Red Sox Pitching Puts Them Head and Shoulders above the Rest

The Boston Red Sox have easily found out the formula to winning come October. PITCHING!!!! The Red Sox by far have the best pitching staff that is situated for a seven or five game series against anyone. With three Aces in their hand (Lester, Dice K and Beckett) and one the river in Papelbon, the other playoff teams will need to find a way to get five-of-a-kind if they want to beat this team.

The Red Sox pitchers have been dominate so far in this post-season. Their starters have combined for a 2.03 ERA allowing 7 ER in 31 IP so far. The bullpen has been just as effective posting a 2.11 ERA, allowing 4 ER in 17 IP . In a combined 48 IP they have been averaged 8.56 K/per 9IP and averaging less than one hit per inning.

Many skeptics questioned Francona's decision to start Dice "K" in game one of the ALCS. Well so much for that. In fact in may have been the best decision he could of made. The move allowed all of his pitchers to stay in routine and if they happen to see themselves behind after game 5, they will have Beckett and Lester in games 6 and 7. Believing that the series will at least go 5 games, Francona will be able to start Lester and Beckett in game 1 and 2 of the world series. This was a smart move by Francona lining up his pitching staff in a way that gives his team the best chance to win the World Series, not just one game.

The most impressive stat so far this post-season must be that the Red Sox pitchers have only allowed a combined 6 extra-base hits the entire post-season. Four of those hits were allowed by Beckett in game 3 of the ALDS and in-fact those 4 hits were the only extra-base hits given up by any Red Sox starter so far. In comparison, the Red Sox offense has 16 extra-base hits and the other teams left all have given up more extra-base hits Tampa (11), LA (13) and Philly (9).

This team may be the complete package. The combination of dominate big game starters, a great closer, solid defense all around the field, a line-up with power and speed, and a bullpen that understands and thrive on their roles makes them a tough team to beat. There is one team that can beat the Red Sox , the Red Sox.