Red Sox 3 Games From Halfway Mark

With 78 games in the book for the 2013 season the Boston Red Sox have thus far outperformed their critics by staying atop of the wild AL East where every team has a chance to finish above .500. The Red Sox have the 4th best record in all of baseball behind 3 NL Central teams. St. Louis, Pittsburgh & Cincinnati all have better winning percentages. Yes, the Red Sox are better to this point than the Yankees, Rangers, Tigers, Orioles, A's & Rays. Each week or 10 days seems to bring its own set of challenges to John Farrell. The bullpen is in flux now with Andrew Bailey no longer the closer & just no longer effective period. That gives an opportunity to guys like Wilson, Beato & de la Rosa. With Victorino coming out of the lineup yesterday we may see JBJ back in Boston. Ryan Lavarnway is getting a chance to fill-in for David Ross. Iglesias plays everyday now while Drew & Middlebrooks rotate in & out. Aceves & Webster are serviceable as spot starters for Buck. The depth of this team & the quality of the 40-man roster is what has kept the Sox in 1st place. Give Ben Cherington some credit.