Monday, July 18, 2011

Red Sox vs. Orioles (July 18, 2011)

Red Sox (57-36) @ Baltimore Orioles (38-54)

SP - Tim Wakefield (5-3, 4.74) vs. Brad Bergesen (1-6, 5.65)

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, DH
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. Josh Reddick, CF
6. Carl Crawford, LF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. J.D. Drew, RF
9. Marco Scutaro, SS

Three Strikes:

1. Dustin Pedroia, the hero of last night's 1-0 16-inning victory in Tampa, has been on an absolute tear lately.  The former MVP is in the midst of a 15-game hitting streak and since missing a June 9 game against the Yankees to have his knee examined he is hitting .378 with 9 home runs an 25 RBI.

I actually feel bad for opposing pitchers for having to start their night against Jacoby Ellsbury (.310 BA, 13 HR, 51 RBI, 28 SB), Pedroia (.293 BA, 13 HR, 47 RBI, 21 2B), Adrian Gonzalez (.342 BA, 17 HR, 77 RBI, .975 OPS), Kevin Youkilis (.284 BA, 13 HR, 65 RBI, 26 2B), and David Ortiz (.294 BA, 19 HR, 58 RBI, .938 OPS).

If Carl Cawford (.243 BA, 6 HR, 31 RBI, 8 SB) can return from his hamstring injury as the player the Red Sox believed they were getting when they gave him $142-million this winter, their lineup will be able to carry them to October.

2. Josh Beckett's start last night was nothing short of Cy Young worthy.

Although he got a no-decision, Beckett was brilliant.  He tossed eight innings of one-hit baseball with six strikeouts and no walks. 

The Red Sox ace may not have the most impressive record amongst A.L. starters (8-3) but his other important statistics (2.12 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, .178 Opponents BA) make him a serious Cy Young candidate.

3. Adrian Gonzalez struggled in the Tampa series, going 1-for-15.  His league leading average is down to .342.

I don't think there is much to worry about.

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