It feels like a number of fans here are almost giving up on this season. The Sox have hit a bumpy patch for sure, but still went 13-12 in July. Yes getting swept by the Rays stinks, but they're a terrific team, and there's no shame in going 4-5 against Tampa over nine games so far this season. Tampa, Toronto, and NY all improved at the deadline, but Boston, by mid-August, should have the additions of Chris Sale and Kyle Schwarber, both of whom should help tremendously.
Despite their holes, they have the third best record in the AL, just 1.5 games behind TB and Hou for the best record in the league. It's not been done with smoke and mirrors. It's been done by good players doing their jobs well. Now, like everyone experiences in a 162-game season, they're hitting a rough spot. JDM is hitting poorly lately, but unless you think that's the real JDM, he will bounce back and mash again. Devers is back after being hurt. There's positives here.
My #1 concern is starting pitching. I've always said that I think Eovaldi is overrated here because he has great stuff. But he's fine. Just not GREAT. But fine. Pivetta is fine. And I really like Houck. And Sale changes things a lot assuming he's even close to being his normal dominant self. If he's not, then yeah there's major issues.
The bullpen is fine. Nice work yesterday.
The team is good and will stay in the hunt. It's good to be in a pennant race, though of course I'd rather be up a half game than down 1.5. Last night's loss was an ouchie for sure.