Eight games down, 4-4 for the Red Sox in 2010, time to make some very early assessments.

The Good

Dustin Pedroia- .364BA .410OBP .818SLG 4HR 10RBI. Last season, Pedroia hit a home run on opening day, he did not hit his 4th until July 9th. He has been the most consistent offensive force on this team, a true pleasure to watch. He rarely goes meekly, always fighting in every at bat.

John Lackey- 2 starts, 1-0 1.42ERA 12.2IP. Lackey has drawn two tough opponents in NYY and MIN, and produced a QS in both starts. The 6BB is a bit surprising, but like most pitchers, he is still getting his bearings. Lackey is a horse, who if he remains healthy could really be the ace of this team.

The Defense- Mike Cameron is as good as advertised in CF. Scutaro has been better than Lugo was, but he has missed some plays. Beltre and Youk play the corners as good as any other combo.

Kevin Youkilis- .321BA .429OBP .607SLG 1HR 4RBI. The HR and RBI totals are nothing special but Youk is the heart of the lineup. Teams pitch around him because the guy batting 5th has been awful.

The Alright

Adrian Beltre- .345BA, 8 singles 2 doubles. Hasn’t really shown any pop, and doesn’t draw walks, but he is getting hits.

Marco Scutaro- .320BA. He is hitting quite well, but of all the defensive imports, he hasn’t been anything more than steady. It’s early, and I am not worried. He has had a bad hop or two, but he is getting paid to be a vacuum.

The Bad

Beckett and Lester- I am not going to put any stats for these two, both off to bad starts. Beckett seems closer to good than Lester, but both are very rusty. Lester is repeating last years slow start. He is going to three balls on every batter. With the improved defense he shouldnt nibble so much and attack the zone. Its very frustrating to watch Lester these first two starts, he is so much better than this. Until he starts throwing strikes, he can’t go deep in games. WAKE UP LESTER. Beckett, like I said, it much closer to good. Only two starts into the season, so this is just my basic over reaction.

The Bullpen- Papelbon no longer instills confidence in the fans when he takes the mound. Bard is clearly not a finished product. Ramirez has been a disaster.

Pleasant Surprise

Jeremy Hermida- Has stepped up with Ellsbury hurt. This guy can hit (righties).

Jock Itch

David Ortiz- its painful to watch him, he cant hit fastballs down the middle. Tito needs to move him down in the lineup , provides no protection for Youk. I know Jesus Drew’s numbers stink so far, but at least he is a threat. He has good plate discipline, and is wasted batting 7th. Tito should also consider Lowell against lefties, production speaks for itself, until he starts hitting he needs to be bumped down. They waited too long last year. I am not advocating benching Ortiz, he needs to work his way back, like he did last season. Right now its just ugly.

Final Thoughts

I know its ridiculous to make judgments based on 8 games, but that is what fans do. I really think they need to consider moving Pedroia to third in the lineup. Here is what I would do, and my opinion is about as valuable as Enron stock.

Ellsbury

Scutaro

Pedroia

Youkilis

Martinez

Drew

Ortiz

Beltre

Cameron

I know that leaves the end of the order full of free swingers, but it solidifies the top half. One more game against the Twins (who look very impressive, and Target Field looks beautiful), then back to Fenway for series with the Rays(4). Rangers(3) and Baltimore(3). I will check back later. Whats does everyone else think?