We all know that our offense hasn’t been much of a concern in 2009. Bay is hitting homers left and right, Youk is back off the DL (4-8, 2 R, RBI since his return) and Papi finally ended his drought. There are others contributing to the Red Sox offense, but I want to take a look at the guys who perform in the other half of the inning – the pitchers.
Tim Wakefield has shocked everyone in Red Sox Nation by starting off with a 5-2 record and a 3.59 ERA. He has also thrown two complete games. I’ve mentioned before how I thought Wakefield should have called it a career prior to 2009, but he’s proved to me and everyone else that he should stay right in the Sox rotation where he belongs.
Although he has not had a great start to the season, Lester pitched an excellent 6.2 innings yesterday, allowing only 1 run and 2 walks. He struck out 4 and allowed 8 hits. I mentioned yesterday how Penny allowed 9 hits which seemed like a lot. In comparison, 8 sounds like a lot too. However considering he didn’t give up a run until the 7th (which was when Ramirez came in to try to clean up his mess), 8 hits isn’t all that bad.
And how about that Ramon Ramirez? I love this guy. He already has a 4-1 record this year with an amazing 0.79 ERA. In my mind, he’s the set up man that Okajima used to be in 2007. It’s great to have such a reliable set up man who also allows us to use Okajima not just as a late inning pitcher, but also as a weapon against lefties.
Speaking of which, Okajima has shown that he can be trusted again as a set up man. He has a 2-0 record with a 2.84 ERA. Not bad if I say so myself.
And what better way to end than with the closer himself – Jonathan Papelbon. He’s gone a perfect 11 for 11 in save opportunities this season with a stunning 0.95 ERA. I’m sure this guy would have made quite the starting pitcher if that’s what the team had decided back in 2007, but right now I like him in the pen!
So tonight we got Dice-K back from the DL who’s pitching against Santana for the Mets. I’m really mad that I have to miss this game tonight because I believe it’s gonna be a good one.
Keep the Faith!
