Clement 6-3 through May of 2004

What’s not to love about the 5-0 start for Sox free agent signee Matt Clement? With the exception of a couple of stinkers where he somehow got away with a no decision, Clement has more than capably filled the departure of Derek Lowe as the “loose cannon” of the staff.

His hot start is not unprecedented. He started 2004 off by going 6-3 in the first two months with an ERA in the low 3’s. Clement didn’t fare so well for the remainder of the season, going 3-10 for 2004. So, being the typical cynical Sox fans, we’ll have to take a wait-and-see approach to see whether Clement can carry the hot hand past the All-Star break.

Red Sox batting .272 on the road

That healthy road average for the 2005 season is a mere eight points off the batting average at Fenway, .280.

That flies in the face of the consensus of what a tremendous home field advantage the Sox have at Fenway Park. Granted, the season is young and the bats will probably warm up at home along with the weather. Still, it’s rather encouraging to note what a productive and competitive road team the Old Towne team has become without relying on the ‘Monster’ to bail them out.

Forty-six starting catchers in Red Sox history

In the wake of Jason Varitek’s walk-off home run, the Stat Man came across this interesting tidbit that the Red Sox, in their 104-year history, have had 46 regular, starting catchers. That’s about one per every two to three years, about the same shelf life as the manager.

This number becomes even more fascinating when you realize the number of catchers who had a longer than average stay as a starter: Sammy White (eight years, 1952-59), Bill Carrigan (six years, 1909-14), and Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk (seven years, 1972-80; injured in 1974).

So, folks, enjoy the Jason Varitek administration, now in its sixth season. He’s above average in more ways than you thought.

Joe "Stat Man" D'Eramo
Copywriter & Owner
Hiroad Communications