The Boston Red Sox are currently 4-2 after their first week of the 2013 season. Under new manager John Farrell, the Red Sox are attempting to put last season behind them, as they finished at an unimpressive 69-93 under former manager Bobby Valentine in 2012.
Farrell, who is a former pitching coach of the Boston Red Sox, brings with him familiarity and respect from many of the Red Sox players. With a successful road trip against division rivals the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, the Sox will look to continue their success as they come home to Fenway Park for the first time this season on April 8.
Starting pitcher Jon Lester has looked outstanding in his first two outings of the 2013 season. After a difficult 2012 season, Lester has an amazing 1.50 E.R.A. and a perfect 2-0 record to begin 2013. As the ace of the Boston Pitching staff, Lester’s success will be a major part of the Red Sox making the playoffs this season. Starting pitcher Clay Bucholz, who also had a disappointing 2012 season, had a solid first outing of his season, defeating the New York Yankees with seven innings pitched and only one earned run given up. Bucholz and Lester must stay consistent and preform well as the number one and number two starters to set the tone for the rest of the pitching staff.
Another present surprise for the Red Sox this season has been the dominating presence of third baseman Will Middlebrooks. Middlebrooks, who took over last season at third for fan favorite Kevin Youkilis already has four homeruns, six runs batted in and is batting .320. Replacing Kevin Youkilis is no easy task, but Middlebrooks has accepted the challenge and has been a force in the lineup. At only twenty four years old, Middlebrooks gives Red Sox fans hope for the future. His defensive play at third base, which includes diving catches and great throws, has also been a key to the Red Sox so far in the 2013 season.
In a city that is very passionate about baseball, the fans of the Boston Red Sox set high expectations for their team every season. Although the season is still very young, the players and coaching staff seem to be comfortable under that pressure and seem to be a playoff contending team. If the team can stay healthy and avoid the large amount of injuries that plagued them in 2012, they should be considered amongst the favorites to compete for a World Series spot. New manager John Farrell brings excitement and energy to the team which seemed to be lacking last season, and the first week of the season has shown that the players are reacting positively to the managerial change.