Boston Red Sox: Don't Press Panic Button Just Yet

After 12 games the Boston Red Sox are 4-8, or two games better than they were in 2011 at this same point in time.

The panic button has already been pushed by several media members and even Red Sox Nation is worried about another slow start for the hometown team.

However, there is still plenty of baseball left and other great teams have struggled out of the gate too. So, don't be worried just yet; it's only April.

There Are 150 Games Left

With 150 games to go, Boston Red Sox fans don't need to worry just yet.

There is plenty of time to go on a long winning streak and it all starts with the New York Yankees on April 20th. This three-game series is not the end-all series, but it would be great for morale if they took at least two of the three games to honor the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park.

The Phillies Are Last in NL East

The Philadelphia Phillies are 6-7 in their first 16 games and are 3.5 games behind the Washington Nationals. The fans in Philly are not panicking because they have faith that their club will get back in the race.

Red Sox fans need to take heart and believe in their team. It is only April, folks, and the Red Sox have yet to hit a hot streak or play their best baseball.

The Angles Have Struggled

The Albert Pujols experiment is failing through 13 games, as he is homerless so far in 2012. As for the Angels, they are 4-9 and are seven games behind the Texas Rangers.

The Angels will turn it around and will likely win one of the two Wild Cards for the playoffs. Just like the Red Sox' struggles, the Angels will bounce back and their offense will lead the way.

The Bullpen Will Be Fine

Some of the losses for the Red Sox have been caused by lack of offense, but the real cause for concern is the shape of the bullpen.

With Mark Melancon's demotion and Alfredo Aceves' struggles in the early season, it looks like a long year for the Red Sox. But the bullpen will battle back and be a strong asset for the Red Sox going forward.

Aceves will be a solid closer and the combination of Franklin Morales and Vicente Padilla will lead to many Red Sox wins and holds throughout the season.

Carl Crawford Will Be Back Soon

The biggest X-factor going into the season was the play of Carl Crawford. Now, much of the season's hope rides upon his return for the Boston Red Sox.

Crawford had the worst year of his career in 2011. He missed that catch in Game 162, and had trouble stealing bases. He was injured then and is now injured again.

The wrist injury may hurt his swing, but he has already homered in his rehab stint in extended spring training, so maybe Crawford is the savior of this fading Sox team in 2012.