.296 OBP/.353 SLG/.649 OPS.

**Eduardo Rodriguez (*The 11-win finesser)***

Don’t mean to put a guy down, who’s sitting on the disabled list. However its true. Eduardo Rodriguez is baseball’s most undeserving 11-game winner in baseball today. Why do I say that?

Well because Rodriguez has failed to reach 7.0 full innings through any of his 18 starts this season. Also consider the fact that E-Rod averages just 5.1 innings per start. With Alex Cora’s bullpen options or lack-thereof, this team cannot afford a bullpen killer going down the road. This season for E-Rod is proof that a pitchers stats can indeed be deceiving. Especially in baseball, history has shown us. Just like the 2013 Cy Young Award winner.

Seattle’s Felix Hernandez lossed 12 games, winning 13 in a Cy Young winning year. That’s baseball’s all-time record for most losses from a Cy Young Award recipient. Hernandez led AL pitchers in WAR (6.0), innings pitched (249.2), strikeouts (232), and ERA (2.27).

Unfortunately, that’s not the case here with Rodriguez. Boston’s patiently waited for him to bring it all together in one season. Doesn’t look like this year will be that season. Much like a few years back with a similar left handed pitcher. Felix Doubront, now out of baseball had similar issues. Doubront showed signs of promise, most notable in the biggest October stage.

The 2013 Postseason. Doubront went for 7.0 innings, allowing 1 run in between the ALCS and World Series. Unfortunately he failed to meet expectations, health wise and stat wise. This led to the Boston Red sox and eventually baseball, giving up on him.

Current stats: 11-3/3.44 ERA/104.2 IP/110 SO/1.223 WHIP.