0-6 to start 2011. 1-5 to start 2012.
One year removed from one of the worst starts in franchise history, the Boston Red Sox are pretty much in the same position as last year. But this year things are different.
There’s a new general manager, there’s a new manager, some new coaches, there’s no more Jason Varitek or Tim Wakefield and there’s some new players. The core is the same though, so what’s the big deal.
Well right now, it’s the offense.
Just when it looked as though they had broken out of the funk in the 13-12 loss on Sunday and despite winning 4-2 on Monday, the offense is back to where it was the first two games. It’s being dominated by good pitching.
This team is too talented to be dominated like it has been.
On Wednesday, they faced a pitcher in Ricky Romero that they’ve dominated in the past. But it’s a new year and he obviously figured a few things out.
The Red Sox managed to get their three hits in the 3rd inning when they scored the only run of the game. They did get two walks from him in the 9th but Sergio Santos redeemed himself from his blown save on Monday night by taking care of business this time around.
Last year, Jon Lester got about six runs or so a game. In his two starts now, he’s gotten a grand total of two runs scored for him. He didn’t pitch all that badly either. He was mixing in all of his pitches and after he gave up two runs in the 3rd, settled down.
But with Romero dominating after that 3rd inning until the two walks in the 9th, it wouldn’t matter what Lester did the rest of the game.
Last year when this start happened, the Red Sox looked lost. That’s definitely not the case. Other than the 10-3 loss where they showed little to no fight, they’ve been in every game. They aren’t just sitting back and letting the teams beat them. They are out there doing their best.
Unfortunately, their best isn’t good enough right now. Hopefully some home cooking will spark things like it did last year.
The Red Sox are off today as they prepare for their home opener on Friday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays. We’ll be back in a little bit with the pitching matchups for the series so for now, let’s take at look at the overnight links from the media by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
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Things don’t go Sox’ way [Boston Globe]
More tough luck for Lester [Boston Globe]
In this situation, they aren’t helpless [Boston Globe]
Look out! Red Sox coming home 1-5 [Boston Herald]
Borrow from Morrow [Boston Herald]
Intimidation factor gone [Boston Herald]
Adrian Gonzalez frustrated by failings [Boston Herald]
A week of reminders regarding the future of Dustin Pedroia [Rob Bradford – WEEI.com]
Tom Caron Discusses the Red Sox’ Lackluster Start, Hopes For Strong Home-Opener [Tom Caron – NESN.com]
Lester gem once again ends in defeat [CSN New England]
Examining the Francona-Red Sox ‘crapstorm’ [CSN New England]
Lester: We’re leaving everything on the field [CSN New England]
Red Sox continue to struggle offensively [CSN New England]
Rapid Reaction: Jays 3, Red Sox 1 [ESPN Boston]
Surprise, speed led to Davis steal in 8th [ESPN Boston]
Sox invite Grady Little … no reply so far [ESPN Boston]
Will Fenway Park faithful welcome back Boston Red Sox with open arms? [ESPN Boston]
Jonathan Papelbon has found his new song [Full Count]
Closing Time: Red Sox head back to Fenway Park with just one win [Full Count]
How does this horrific Red Sox start compare to last year’s horrific Red Sox start? [Full Count]
Red Sox Offense Sputtering Early In Games, But Could Benefit From Upcoming Home Stretch [NESN.com]
Kevin Youkilis Looking Beyond Struggles, Excited to Get Home to Fenway (Video) [NESN.com]
Another poor return: Red Sox lose again in Toronto, come home at 1-5 [Providence Journal]
Red Sox Journal: Offense continues to struggle, especially early in games [Providence Journal]
Lester’s fine effort goes unrewarded in finale [RedSox.com]
For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, CSN New England, ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal, RedSox.com and WEEI websites.
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