We’re only five games into the season and everyone is starting to panic. Should we? No, I don’t think so. If Red Sox Nation has learned anything from the Sox over the years, it’s that they are not always what they seem to be. The season-opening sweep to Texas could be followed by another sweep or two, but on the winning end for the Sox this time.
Alright, so maybe 11 home runs were given up, but you have to give the Texas Rangers some credit. They’re the reigning American League Champions, which has to say something. They have incredible power in their lineup, and many of their home runs were solo shots. At least we can say they didn’t hit them when they really counted.
Maybe we should be a little concerned about Jon Lester and John Lackey’s starts, but definitely not Clay Buchholz’s. Buchholz went a little over six innings and only gave up five hits. Yes, four of those five hits were homers, but that’s not something we can blame completely on him. Other than that, he looked great. He gave up only two walks while striking out three.
Lester and Lackey on the other hand, give us a little more to be concerned about. Lester gave up six hits, walked one and didn’t strike out anyone. He also only lasted five innings. Lackey looked the worst though. He didn’t even complete four full innings, getting pulled after just three and two-thirds innings. He gave up a baffling ten hits, while walking two and striking out three.
The Sox offense, in return, wasn’t so great either, but they seem to be coming around. David Ortiz, who I think it’s safe to say we all worry about, ended the series with two home runs and four RBI’s. Adrian Gonzalez added another three RBI’s, while he had five hits. Jacoby Ellsbury looked completely healthy, with three hits (including a double), a home run and even throwing a stolen base in there.
So, why should we not panic? Because for the most part, every player seemed to look good. Because everyone is healthy. And, most importantly, because we are only five games into the season and still have 157 left to go.
