Boston Red Sox 2008 season half way

The Boston Red Sox are now half way into the 2008 season. They have been in first place almost since day one with a record of 49-32. They enjoy a small one game lead over the surprising Tampa Rays. The New York Yankees are 5.5 games behind.

Catch all the game summary’s and scores at Red Sox Game by Game scores

For photo’s and more information see Red Sox Chat forums

The Good
J D Drew - Who I vote as MVP so far 14 home runs, batting average .308, 45 RBI;s, OBP .414. With David Ortiz out he has stepped up big.
Kevin Youkilis - Many big hits, 13 home runs, .303, 47 RBI’s, .374 OBP
Jocoby Ellsbury - 34 stolen basses a Red Sox rookie record, batting .275 Causes opposing pitcher massive headaches.
Dustin Pedrioa - This scrappy player teams up with Ellsbury and delivers a one two punch. He seems to always move the runners along, very patient at bat and will foul off pitches wearing down the opposing pitcher. Batting .289, 7 home runs.
Manny Ramirez - Hit career home run 500. I put him in the good because the Red Sox would not be in first place without his heroics in the first three weeks of the season. Batting .291, 15 home runs, 49 RBI’s. He has been either very good or very bad.
Mike Lowell - Has lots of big hits despite being on the disable list early in the season has two grand slams.

Pitchers
Justin Masterson - Got his chance when Buchholtz got hurt and has been great so far. A record 4-1 and a 3.43 ERA
David Aardsma - Coming on strong, in his last seven one inning relief appearances he hasn’t given up a run, while striking out 12. Has a 2.52 ERA and a 2-1 record.
Daisuke Matsuzaka - a 8-1 record and 3.68 ERA gets him on this list. He got shelled in his return froma 15 disable list. Batters are batting only .213 against him, his down fall has been walks pitching 65 innings with 41 walks.
Manny Delcarmen - Another pitcher that has really come on strong. After a shaky start he has turned it around. In his last 10 relief appearances (11 innings total) he hasn’t given up a run, while striking out 12, giving up four hits, three walks. He has a 3.38 ERA.
Jon Lester - If this man can keep his walks down he will be a great pitcher. Lately he has done just that. Has a 6-3 record, 3.13 ERA and one no hitter.
Jonathan Papelbon - Has been good with 23 saves, but has four blown saves. Two of the blown saves came with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Has an ERA of 2.08, opponents batting average .197.
Bartolo Colón - Currently on disable list, has been huge wit all our pitcher injuries this season. Has a 4-2 record and a 4.09 ERA.
Javier López - Another reliever that has come on strong giving up only one run in his last ten apperances. Has a 2-0 record and 2.45 ERA.

The ok:
Coco Crisp - Playing more with all the Red Sox injuries is turning it around.
Sean Casey, Alex Cora, Brendon Moss, Kevin Cash are all playing good, just didn’t make the good list because of playing time.
David Ortiz - Had a dreadfull start was comming on when he got hurt. Still has a lot of big home runs 13 and 43 RBI’s.
Tim Wakefield - This old pro keeps it up and maybe belongs in the good. Spots a 5-5 record, 3.88 ERA.
Josh Beckett - Not as strong as we would like, but to his credit the Red Sox haven’t given him a lot of runs.
Craig Hansen - This man has not luck, I think he could give up three infield hits in a row. He’s got to get his walks down.
Hideki Okajima - Not the same pitcher as last year especially of late. Record 2-0 and a 3.00 ERA.

The Bad
Jason Varitek - Batting only .231
Mike Timlin - He has been terrible the whole season
Julio Lugo - To many errors leads the league with 16 errors

One of the biggest concerns has been injuries
They have had countless injuries and surprising the Red Sox have done this good so far.

Currently out:
David Ortiz - Torn tendon sheath in left wrist
Bartolo Colón - Back stiffness
Curt Schilling - Shoulder surgery out for the season

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