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MLB All-Star Game: Jeter, top storylines from the first half

By Jeff Weisinger

Jun 20, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) takes the field against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) takes the field against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 12, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy (44) walks to the dugout after being removed from the game during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy (44) walks to the dugout after being removed from the game during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports /

From the top of the world to the basement: the 2014 Boston Red Sux

After winning it all in 2013, the Red Sox have hit hard times… fast.

Remember the 2013 Red Sox team that went on a run that lasted from mid-April through the World Series, ending in Boston’s third World Series this century (2004, 2007, 2013)?  Seems like so long ago, right?

The defending World Series champion Red Sox are nine games under .500 entering the All-Star break, in last place in the AL East and nine games out of first.  They’ve been nothing close to the team that was near unstoppable last year.

Boston is hitting just .246/.323/.371 as a team (22nd in the Majors) with just 68 home runs (tied for 26th in the Majors).  They haven’t had much success on the mound as well, as the Red Sox starting rotation is a combined 29-35, recording a 4.04 ERA (21st in the Majors), allowing a .260 BAA.  Starting pitchers John Lackey and Jon Lester are the only Sox starters around 10 wins (Lackey with 10, Lester with 9) with Clay Buchholz third on the team in wins with four.

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Alex Verdugo will have something to prove to Red Sox down the stretch
Alex Verdugo will have something to prove to Red Sox down the stretch /

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    • Most predictions have Boston as sellers at the trade deadline, considering that Baseball Prospectus’ postseason probability metric gives the Red Sox just a two-percent chance to make the playoffs.

    With 2014 being a lost season (barring some possible miracle where everyone else in the AL East just gets ice cold in August) the Sox are going to look towards their youth going forward and may possibly make a move before the trade deadline.

    They’ve already started a youth movement of sort, designating catcher A.J. Pierzynski and calling up Christian Vazquez to take his place.  Rumors also have the Sox possibly shopping around either John Lackey or Jake Peavy to make room for Rubby De La Rosa and possibly Brandon Workman in the rotation.

    Boston may not be in contention to defend their title in 2014 due to a less-than-stellar first half, however they just may make another run in 2015 and beyond if they decide to go with the youth movement for the rest of the year.

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