After every series, we'll take stock of how each individual and group performance affects their overall value.
Offense
Daniel Nava: Nava went 4-for-9 in the series with a nice performance in game 3. He struck out on a awful pitch to end the game in game 2, but I'll give him the excuse that he was cold, coming off the bench.
Dustin Pedroia: I know he is coming off of the injury, but he looked awful. Goose eggs in the hit column dropped Pedey down to .280.
Adrian Gonzalez: Gonzo got better as the series progressed as he hit out of the 6 spot in games 2 and 3. After the 0-for-5 game 1, Gonzo finished the series going 4-for-7 and came up with a pair of 2-out RBI in game 3.
David Ortiz: Big Papi went 1-for-11 with a single and a walk. He is coming dangerously close to falling below the .300 mark.
Kevin Youkilis: Youk looked good, but wasn't a big factor in the series. He looked his best in game 3, with a double and RBI.
Will Middlebrooks: After sitting out game 1, Middlebrooks had a good game 2, and not good game 3. We'll call it a wash.
Jarrod Saltalamachhia: Salty is looking good, I mean really good. Coming through in the clutch and looking very comfortable at the plate.
Mike Aviles: After hitting a trio of singles and game 1, Mike did squat other than a sac fly in game 2. It looks as if he is most comfortable batting in the 9 spot.
Darnell McDonald: Not a bad 2-for-5 with 3 runs scored in his 2 games back from Pawtucket. I'll take any production from McDonald.
The Bench: Sweeney was not so great, Podsednik looked good, and Shoppach was average. It all averages out to somewhere in the middle.
Starting Pitching
Once again there was a 2 out of 3 situation. Lester has a little bit of trouble in game 1, with a great follow up from Beckett and Buchholz. Buchholz just gets better and better as the season progresses and his complete game was awesome.
Bullpen
Padilla was the only reliever to pitch well in the series. Aceves and Atchison stunk it up in game 1. Matt Albers wasn't all that bad, giving up 2 hits over 1 2/3, but it could be better.
Managing
The one move that I liked the most was dropping Gonzo down to 6th in the lineup. It took the pressure off of Gonzalez and he responded well.
Overall
The Red Sox had their chances to win games 1 and 2 in the series and they blew it. The Sox were 5-for-25 with runners in scoring position and left 27 runners on base. They have to take advantage of those situations.
