Red Sox's New Run Prevention Strategy Not Panning Out So Far
Pitching and defense were supposed to be strengths for Boston.
Red Sox's New Run Prevention Strategy Not Panning Out So Far originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Over the offseason, Boston Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow tried to do something that none of his predecessors had attempted in recent memory: he tried to build a Red Sox team around run prevention rather than offense.
For a team that plays half its games at Fenway Park, it seemed like a curious strategy. However, Breslow fully committed to it, loading up on starting pitching and attempting to shore up the defense over the winter. Unfortunately for Boston, that bold plan hasn't panned out so far.
The Red Sox's run prevention has been among the worst in baseball. Entering play on Friday, Boston has allowed the fifth-most runs per game (5. 33) in MLB.
The Red Sox's pitching staff has scuffled on the mound, posting the fifth-worst ERA in baseball (4. 91). Boston's vaunted rotation has been especially disappointing with a 5.