Red Sox in the Red

Back again today taking a look at the state of Bobby V and the Boston Red Sox.  I'm currently watching the Red Sox - Rangers game on ESPN3 as I write this.  Currently the score is 4-2, as Franklin Morales gave up a single to Josh Hamilton, intentionally walked Adrian Beltre, walked Nelson Cruz, and then hit Craig Gentry on the foot to let a run in.  Although it looks like the Sox will end up losing this one, let's take a look at the positives.

Beckett pitched well tonight, but not well enough

First, Josh Beckett had a solid outing, limiting the high powered Rangers to 3R on 7H and 1BB in 7 innings of work.  His ERA now stands at 5.03 for the season, which looks like a natural regression from his inflated 2.89 ERA last season.  Beckett's 'stuff'' looked pretty good for the most part tonight, as he retired 11 straight batters after allowing a 2-R HR to Mike Napoli in the 4th inning.  Unfortunately, he had to face young stud Derek Holland, who only allowed 4H and 2R through 7 innings.  However, Holland did accomplish this against a Red Sox lineup missing Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford.

The injuries to Crawford and Ellsbury may make the difference between the Red Sox making and missing the playoffs.  Crawford is in Florida playing in extended spring training, and hopes to return to the big leagues within two weeks.  Ellsbury, unfortunately, is dealing with a shoulder injury that should keep him out until early June.  These injuries, plus the drama Bobby Valentine brings to the club, should spell some trouble for a franchise that narrowly missed the playoffs last season.  In addition to their injury woes, the Red Sox have struggled mightily with their pitching.

It's no secret the Red Sox wanted to sign Roy Oswalt this off season.  However Oswalt wasn't interested in pitching out east, and hopes to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals midseason.  Unfortunately for the Red Sox, that meant they had two rotation slots to fill to accompany Lester, Beckett and Bucholz.  Felix Doubront and Daniel Bard are currently the #4 and #5 starters, and neither has been stellar.  The transition from relief to the rotation wasn't going to be a cakewalk for Bard, but if the Red Sox want to make the playoffs they will need him to develop into a reliable starter.

Red Sox are counting on Bailey to excel as closer when he returns

Big Picture: the Boston Red Sox are definitely a better team then their 4-8 record indicates, but, the playoffs might seem like a stretch this year.  The Red Sox will need strong efforts from Lester and Beckett, along with their offense maintaining what it accomplished last season.  If David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez can hit for as high an average as they did last season, this team should be in great shape offensively with the return of Kevin Youkilis.  Yet, I feel like pitching will truly define this team.  What will make the difference between a wild card birth and missing the postseason will arguably by the #3-5 starters and their relief pitching.  If Bucholz can display the form he did on 2010, and if Aceves, Melancon, and Bailey can excel in the pen, this team has a chance.  But if not, they'll be looking for answers again.  And unlike last season, they won't be able to blame it on the beer and fried chicken.

Make sure to follow me @RobBrereton on Twitter! Will try to keep posting more frequently.