The Boston Red Sox reigning champions of AL East entering the 2018 season are called to consolidate this title and to aspire to something more even in the postseason, this task is at least on paper was made more complicated by the always sumptuous campaign purchases of the Yankees that with the arrival of Stanton also according to David Ortiz would have been too strong for everyone in that division. The reality with almost 10 games played says Boston 8-1 and New York 5-5, it's just the beginning and we know that in 162 games the first 10 count relatively but certainly we can draw the first indicators on the type of team that it is and can be. Boston as regards the attack is first ever in doubles, tenths in the points scored and seventh in the batting average. These indicators linked to the low number of homeruns confirm that unlike their eternal rivals Boston has focused on contact more than power and that makes a difference for JD Martinez, Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr. all the components of the Red Sox lineup are beating more than 275 symptom of consistency and this could benefit in the long term by counting the almost certain ascent of Martinez and Benintendi that in addition to contact could also bring power. The launchers department is providing an excellent performance so far with the fourth place in the majors both in ERA (2.69) and on average beaten granted (209), the merit among the starters goes to a rediscovered Price that in two games has yet to suffer points and two delicious Sale and Porcello that are keeping expectations. The sore notes come from the other two starters Rodriguez and the momentary fifth waiting for the return of Wright that is Johnson, both so far have not been able to provide a satisfactory contribution but thanks to good offensive performance Boston has managed to limit the damage to a only defeat.
Another important factor that should be considered and that has helped pitchers is the fielding percentage or FPCT that takes into account defensive errors based on opportunities and Boston in nine races is MLB leader with zero errors and an immaculate 1000 that leaves hope especially the groundball pitchers like Porcello who "live or die" of this statistic. Bogaerts, Devers and substitute Pedroia Nunez are doing a good job despite the number of balls defensively defensively attributable to them and this is a parameter that will have to remain otherwise to not force the pitchers to launch high in the strike zone exposing themselves so to a greater number of homerun opponents. The depth of the lineup of Boston is amazing and when Dustin Pedroia will return there will be spoiled for choice and you can adapt the line even more accordingly to the matchup proposed by the other team, unfortunately for the Massachusetts franchise the bullpen does not seem having this depth and in key playoffs could be a very penalizing aspect and on which the front office will have to work before the deadline. In fact, the only certainty is Kimbrel that from closer has not yet made a mistake this season by providing great security together with Hembree and Poyner that I can boast in their turn ERA very low.
For me the start of Boston is the result of their good work but as many skeptics could insinuate seven times the Rays and two Marlins (a la carte teams not contending the playoffs) has helped them a lot. The Red Sox to consolidate their position and silence everyone will have three very important series, the first two at home against the hated Yankees and the rivals of the Orioles then will be on stage in Anaheim in California against the amazing Angels of the magical trio Pujols, Trout and Ohtani. If they manage to have a positive record after these three series, it will no longer be possible to talk about a schedule favorable to them, but they will have to start keeping an eye on them as serious contenders.
Another important factor that should be considered and that has helped pitchers is the fielding percentage or FPCT that takes into account defensive errors based on opportunities and Boston in nine races is MLB leader with zero errors and an immaculate 1000 that leaves hope especially the groundball pitchers like Porcello who "live or die" of this statistic. Bogaerts, Devers and substitute Pedroia Nunez are doing a good job despite the number of balls defensively defensively attributable to them and this is a parameter that will have to remain otherwise to not force the pitchers to launch high in the strike zone exposing themselves so to a greater number of homerun opponents. The depth of the lineup of Boston is amazing and when Dustin Pedroia will return there will be spoiled for choice and you can adapt the line even more accordingly to the matchup proposed by the other team, unfortunately for the Massachusetts franchise the bullpen does not seem having this depth and in key playoffs could be a very penalizing aspect and on which the front office will have to work before the deadline. In fact, the only certainty is Kimbrel that from closer has not yet made a mistake this season by providing great security together with Hembree and Poyner that I can boast in their turn ERA very low.
For me the start of Boston is the result of their good work but as many skeptics could insinuate seven times the Rays and two Marlins (a la carte teams not contending the playoffs) has helped them a lot. The Red Sox to consolidate their position and silence everyone will have three very important series, the first two at home against the hated Yankees and the rivals of the Orioles then will be on stage in Anaheim in California against the amazing Angels of the magical trio Pujols, Trout and Ohtani. If they manage to have a positive record after these three series, it will no longer be possible to talk about a schedule favorable to them, but they will have to start keeping an eye on them as serious contenders.
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