The Red Sox find themselves in a precarious position after just 25 games, and at 11-14, they are already seven games out of first place. It's not exactly an insurmountable mountain to climb, but in the AL (B)East, seven games is a tough hole to dig out of.
Is it time for the Red Sox to consider making big changes?
A month has gone by, and it is clear that things have to change for the Red Sox to start winning. Is it as simple as waiting for Mike Cameron and Jacoby Ellsbury to return, or is something bigger needed?
One thing this team could stand to add is home run power — and there's a slugger on fire in the minor leagues who just might be ready. That's none other than Lars Anderson, who slogged through a poor 2009 at Double-A before tearing the level apart this season and getting a promotion to Triple-A.
Many others before Anderson have made the leap from Double-A to the majors and produced. Is Anderson the next member of that group?
How about Josh Reddick? He's tantalized fans for years with his potential, and while he's struggling to put the bat on the ball, when he does, the ball goes far.
Want home runs but don't think Anderson or Reddick is the solution? Perhaps Chris Davis is.
Speaking of looking outside the Red Sox organization …
Could Boston upgrade its catching corps with Chris Snyder from Arizona or Minnesota's rookie Wilson Ramos? Is the Red Sox' future designated hitter currently cranking home runs in Washington (Adam Dunn)? Could the bullpen be even better by adding Health Bell from San Diego? (And of course, there's a certain first baseman out there who's been coveted by Red Sox fans for years.)
Or could an ex-Boston left fielder — who is assured of making the Hall of Fame and still ripping the cover off the ball — make a return to town? Paging Manny Being Manny.
Has the time come for the Red Sox to shake up the system?
Share your thoughts below. The best comments will be read on NESN's Red Sox Gameday Live or Red Sox Final.
May 2: Can Victor Martinez end hitting slump while catching?
