It has been a miserable season for the Red Sox in terms of injuries. They have been hit hard from the very beginning of the season as Beckett had a back issue. Those who’ve missed time include Big Papi, Mike Lowell, J.D. Drew, Lugo (thankfully), Dice-K, Wake, Colon (the low-risk gamble didn’t really pay off).
But the Red Sox STILL made the playoffs. Putting the season in context, I’m content with winning the Wild Card. The Rays had a great season, and despite some significant injuries, held on to win the division. They almost had the best record in the AL. But the Sox did suffer far more significant injuries to key keys.
And now they limp into the playoffs, possibly to be decimated by the Angels just like the White Sox destroyed them in 2005. Lowell’s hip is still bothering him, and that affects not just his fielding but also his hitting. Lowell is an important part of this team. He’ll try to play, but we’ll see if he can deliver.
J.D. Drew MIGHT be okay. As someone who has had a bad back the last few years, you just never know how it will feel. If it holds up, he could be an important contributing member of the squad- like in last year’s playoff drive.
Lugo had another setback, which allows Lowrie to have an opportunity to shine. We won’t miss he of the weak bat and suspect defense.
Papi’s wrist is still a huge question mark. It is a day-by-day thing. When your big bat has such issues it doesn’t bode well.
Our biggest problem is Beckett’s latest injury. A strained oblique could be a huge problem for the Red Sox. He is a Big Time October performer, and pitching is exactly what carries a team in the post-season. They have him slated for Game 3. If he’s healthy- the Sox still have a shot. If he’s not …. I think they are done. The Angels have utterly dominated the Red Sox this season. The post-season is different- some guys crack under the pressure. So, who knows. But Beckett is a vital part of this rotation.
Jon Lester’s emergence as an Ace gives me a boost of confidence. He put it together this year. He became more efficient as a pitcher (hello, Dice-K … take some tips) and has often been the stopper when they’ve been slumping. Although he pitches better at Fenway, I’m take him as our #1 since Beckett won’t be able to make that start Wednesday.
Ellsbury is another glimmer of hope. He’s been hot lately, returning to the form that made him a World Series starter last season. If he’s on base and creating havoc, that creates lots of opportunities for Pedroia and Youkilis to drive in runs. This has been the season of strange for the Sox. With Papi hurt and Manny finally trying again (albeit in LA), Mighty Mouse and Youk have risen to the occasion. This shows that they team isn’t dependent on one or two guys.
This lineup might be able to sustain the loss of Lowell & Drew (if Kotsay can actually break out of his slump and become this year’s Kealty). But Beckett, if lost, could sink them.
Cavman Considers 
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