in MLB Articles

Don’t take a whiff of these Socks

What is going on with the Boston Red Sox right now? Dare we say they have a World Series hangover? Boston was just swept by the Toronto Blue Jays. Are the Sox that bad or are the Jays that good? Neither, but all is not well right now in Beantown. Pitching is a major concern, with David Wells and Wade Miller being decent at best and brutal at worst. Curt Schilling’s injury has also hurt the champs in the standings. However, Bronson Arroyo, Matt Clement and Tim Wakefield have pitched well.

But it’s their hitting that made them champs last season and it’s their hitting that’s holding them back this year. Manny Ramirez is batting only .230 for the season, Edgar Renteria has finally got his average over .250, Kevin Millar is having his customary slow start and Mark Bellhorn has been pathetic at the plate this season. For a team that scored the most runs in the American League last year; the Boston Red Sox are not playing like the cream of the crop in 2005.

Even the veteran bullpen is having problems, with Alan Embree, Keith Foulke and John Halama all struggling at times. In fact, Boston’s lackluster play prompted their leadoff man Johnny Damon to proclaim that they stink. It’s way too early to count this group out, but with the Yanks, O’s and Jays all playing well; these Sox better start smelling good and fast.