Grade for April?

I'd give them a B+/A-. That five game skid was rotten, but even through it, the starting pitching was much improved. The bench has proven its worth with the disgusting amount of injuries and the flu bug that swept through. Even with time missed by so many players, they've still managed to finish the month in first place.

I would go with the A- and here's why. The difficulty of schedule combined with the lengthy and time consuming road trip topped off by the flu. And if you consider the result over a 6 month season it puts the Sox right about where they finished last year and that should be good enough to get back to the post-season.

I give them a B+

I give them a 7.5 for results, a 9.5 for degree of difficulty.

I give them a A. My pre-season prediction for the Sox after looking at this horrible Mar/Apr schedule was if they win 14-15 games and finish the month right around .500 they will wil the East by 8 games. They finished up strong with 17 wins and take an early lead on the division. And who is tied for 2nd? The 4th and 5th place finishing Rays and Orioles. The Yanks don't have the pitching, and Toronto doesn't have the depth when Burnett and Halliday go down with their inevitable injuries. Sox by 10 games maybe?

A-. There were two variables the team coped with and succeeded: Japan and the flu. Lowell's injury showed Youkalis' versatility and the team showed depth overall even with Cora hurt. The middle relief is seemingly the weakest link and it should be expected Okajima may not be as dominate this year. Ortiz' knee is a concern but he worked through it impressively last year. It is WAY early but barring 2006 like injuries to the team they look to be the most consistent team in the AL East.

I would give the Sox a B+, the hitting as a team has been teh best in the American League, the starting pitching has been prtty consistant. If anyone besides Okijima had done anything we'd have 20 wins.

I would give the Sox and A. 17 - 12 with all the travel and injuries and sickness going around the clubhouse that is a good start. This team is better than last years team and the past two nights they have shown what they are made of. Go Sox

I give them a B+. Given all the challenges thrown their way this season, to finish in first place is pretty impressive. The only thing keeping me from giving them the A is the collective offensive slump and the shaky middle relief, but it's early in the season so there's plenty of time for improvement. They should break out offensively any day now and if the starting pitching keeps up its outstanding work, they'll have no trouble staying on top.

I'd go with the A-. They've dealt admirably with the trip, the injuries and the illness. And hey, they're in first place. Last night Don O. gave them a B-. Not sure how he thinks they could improve 4 grades.

A- They've had a tough schedule (20 straight games), trip to Japan had to make things tough(next year, let the Japanese teams come here!!!!), flu, and injuries.

The losing streak hurt as did the starting pitching - not going far enough into games (lately, it has picked up). The hitting will come back now Lowell is back (working on timing); Ortiz has had mighty cracks lately; and Tek will get his strength back.

I have loved seeing the kids (Ellsbury, Moss, Lowrie, Masterson). Clay and Lester will only get stronger.

A- , look at what they had to endure. Almost any other AL team would have had the numbers reversed.

A-/B+

Not making any excuse, but I bet if they stayed on America soil throughout the 1st month. They would easliy be defending their title strong at 23-5.

Take away the sweeps and the Sox are the Monsters of MLB!!!!!!!

I give them an A-. They endured all of that travel, injuries, and the flu bug. And at this juncture, the Sox are 5 over .500 and in 1st place. The 5 game losing streak was tough. But they ran into a very good Anaheim team and the hot Tampa Rays, who seem to be a better team this season that could compete for awhile.
The pitching is starting to come together, although I would like to see the starters go a little deeper into games. We have our ace.........Mr. Beckett, and Papelbon to close games out. On offense, Big Papi looks as if he is starting to find his swing. Manny is off to a great start, and is poised for a big season. I like the Sox again in the East.

My grade would be a B+. When you consider the ridiculous season-opening schedule in Japan, Oakland and Toronto, and factor in 20 straight days with games on the heels of that trip, it would have been unfair to expect much better than 17-12.

That said, I'm troubled by the fact that there are only two reliable relievers right now. A week ago I was worried about the inconsistent performances of the starters not named Beckett, especially with the soaring pitch counts. The last week has assuaged my concerns somewhat, and I hope this trend continues.