Red Sox struggling after All-Star break

July 22, 1:04 PMBoston Red Sox ExaminerEric Dorval

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 Bay has struggled since being an All-Star starter.

The Red Sox have limped into the second half of the season.  After dropping four of their first five post All-Star games, the Sox now find themselves in second place in the A.L. East, looking up at the Yankees.

Although I have heard people complain about Francona’s recent use of the bullpen, the real issue has been the Sox offense.  Yes, Wakefield is on the DL.  Yes, Smoltz is still struggling.  Yes, I know that Brad Penny has not thrown seven innings in a game all season.  But these issues are nothing new.  Buchholz can replace Wake, Smoltz and Dice-K have had issues in the first half, and Penny has been consistent all season.

Below is a breakdown of the Sox offensive stats before and after the All-Star break.

Obviously, runs are what really counts, and the Sox have only scored 12 runs in the five games after the break.  That’s just not going to get it done.  Since the break, J.D. Drew, Jason Bay, and Jacoby Ellsbury have COMBINED for three hits.

The one difference of late has been the offense.  The problem has been hitting.  The Sox batters have continued to do a good job of working pitchers and making them throw a lot of pitches.  However, when they do get that pitch to hit, the production has not been there.  Maybe its just a little rust, or maybe some players got content because they had the best record in the A.L.  Whatever the reason, the Sox bats need to wake up.

The Red Sox now find themselves in second place in their division.  The Yankees have emerged from the break on fire, winning five straight.  The key to their recent success has been dominant pitching.  The Yanks have allowed only 10 runs in those five games.

The Sox need to snap out of this offensive funk and return to playing good ball.  Let’s hope Buchholz and the gang can get it going tonight in Texas.  They head back home this weekend and it would be nice to fly back with a W in hand.