Instead, it's been a strength of the Red Sox, especially lately.
Boston ranks eighth in the major leagues in runs scored, but that's not the team's most impressive ranking.
What's more impressive are the 39 home runs, which puts the Red Sox third in the majors in that category.
Who would have thought that would have happened sans Jason Bay?
Dustin Pedroia (7) paces the team while Kevin Youkilis, J.D. Drew and Jason Varitek place second with five apiece.
The offense got off to a slow start, but has really rounded into shape nicely even without instigator Jacoby Ellsbury atop the order and Mike Cameron, who can hit 20 home runs in his sleep.
Baseball is a funny game. Things that are perceived weaknesses end up being strengths and vice-versa. That's certainly been the case with the Red Sox, whose "run prevention" mantra has so far not lived up to its billing.
That's not to say that it won't. The pitching — especially Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, John Lackey and Clay Buchholz — are starting to baffle hitters while the defense is too good to not tighten up eventually.
Even David Ortiz is joining in on the fun. Big Papi cranked his fourth home run of the season Wednesday night, and is now projected to finish the year with 31. Adrian Beltre, after going a month-plus with zero home runs, now has two in the last three games.
Not too shabby.
However, the flip side is that the Red Sox ranked third in runs scored last year — fourth in home runs. So while the Red Sox' offense hasn't been a liability, it certainly isn't up to par with 2009's output. At least, not yet.
Most everyone agreed that the Red Sox' offense would slip. If you consider dipping from third to eighth a slip, they have done so.
However, is the No. 8 ranking better than anyone expected?
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