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Sean McAdam: Red Sox still seeking an offensive identity — with little margin for error
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- Sean McAdam: Red Sox still seeking an offensive identity — with little margin for error
BOSTON — When the Red Sox made a commitment to emphasize run prevention this season, it was done with a certain tacit understanding — that there would be at least a modicum of offense to accompany the focus on pitching and defense.
That doesn’t mean that they have to replicate Murderer’s Row with their lineup or be capable of bludgeoning opponents to death.
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But is it too much to ask for some offense to help support the other facets of the team?
The Red Sox could have used something Saturday, in a dispiriting 3-2 loss to the San Diego Padres. They’re due some credit for rallying to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth when a 15-foot roller in front of the plate by pinch-hitter Andruw Monasterio resulted in a run-scoring fielder’s choice — with some thanks to San Diego second baseman Jake Cronenworth , who dropped a throw and wiped out any chance of an inning-ending double play.
But it also says something that a swinging bunt qualifies as perhaps the best at-bat of the afternoon.
Through eight games, the Red Sox have yet to score more than five runs in any single contest. It’s perfectly acceptable to win games 4-3 and 5-4 — not that there’s evidence the Red Sox have grasped that concept.
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The offense has been so punchless that there’s very little margin for error.
The Sox had every reason to feel good about themselves in the ninth. After rallying to tie the game in the previous inning, they had two outs and two strikes, the bases empty and closer Aroldis Chapman on the mound. But then came a line double over Ceddanne Rafaela ’s head and a sharp single to left to account for the go-ahead run.
The Sox were then overmatched by flame-thrower Mason Miller in the bottom of the ninth.
If the Sox couldn’t do anything with Padres starter Randy Vasquez (career: 13-16, 3.99 ERA), what were their chances against Miller and his 102 mph high-octane?
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“We’ve got to swing less, to be honest with you,” said Alex Cora. “Get them in the zone, not chase. They have good arms, but (so does) everybody in the big leagues. I think from our end, slow it down. Watching the game, our first five hitters were all up in the count 2-and-0.
“So just make sure when you’re ahead, get your pitch to hit. And if it’s not there, take your walk.”
The Red Sox came into Saturday 22nd in the big leagues in walks and fourth in strikeouts — a bad combination. If they were clubbing more homers, their lack of discipline at the plate would be easier to take; but the Sox are averaging just one homer per game.
“The strikeout rate is up, the walk rate is down and we’re not hitting the ball out of the ballpark,” bemoaned Cora. “Usually, you strike out, you walk, you hit homers. But if you’re not finding a way to get on base via walk, you have to slug and right now, we’re not doing that.
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“There were some good at-bats; I’m not saying all of them were bad. But we have to make sure if we’re ahead in the count – 2-and-0, 3-and-1 — you get a pitch you can handle. If not, pass the baton."
So far, the baton keeps getting dropped. On Saturday, the Red Sox were 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and for the season, they’re an inept 8-for-59, which translates to .136, the worst mark in MLB.
“It just seems we’re one big hit away, one really good at-bat away from blowing it open and playing with some freedom,” said Trevor Story . “Right now, we just have to think small and big things will happen. Overall offensively, we need to be better — getting your pitch, being patient for your pitch throughout the bat and when you get it, don’t miss it."
Story suggested that, with the addition of Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin and larger roles for Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer , the Red Sox are still developing an offensive identity. It may take a while longer for that to gel.
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“I think that’s part of it,” said Story. “Baseball is an individual game in a lot of ways, but we’ve got to find a way to string things together as an offense. We have a pretty good pulse on it. Guys are working on what they need to do. We’re confident that things will turn because of the work and the caliber of the players we have.”
Until then, the Red Sox are navigating a tightrope, and one slip at the wrong time — like Saturday — can cost them a game.
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