Trade Deadline Preview: Boston Red Sox
By Drew Jenkins
Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Where they stand so far
The 2013 World Series Champs have disappointed so far this year, as they are 38-47. That puts them 8.5 games out of 1st place in the AL East and 9 games back of the 2nd Wild Card spot. The biggest problem for the Red Sox is that there is not one particular area of the team to blame. Offensively, young players Jackie Bradley Jr. (.586 OPS) and Xander Bogaerts (.688 OPS) and veterans like A.J. Pierzynski (.645 OPS) and Jonny Gomes (.687 OPS) have struggled at the plate. Behind Jon Lester and John Lackey, the Red Sox pitching staff has struggled, with Jake Peavy putting up a 4.86 ERA, Clay Buchholz having a 6.22 ERA, and Felix Doubront struggling to a 5.37 ERA. In the bullpen, Chris Capuano was underwhelming before being released, and Edward Mujica and Craig Breslow have also disappointed. All-in-all, the Red Sox haven’t reached the lofty expectations given to any defending World Series champ.