Boston Sleepwalking No More

On June 15th I wrote an article (Boston Sleepwalks Through Minnesota) expressing my exasperation with the Red Sox lackluster performance in a 3 game sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Twins. At that time, the Sox were 36-28 and one game back of the New York Yankees. Since that time, the Sox have won 11 straight (their longest winning streak since 1995), lead the AL East by 3.5 games, and are the hottest team in baseball. Three game sweeps of the Braves, the Nats, and the Phils, and two straight against the Mets (including a shellacking of Pedro Martinez) and the Red Sox now find themselves sitting at 47-28 - good for the third best record in Major League Baseball.

While their pitching has been good during the streak, their defense has been flawless - no errors committed. But it has been the offense that has stood out in my mind. They are are batting .339 as a team during the streak. Here's a closer look:

Mark Loretta has a hit in every game of the streak and has raised his season batting average from .295 to .317 by going 21-48 (.438).

David Ortiz is hitting only .268 during the streak but has contributed 4 home runs, 12 RBI, and 2 walk-off hits.

Alex Gonzalez has been on fire. He carries an 8-game hitting streak (14-32 .437) in which his season average has gone from .237 to .268.

Coco Crisp has contributed 14 hits in 45 at-bats (.311) and 10 runs scored.

Manny is being Manny. 14-35 (.400) with 4 long balls and 12 men knocked in.

Kevin Youkilis has embraced the lead-off role with vigor. During the streak, Youk is 15-48 (.313) with 9 runs and 9 RBI.

Trot Nixon has raised his season batting average to .330 by going 14-36 (.389) during the run. He has also contributed 9 runs and 7 RBI.

It's been fun to watch the Sox rack up the best interleague record this year by dominating every National League team they have played, but unfortunately, all good things must end. And by week's end, they will be back to playing the American League.

At least they've still got 6 games with the Kansas City Royals.