In the first half of the season, some usual suspects led the team to a first place finish at the break. Kevin Youkilis tore the cover off the baseball and played exceptional defense, while his infield partners Dustin Pedroia and Mike Lowell continued at their All-Star caliber pace. Manny Ramirez went through some ups and downs with the bat, but contributed mightily with the long ball. Dice-K finished with 10 wins and a glowing ERA, working out of jam after jam like a magician. Jon Lester made Red Sox Nation proud, while J.D. Drew capped his stunningly productive first half with an All-Star game MVP award. Who knew?
In order for the Red Sox to put themselves in a position to repeat, and by that I mean clinch home field throughout the postseason due to its vitality and importance, a few other key players must step up and show their mettle in a time of need. With Tampa Bay breathing down the necks of the Red Sox and the Yankees primed for another second half run, it won
