K for Kevin

Red Sox first basemen Kevin Youkilis strikes out more than Big Papi (20 Ks to 18) and walks less than Manny (15 for Youk, 22 for Ramirez). At least so far in the 2006 season.

The numbers intrigue the Stat Man because of the perception of Youkilis as the second coming of Wade Boggs because of his patience at the plate. Not that there’s any shame in 15 walks in 82 at-bats (third on the team). You just don’t want your leadoff hitter (albeit temporary leadoff hitter) fanning at the same rate as your power guys.

Red Sox 65-74 in interleague play

Considering the Red Sox’ success over recent years, the sub-.500 record against NL opponents is rather alarming. Particularly when you consider how well other AL contenders have fared—New York Yankees 82-56, Minnesota Twins 71-67, Chicago White Sox 74-65, and LA Angels 71-69.

On a positive note, first-place Baltimore has actually done worse than the Red Sox against the National League with a dismal 56-83 record. So, the upcoming interleague schedule might actually benefit the Old Towne Team.

Still, consider the Stat Man an advocate for trashing interleague play. The AL game and the NL game are quite different. Why screw up an AL team’s season by making them bat a pitcher when they are not doing it all year? It makes no sense. And for all you purists dreaming of a Cubs-Red Sox matchup, you might think otherwise if forced to watch the Washington-Tampas or Kansas City-Pittsburghs.

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