However, even if the Sox aren't the last ones standing in October, there's a pretty good chance one of the team's players could be walking away with some hardware at the end of the season.
Most notably, the Red Sox are likely to get pretty good consideration when the voting is tabulated for the American League MVP award. As the Sox push on through August and into September, the Boston candidates for the prize essentially come down to three players — Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez.
Ellsbury is making a relatively late charge for the award. In addition to all of things he does as a leadoff hitter for the Sox, the fleet-footed outfielder is starting to show that he can utilize the long ball as well. If it weren't for his three-run home run on Monday — his 21st of the season — the Sox would have just seen the Tampa Bay Rays leave Fenway Park as the victors of three games, not two. And in addition to his offense, Ellsbury continues to play a strong center field in one of the more spacious tracks in the AL.
Then, you have second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Considered by many to be the heart and soul of the Sox, you can't discount those intangibles. Of course, to say that Pedroia brings only intangibles to the table is an insult to his play on the field. He put up an incredible July, one that earned him AL Player of the Month honors. He's been fairly consistent all year, but as he started to heat up last month, so did the Red Sox. No big surprise there.
Finally, you have perhaps the Red Sox' most consistent player all year in Gonzalez. Arguably the biggest offseason pickup this winter, Gonzalez has not disappointed in the heart of the Sox lineup. It feels like he puts up two hits and drives in at least a run every night. Well, he almost does, actually. Gonzalez leads the bigs in hits with 169 hits, and he's third in baseball with 92 RBIs.
All three have strong resumes for the MVP award. Now, if they can only find a way not to cancel each other out when the voting begins.
Which Red Sox player has the best chance to win the American League MVP?
