After every series, we'll take stock of how each individual and group performance affects their overall value.
Lineup
Jacoby Ellsbury: Jacoby didn't do anything until game 3. Well, he did draw a walk in each of the first two games, but did not do anything with them.
Carl Crawford: He wasn't spectacular, but the home run in game 1 was promising. I'll take anything from Crawford at this point.
Dustin Pedroia: Pedey had a tough game 3, but games 1 and 2 were pretty damn good. I like what he is bringing to the plate.
Adrian Gonzalez: He continues to tear it up with RISP. I don't know if he knows how to hit homers that don't produce 3 runs.
Cody Ross: Cody did record a hit in each game, but did exceed the amount of hits with strikeouts. We have seen that too often.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia: His series wasn't that bad. Sure he struck out 3 times in game 1, but he did have the homer. He went 0-for-2 in game 3, but he did walk twice and score on both occasions. It all evens out.
Will Middlebrooks: Finally, he is starting to look like the guy we saw before the trade. Let's hope the pitch to the wrist will have no effect on his game.
Pedro Ciriaco: A great game 2 followed by a clutch bloop single in the 10th inning of game 3. Cue the "Pedro" chants.
Mike Aviles: Terrible. Just terrible.
Daniel Nava: I can take it or leave it.
The Bench: Sweeney came through with a huge 2-run double in game 3, and Shoppach couldn't get anything going in game 2.
Starting Pitching
This rotation is still where they were going into the series. Doubront was the only solid pitcher, while Cook and Lester continued to struggle.
Bullpen
This group is not consistent. Some individuals have had good stretches, but it is not good enough. Melancon continues his see-saw season, Padilla blew it in game 2, and Aceves blew another save in game 3. I am surprised the Sox won the series.
Managing
Bobby is still in it and getting fired up and tossed last night is always good to see. I like the decision to put Ciriaco in at short on Sunday and it paid off.
Overall
A series win against the Yankees is always a good thing. It wasn't pretty, but wins of any sort will do just fine.
