Power Shortage

After 9 games, it is obvious the Red Sox have a shortage of power. They are 8th in the AL in slugging percentage, 9th in runs scored, 8th in doubles (even with the benefit of the Wall), and have yet to hit a triple. They have left many runners in scoring position (17 for 79) and Tuesday hit into five double plays in a loss to Texas.

There are few true power men on the roster. In 2013, David Ortiz had a strong comeback with 30 homers, 103 rbi’s, and a .564 slugging percentage. But at 38, his 04-06 days (average of 47 homers and 141 ribbies) are well behind him. Mike Napoli contributed 23 homers and 92 rbi’s, but he is certainly no Chris Davis or Miguel Cabrera. The Beard Men were able to lead the league in categories such as doubles, total bases, rbi’s and SLG, but it was in reality “power by committee.” Eleven hitters-Ortiz, Napoli, Dustin Pedroia, Jonny Gomes, Mike Carp, Daniel Nava, Will Middlebrooks, Shane Victorino, and now-departed Jacoby Ellsbury, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Stephen Drew all had 9 or more homers. These players averaged a strong 57 rbi’s. But like much that transpired in the 2013 Miracle, this is unlikely to happen again.

When Victorino and Middlebrooks return from injuries, the power figures may rise a bit. But it is improbable that the Sox can power their way into the 2014 postseason. They will have to rely more on “small ball” offense-getting on base, going deep into counts, and advancing runners. This will be a bit difficult without the presence of Ellsbury, but Xander Bogearts and Jackie Bradley Jr appear to be strong in this area. In Wednesday’s win over Texas, they became the first Sox players under 25 to walk twice in a game since 75. Bradley was leading the team with a .400 average and .478 OBP and Bogearts was not far behind at .290 and .405. Grady Sizemore and Jonathan Herrera have also showed a capacity to get on.

With the pitching staff in some flux with questions surrounding Felix Doubront and Clay Buchholz, the Sox cannot depend on their starters to overcome the power loss. As the weather warms, the extra base hits may come. But the concept of “a different day, a different hero” must continue even if games are won 3-2 rather than 8-2. As last year, the Bosox must “find a way”. But it won’t be easy.