RED SOX FEVER

The Red Sox took 2 of 3 from the Yankees in the Bronx this weekend, ended the month of April at a gratifying 16-8 record. The rotation has been spectacular except for a couple games. The bullpen has been the best in baseball and the offense has been solid yet inconsistent.
The season started rough with a loss to the Royals 7-1. Schilling got out pitched by Gil Meche in the opener but the Sox won the next 2 games by dismantling the Royals 11-2. The club struggled in Texas but salvaged a Sunday night win in the rubber game on national television. Schilling and Papelbon led the way that game. The Sox went on to defeat the Mariners in the home opener 14-3 but lost the next day. Then the team started to take off and swept the Angels easily with 10-1, 8-0, and 7-2 victories. Staying hot, the club took 2 of 3 in Toronto then swept the Yankees in 3 games at home. It was a dramatic weekend versus the Yankees highlighted by a huge comeback and a nationally televised win in which the Sox hit 4 consecutive home runs en route to the sweep.
Unfortunately, the pesky Blue Jays took both games at Boston the next series to cool down the Sox. So everyone thought. The Sox then went into Baltimore and took both games. Off to New York, the Sox took 2 of 3 and ended the month with a sparkling 16-8 record that put the club comfortably in first place with the Yanks far behind in last. Despite the early cushion, it's hard to get overly excited after last season's debacle. But for now, the team deserves their due.
Matsuzaka had been decent, Wakefield solid, Beckett amazing (5-0) and Schilling superb. Papelbon and Okajima have been flawless in the pen along with a solid cast of others. Though the club has been a bit disappointing and inconsistent offensively, one can image how good the club can be when they start to click on all cylinders. Ramirez, Crisp, Pedroia, Lugo, Pena and Varitek have all struggled, but that won't last. The club's health is well and they are playing smart baseball. Cora and Okajima have been great surprises and Donnelly and Drew have proved their worth thus far. The team and their fans should be proud. The team's playing well on the road and has a bunch of home games in May. Expect the run to continue!