The timetable calls for Shane Victorino to be back with the Sox later this week and Will Middlebrooks soon after. There will definitely be pressure on both men to lead the Sox out of the wilderness, both offensively and defensively. It remains to be seen if they can live up to this.
At 9-12, the Bosox remain at the bottom of the AL East. Going into Tuesday, their batting average was a paltry .238, and they are averaging less than 4 runs per game. No player had more than 4 homers and 2 stolen bases. Monday’s game was typical- after rallying from a 6-0 deficit to cut the advantage to 7-6 in the ninth, Mike Carp grounded out to end the game with the tying and winning runs in scoring position.
Neither Victorino nor Middlbrooks were slated for the “savior” spot before the season. The Flyin’ Hawaiian was a contender for the leadoff position, replacing Jacoby Ellsbury, and to provide a stolen base threat. (He had 21 last year with a career average of 30). He was also counted on for some power, with 15 homers and 61 rbi’s in 2013. Though his best years were with the Phillies in the 00’s, he showed that he could contribute to a championship team. Middlbrooks had a fine rookie year in ’12, with 15 homers, 54 rbi’s, and a.288 average in 75 games. He slumped last season, however, hitting .227 and spending part of the year at Pawtucket, though he continued to show power with 17 homers.
It would be unfair to expect either man to make a huge contribution immediately. Victorino missed all of spring training with a right hamstring sprain, and then came down with the flu. Middlebrooks played only 4 games before going down with a right calf sprain. It will help that both men are fine defensive players, since the Sox have had some problems in the field. Replacements Jonathan Herrera, Brock Holt and now-departed Ryan Roberts have all been subpar at third, and outfield play has also suffered.
It has become obvious that starting pitching will not carry the Sox. Though the team ERA is fairly low, John Lackey, Felix Doubront and Clay Buchholz are a combined 3-6 with a 6.04 ERA. Buchholz has been the most disappointing, and it seems his velocity is down. The most consistent starter has been Jon Lester, though, as we saw Tuesday night, the lefty is not a Pedro Martinez who can lead a rotation by himself. The bullpen has been strong, but when you continue to fall behind as the Sox have, it becomes less important.
Instead of merely expecting Victorino and Middlebrooks to turn things around, the team must use a balanced approach-improved hitting, fielding and pitching. It may involve cutting loose a Carp or Daniel Nava (Jackie Bradley Jr should stay) or sitting down a starter and promoting Chris Capuano or Brandon Workman to the rotation. It promises to be a season-long struggle to stay alive in the AL East.
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