from best offense to best defense...

[jarjar]

Last year we had the best offense, with the batting champ included.

 

This year our pitching is Number ONE.

 

Any thoughts to this big turnaround?

 

And it's influence on what's to come? Thanks!

[yeszir]

We've always had great pitching. Remember last year? We had 3 of the top 4 of the AL ERA leaders: Pedro, Lowe, and Wake. We've consistently had the lowest team ERA in the AL too. The pitching isn't new. Maybe the bullpen dominance is new, but the starters have always produced.

[Tek04]

our defense isnt that good this year...its actually pretty bad

[JMDurron]

Let's not talk about our defense. Millar in RF, Bellhorn's mental lapses at 2B, Mueller at 3B...ugh.

[sarasoxfan]

That's true, I think for the most part the defense has been pretty impressive--given that we have to improvise a lot of guys into different and difficult roles.

Daubach in left, McCarty, etc everywhere..The one part of the equation that concerns me, is Bill Mueller--his throwing has looked really strained. I think he is still injured. His hitting hasnt been that tremendous, either. Streaky at best.

 

As a team I think we're hitting 260+, thats moving up steadily. The defense will improve when the regular line-up emerges.

 

How come so many teams keep getting 2 runs off of us, in the first.

 

Lowe is always getting hit hardest early, Pedro was....Is it the new england weather, or something Wallace better look into.

 

Happy Birthday RedSox24

[roary]

I think what she meant was that our pitching, THAT aspect of defense, was great this year and no necessarily just the catching fly balls part. We've always had great pitching. The sox have constantly led the league in team ERA for so many years now, partially because of Pedro Martinez. Or solely because of him. But this year other pitchers (save Derek Lowe) are stepping up and contributing to the awesome pitching staff.

[Badmotorfinger]

Consistency translates to success, on any level. I think we're starting to see that consistency in our pitching staff. Let's face it - we don't tremble when our relievers take the mound like we did (or I know I did) last season, and Foulke seems very comfortable in a Boston uniform.

 

As for hitters - Terry has had to play the cards he's been dealt, and for the most part he's done a dynamite job (we're still head-lining the AL East, y'know). Once Nomar and Trot are back in the order - once they've settled back into their groove - I know our already-impressive offense will find another gear. You just gotta keep the faith!