The Red Sox had an awful series just concluded in Cleveland, as the Indians swept a three-game series that the Red Sox led for a grand total of half an inning.
Last night's 7-4 loss in 12 innings, on Asdrubal Cabrera's three run home run at 2 AM, was particularly disheartening, as the Sox came from behind twice to tie it, on David Ortiz' two-run shot, and then on Brock Holt's two-run single in the 7th. But the moment I saw Edward Mujica in the game to start the 12th, I knew this wouldn't end well. He's been useless in an otherwise rock solid bullpen.
And the outfield is absolutely killing this team. Another awful night for them, as the combo of Bradley, Gomes, Nava and Sizemore went 2-for-12 with 6 strikeouts. This getting to historically bad proportions, and the Sox badly need an upgrade out there, but anyone of any quality would cost and arm and a leg right now. Nobody is looking to move anyone until at least the July 31 trading deadline.
And by that time it might be too late.
The Red Sox currently stand 8 1/2 games out of first at 27-32. It was a matter of time until someone would seize control of the AL East, and that is the Toronto Blue Jays, who lead the division by 4 1/2 games. Of course there are still about 100 games to go for everyone, but the Jays are making a statement now, and are going for a sweep today against the struggling Tigers in Detroit. A team that many pundits thought would be the class of the AL East in 2013 appear to it in 2014.
The Red Sox inconsistency is killing them right now. 10-game losing streak, followed by a 7-game winning streak. Now back to a 3-game losing streak. The pitching wasn't bad in Cleveland. But they have reverted back to a struggling offense, especially with runners in scoring position. They were 3-for-21 with RISP in the Indians series.
I was hoping that in this nine-game road trip to Cleveland, Detroit and Baltimore they could go 5-4. The Sox are now 0-3, and a winning record on this trip looks like a pipe dream.
They are proving to be a "hot and cold" team. I don't see this as a formula for winning a division. The Sox have big problems right now, and nothing that can be easily solved any time soon.