After every series, we'll take stock of how each individual and group performance affects their overall value.
Lineup
Scott Podsednik: Podsednik had a tough game 2, but it was sandwiched by some great performances in games 1 and 3. He is responding very well in the lead-off spot.
Dustin Pedroia: Not great but better. 3-for-12 with an RBI is better than 3-for-13, so progress is being made. He is starting to look comfortable with his swing as he deals with the thumb injury.
Adrian Gonzalez: If it wasn't for his game 3 performance, he would have a big, fat, red arrow next to his name.
David Ortiz: Big Papi had a fantastic game 3, which made up for his 0-for-4 game 1. His average is still hovering in the low .300's.
Will Middlebrooks: Middlebrooks had a tough series, going 1-for-8 in the two games he appeared in. His average has dipped below the .300 mark again.
Kevin Youkilis: I am not sure his value will ever go up. He is frustrated with the organization and he is well aware he will be traded eventually, so you can count on a continuous drop in performance.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Jarrod was flying high a week ago, now he is showing up to give the Sox O-fer's. His streaks are very brief and let's hope this cold streak ends soon.
Ryan Sweeney: He has not been the same Ryan Sweeney as we had been exposed to in April and May. His average is still good, but the production is not as consistent.
Mike Aviles: Another one of those "just ok" series where there was nothing memorable about his performance.
The Bench: Nick Punto is tearing it up, going 2-for-2 in game 3 with a double that was inches away from a home run, and 2 RBI. Oh, and it was in the same inning. I don't even remember his strikeout in game 1. Darnell McDonald was great in his limited time (3-for-5), and Kelly Shoppach looked pretty damn good in game 2. These 3 guys were a big part of the 2 wins in the series.
Starting Pitching
All 3 pitchers pitched 7 complete, but Josh Beckett had the worst of the 3. Beckett's outing did not compare to what Buchholz and Doubront would follow with. Clay Buchholz and Felix Doubront pitched very strong in their outings with Doubront taking a no hitter into the 6th. All 3 pitchers had tough competition, especially the great duel between Buchholz and Buehrle.
Bullpen
The bullpen pitched well again, giving Marlins very little to work with. There were a few hits and walks mixed in but the end result was 5 scoreless innings of work.
Managing
I'll give Bobby Valentine some credit for the series victory. Good job, Bobby.
Overall
A series victory after getting swept is a big confidence boost. Pitching did the job in the series and the offense showed up for the 8th inning of game 3. The Sox have picked up decent momentum heading into Theo Epstein Land.
