After every series, we'll take stock of how each individual and group performance affects their overall value.
Lineup
Scott Podsednik: Podsednik has been the best lead-off hitter for the Sox this season and then he ends up with a minor groin injury. Hopefully it is a brief stint on the DL
Dustin Pedroia: Pedey looked awful in the first two games and redeemed himself just a little bit in game 3. He had good swings last night, but there is no certainty that he will keep it going.
Adrian Gonzalez: I wish I had an answer.
David Ortiz: Big Papi is bringing that average back up and is 10th in the majors in home runs with 16. You gotta give credit to the gold chain.
Kevin Youkilis: Blah.
Mike Aviles: Aviles went 3-for-12 from the middle of the lineup and had little impact on the series. Mike came into the series at .263 and left at .262.
Jarrod Saltalamachhia: Salty had a tough game 1, where he went 0-for-4 with 4 fly-outs. He followed with a great game 2, going 2-for-3, with a huge 2-run home run. Salty added an RBI in the final game to help the Sox win the series.
Ryan Sweeney: 1-for-8 and a trip back to the DL. Tough series.
The Bench: The Sox got decent production from Shoppach, McDonald, Middlebrooks, Punto, Nava, and Kalish.
Starting Pitching
Dice-K was slightly better than the Dice-K we are used to. Lester was great until that 3-run homer, and Morales was also great in his spot start. Morales also did a nice job at the plate.
Bullpen
The pen went 7 1/3 innings without giving up an earned run in the series until Aceves took the mound on Sunday. Even with the Aceves' outing, the bullpen looked good again.
Managing
Valentine made a great decision to give Morales the game 3 start. He has a nice streak going where he hasn't said anything idiotic.
Overall
The Sox didn't do anything impressive since the Marlins series. Another 2 game victory when it should have been a sweep.
