MLB Analysts Sharply Divided Over Red Sox's Shocking Start

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora

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Where will the Boston Red Sox end up this year? At this point, it's hard to say.

On the one hand, their start has been pretty discouraging. The Red Sox were expected to be one of the best teams in the American League this year, but instead, they've been one of the worst, going 9-15 with a minus-20 run differential entering play on Friday.

On the other hand, brighter days should be ahead for Boston. The Red Sox have too much talent to keep playing this poorly, and most of their stars are underperforming. They also got off to a slow start last year, too, before catching fire over the summer.

On Thursday's episode of "MLB Now," Brian Kenny and Rob Parker got into a heated argument over Boston's outlook for the rest of the season.

"The Red Sox are dead, BK," Parker said. "The only thing worse to watch in Boston right now, other than the Patriots' press conference, is the Boston Red Sox. They have no oomph. They have no spark. They're last in baseball in home runs, in that bandbox, in that ballpark."

Kenny defended Boston and shared a more optimistic view of the team's season.

"They run well, they're young, they have good plate discipline normally, they have good young players, and they added a ton of pitching," Kenny responded. "I thought they'd be good. I think there's too much horsepower there for them to be awful the rest of the way."

Parker was not swayed, however, especially given their poor performance against the New York Yankees over the last two days.

"Now they seem to be totally dead. I just don't see it," Parker said. "I watched the last two games against the Yankees. They were overmatched. I'm sorry. It was child's play, and the Yankees pitchers were able to dominate."

The Red Sox have one more chance on Thursday to show some fight against New York. A win would give them a boost and end their homestand on a high note. If they get swept, however, that's going to be a tough pill to swallow as they head out on a six-game road trip.

More MLB: Ken Rosenthal Explains How Red Sox Can Still Make Playoffs After Rough Start