Can we go back to playing the NL East? The offense once again held up its end of the bargain, and again the pitching failed to do the same.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the Red Sox’ season has been a disaster so far. It seems like three-quarters of our recaps have gone like this:

[Insert Starter’s Name] failed it to make it out of the [Early Inning]. And while [Hanley/Pedroia/Sandoval/Holt] had a good game at the dish, [The Rest of the Team] continues to struggle.

A six inning outing by a starter feels like a complete game. Other guys besides the four mentioned above have been productive at the plate, but not consistently. The starting pitching has been about as effective as a Level 5 Charmander using “Ember” on a Level 100 Blastoise.

The bullpen isn’t blameless either (for instance, Mujica balked twice tonight), but if the starters struggle, it makes the bullpen’s job a lot tougher. Just look at these numbers:

They’ve also had 6 different innings in which they’ve given up 5 or more runs, which is double the amount of any other team in the majors.

On the offensive side, guys they’re counting on being productive – and offsetting the pitching somewhat – have been struggling. Look at the offensive (double entendre!) stats, minus the four I mentioned above (numbers from before last night’s game):

PLAYER	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Bogaerts	65	18	1	1	1	9	7	12	0.277	0.347	0.369	0.716
Betts	78	17	3	0	2	10	9	15	0.218	0.303	0.333	0.637
Leon	19	4	0	0	0	2	3	2	0.211	0.318	0.211	0.529
Hanigan	45	9	1	0	1	5	8	11	0.200	0.345	0.289	0.634
Ortiz	65	13	2	0	4	8	11	17	0.200	0.312	0.415	0.727
Napoli	65	11	1	1	1	4	10	16	0.169	0.28	0.262	0.542
Nava	36	6	1	0	0	6	1	8	0.167	0.205	0.194	0.400
Victorino	35	5	1	0	0	2	6	7	0.143	0.302	0.171	0.474
Craig	33	4	0	0	0	1	2	8	0.121	0.194	0.121	0.316

That’s 6 position players at or below the Mendoza line, 4 of them everyday starters.

But if we take a step back, the Sox are in pretty good shape. They’re 11-10 and sit just 2 games back of the Yankees, who are unlikely to sit atop the division for an extended period of time. Ortiz, Napoli, Nava, and Victorino (if healthy) will improve. (I hope Craig does too, but it’s not a given. Dude might just need a change of scenery). The starters have shown flashes of being dominant, and Kelly looks close to putting it all together. I’m aware that inconsistency has defined the careers of Buchholz, Kelly, and Masterson thus far, but the talent is there. Miley and Porcello will come around and eat innings. In reality, Cherington will probably need to make a move for a starter before the season is out, or promote from within, but there are a lot of tantalizing options to choose from.

Offensive Highlights:

Sandoval was 4 for 5 with 2 doubles, and had his first hit of the year from the right side of the plate. Panda is hitting .500 with 3 doubles, 2 homers, 7 RBI, 4 walks, and 7 runs in his last 6 games. He should have a couple more doubles, but has already mastered the Monster in his own way, turning doubles into routine singles with regularity.

Hanley homered again, this time to the opposite field. He wrapped one around Pesky’s Pole for the 200th long ball of his career.

He’s now slashing .295/.345/.641 with 9 four-baggers and 20 RBI in April. C’est incroyable!

Mookie was 2 for 5 with a walk, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored, and once again showed proficiency when hitting with two strikes.

Papi was 2 for 3 with 2 RBI.

Ryan Hanigan was 1 for 4 and is still hitting just .204, but has been getting on base at a respectable .350 clip.

Checking out the team’s updated averages is much easier on the eyes.

Notes:

-Before the game the Red Sox recalled Jackie Bradley Jr. for outfield depth, with Victorino hurt and Nava and Craig struggling.

–Xander continues to be much improved at short.

-Mookie Betts can do anything

-Did I just talk myself into thinking the Red Sox actually won this game? I think so!