The Sox have dealt with more injuries than anyone could imagine, yet they still sit just 1 1/2 games out of first place in the ultra-competitive AL East. That's no small feat, and it's thanks in part to the contributions of the subject of the first mailbag question.
Will Clay Buchholz go to Anaheim for the All-Star Game?
–Serena, Annapolis, Md.
To me, it appears to be a lock. Wins and ERA are always looked at in
late June and early July. Last year, Tim Wakefield's 11 wins
earned him a spot on his first All-Star team. As it stands, Clay
Buchholz is tied for the AL lead with 10 wins and is second with a
2.47 ERA. The question also will be whether both Buchholz and Jon
Lester will represent Boston.
It is amazing how far Buchholz has come. There are many who feel the
no-hitter he threw so early in his career set back his development in
some way. It took a bad year, three months in Pawtucket and an entire
spring training to get him where the Red Sox always thought he would be.
His confidence had always been his issue, and now that it is soaring,
so is he.
Who are the best teams you have seen in the majors this season?
–Carrie, Bellingham, Mass.
In my estimation, the three best teams in the majors are all in the same division. The Red Sox, Yankees and Rays are the best of the best. I realize the Phillies are going to be better as the year goes on — and when Jimmy Rollins is 100 percent, it changes their team — but to me, the most well-rounded, deepest teams with the most potential to go deep into the playoffs all reside in the AL East.
Now, there are obviously only two teams that can go to the postseason, and one of the three could conceivably win 90-plus games and still not get to October. What will be the deciding factor for me is the health factor for all three clubs. Who will be able to sustain the healthiest roster throughout the season? All the teams are deep in pitching, but a few injuries can change everything.
Are you surprised by the Red Sox' ability to deal with their injuries so far?
–Tommy, Hudson, N.H.
I'm shocked, especially in the outfield. During the spring, we see a lot of the organization's younger players from Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket. Most of the time, you see guys who you may never see again or may see in a month, such as Darnell MacDonald.
To look out at the outfield now and see McDonald, Daniel Nava and Josh Reddick has been anything but expected at this point. They have been great and continue to look like they belong. I really think the rookie development program the Red Sox have during the offseason is an underestimated tool to the success a lot of these guys have had upon their arrivals. The injuries to Josh Beckett and to Daisuke Matsuzaka also could have been a big deal if the the Red Sox were not so deep in starting pitching. I am, admittedly, surprised with the success the Sox have enjoyed over the last month, despite all the injuries.
Will David Ortiz play more than expected in these NL parks on this interleague trip?
–Ron, Watertown, Mass.
I think he will. Tuesday night, Terry Francona said that he would like to get him two starts in this series in Colorado. I think if David was hitting the way he did in April, he would be on the bench for these games. His bat has been too good to now have him sit, so he will be at first base and in the lineup. Kevin Youkilis and Adrian Beltre will alternate days off at third base the next two nights if Francona stick to his plan. With this stretch you really do not want David losing timing or his rhythm at the plate either.
What memories do you have from Coors Field?
–Roger, East Lansing, Mich.
Actually, for me individually, I surprisingly have a great deal of memories. Prior to 2007, I had only been to Denver and Coors Field on one occasion. As it would work out in 2007, I would go there for three separate trips in a two-week span. I had the opportunity to call the extra-inning, one-game playoff between Colorado and San Diego for TBS. It was an amazing game.
Then I returned for TBS to the Rockies-Phillies series a few days later. Then, of course, a week later I returned to be part of the pre- and postgame coverage for NESN and the celebration of the 2007 World Champion Boston Red Sox.
It was different than the celebration in St. Louis, but it was still amazing to be on the field and get the reaction from players. For some, it was their second World Series in four years. To me, Jon Lester was the best part of it as he wrapped up what was a great story. From battling cancer to winning the clinching game in the World Series.
