Let's See How Far We've Come

The Red Sox are currently tied with the Rays for third place in the AL East with a 40-35 record. They are 1.5 games back from the Orioles, 6.5 games back from the division leading Yankees, and 2 games out of the wild card. In the last 10 games, they are 8-2 and seem to be playing their best baseball of the season.

Much like last year, the Sox are really starting to heat up as the temperature rises. The Yankees lost arguably their two best pitchers (Sabathia and Pettitte) to the disabled list. The Orioles are 4-6 in the past 10 games, as are the Rays. With players like Ellsbury, Crawford, and Bailey making progress to get back to game action, it’s hard not to be a little optimistic.

So, before I go and start predicting what’s going to happen for the rest of the season, I thought I would show you where the Red Sox started and where they are now. On Opening Day, the roster consisted of the following:

Pitchers (13)
Rotation: Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, Felix Doubront, Daniel Bard
Relievers: Alfredo Aceves, Matt Albers, Scott Atchison, Michael Bowden, Mark Melancon, Franklin Morales, Vicente Padilla, Justin Thomas

Catchers (2): Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Kelly Shoppach

Infielders (5): Mike Aviles, Adrian Gonzelz, Dustin Pedroia, Nick Punto, Kevin Youkilis

Outfielders (4): Jacoby Ellsbury, Darnell McDonald, Cody Ross, Ryan Sweeney

Designated Hitter (1): David Ortiz

Obviously, there have been a few changes. The current Red Sox roster is the following:

Pitchers (12)
Rotation: Jon Lester, Felix Doubront, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Franklin Morales, Aaron Cook
Relievers: Alfredo Aceves, Matt Albers, Scott Atchison, Mark Melancon, Andrew Miller, Clayton Mortenson, Vicente Padilla

Catchers (2): Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Kelly Shoppach

Infielders (6): Mike Aviles, Adrian Gonzales, Brent Lillibridge, Will Middlebrooks, Dustin Pedroia, Nick Punto

Outfielders (4): Ryan Kalish, Darnell McDonald, Daniel Nava, Cody Ross

Designated Hitter (1): David Ortiz

The Rotatation and Outfielders have seen the most change over the course of the season, and it will continue to be that way. Josh Beckett is supposed to come of the disabled list for Saturday’s start against the Mariners, and it’s anyone’s guess when Buchholz comes back. Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford should be back with the team around the end of the July. Obviously, there will be roster moves, trades, and releases taking place in July. It’s incredible that the Sox have a 40-35 record, and it’ll be interesting to see who is on the roster come August 1st.