The Red Sox do not look like last year’s team at all. They got swept by a Jays team that outhit, outpitched, and out-defended them. Last year, the Red Sox led the AL in runs scored, scoring 57 more runs than the second place Detroit Tigers. Their starting rotation was also ranked fourth in the league. This year their bullpen is outperforming their starting rotation and that is the only reason why they sit sixth in the league in pitching. Often, their starters give up runs early on leaving the team chasing almost the entire game. The starters have a combined 4.50ERA and puts pressure on the hitters to produce. In terms of offence, last year the Sox averaged 5.26 runs per game last year compared to this year’s 4.04. They won 97 games last season because they could hurt any team in any way. Their speed and power were among the best in the majors.

So far this season they have struggled against right-handed pitching with a record of 10-20. The loss of Jacoby Ellsbury has been detrimental. Last season Ellsbury was .328/.374/.489 against right-handed pitching and he stole 39 bases in those games. The Red Sox are barely on pace to steal that many bases as a team this season. Grady Sizemore and Jackie Bradley Jr. who were brought in to replace Ellsbury have done little to fill the void. Even Ortiz has been affected by the departure of Ellsbury. Without Jacoby batting ahead Ortiz sees different pitches to hit. Ortiz needs to step up, and the pitching and offense need to get going if the Red Sox are to make the playoffs.