It's like the Mariners and maybe the Red Sox went too far in their run prevention strategy. They went so far defense they can't score any runs.
Red Sox are second or third in HR in MLB right now. They are 5th in runs.
The "run prevention" strategy has not worked because the starting pitching and defense have collapsed, not because the offense is inadequate. Beltre has been horrid defensively and has had a good but hollow BA, which is the exact opposite of his rep. Cameron and Ellsbury can't stay on the field. Lackey and Beckett have been cannon fodder. They are 3d worse in runs allowed.
BTW -despite their obvious problems, take away their 2-8 against the Rays and NYY, and they more or less are tied for the lead in the division with the top two teams in baseball. They Red Sox problem right now is that they can't match up with the Rays and Yankees. Giving away a series vs. the Os is a crime, too, but would not be fatal if we had split with TB and NYY. We'll see how they do in interleague and against the other divisions. I hope you remember to root for them when they play the Phillies 6 times (as we play Baltimore).
