PAWTUCKET- What a difference a year makes. It may sound cliché, but when it comes to the Pawtucket Red Sox 2008 season so far, the change in seasons has come with a change in fortunes.
Through 51 games, the PawSox are 31-20, the third best record in the International League. They are in second place, one game behind the Scranton Wilkes/BarreYankees in the IL North. One year ago the PawSox were ten games worse, at 21-30, and in last place in the division, eight games out.
So why the change? For starters, the PawSox 24-man roster looks a bit different than a year ago. Ten players currently on the squad also saw playing time in 2007. Only 4 positional players (Jeff Bailey, Brandon Moss, Chad Spann, and George Kottaras) played at least 70 games. On the pitching staff, only Davern Hansack and David Pauley spent most of the 2007 campaign at McCoy.
The influx of new players acquired during the off season has turned the PawSox’ luck around. The offense has been bolstered by the likes of newcomers outfielders Chris Carter (.308, 6 HR, 29 RBI) and Jonathan Van Every (.284, 7 HR 21 RBI). Bailey (.325, 12 HR, 37 RBI) and Moss (.286, 2 HR, 17 RBI) have been their consistent selves so far this year.
“Good players playing well” said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson on his team’s performance, “I’ve been very excited about it.”
The PawSox have also found some offensive production from some unlikely places, like behind the plate. Catchers Dusty Brown (.282, 3 HR, 11 RBI) and George Kottaras (8 HR, 28 RBI) have proven their worth to the organization as good receivers AND good hitters.
“That’s 11 home runs from behind the plate,” Johnson said, “That’s pretty good production from that position.” “Those two guys are both 40-man roster players. And both have a ton of ability.”
With Moss trying his hand at first base this season, it has been important for the rest of the PawSox infield to anchor that part of the field. And they have. Jed Lowrie, Gil Veazquez, Keith Ginter, and Chad Spann have all played solid defensively. Versatile Joe Thurston has spent time playing both infield and outfield positions.
“Jeff Bailey doing what he’s done...Gil Velazquez coming into the line-up and doing what he’s done… That’s a good team concept” said Johnson.
Pawtucket has also found production from younger players currently not with the team. Sandy Madera was the most notable, batting .303 with 4 homers and driving in 14 in just 23 games.
The PawSox’ success has come despite multiple roster moves made so far during this young season.
“The biggest thing I’m pleased with with this club is that we’ve had 9 people called up. We’ve had injuries,” said Johnson, “There’s been a lot of different cast of characters.”
On the mound, the PawSox have been bolstered by a solid starting rotation. Pauley has been the most impressive starter as evidenced by his 6-2 record. Charlie Zink is right behind, with a 5-2 mark and a 2.47 ERA. The rotation has also been bolstered this season by the experience of Kyle Snyder and the one start (so far) by Clay Buchholz. The future looks bright as prospect Justin Masterson is expected to enter the starting mix very soon.
The bullpen has been extremely consistent, despite injuries and promotions.
”When we lost (Craig) Hansen, (Bryan) Corey, (Lee) Gonkiewicz and (Chris) Smith. (Jose) Vaquedano, (Jon) Switzer, and (Eric) Hull picked up the load.” said Johnson.
The PawSox can be proud with what they’ve accomplished thus far. With most of the season still to come, the potential of what lies ahead will be interesting to follow.
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