Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The Red Sox limped back into Fenway Park on Friday night 2 1/2 games behind the Yankees for first place in the AL East. They needed two things to get them back on track: A win, and a rejuvenated offense. I guess 1 out of 2 isn't too bad. The offense continues to struggle scoring only 3 runs on 9 hits while stranding 9 runners. The pathetic JD Drew left 5 on by himself. At least they 3 for 8 with runners in scoring position.
The positive note of this game was Brad Penny. He improved his record to 7-4 while pitching 6.1 innings allowing only 1 unearned run while scattering 5 hits. He looks pretty good, but as Don Orsillo mentioned several times last night, he allows way too many foul balls, and tips by opposing hitters. This may be his downfall for never pitching through 7 innings in a game during the 2009 season. The Red Sox should be fine for pitching the rest of the way out. They have Wakefield returning the first week of August, and even Dice-K could make a return in September.
It's the offense that has to return to form for them to make a deep run in the playoffs. I doubt they'll trade for an impact bat, but replacing the JD Drew in right is what I'd try to do the most. Josh Willingham would be a perfect fit for the Sox. He would be a more productive platoon in right than Rocco Baldeli, and would add more power to the lineup. It also helps he's been one of the hottest hitters in the majors the past month.
