Saltalamacchia lauded for raising offensive game

SAN FRANCISCO -- One of the underplayed stories of the season for the Red Sox has been the much-improved offensive approach of Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

The catcher leads the Red Sox with 34 doubles. His .272 average represents a big improvement from the .222 clip he hit at a year ago. The homers (10) are down after Saltalamacchia went deep 25 times last year, but the Red Sox will gladly take that tradeoff.

"I think the daily work he does with [Greg Colbrunn] has paid off," Farrell said. "We've seen him not be so home run oriented in his mentality at the plate. He leads our team in doubles. The number of doubles hit is more of a sign of a complete type of hitter rather than one who's just trying to hit the ball out of the ballpark."

And Saltalamacchia has continued to hit at a strong clip even with the rigors of catching, which can take a toll this time of year.

"Strong guy," said Farrell. "This is a guy that keeps himself in great shape; he prepares. He's doing a very good job. And you know what, the offense has been probably the best of his career as far as doubles, batting average. If anything, the more consistent playing time has helped him."