FanPost Friday: Early Surprises

This week for FanPost Friday, we are going to focus on players who have either surpassed or subverted our expectations. This season is unique in recent Red Sox history, as the team entered the offseason as a bottom five team in the league and are, at the moment, a top 5 team.

The easy gut reaction is to wonder how the heck we got here. After all, very few things have really changed. The rotation is healthier, sure, as Eduardo Rodriguez has returned, and the bullpen is deeper (what was once a weakness is arguably a semi-strength), but the team’s core members haven’t changed, and the supplemental players to fill out the roster, while not world beaters, are close enough to the expected values of those they replaced that it is fair to wonder what caused the turn around, and whether or not it is for real.

That said, there have been a few cases of disappointment on the team, and it’s not just the players who aren’t playing well who have drawn ire from those on twitter and other social media.

So now’s your chance:

What player has been the most surprising for you this season for better or worse?

If you have never done a FanPost before, here’s a handy guide to get you started.