But the Red Sox, despite all their problems, have somehow managed to stay afloat. They enter Sunday's finale with the Blue Jays with 50 wins, and despite struggling against AL East foes — mainly the Yankees and Rays — they are still within striking distance for the division and wild-card races.
When you look back at the first half of the season, the injuries are what stands out most. As of right now, the Red Sox have nine players on the disabled list who were on their Opening Day roster. The injury plague that has nestled itself and thrived in the Red Sox clubhouse has made, and continues to make, its presence felt.
But despite the constant roster shuffling that comes with that volume of injuries, the Red Sox have stayed afloat. Players like Bill Hall and Jason Varitek (before recently getting injured) have had to step in and contribute more than anyone thought they would at the beginning of the season.
Minor league journeymen like Daniel Nava and Darnell McDonald have not only stepped in, but delivered, elevating themselves to cult heroes in Boston. Take Nava for example. Even with Boston's rough stretch lately (losing five of six games), the Red Sox boast a 14-8 record in games in which Nava plays.
Pitching staff fill-ins have helped as well. Scott Atchison and Felix Doubront have been called on to make spot starts, and Tim Wakefield has stepped in and been reliable in place of Josh Beckett.
But it's not just the unsung heroes that have helped. Some of the big-name talents have stayed healthy and continue to do their jobs. Jon Lester is heading to the All-Star Game, a product of his 11-3 record and a 2.78 ERA. Clay Buchholz also was named an All-Star as he continues to develop into the pitcher Red Sox Nation hoped he'd be.
David Ortiz, after a slow start, has turned it on offensively to the tune of 17 home runs and 56 RBIs, and Kevin Youkilis continues to be a leader on and off the field. Dustin Pedroia also helped carry the load before hitting the disabled list in late June.
There's good news too on the way for the Red Sox. The players they've been without for much of the year are making their way back. Josh Beckett has started to rehab and should be back soon. Jacoby Ellsbury is nearing a rehab assignment as well. Victor Martinez, Jason Varitek, Buchholz and Pedroia should all be back by late July or early August.
Hopefully for the Red Sox, their returns aren't too late. To no one's surprise, the Yankees and Rays continue to play good baseball, and it's looking like it's going to take upward of 90 wins to make the playoffs, let alone win the division.
The Red Sox have yet to win more than 98 games in the Terry Francona era, but it might end up taking at least that to continue playing into autumn.
So is this Red Sox team — with their makeup, build, management and anticipated returns — good enough to win 95 games this season? Maybe 100?
Share your thoughts below. The best comments will be read on NESN’s Red Sox GameDay Live or Red Sox Final.
July 10: Which Red Sox player is the glue that holds the team together?
