One Step Forward, Three Steps Back

Not sure what there is left to say about the Red Sox at this point that hasn't already been said. The bullpen isn't up to par, they aren't producing runs, Bobby Valentine seems completely unprepared, and Tuesday night, the infield defense wasn't good. It would normally feel pretty ridiculous to be worried about these things at such an early point in the season, but last year was proof that every game truly does matter. If they start 1-5 last year instead of 0-6 then the collapse never happens.

Youkilis at least looks like he's getting back to normal. Yes he did hit into an inning ending double play, but he also had his first two hits of the season, one of which went for a double. Ellsbury hasn't quite got his swing on track, but he did walk and score twice. These aren't the guys I'm concerned with though. It's the back end of the lineup. Salty, Cody Ross, Ryan Sweeney, and Nick Punto aren't driving in runs. As a team the Sox were 2-12 with runners in scoring position and they left 10 men on base. I don't care who you're facing, this isn't going to win ball games.

Daniel Bard didn't look terrible in his first career start; his line looks far worse than he actually pitched. He really didn't get much help from the infield. Youk looked like he was glued in place and Nick Punto, is well, Nick Punto. There were also a few lucky hits that fell in. So don't look at the 5 earned runs given up in 5 innings pitched and think he was ineffective. He struck out 6 and only walked one while throwing 96 pitches. Admittedly this isn't a great night, but for a first career start, it's acceptable. This isn't to say he doesn't need to improve, and do so quickly, it's just that he shouldn't be hammered over his performance.

Now, onto Bobby V. I'm sure every Red Sox fan was thinking the same thing while Justin Thomas was on the mound, why is he still out there? Valentine has already admitted that this was a mistake. Well someone needs to tell him that mistakes like this aren't acceptable in Boston. He was chosen to help right the ship from last year, and these mental lapses aren't going to do it.

The bright spots tonight were what you would expect. Dustin Pedroia went 3 for 5 and Adrian Gonzalez drove in 3 runs. It was also nice to see the offense put up some fight in the 9th inning when they were trailing by 6 runs. Unfortunately it was a little too late, but still, they didn't give up, which is encouraging.

Tomorrow Lester is scheduled to be on the bump, hopefully he continues the style of pitching he displayed in Detroit on Opening Day. Ricky Romero is penciled in for the Blue Jays, who the Sox have historically hit hard. So who knows, tomorrow may be primed for win number 2.