John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
They can’t possibly be this good, can they?
On a night when the Boston Red Sox beat up on the Toronto Blue Jays, not many Bostonians were watching due to the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics playoff games. They missed Clay Buchholz and Mike Napoli do what they have done all season: dominate.
Buchholz went seven innings, allowing only two hits, while striking out eight to move his record to 6-0 through six starts. He likely could have pitched a complete game last night as he had just crossed the 100-pitch barrier. But with an 8-0 lead, what was the point?
There is very little debate right now about who the best pitcher in the American League is. Buchholz ERA sits at 1.01, while his WHIP is a mere 0.96. Additionally, he has transformed into a strikeout pitcher, something he wasn’t known for prior to this season. In his six outings, he has 47 strikeouts.
Meanwhile, the offense continued to be carried by the man who should win the AL MVP this year: Mike Napoli. The Red Sox bargain basement free agent acquisition hit two home runs which have likely become satellites of Mars at this point.
The first shot was a 474-foot smash to dead center field, which makes the feat even more remarkable. The second shot landed in the fourth upper deck after travelling 467 feet, something veteran commentator Jerry Remy claims has never happened on his many trips to Toronto.
Napoli is putting himself in serious consideration for the AL MVP award. His 31 RBIs lead MLB. His major competitor will likely be the Detroit Tigers Miguel Cabrera, who will lose votes to teammate Prince Fielder.
Does Napoli have what it takes to continue his torrid pace? Will Buchholz win the Cy Young? Feel free to share your comments to keep the conversation going.
Aidan Kearney also writes for his own blog aidanfromworcester.com. Follow him on Twitter @aidanfromworc
