As a Mets fan with no hope left for my team (even as the Wild Card is slightly more visible as each day goes on), I have been quietly keeping track of the Sox. Currently 1 game up on the Rangers and Angels in the Wild Card, I think we will see the Sox in the postseason again this year. However, I am beginning to question a team that, going into this year, were my favorites to win the AL East (even with the Skankees acquiring A-Rod).
The Red Sox finished 95-67 last year. To reach that mark this year, they need to be 32-16 the rest of the way. I thought this team was leaps and bounds better than last year. They aren't performing that way. I am nervous about how far they can go in the postseason
The defense frightens me (and remember that the Mets are the worst defense in the league). In the postseason, where every play is HUGE, sloppy defense won't win ballgames, and every bad move is magnified. Somebody breaks late for a fly ball, and everyone notices. One bad throw, one misplay, and one blunder can cause you a game. You upgraded the shortstop position by getting Cabrera, so hopefully he can help.
With Lowe struggling (among others), how deep can you say your rotation is? Pedro is still an excellent, top-tier pitcher, but is he what he was, say, a few years ago, where he was being compared to Sandy Koufax? Lowe has struggle. Francona is more likely that Little to leave in a pitcher a little too long.
The bullpen is questionable. I am impressed with Leskanic (at least from what I have seen of him, I think he performed admirably on that thrilling July 1st game), but in the postseason, it may be difficult for you guys to get the game to Foulke. Your bullpen needs to keep some excellent hitting teams at bay and hold leads.
Terry Francona competes with Art Howe for the Worst Manager of the Year award. His moves are VERY questionable (some being outright stupid), and despite his mistake in Game 7 of the ALCS, I thought Grady Little was a good manager.
Just sharing my quibbles with the team. I still am dreaming for a Red Sox/Cubs Fall Classic.