After a dreadful start to the season, the Red Sox have bounced back, winning seven straight, and now sit atop the American League East.
It hasn't been easy, but the Sox have gotten contributions from up and down the roster.
And while it really has been a team effort, there have been a few Red Sox who been simply outstanding thus far, especially in the wake of disappointing 2010 campaigns.
Starting pitcher Josh Beckett has responded after what was a dreadful 2010 by being one of the best pitchers in the American League. While his win total may indicate otherwise, Beckett has been the best Red Sox starter, and Boston has been in every game the righty starts.
Also having a resurgence of some is David Ortiz. We've seen him put up big numbers throughout his career in Boston, but over the past few years, it's been a bit of a struggle to get the big guy going early on. Not this year. He's crushed seemingly everyone — left-handers included — and is off to one of the best start of his career. If he can continue heating up, as he has in the past, we could be looking at another career year for the designated hitter.
Jacoby Ellsbury, like Beckett, missed much of 2010 due to injury. His durability was questioned for the first time in his career. He's erased any of those doubts in the early going this season, as he is just hitting the cover off of the ball, especially as of late. He leads the league in doubles, and aided by a .370 on-base percentage, he leads the league in stolen bases with 24.
And finally, closer Jonathan Papelbon has been close to lights out for much of the early season. He obviously feels he has something to prove after blowing more saves last year than any other year in his career, not to mention it's a contract year. He's scuffled some in the last week or so, but he did also just become the fastest closer ever to reach 200 saves.
Which Red Sox player has impressed you the most with his performance this season? Share your thoughts below.
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Which Red Sox player has impressed you the most with his performance this season?Market Research
