PawSox at the Break

It's the All-Star break, time for all of us to reflect upon what has been a pretty spectacular first half-plus for the Pawtucket Red Sox.

The goal of the PawSox has never wavered...developing talent so they can contribute in Boston. But it's also nice to see that the development of Manager Ron Johnson's club is translating into wins for the hundreds of fans who have made their way to McCoy so far this season.

The PawSox currently rank third in attendance in the International League, with 379,784 fans coming through the turnstiles through 47 home games.

Pawtucket currently has the best record in the IL (and all of Triple-A baseball for that matter) at 61-37. They sit atop the North Division, four games better than the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees.

The on-field success of the team is no fluke. The PawSox lead the league in a number of team and individual categories at the plate, on the mound, and in the field.

Here's a look at the PawSox' numbers at the break:

OFFENSE

It's really amazing that the PawSox have been so consistent at the plate, and most of that talent will probably never see any long term action up in Boston. As the numbers show, the Pawtucket offense has been both potent and patient.

As a team the PawSox are tied for first in the league in team batting average (.269). They are first in runs scored (519), RBI's (498), walks (375), on-base percentage (.348), and OPS (.794).

Pawtucket is second in homers (126), total bases (1458), and slugging percentage (.446)

Individually, Jeff Bailey is having an MVP-type year. At the break he is in the top ten in every major offensive category. He ranks 5th in batting average (.306), he is tied for 3rd in homers (with teammate Jonathan Van Every at 23), tied for 5th in RBI's (62), 4th in on-base percentage (.403), tied for 2nd in slugging (.596) and tops in OPS (.999). He is also 2nd in total bases (189), second in runs scored (72), and 8th in hits (97).

Infielder Joe Thurston is once again proving to be a consistent, professional hitter. He leads the IL in batting (.319) and tied for 1st in hits (111). He is also 5th in runs scored (60).

Outfielder Jonathan Van Every has had impressive power numbers so far in 2008. Along with his 23 homers, he is 3rd in runs scored (69), 4th in slugging (.563), 4th in OPS (.934), and 6th in total bases (165).

Outfielder Chris Carter came into the season with high expectations and he has not disappointed. he is 5th in the league in homers (19), 2nd in RBI's (66), tied for 4th in hits (102), and fourth in total bases (181).

Although struggling at times at the plate, catcher George Kottaras ranks tied for 7th in homers (16) and 5th in walks (49).

PITCHING

As impressive as the offense has been for the PawSox, their pitching staff has been equally up to the task.

As a team the PawSox pitching staff is 1st in the league in ERA (3.55) and 1st in WHIP (1.26). They have given up the least number of hits of any IL staff (780) and they have surrendered the least number of runs (381).

When talking specifics, you need to look no further than the starting tandem of Charlie Zink and David Pauley. Both lead the league in wins (11). Zink is also tops in innings pitched (125 2/3), and complete games (2). He is second in ERA (2.22) and WHIP (1.02).

The rest of the PawSox starting staff has had its fine moments. Both Davern Hansack and Edgar Martinez have performed extremely well at times. And with the addition of Michael Bowden and Kyle Snyder off the DL, the rotation looks solid the remainder of the season.

The bullpen has been relatively consistent all season long. Chris Smith has proven to be a late inning stopper. Michael Tejera and Hunter Jones have shown their propensity to be tough against lefties. Eric Hull has quietly had a good season. And the emergence of Justin Masterson in the bullpen, albeit potentially short-term, gives the PawSox reason to stay optimistic.

DEFENSE

The third element to the PawSox' success this season has been it's play behind the pitching staff. Pawtucket is first in the league in fielding percentage (.984). Keith Ginter leads the club with 8 errors, not an alarming number for a team that has played 98 games.

Time, and the needs in Boston, will tell us if this will end up being a magical season at McCoy. If the team can stay together, and stay healthy, there is no reason to doubt that the PawSox will make their first post-season appearance since 2003.