This first term has certainly been a mixed-bag of performance from the Red Sox Class of 2016: many highs, plenty of lows, not much in between. I have been so impressed with the performance of a handful of students, who have shined in every facet and carried the team on their shoulders. Their scores have lifted the overall GPA into a solid A-minus/B-plus average, which meets the standard of admission to the most selective wild-card races.

Comportment across the board has been excellent but there have been curious cases of under-performance from both transfer and long-standing students that are cause for some concern, not pessimism.

Regrettably, there remain a few complete and near-failures that leave me aghast at our community’s educational standards. An extra desk or two remains open for new students who can deliver lengthy starts on a consistent basis.

POSITION PLAYERS

Xander Bogaerts: A

All Bogaerts has done this season is rise to the elite level of MLB shortstops and cement his position as one of the team’s best and brightest players and leaders. It’s almost amusing how often we speak of Bogaerts’ power not quite having arrived yet, as if he is not a complete player. This is a case of being greedy. He is complete as is.

David Ortiz: A

While hitting the baseball unlike any previous 40-year-old, Ortiz has also been the heart and thunder of the Sox’ offense. Few predicted Ortiz would be able to craft this type of script for his sayonora season. It’s been somewhat concerning to watch Ortiz “leg out” most of those major-leagues-leading (by a wide margin) 34 doubles. How he holds up in the second half is a cause for some concern but everything he’s done to date is a cause for celebration and even wonder.

Mookie Betts: A

Betts is the team leader in the all-encompassing and usually all-telling WAR, which essentially confirms what everybody is seeing. Compared to a few of his teammates, Betts got off to a somewhat slow start, but after the first six weeks, he appears to be kicking into an even higher gear. Since May 13, his .342/.382/.599 line is second only to Ortiz, yet Betts is also supplying standout defense in his new right field position. If he keeps this up and he will be in the MVP discussion at season’s end.

Jackie Bradley Jr.: A

There is no debating the premise that Bradley’s emergence into an elite position player comes as both the most unexpected and critical development to the Sox’ first half. He will correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m wagering a substantial bet that Bradley’s agent Scott Boras did not foresee the 14 home runs, 55 RBI and .296/.378/.548 line Bradley generated while manning center field. The thought at the beginning of the season was any offense from Bradley would be gravy for his sterling defense, but now he is doing it all.

Dustin Pedroia: A-

Pedroia is having a better overall year than he did a year ago, thanks mainly to his defense, which has returned nearly to the level it was when he was at his peak. Rumors of his demise were unfounded. Pedroia – 8.7 defensive fWAR, .304/.368/.438 – is still playing like he was circa 2012, even circa 2009, when he was an All-Star. He was almost an All-Star this season, and while he is being overshadowed by the likes of Bradley, Ortiz, Betts and Bogaerts, he is just as valuable.

Travis Shaw: B

Shaw deserves an “A” for simply being able to step up and make Pablo Sandoval a forgettable if expensive Sox component. Not every Sox position player needs to be a superstar, so it’s more than OK that Shaw has developed into a better-than-average third baseman, defensively speaking. Offensively, Shaw has been in a slide, shedding 185 points from his .975 OPS on May 17, after which he’s posted a .216/.271/.352 line. He is still in the midst of figuring out his necessary offensive adjustments but he has hardly been a drag on the team’s performance.

Hanley Ramirez: C+

Place a feather in Ramirez’ cap for at least being respectable when he places a glove on his hand this season as a first baseman compared to last season when he was an embarrassing left fielder. Expectations were low and he’s exceeded them by a small margin. But let’s not that overshadow that he is no longer an elite hitter or slugger. With a .288/.367/.435 line and just eight home runs, Ramirez is not an effective No. 5 hitter. He seldom rises to the occasion with runners in scoring position or late-and-close situations. Any dreams that he can replace Ortiz have been dashed, but even though first base could be upgraded, Ramirez is playing OK enough to not make that a necessity. (How’s that for faint praise?)

Chris Young: B-

Too bad for Young that a strained hamstring cut short his stint as Brock Holt’s replacement. The veteran has come pretty much as advertised. Even though four of his six home runs have come against right-handed pitchers, the righty-hitting Young still feasts on left-handed pitchers, with a 1.042-.734 OPS and .340-.241 batting average advantage. The left-field situation could remain fluid in the coming months, depending on the health of Young and Holt, as well as the club’s plans for Andrew Benintendi. A swift return to health for Young is in the Red Sox’ best interests.

Brock Holt: C+

Tough term for last year’s All-Star, who won the starting left fielder’s job fair and square over Rusney Castillo. He played well for the first month but he’s essentially been missing in action the last two months getting over a serious, long-lasting concussion and most recently a twisted ankle. Before the setbacks, Holt had been an average-at-best left fielder, while getting his job, modest in scope, done on the offensive side: .281/.356/.416. There’s a healthy debate to be had about whether Holt’s best value comes from being an everyday player or super-utility guy, but there’s no arguing that he can’t add much value when he can’t play.

Ryan Hanigan: B-

A tough grade to figure out, especially considering the guy’s only appeared in 28 games. Many of those have seen him paired with knuckleballer Steven Wright, whose pitch has sent Hanigan scurrying to round up passed balls (17) and wild pitches (12) rolling around the rounded corners behind home plate in nearly every ballpark. And yet the pairing worked. He has not quite met the low expectations on offense but the sample size is small.

Christian Vazquez: B

On the one hand, his superior defensive skills forced the Red Sox to move Blake Swihart to the outfield. That’s some serious pull, but there’s also reality that he’s back in the minor leagues thanks to the unexpected ascendance of Sandy Leon. Vazquez does need work on his offense. And clearly the club wants his game-calling skill set to improve and also for him to get some strength back in his throwing arm. He’s still part of the puzzle.

Blake Swihart: B

Swihart acquitted himself pretty well in those 13 games in left field but like Ramirez the year before, a rude encounter with the left-field wall landed him on the DL. The team is being cagey about whether or not he will return to catching, if ever. Pretty decent chance that he would be included in any big deal the club pulls off.

Sandy Leon: A-

The “minus” simply reflects this educator’s attempt to troll readers. Leon, soon to pass Bench, Fisk and Rodriguez on the all-time great catching ranks, is hitting .455, has thrown out of six of nine base-stealers and he’s only appeared in 19 games so far. Will he ever slow down? Many think this is impossible, but even if he does stop to take a breath, the Red Sox will bow to public pressure and keep him on the roster before signing him to a record-breaking long-term contract this off-season.

Rusney Castillo: F

Stepping out on a limb here to say I don’t think Dave Dombrowski and John Farrell are really all that sold on Castillo. In spring training, Castillo lost the left field job that he “had” all winter, and needed only eight games in the majors before being sent down there. After call-ups for Ryan LaMarre and Bryce Brentz, there is no reason to believe the organization has any remaining faith in him.

Pablo Sandoval: D

It’s not his fault he hurt his shoulder, but man, that gut he showed up with in spring training reflected a concerning lack of dedication, or perhaps a problem out of his control. Either way, he harmed his cause, reputation and future and is a mere afterthought at this point. See you in Fort Myers next February, Pablo, and don’t forget to tuck in your shirt if you show up out of shape again.

Incompletes: Deven Marrero, Mike Miller, Bryce Brentz, Marco Hernandez, Aaron Hill, Ryan LaMarre, Josh Rutledge

PITCHERS

David Price: B-

I am confident Price is going to have a better second half than first. His final start in the last game of the first half, when he held an opposing team scoreless for the first time as a Red Sox, was a critical bar for the ace-in-salary-only to clear. He does lead the team in innings, the league in strikeouts and many of his peripheral stats make it clear he is still a special starter. But he was much too hittable, pedestrian and inconsistent in his first 19 starts. He is, however, trending back towards the direction we all expected from the start.

Steven Wright: A

For someone who barely won the fifth starter’s job at the end of spring training, Wright has been nothing less than the savior, rock and redeemer of the Red Sox’ rotation. With that 2.68 ERA after 17 starts, his knack to adjust to situations on the fly and squelch men-on-base situations meant so much to this Sox team. His All-Star berth was well-deserved, with a continuation of his efficiency and effectiveness in the second half more critical than ever.

Rick Porcello: B+

Those team-high 11 wins are not the point, it’s more that Porcello has settled in comfortably into the No. 3 starter’s role to which he’s suited so well. He and Price posted identical batting average against (.255) and nearly identical OPS (.712-.717), yet Porcello was the steadier pitcher. He trusted his stuff to pitch to contact and in turn walked a rotation-low 21 batters and posted a rotation-low 1.168 WHIP. We all underestimated how long it would take Porcello to adjust to this team and division but if that settling-in period is over and this is who he is, then he’s in the right place and right role.

Clay Buchholz: D-

The only reason Buchholz does not get a straight F is that he actually was OK – .182 batting average against, no home runs allowed – in five relief appearances. Otherwise, his 13 starts were atrocious: 17 home runs in 71-1/3 innings, a 6.31 ERA, 1.514 WHIP, .867 OPS against. Don’t know anyone who feels he has a future with the Sox. The team should be able to find a taker willing to bank on the “change of scenery” philosophy when it comes to Buchholz’s future.

Eduardo Rodriguez: D

Rodriguez’ spring training knee injury and then his six woeful starts – 8.59 ERA, 1.739 WHIP, .315 batting average against – only represent the single most dastardly setback to the Sox’ first half results and second-half hopes. Had Rodriguez pitched like the No. 2 starter most were hoping — best-case — he’d turn into, the Sox’ picture would be far brighter than it is. So much is riding on how he performs tomorrow night in the Bronx.

Sean O’Sullivan: B-

When you slap this kind of grade on someone who’s made just six starts with a 6.64 ERA, you know something’s up with the back end of the Red Sox’ rotation. O’Sullivan has been inconsistent but at least he threw strikes and was able to pitch five whole innings in three of his four starts…OK, faint praise and all, but he’s somebody to root for.

Craig Kimbrel: B+

The 17 saves speak for themselves, or at least loudly enough for some to think he earned an All-Star berth. His blemishes are no small thing. In his 15 non-save situations, Kimbrel walked 12 batters in 14-1/3 innings and has a 6.28 ERA that stands in stark contrast to the 1.45 ERA in save situations. There’s a focus issue right there, although his extra usage in those situations speak to bullpen over-usage.

Matt Barnes: A-

He’s emerged as a reliable right-handed reliever Farrell can turn to this season, more and more in key situations as well (.071 batting average against with runners in scoring position with two outs). His 2.93 ERA and the 43 strikeouts and 19 walks in 43 innings speak to a young, talented pitcher with growing confidence.

Heath Hembree: A-

Like Barnes, Hembree is the other half of the young right-handed relief solution Farrell has to turn to in the second half. Like Barnes, he has almost one strikeout per inning (35 Ks in 36 IP). He is much better against right-handers (.160 batting average) than lefties (.412), and that’s a skill this team (any team) needs. He and Barnes make the Red Sox bullpen a better place.

Robbie Ross Jr.: B

Ross’ first half is a bit tough to figure out. That 1.291 WHIP and 4.71 ERA look sketchy, and he’s pitched much better on the road (.397 OPS against) than at Fenway (.781 OPS) for no apparent reason. Never a lefty specialist, what counts is that Ross is a reliable arm to turn to in tough times (he has a .200 or under batting average against in all the clutch, late and close situations) just as he was last September when he was the under-rated closer.

Junichi Tazawa: B+

The yearly “Taz is wearing out” watch is beginning earlier than usual this season. Thank goodness for his baseball future that Barnes and Hembree emerged to help ease the burden Farrell placed early on Tazawa. The reliever was better early than late, but overall still helped much more than he hurt with those 37 strikeouts in 32-1/3 innings and he usually comes through in high-leverage situations (.132 batting average against in 19 opportunities). The club had best hope his recent shoulder weakness is temporary.

Koji Uehara: B-

So the one 40-year-old pitcher on the staff leads the team in appearances with 36. OK then. Uehara has been responsible for three losses this season and has at times, especially at Fenway, looked as if he is washed up – only to respond to adversity admirably. His overall numbers in clutch and high-leverage situations are still good, he has 48 strikeouts and only nine walks in 33-2/3 innings. Farrell still believes in him, he is the closer until further notice. Careful monitoring of his usage remains imperative.

Tommy Layne: C+

Used relatively lightly (27 games, 25 innings), Layne has been used mostly when the team is behind or in low-leverage situations. That’s when he’s been at his best, at least. Overall, he has a .239 batting average against and he posts no huge differences in results when he faces lefties over righties. He’s been a serviceable reliever, who may yet become a more essential cog in this still evolving bullpen.

Carson Smith: C

Smith bears no blame for having a season-ending surgery and an “incomplete” could be seen as the fairest mark but we’re going to let the lesson of Smith act as a drag to the overall club’s performance. Trading for a reliever of his caliber and potential was, on paper, a no-brainer, but the cost of a proven innings-eating starter like Wade Miley was with 20-20 hindsight a mistake with ramifications still to be measured.

Joe Kelly: D

This will make two years in a row Kelly will have failed to gain a Cy Young vote – he certainly has a ways to go to clear his self-imposed sky-high bar. That he could return in the second half as a flame-throwing reliever is intriguing, but let’s not let get so giddy we forget about those six starts where he posted an 8.46 ERA, 2.239 WHIP and walked 19 batters in 22-1/3 innings.

Henry Owens: F

Once the brightest hope of young Red Sox starters, Owens failed in his three big-league starts: 13 walks and nine strikeouts in 12-1/3 innings, 5.11 ERA and 2.11 WHIP. The Red Sox have their work cut out for them, waiting for everything to click with Owens. He’s worth the effort, but only in the minors for now.

Incomplete: William Cuevas, Roenis Elias, Pat Light, Noe Ramirez, Brad Ziegler

MANAGEMENT

John Farrell: B

We’re not going to dive into every loss where Farrell’s bullpen usage or pinch-hitting decisions came into question, just as we’re not dissecting in detail Farrell’s good decisions when it came to the same. Haters are going to hate on a topic – the manager’s in-game decision-making – that is highly overrated, good and bad. What counts even more than that is how he and the coaches keep the faith, trust and enthusiasm of the ballplayers. And what counts the very most is the team’s won-loss record. The Red Sox are tied for second place and are 11 games over .500 with Farrell at the helm.

Dave Dombrowski: B-

This grade could receive a major upgrade if Dombrowski can pull off a dramatic upgrade to the starting rotation. The need is great, and responsibility for the scope of that need lies at the feet of Dombrowski. His restraint could be lauded if he deems the return cost in prospects too high for a starter. In that case, the Red Sox will have to double down on internal options and/or the import a starter who might have less-than-stellarcredentials. The president/GM’s final grade is all-dependent on what happens by the end of the season. In Dombrowski’s case, how the pitching responds is job Nos. 1-10, because the offense and defense are, in large part due to his leadership, in overall strong shape.