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From 2-6 to 6-6 ... (okay 6-7). As in 2009, the club is showing genuine heart. With the slumbering lumber and only wins after 8 games coming in the two Felix starts, (and Felix getting credit for neither), the club could've folded - started pressing - melted down. Any number of really bad outcomes. Instead, they simply went out and did what they were DESIGNED to do. They looked for pitches they could hit - and when they got them - they smacked doubles. The pitchers tried to keep the ball in the park and let the defense do its thing. Oh, the club has issues. But, it also has a LOT going for it. So, while most have complained about the horrid offense and dreadful pitching (past Felix), what has the club actually DONE thus far?
Player ----- OPS - OBP That's FIVE (5) guys carrying .350 and above OBPs. Some of the other numbers aren't pretty. Johnson only has a BA of .176 -- (and an ISO of ... 236!?!) The guys that are strugglings?
Bradley -- .597 -- .273 Of the bench guys - Tui has a nice 3 for 9 start with 1 RBI. In fairness, Lopez started off with a horrid first week, and started hitting a little this week. Bradley has a couple of timely hits, including two HRs. And Griffey also has timed his paltry production well, also. I think most expect Bradley to start cranking sooner than later. And Lopez is just starting to awaken. The danger spots are (IMO), Griffey/Sweeney and Adam Moore. To date, Moore looks completely lost. He's trying not to look bad - and getting worse. They got Bard for a reason - and it was to guard against exactly what is happening with Moore. Wilson is scuffling, also. The 1/10 BB/K split is extremely troubling. He's doing fine with the glove, and doing what he can. The big plus here is that Tui is getting to learn SS from one of the best. And Tui doesn't seem at all intimidated by the majors. I really think they need to flop the Sweeney/Griffey playing-time. Junior just doesn't seem to have much left in the tank - and it looks like he can only function with extreme high adrenaline, (which makes him a perfect pinch-hitter). But, the club won't be around in September if the DH slot is posting a .500 OPS. ======== The defense had a few rough games week 1, but seems to have righted itself. Vargas has a 11/1 K/BB ratio! (but highest ERA of all 5 starters). Aardsma has 5 saves and in case nobody has noticed - he's throwing a no-hitter for the season. The bullpen has been okay -- but K-Tex (6.35) and Colome (7.50) haven't exactly been stellar. Aardsma is the ONLY reliever with a K/BB better than 1.50. Essentially, much like 2009, this club skates on the edge of disaster on a daily basis. But, it's early and it's pretty normal to take awhile to get things clicking. Final AL K/BB in 2009 was 2.03 -- it's only 1.88 at the moment. It's not a winning record (just yet). But 6-7 doesn't look too shabby after 2-6. And the Boston RedSox are currently 4-8. |