Michele Pettis Talks Boston Red Sox

May 30, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes (5) celebrates after scoring the winning run on a base hit by catcher A.J. Pierzynski (not pictured) against the Tampa Bay Rays during the tenth inning at Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox defeated Tampa Bay Rays 3-2. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Can the Red Sox Get Back on Track?

With the Boston Red Sox headed to Cleveland to take on the Indians, I decided to seek the expertise of someone over at our Fansided sister site, Bosox Injection, to get an analysis of their season so far. Michele Pettis agreed to talk to me about the Red Sox and their disappointing start to the 2014 season. She also explains whether or not they have what it takes to turn it around and also provides a few of her most pleasant surprises for the season thus far. You can follow Michele on Twitter @Spellingqueen25.

Wahoo’s on First: It’s been a rough start to the season for the Red Sox. What can we attribute to that, World Series hangover or something more? Can they fix it?

Michele Pettis: There was definitely a little “hangover” at work this season. They didn’t have the drive. But I think there was more to it. Buchholz, Middlebrooks, Victorino, and Pedroia weren’t totally healthy and I don’t know if they will be 100% again any time soon. I know this isn’t a popular opinion, but I think that the loss of Ellsbury left a bigger hole than most would want to admit. Having him get on base and being a constant threat to steal really worked well for the Sox.

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Wahoo’s on First: Despite the disappointing start to the season, have their been any pleasant surprises?

Michele Pettis: The young guys have been a very pleasant surprise. Xander, of course, but also Brock Holt (coolest name in baseball?) and Rubby De La Rosa. Also seeing most of the guys shave off the beards is nice! haha

Wahoo’s on First: Xander Bogaerts has been on a tear offensively since the Sox re-signed Stephen Drew. What is going to happen once Drew is ready to go? Is Bogaerts moving back to third?

Michele Pettis: I suspect that Drew will be on SS and Xander on third, but with a short leash. If Drew isn’t performing they’ll have Brock ready to go too.

Wahoo’s on First: What are we to make of this whole David Ortiz/David Price feud? DO you think this is going to linger throughout the rest of the season or will this whole ordeal be quickly forgotten? Is there a history here that folks aren’t aware of?

Michele Pettis: I’m not sure what the background with Price and Ortiz is, but I don’t think it will go away any time soon. The Rays are becoming a perennial pain in our sides. The rivalry with the Yanks has a historical basis, but the one with the Rays is taking on a more bitter tone. The folks at ESPN are probably glad to have another heated rivalry for headlines. 

Wahoo’s on First: How do you see this series playing out?

Michele Pettis: I think Lackey can beat Masterson (though I’m rooting for Justin, I’ll admit). Peavy vs. House and Workman vs. Kluber could be tough. Seems unlikely that the Sox will win 10 in a row. I think they can win 2 of 3.