Red Sox First Half Report Card

With the All-Star Break now here, let's take a look at the report card for the Sox starters

Jacoby Ellsbury-B. His 35 steals are impressive, but we've seen better last fall from the soon to be star. Splitting time with Coco Crisp hasn't helped his numbers though.

Dustin Pedroia-A-. Last year's AL rookie of the year hasn't hit a sophomore slump with a .314 average and a recent hitting streak which is over 15 games. He also sports a .989 fielding percentage.

Manny Ramirez-B. He started his contract year off with a bang, but cooled down a bit. He recently has been heating up and leads the team with 18 home runs. What will we expect in the second half of the season with 20 million dollars on the line?

David Ortiz- INC. A May 31st injury has held the DH to the DL.

J.D. Drew-A. He's come through huge with Ortiz on the disabled list. A .413 OBP is worth noting as well. He could very well be the first half MVP of the team. This is making his 13 million dollar a year contract look a little better.

Kevin Youkilis-A-. Nothing new from Youk, with his stellar defense leading the way (.997 fielding %) and 15 long balls to go along with a .314 average. We've seen a second half slowdown from Youkilis in the past, will it happen again?

Julio Lugo-C. He recently headed to the DL which gives prospect Jed Lowire to prove his worth. Lugo's errors were to be expected when he came to Boston, but his offensive numbers (.268 with 22 RBI and 1 Homer) don't cover up for his defensive woes (16 errors in 82 games).

Jason Varitek-C-. It's hard to see 'Tek like this. Somehow an All-Star with .218 average, he's helped the younger pitchers along, but has been a black hole in the hitting department. Hears to 'Tek turning it around in the second half

Mike Lowell-B+. He had an early season injury, but has bounced back well. He's living up to the new contract for now.

Agree? Disagree? Waybackemail@gmail.com

-Mac