Red Sox Report Card (lineup)

Now that we've reached the 1/4-way mark, it's time to take a good look at the Sox -- to applaud their strenghts, and recognize the weaknesses that need to be addressed in order to stay on the track to October.

Boston Red Sox (22-14, .611, 1st place AL East)


1. Kevin Youkilis, 1B (B)

Youuuuk! "The Greek God of Walks" has been doing a good job batting leadoff and playing 1B. After flip flopping between AAA and the pros for a few years, he has come into his own an MLB hitter (.416 OBP) and has a sharp glove at the other corner.

2. Mark Loretta, 2B (B-)

After a slow start, Loretta found the Monster. He raised his average to .278 while showcasing his veteran prowess at second.

3. Manny Ramirez, LF (B)

We know, it's just Manny being Manny... well, for the most part. Ramirez's power numbers are uncharacteristically low -- 6 HR and a measly 3 doubles. But we're talking about Manny here. With a .301 average, we can expect a resurgance when he rediscovers his power stroke.

4. David Ortiz, DH (A-)

Ortiz is a mean, clutch force in the lineup (12 HR), but sports a substandard .264 average. Expect the average to rise to normal levels when Big Papi hits his inevitable hot streaks. Ortiz recently told the Boston media that he wants to finish his career in Boston. Remember when the Sox almost settled for Jeremy Giambi at first in 2003?

5. Trot Nixon, RF (B)

Nixon isn't showing any great power, but is batting .316 with 7 doubles and a .433 OBP. Regardless of the numbers, any season in which Nixon actually plays can be considered a good one by his standards.

6. Jason Varitek, C (B-)

Varitek's .243 average is a disappointment, and his 6 doubles and 3 HRs are nothing to write home about. As far as catchers go, though, he is still in an upper echelon; Varitek's average should even out around .270 as the season progresses, and he is still an elite "pitcher's catcher" behind the plate.

7. Mike Lowell, 3B (A-)

Lowell has been the single best surprise of the 2006 Sox thus far. His .331 is a major rebound, and his 19 doubles currently lead the league. Not to mention he has the reflexes of an extremely paranoid cat over in the hot corner.

8. Wily Mo Pena, CF (B)

If Lowell is the best surprise this year, Wily Mo is a close second. Not that his success is surprising -- he's been a revered prospect with the Reds for years -- it's just nice to see him produce so well for the Sox. Given the at-bats -- and the Sox would be smart to give him plenty -- Wily Mo will make Sox fans forget about Bronson Arroyo very quickly.

9. Alex Gonzalez, SS (C)

The biggest disappointment of the season is easily Gonzalez, though the Sox should have seen it coming. The only reason he is passing class is because of his crafty defense at short -- other than that, his .220 average and paltry .302 OBP are numbers for demotion. However, the Sox shouldn't waste good minor leaguers trading for an Izturis-type replacement. Either stick it out for now, or get Dustin Pedroia some big league at-bats.


Good luck this semester.