2006 Boston Red Sox season

The 2006 Boston Red Sox season was the 106th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. The Red Sox finished third in the American League East with a record of 86 wins and 76 losses, 11 games behind the New York Yankees. The Red Sox were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2002.

Offseason

 * November 24, 2005: Shortstop Hanley Ramírez was traded by the Boston Red Sox along with pitchers Jesús Delgado (minors), Harvey García and Aníbal Sánchez to the Florida Marlins, in exchange for P Josh Beckett, 3B Mike Lowell and P Guillermo Mota.
 * December 8, 2005: Édgar Rentería was traded by the Boston Red Sox with cash to the Atlanta Braves for Andy Marte.
 * February 1, 2006: Free agent catcher Ken Huckaby was signed by Boston.

Transactions

 * January 27, 2006: The Red Sox sent Guillermo Mota, Andy Marte, Kelly Shoppach, a player to be named later (Randy Newson, July 21) and cash to the Indians, in exchange for Coco Crisp, David Riske, and Josh Bard.
 * March 30, 2006: Charles Johnson and Chris Narveson were obtained by Boston from the Rockies for Byung-hyun Kim and cash consideration. Johnson was released the same day.
 * May 1, 2006: Doug Mirabelli was acquired by the Red Sox from the Padres in exchange for Josh Bard, Cla Meredith and cash.
 * June 21, 2006: Jason Johnson was purchased by the Red Sox from the Indians.
 * August 4: Javy López was purchased by Boston from the Orioles.
 * August 16, 2006: Carlos Peña signed as a free agent with the Red Sox.
 * August 17, 2006: Eric Hinske was purchased by the Red Sox from the Blue Jays.
 * August 28, 2006: Jason Johnson was released by the Red Sox.
 * September 8, 2006: Javy López was released by the Red Sox.

Season summary
The Boston Red Sox finished eleven games behind the first place team in the American League East, the New York Yankees. While part of the blame for the Red Sox's demise could be the five-game sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees from August 18 – 21, the team had a poor record the entire month of August (going just 9-21) and September (13-14). Also, they suffered extensive injuries to Jason Varitek, Manny Ramirez, Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester, and Keith Foulke.

Batting
''Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; BB = Bases on balls; SO = Strikeouts; Avg. = Batting average; SB = Stolen bases''

 Bold indicates leader in category.

Pitching
 Bold indicates leader in category.

Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Awards and honors

 * Mark Loretta – Hutch Award
 * David Ortiz – Silver Slugger Award (DH), AL Player of the Month (July)
 * Jonathan Papelbon – AL Rookie of the Month (April)
 * Manny Ramirez – Silver Slugger Award (OF)

All-Star Game
 * Mark Loretta, starting 2B
 * David Ortiz, starting 1B
 * Jonathan Papelbon, reserve P
 * Manny Ramírez, starting OF (did not attend)

Farm system
The Class A Greenville Drive had previously been nicknamed the Bombers.

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Portland, GCL Red Sox Source: