Jon Lester ERA,K/9,SO/BB in August/September-October:
August: 2.41, 10.4, 4.33
September/October: 2.52, 9.6, 3.45
That's elite production down the stretch. And he had a good outing against the Angels, don't know what more you could expect.
Jonathan Papelbon ERA,K/9,SO/BB in August/September-October:
August: 1.69, 13.5 K/9, 4.00 SO/BB
September/October: 1.46, 9.5 SO/9, 0 BB, 0.487 WHIP
This team doesn't have a power problem. It has a consistency problem, which is what they tried to address in the off-season.
Minus the ALDS hiccup, again, elite production.
Last season, the Sox hit 212 HR's and 335 2B, they replaced Bay's 36 HR and 29 doubles with Cameron's 25 HR's and 30 2B's, added a 25-HR/30 2B bat in Beltre, and a 10 HR/25 2B bat in Scutaro while upgrading the infield defense.
The only true wild-card in this offense is David Ortiz. If he plays like he's capable of playing, then there is no "need for a bat". If he regresses further, then we have a power problem and the Sox need a bat.