Boston Red Sox: 5 Players That Need to Step Up in September

The Boston Red Sox have fallen behind the New York Yankees in the AL East race, and it is largely due to their inconsistent play the last couple weeks.

We know which players have stepped up this year for Boston, and they need to keep on doing what they have been doing.

But if the Red Sox want to win the division and go far in the playoffs, these five guys need to step up their games in September.

John Lackey

John Lackey has a record of 12-11 on the season with a less-than-stellar 6.11 ERA. He has given up at least four runs in five of his last seven starts, and he still cannot find any kind of groove with Boston.

If the Red Sox want to win the East, they are going to need Lackey to step up his game. 

Right now, he is Boston's third starter behind Josh Beckett and Jon Lester. Until Clay Buchholz returns (if he even returns to the rotation), Lackey needs to be a better pitcher in September and earn the money he makes.

Michael Bowden or Felix Doubront

Both Michael Bowden and Felix Doubront were called up to the Red Sox this week. So far, they have both pitched in a couple of games from the bullpen in okay performances.

If one of these two guys could step up for the Red Sox in September and become solid pitchers from the bullpen, it would be a huge addition to the team.

Whichever one of them performs to their potential this month—if either of them can—expect to see them added to the playoff roster.

Erik Bedard

Since joining Boston at the trade deadline this year, Erik Bedard has started six games for the Sox and has earned himself a 3.66 ERA.

That is a pretty solid ERA considering that he joined the team a month ago, but the Red Sox really need him to step up in September—especially if guys like John Lackey and Tim Wakefield keep pitching the way they are.

Starting pitching will be key in the playoffs, and Bedard needs to have a good September in order to give himself a boost heading into the postseason.

Josh Reddick

Josh Reddick has a solid rookie campaign out in right field for Boston. In 72 games, he has hit seven home runs and 27 RBI to go along with a batting average of .295.

He began to slump a little at the end of August, and it seemed as if J.D. Drew would take over in right field for some time once he returned. But Drew is injured yet again and Reddick is going to need to continue playing well for Boston.

If he doesn't, there will be a massive hole in their lineup in September, and any kind of hole in the lineup will impede their chances at winning the East or getting past the ALDS.

Carl Crawford

Carl Crawford. 

Is there really any need for explanation here?

The $142 million investment this offseason simply has not produced this year. We have all seen flashes of his offense from his years with the Tampa Bay Rays, but he has yet to be a consistent player.

His .250 batting average is nothing to get excited about, and he will need to step up and show us the true Carl Crawford this September if he wants to help Boston win the AL East.

Who knows what these guys will do in September, but if they can all perform at the levels that they are capable of, I believe that the Sox will win the AL East and go far in the playoffs.