A Reason For Concern...And Maybe Optimism?

[Dunt]

Sox have a lot of holes right now. One thing we've always relied on to be a strength has seemingly become a gaping hole over the last month and for the Sox to contend through the rest of the season, the starting staff is really going to need to step it up. Here are the numbers over the last month:

 

Chris Sale 4.76 ERA 1.12 WHIP 9.8 K/9 7 HR

Jose Quintana 4.64 ERA 1.18 WHIP 6.5 K/9 7 HR

James Shields 5.33 ERA 1.59 WHIP 5.0 K/9 5 HR

Carlos Rodon 5.16 ERA 1.63 WHIP 9.9 K/9 5 HR

Miguel Gonzalez 5.52 ERA 1.43 WHIP 5.2 K/9 2 HR

 

If you want your eyes to really burn, take a look at each of their FIPs in June and July. I dont think that they are this bad, but I also don't think they are as good as they were in April. Maybe the weight of always needing to be perfect has finally got to them, maybe they are just tired. Whatever it is, they are going to need to carry this team if they want to have any chance at a playoff spot and it needs to start with Sale. People can pretend like he's been as good as advertised this season, but his numbers tell a completely different story. He's been a completely different pitcher and he needs to get back to what made him scary. I'm hoping bringing Fulmer up after the break brings some stability to the bullpen and allows the rotation to get comfortable. Maybe even Burdi will be up for to give a hand. The rotation needs to really get it together though, they are what makes this whole thing go.

[Dunt]

Just going to add that the two best pitchers over the last 2 weeks have far and away been Shields and Gonzalez. That's a serious problem, especially given the importance of these last few series.

[Bananarchy]

Just going to add that the two best pitchers over the last 2 weeks have far and away been Shields and Gonzalez. That's a serious problem, especially given the importance of these last few series.

If anything, I'll take that as somewhat encouraging, as you know long term Q and Sale are going to snap out of it.