It's been another week since our last check in on the AL East standings, so here they are:
Last week the Sox fell to 3rd in the AL East standings after losing 9 of their last 11 games. What would one week's time bring? The Sox moved up to 2nd place and are only one game back from the Yanks who are still leading the division. The Sox swept the Twins and then lost a series to the White Sox. All in all the week was pretty much a mixed bag.
This upcoming week the Sox finish out the series with the Indians, weather permitting. Tito's Tribe already took the first game of the series, but the Sox have 3 games left. The Indians are leading the AL Central and could end up being trouble for the Sox. The Sox then host the Phillies for two games and then head to Philly for 2 games. The Phillies have been struggling this season, so let's hope the Sox can take advantage. This will be the first time that Papelbon will return to Fenway since signing with the Phils.
The Sox just placed Middlebrooks and Victorino on the DL, so the rest of the lineup is gonna have to make up for their production. With Papi and Napoli in the lineup it should still have some pop, but they could use some protection with some hot bats around them. Pedroia has been absolutely killing the ball. I know Pedey has won Rookie of the Year and MVP, but I'd make the case that he is actually having his best year to date. Ellsbury has continued to slump in the leadoff role with a good game here or there at the plate. Stephen Drew has been getting it done at the plate in the month of May after starting the season in an epic slump. Salty not only has had some good at bats lately, but he also gave us a glimmer of hope by throwing two runners out the other day.
In terms of pitching, Lester had his first real bad outing. It was bound to come sooner or later. All in all, he's still been one of the most consistent arms this season. Buchholz got a win and now is 7-0. Lackey had undoubtedly his best outing of the season even if it was cut short by rain. Felix Doubront took a huge step forward and was much more efficient on the mound. Dempster is for sure not the bright spot of the rotation. He has struggled in his last two outing, last night only making it 3 innings. As for the bullpen, they have Bailey back as the closer and still have some dominant arms to get through the late innings.
Where will we be this time next week? I imagine it might be in about the same spot. I am hoping that the Yanks and Rays beat up on each other a little bit and that the Sox can make the best of the schedule heading their way. After this week, the Sox schedule gets a little gnarly, so I am hoping they take any opportunity while they can.
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