ALDS 2017: 5 reasons the Boston Red Sox win

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 30: Mookie Betts #50, Andrew Benintendi #16,and Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox react after the final out was recorded to clinch the American League East Division against the Houston Astros on September 30, 2017 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: Drew Pomeranz #31 of the Boston Red Sox delivers during the first inning of a game against the Houston Astros on September 30, 2017 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

3. Drew Pomeranz is actually good

For three months last year and the first three months of the 2017 season, left-hander Drew Pomeranz was on the receiving end of a constant stream of criticism and scrutiny from the Fenway faithful. Who could blame them? The Red Sox gave up a prospect in Anderson Espinoza who was drawing comparisons to Pedro Martinez (ever heard of him?), and Pomeranz fell flat on his face immediately after coming to Boston.

Pomeranz went 3-5 with the Red Sox last season with an ugly 4.59 ERA and did not make the playoff rotation. In his first full year as a starter at the MLB level, the big left-hander just wore out down the stretch. The same command problems and inefficiencies that dragged Pomeranz down last year carried over into the early going of this season.

At the end of June, Pomeranz was 7-4 with a 3.81 ERA and was allowing opponents to hit .260/.313/.418. His numbers were fine, but Pomeranz was having a hard time pitching more than five innings most times out. Boston fans, easily frustrated as they may be, had a point. Pomeranz needed to learn how to go deeper into games.

From July on, things finally clicked for the talented starter. Pomeranz ended the year on a 10-2 heater with a 2.92 ERA. He completed 95.2 innings in 17 starts and was much more efficient with his pitches. With David Price sent to the bullpen due to arm trouble and Rick Porcello struggling for most of the year, the Red Sox are counting on Pomeranz to be their number two in the playoffs. He just might be up to the task.

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