2nd half preview: Can the Sox push towards a playoff spot?

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The All Star break is over, and the Red Sox started the 2nd half of the season off on a good foot by taking 2 of 3 from the New York Yankees in the Bronx. The Red Sox continue tonight against the San Francisco Giants, who are in town for 2 games. Right now, the Red Sox are 1.5 games behind the Orioles, and sitting in the first Wild Card spot ahead of Toronto.

So, the question is, can they continue the momentum from the first half of the season and either overtake Baltimore for the division crown or solidify their hold on the Wild Card spot? Yes, I believe they can.

Why? Let's start with the young guys, namely Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Xander Bogaerts. All of those guys were named to the All Star Game as starters, and with very good reason. They have been on fire for the most part, and that's not about to change. And it's not just them. Let's talk about the other Red Sox representive in the All Star Game - David Ortiz. He's the current team leader in batting average (.327), home runs (22) and RBI's (72). And he's 40 years old. He looks like he could keep this up for another few years. Unfortunately, that won't happen, but he's doing a good job of making Red Sox Nation believe that he won't retire. The Red Sox can outscore any team on any given day.

The issue is still pitching, but I do believe that David Price will get his stuff together in the second half and show the team why they were willing to drop $217 million on him. Meanwhile, Rick Porcello (11-2, 3.66 ERA) has quietly been having a solid year, and I think that will continue. Not to mention new addition Drew Pomeranz (who makes his team debut Wednesday) gives them a great option at the bottom of the rotation. The only issue is Clay Buchholz (3-9, 5.91 ERA), but I do believe his days with the team are numbered. Whether they get rid of him at the trade deadline or after the season, I don't believe he has a future in Boston beyond this season.

The Sox have the talent to make a run, but it all comes down to consistency, which has been an issue at times. Especially from their big money ace, David Price, but as I mentioned, I do believe he'll turn it around in the second half. And we'll see if Dave Dombrowski tries to add another starter at the deadline, since that would definitely help, but on paper, this is a very talented squad that should be aiming to overtake Baltimore.

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