BOSTON -- Whatever you might think of John Farrell's team -- and after 22 games, we aren't close to rendering a verdict on its status as a potential contender -- this much is clear: These aren't your father's Boston Red Sox.
Historically built to mash, not motor, the Red Sox rank last in the American League in home runs (17) while leading the league in stolen bases (20). They have never ended a season in that state. In fact, the franchise that gave us slugging Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice and David Ortiz has led the league in steals only once, way back in 1935.