BOSTON RED SOX (42-47; 5TH PLACE, AL EAST)
BIG PICTURE
For most of the first half, the Red Sox were a mess, sometimes an embarrassing mess. But they never fell completely out of the race, thanks mostly to the division’s relative mediocrity. A hot streak that began in mid-June after the Sox had fallen to a season-high 11 games under .500 had people wondering if their season could still be salvaged after all.
The Red Sox can’t afford any more slipups. But they’re not out of it.
BEST PERFORMANCE
The Red Sox thought Xander Bogaerts was ready to step in at shortstop last year at 21. It turned out they were a year too early, because this year Bogaerts has looked more than ready at 22. Bogaerts has gotten better as the season has gone on, and he deserved his spot as one of the five candidates for the final American League All-Star spot, batting .304 with 43 RBI at the break.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
Brock Holt is the Red Sox first baseman... and second baseman ... and shortstop ... and third baseman ... and outfielder. Holt started at every position but pitcher and catcher in the first half, and he did it all so well that you could argue he was the team’s MVP.
Holt was the lone Red Sox player named to the original AL All-Star team, quite an honor for a guy who doesn’t have a position to call his own.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
The whole team has been a disappointment, but Mike Napoli deserves special recognition. He has gone through half a season with a batting average that almost never poked above .200, and he wasn’t making up for it with any power.
By July, the Red Sox were sometimes choosing to play designated hitter David
Ortiz at first base at Fenway Park for the first time in 10 years.
TRADE DEADLINE FORECAST
A few weeks back, there was talk the $200 million Red Sox could actually become deadline sellers. The mini-revival before the break makes that a lot less likely, and owner John Henry has suggested he’d be willing to add more to the sky-high payroll, if needed.
KEY SERIES