First, some interesting news about the ALDS roster. Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew are apparently healthy enough to be included. The Sox also put catcher David Ross on, which I have to think is to protect their catching depth if/when Tim Wakefield pitches so either Varitek or Cash can be replaced and still have a backup. Mike Timlin was left off in favor of ross.
I received an e-mail touting the The Bill James Handbook 2009 and the e-mail had a preview of the playoff field and some interesting stats. Here’s where the Red Sox lie:
- The Red Sox have scored the second-most runs behind the Cubs in the majors with 845. (Angels 7th, 765.)
- The Red Sox are second to last in net bases gained in baserunning, adding eight runs. The White Sox are last at -20. (Angels 7th, 22.)
- Terry Francona ranks seventh out of nine (the White Sox and Twins were included) in sacrifice attempts with 40. Mike Scioscia had 39.
- Francona ordered 17 intentional walks, the least of the playoff field. Second to last was Joe Maddon of the Rays with 29. (Angels 6th, 32.)
- Francona had “runners moving” 87 times, good for last place. (Angels 2nd, 151.)
- The Team ERA ranks 7th with a 4.01 ERA. (Angels 6th, 3.99.)
- The Red Sox have manufactured 145 runs, good for 7th place. (Angels 3rd, 181.)
- The Red Sox have made 29 more defensive plays than the average team, good for fourth. (Angels 5th, -10.)
- Kevin Youkilis leads the Red Sox with 27 Win Shares, third among playoff teams (Joe Mauer and Chase Utley with 30).