Boston’s Platoon Advantage

There were two American League outfielders who posted an OPS of .880 or higher in 2012: Mike Trout (.963) and Josh Willingham (.890). Needless to say, finding an outfielder who can put up that kind of production is rare in the recent low-offense environment, and it’s...

Playing the GM Part 1: The Position Players

Coming off of the heels of a 69-93 season, their first 90 loss season since 1966, the Red Sox are in desperate need of a roster makeover.  While many have already turned their attention toward the shiniest assets of the Hot Stove season, Ben Cherington and his crew...

The Advanced Scout – Baltimore Orioles

After splitting a series in St. Petersburg, the Boston Red Sox (66-83, 19 games back in the AL East) return to Fenway Park for their last home stand of the season for a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles (85-64, 1 game back in the AL East, 4.5 games ahead...

The Advanced Scout – Tampa Bay Rays

Having taken two of three from the Blue Jays, the still-in-last-place Boston Red Sox (66-81, 17.5 games back in the AL East) visit that soul-sucking slice of hell known as Tropicana Field to play the Tampa Bay Rays (78-68, 5 games back in the AL East, 4 games back in...

The Advanced Scout – Detroit Tigers

Having surprisingly taken two of three from the division-leading New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox (51-51, 9.5 games back in the AL East) come back home to host the Detroit Tigers (54-48, 1.5 games back in the AL Central). The Red Sox are 4-6 in their last 10...

The Advanced Scout – New York Yankees

After taking only one win against the Texas Rangers, the Boston Red Sox (49-50, 10.5 games behind in the AL East) move on to the Bronx to face their ancient rivals, the New York Yankees (59-39, 7.5 games ahead in the AL East). The Red Sox find themselves in last place...

Cafardo Mailbag: The John Lackey’s Contagious Edition

It’s trading deadline time, so that means questions abound about possible trade options; the Josh Beckett/Jon Lester conundrum; and concern over Carl Crawford‘s elbow.  Let’s dive right in to the yummy goodness that is this week’s Cafardo...

The Advanced Scout – Texas Rangers

After being swept but the lowly and injured Blue Jays, the Boston Red Sox (48-48, 9.5 games back in the AL East) go to Arlington, Texas for a three-game skein against the Texas Rangers (56-38, 5 games ahead in the AL West). The Red Sox are 5-5 in their last 10, while...

The Advanced Scout – Toronto Blue Jays

After taking three of four from the Chicago White Sox, the Boston Red Sox (48-45, 9.5 GB) welcome the struggling Toronto Blue Jays (45-47, 12 GB) to Fenway Park for a three-game set. The Blue Jays are 3-7 in their last 10 while the Red Sox are 6-4 in their last 10....