FanPost

Can The Sox Really Keep This Up?

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via www.csnne.com


Despite losing two out of three in Camden Yards this weekend, the Sox still have the third best record in the majors and a lead of 1.5 games on the O's. The question here is, can they really keep this up? This team has battled through many injuries and we have not even hit the All-Star break yet. They lead the league in runs scored and are second and third in OBP and Slugging respectively. Despite this offensive outbreak that not many could have predicted, the competitiveness and quality of the AL East, along with all their injuries, has not allowed the Red Sox to separate from the field.

The mind-boggling fact is that they truly have not hit a slump yet. For the faithful Red Sox nation this is a bittersweet feeling. Baseball is a long season and every team, at one time or another, goes through a slump. This could come back to bite the Red Sox unfortunately, as they are bound to have a slump and we can all agree it would be best if that slump came in early June rather than late September. We don't want a repeat of 2011.

As of now though, this team is firing on all cylinders. Ellsbury keeps getting on base and stealing, Pedroia keeps hitting away, Papi keeps driving in runs, Bucholz keeps winning, and role players like Carp, Iglesias, and Salty, keep coming through and delivering. What a difference a year makes, right? This year's team actually feels like a true Red Sox team once again. With the underrated, exceptional leadership that John Farrell brings, as well the extra motivation that every single media outlet gave the team by picking the Sox to finish in last place, this team seems poised to surprise many and make a deep run.

The only two problems they truly have is staying healthy and relief pitching. One can hope that injuries don't play a huge role in the team's chances and relief is something they might be able to address at the Trade Deadline. One thing is certain, this team's future looks bright and hopefully they can keep this up.